July 22, 2010 
1983 rookie draft broadcast live! 
DAYTON, OH -The SPB-4 1983 rookie draft will be broadcast live starting 1030AM Saturday morning.  Follow THIS LINK to access the live broadcast feed.  The span of the camera may not be as wide as I would like but I will try to change it up every once in a while.  

July 22, 2010 
1983 Phase 2 protected roster numbers 
FRANKFORT, IN -This is the official call for your 1983 team protected rosters for preparation of the Phase II drafts next weekend. The rookie & Phase II drafts will be held a week from Saturday (August 28th), and draft central will be in Dayton, Ohio after all. I will need to have your protected roster by this Sunday at 8PM Eastern time. If your roster is not received by this time the Comish will do his best to come up with them for you. Hopefully, that will not happen. ;)
Here is the amount of players each team can protect:

20 Players
Oyster Creek Nukes (Al "Doc" Schweitzer)
Astoria Zoo Crew (Joe DeZarlo)
Kansas City Barons (Mike Boling)
Anok Island Gnomes (Steve Brunner)
Toledo Mud Hens (Rich Applegate)
Edmonton Magpies (Chris Williams)

19 Players
Rossville Rockets (Rick Ryan)
Frankfort Firebugs (Gary Plunkitt)
Los Angeles Missions (Marc Robinson)
Lafayette Snow Bears (Steve Ehresman)
Fairfax Canaries (Ron Peterson)
New York Metropolitans (Don Rahn)
Surfside Sharks (Greg Nolen) * team formerly known as Dorsey Lemings
Shelby Stars (Vin Onstott)
Baroda Serranos (Mike Galbreath)
Worcester Grays (Hugh McElaney)
Wright-Patt Plainsmen (John Turnbull)
Cedar Rapids Hired Guns (Jerry Cada)

18 Players
San Diego Vaqueros (Steve Lehman)
East Kenosha Legends (Dave Lauer)
Canton Moondogs (Tom Kackley)
Baltimore Rifles (Greg Henning)
Moose Jaw Corsairs (John Laburda)
Hawaii 5-0's (Terry Baxter)

There you have it managers. Be sure to get your protected list rosters to me before the deadline this coming Sunday (8/22) evening at 8PM Eastern time. I will then be able to send out the draft ready files complete with all recent trades and protected players in place, so that the drafts can proceed on Saturday, August 28th. Good luck to all!

NOTE: If you plan on using a draft list rather than being on line in the Auditorium (SPB chatroom, for any part of the drafts, you will need to have those lists to the Comish (me) by Thursday (8/26). If you have any questions, contact me ASAP. Thanks everyone. 

Those of you with UNCARDED players on your roster may protect ONE of your UNCARDED players free. This player will not count towards you limit number. Example: If your allowed 20 players and you have 3 uncardeds, you can add one of them free, which actually allows you 21 protected.

UNCARDED players are all those who have a future season listed beside their roster names. Example: Firebugs have Funderburk, of 1985 and Werhmeister, mr 1984 on my roster. I can protect name one of these to my protected list thereby giving me 20 players, instead of 19. 

And yes you can protect more than 1 UNCARDED player if you wish, but any more than 1 of them WILL COUNT AGAINST YOUR ALLOWABLE PROTECTED PLAYERS. Of course, if you do not have UNCARDEDS on your roster,all of this will not apply to you.

July 18, 2010 
1983 manager replaced 
FRANKFORT, IN -It is my privilege to announce that I have a new manager in place to take over the FORMER Dorsey Lemmings franchise. The new manager is Greg Nolen, who currently manages in SPB V. Greg will be taking over this franchise immediately and is available by email at : gnhokie@verizon.net for trading, or other league greetings. Greg is renaming the team as the Surfside Sharks. A hearty welcome aboard goes out here to Greg! 

June 21, 2010 
1983 draft order posted, and manager lost 
DAYTON, OH - I am very happy to release the 1983 draft order (including trades) for all SPB IV managers. Many thanks to manager Rick Ryan for his work on this! The draft will be held in August at John Turnbull's, with the actual date to be released very soon by John T. He will also be posting this draft order to the SPB IV webpage shortly. I will have the pre season 1983 files ready within the next couple of weeks. 

On another note of a totally different nature, we will be bidding good by in SPB IV to long time SPB manager Jim Bendik, who has just resigned due to buying a small business, and trying to get it established. Jim has been in SPB for at least 10 years. He will be missed. But the good news is he hopes to return when he gets his new business off the ground. He will be remaining at least for a while as an SPB V manager for now. Good luck, Jim! 

