Cleveland Spiders (TCBA-Y)

The Cleveland Spiders repeated as Shiloh Division champions in 1969 behind a fabulous effort by all members ofthe squad. The pitching staff was again led by Denny McLain who, while unable to match

his 30 wins from next year, did post a 26-10 record to lead the league and his 1.79 ERA was good enough for third behind Bob Gibson and Sam McDowell. The remaining staff, however, picked up their collective games as Blue Moon Odom (22-7) and Steve Blass (23-10) each surpassed the 20 win mark. The team ERA was an astounding 2.25, leading the league. Ray Washburn was a huge part of the staff going 10-2 in 19 starts with a 1.82 ERA. Also unlike last year was the offensive production by the Spider hitters. A team average of .280 and a league best 711 runs scored. Matty Alou won the batting crown hitting .362 with two 20+ game hit-streaks during the season. Willie Horton clubbed 43 homers, good for third in the TCBA. Tony Perez and Alou scored over 100 runs and Perez followed that with over 100 RBI to be named team MVP. But the regular season is just prelude. The only thing that REALLY matters is the playoffs.

Cleveland met the Gettysburg Lightning in the first round. The series had hidden meaning for the managers who live merely minutes from each other in the offseason. The championship of Pennsylvania was on the line. Cleveland wins and advances to their first ever World Series.

After defeating the Lightning, the Spiders met the Siouxland Explorers in the World Series. A series guaranteed to be filled with exceptional pitching performances. Due to a management error, Steve Blass was omitted from the post-season roster and the 23 game winner was relegated to cheerleader. Who won? Look here.

1968 promises to be bleak in Cleveland. While Mel Stottlemyre and Don Drysdale are expected to return, many players are not expected to perform at this season's level and rumors abound that several of the major stars on this team will not be wearing spiderwebs on their uniforms next season. Management is looking for some old retiring players that they can whip into youth and lead the Spiders back to the top and hopefully their first World Championship.

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