Podcasts, Interviews and Videos

Beatles Eternally – Steve Etzel, Kurt Bergland and I field questions and talk about our new book with Joe Caracciolo.

Box Scores From The Basement – Steve Etzel and I discuss our book, “Hardball Retro’s Compendium of Baseball Tabletop Simulations” and I play a game of Digital Diamond Baseball v14 against the BSFTB guys using the starting lineups and pitchers from the 2026 World Series, Game 4!

Box Scores From the Basement – The “Box Score” guys are joined by the co-chair of the SABR games and simulation committee, Derek Bain to discuss How to Create the Perfect Baseball Sim. – May 24, 2026

SABR’s Emil Rothe Chicago Chapter – John Racanelli and Derek Bain present “A Brief History of Baseball Video Games and Electronic Handhelds” – April 29, 2026

Hittin’ Season: A Philadelphia Phillies podcast (WHYY) – Derek Bain and John Racanelli drop by to discuss their book, “Hardball Retro’s Compendium of Baseball Video Games and Electronic Handhelds,” with Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus. – June 20, 2025

Romantic About Baseball podcast – Jason Wood and Bruce Sarte interview Derek Bain – June 11, 2025

Sports Sim Magazine – “A Sports Sim Roundtable Examines the Charm and Torment of All-Time Greats Gaming Sets” – by Dan Verdun – May 2025 (Issue 20)

Beatles Eternally – “A Saturday Night Baseball Chinwag with Authors Derek Bain and John Racanelli” – March 22, 2025

SABR Games and Simulations – John Racanelli and Derek Bain discuss their book, “Hardball Retro’s Compendium of Baseball Video Games and Electronic Handheld. – January 8, 2025

The New Sports Games Journal – “Diamonds in the Code: A Look into Baseball’s Digital Legacy: an Interview with Derek Bain” – by Jamie Marshall – November 2023 (Vol. 9, Issue 2)

Farther Off the Wall – “In our book, the 2021 spring baseball book reviews are done, but can there be more?” – Q&A session with Derek Bain – by Tom Hoffarth – June 2021

Comfortably Zoned Radio – podcast hosted by Ralph Tyko with guest Derek Bain (running time 30m) – March 26, 2018 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh_02J25QMY

Weighted Donuts – podcast hosted by Wayne Unger and Craig Stier with guest Derek Bain (running time 53m) – September 18, 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nPZNSVC6IE

Comfortably Zoned Radio – podcast hosted by Ralph Tyko with guests Bill Hall and Derek Bain (running time 50m) – August 11, 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vui8zzkjnuM

“Ultimate Strat Baseball Newsletter” – Wolfman Shapiro interview of Derek Bain – February 2018 http://www.ultimatestratbaseball.com/USBN-2-2018/DerekBain-Author-February2018.htm

Selected Resources for Retro Baseball Video Games

Weighted Donuts podcast – Wayne Unger interviews Don Daglow and Eddie Dombrower (World Series Major League Baseball, Earl Weaver Baseball and Tony La Russa Baseball series) – February 16, 2017

Computer Chronicles – “Baseball Software” episode – hosted by Stewart Chiefet (APBA Baseball for Windows with Kenneth Miller, Hardball III with Daniel Jung and Tony La Russa Baseball with Don Daglow) –

Computer Chronicles – “Games” episode – hosted by Stewart Chiefet (Earl Weaver Baseball with Eddie Dombrower)

The Making of Tony La Russa Baseball 3 (video included with the game) –

Intellivisionaries – Episode 7 – includes reviews of Major League Baseball, World Championship Baseball, and World Series Major League Baseball along with interviews of David Rolfe (MLB) and Eddie Dombrower (WSMLB).

Informs podcast – hosted by Ashley Kilgore with Gary Cokins, credited with the oldest computer game code by the Baseball Hall of Fame. Related article – Realizing a Kid’s Dream of Computerized Baseball

Articles and Reviews

SSI Computer Baseball – Oxner, Bill. “Play Ball.” Computer Gaming World, June-July 1985, Volume 5.3. pgs 24-25.

Computer Statis Pro Baseball – Peschel, William. “View From The Dugout – Major League Baseball on the Computer.” Computer Gaming World, May 1986, Volume 28. pgs 19-20, 45.

MicroLeague Baseball – Kunerth, Jeff. “For Fanatics, Micro League Baseball is a Big Hit”. Chicago Tribune. December 27, 1987.

MicroLeague Baseball – Oxner, Bill. “Play Ball!” Computer Gaming World. Volume 5.3, June-July 1985, p24-27.

MicroLeague Baseball – Trunzo, James V. “An Interview With the Designer of MicroLeague Baseball.” Computer Gaming World. Volume 28. May 1986. p22-23.

Avalon Hill Pro Manager / Major League Manager –
Oxner, Bill. “Play Ball!” Computer Gaming World. Volume 5.3, June-July 1985, p24-27.

Avalon Hill Pro Manager / Major League Manager – Wilson, Johnny. “Baseball Game Survey.” Computer Gaming World. Volume 36, April 1987, p6-9, 42-44.

Pure-Stat Baseball – Jala, Beth S. “Software Gallery: Pure-Stat Baseball.” RUN Magazine. Issue 37, January 1987, p18, 24.

Pure-Stat Baseball – Teverbaugh, Rick. “Sports Scoreboard.” Computer Gaming World. Volume 33, December 1986, p52.

Pure-Stat Baseball – Wilson, Johnny. “Baseball Game Survey.” Computer Gaming World. Volume 36, April 1987, p6-9, 42-44.

Monday Morning Manager – Atari Explorer, Spring 1987. Letters to the Editor. “Update for Baseball Fans”. Page 4.

Radio Baseball – Teverbaugh, Rick. “Sports Scoreboard.” Computer Gaming World. Volume 33, December 1986, p52.

Earl Weaver Baseball – Connor, Peter. “Screen Test – Earl Weaver Baseball.” Advanced Computer Entertainment. October 1987, Issue 1, p68-69.

Earl Weaver Baseball – Jago, Francis. “Baseball Head to Head.” Commodore User. October 1987, Issue 49, p86-87.

Earl Weaver Baseball – Kendall, Mark. “Putting Bytes into the Old Ball Game.” Pomona College Magazine. June 26, 2013.

Earl Weaver Baseball – Leeds, Matthew. “Software Reviews – Earl Weaver Baseball.” May 1987, Issue 5, p48-49.

Earl Weaver Baseball – Lesser, Hartley and Patricia Lesser. “The Role of Computers.” Dragon Magazine. Issue 126, p84.

Earl Weaver Baseball – Lesser, Hartley and Patricia Lesser. “The Role of Computers.” Dragon Magazine. Issue 127, p78, 80.

Earl Weaver Baseball – Lesser, Hartley and Patricia Lesser. “The Role of Computers.” Dragon Magazine. Issue 132, p83.