April 23, 2010 
1982 World Series Champion crowned! 
DAYTON, OH - Congratulation to Steve Lehman, whose San Diego Vaqueros outlasted John Laburda’s Moose Jaw Corsairs to win the 1982 league championship in 7 games, played H2H. Attached is the final database for the season. More detailed write-ups will follow in a couple weeks because of work schedules, but here are the brief summaries, supplied by Steve:

In a well played 7 game series (shouldn’t they all go the distance) the San Diego Vaqueros rose LaMarr Hoyt’s stellar pitching in the final game for a 4-1 win to win the World Series. Not sure who the MVP would be. Maybe Yount, but there is really no clear choice as not hitter stepped up and no pitcher was all that good. Enjoyable series against a great manager

Game 1: at San Diego 4 Moose Jaw 2 - Lamar Johnson game winning pinch hit 2-run HR in 8th. W: George Frazier L: Al Holland S: Dan Quisenberry
Game 2: Moose Jaw 3 at San Diego 2 – Corsairs win on a pinch hit rbi single from Johnny Bench in the 9th. W: Dave Schmidt L: Craig Swan
Game 3: San Diego 7 at Moose Jaw 2 – San Diego gets early homers from DeCinces, Yount and Johnson and never look back. W: Mario Soto L: Scott McGregor
Game 4: at Moose Jaw 7 San Diego 2 – Opposite of previous game. Early lead for Moose Jaw, never in trouble. W: Steve Rogers L: LaMarr Hoyt
Game 5: at Moose Jaw 9 San Diego 3 – Early and often again Dale Murphy and Pete Rose with 2 rbi’s each. W: Ed Farmer L: Milt Wilcox
Game 6: at San Diego 3 Moose Jaw 2 – good game throughout with Larry Herndon’s 3-run 4th inning HR holding up. W: Mario Soto L: Bob Knepper S: Dan Quisenberry
Game 7: at San Diego 4 Moose Jaw 1 – great outing from LaMarr Hoyt as he only threw 86 pitches and no runs until the 9th. Two 1st inning runs hold up. W: LaMarr Hoyt L: Steve Rogers

April 14, 2010 
New manager for 1983 
DAYTON, OH - Jim Wheeler is returning to SPB IV to take over the Lafayette Snow Bears team. Jim is replacing Steve Ehresman, who resigned shortly after the 1982 season ended. He will be leaving Royals Stadium, and taking up in Candlestick Park (S.F.) Welcome back Jim! Glad you decided to take on another SPB league. This change of parks leaves the open SPB IV parks as Royal Stadium (K.C.), and The Astrodome (Houston), as our open parks.

April 14, 2010 
82 World Series set 
DAYTON, OH - Congratulations are in order for Steve Lehman after he guided his red hot San Diego Vaqueros over Greg Henning's strong Baltimore Rifles team, in a well fought 5 game NLCS series. Mario Soto was a huge key as he pitched great ball in the 5th and final game to give the Vaqueros the series. They will now move on to the SPB 1982 World Series to match up against the winner of the A.L. series, John Laburda of the Moose Jaw Corsairs. The Corsairs beat Tom Kackley's Moondogs in a full 5 game series just completed today. The Corsairs will now move onto the 1982 World Series where they will match up with Steve Lehman's San Diego Vaqueros. The total stats and boxscores, will be posted soon to the SPB IV webpage for your viewing pleasure. The 1982 World Series will begin very soon. Stay tuned!

April 4, 2010 
American League East divisional playoff complete 
DAYTON, OH - The East Kenosha Legends and the Canton Moondogs tied for 107 wins apiece.  The Moondogs took the 3-game series 2 games to none.  Boxscores and writeups can be found HERE. The ALCS and NLCS playoff pages are ready to go.

March 22, 2010 
Managerial resignation 
DAYTON, OH - Manager Steve Ehresman has announced his intentions to leave SPB IV with the conclusion of the just completed 1982 season. Steve was a long time manager for us in SPB IV, and will be missed. Always sorry to see good managers leave. I will begin working on finding a new replacement for Steve in the near future. Thanks Steve for your years in SPB IV.   

March 22, 2010 
1982 Use or lose and overusage reports 
DAYTON, OH - As is customary after the regular season is complete, the annual use or lose and overusage reports are now posted.   

March 22, 2010 
1982 Regular season in "bonus play" mode 
DAYTON, OH - The regular season ends with a record number of 100-game-winning teams, including two 107-game winning teams. Unfortunately, those two are in the same division, the AL East. The East Kenosha Legends (Dave Lauer) and Canton Moondogs (Tom Kackley) will meet in a best-of-three playoff to decide who will go on to the LCS. The teams had an even 6-6 record against each other during the regular season, and only one game difference in their road/home splits. I used Pythagorean win projections as the tie-breaker, as the Legends had a slim one-game advantage in that category, which is based on runs score for and against. Once that playoff is decided, the LCS will be best-of-five playoffs, with the Eastern Division winner having the home field advantage. In the World Series, the National League has the advantage. It was indeed a season of extremes. In addition to 5 100-game winners, there were 3 100-game losers, and 10 teams with 90 or more losses. 

