December 3rd, 2008 by Admirals GM
December 3rd, 2008 by Admirals GM
Posted at 10:33 AM in 1980's EWB History, 1993, Author: Admirals GM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 1st, 2008 by Admirals GM
Posted at 02:16 PM in 1980's EWB History, 1993, Author: Admirals GM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 1st, 2008 by Admirals GM
Posted at 02:14 PM in 1980's EWB History, 1993, Author: Admirals GM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 2nd, 2008 by Admirals GM
Posted at 11:49 AM in 1980's EWB History, 1993, All Star Game, Author: Admirals GM, News Stories/Articles | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
September 6th, 2008 by Admirals GM
Posted at 08:46 AM in 1970's EWB History, 1980's EWB History, 1992, Author: Admirals GM, News Stories/Articles, Trophy Room | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
August 27th, 2008 by Admirals GM
Posted at 12:57 PM in 1980's EWB History, 1992, Author: Admirals GM, Miscellaneous, News Stories/Articles | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
July 18th, 2008 by Admirals GM
Posted at 02:53 PM in 1970's EWB History, 1980's EWB History, 1990's EWB History, Author: Admirals GM, League General History, News Stories/Articles | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
June 22nd, 2008 by Admrirals GM
Posted at 12:13 PM in 1970's EWB History, 1980's EWB History, Author: Admirals GM, Trophy Room | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
May 4th, 2008 by Admirals GM
Posted at 12:49 PM in 1980's EWB History, Author: Admirals GM, Miscellaneous, Team Profiles | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
May 2nd, 2008 by Admirals GM
Posted at 04:32 PM in 1980's EWB History, Author: Admirals GM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
May 1st, 2008 by Admirals GM
Here are the stories behind some of the greatest offensive stars of the 1980s…
Posted at 04:30 PM in 1980's EWB History, Author: Admirals GM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
May 1st, 2008 by Banditos GM
There has been an enormous amount of trades in EWB in its 20 years of existence. While browsing through the league I sometimes come across those big difference maker trades. Here is one.
1974. In 1974 the Los Angeles Gargoyles finished at the bottom of the division. The powerhouse Admirals won the division and the World Series, LA front office knew they had to rebuild to compete. Washington looked to be a threat for sometime. LA had acquired Bill "Slush" Browning from the Portland Fog Devils before the season began. Browning was the first overall pick in 1972 and considered the real deal. After a rocky year in Portland in 1973, Browning was thrown into the LA rotation in '74. Browning went 11-14 with a 4.03 ERA as the Gargoyles went to the bottom of the Mountain West. The prevailing wisdom in the league was that Browning will eventually be at least a solid #2, however, the LA front office thought differently and decided to shop him while his value was high. They were concerned about his work ethic and just not having enough "heart."
Meanwhile, 1974 NL, the San Antonio Aztecs just finished 3rd in their division. But things were looking up, the GM felt they were just minor steps away from competing. When he got wind that LA was willing to let Browning be traded, he hit the phones. The LA GM was receptive to the Aztec's inquiry, in fact the Aztecs had a player LA coveted, young Geoff McKnight. McKnight, a 2nd rd pick earlier in the year, was a highly prized prospect out of Minnesota. LA knew that McKnight may be a couple of years down the road but felt like investing in the future was the right move. San Antonio felt like the future was now, and Browning would be the link in the rotation for years to come to compete for the division. The trade was made in November 1974.
Well, how'd that work out? Slushing missed the first 8 weeks of the 1975 season with a strained elbow ligament. When he came back he finished the season with a 7-8 record and and a 2.81 ERA, but San Antonio had already fallen out of the race. In fact, since 1974 the Aztecs never finished higher than 4th. Browning went on to never have a winning record, and never having another good season. He finally retired in 1979 into obscurity.
McKnight, spent two more years in the minors developing before finally debuting in 1976 for the 58-104 Gargoyles. However the Gargoyles year by year improved, until finally winning the division in 1982, but competing every year since 1978. The Gargoyles won the World Series in '82 and finished first in '82,'83, and 1984. McKnight won the Bob Gibson Award in '81, '82 and 1983. McKnight has put up one of the best careers of any pitcher in EWB and is a sure fire Hall of Famer. After 5 yrs in Portland from 1983 to 1987 he returned to LA and at 34 years old is still dominant. McKnight currently has 262 wins with a career 3.09 ERA.
So Aztec fans and Gargoyle fans, How'd that work out?
Posted at 04:29 PM in 1970's EWB History, 1980's EWB History, Author: Banditos GM, News Stories/Articles | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 30th, 2008 by Admirals GM
As you know, the tragic figure of Angel Rosa set the EWB
record for home runs back in 1982 with 59! As you also might know, Rosa
’s record was broken 5 years later by Joe Warren, who hit 62 HR in 1987.
