KOD 7 Champs: 1932 Philadelphia Athletics

Game 5 - Brooklyn hits the Wal - A's win Series in 5

Game 5 - Philadelphia 8 Brooklyn 3 - Ebbets Field
Game 1 starters Rube Walberg and Don Newcombe were on the mound for this game. And unfortunately for the Dodgers the results were the same. Mickey Cochrane started by slamming a long home run and driving in 3 in the first inning. The A's never looked back from that point. Jimmie Foxx added a solo shot in the 5th. The Dodgers did not help themselves in this game as they committed 3 costly errors. Rube Walberg (10-2, 1.91) got the win while Don Newcombe (5-5, 4.67) took the loss. The series had many MVP candidates but the Co-MVP would have to go to Mickey Cochrane and Rube Walberg.
--submitted by Lee Crouch--

Game 4 - Slipped 'em a Mickey

Game 4 - Philadelphia 9 Brooklyn 0 - Ebbets Field
Brilliant pitching by Tony Freitas was the story of this game as he gave up only 4 hits. Again the A's bats were blazing as Mickey Cochrane had 2 homeruns (5 RBI's) followed by single shots from Max Bishop, Jimmie Foxx (4-5) and Al Simmons. Tony Frietas (7-1, 1.88) got the win and Carl Erskine (2-6, 7.30) was saddled with the loss.
--submitted by Lee Crouch--

Game 3 - Campy to the Rescue

Game 3 - Brooklyn 10 Philadelphia 8 - Ebbets Field
The A's came into this game brimming with confidence after having taken the first 2 games of the series and sending their ace Lefty Grove to the mound in this game. Things started well for Philadelphia as they scored 3 in the 1st on the strength of Al Simmons 13th homerun of the year. They added 2 more in the 4th. But the Dodgers kept hanging around and it was 5-4 A's after 5 innings. But lightening finally struck for Brookly in the 6th as they scored 6 behind the homerun hitting of Roy Campanella. The Dodgers held on from that point for the win. Ralph Branca (6-4, 3.22) got the win while Lefty Grove (10-4, 2.40) took the loss. MVP honors went to Roy Campanella.
--submitted by Lee Crouch--

Game 2: Max-ed out !- Philly takes game 2

Game 2 - Philadelphia 7 Brooklyn 5 - Shibe Park
This was a very interesting game as both pitchers settled into a groove during the fist few innings. After 5 it was Brooklyn 3 Philadelphia 1. But the 6th inning proved to be Brooklyn's downfall in this game as the A's scored 6 times in the 6th with the help of a home run from Mickey Cochrane. Max Bishop (3-4, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI & 1 HR) took game MVP honors, George Earnshaw (5-4, 3.81) got the victory while Preacher Roe (7-4, 3.48) took the loss.
--submitted by Lee Crouch--

KOD7 World Series Game 1: A's draw first blood

Game 1 - Philadelphia 6, Brooklyn 2 - Shibe Park
Home runs by Jimmie Dykes, Jimmie Foxx, and Mickey Cochrane highlighted this game. What started out as a slug fest with the teams scoring 3 runs in the first inning settled down into a pitcher's duel during the middle innings. Rube Walberg (9-2, 1.79) got the win while Don Newcombe (5-4, 4.50) took the loss.
--submitted by Lee Crouch-

KOD7 NLCS: Brooklyn tops Atlanta in 5

Coming off a series victory over the 1977 Pittsburgh Pirates, the 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers head to Atlanta to square off against the 1998 Braves, who were coming off a series victory of their own over the 1979 Montreal Expos.

Game 1
Game 1 would feature Clyde King on the mound for the Brooklyn Dodgers, who went with this unlikely selection once again due to fatigue, as the Dodgers continue their quest for the KOD7 Title. The mighty Atlanta Braves begin this series with lefty Tom Glavine. The Braves drew first blood in the very 1st inning, when Javy Lopez Singled Home Walt Weiss, who led off the inning with a Double. The Dodgers struck back in the 2nd inning, as King helped his own cause when he Singled Home both Gil Hodges and Cal Abrams to give the Dodgers a quick 2-1 lead. The Dodgers struck again in the 5th inning, when the lead off batter, Duke Snider, blasted a solo shot to Right Field. Behind 3-1, the Braves managed another run in the bottom half of the 5th inning, when Andres Galarraga Singled Home Glavine to cut the lead 3-2. But, that is all the Braves could manage, as King pitched 6 solid innings and Carl Erskine came in to shut the Braves out for the final 3 innings. Despite getting 7 K’s, Glavine was shaky over the course of 8 innings, by giving up 9 hits, 4 Walks and suffering a loss to open this series.

MVP honors went to Carl Erskine for closing out the Dodger victory, but Clyde King won the popular vote.