August 17, 2009 
1982 Ballpark change 
FRANKFORT, IN - Manager Chris Williams of the Edmonton Magpies has requested a stadium change for his Black & White Birds. He will be leaving the winds of Candlestick Park in S.F., and taking up new residence in Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Stadium for the coming 1982 season

July 21, 2009 
1982 Call for protected rosters 
FRANKFORT, IN - Here is the official call for your 1982 protected rosters. Calling for this now as the 1982 draft is only about 3 weeks away. Deadline for your roster to be submitted is Sunday, July 26th by 8PM Eastern time. You can submit your list anytime between now and then. Thanks to all who have already sent their lists in ahead of time! (Snow Bears, Grays, Rockets, & Gnomes). If you sent your list ahead of time, and I have not listed it here, please resend it.

Here is the official list with the number of players each team may protect:

18 Players
Baltimore Rifles (Greg Henning)
San Diego Vacqueros (Steve Lehman)
Canton Moon Dogs (Tom Kackley)
East Kenosha Legends (Dave Lauer)
Lafayette Snow Bears (Steve Ehresman)

19 Players
Edmonton Magpies (Chris Williams)
Rossville Rockets (Rick Ryan)
Moose Jaw Corsairs (John Laburda)
Fairfax Canaries (Ron Peterson)
Frankfort Firebugs (Gary Plunkitt)
Shelby Stars (Vin Onstott)
Oyster Creek Nukes (Al Schweitzer)
Baroda Serranos (Mike Galbreath)
New York Metropolitans (Don Rahn)
Cedar Rapids Hired Guns (Jerry Cada)
Anok Island Gnomes (Steve Brunner)
Dorsey Lemmings (Jim Bendik)
Hawaii 5-0's (Terry Baxter)
Worcester Grays (Hugh McElaney)

20 Players
Astoria Zoo Crew (Joe DeZarlo)
Los Angeles Missions (Marc Robinson)
Kansas City Barons (Mike Boling)
Toledo Mud Hens (Rich Applegate)
Wright Patt Plainsmen (John Turnbull)

DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, JULY 26TH FOR YOUR LIST. Thanks everyone

June 7, 2009 
1981 Awards announced! 
FRANKFORT, IN - Here are your Award winning players from the recently completed 1981 season.

MVP (American Lg.) - Dwight Evans, hard hitting RF from the Edmonton Magpies captured this prestigious prize. (266, .382., 483, 10-3B 31HR 104RBI 108RUNS 115BB)

MVP (National Lg.) - Mike Schmidt, slugging thirdbaseman from the Baltimore Rifles easily takes the most valuable plaque. (.291, .400, .656, 56HR! 124RBI 116RUNS 92BB 8/1-Steals)

CY YOUNG AWARD - (American Lg.) - Bert Blyleven, also from the Edmonton Magpies took the Award as the A.L.'s best. (20-5, 15CG 288IP 68BB 236K 6HR! 1.75!)
Close 2nd - Phil Niekro, East Kenosha (22-5, 15CG 276IP 123K 6SHO 6HR! 1.99!)

CY YOUNG AWARD - (National Lg.) - Fernando Valenzuela also from the Baltimore Rifles took this prize. (25-3, 20 CG 282IP 256K 5SHO 2.01)

FIREMAN AWARD - (American Lg) - Rollie Fingers of the Louisiana Lightning wins the top relef man prize. (66G 6-5 - 32SAVES 73IP 2HR 55K 11BB! 1.96)

FIREMAN AWARD - (National Lg) - Rich "Goose" Gossage of the Toledo Mud Hens captures the NL reliever prize. (52G 2-0-26SAVES 67IP 22H!! 3ER!! 20BB 73K!! 0HR!! 0.40) MUST BE A RECORD LOW ERA in SPB!!) 

ROOKIE HITTER - (American Lg) - Tim Wallach, 1B of Shelby Stars. (12 HR 48RBI in 105 Games).

ROOKIE HITTER - (National Lg) - Juan Bonilla, 2B of San Diego Vacqueros. (142 G .266)

ROOKIE PITCHER - (American Lg) - Mike Witt, SP of Dorsey Lemings (25ST, 7-10 168IP
109K 6HR 3.15)

ROOKIE PITCHER - (National Lg) - Pascual Perez, SP of the San Diego Vacqueros (21ST, 10-7 147IP 75K 2.88) gives the Vacqueros a rookie N.L. sweep.