Earl Weaver Baseball – McLean, Mickey. “Fast Looks – Earl Weaver Baseball 1.5” Compute! Issue 113, October 1989, p114.

Earl Weaver Baseball – Randall, Neil. “Reviews – Earl Weaver Baseball.” Compute! Issue 93, February 1988, p49-50.

Earl Weaver Baseball – Sipe, Russell and Johnny Wilson. “An Interview With Earl Weaver.” Computer Gaming World. Volume 36, April 1987, p36-39.

Earl Weaver Baseball – Wilson, Johnny. “Bezbol Been Berry, Berry Good To Me!” Computer Gaming World. Volume 36, April 1987, p6-8.

Earl Weaver Baseball – Wyss, Tony. “Hall of Fame – Earl Weaver Baseball.” SportPlanet.

Full Count Baseball – Fisher, Lew and Eric Faust. “Full Count Baseball.” Computer Gaming World. Volume 37, May 1987, p26.

Full Count Baseball – Trunzo, James V. “Lance Haffner Games.” Compute! Issue 83, April 1987, p66.

MicroLeague Baseball II – Compute! Issue 115, December 1989, p126, 130.

Microleague Baseball: The Manager’s Challenge – Amiga World, June 1992, p96.

Tony La Russa’s Ultimate Baseball – Murray, Rink. “386 Down the Power Alleys: Baseball Simulations Emerge From Spring Training.” PC Magazine. April 28, 1992, p493.

Tony La Russa’s Ultimate Baseball – Rogers, Win. “Great A’s Baseball: SSI’s Tony LaRussa’s Ultimate Baseball.” Computer Gaming World. Volume 88, November 1991, p104, 106.

Tony La Russa’s Ultimate Baseball – Rogers, Win. “Not Yet the Ultimate: SSI’s Expansion Disks for Tony LaRussa’s Ultimate Baseball.” Computer Gaming World. Volume 97, August 1992, p80, 82.

Earl Weaver Baseball II – Murray, Rink. “386 Down the Power Alleys: Baseball Simulations Emerge From Spring Training.” PC Magazine. April 28, 1992, p493.

Earl Weaver Baseball II – Poho, Seth. “Earl Weaver and the Greatest Baseball Game of All-Time.” RO Baseball. January 5, 2017.

Earl Weaver Baseball II – Rogers, Win. “Field of (Weird) Dreams.” Computer Gaming World. Volume 89, December 1991, p16, 18, 20.

APBA Baseball for Windows / Broadcast Blast – Gindin, Jim. “Baseball: Diamonds Are A Fan’s Best Friend”. Computer Gaming World. May 1995.

APBA Baseball for Windows / Broadcast Blast – Murray, Rink. “386 Down the Power Alleys: Baseball Simulations Emerge From Spring Training.” PC Magazine. April 28, 1992, p493.

APBA Baseball for Windows / Broadcast Blast – Poulter, Wallace. “A 3.1-Run Homer”. Computer Gaming World. November 1993. p134, 136.

APBA Baseball for Windows / Broadcast Blast – Rogers, Win. “Miller Associates’ APBA Major League Players Baseball 1.5”. Computer Gaming World. August 1992. p72–74.

APBA Baseball for Windows / Broadcast Blast – Gindin, Jim. “The Old Ballgame: Baseball for Windows Boasts a New Sound, But the Same Old Gameplay”. Computer Gaming World. November 1995. p206.

APBA Baseball for Windows / Broadcast Blast – McCauley, Dennis. “Atop the Mound: Baseball Slides Head-First Into Your PC”. Computer Gaming World. July 1996. p78.

Tony La Russa Baseball II – Poulter, Wallace. “Tony La Russa 2 Earns Some ‘A’s’”. Computer Gaming World. June 1993. p24,26.

Tony La Russa Baseball II – Wilson, Johnny L. “Another At Bat For Tony La Russa”. Computer Gaming World. April 1993. p8-10

Front Page Sports Baseball ’94 – Computer Gaming World. November 1994. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_124.pdf

Front Page Sports Baseball ’94 – Ginden, Jim. “Baseball: Diamonds Are A Fan’s Best Friend”. Computer Gaming World. May 1995. p62. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_130.pdf

Front Page Sports Baseball ’98 – McCauley, Dennis. “Sim World Series: Winners and Losers in This Year’s Baseball Sim Contest”. Computer Gaming World. December 1997. p312. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_160.pdf

ESPN Baseball Tonight – Gindin, Jim. “Double Play: Turn Two With Reviews of Hardball IV and ESPN Baseball Tonight”. Computer Gaming World. April 1995. p132, 134, 136. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_129.pdf

ESPN Baseball Tonight – Gindin, Jim. “Baseball: Diamonds Are A Fan’s Best Friend”. Computer Gaming World. May 1995. p62. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_130.pdf

ESPN Baseball Tonight – Jones, George. “ESPN Baseball Tonight: Chris Berman Charisma, Tony La Russa Design”. Computer Gaming World. February 1995. p132, 134. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_127.pdf

Hardball 3 – Rogers, Win. “Sights and Sounds of the Summer Game – Al Michaels Announces Hardball III”. Computer Gaming World. August 1992. p78-79. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_97.pdf

Hardball 4 – Gindin, Jim. “Double Play: Turn Two With Reviews of Hardball IV and ESPN Baseball Tonight”. Computer Gaming World. April 1995. p132, 134, 136. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_129.pdf

Hardball 4 – Gindin, Jim. “Baseball: Diamonds Are A Fan’s Best Friend”. Computer Gaming World. May 1995. p62. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_130.pdf

Hardball 5 – Gindin, Jim. “Back to the Bullpen: Accolade’s Hardball 5 is More a Changeup Than a Fastball”. Computer Gaming World. January 1996. p274, 276. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_138.pdf

Hardball 5 – Jones, George. “Holiday Top 100: Sports”. Computer Gaming World. December 1995. p110. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_137.pdf

Hardball 6 – Kaiafas, Tasos. “Strike Six (HardBall 6 Review)” . Computer Gaming World. August 1998. p208. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_169.pdf

Pursue the Pennant – Teverbaugh, Rick. “Sports Scoreboard”. Computer Gaming World. Volume 38, June-July 1987. p40. https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_38.pdf

APBA, Full Count Baseball, Pursue the Pennant, Strat-o-Matic – Widner, Duane E. “Baseball is the Numbers”. Computer Gaming World. Volume 71, May 1990, p20-21. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_71.pdf   

Diamond Mind Baseball – Gindin, Jim. “Baseball: Diamonds Are A Fan’s Best Friend”. Computer Gaming World. May 1995. p62. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_130.pdf