Game 2In Game 2, the Braves were looking to rebound and sent Kevin Millwood to the mound to square off against Dodger ace Don Newcombe. But, the Dodgers came out firing on all cylinders in the 1st inning and tapped Millwood for 2 quick runs, as Pee Wee Reese led off the game with a Single and scored when Duke Snider Tripled. Snider eventually scored off a Cal Abrams Single. In the 3rd inning, the Dodgers jumped on Millwood again, as Jackie Robinson and Gil Hodges both had solo shots – giving the Dodgers a 4-0 lead. In the 4th inning, the Dodgers scored 5 more runs that was capped off by a Duke Snider Grand Slam. Millwood would give up another run in the 5th inning – for an even 10 earned runs in 5 innings of work, while giving up 13 hits. Meanwhile, Newcombe pitched 4 solid innings of no-hit ball, but the Braves eventually tapped him for 4 runs of their own in the bottom half of the 5th inning with 5 Singles and a Walk. Leading 10-4, the Dodgers were cooled off in the 6th inning by Denny Neagle – but the Braves went back to work on Newcombe, who surrendered another 4 runs, in consecutive innings, on 3 Singles, a Walk, and an Error – and the Braves cut the lead down to 10-8. The Dodgers finally reached Neagle in the top half of the 7th inning, when Jackie Robinson Doubled Home Pee Wee Reese and Duke Snider – to extend their lead to 12-8. The Dodger manager could be seen pacing in the dugout biting his nails, but he kept his faith in Newcombe, who did not surrender another run and pitched a complete game. The Braves’ pitching staff gave up 12 earned runs and 18 hits – and giving up a 2-0 series lead at Home. They now head to Brooklyn.

Duke Snider won MVP honors with 5 RBI’s and 4 hits, including a Triple and a Grand Slam.

Game 3
The Braves had a glimmer of hope to salvage this series and stop the bleeding when they sent their ace, Greg Maddux, to the hill for Game 3. The Dodgers countered with Irv Palica – but the Braves got a boost in the very 1st inning when Chipper Jones crushed a solo shot to Center. That appeared to be all Maddux needed, as he scattered 7 hits in 7 innings, without giving up a run to this mighty Dodger team. Mike Cather came in for Maddux in the 8th inning, and Kerry Ligtenberg came in after that – and the Braves’ pitching staff shut the Dodgers out. Palica was no slouch, despite being seldom used during the season, as he surrendered only 2 runs on 5 hits. That would usually solidify a Dodger victory, had they faced anyone else other than Maddux. Clyde King, the Dodger starter for Game 1, then came in for Palica in the 8th inning to close out the game.

The Braves were now only down 2 games to 1 – and Greg Maddux earned MVP honors, rightfully so.

Game 4Trying to even the series on the road, the Braves went to John Smoltz – while the Dodgers looked to their lefty, Preacher Roe, who pitched solid all season. In the bottom half of the 2nd inning, Roy Campanella Singled and scored on a Carl Furillo SAC Fly. Then, Pee Wee Reese led off the 3rd inning with a solo shot, and the Dodgers jumped to a quick 2-0 lead. In the 4th inning, the Braves finally tapped Roe for a run, when Andruw Jones hit a shot of his own – but that would be the only run Roe would surrender all day, despite giving up 8 hits. The Dodgers padded their lead by dropping another 2 runs on Smoltz in the 6th inning for insurance, when Andy Pafko jacked a 2-run blast. Preacher Roe pitched a complete game, and the Dodgers cruised to a 4-1 victory – and a 3 games to 1 series lead.

Preacher Roe earned MVP honors.

Game 5
Wanting to push the series back to Atlanta, the Braves needed to win this game in Brooklyn – or face elimination. Braves manager, Terry Priest, called on Tom Glavine once again to save the season. Ralph Branca went to work for the Dodgers, but surrendered 2 runs to the Braves in the top half of the 2nd inning on 2 Singles, a HBP, and a Walk. Trying to stay close, the Dodgers scored a run themselves in the 2nd inning off the bat of Carl Furillo, who sent a shot over the wall. The Dodgers tied the game in the bottom half of the 3rd inning, when Jackie Robinson Doubled Home Duke Snider. With the game tied 2-2 after 3 innings of play, both pitchers settled down to cool off the bats. Over the next 3 innings, Branca did not give up a hit. Not to be outdone, Glavine gave up just 2 hits. But, in the bottom half of the 7th inning, Glavine was touched for a 2-run shot from Duke Snider – giving the Dodgers a 4-2 lead. Branca would go on to surrender just 1 more hit, in the 9th inning, as the Braves fell well short of their goal to force Game 6 in Atlanta. Branca surrendered just 4 hits all game and pitched a complete game victory to earn MVP honors – and to hand Tom Glavine his 2nd loss of the series and to send the Braves packing.

Outside of Game 2, the Braves’ bats were ice cold all series. It was not an issue of stranding runners on base, since the Dodgers had left more runners on base than the Braves. No, it was a simple issue of not getting on base in the first place. And, when runners were on base, the Braves’ heavy hitters disappeared – while the Dodgers pounded on the Braves’ pitchers. Fortunately for the Dodgers, Greg Maddux appeared in only 1game for the Braves.