What you might not know is that Warren ’s new record is a little bit tainted.
In real life, 1987 was the year of the “juiced ball.”
Mark McGwire as a rookie hit 49; Andre Dawson in his MVP year hit 49; George
Bell as an MVP hit 47; Dale Murphy hit 44; Darryl Strawberry hit 39; etc.
Of course, it was nothing compared to the steroids era, but compared to any
other year in the 1980s (or even going back through the 1970s), 1987 was a home
run explosion.
In EWB, 1987 was also the year of the “juiced ball.”
Not only did Joe Warren hit 62, but also Carlos Perez hit 54; Will Lund hit 51;
Michael Long hit 50; and Ron Leach hit 49. This had a huge impact on the
record book: 4 out of the top 5 individual HR seasons of all time occurred in
1987. The only top 5 season not to take place in 1987? Angel Rosa’s
1982 year: his 59 HR still ranks at #2. No one accuses Joe Warren of
using steroids, or of any other untoward behavior. Still, some baseball
purists, and a throng of Rosa worshippers, maintain that Warren ’s record
breaking season should have an asterisk attached to it. In terms of how
impressive it was, they claim, it pales in comparison to Rosa ’s 59.
Posted at 04:21 PM in 1980's EWB History, Author: Admirals GM, Miscellaneous | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 13th, 2008 by Banditos GM
NL MVP: RF Don Kelly, El Paso Iron Horses.....342/33/106
NL Bob Gibson Award: Michael Bowden El Paso....20-8 2.18 254 k's
NL Angel Rosa Award: SS Ramon Camacho, DC........275/9/57
Posted at 03:23 PM in 1980's EWB History, Author: Banditos GM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 13th, 2008 by Banditos GM
FYI, Wolverines let Elvis Midwinter go to free agency to in division team Minneapolis Mutiny over offseason.
AL MVP: LF Mike Robinson, Portland Fog Devils
Robinson
is the Fog Devils first ever MVP. At age 24 he has finally come into
his own. First Round pick in 1981 for Portland, Robinson hit
.338/28/98 but amazingly in 588 AB Robinson only struck out 15 times.
He is said to have fighter pilot vision and reactions.
AL Bob Gibson Award: SP Alex Hendrix, KC Wheat Kings
Hendrix
goes back to back on this award. At 35 yrs of age, he is the Wheat
Kings star. Closer turned starter, Hendrix has been in the KC
organization since 1970. Looks to be sure fire Hall of Famer.
AL Angel Rosa Award: SS Hector Murillo, Las Vegas Renegades
The first ever Angel Rosa Award goes to the 27 yr old who toiled in the Minors for 6 years. Murillo hit
.297/19/77.
Posted at 03:08 PM in 1980's EWB History, Author: Banditos GM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 13th, 2008 by Admirals GM
Posted at 03:04 PM in 1980's EWB History, Author: Admirals GM, Miscellaneous | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 13th, 2008 by Banditos GM
The 1985 playoffs started with the following matchup:
Wolverines vs Admirals
New Orleans Dukes vs Kansas City Wheat Kings
St. Louis Savages vs Dallas Brahmas
Austin Marshalls vs Washington DC Senators
Savages 4-3 over Dallas
DC 4-1 over Austin
Dukes 4-2 over KC
The Wolverines faced a tough battle with the Admirals. The Admirals had experience and tradition on their side, not to mention home field advantage. Quickly the Wolverines were down 3-1 in the series. Serrano and Piniella wouldn't let them get down though. The Wolverines won 3 straight to take the series including a legendary game 6 where they scored 6 runs in the last two innings to hold off Gizmo Delgado from ending the series.
The Wolverines once again went 7 games with the New Orleans Dukes but conquered them. Meanwhile in the NL Washington DC defeated a Sherman Jarvis led St. Louis team 4-1.
The oddsmakers once again had the Wolverines as a big dog against the Washington DC Diplomats. The Diplomats were coming off back to back World Series and were so far the team of the 1980's. Led by Chris Henry they were all but inevitable. Don't tell the Wolverines that though! They went to their third straight 7 games series and knocked off the Diplomats to win their first ever World Series!
Stay tuned for season awards.......
Posted at 03:02 PM in 1980's EWB History, Author: Banditos GM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 13th, 2008 by Banditos GM
The 1985 season in a brief recap. 1985 started out with some changes in management for teams. The Omaha Wolverines brought in Luis Serrano to take the helm in 1985. Serrano previously had a stint from '78 to '80 in Dallas and many minor league jobs. The Wolverine front office brought in insurance though, making former Detroit Cruiser manager, Lou Piniella the bench coach. Piniella known for his temper and baseball acument struggled in Detroit. Coached from '80 to '85, never finishing higher than 4th in the division.