MANAGER OF THE YEAR - (American Lg) - Mike See of the Louisiana Lightning captures another manager award proving once again why he is the Boy Genius! He led his Lightning to a 106-56 record posting the best mark in the A.L. while edging out his mentor, Dave Lauer and his amazing East Kenosha Legends by a mere two games in the final month of play. Honorable mention goes to Steve Ehresman, who's Lafayette Snow Bears knocked off the Lightning in a surprise upset during the ALCS series.

MANAGER OF THE YEAR - (National Lg) - Greg Henning of the Baltimore Rifles gave it his all once again as well in the N.L., while showing he is the real thing as he knocked off the Snow Bears in the 1981 World Series in grand fashion while overcoming a 3-1 Lafayette deficit. Greg won an amazing 114 games during the regular season to lead all teams. Honorable mention goes to rookie manager Steve Lehman who led his San Diego Vacqueros to 108 wins to capture his division, before falling to the Rifles in the NLCS.


Here are your winning All Star players.

NATIONAL LEAGUE ALL-STARS:

MILT MAY, C Anok Island Gnomes. (.348, .412, .448 in 129G)

CECIL COOPER, 1B Baltimore Rifles (.354, .388, .504 in 154G. 402B, 88R)

BOBBY GRICH, 2B Rossville Rockets (.279, .354. .501 in 144G. 27HR 101R)

MIKE SCHMIDT, 3B Baltimore Rifles (.291, .400, 656 in 149 G. 56HR, 116 R 124RBI, 92BB; MVP NL)

RICK BURLESON, SS Astoria Zoo Crew (.304, .360, .389 in 159G)

JOSE CRUZ, LF San Diego Vacqueros (.319, .373, .498 in 144G)
Close 2nd! - Rickey Henderson, Fairfax Canaries (.311, .390, .415 in 149G. 67 SB)

ANDRE DAWSON, CF Baltimore Rifles (.292, .322, .530 in 149G. 37HR 114RBI 12/3 Steals)

JACK CLARK, RF Rossville Cubs (.277, .350, .524 in 148 G. 9-3B 30HR 103RBI)

FERNANDO VALENZUELA, SP Baltimore Rifles (22-5 37ST 20CG 282IP 256K 5-SHO 2.01ERA)

RICH "GOOSE" GOSSAGE, RP Toledo Mud Hens (2-0, 26 SAVES in 52G, 67IP 73K 3RUNS!!! 0HR 0.40ERA) 

AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL STARS:

GARY CARTER, C Louisiana Lightning (.267, .319, .458 in 152 G. 23HR 82RBI)

EDDIE MURRAY, 1B Dorsey Lemmings (.301, .370, .509 in 159 G. 32-2B, 25HR)

LOU WHITAKER, 2B East Kenosha Legends (.291, .367, .444 in 144 G. 11-3B).
Close 2nd! - Jerry Remy, Wright Patt Plainsmen (.318, .360, 380 in 144 G. 16-4 SB)

CARNEY LANSFORD, 3B New York Knights (.333, .395, .399 in 162 G. 18SB)
Close 2nd! - (.280, .340, .448 in 155 G. 21HR 98RBI)

BILL ALMON, SS Oyster Creek Nukes (.299, .338, .405 in 138 G. 328AB)
Close 2nd! - Garry Templeton, Louisiana Lightning (.252, .284, .339 in 136 G 518 AB 
10-3B)

GREG LUZINSKI, LF Baroda Serranos (.272, .385, .505 in 159 G. 32-2B 31HR 109RBI
101BB)

DWAYNE MURPHY, CF Louisiana Lightning (.288, .387, 462 in 142 G. 25HR 93R 92BB)

DWIGHT EVANS, RF Edmonton Magpies (.266. .382, .483 in 162 G. 10-3B 31HR 108R
104RBI 115BB; MVP- AL)

BERT BLYLEVEN, SP Edmonton Magpies (20-5 35GS 15CG 288IP 236K 68BB 6HR!! 
1.75 ERA)

ROLLIE FINGERS, RP Louisiana Lightning (6-5, 32 SAVES in 66 G. 73 IP, 55K 11BB!!
2 HR!! 1.96 ERA)

Be sure to check out the SPB Voting Booth for a full look at the ballots with every vote cast for the All Stars. See where your players stood! Enjoy!

Thanks to everyone for your votes! All SPB IV managers voted. :) 

Be sure to check the SPB Voting Booth for the total balloting results. See how close you or your players might have finished in these important Awards.

