The League - 1977

PRO SEASON PREVIEW: WHO’S UP AND WHO’S OUT

Instead of last year’s two-division format, the teams this year will be competing in only one. The first-place team is automatically in the World Series, while the second-, third-, and fourth-place teams must fight it out in round robin fashion to determine the other entry. League play opens this year on May 20, with each team playing an 84-game schedule, down from last year’s arduous 120 games. By late March many players were still unsigned, but barring any major trades or retirements, this year’s pennant race may shape up like this:

CONNECTICUT: As long as Joan Joyce pitches for the Falcons, they’ve got to be the favorites. Last year she had a 39-2 record, led the league in strikeouts (494), and had an ERA so low it virtually didn’t exist (0.13). She also threw four no-hitters and found the time to drive in 49 runs—third best in the league—and hit .286.

Behind Joyce is Kathy Krygier, who led the league in hits (139) and doubles (24), and finished third in batting at .335; Joyce Compton, who won the RBI title with 67 and tied for third in home runs (12); and Irene Shea, who hit .325. Other key players: Willie Roze, Sandy Fischer, Snooki Mulder, Sharron Backus. Watch for rookie Audi Kujala.

SAN JOSE: It’s impossible to say yet how much last season’s dissension hurt the Sunbirds. Three players from last year are already gone—most importantly, Charlotte Graham—and Sunbird manager Laura Malesh has resigned. Brenda Gamblin, regarded by most as the best third baseman in the league, had not been traded by late March, but it seemed likely she would be. Pitcher Bonnie Johnson was 25-8 last year with an ERA of 0.80. San Jose picked up pitchers Nancy Welborn and Pat Whitman in the draft. Welborn tied Joan Joyce for wins (39-14) and was second in ERA (0.56) and strikeouts (394). There is some question about whether she will play this year, though. Whitman was 22-27 with the dismal Pennsylvania Liberties.

Gamblin had 42 RBIs but the bulk of the offense was Diane Kalliam, who led the league in runs (87), walks (84), and stolen bases (50), and was second in hitting at .379. Other key players: Marilynn Burnett, Mary Flint, Teri Mariani. Watch for rookies Sue Lindh and Connie Staff.

SANTA ANA: The Lionettes could be the strongest overall mound staff in the league. To complement Cathy Benedetto (36-21 and 0.68 ERA) they picked up Donna Lopiano (24-19) in the draft and traded for Charlotte Graham (23-11, 0.93 ERA). With any hitting, Santa Ana could make a strong run this season. But it was poor hitting that plagued the team last year. Benedetto hit .270 and the averages spiraled rapidly downward from there. Shirley Owens (nine home runs) and Adele Johnson were picked up in the off-season and may provide some spark. Other key players: Mickey Davis, Stephany Tenney, Mary Lou Pennington.

BAKERSFIELD: Playing in Arizona last year, this team made a strong showing in the second half of the season. The Aggies have some outstanding players this year, but lack depth. The heart of the team is pitcher Billie Harris, 32-13 last season. Margaret Rebenar has the potential to be an excellent pitcher this year and can hit as well (12 home runs, third best in the league). The Aggies also picked up Debbie Bevers in the draft for some additional power at the plate (13 home runs, 40 RBIs). Other key players: Bev Slover, Cheryl Stice, Louise Rodebush.

BUFFALO: The Breskis are the dark-horse team this year. They already have pitcher Helen Nikiel (31-18) and the pro league’s home-run champion Mary Ann Cardillo (16 HRs, 45 RBIs), and they strengthened themselves in the drafts. Picked up were Connie Peterson (.309), Barb Ross (52 RBIs, second in the league), and pitcher Pat Willis, a much better pitcher than her 21-30 record with Pennsylvania would indicate. Other key players: Val Strachan, Cindy Breski. Watch for rookies Carole Myers and Pat Stockman.

ST. LOUIS: The Hummers will be playing with a lot of heart this year but little else. True, they did draft Pat Guenzler, the league's leading hitter last year at .385, and pitcher Cindy Henderson, but the rest of the team is likely to consist of rookies and players cut from out teams. Watch for rookies Marge Wright and Nancy "Boomer" Nelson.