Baseball Analytics – Retro Reviews

	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – SSI Computer Baseball
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review –Computer Statis Pro Baseball
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – MicroLeague Baseball
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Avalon Hill Pro Manager / Major League Manager
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Pure-Stat Baseball
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Monday Morning Manager
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Radio Baseball
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Earl Weaver Baseball
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Full Count Baseball
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – MicroLeague Baseball II – III – IV
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Tony La Russa’s Ultimate Baseball
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Earl Weaver Baseball II
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – APBA Baseball
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Tony La Russa Baseball II
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Front Page Sports Baseball ’94 – ’96 – ’98
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – ESPN Baseball Tonight
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Hardball 3-4-5-6
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Pursue the Pennant – Diamond Mind Baseball
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Pro League Baseball
	Retro Computer Baseball Game Review – Tony La Russa Baseball 3 – 4 – Old Time Baseball

Links to my Retro Reviews on Mobygames

https://www.mobygames.com/mobyrank/source/sourceId,2697/

Here is a review of Hardball Retrospective by Gregg Kersey at “Gregg’s Baseball Bookcase” ->

Purchase Hardball Retrospective here:

Amazon

Selection Criteria

• individual seasons in the Expansion Era (1961 – 2017)
• levels A through AAA
• ages 24 or younger (A and A+)
• age 25 seasons (AA and AAA)
• age 26 seasons (AAA)

Terminology

RC – Runs Created – using the basic formula devised by Bill James:

((H + BB) * TB) / (AB + BB)

Note: I utilized the basic formula as opposed to the Technical Version due to

incomplete GIDP and IBB data.

RC/140 – Runs Created per 140 Games as Minor League ballplayers

RC / (G / 140)

FIP – Fielding Independent Pitching – “Fielding Independent Pitching converts a pitcher’s three true outcomes into an earned run average-like number. The formula is (13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP, plus a constant (usually around 3.2) to put it on the same scale as earned run average.

FIP is a component ERA inspired by the work of Voros McCracken on defense-independent pitching statistics, but has become more widely used because of the ease of computation – it requires only four easily-found box score stats, uses only basic arithmetic operations and has four easily-memorized constants. It was conceived of by both Tom Tango and Clay Dreslough, the latter of who called it Defense-Independent Component ERA.” (definition courtesy of Baseball Prospectus Glossary).

((13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP)+3.2)

Assessment

The Houston Colt .45’s / Astros 

Jose Altuve compiled the highest RC/140 among qualifiers for the Houston franchise when he batted at a .389 clip and slugged .591 over a half-season with Lancaster (A+) and Corpus Christi (AA) in 2011. The 2017 AL MVP, six-time All-Star second baseman and three-time batting champion led the Junior Circuit with 200+ base knocks in 4 straight seasons (2014-17). A.J. Reed clobbered 34 blasts, drove in 127 baserunners and registered 113 tallies while hitting .340 and slugging .612 across two minor league stops in 2015. Jason Lane swatted 26 big-flies and 34 two-base knocks with the ‘Stros in his first full big-league campaign (2005), four years after slashing .316/.407/.608 against Texas League pitching. Alex Bregman (#1, 2015) breezed through the upper minors as he batted .306 and slugged .580 SLG prior to making his Major League debut in July 2016. “A-Breg” topped the century mark in runs and RBI, led the circuit with 51 doubles and finished fifth in the 2018 AL MVP race. Morgan Ensberg clouted 23 four-baggers and recorded a .310 BA for the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA) in 2001. He subsequently established career-highs in home runs (36), RBI (101) and SLG (.557) to merit his lone All-Star invitation in ’05. Danny Heep totaled 13 big-league seasons as a pinch-hitter and backup outfielder for 5 organizations after tearing up the Pacific Coast League in 1980 with a .343 BA and a .580 SLG. Four-time All-Star outfielder Hunter Pence mashed 25 taters for the ‘Stros in three successive seasons (2008-2010). “Captain Underpants” slammed 31 round-trippers and supplied a .327 BA as a member of the Lexington Legends (A) and the Salem Avalanche (A+) in 2005. George Springer (#1, 2011) pummeled opposition hurlers in the Texas and Pacific Coast Leagues throughout the 2013 season, crushing 37 circuit clouts and swiping 45 bags while slugging .600. Tallying 100+ runs in three straight years (2016-18), the 3-time All-Star outfielder blasted a career-high 34 homers in 2017.

Roy Oswalt triumphed in 15 of 22 decisions and fashioned an ERA of 2.21 as he split the 2000 campaign between Kissimmee (A+) and Round Rock (AA). The “Wizard of Os” placed runner-up in the 2001 NL Rookie of the Year balloting and finished among the top 5 vote-getters in the NL Cy Young voting five times in six years (2001-06). Don Wilson compiled 104 wins along with a 3.15 ERA in his 9 seasons with the Astros. In his age-20 season for Cocoa (A), Wilson registered 10 victories with a 1.44 ERA and a 0.983 WHIP. Joe Sambito pitched almost exclusively in relief through 11 MLB seasons after tallying 11 wins and completing 12 of 23 starts for Cedar Rapids (A) in ’74.

Honorable Mention

Lance Berkman (#1, 1997) merited 6 All-Star nominations and placed third in the NL MVP balloting twice in 15 MLB seasons including a dozen with the ‘Stros. “Big Puma” delivered 37 doubles, 33 dingers, 110 ribbies, 101 runs and 102 bases on balls annually over an eight-year span (2001-08). One year prior to ascending to the Majors, Berkman mirrored his future output with 38 two-baggers, 30 blasts and 102 RBI as a member of the Jackson Generals (AA) and the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA). Johnny Ray blistered PCL pitching for a .349 BA along with 50 two-base hits and 111 tallies in ’81. Shipped to the Bucs in a deal for Phil Garner in August 1981, the switch-hitting second-sacker placed runner-up in the 1982 NL Rookie of the Year race and later led the Senior Circuit with 38 doubles in back-to-back campaigns (1983-84). Cliff Johnson (.302/33/117) walloped 20+ bombs four times through his 15-year big-league career subsequent to scalding the baseball as a member of the Denver Bears (AAA) in ’73. Following his release by Houston in March 2014, J.D. Martinez supplied a .307 BA with 32 doubles, 34 jacks and 96 RBI per year. “Flaco” jumped to the Majors in July 2011 after slashing .338/.414/.546 for the Corpus Christi Hooks (AA). Joe L. Morgan coaxed 105 walks, pilfered 47 bases, scored 113 runs and hit .323 with 42 doubles as a 20-year-old playing for the San Antonio Missions (AA) in ’64. “The Little General” finished second in the 1965 NL Rookie of the Year race, warranted 10 invites to the Mid-Summer Classic and notched back-to-back NL MVP Awards (1975-76). Shane Reynolds fashioned a 3.66 ERA and averaged 200 innings annually over a six-year span (1994-99) which mimicked his results for the Tucson Toros (AAA) in ’93.

