“Nobody asked me about my pitching” RIP Tony Cloninger

In a group text, fellow Illowa League member Dennis Jennings noted that Tony Cloninger passed away last week. I didn’t see Cloninger pitch in real life but I still felt a twinge of sadness.

As a CYW, Cloninger is a workhorse starter for the Atlanta Braves in my 1966 NL replay. Just last week, he became the fourth pitcher to accumulate ten wins joining LA’s Don Sutton (15-0), SF’s Juan Marichal (12-3) and teammate Clay Carroll (11-0). In addition to his 10-4 record, he boasts a 2.88 ERA and two shutouts.

Cloninger’s replay win was also significant for the team as well. The complete game win put the Braves in a tie for second place with the Pirates. The league-leader in walks did not give up a single BB in the game. (By the way, the next day, Denny Lemaster (CX) won to put the Braves ahead of Pittsburgh.)

In real life, Cloninger led the NL in walks in 1966 with 116. In my replay, he also paces the NL. He has 52 walks, seven more than Jack Hamilton.

Cloninger is most known for his hitting. “Funny thing, nobody asked me about my pitching,” said Cloninger about his legacy. Cloninger is famous for hitting two grandslams in one game… in 1966.

In total, he hit five homers and five doubles in ’66. His card is pretty neat. Aside from his CYW grade in 257 innings, he was given a 1-5-6, three 8s, two 9s, a 10, one 14 and a 42. Tony pitched before the advent of the designated hitter but I wonder if he would still would have hi

So how  is he hitting for me in my replay? Not bad. Not many pitchers can boast a .532 slugging percentage.  So far, Tony Cloninger is 13 for 47 with six doubles and two homers. He has scored seven times and driven in five runs.

For the Braves in 1966, Cloninger drove in 23 runs.  That was more than the rest of the Atlanta pitching staff combined.  RIP Tony Cloninger. You will live as long as I continue my replay… and longer.