FABL 1960 Season Recap
Trades Begin Early
- January 2: Chicago Cougars acquired Bill Irvin (.237/.356/.412, 14 HR, 47 RBI in 1959) from Toronto Wolves for two prospects, including top 100 prospect Red Richards. Toronto also received George Ewing to bolster their bullpen.
- January 10: Boston Minutemen acquired ace Bud Henderson (12-15, 4.05 ERA) from the Sailors. In return, the Sailors received young hurler Gary Pike and prospects Jim Cruel (ranked 65th) and Mike Logan.
Key Transactions Leading into Spring
- Washington Eagles traded prospect Carl Levy (ranked 51st) to the Cougars for catcher Chappy Sanders and outfielder Hugh Pate.
- Irv Clifford, a 6-time All-Star and 1948 Kellogg Winner, was traded from the Miners to the Chiefs in a major deal that saw Eddie Thomas (ranked top catching prospect) and others head to Pittsburgh.
Regular Season Highlights
April
- The Pittsburgh Miners surprised with an 8-3 start but faltered after facing the Chiefs. Chicago, boosted by Irv Clifford and strong pitching, jumped to a 2.5-game lead in the Fed.
May
- Cleveland Foresters took control of the Continental Association (CA), riding their strong offense and pitching to a 4-game lead over the Cougars.
All-Star Game
- Continental stars defeated Federal Association (Fed) counterparts 9-8. Charlie Barrell (3-for-5) and Hal Kennedy (2 hits, HR) shone for the CA.
Trade Deadline
- Cleveland added slugger Earl Howe (247 career HR) from the Gothams, solidifying their lineup for a pennant run. The Chiefs acquired veteran pen help, while other teams focused on retooling.
Late Season
- In the Fed, Boston Minutemen pulled away after a 9-game win streak in August, led by Don Griffin’s (21-6, 2.01 ERA) dominant pitching.
- Cleveland cruised to the CA title, finishing 10 games ahead of Cincinnati, with Paul Williams (.359/.469/.562) anchoring their offense.
Awards and Honors
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Whitney Award Winners:
- Federal Association: Harry Dellinger (Keystones, .350/.395/.568, 31 HR, 125 RBI).
- Continental Association: Dallas Berry (Cannons, .326/.461/.657, 42 HR, 133 RBI).
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Allen Award Winners:
- Federal: Don Griffin (Minutemen, 21-6, 2.01 ERA, 186 Ks).
- Continental: Arnie Smith (Wolves, 13-13, 3.44 ERA, 213 Ks).
1960 World Championship Series
Boston Minutemen vs. Cleveland Foresters
- Boston triumphed in 5 games, repeating their 1959 success. Key contributors included Del Filo (2 HR in Game 1) and Don Griffin (dominant Game 5 shutout).
Offseason Overview
- Expansion Talk Intensifies: FABL anticipates adding new teams, with cities like Dallas, LA, Milwaukee, and Seattle as frontrunners.
- Major Trades:
- Boston traded 2B Marshall Thomas (.291/.367/.472) to the Keystones, who also landed young star Harry Dellinger (Whitney and Kellogg winner).
- Kansas City acquired John Wells (.270/.341/.397) to shore up their infield.
- New York Gothams dealt closer Hal Adams to Cincinnati, signaling a shift toward youth.
1961 Outlook
The FABL landscape may change forever with potential expansion looming, sparking new opportunities and challenges for teams. With champions like Boston and Cleveland leading the way, the 1961 season promises another thrilling chapter in baseball history.
For a more in-depth look at 1960, check out the yearly recap in This Week in Figment Sports, here!