References and Resources

Baseball-Reference

Bill James Baseball Abstract

Seamheads – Baseball Gauge

About the Author 

I am a New Jersey native with a passion for baseball, statistics, computers and video games who enjoys spending quality time with his family.

“Hardball Retroactive”, published in June 2018, is available in paperback and digital (Kindle) format at Amazon.com along with digital eBook format at GooglePlay.com.  

“Hardball Retrospective” is available in digital format on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GooglePlay, iTunes and KoboBooks. The paperback edition is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace. Supplemental Statistics, Charts and Graphs along with a discussion forum are offered at TuataraSoftware.com.

Don Daglow (Intellivision World Series Major League Baseball, Earl Weaver Baseball, Tony LaRussa Baseball) contributed the foreword for Hardball Retrospective. The foreword and preview of my book are accessible here.

“Hardball Retrospective – Addendum 2014 to 2016” supplements my research for Hardball Retrospective, providing retroactive standings based on Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and Win Shares (WS) for each “original” team over the past three seasons (2014-2016). Team totals from 2010 – 2013 are included for reference purposes. “Addendum” is available in paperback and digital formats through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace.

Here is a review of Hardball Retroactive by Lance Smith at “The Guy Who Reviews Sports Books” ->

Purchase Hardball Retroactive here:

Amazon

GooglePlay

Selection Criteria

• individual seasons in the Expansion Era (1961 – 2017)
• levels A through AAA
• ages 24 or younger (A and A+)
• age 25 seasons (AA and AAA)
• age 26 seasons (AAA)

Terminology

RC – Runs Created – using the basic formula devised by Bill James:

((H + BB) * TB) / (AB + BB)

Note: I utilized the basic formula as opposed to the Technical Version due to

incomplete GIDP and IBB data.

RC/140 – Runs Created per 140 Games as Minor League ballplayers

RC / (G / 140)

FIP – Fielding Independent Pitching – “Fielding Independent Pitching converts a pitcher’s three true outcomes into an earned run average-like number. The formula is (13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP, plus a constant (usually around 3.2) to put it on the same scale as earned run average.

FIP is a component ERA inspired by the work of Voros McCracken on defense-independent pitching statistics, but has become more widely used because of the ease of computation – it requires only four easily-found box score stats, uses only basic arithmetic operations and has four easily-memorized constants. It was conceived of by both Tom Tango and Clay Dreslough, the latter of who called it Defense-Independent Component ERA.” (definition courtesy of Baseball Prospectus Glossary).

((13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP)+3.2)

Assessment

The Miami Marlins 

Tim Clark (.363/17/126) blistered opposing hurlers throughout 1993 while playing for the High Desert Mavericks (A+). Clark paced the circuit in batting average, RBI, base hits (185) and triples (10) while finishing runner-up with 42 doubles and 109 runs scored. After spending nearly three seasons in the Mexican League, Clark retired from pro ball following the 1998 season, deprived of a cup of coffee in the Majors. Kevin Millar drilled 30+ two-base knocks in four consecutive campaigns (2001-04) with Florida and Boston after producing a .342 BA with 32 jacks and 131 ribbies as a Portland Sea Dogs (AA) corner infielder in ’97. Giancarlo Stanton flashed light-tower power in his age-18 season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers (A), dialing long-distance 39 times and slugging .611. “Bigfoot” merited 2017 NL MVP honors as he topped the leader boards with 59 dingers, 132 RBI and a .631 SLG. Brian Daubach destroyed International League pitching over two years with the Charlotte Knights (AAA) as he averaged 43 doubles, 28 homers and 109 RBI (1997-98). The “Belleville Basher” clouted 20+ blasts in four straight seasons for the Red Sox (1999-2002). Mark Kotsay (#1, 1996) played for 7 MLB franchises over 17 seasons subsequent to recording 103 tallies and hitting at a .306 clip for Portland (AA) in 1997. The Yankees first-round selection in 1990, Carl “C-Rex” Everett earned a cup of coffee after nabbing 36 bags and combining for a .296 BA between High Desert (A+) and Edmonton (AAA) in ’93. The two-time All-Star registered 14 big-league campaigns for 8 different teams. Logan Morrison established personal-bests with 38 round-trippers and 85 ribbies as the primary first-sacker for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017. “LoMo” claimed the Florida State League batting crown as he hit .332 BA for the Jupiter Hammerheads (A+). Preston Wilson, a former Mets’ first-round pick from 1992, promptly clubbed 25 doubles and 25 dingers at Charlotte (AAA) after joining the Marlins organization along with fellow prospects Geoff Geotz and Ed Yarnall in exchange for future Hall of Fame backstop Mike Piazza. Wilson swatted 26 big-flies and finished runner-up in the 1999 NL Rookie of the Year vote. Carolina Mudcats’ catcher Josh Willingham walloped 24 blasts in 2004. Spending the majority of the 11-year MLB career as a left fielder, Willingham set career-highs with 35 four-baggers and 110 rib-eye steaks for Minnesota in 2012. Adrian Gonzalez (#1, 2000) flourished in the Midwest League during the 2001 season as he drove in 103 runs with .312 BA and 55 extra-base hits. Shipped to Texas in July 2003 for reliever Ugueth Urbina, “El Titan” went on to appear in 5 All-Star contests and crush 30+ homers in four consecutive seasons.

A.J. Burnett (10-4, 1.97) racked up 186 strikeouts over 119 innings (14.1 SO/9) with the Kane County Cougars (A) in ’98. One decade later, the fire-balling right-hander whiffed 231 batsmen to lead the American League in 2008. Josh Beckett (#1, 1999) split the 2001 campaign between Brevard County (A+) and Portland (AA) where he triumphed in 14 of 15 decisions while posting a 1.54 ERA, 0.829 WHIP and 13.1 strikeouts per 9 innings. A three-time All-Star, Beckett placed second in the 2007 AL Cy Young race as a member of the Red Sox as he fashioned a record of 20 wins against 7 losses. Jose D. Fernandez (#1, 2011) made the leap to the big leagues in 2013 following a superb performance as a 19-year-old in the low minors. His 2012 exploits included a 14-1 mark, an ERA of 1.75 and a 0.925 WHIP in 25 starts. The enthusiastic flame-thrower featured a 2.19 ERA and a WHIP of 0.979 to capture the 2013 NL Rookie of the Year Award.

Honorable Mention

Christian Yelich (#1, 2010) pilfered 32 bags in 37 tries, smacked 32 doubles and compiled a .312 BA for the Greensboro Grasshoppers (A) as a 19-year-old in 2011. “Yeli” merited 2018 NL MVP honors after slashing .326/.402/.598 with 36 bombs and 110 RBI for the Brew Crew. Dontrelle Willis’ 12-2 record, 1.83 ERA and 0.884 WHIP spanned two minor league stops in 2002, foreshadowing his 2003 NL Rookie of the Year campaign. The “D-Train” led the Senior Circuit in victories (22) and shutouts (5) to place runner-up in the 2005 NL Cy Young balloting. AJ Ramos (2.81, 40 SV) attained All-Star status in 2016, four years after locking down 21 contests with an ERA of 2.09, a 0.836 WHIP and 11.7 SO/9 with the Jacksonville Suns (AA).