The series MVP would eventually fall to Duke Snider, who seemed to be in the right place at several key points for the Dodgers in this series. And so, the 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers are now heading to the KOD7 World Series to face the 1932 Philadelphia A’s.
--submitted by Georges Bseraini--

Pure Dominance as A's capture AL Flag in 5

GAME 5 - Fenway Park - Boston, MA - A's 10, Red Sox 2

Philadelphia wins series 4-1

Lefty Grove (10-3, 1.73) was a mere mortal, for 1 inning anyway, but it didn't matter as the Mack Men's bats blasted Boston right out of the ALCS. Ted Williams finally came to life (for the moment at least) as he doubled home 2 in the first to give Boston starter Joe Dobson a 2-1 lead. Dobson would need the Patriots offense if he hoped to win this game as he yielded 8 runs in 8 innings of work. After the first inning Grove settled down and shutout the Bosox the rest of the way. Philly manager Howard Fortel was quoted as saying, "If you want to beat Grove, you have to get to him early and often. Once he gets in his groove it's all over". That pretty much summed up this game and this series. Jimmie Foxx again was strong with the lumber, going 3 for 4 with an RBI. The A's offense was completely balanced as they scored 10 runs on 10 hits. Every starter, except Doc Cramer (who did have 2 hits), had an RBI. Lew Krausse was called on to finish out the 9th since the outcome ws no longer in doubt and there was no need for Grove to expend any more energy vs the lack luster Bosox. By the time the A's were presented with the

AL Championship trophy most of the Fenway faithful were gone. That suited the A's just fine as they have become used to playing in front of sparse crowds, even in their home ballpark. That phenomenon has more to do with the terrible economic conditions than the A's play, which has been downright stellar. Including the final 8 games of the regular season Philly has won 15 of their last 16 games en route to a spot in the KOD7 World Series. Lost in the shuffle here was the fact that again Ted Williams was a major disappointment in the post season. Williams went 3-16 in the series, with all 3 hits coming in game 5. In comparison of HOF'ers, Jimmie Foxx was an incredible 15-19, with 6 RBI and 3 HR's.

Bean-a long time...

GAME 4 - Fenway Park - Boston, MA - Red Sox 7, A's 3

Philadelphia leads series 3-1

Finally the Bosox get to see a righty, and not so mysteriously their offense came to life. George Earnshaw (4-4, 3.66) started for the A's and looked solid for 6 innings until the Bosox exploded for 5 runs to put the game away and help salvage a minimal amount of dignity in this series that has been dominated by the boys from the city of Brotherly love. Bobby Doerr's 2 run homer in the 4th tied the game at 2. Philly actually took a lead in the 6th, when Mule Haas squeezed home Dib Williams. That would be the final run that Boston starter Mel Parnell would yield

on the day. Thankfully for him Boston's dormant offense was able to support him with 7 runs. Boston's 3 run 8th started when Vern Stephens led off with a walk and was tripled home by Al Zarilla. Birdie Tebbetts doubled Zarilla home and with 2 outs Billy Goodman single Tebbetts home. The 8th saw Boston get two insurance runs thanks to a triple by Doerr and a RBI ground out by Stephens. Boston would need more of this type of offense if they hoped to get back in this series or at least salvage some sort of respectability.

Philadelphia Freit-dom

GAME 3 - Fenway Park - Boston, MA - A's 4, Red Sox 1

Philadelphia leads series 3-0

Philly manager Howard Fortel went with Tony Freitas (6-1, 2.15), his third straight starter in this series...Freitas was spectacular carrying a no-hitter for 8 and 1/3 innings, until Bobby Doerr broke it up with a double off the green monster. The (not so) Splendid Splinter, Ted Williams scored on Doerr's double (he walked to lead off the 9th). Williams' run broke Boston's 26 inning scoreless streak and added some

window dressing to their horrible offensive performance in the ALCS. Philly's offense came off the bat of one Jimmie Foxx, who hit a colossal 3 run shot off of Boston starter Ellis Kinder in the 5th. At the time the score was 1-0 and Boston had a remote chance. After Foxx hit his 3rd homer of the series the door was shut, the dye was cast...fill in your own cliche here. Freitas recovered after Doerr's two bagger and got Zarilla and Tebbetts to ground out weakly to end the game and give the White Elephant a commanding 3 games to none lead in the ALCS.

(Not) Hitting the Wal...

GAME 2 - Shibe Park - Philadelphia, PA - A's 3, Red Sox 0

Philadelphia leads series 2-0

Different day...same score. This time Rube Walberg spins the complete game shutout over the Bosox instead of Grove. Mel Parnell gutted out 8 innings, but once he gave up a run in the first he was virtually doomed to defeat. Jimmie Foxx was the offense in this contest as he clouted two mamouth shots off southpaw Parnell. Dib Williams added a solo shot of his own, which accounted for the second run of the game. Walberg's (8-2, 1.74) 3 hit shutout extended Boston's scoreless streak to 18 consecutive innings. Johnny Pesky had 2 of Boston's 3 hits.

Get your Grove on...

