A roaring crowd erupted on Sunday as the Oakland Athletics finished with their best record in team history. No playoff birth, no world series...but the crowd didnt care. After 16 straight losing seasons in a row the fans were absolutly stunned at the improvement owner Chris Daley has made to the A's. "We didnt make the playoffs, but our club definately feels that this season was a success," says Owner and GM Daley.
Critics of Daley say that the success of the A's will not last, trading away of valuble draft picks and prospects for players who only have a few years left in them was a bad move. "Future has been what the A's have tried to build upon for the past 16 years, it was time to cash in and start winning some games," claims Daley. "The fans have been getting restless as of late, and i wanted a team that would bring in the crowds, and get the fans back into the game." The A's finished the season with the 5th best record in the AL, only 3 games behind Detroit for the Wildcard, and Texas for the division. Its the closest the team has ever been to a playoff birth, but only one player was incredible dissapointed by the teams performance.
SP ace Doyle Alexander was brought into the club a few weeks before the All Star Break in hopes of improving the quality of the A's pitching staff, instead he ended up with some of the worst months of baseball he has played in years. Doyle said, "I really blew it for the team...im suprised coach didnt put me in the minors with how bad I was performing. I think next year will be big for us, but only if I can play better than I did when I was brought to the A's."
GM Chris Daley gave a heartfelt speech after sundays win against the playoff bound Brewers. In it he said, "This year our goal has been met, next year we have a new goal...the playoffs." When asked what improvements he plans on making before next season, Daley simply said, "Our pitching staff will work on getting hitters out, our batters will work on contact and defence. This is our team, I know it, the fans know it, and our players know it. This is a team that can and will win a playoff birth. Next year will be big."
In the American League, Blue Jays' outfielder Andy Van Slyke won his second consecutive Rookie of the Month award in September. He hit for ,275/,353/,522 in 90 At bats, with 4 homeruns and 12 RBIs.
Van Slyke, who reached the majors only in July, hit for ,296 with 10 HR and 36 RBIs in only 291 At bats. The rookie class bieng pretty weak this year in the American League, that might be enough for him to win the Rookie of the Year Award.
Boston's shortstop Domingo Ramos (,348-0-15) and White Sox reliever Mike Walters (3-0, 2,05) were also considered.
In the National League, Phillies' outfielder Tim Raines won his third Rookie of the Month Award. He also won in May and July. He hit for a ,340 average in September in 94 at bats. He had 3 homeruns, 11 RBIs, 14 stolen bases, a ,385 on base percentage and a ,532 slugging percentage.
His teammate Darryl Strawberry (,313-4-15) and Astros' closer Tom Henke (2-0, 7 saves, 0,00) also had good months.
Sunday 9/24/1983 MINNESOTA - George Brett got a standing ovation from 37367 fans in Minnesota, who witnessed his 2000th career hit. His hit in the 1st inning was a double off Paul Hartzell. Along with his 2000 hits, George collected 109 homeruns and 795 RBI in 9 seasons. 'My friends always told me that I will do it one day. I never believed it. Good that I was wrong!'
Wednesday 9/20/1983 MONTREAL - Montreal's ace Lynn Mcglothen experienced probably the worst case scenario for a pitcher, a season ending injury. After pitching in the 2nd inning of the game against Cincinnati, Mcglothen complained about serious pain in his throwing arm. He had to leave the game. Montreal wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that Mcglothen had suffered a Torn Rotator Cuff Muscle. In 29 starts this year Lynn struck out 126 batters in 179.2 innings of work. His ERA is 3.16, his record 9-9.
Saturday 10/1/1983 :
American League-Pitcher of the Month :
Steve Rogers (BAL) !!
He had a record of 6-0 in 7 games started, with an ERA of 1.49.
American League-Batter of the Month :
Gary Thomasson (BAL) !!
He batted .410 in 100 AB, with 12 homers and 24 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month :
Dave Stewart (ATL) !!
He had a record of 4-0 in 5 games started, with an ERA of 1.17.
National League-Batter of the Month :
Rich Dauer (MON) !!
He batted .369 in 103 AB, with 3 homers and 23 RBI.