References and Resources

Baseball-Reference

Bill James Baseball Abstract

Seamheads – Baseball Gauge

About the Author 

I am a New Jersey native with a passion for baseball, statistics, computers and video games who enjoys spending quality time with his family.

“Hardball Retroactive”, published in June 2018, is available in paperback and digital (Kindle) format at Amazon.com along with digital eBook format at GooglePlay.com.  

“Hardball Retrospective” is available in digital format on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GooglePlay, iTunes and KoboBooks. The paperback edition is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace. Supplemental Statistics, Charts and Graphs along with a discussion forum are offered at TuataraSoftware.com.

Don Daglow (Intellivision World Series Major League Baseball, Earl Weaver Baseball, Tony LaRussa Baseball) contributed the foreword for Hardball Retrospective. The foreword and preview of my book are accessible here.

“Hardball Retrospective – Addendum 2014 to 2016” supplements my research for Hardball Retrospective, providing retroactive standings based on Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and Win Shares (WS) for each “original” team over the past three seasons (2014-2016). Team totals from 2010 – 2013 are included for reference purposes. “Addendum” is available in paperback and digital formats through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace.

Selection Criteria

• individual seasons in the Expansion Era (1961 – 2017)
• levels A through AAA
• ages 24 or younger (A and A+)
• age 25 seasons (AA and AAA)
• age 26 seasons (AAA)

Terminology

RC – Runs Created – using the basic formula devised by Bill James:

((H + BB) * TB) / (AB + BB)

Note: I utilized the basic formula as opposed to the Technical Version due to

incomplete GIDP and IBB data.

RC/140 – Runs Created per 140 Games as Minor League ballplayers

RC / (G / 140)

FIP – Fielding Independent Pitching – “Fielding Independent Pitching converts a pitcher’s three true outcomes into an earned run average-like number. The formula is (13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP, plus a constant (usually around 3.2) to put it on the same scale as earned run average.

FIP is a component ERA inspired by the work of Voros McCracken on defense-independent pitching statistics, but has become more widely used because of the ease of computation – it requires only four easily-found box score stats, uses only basic arithmetic operations and has four easily-memorized constants. It was conceived of by both Tom Tango and Clay Dreslough, the latter of who called it Defense-Independent Component ERA.” (definition courtesy of Baseball Prospectus Glossary).

((13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP)+3.2)

Assessment

The Detroit Tigers 

Justin Verlander (11-2, 1.29) sailed through his lone minor league campaign, splitting the 2005 season between Lakeland (A+) and Erie (AA). “JV” compiled a WHIP of 0.905 with a 2.20 FIP while striking out 10.4 batters per nine innings. The seven-time All-Star earned AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2006 and swept the Cy Young and MVP awards in 2011. Drew Smyly (11-6, 2.07) followed in Verlander’s footsteps six years later, notching a 2.30 FIP with the same ballclubs. Dave Rozema (14-5, 2.09) fashioned an 0.976 WHIP during his age-18 season as a member of the Clinton Pilots (A). Rozema compiled a record of 15-7 with a 3.09 ERA in his rookie year (1977) and hung up his spikes after pitching for a decade in the Majors. Flamethrower Joel Zumaya whiffed 126 opposing batsmen spanning only 90.1 innings as an 18-year-old starter for the West Michigan Whitecaps (A) in 2003. “Zoom Zoom” delivered an ERA of 1.94 and registered 10.5 SO/9 with Detroit in ’06.

Jim Mooring slashed .377 / .421 / .637 and recorded the highest RC/140 mark (153.2) in the Tigers’ farm system since the start of the Expansion Era while manning first base for the Jamestown Tigers (A) in ’64. Robert Fick (.341/16/90) laced 50 doubles and accrued a 130.2   0 RC/140 as a member of the West Michigan Whitecaps in 1997. Gabe Kapler (.322/28/146) enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Jacksonville Suns in ’98, tallying 113 runs and ripping 47 two-baggers. Howard Johnson compiled a .317 BA with 23 jacks and 35 steals for the Evansville Triplets (AA) in ’82. “HoJo” notched three 30/30 seasons for the Mets (1987, 1989, 1991) and topped the Senior Circuit with 38 moon-shots and 117 ribbies in ’91. Steve Kemp produced a .328 BA with 55 extra-base hits while splitting his first professional campaign between Montgomery (AA) and Evansville (AAA) in ’76. Three years later, Kemp merited his lone All-Star appearance as he batted at a .318 clip with 26 blasts and 105 RBI. Juan Encarnacion carved out an 11-year career as a starting outfielder in the Majors subsequent to an outstanding 1997 season with the double-A Jacksonville Suns (AA) in which he batted .323 with 31 doubles and 26 circuit clouts. Three-time All-Star center fielder Curtis Granderson paced the American League in triples during back-to-back seasons (2007-08) and later led the Junior Circuit in runs scored (136) and RBI (119) with the Bronx Bombers in 2011. The Erie Seawolves (AA) reaped the benefits as the “Grandy Man” supplied a .303 BA and 21 four-baggers for the ’04 squad. Phil Nevin, the Astros #1 selection in the 1992 Amateur Draft, clubbed 24 round-trippers as a backstop in the Tigers system following an August 1995 trade in exchange for closer Mike Henneman. Nevin merited All-Star status as a member of the Padres on ’01 when he established career-bests with 41 taters and 126 rib-eye steaks.

Honorable Mention

Frank Catalanotto eclipsed the .300 mark on three occasions during a 14-year MLB career. Mike Laga, Nelson Simmons and Barbaro Garbey were members of the 1984 Detroit Tigers championship team.

Francisco Cordero racked up at least 30 saves in seven big-league seasons and saved 329 contests in a 14-year career after honing his craft in 1997 for West Michigan (A). Cordero whiffed 11.1 batters per nine innings and notched 35 saves while posting an ERA of 1.00 along with a sub-1.000 WHIP.

References and Resources

Baseball-Reference

Bill James Baseball Abstract

Seamheads – Baseball Gauge

About the Author

I am a New Jersey native with a passion for baseball, statistics, computers and video games who enjoys spending quality time with his family.

“Hardball Retroactive”, published in June 2018, is available in paperback and digital (Kindle) format at Amazon.com along with digital eBook format at GooglePlay.com.  

“Hardball Retrospective” is available in digital format on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GooglePlay, iTunes and KoboBooks. The paperback edition is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace. Supplemental Statistics, Charts and Graphs along with a discussion forum are offered at TuataraSoftware.com.