GAME 1 - Shibe Park - Philadelphia, PA - A's 3, Red Sox 0

Philadelphia leads series 1-0

Both teams arrived at this ALCS in different fashion. The mighty Mackmen came off a 3 game sweep of the Tigers, while the Bosox had to rely on an 8th inning comeback to scratch themselves past the upstart Angels. Philly tapped Cy Young award winner Lefty Grove (9-3, 1.69) to toe the rubber, while Boston was forced into using Chuck Stobbs. Boston's staff was stretched to the limit by Anaheim in the LDS, so co-aces Mel Parnell and Ellis Kinder were not available. Long story short: Grove was dominant against a Red Sox lineup that has found lefthanded pitching to be its kryptonite all season. Grove went the distance for a complete game shutout of the Red Sox. Stobbs was game, and only gave up 1 earned run in more than 6 innings of work, but he would have had to have been perfect to beat the great

Grove. Philly scored in the first when Jimmy Dykes' liner to center was dropped by the normally sure handed Dom DiMaggio. In essence that would be the only run that Grove would actually need. Mule Haas added a second run with a lead off solo shot in the home half of the 5th. and the struggling Mickey Cochrane singled home Jimmie Foxx for a tack on run in the 8th. Even a 1 hour rain delay in the 4th was not enough to sap the strength of Grove, who threw an economical 83 pitches in his complete game effort.

NLDS: Brooklyn comes back to slip past Bucs in 5

The 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers come into this series exhausted and dragging from the emotional 4-game sweep against the Giants that was needed to get here – and coming from behind in the standings to leap frog 2 teams in the process to make these playoffs. The 1977 Pittsburgh Pirates come in as the favorite at Home and well-rested.

Game 1:
Pittsburgh began this series with its ace, John Candelaria – and the Dodgers, on the road, had to go with Ralph Branca, their #3 in the rotation, due to fatigue. However, the Dodgers drew first blood in the top half of the 3rd inning by scoring 2 runs off a SAC fly from Duke Snider and a Double from Roy Campanella. They scored again in the 4th inning off the bat of Andy Pafko, who hit a solo shot off the Candyman. In the 5th inning, the Dodgers struck the Candyman again with a Double from Jackie Robinson that was followed by a Single from Campanella. Behind 4-0 heading into the bottom half of the 5th inning, Pittsburgh began to fight back with a 2-run Triple from Al Oliver – who eventually scored on an Error. The Dodger lead was now cut to 4-3. But, Campanella Doubled and later scored on an Error too. In the bottom half of the 7 inning, Pittsburgh loaded the bases with no outs – and the Dodgers sacrificed a run to turn the Doubleplay and got out of the inning, still having a modest 5-4 lead. Pittsburgh then brought in Rich “Goose” Gossage to cool Brooklyn off – and it worked. Heading into the bottom of the 9th inning and cruisin’ to a victory, the Dodgers sat Branca down and brought in their closer, Clem Labine. However, Pittsburgh quickly had runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Then, Labine threw a Wild Pitch to move the runners over. The stage was set for a Pittsburgh comeback-victory at Home. Labine calmed down to get Frank Tavares and then K’d Omar Moreno. With 2 outs, Oliver came thru with a Single to tie the game at 5-5. With runners on 1st and 3rd, Labine got out of the jam with a Phil Garner pop up. We are now heading into extra innings. During this extra session, Pittsburgh used Kent Tekulve, Grant Jackson, and Bruce Kison –while the Dodgers continued to ride Labine. Both teams pitched well and Offense was held scoreless thru the 10th, 11th, 12th, and the 13th innings. In the 14th inning, the Dodgers “broke the silence” when Kison Walked-in the winning run. The Dodgers brought in Bud Podbielan to shut the door, with a 1-2-3 inning.
Dodgers take Game 1 in another emotional game. Roy Campanella received game honors, by going 3-for-7 and getting 2 RBI’s.

Game 2:
For Game 2, Pittsburgh came flying out of the gate and shelled Dodger ace Don Newcombe by scoring 2 runs in the bottom half of the 1st inning on a 2-run blast from Bill Robinson – and another 4 runs in the bottom half of the 3rd inning on 5 straight hits that was capped by a Willie Stargell Double. The Dodgers put up a small fight against Pittsburgh’s Jerry Reuss by scoring 4 runs of their own in the top half of the 4th inning on 4 Singles. But, leading 6-4, Pittsburgh poured it on by scoring 2 more runs in the bottom half of the 5th inning on a Double from Dave Parker and a Single from Rennie Stennett.

That is how the score remained, and Pittsburgh took Game 2: 8-4 – with Newcombe giving up all 8 runs. It was a quick and painless victory for Pittsburgh, who “operated” on the Dodgers with steel precision. Bill Robinson took game honors – but a serious nod must go to Jerry Reuss, who pitched well, to hold down this Dodger team.

Game 3:
Heading into Brooklyn, Pittsburgh drew first blood in Game 3 by scoring a run on a SAC fly from Dave Parker in the top half of the 1st inning off Dodger Preacher Roe. Things got real quiet after that, as Roe matched Jim Rooker, who is a Cy Young candidate and went 7-0 during the regular season, pitch for pitch. In the bottom half of the 7th inning, the Dodgers got back into the game with a run to even things up when Roy Campanella hit a solo shot. With Rooker leading off the 8 inning, Pittsburgh risked taking out their most consistent pitcher by going with a DH – unfortunately Pittsburgh failed to score. Goose Gossage then came in for Pittsburgh to hold the Dodgers at bay, while Roe continued to hold off Pittsburgh – as another game went into extra innings. Roe held strong for 11 innings. In the 12th inning, Bud Podbielan came in for the Dodgers, but he surrendered 2 runs when Willie Stargell Doubled Home Rennie Stennett – and then Ken Macha Singled Home Stargell. Down 2 runs in the bottom half of the 12th inning, the Dodgers did manage a run when Jackie Robinson Tripled and Gil Hodges Doubled with 2 outs. But with Hodges standing on 2nd Base, the game ended when Grant Jackson got Andy Pafko to whiff.
Pittsburgh took Game 3: 4-3 – and now lead the series 2 games to 1. Jim Rooker took game honors, and it appears that fatigue is setting in for the Dodgers.