The Admirals let go of Tim Brown after their first sub .500 season in years. Brown took over for Mario Nunes in 1984 when Nunes went to the front office. Nunes couldn't stand being behind a desk and has returned to the field as the Portland Fog Devils manager. Doug Slavin was given the assignment of leading the Admirals. This would be Slavin's first EWB job after many years in the minors.
The Banditos retained head coach Don Montgomery who has led the team since '82. Montgomery has coached the Banditos to several 100 loss seasons. Fans were not pleased.
Montgomery once again led the Banditos to a last place finish in the Sun Belt Division. The Bandito pitching was once again horrible, although star prospect George "Slider" Banks was called up in September. Banks was the 1st Overall pick in the 1984 draft by the Banditos and at 19yrs old has people wondering if he may be the next Gizmo. Spending most of his season at AA Connecticut Sea Skulls, he won the EL Outstanding Pitcher Award in 1985. Another bright spot is young closer Joe Murphy.
The Admirals won their division with a 95-67 record. Gizmo Delgado is still shining at 39 yrs of age and could be a Bob Gibson contender. Also, the rotation includes trusty Brad Robertson, an Admiral mainstay and Kane Turner, who returns to the rotation after bullpen stints. The Admiral offense was led by C George McFarland who hit .343! In addition, young second baseman Reggie Phillips had a breakout year hitting .326/26/122.
The story of the season is the Wolverines. Serrano led his club to 92-70 record, finishing 2nd behind the powerful Kansas City Wheat Kings. However it was good enough for a wild card spot in the playoffs. The Wolverines pitching is led by young Bart Farley, the 23yr old in his 2nd season. Veteran Elvis Midwinter, 1973 ROY, brings strength at the 2nd spot. Also, Abu Jabiri, Wolverine mainstay is the only Ugandan to ever play in EWB. The offense was led by Mr. Wolverine, David Kimble, who is all over the Wolverine record book, Rick Green and Mario Rodriguez.
Stay tuned for the playoff recap.....
Posted at 03:00 PM in 1980's EWB History, Author: Banditos GM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 11th, 2008 by Banditos GM
The 1980 season, like the '70's, was dominated by the Washington Admirals. The Admirals took the lead in the Mountain West and never looked back, despite a potent LA Gargoyles team in the division. Admirals went on to win 111 games, once again behind Sherwood Johnston, who is 35 hits away from 2000 and a power pitching staff led by Luis "Gizmo" Delgado. The Admirals lost top starter Forest Thomas who was 10-1 2.82 ERA in early August. However, the story has been his replacement, 22 yr old Kane Turner out of Harlem. Kane was drafted in the 11th round of the 1977 Amateur draft by the Omaha Wolverines. After a couple of unsuccessful years in Omaha's low minors, they released him. Their scouts saw no progress, only regression. Plus the Wolverines were not enthused with his Harlem Urban attitude. The Admiral organization signed him to a one year minor league contract. He struggled early until he came to the Ralston Rams and met the manager Dean States and Pitching Coach Ezra Bray. They worked on his mechanics and by the end of the season Kane Turner was a new pitcher helping guide Ralston to the 1979 Nebraska League Championship. After short stints in AA and AAA in 1980, the Admirals called on him to replace Forest Thomas in the rotation. Turner has responded with a 7-4 2.58 ERA and now a year after winning a championship in Ralston, NE he is competing for a world series.
Elsewhere in the league the Kansas City Wheat Kings followed up with another division pennant with 88 wins and are looking to go back to back World Series. Omaha Wolverines finished 81-81. In the Sunbelt Division, Carolina won 94 games and finished 20 games ahead of the Memphis Razorbacks. Carolina has a strong left side with SS Pancho Nevarez who hit .269/20/86 and 3B Carlos Cerda who hit .275/19/104. In additon, star 1B Arturo Reyes got his 2000th hit this season. The '70 and '73 once again hit above .300 maintaining a .326 lifetime batting average. Carolina also won the World Series in 1976 preventing the Admirals from winning 5 straight. Miami finished last in the division with 72 wins.
The playoffs pit LA Gargoyles and Carolina Colonials/ KC Wheat Kings and Washington Admirals.
In the NL: Houston Black Gold vs. Montreal Knights/ Pittsburgh
Crusaders vs. Boston Irish.......
Posted at 05:12 PM in 1980's EWB History, Author: Banditos GM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)