May 4, 2009 
1981 World Series Champ Crowned! 
FRANKFORT, IN - My best congratulations go out to manager Greg Henning of the Baltimore Rifles as his team defeated the Lafayette Snow Bears in a wild and truly entertaining 7 game World Series. Baltimore manager Greg Henning wants to give credit for this team to former manager Bill Lanke, whom Greg inherited the team from, as Bill built this years powerhouse. 

Steve Ehresman put up a very staunch fight with his Lafayette White Polars. The S'Bears had a 3 to 1 lead, and looked like they would turn the tables on the favored Baltimore crew. But while leading in the final game, for most of the way, fate took over and the Rifles claimed the lead rather dramatically, and held on late in the game to send the surprised S'Bears to defeat. This series featured several unlikely heroes in nearly every game. Rifle's 2nd Sacker, Tony Bernazard proved a steady AND SPECTACULAR performer for the winning team. His heroics in game 7 were truly off the chart, all things considered. He was unanimously named the series MVP. 

For the full story on this series, the SPB IV Net Page will have the story lines, box scores, and score sheets posted soon. Be sure to check in a few days for the full game by game stories of this truly hard fought series. It is an SPB Classic!

April 25, 2009 
Manager swap 
FRANKFORT, IN - I am sorry to announce that Mike See is leaving SPB IV after many years as a manager in this league. Mike is very sorry to be leaving us, but a growing family and other time commitments have dictated he scale back on his teams. He will be missed.

His team the former Louisiana Lightning will be taken over by another veteran SPB manager, Tom Kackley. Tom will be changing the team name to become the Canton Moondogs. He will also be leaving Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Stadium, while taking on California's Anaheim Stadium as his home park. Welcome to SPB IV Tom! You can reach Tom at: bigtontolove@gmail.com. Tom will become official owner as soon as the 1981 W.S. is in the books.

April 18, 2009 
1981 World Series set 
FRANKFORT, IN - Just a quick note of congratulations to manager Greg Henning of the Baltimore Rifles and Steve Ehresman of the Lafayette Snow Bears as they each won their respective LCS series, and will now advance to the 1981 World Series to see who will take home the marbles. ;)

The Rifles came back and won 3 straight in the ALCS against the San Diego Vacqueros, who had taken the opening game behind a shutout by Mario Soto. The San Diego bunch was led by manager Steve Lehman. The Rifes then got hot and San Diego played well but failed to win another game.

The Snow Bears took their NLCS series by winning the 5th game against Mike See's Louisiana Lightning, when Dave Winfield got a big hit in the 6th inning that plated two runs off Lightning ace Tom Seaver, who had a 1-0 to that point. This was a real thriller as the Bears hung on for the 2-1 win. The Bears had won the first two, but the Lightning pulled it even taking the next two games, before Winfield delivered his winning hit off Tom Terrific.

The fulls boxscores, scoresheets, and game write ups for all 9 LCS games will be posted to the SPB IV webpage within the next few days. 

My thanks goes out to all 4 division winning managers for their promptness in getting these all important LCS series in the books. On to the 1981 World Series soon! :)

April 18, 2009 
1981 Voting booth open 
FRANKFORT, IN - The ballots are up and waiting for your votes on the 1981 All Star teams, and the big one, the 1981 Awards. Be sure to cast your votes as soon as possible in both these areas. Remember you have to cast one ballot, then return and cast the 2nd one too, in order to finish up. All 1981 managers are asked to vote, as well as our new manager for 1982. Have your votes in soon. Thanks! 

April 18, 2009 
1981 Overusage players 
DAYTON, OH - Sorry for the delay, but this took a little longer due to the spreadsheet limits.  Here are the overused players for 1981. 

April 5, 2009 
New manager on board for 1982 
DAYTON, OH - I am very happy to announce that we have a new manager on board for the coming 1982 season. Don Rahn is taking over the New York Knights team immediately. Former manager Greg Grover was replaced after failing to finish the 1981 season. Don is a veteran SPB manager, and is currently a manager in several other SPB leagues. This team will now play it's home games in Toronto's Exhibition Stadium, and will be known as the New York Metropolitans. Welcome aboard for 1982 Don! 

April 5, 2009 
1981 Use or lose players 
DAYTON, OH - As is customary with every season, we bring to you those players who will be dropped from their team due to underusage. 

April 5, 2009 
1981 Final stats and power rankings posted 
DAYTON, OH - The final stats and power rankings for the 1981 campaign are now posted. To All SPB IV 1981 Managers, My best wishes go out, along with a big tip of the old hat, to our four division winning managers from the recently completed 1981 season. 

