This Month in the NL - September 1983

This Month in RLB

September 1983 - NL

Rookie of the Month

SS Chris Diehl – Colorado Rockies

In the final full month of the 1983 season, we finally had a hitter grab the best rookie for September. While Diehl may be a liability in the field (somebody please put this man in the OF) his work at the plate made up for his defensive woes. 6 HRs, 17 RBIs and 18 runs scored, and a .309/.370/.593 line propelled Diehl to the top of the line for all rookies.

Pitcher of the Month

RP Matt Betters – New York Mets

Left-hander Matt Betters consistently shut down the opposition out of the bullpen, putting up a 1.93 ERA for the month and collecting 11 saves and a win in his 14 appearances. The Mets are still holding onto the top Wild Card spot in the NL; as long as they keep handing the ball off to Betters with a late lead their playoff hopes should be secured as we enter the final series of the regular season.

Hitter of the Month

2B Jeff Karr – Cincinnati Reds

Karr reminded everyone of why he should still be considered as one of the best hitters in the league. Last year’s MVP has returned to familiar form in the last two months, and September in particular. A .370 batting average, .453 OBP, 6 HRs, 13 RBI, 19 runs scored and 6 steals made Karr an easy choice for the selection this month.

Who’s Hot:

New York Mets

The Mets had a terrific month of September, keeping them at the front of the NL Wildcard race. They went 18-11 and now control their own destiny. If they can win their series against the Giants in their final three games their playoff spot is secured; with a magic number of only two their playoff spot seems safe regardless.

1B Travis Pinkard – Montreal Expos

Outside of Jeff Karr, Pinkard outpaced every other hitter through the league in September. The 34-year-old veteran slashed .362/.485/.588 to go along with 12 RBI and 16 runs scored. He has been consistent all year for the NL East leading Expos, with an OBP at .403, OPS+ of 136 and 4 WAR.

NL Wild Card Race

The Wild Card is still to be determined as we enter the final few games of the regular season. The Mets are holding down the number one spot, only 1 game ahead of the Saint Louis Cardinals. On the outside looking in are the Pirates and Astros, 1 and 2 games behind the Cardinals, respectively.

Milestones/Other Notes:

· Jesus Martinez (SF) – 1,000th career hit on 9/1

· Justin Klebes (LA) – 1,000th career hit on 9/21

· Nick Harvey (CIN) – 100th career HR on 9/20

· Carlos Jusino (PIT) – 100th career win on 9/26