Game 4:
Desperate to ignite the team, the Dodger Manager pulled a bold move by exposing his bullpen and putting Clem Labine on the mound to square off against Bruce Kison. The move appeared to pay off, as Labine held even with Kison – and both pitchers were on fire. Kison held the Dodgers scoreless and surrendered just 3 hits in 6 innings, and Labine surrendered just 2 hits in those same 6 innings. In the top half of the 7th inning, Pittsburgh made their move – and scored 3 runs that was capped by a 2-run shot by Ed Ott. Things looked bleak for the Dodgers, as Pittsburgh was looking to close out the series with this 3-0 lead. But, they may have made a mistake by prematurely taking out Kison, who was pitching a masterpiece, for a DH. So, in comes Grant Jackson to start the 8th inning for Pittsburgh. Being at Home, and with the series on the line, the Dodgers jumped all over Jackson, who Walked the bases loaded, with 1 out. Jackson got the 2nd out when Billy Cox hit a SAC fly to score Gil Hodges, and it cut the lead to 3-1. With 2 outs and Labine set to bat, the Dodgers went to their bench for Cal Abrams, who was quiet all season. This is the time when heroes rise to the occasion and legends are made……Abrams stepped to the plate and smacked a 3-run jack off Jackson to take a 4-3 lead. The crowd went wild. Goose Gossage then came in for Jackson to close out the inning for Pittsburgh, but the damage was done. Bud Podbielan came in for the Dodgers, as he sought to redeem himself for the prior loss, and he shut Pittsburgh down in the 8th and 9th innings.
The Dodgers take Game 4: 4-3 – in another emotional victory to force a Game 5. Bud Podbielan took game honors for shutting Pittsburgh down, but he should split game honors with Cal Abrams.

Game 5:
With Game 5 on the line and back at Home, Pittsburgh went back to their ace, John Candelaria – while the Dodgers countered with Ralph Branca again, setting the stage for a rematch of Game 1. But, the Dodgers did not take long to make a statement, as they jumped to a quick 4-0 lead in the very 1st inning off the Candyman with 5 Singles and a Walk. Branca did his part for the Dodgers, as he scattered 6 hits and held Pittsburgh scoreless thru 7 innings. In the bottom half of the 8th inning, Pittsburgh fought back by loading the bases in time to have Dave Parker clear the pads with a 3-run Double. The Dodgers held firm and left Branca in the game, and he got out of the jam to retain a 4-3 lead. The Candyman, Kent Tekulve, and Goose Gossage held the Dodgers scoreless for the last 8 innings, but that 1st inning was all the Dodgers needed – and Branca pitched a complete game victory for the Dodgers, as he retired Pittsburgh 1-2-3 in the 9th inning.
Dodgers win the series on the road !!!
Ralph Branca took game honors, rightfully so, as he helped the Dodgers win Game 5 and win the series 3 games to 2. In doing so, Branca earned series MVP for winning Game 1 and Game 5. There was no clear hero on Offense for the Dodgers, as everyone played a small role in the team effort. The turning point in this series would have been the 3-run jack from Cal Abrams in that 7th inning of Game 4, as the Dodgers faced elimination, to take the lead and force Game 5.
--submitted by Georges Bseraini--

ALDS: Game 5 theatrics in Anaheim

GAME 5 - Angel Stadium - Boston 5, LA-Anaheim 3 - Boston wins series 3 games to 2

Due to network scheduling issues this game was put on hold for 3 days. The Sawx flew out to the coast feeling like they let one get away, but not closing it out in 4 games at home in Fenway. The Halos had captured all the momentum and looked to pull off the upset on their home turf. Boston went to their act, Mel Parnell who entered the game 6-3. The Halos tapped Paul Byrd who was their starter for game 1. The Angles struck first when Chone Figgins led off the bottom of the 1st with a big triple. DaVanon walked and a big inning looked to be in the making until Vlad hit into a run scoring DP. Certainly Parnell was happy to yield on the 1 run. That run was looming large until Boston tied it up in the 5th when Bobby Doerr hit a 422 foot solo shot to dead center.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the 6th when Bengie Molina blasted a solo shot of his own to make it 2-1. The bottom of the 7th saw Orlando Cabrera lead off with a double and Jeff DaVanon single him home two batters later. Anaheim had themselves a nice 3-1 lead with only 6 outs left to be recorded. Byrd was flat out keeping the Bosox batters off balance, sans the Doerr homer.