Don Daglow (Intellivision World Series Major League Baseball, Earl Weaver Baseball, Tony LaRussa Baseball) contributed the foreword for Hardball Retrospective. The foreword and preview of my book are accessible here.

“Hardball Retrospective – Addendum 2014 to 2016” supplements my research for Hardball Retrospective, providing retroactive standings based on Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and Win Shares (WS) for each “original” team over the past three seasons (2014-2016). Team totals from 2010 – 2013 are included for reference purposes. “Addendum” is available in paperback and digital formats through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace.

Selection Criteria

• individual seasons in the Expansion Era (1961 – 2017)
• levels A through AAA
• ages 24 or younger (A and A+)
• age 25 seasons (AA and AAA)
• age 26 seasons (AAA)

Terminology

RC – Runs Created – using the basic formula devised by Bill James:

((H + BB) * TB) / (AB + BB)

Note: I utilized the basic formula as opposed to the Technical Version due to incomplete GIDP and IBB data.

RC/140 – Runs Created per 140 Games as Minor League ballplayers

RC / (G / 140)

FIP – Fielding Independent Pitching – “Fielding Independent Pitching converts a pitcher’s three true outcomes into an earned run average-like number. The formula is (13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP, plus a constant (usually around 3.2) to put it on the same scale as earned run average.

FIP is a component ERA inspired by the work of Voros McCracken on defense-independent pitching statistics, but has become more widely used because of the ease of computation – it requires only four easily-found box score stats, uses only basic arithmetic operations and has four easily-memorized constants. It was conceived of by both Tom Tango and Clay Dreslough, the latter of who called it Defense-Independent Component ERA.” (definition courtesy of Baseball Prospectus Glossary).

((13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP)+3.2)

Assessment

The Colorado Rockies 

Corey Dickerson logged the top RC/140 (155.9) in the first quarter-century of the Rockies’ existence while slashing .371/.414/.632 at Colorado Springs (AAA) in 2013. Dickerson rapped 30+ doubles in three consecutive seasons (2016-18), achieved All-Star status with the Rays in 2017 and claimed Gold Glove honors as a Pirate in the subsequent season. Todd Helton (#1, 1995) placed runner-up in the 1998 NL Rookie of the Year race and fifth in the 2000 NL MVP vote after pacing the circuit with a .372 BA, .463 OBP, .698 SLG, 216 hits, 59 doubles and 147 RBI. “The Toddfather” compiled a .316 lifetime batting average across 17 seasons in the Mile High City after hitting .352 as a member of the SkySox (AAA) in ’97. Brad Hawpe (.347/22/97) led the 2002 Salem Avalanche (A+) in the Triple Crown categories along with 38 two-baggers, 81 walks, an OBP of .447 and a .587 SLG. Five years later he established career-highs with 29 jacks and 116 ribbies. Third-sacker Garrett Atkins finished fourth in the 2005 NL Rookie of the Year balloting and recorded a .305 BA with 25 jacks and 110 RBI over a three-year period (2006-08) in Colorado. Atkins slashed .343/.408/.529 against Pacific Coast League pitching before   ascending to full-time status in the big leagues. Neifi Perez captured a Gold Glove award and drilled 39 doubles in 2000. The slick-fielding shortstop batted at a .363 clip in 68 Triple-A contests, then closed out the campaign with 10 triples and a .291 BA across 83 games with the Rockies. Dexter Fowler merited a cup of coffee in September 2008 as the result of a .335 BA, 31 two-base knocks and 20 stolen bases for the Tulsa Drillers (AA).

Jeff Francis (#1, 2002) made his MLB debut on August 25, 2004 following a dominant campaign in the upper minors as he combined for 16 victories, an ERA of 2.22 and a WHIP of 0.888 spanning 24 starts. Bryan Rekar fashioned a 10-5 mark with a 1.90 ERA and a 0.959 WHIP while splitting the first half of 1995 between the New Haven Ravens (AA) and the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA). Juan Nicasio delivered a 9-3 record with a 2.41 ERA with the Asheville Tourists (A) in ’09. He excelled in a setup role for the Bucs in 2016 (10.5 SO/9) after toiling with mixed results through four seasons as a starter with the Rockies.

Honorable Mention

Through 13 MLB seasons, backstop Chris Iannetta blasted 135 round-trippers. “Destructobeam” achieved a late-season recall in 2006 after supplying a .336 BA and slugging .564 with Tulsa (AA) and Colorado Springs (AAA). Quinton McCracken pilfered 43 bags and supplied a .359 BA to merit a cup of coffee in ’95. Clint Barmes produced career-bests in doubles (32) and home runs (23) with Colorado in 2009, five seasons after pounding PCL pitching for a .328 BA, 42 two-base knocks and 104 tallies.

Jhoulys Chacin delivered a 2.03 ERA and recorded 18 victories during his age-20 season as a Rockies farmhand. Chad Bettis furnished an ERA of 3.35 along with 9.8 SO/9 for the Modesto Nuts (A+) in 2011.

References and Resources

Baseball-Reference

Bill James Baseball Abstract

Seamheads – Baseball Gauge

About the Author 

I am a New Jersey native with a passion for baseball, statistics, computers and video games who enjoys spending quality time with his family.

“Hardball Retroactive”, published in June 2018, is available in paperback and digital (Kindle) format at Amazon.com along with digital eBook format at GooglePlay.com.  

“Hardball Retrospective” is available in digital format on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GooglePlay, iTunes and KoboBooks. The paperback edition is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace. Supplemental Statistics, Charts and Graphs along with a discussion forum are offered at TuataraSoftware.com.

Don Daglow (Intellivision World Series Major League Baseball, Earl Weaver Baseball, Tony LaRussa Baseball) contributed the foreword for Hardball Retrospective. The foreword and preview of my book are accessible here.

“Hardball Retrospective – Addendum 2014 to 2016” supplements my research for Hardball Retrospective, providing retroactive standings based on Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and Win Shares (WS) for each “original” team over the past three seasons (2014-2016). Team totals from 2010 – 2013 are included for reference purposes. “Addendum” is available in paperback and digital formats through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace.

promotional video for Hardball Retroactive.