In the A.L. East division, Mike See, SPB's boy genius, captured the only really close division race when his Louisiana Lightning, winners of 106 games, edged out Dave Lauer, and his team of many faces, the East Kenosha, Legends by a mere two games. This race was decided in a dramatic series at seasons end. Dave did lead the way most of the season, but his veteran crew tired out during the last couple of months allowing the Lightning to strike.

In the N.L. East, rookie manager Steve Lehman inherited a very nice team, the San Diego Vacqueros, took charge and blew the rest of the division far away, capturing 108 wins along the way. The Frankfort Firebugs, due to a solid final two months of play, moved up and finished 2nd, ONLY 28 games off the pace! (LOL) The Old Curmudgeon, Gary Plunkitt was not pleased with his teams showing though, as the Bugs were a real motley crew, still finishing under .500. They barely managed a 2nd place behind San Diego. ;-)

In the A.L. West, feisty, and fiery Steve Ehersman led his Lafayette Snow Bears to 102 wins. This team was led by a fantastic pitching staff, and little offense. They did not need the bats with the way their pitchers performed! Finishing in 2nd, 12 games off the pace were the Moose Jaw Corsairs, led by the reliable John Laburda.

And last but certainly not least, over in the N.L. West, was Greg Henning. This hard charging veteran manager led his Baltimore Rifles to an amazing 114 victories. This team has a LOT of everything. Henning has put together a very solid ballclub. He won by an 18 game margin! Rick Ryan, the silver tongued leader of the 2nd place Rossville Rockets put together a nice year with 96 wins, but his charges were never a threat to the dynasty team in Baltimore this season.

The League Championship Series will begin soon in 1981. They should be some very exciting games! It will feature the Lightning taking on the Snowbears for the A.L. flag, while in the N.L., we will be watching the Rifles and Vacqueros battle it out. Should be a couple of VERRRY INTERESTING series! 
 Check out the playoff links on the left menu for complete playoff coverage.

February 17, 2009 
Increase in playing limits 
FRANKFORT, IN - This is just a remind for our 1981 Managers that the recent change for bonus players was an immediate one and is in effect for these seasons. All bonus batter now get 100 extra AB's instead of 75, and all bonus starting pitchers can now double their starts to a maximum of 26 instead of 24. Just wanting to make sure your all aware.

August 7, 2008 
Notes for 1981 Season 
FRANKFORT, IN - With the drafts now just being a few days away, I would like to remind everyone about the special things concerning this years play. As most baseball purists considered the real life 1981 season a special blight on the history of the game, due to the extended mid-season strike and the stupidity of making MLB play a split season, once play resumed, we here are SPB will set the record straight. ;-)

Which means, in essence that we will play the normal 162 game schedule that was originally intended of course, for real life MLB. This has meant that the real life at bats for hitters, and the starts and reliefs for each pitcher had to be adjusted for SPB to show the probable statistical totals based on "if each player had played a full schedule that season using their real life appearances projected to a full seasons play of 162 games".

Thanks to our more than sufficient webmaster John Turnbull these stats were taken on and you may find the real life allowances for each batter (AB's) and pitchers (Starts & Reliefs) that will be allowed for SPB's play of the full 1981 season. On the SPB IV webpage, in the column on the LH side of the page you will find a 1981 Hitting Limit & the 1981 pitching limits under the first heading (SPB-4 Links). This is an easy to read chart that gives these limits for every player in SPB. John also lists the actual stats that players would have had for other statistics as well, had the players played in their projected limits. The bonus players have had their extra stats figured in as well. Thanks again John!

Most SPB IV managers already know about this, but some may have missed it. I feel it is very important that all 1981 SPB managers know their player limits for this coming season, so it would be a good idea for all of you to check this out and make sure you know your limits heading into the drafts so that you will be able to meet your needs at every position. SPB's AB limits for hitters, and start and relief limits for pitchers will be based on these projected stats and not on real life ones. When the season is completed, player overuse penalties will be based on these projected totals, not real life ones. The good news for 50% is that I will continue to use the real life stats in figuring the 50%. After we do need a break somewhere in all this. :)

If you have any questions on reading the projected totals, concerning your player limits for 1981's SPB season, please contact John T. or myself. I want to wish each of you a solid season in 1981, where we will see what the players really might have done with a 162 game schedule. 
:

July 28, 2008 
Roster movements 
FRANKFORT, IN - A further note about the East Kenosha team, they were the only 1981 team with more than 38 players going into the rookie draft, so accordingly they have released the following 3 players to get down to 38:

OF Bombo Rivera (82) - This ends Bombo's SPB career as he does not play enough in 1982 to stay in SPB (less than 15 AB's). 

OF Tom Poquette - Poquette is now placed back into the 1981 rookie draft.

P - Eric Rasmussen (82) - Eric will return to SPB in the 1982 rookie draft.