Then in the top of the 8th it all came crashing down. Scott Shields was called on to relieve Paul Byrd, who to that point had only thrown 78 pitches. The Angels formula all year had been to get to the 8th and bring in Shields, then go to K-rod in the 9th. This time the formula didn't work. Shields walked Doerr, then Al Zarilla doubled to put runners on 2nd and 3rd. Birdie Tebbetts singled home Doerr to make it 3-2. Pitcher Mel Parnell, batting instead of the DH (because he hits better than the Boston bench guys), singled to help his own cause to tie up the game and put runners on 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Pesky walked to load the bases and that was it for Shields. Escobar was hurried in and he walked Bill Goodman to put Boston up 4-3. Still there was nobody out and the Bosox truly looked to break it open. Escobar came up big by fanning DiMaggio and the great T.S. Williams before inducing Stephens to ground out weakly to Figgins at 3rd. Escobar kept his team in it and gave them a chance.

In the bottom of the inning Molina doubled with one out. Izturis came in to pinch run as Finley walked to make it 1st and 2nd. Parnell threw a sinker and Robb Quinlan blasted a one hopper to the slick fielding Billy Goodman at first, who turned a nifty 3-6-3 DP to crush the Angels chances in the 8th. The top of the 9th saw Al Zarilla hit a monster shot into the waterfall in center to make it 5-3. Reliever Esteban Yan yielded that clout with one out. Cabrera, Kennedy and Figgins went down easily in the bottom of the 9th as Mel Parnell went the distance to close out the series. The cruel fates of the baseball gods, which usually turn on the boys from Beantown did the exact opposite. Boston's manager was quoted after the contest as saying, "We really lucked out...we've been a resilient bunch all year, but this was a lot to ask of a team, yet somehow they were able to come through.

Angels manager D.Zaner was stunned. He said he would rather lose 8-0 than this way. The Orange County media immediately began second guessing him after the game for removing Byrd in favor of Shields. How fickle the press and the fans are. That same formula worked all season and this reporter is 100% sure that if he left Byrd in and he got bombed those same geniuses would be second guessing that move. All in all the Angels had a great comeback season, where they caught the Brewers on the final day of the season and one a nail biting play in game to even make the post season. A weary Boston team be taking the train to Philadelphia for the ALCS, which opens Saturday night.

ALDS: '32 A's Sweep '61 Tigers in 3

[GAME 1 - Shibe Park - PHA 4, DET 3 - 10 inn] - A's up 1 game to 0
Lefty Grove and Jim Bunning were tasked with controlling two star studded lineups. Giving up 3 runs in regulation to either of these lineups is nothing to be ashamed of. Bunning tired and was replaced by Fox who yielded a walkoff homer to Al Simmons in the 10 with one out to put the A's up 1 game to 0 in this ALDS.

[GAME 2 - Shibe Park - PHA 5, DET 4] - A's up 2 games to 0
The second game was a bit more high scoring than the first, but again the results were the same. Philly was able to best Detroit by 1 run and go up 2 games to none in this best of 5 series. Both starters (Don Mossi - Det and Al Freitas - PHA) were barely pedestrian. Detroit tied the game at 4 apiece when Norm Cash singled home Jake Wood in the top of the 7th. Sadly for Motown, future HOF'er Al Kaline hit into a DP prior to Cash's at bat and took his squad out of the big inning. The Mackmen answered back with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning when their HOF'er, Jimmie Foxx, blasted one deep into the night. Detroit threatened in the 9th and ace Lefty Grove was called on to get 1 out and save the game. The loss put the Tigers on the brink of elimination.


GAME 3 - Tiger Stadium - PHA 2, DET 1] - A's win series 3 games to 0
For 5 innings Walberg (PHA) and Foytack (DET) dueled in the sun and did not allow a run. The 6th inning saw all the scoring on the day, when Rube Walberg led off the inning with a single. After McNair flew out to Bruton in center, Mule Haas walked to put runners on 1st and 2nd with oue out. Jimmie Foxx lined out to Boros at third and the Tigers looked to be out of it until Al Simmons struck again. Instead of a homer, Simmons doubled into the gap in left center to score both Walberg and Haas. Walberg was able to make both of those runs stand up as he led the A's to a victory and series sweep. Detroit scored their lone run in the bottom of the 6th, when Jake Wood led off the home half of the inning with a solo home run. Bill Bruton followed Wood's homer with a single, but never came around to score. Detroit threatened again in the 8th when pinch hitter Morton led off with a double, but the next two batters (Wood and Bruton) failed to advance him. Kaline walked in an obvious attempt to pitch around him, but Norm Cash...who had been oh, so clutch all season, fanned to end the inning. Walberg had little trouble with the Tigers in the 9th as he went the distance.

'Fraid-Knott...Halos tie up series, force Game 5

[GAME 4 - Fenway Park - LAA 6, BOS 4] - Series tied 2 apiece.
Up 2 games to 1 and looking to close out the series on their home turf the Red Sox went to game 1 winner Ellis Kinder. The Halos countered with Bart Colon, who would be making his first appearance in the series. From the outset Kinder did not look sharp on short rest. The Angels struck first with 2 in the vistors half of the second. Darin Erstad doubled home Anderson and Izturis singled Erstad home with 2 outs. Juan Rivera's solo shot off of Kinder put the Angels up 3-0 in the 4th, but Boston posted 2 of their own that inning to make it 3-2. Doerr doubled home Williams, who again walked and advanced on a passed ball charged to Molina. Al Zarilla singled home Doerr, but could not score on Birdie Tebbetts 2 out blooper. Chone Figgins hit a solo shot with one out in the 5th to put the Halos back up by 2. Heading into the bottom of the 9th LA-Anaheim was up 6-2. A Dom DiMaggio solo shot and back to back doubles by Stephens and Doerr made it interesting, but K-Rod came on in the 9th to close it out and send the series back to the West Coast all knotted at 2 apiece with a decisive game 5 looming.