Derek Bain (author)

music – “Recovery” by Regression (Zack Seif)
https://regressionmusic.bandcamp.com

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Derek_Bain_Hardball_Retroactive?id=gVFjDwAAQBAJ

“Hardball Retroactive” chapter summary:

“General Manager Scorecard” and the “Worst Trades” chapters evaluates the front office acumen of MLB executives since 1950. “Taking the Extra Base” examines the art of base running on an individual and team basis. Trivia for one of the most breathtaking plays in baseball is chronicled in “Fun Facts About Inside-the-Park Home Runs”. “The Journey From Expansion to Competitive Team” highlights the path to success for each franchise established since 1960. “Rotisserie vs. Reality” measures organizational performance by the standard Fantasy Baseball categories. The “Best Pitchers Who Never Threw a No-Hitter” are appraised based on Sabermetric principles, “BABIP By Location” is a comprehensive look at individual and league statistics with regards to batted balls in play. The WBC is re-imagined back to the dawn of professional ball in “Baseball Birthplaces and the Retro World Baseball Classic”. Rediscover your favorite hardball arcade and simulations in “Play Retro Baseball Video Games In Your Browser”. “Minors vs. Majors” assesses every franchise’s minor league successes and failures in relation to their major league operations.

Selection Criteria

• individual seasons in the Expansion Era (1961 – 2017)
• levels A through AAA
• ages 24 or younger (A and A+)
• age 25 seasons (AA and AAA)
• age 26 seasons (AAA)

Terminology

RC – Runs Created – using the basic formula devised by Bill James:

((H + BB) * TB) / (AB + BB)

Note: I utilized the basic formula as opposed to the Technical Version due to incomplete GIDP and IBB data.

RC/140 – Runs Created per 140 Games as Minor League ballplayers

RC / (G / 140)

FIP – Fielding Independent Pitching – “Fielding Independent Pitching converts a pitcher’s three true outcomes into an earned run average-like number. The formula is (13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP, plus a constant (usually around 3.2) to put it on the same scale as earned run average.

FIP is a component ERA inspired by the work of Voros McCracken on defense-independent pitching statistics, but has become more widely used because of the ease of computation – it requires only four easily-found box score stats, uses only basic arithmetic operations and has four easily-memorized constants. It was conceived of by both Tom Tango and Clay Dreslough, the latter of who called it Defense-Independent Component ERA.” (definition courtesy of Baseball Prospectus Glossary).

((13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP)+3.2)

Assessment

The Cleveland Indians 

Kevin Kouzmanoff (.379/22/75) slugged .656 and recorded the highest RC/140 (146.3) among Indians prospects since the dawn of the Expansion Era. Following a trade in November 2006 to the Padres in exchange for Josh Barfield, the third-sacker averaged 31 doubles spanning four years (2007-2010) in San Diego and Oakland.  Three-time All-Star Sean “The Mayor” Casey registered 12 plate appearances with the Tribe in 1997 after scorching the upper minors with a slash line of .380 / .446 / .613.  Dave Clark (#1, 1983) parlayed 30 jacks and a .340 BA for Buffalo (AAA) into a 13-year big league career. Manny Ramirez (#1, 1991) amassed 12 All-Star invitations and placed runner-up in the 1994 AL Rookie of the Year balloting. “Man-Ram” annihilated Eastern (AA) and International League (AAA) opponents in the prior campaign as he batted at a .333 clip with 44 doubles, 31 round-trippers, 105 runs scored and 115 ribbies. Bob Chance (.343/26/114) claimed the 1963 Eastern League Triple Crown and posted respectable counting stats as a platoon first baseman with the Tribe during his rookie season (1964). Following a trade to Washington in December ’64, Chance’s playing time decreased substantially and he accrued only 305 at-bats over the next 5 MLB campaigns. Victor Martinez (.335/32/103) placed runner-up for 2014 AL MVP honors, more than a decade after making his MLB debut with the Tribe. “V-Mart” drilled 40 two-baggers and 22 circuit clouts while batting at a .336 clip for the Akron Aeros in ’02. Brian S. Giles blossomed as a full-timer in the Pirates outfield after solving triple-A competition with a .310 BA and .905 OPS over 3 seasons (1994-96), producing a .309 BA with 36 doubles, 37 home runs, 109 ribbies, 108 walks and 108 runs scored per season across a four-year stretch (1999-2002). Jhonny Peralta tallied 109 runs, 44 two-base knocks and a .326 BA for the Buffalo Bisons (AAA) in ’04. The three-time All-Star shortstop mashed a career-high 24 taters for Cleveland during the 2005 campaign.

Cleveland’s bench includes Hall of Fame corner infielder Jim Thome, 1980 AL Rookie of the Year “Super” Joe Charboneau along with lumberjacks Russell “The Muscle” Branyan and Richie Sexson. Thome crushed 30+ long balls in 12 campaigns and coaxed 100+ walks nine times. Manning the hot corner for the Charlotte Knights (AAA) in ’93, Thome slashed .332/.441/.585 with 25 jacks and 102 ribbies. Acquired from the Phillies during an exchange of prospects in December ’78, Charboneau notched a .352 BA along with a 1.019 OPS as a member of the Chattanooga Lookouts (AA). Branyan clobbered 39 big-flies and plated 105 baserunners while splitting the ’97 campaign between Kinston (A+) and Akron (A), replicating his results from the preceding year – .268/40/106 at Columbus (A). Sexson supplied 33 dingers and 101 rib-eye steaks per season over an eight-year span (1999-2006) subsequent to dialing 52 long-distance dedications against American Association hurlers in 1997-98.

Shane Bieber compiled an 11-5 record in his debut with the Tribe in 2018 after fashioning an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.127 as a Cleveland farmhand in the prior campaign. Bartolo Colon furnished a 13-3 mark with a 1.97 ERA along with a 1.014 WHIP as an Indians’ prospect. More than two decades later, “Big Sexy” continues to add to an MLB register encompassing 247 wins, 2535 strikeouts and 2005 AL Cy Young honors. Danny Salazar secured an AL All-Star invitation in 2016, three years after posting a 1.96 FIP, 1.022 WHIP and 12.5 strikeouts per 9 IP in the upper minors. Drew Pomeranz (#1, 2010) likewise punched a ticket to the Mid-Summer Classic in 2016, albeit as a member of the Padres. “Big Smooth” started 18 contests with Cleveland’s minor league affiliates, composing a 1.98 ERA and 11.1 SO/9 before being dealt to Colorado in a 4-player trade for Ubaldo Jimenez.

Honorable Mention

Francisco Mejia generated a .342 BA with 29 two-base knocks during his age-20 season with the Lake County Captains (A) and Lynchburg Hillcats (A+) in 2016. One of the Indians top prospects heading into 2018, Mejia was shipped to San Diego in exchange for relievers Brad Hand and Adam Cimber two weeks before the trade deadline. Chris Bando parlayed a .349 BA with the Chattanooga Lookouts (AA) into a 9-year MLB career as a platoon catcher. Vic Davalillo registered a .278 BA over six seasons as the Indians primary center fielder following a 200-hit campaign for the Jacksonville Suns (AAA) in 1962. David Riske managed an ERA of 3.67 through 11 big-league seasons after striking out 12.2 batters per 9 innings and saving 15 contests for Buffalo (AAA) in 2001.