July 9, 2008 
New manager announced 
FRANKFORT, IN - It is my privilege to announce a new manager for the former Bronx Storm team has been appointed in SPB IV. The new man is Steve Lehman. His email address is: thelehm@cox.net. He will be renaming the team as the San Diego Vaqueros, and will keep Yankee Stadium as his home park. Please take a second to welcome Steve to SPB IV, if you can. He is a veteran DMB manager and plays in a few other leagues. He likes to play head to head games when possible. Welcome aboard Steve.

On the other end, former manager Tim Johnson is giving up the team for health reasons. Tim has had a long run with us in SPB IV. But the good news is he will be staying in SPB I & II. Thanks Tim for all the faithful seasons you put in as manager in SPB IV. 

June 18, 2008 
1980 Awards announced 
FRANKFORT, IN - All SPB IV Mangers, As the voting has recently been finished up for the 1980 season, it is now the time to announce the winners!

In the MVP balloting for the American League it was a real battle with RF Reggie Jackson of the Dorsey Lemmings edging out 1B Steve Garvey of the Louisiana Lightning by a very close 79 - 71 point margin. 3B George Brett of the Hawaii 5-0's easily swept the N.L. MVP trophy garnering 122 points. 

Voting for the Cy Young Award in the N.L. had Rick Waits of the Kansas City Barons winning in a close one with Toledo Mud Hens Fergie Jenkins finishing 2nd. Point spread was 89-72. In the A.L., another close battle saw Pocono's Mike Norris win over Dave Steib of Lafayette by a scant 8 points 79-71.

The Firemen of the Year for 1980 saw Kenosha Comet Tom Burgmeier easily outdistance all opposition in the A.L. gathering 131 votes (most of all winners), while in the N.L., Dan Quisenberry of the Bronx Storm had 105 points.

The A.L. Rookie hitter of the year is Pocono Oaks OF Joe Charboneau take honors with 126 rather convincing points. In the N.L., Wabash Revolvers Dave Stapleton won the rookie hitter honors with 93 points.

The N.L. Rookie pitcher of the year was a bit close as reliever Doug Corbett of the Wabash Revolvers made it a Wabash rookie sweep by edging Frankfort Firebugs starting pitcher Britt Burns by a 100-87 margin. The A.L. rookie pitching honors were handed to reliever Al Holland of the Gotham Ghosts with a high total of 113 points.

The American League's Manager of the Year was won by Louisiana Lightnings peerless young dynamo Mike See. Finishing 2nd was the Lafayette Snow Bears veteran manager Steve Ehresman, and in 3rd place was Jim Wheeler finishing up his last year in SPB V with the Pocono Oaks. Mike easily won with 116 points.

The National League's Manager of the Year for 1980 was Frankfort Firebugs gallant leader Gary Plunkitt. (Thank you all!) Finishing in 2nd place was the Toledo Mud Hens grizzled Rich Applegate. Taking the 3rd spot was Monteazuma Revenge's Greg Stillwagon, in his farewell tour. Gary captured 91 points for the Award.

To see the full list of vote getters (every vote is there) be sure to check out the full and complete revealing results on the SPB webpage under the Voting Booth. Quite a story. See how many of your players received votes for these prestigious honors. Book it!

June 12, 2008 
Managers trade teams/leagues 
FRANKFORT, IN - SPB I, II, and IV Managers, Following a most unusual request from a pair of seasoned SPB managers, I have decided to approve their strange "trade". Bill Lanke is giving up his teams in SPB I & IV in the move. Greg Henning is giving up his SPB II team. Greg will also take over the Wabash Revolvers now, in SPB IV (1981). This league will begin on October 1st, and the drafts will be held on August 9th. The Wabash Revolvers will become the Baltimore Rifles

May 22, 2008 
1981 Draft date set 
FRANKFORT, IN - The 1981 Rookie Draft for SPB IV will be held in Frankfort, Indiana on Saturday, August 9th. I would like to invite each of you for a plain old fashioned SPB draft at my place. Please let me know ASAP if you might be able to attend in person, or will be (which is even better!). Or let me know if you will be using a draft list, or attending this draft in the SPB Auditorium chatroom. Plenty of talent to disperse at this one, so feel free to join the festivities in early August. 

May 15, 2008 
New Manager named 
FRANKFORT, IN - It is my pleasure to announce that an old standby is returning as manager in SPB IV to take over the former Montezuema Revenge team. This is Greg Stillwagon's old team. Rick Ryan will be returning to SPB IV after missing last season. Rick will rename the team as the Rossville Rockets, and will remain in Fenway Park. Rick's info will be added to the SPB IV managers page shortly by our esteemed webmaster John Turnbull. Welcome back Mr. Ryan!

