Rod Caborn impresses again with 1912 AL replay documentation

Rod Caborn (yes, the one who pens the popular column Rod’s Replay Insider) emailed the other day to tell me that he just finished his 1912 AL replay. It was a 154-game feat complete with roster changes and actual schedule.  Rod used the 2010 version of the Master Game boards.  He also sent me a complete summary of his project.

First of all, congrats to Rod.  To me, finishing any full schedule APBA replay is quite an accomplishment. 

Second, Rod’s documentation of his replay is nothing short of amazing.  I’m still reading through it but Rod covers not just the standings and stats but also the background and guidelines for his replay.  The team-by-team recaps hearken back to Sporting News’ Dope Book (anyone remember those?).  Here is Rod’s full recap of his replay.  Definitely read this.  Not only is it full of info, it is visually pleasing to the eye and entertaining to read.

If you’re wondering, Boston won easily in Rod’s replay with 114 wins thanks in part to MVP Tris Speaker who hit .398 and pitcher Smokey Joe Wood went 30-6.  Speaker didn’t win the batting title, though.  That honor went to Joe Jackson who bested the Grey Eagle by two points at .401.  Walter Johnson was the Cy Young honoree with an even 1.00 ERA and a 30-9 record.  

Some notes from Rod:

Boston went 114-40…winning over Philadelphia by 17 games. Both teams were tied on July 31, which gives you some kind of idea what kind of stretch run Boston had.

Chicago’s Morrie Rath made the first unassisted triple play I have ever see in APBA.

New York had a 19-game losing streak and then somehow rebounded to actually pass St. Louis and move into seventh place….before receding back into the cellar by season’s end.

Walter Johnson 30-9, ERA 1.00, fifteen shutouts! Joe Wood 30-6, 1.21 ERA.

Joe Jackson wins batting crown at .401, but Tris Speaker was the dominant player in the replay (one error all season long, hitting .398).

Thanks for sharing this, Rod.  This is great example for the rest of us!  Rod says that 1912 National League is beckoning so we’re looking forward to the results.