References and Resources

Baseball-Reference

Bill James Baseball Abstract

Seamheads – Baseball Gauge

About the Author 

I am a New Jersey native with a passion for baseball, statistics, computers and video games who enjoys spending quality time with his family.

“Hardball Retroactive”, published in June 2018, is available in paperback and digital (Kindle) format at Amazon.com along with digital eBook format at GooglePlay.com.  

“Hardball Retrospective” is available in digital format on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GooglePlay, iTunes and KoboBooks. The paperback edition is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace. Supplemental Statistics, Charts and Graphs along with a discussion forum are offered at TuataraSoftware.com.

Don Daglow (Intellivision World Series Major League Baseball, Earl Weaver Baseball, Tony LaRussa Baseball) contributed the foreword for Hardball Retrospective. The foreword and preview of my book are accessible here.

“Hardball Retrospective – Addendum 2014 to 2016” supplements my research for Hardball Retrospective, providing retroactive standings based on Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and Win Shares (WS) for each “original” team over the past three seasons (2014-2016). Team totals from 2010 – 2013 are included for reference purposes. “Addendum” is available in paperback and digital formats through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace.

Selection Criteria

• individual seasons in the Expansion Era (1961 – 2017)
• levels A through AAA
• ages 24 or younger (A and A+)
• age 25 seasons (AA and AAA)
• age 26 seasons (AAA)

Terminology

RC – Runs Created – using the basic formula devised by Bill James:

((H + BB) * TB) / (AB + BB)

Note: I utilized the basic formula as opposed to the Technical Version due to

incomplete GIDP and IBB data.

RC/140 – Runs Created per 140 Games as Minor League ballplayers

RC / (G / 140)

FIP – Fielding Independent Pitching – “Fielding Independent Pitching converts a pitcher’s three true outcomes into an earned run average-like number. The formula is (13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP, plus a constant (usually around 3.2) to put it on the same scale as earned run average.

FIP is a component ERA inspired by the work of Voros McCracken on defense-independent pitching statistics, but has become more widely used because of the ease of computation – it requires only four easily-found box score stats, uses only basic arithmetic operations and has four easily-memorized constants. It was conceived of by both Tom Tango and Clay Dreslough, the latter of who called it Defense-Independent Component ERA.” (definition courtesy of Baseball Prospectus Glossary).

((13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP)+3.2)

Assessment

The Cincinnati Reds 

Adam Dunn surpassed the century mark in bases on balls eight times in his big-league career and launched at least 30 circuit clouts in nine of ten seasons from 2004 to 2013.  “Big Donkey” attained the highest single-season RC140 mark for the Redlegs during the Expansion Era (152.1) while slugging .671 between Chattanooga (AA) and Louisville (AAA) in 2001. Bernie Carbo (#1, 1965) placed runner-up in the 1970 NL Rookie of the Year race subsequent to posting a 142.1 RC140 with a .359 BA and 37 two-baggers for the Indianapolis Indians (AAA) through the prior campaign. Trois-Rivieres Aigles (AA) first-sacker Harry Spilman manufactured a .373 BA, 39 doubles and a .453 OBP in 1977. Spilman registered 810 at-bats across 12 MLB seasons while Jeff R. Jones barely secured a cup of coffee with Cincinnati after delivering a .301 BA with 42 jacks and 101 ribbies with Cedar Rapids (A) in ’82. Tommy Harper (.333/26/84) coaxed 105 walks and scored 120 runs in 1962 as a member of the San Diego (AAA) squad. Jason LaRue registered 12 years as a big-league backstop after lacing 43 doubles and notching a .350 BA in the upper minors during the 1998 campaign. Pete Rose seized 1963 NL Rookie of the Year honors following an outstanding stint with the Macon Peaches (A) in the previous season. “Charlie Hustle” tallied 136 runs scored, 31 two-base hits, 17 triples and 95 walks to complement a .330 BA. Gary Redus (.462/17/62) enjoyed a phenomenal half-season in ’78 with the Billings Mustangs (Rookie). The fleet-footed outfielder swiped 54 bags in 59 attempts, scored 112 runs and batted .333 with Indianapolis (AAA) four years later. Barry Larkin (#1, 1985) tore through the American Association (AAA) with 31 doubles and a .329 BA en route to a Hall of Fame career as the Cincinnati shortstop spanning 19 MLB seasons. The Reds’ bench is stacked with HOF Tony Perez along with Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Lee May.

The majority of the pitching staff for the Reds minor league All-Stars failed to make a significant contribution at the Major League level. Billy McCool (2.48, 18 SV) received an All-Star invitation in ’66 after fashioning a 1.86 ERA as an 18-year-old prospect three years prior. Kevin Jarvis pitched in parts of 12 big-league campaigns with ten different organizations in spite of a career ERA of 6.03 and a WHIP of 1.536. Donnie Joseph appeared in 7 games for the Royals (2013-14) in the wake of a dominant 2010 as he furnished a 1.63 FIP (Reds leader, min. 50 IP), saved 24 contests and struck out 14.3 batters per 9 innings.

Honorable Mention

Danny Tartabull eclipsed the century mark in RBI five times in 14 MLB seasons after producing a .310 BA and drawing 90 bases on balls during his age-18 season with the Tampa Tarpons (A) in ‘81. Fellow outfielder Kal Daniels (#1, 1982) supplied 29 doubles and a .313 BA with Vermont (AA) three years later. Nick Senzel (#1, 2016) rapped 40 two-base knocks along with a .321 BA while splitting the 2017 season between the Daytona Tortugas (A+) and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (AA). John Roper (8-7, 5.35) recorded 32 starts for the Reds (1993-95) subsequent to a terrific ’91 campaign with the Charleston Wheelers (A) in which he furnished a record of 14-9 with a 2.27 ERA and a 1.085 WHIP.

References and Resources

Baseball-Reference

Bill James Baseball Abstract

Seamheads – Baseball Gauge

About the Author

I am a New Jersey native with a passion for baseball, statistics, computers and video games who enjoys spending quality time with his family.

“Hardball Retroactive”, published in June 2018, is available in paperback and digital (Kindle) format at Amazon.com along with digital eBook format at GooglePlay.com.  

“Hardball Retrospective” is available in digital format on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GooglePlay, iTunes and KoboBooks. The paperback edition is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace. Supplemental Statistics, Charts and Graphs along with a discussion forum are offered at TuataraSoftware.com.

Don Daglow (Intellivision World Series Major League Baseball, Earl Weaver Baseball, Tony LaRussa Baseball) contributed the foreword for Hardball Retrospective. The foreword and preview of my book are accessible here.

“Hardball Retrospective – Addendum 2014 to 2016” supplements my research for Hardball Retrospective, providing retroactive standings based on Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and Win Shares (WS) for each “original” team over the past three seasons (2014-2016). Team totals from 2010 – 2013 are included for reference purposes. “Addendum” is available in paperback and digital formats through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CreateSpace.