May 11, 2008 
New President named 
FRANKFORT, IN - It is my privilege to announce that Steve Ehresman has been appointed as the new President of SPB IV. This is a little past due as former league Pres. Jim Wheeler, resigned a while back from SPB IV. I am very glad to welcome Steve to the position. Steve is an original member of SPB dating back to 1991. He will serve on the Rules Committee as well. 

May 1, 2008 
Revenge go back to back in 7-game series win 
DAYTON, OH - Congratulations to Greg Stillwagon's Montezuma Revenge for gutting out a tough 7-game victory over Mike See's Louisiana Lightning.   Complete World Series coverage can be seen on the links to the left.  

April 24, 2008 
1980 World Series set 
FRANKFORT, IN - A hearty congratulations goes out to Mike See & Greg Stillwagon as they advance to begin the 1980 SPB World Series soon. Mike's Louisiana Lightning will represent the American League, as they swept past Steve Ehresman's Lafayette Snow Bears in 3 straight games in the A.L.C.S. Gregs' Montezuema Revenge defeated Gary Plunkitt's Frankfort Firebugs in a hard fought 5 game series to take the National League pennant. 

April 10, 2008 
Two teams enters witness protection program 
FRANKFORT, IN - Marc Robinson, who just changed parks, has decided to give his team a whole new identity for 1981. He is giving up the monicker Iron City Rovers and will now be known as the Los Angeles Missions. An old PCL label.  The Kenosha Comets will become the East Kenosha Legends in 1981. 

April 10, 2008 
Three more ballpark changes 
FRANKFORT, IN - The following ballpark changes are in the books:

Dave Lauer is pulling the plug on Dodger Stadium and moving his Kenosha Comets to his new home park at Riverfront Stadium (Cin). 

Marc Robinson is making a move out of Comiskey Park into Dodger Stadium. The team involved is the Iron City Rovers. 

Mike Boling is leaving his old haunts for the Kansas City Barons. Mike will be abandoning Toronto's Exhibition Stadium for the leisurely Comiskey Park in Chicago. 

Toronto's Exhibition Stadium and California's Anaheim Stadium are the two open parks in SPB IV. 

April 10, 2008 
Three new managers named 
FRANKFORT, IN - It is my pleasure to announce that we have 3 new managers in place for the coming 1981 season! Here is the info for our new field leaders:

Taking over the former Spirit Mountain Volcanoes will be a manager familiar to many with history in SPB, Vin Onstott, from Michigan has taken this team and renamed them to become the Shelby Stars. He will remain in the Oakland Coliseum for their home games.
Former manager was Marc Hollingsworth.

Assuming the reigns of the former Gotham City Ghosts will be John Laburda. John has renamed the team the Moose Jaw Corsairs, and has chosen Montreal's Olympic Stadium as his new home park, abandoning Cincinnati's Riverfront. Former manager was John Cusack.

Last, but certainly not least, we have Greg Grover taking over the former Pocono Oaks team. He will rename the club as the New York Knights, and retain the Houston Astrodome as his home park. Former manager was Jim Wheeler.

Welcome to the league Vin, Greg, & John! With your experience in SPB, I know the teams are in good hands. All the information on these changes will be made to the SPB IV webpage very soon by our noted webmaster, John Turnbull.

FOOTNOTE:
This will leave the open ballparks in SPB IV as Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium and California's Anaheim Stadium as the available parks. If any SPB IV managers would like to make a stadium change (providing they have played at least two full seasons in their current park), now is the time to make the move.

April 3, 2008 
Three manager resignations 
DAYTON, OH - Now that the regular season has concluded, I can announce that we have had 3 manager resign. They all notified me a few months ago that they were leaving this SPB League at the end of the 1980 season. 

First Jim Wheeler is leaving his post as manager of the Pocono Oaks. Jim will be staying in SPB NOW, as his only league. Jim was the original Commish of the SPB League for the first 5 years, but has slowly dropped out of every league, except NOW, over the last 3 years.

2nd manager to leave is another former SPB old timer, John Cusack is leaving the Gotham City Ghosts, this was John's last tie with SPB.

3rd manager to go is Marc Hollingsworth of the Spirit Mountain Volcanoes. Marc had been manager of this team for 4 seasons. He will be staying in all other SPB leagues he is involved with.

Each manager has given the reason of dwindling time left to devote to managing these teams. We will be looking for some new managers soon to replace them. Best of luck to all 3 managers, and many thanks for your years of involvement in SPB! 

April 3, 2008 
1980 End of season reports 
DAYTON, OH - Commissioner Gary Plunkitt has issued the yearly lost players due tote 50% use them or lose them rule, as well as the overusage report.