Will they ever Vern ? Boston goes up 2 games to 1

[GAME 3 - Fenway Park - BOS 5, LAA 4] - Red Sox lead series 2-1
The Angels drew first blood in the opening stanza when Cabrera doubled and Garrett Anderson singled him home with a clutch two out knock off of Joe Dobson. Boston struck back with 2 in the second when Billy Goodman and Dom DiMaggio had clutch 2 out RBI singles as well. The Halos went up 3-2 by posting 2 in the 4th when Bengie Molina and Adam Kennedy had RBI singles. Not to be outdone the Bosox touched Angel starter John "hard luck" Lackey for 3 runs to take a 5-3 lead. Vern Stephens, who time and time again has had to hit after Williams has walked, had a 2 out single to plate Goodman and DiMaggio. Doerr followed it up with an RBI single to score Williams who was again intentionally passed. The Angels made it interesting by scoring a run in the 7th. Mel Parnell was brought on to get the final 2 outs in the 9th and he did just that by fanning Figgins and pinch hitter Jerry DaVanon.

O-Yeah ! - Angels tie series at 1 each

[GAME 2 - Angel Stadium - LAA 7, BOS 3] - Series Tied 1-1
Red Sox starter Mel Parnell had nothing as the Angel offense came to life. Down 1-0 in the 4th the Angels posted all 7 of their runs in a 4 inning span. Starter Jarred Washburn kept his record unblemished as he went the distance and scattered 3 runs. Orlando Cabrera's 1 out triple knocked in 2 in the 5th to put the Angels on top and get the offense rolling. Cabrera was the catalyst in the 7th innning as well when he singled, stole second and scored on Chone Figgins triple.

Kinder-locked...Boston wins opener

[GAME 1 - Angel Stadium - BOS 5, LAA 1] - Boston up 1-0
Ellis Kinder was tossing goose eggs until the Angels scored a solo run in the 7th. Paul Byrd was not as lucky as he yielded 4 of Boston's 5 runs. The Sawx scored 3 big runs in the 3rd and never looked back. Ted Williams was given and intentional pass with 2 outs to load the bases. Vern Stephens followed him with a line shot single to left to score Johnny Pesky and Billy Goodman. For good measure Bobby Doerr singled home Williams. Kinder went the distance to notch the win. Angels reliever Ervin Santana left the game with tightness in the shoulder after throwing only 5 pitches in the 7th.

Atlanta - Montreal Division Playoff Series

Braves Ride Maddux Gem to 1-0 Series Lead over Expos

Greg Maddux went the distance scattering 7 hits over 9 innings earning a 2-1 win. Steve Rogers pitched a strong game as well, allowing only 2 runs, but was tagged with the loss. Larry Parrish opened the scoring with a solo homerun in the 2nd to give the visitors from the north an early lead. Atlanta tied the game in the bottom of the 3rd when Chipper Jones brought home Curtis Pride with a 2-out single. From there Maddux and Rogers locked horns keeping both teams off the scoreboard until the bottom of the 8th. Keith Lockhart lead of the inning with a double and Chipper was intentionally walked to set up a double play. Rogers did get a groundball to third base from Andres Galarraga but it was only hard enough to get the force at 2nd. With runners on the corners Javy Lopez stroked a singled scoring Lockhart and putting the Braves ahead 2-1. However, Montreal didn't go quietly in the 9th. With 1 out in the 9th Parrish came up again and singled, giving him 3 hits on the day. Maddux then finished off his performance getting Ellis Valentine to ground to shortstop. The home team turned the 6-4-3

DP to end the game and take a 1 game lead in the series.

Atlanta Wins 6-5 in 11 Innings, Takes 2-0 Series Lead

Tom Glavine and Bill "Spaceman" Lee squared off in Game 2 in Atlanta. Montreal tallied singled runs in the 1st and 2nd innings to take a 2-0 lead. The Braves answered with a run in the 3rd and 3 more in the 4th to take a 4-2 lead. Another run in the 6th pushed the home team to 5-2 lead. But with Glavine tiring in the 7th the Expos put runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out. Alan Embree then uncorked back-to-back wild pitches, the first one scoring Dave Cash from 3rd and moving Duffy Dyer from 2nd to 3rd, and the second bringing home Dyer to cut the Braves lead to 5-4. Larry Parrish led off the 8th with his 2nd HR in as many days and tying the game at

5-all. The game stayed tied until the 11th inning when Andruw Jones led off with a single but was quickly erased when he was caught stealing. The other Jones boy, Chipper, then sent the home team up 2 games to none with a solo homerun off of Elias Sosa. Kerry Ligtenberg got the

win in relief. Gerald Williams and Javy Lopez joined Jones and Parrish in the homerun column.

Expos Take Game 3 in 12 Innings, 4-3, Series Now at 2-1

The series moved north of the border and Montreal fought to 4-3 win, scoring with 2 out in the bottom of the 12th. Denny Neagle and Rudy May hooked up for 8 innings with both pitchers bringing good games to the ballpark. Each team scored once in the 2nd inning but just as with the first two games in the series both teams settled in and the score was tied 1-all going to the bottom of the 7th. The homestanding Expos got the crowd on it's feet when Andre Dawson singled to lead off the inning and then stole 2nd. With one out, Ellis Valentine laced a single into LF. Dawson rounded third but Gerald Williams threw a strike to Perez and nailed Hawk at the plate. With 2 out, Neagle looked like he might wriggle off the hook but Gary Carter turned on a pitch and deposited it in the LF seats to give the Expos a 3-1 lead. Woodie Fryman took over for May in the 9th and struck out Michael Tucker to lead off the inning but then walked Tony Graffanino. Javy Lopez was brought in to pinch hit for Neagle and drove a Fryman pitch into the seats to tie the game at 3-all. The 10 and 11th innings were scoreless with each team trading a couple of hits. In the bottom of the 12th the Braves defense let them down. Ozzie Guillen booted a Dawson groundball and Parrish then bunted him to 2nd. Valentine was intentionally passed to

set up the doubleplay. Gary Carter then struck out and with the Atlanta bullpen getting thin starter Kevin Millwood was brought in to face Tony Perez with 2 outs. Millwood was ineffective in the relief role, walking Perez to load the bases. Warren Cromartie then slapped a single through the infield to score Dawson and give the Expos the win. David Palmer got the win pitching 2 good innings in relief and Russ Springer was saddled with the loss.

Montreal Wins Game 4 Easily 9-1, Forces Game 5 in Atlanta

The hometown Expos got to Braves starter John Smoltz early and then posted a 5-spot in the 6th inning to cruise to a 9-1 victory. Jerry White led off the bottom of the 1st with a walk and two batters later Larry Parrish hit his 3rd homerun of the series to give Montreal an early 2-0 lead. Eddie Perez hit a solo homerun in the 2nd but that would be all the offense the

visiting Braves could muster. Most of the Expos lineup contributed in the 6th inning sending all nine men to the plate. The big blow was a bases loaded, 2 out triple from the bat of Ellis Valentine. After scoring 5 runs in the 6th the Expos added 2 more in the 7th. With a 9-1 lead after 7 innings everyone started preparing for the journey back to Atlanta for game 5. Dan Schatzeder got the win for Montreal pitching 6 innings, 3 walks, 3 strikeouts, 1 hit and 1 run. Smoltz was ineffective and took the loss giving up 7 earned runs in 6 innings.

Atlanta Squeaks by Expos 3-2 in Game 5 and Take Series

With 3 of the 4 games being 1-run affairs and the series finale featuring a rematch of game 1 starters, game 5 had the earmarks of a classic. It didn't disappoint. Greg Maddux took the hill for the Braves and Steve Rogers started for the Expos. Warren Cromartie lead off the game with a single and with one out the red hot Larry Parrish stepped to the plate. He quieted the hometown fans with a long drive into the leftfield seats for his 4th homer of the series, giving the Expos a 2-0 lead. The Atlanta bats were silent until the 3rd inning when Walt Weiss led off with a walk and light-hitting 2B Keith Lockhart tied the game with a 2-run homer. Maddux wasn't partularly sharp the first 4 innings, allowing 6 of his 7 hits, and loading the bases in the 4th before striking out his counterpart Rogers to escape any damage. In the bottom of the 4th Javy Lopez singled and Ryan Klesko, who has struggled all season, doubled to put runners on 2nd and 3rd. Andruw Jones grounded out to shortstop scoring Lopez on the fielders choice and giving the Braves a 3-2 lead. Rogers give up another single but struck out Maddux and retired Weiss on a comebacker to end the inning. Now with the lead Maddux was determined to make it stick. He set down 12 straight batters before none other than Parrish singled with 2 out in the 8th to break the streak. Mad Dog then struck out Carter to end the inning. The Braves however were having no better luck with Rogers. Mr. Rogers walked Klesko

to start the 8th and struck out Andruw Jones before giving way to Woodie Fryman. The Braves countered with pinch hitter Eddie Perez to face the left-hander but his grounder to SS and a 6-4-3 DP sent the game to the 9th with Atlanta holding a slim 3-2 lead. With relievers warming in the bullpen Maddux finished what he started, retiring Dawson, Perez, and Valentine, allowing the hometown fans to celebrate and the Atlanta manager a huge sigh of relief.

Greg Maddux earns MVP honors with 2 wins, 18 IP, 15 K and a 1.50 ERA. Larry Parrish recieves honorable mention batting .400 with 4 HR and 6 RBI. --submitted by Terry Priest--

KOD7 Regular Season MVP's

KOD7 Post Season Award Winners

1. AL MVP - Ted Williams 1949 Boston Red Sox
2. AL Cy Young - Lefty Grove 1932 Philadelphia A's
3. NL Cy Young - Bill Lee 1979 Montreal Expos
4. NL MVP - Roy Campanella 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers