United Leagues of Braeland

[reds1]

December 1, 1953

Eastern League: Early Battle for the Top





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Offense: .296/.368/.447 (2nd/1st/1st)
Pitching: 4.60/4.39/5.30 (6th/5th/5th)
Defense: .679 (7th)

Offense is the on the upswing in the United Leagues, at least in the early going. The Eastern League batting average for example is currently .276. If it holds, then that would be the highest league average in 13 seasons. The Embro Suns have been carried by their offense to the top of the Eastern League standings after the first two months. But the lead has changed hands and been shared with others, most notably, the Cobourg Red Stockings. First place is not a runaway this year.

A number of key players are having tremendous seasons at the plate. The offense is led by 25-year old 3B Moromao Nakagawa (.338/.398/.574, 10 Hr, 41 RBI, 18 BB, 2.5 WAR). The former 5th overall pick from 1947-48 has come into his own and is currently ranked 12th overall among position players.

He is joined by lead-off hitter LF Jesús Abreu (.293/.406/.473, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 27 BB, 1.4 WAR), No 2 hitter CF Orlando Morales (.325/.364/.500, 5 HR, 32 RBI, 14 BB, 1.9 WAR), No. 3 hitter 1B Napana Mamo (.295/.358/.471, 5 HR, 34 RBI, 19 BB, 1.4 WAR) and No. 5 hitter RF José Maldonado (.297/.361/.494, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 18 BB, 1.0 WAR). All are enjoying the best start to their young careers.

The defense however has not been as sterling, as the Suns are last in zone rating (-7.5) and errors (59). Pitching has been a mixed bag too. But both RHP Juan Rivas (6-5, 3.48 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 121 ERA+) and veteran LHP Arthur Bence (5-6, 3.68 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 114 ERA+), the Nos. 2 and 3 starters, have been fairly reliable thus far.

Noteworthy:

November 3 – It was a long day for Braeland City, as the Suns scorched the Monarchs 23-4. The game was tied 3-3 until the 5th inning when Embro brought on the heat, scoring 3 runs in the 5th, a run in the 6th, 10 runs in the 7th and 3 runs each in the 8th and 9th. Eight players collected at least two hits, with 3B Moromao Nakagawa going 5 for 7, with 3-run home run and a double, 5 RBI, 4 R; while RF José Maldonado went 4 for 7, with a Grand Slam home run, 7 RBI and 1 R.
November 10 – 28-year old 3B Keon-chae Cho (.355/.429/.613, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 8 BB, 0.7 WAR) has put up the best offensive performance in a game in the Eastern League thus far, when he went 4 for 5 with 2 home runs and 2 singles in the Suns’ 14-4 trouncing of the Queensland Eagles. He scored 3 runs and drove in 7 for a game score of 108.

Current Injuries:

October 9 – SS Kieron Bradridge – strained hamstring. Out for: unknown.

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Offense: .299/.364/.437 (1st/2nd/3rd)
Pitching: 4.13/4.07/4.38 (2nd/4th/2nd)
Defense: .702 (3rd)

Perhaps the most consistent team in the East after the first two months has been the Cobourg Red Stockings, who have gone back and forth with the Embro Suns for top spot the past eight weeks. They have been separated by no more than 1 game so far.

The offense continues to be elite, led by their 2-time Babe Ruth Award winner, CF Raymond Williams (.358/.419/.652, 13 HR, 47 RBI, 21 BB, 3.8 WAR). The 27-year old earned 9.2 WAR last season; this year he is on pace for 11.4. But he has been joined this season in the outstanding performance department by 1B Harry Doxey (.415/.464/.615, 7 HR, 40 RBI, 15 BB, 3.3 WAR). Doxey currently leads the entire ULB in batting average, hits (85) and doubles (20). Over the past 5 seasons, the 28-year old averaged just under 4.0 WAR; this year he is on pace to rack up 9.9.

But the Red Stockings are dealing with a bit of unhappiness. In addition to a lack of leadership on the team, former 6th overall pick Douglas Jones (.259/.309/.397, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 13 BB, 2 SB, 1.1 WAR – 58/73) has taken over the shortstop position full-time from 32-year old John Medley (.340/.373/.511, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 3 BB, 0.3 WAR – 58/58), who is still a very capable player. Medley currently is rated as the 10th-best shortstop in the ULB. Understandably, the 7-time all-star is not happy. We’ll have to see how this plays out.

Overall, the pitching staff has improved over last season, but it still needs to develop consistency if Cobourg wants to repeat as Eastern League champions. 25-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (6-5, 2.93 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 144 ERA+) and 25-year old LHP Bill Budd (5-4, 3.65 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 116 ERA+) continue to be one of the finer one-two punches in the United Leagues.

Noteworthy:

October 6 –SS Douglas Jones did some real damage against Queensland, going 5 for 5 in Cobourg’s 12-6 drubbing of the Eagles. Hitting out of the 5th spot, he hit a 2-run home run in the 4th as well as a 2-run double in the 5th. Jones scored twice and drove in 5 runs.
October 22 – Cobourg was down 4-0 heading into the top of the 8th when they exploded for 12 runs, en route to a 12-6 victory. They needed just 8 hits to win the game. Alas, CF Raymond Williams did not get one, ending his 23-game hitting streak. But he did score twice on 4 walks, going 0-1 on the day.
October 25 – 5th starter RHP Efren Tumanut (2-2, 5.61 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 75 ERA+) pitched a whale of the game, defeating the Wellington Athletics 14-0. On 117 pitches, he surrendered just 4 hits with 3 BB and 4 K (GS: 80). The former 6th rounder from 1945-46 also hit his first career home run, a 2-run shot in the 6th. In all, he went 1 for 4 with 2 R, 2 RBI.
November 13 – The top pitching performance in the East so far came from LHP Bill Budd, who blanked the Balmoral Giants, 7-0. Budd gave up just 4 hits and 1 BB, while striking out 10 for a game score of 88.
November 27 – The Red Stockings rocked the Pelicans in Kingston, 12-1 off of 17 hits. They scored 4 runs in the 1st and 5 in the 4th, with the help of 3-run home runs from CF Raymond Williams and 1B Harry Doxey. 26-year old LF Robert Burgess (.500/.545/.800, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 0.2 WAR) chipped in with a two-run shot in the 4th as well, his first of the season. LHP Bill Budd went the distance, giving up just 3 hits with 6 BB, 6 K (GS: 77).

Current Injuries:

October 20 – RHP Harry Dinsmore – recurring back spasms. Out for: 2 weeks.
November 20 – RF Nathan Ashman – strained oblique. Out for: DtD, 2 weeks.

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Offense: .276/.358/.408 (4th/3rd/5th)
Pitching: 4.05/3.99/4.48 (1st/3rd/3rd)
Defense: .713 (1st)

The Stratford Barons boasted the best record in the United Leagues at the end of October but stumbled soon after when they started the next month 1-8.

The heart of the lineup (Nos. 3 through 6) is enjoying a terrific start. 23-year old CF Sherwin Carasig (.342/.412/.535, 8 HR, 39 RBI, 22 BB, 6 SB, 2.4 WAR), a 9th overall pick from 1947-48, is enjoying a break-out season, while 14-year veteran, 34-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.303/.429/.471, 7 HR, 33 RBI, 35 BB, 2.1 WAR), continues to play at a high level (rated 7th overall among all players). Following them in the lineup are 25-year old 2B Matthew Channing (.299/.359/.503, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 19 BB, 6 SB, 1.9 WAR) and 30-year old LF Roberto Ríos (.304/.436/.391, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 43BB, 2.0 WAR). Like Carasig, Channing is a young player who is enjoying his first break-out year while Ríos appears to be experiencing a bit of a renaissance as he is off to his best start in four seasons.

One surprise is the demotion of 28-year old 1B Bob Goodyear (.293/.373/.341, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 7 BB, 0.1 WAR – 49/49) to the bench. Taking his place is 23-year old rookie Ronald Hollinshed (.294/.330/.444, 1 HR, 23 RBI, 9 BB, 0.5 WAR – 45/50). Hollinshed was Stratford’s 4th overall pick last season, the same year that Goodyear finished 5th in the EL Babe Ruth Award voting.

The pitching is sturdy, but so far only 26-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (9-3, 3.41 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 123 ERA+) has been a real standout. Second year pitcher, 27-year old RHP Alonso Martínez (5-3, 3.41 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 123 ERA+), has had his moments.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 12 – CF Sherwin Carasig (.500, 16 H, 3 HR, 10 RBI)

Noteworthy:

October 15 – The Barons defeated the Brunswick Legends, 3-0 at home. RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco pitched the shut-out on three hits with 2 BB, 4 K on 103 pitches (GS: 83). The Barons got all their runs in the 3rd, with C Aaron Skidmore hitting a 2-out, 2-run home run.
October 31 – The Downie Chiefs could not get anything going against 27-year old RHP Bill Wolf (4-5, 4.25 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 98 ERA+) who pitched the Barons to a 2-0 victory. Giving up just 3 hits – all singles, Wolf struck out 3 and walked 1 on 95 pitches (GS: 83).

Current Injuries:

November 29 – CF Marcello Dean – biceps strain. Out for: DtD, 2 weeks.

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Offense: .293/.354/.446 (3rd/4th/2nd)
Pitching: 4.36/3.75/5.77 (5th/1st/7th)
Defense: .691 (4th)

The Braeland City Monarchs are the fourth team in the East that are keeping things really close, although like the Barons, they too stumbled in November. If they can get their pitching staff, especially the bullpen to step up, then they could easily find themselves holding down top spot very soon.

I’ve been a big fan of 28-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.391/.484/.737, 13 HR, 36 RBI, 33 BB, 4.1 WAR) ever since the former 1st overall pick joined the league 6 seasons ago, but I never felt he was receiving the recognition he deserves. That may change this year. Lidgate is enjoying a monster season so far (he is on pace for 12.2 WAR) as he leads the League in 8 offensive categories. In the ever changing Top 20, he currently sits at No. 1, ahead of Cobourg’s Raymond Williams. 23-year old RF Aidan Trembath (.323/.404/.477, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 23 BB, 1.8 WAR) and 28-year old C Hayden Billyard (.326/.359/.484, 5 HR, 33 RBI, 10 BB, 1.4 WAR) are also off to their best starts.

The rotation has been really good with No. 1 starter, 25-year old RHP Pei Ming (5-5, 2.75 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 154 ERA+), off to a fast start in his second full season. No. 2 starter, 32-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (4-2, 3.95 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 107 ERA+) continues to be effective. But outside of stopper RHP Rizal Doctolero (6-2, 5 SV, 3.28 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 129 ERA+), the bullpen is struggling.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 26 – RF Aidan Trembath (.484, 15 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI)
November 9 – 2B Patrick Lidgate (.533, 8 H, 3 HR, 5 RBI)
November 23 – 2B Patrick Lidgate (.524, 11 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI)

Current Injuries:

November 17 – RHP Bobby Hogg – sprained elbow. Out for: DtD, 2 days.
November 23 – 2B Patrick Lidgate – knee tendinitis. Out for: DtD, 4 days.
November 28 – RHP Pei Ming – mild calf strain. Out for: DtD, 3 days.

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Offense: .269/.339/.387 (5th/5th/7th)
Pitching: 4.99/4.71/5.92 (8th/7th/8th)
Defense: .682 (6th)

Although the Wellington Athletics got off to a slow start in October and find themselves in the second division after the first two months, they really aren’t that far off from competing with the top four teams in the East. But a long-term injury to their best player and an uneven pitching squad may do them in.
The offense has been quite respectable, but they lost their best player when 26-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.350/.429/.613, 9 HR, 37 RBI, 21 BB, 2.6 WAR) broke his elbow sliding into second base in a game against the Fort Richmond Generals. Floyd is currently rated the No. 3 position player in the ULB and his production will be tough to replace. On the bright side, the contributions to Wellington’s offense has been nicely distributed. 28-year old Jim Mars (.326/.386/.420, 0 HR, 26 RBI, 19 BB, 1.4 WAR) has put the distractions of the off-season nicely behind him, although his home run power has curiously dried up. 26-year old 1B Wayne Emmert (.284/.364/.502, 8 HR, 38 RBI, 24 BB, 1.6 WAR) is off to a fine start as well, but a lineup without Floyd is going to suffer.

The pitching has not great to be honest. But No. 1 starter, 25-year old RHP Vinnie Snell (6-3, 4.00 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 103 ERA+) has been decent, while No. 2 starter, 23-year old rookie RHP Darren Etheridge (6-2, 3.64 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 113 ERA+) has been a pleasant surprise, winning back-to-back Rookie of the Month honors. The bullpen has a bit of hodgepodge feel to it, with the Athletics signing 37-year old veteran LHP Anastasio Rodríquez (0-0, 13.50 ERA, 2.00 WHIP, 31 ERA+) to a minor league contract. But it appears the future hall of famer’s best days are behind him.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 2 – CF Jim Mars (.560, 14 H, 4 RBI)
November 16 – LF Matthew Floyd (.419, 13 H, 3 HR, 11 RBI)

Noteworthy:

October 11 –RHP Vinnie Snell put up a great performance against the Stratford Barons, blanking them 4-0 on 3 hits. He struck out 10 and walked 4 (GS: 87). He was assisted by 1B Wayne Emmert who banged out a 3-run home run in the 3rd inning against Bill Wolf.

Current Injuries:

October 20 – RHP Matt Price – partially torn labrum. Out for: 6-7 weeks.
November 22 – LF Matthew Floyd – broken bone in elbow. Out for: 4 months.

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Offense: .269/.335/.419 (6th/6th/4th)
Pitching: 4.86/4.80/5.03 (7th/8th/4th)
Defense: .678 (8th)

Hard to believe, but it’s been 7 years already since the Brunswick Legends last made the playoffs. It doesn’t appear the playoff drought is going to end anytime soon.

25-year old C Robert Kersey (.310/.385/.589, 13 HR, 22 BB, 2.3 WAR) is easily Brunswick’s best player and is the top catcher in the United Leagues (6th overall). In addition, 26-year-old switch-hitting CF Gideon Joule (.311/.373/.459, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 18 BB, 5 SB, 1.4 WAR), 25-year old SS Harris Yaag (.328/.360/.519, 7 HR, 31 RBI, 9 BB, 1.4 WAR) and 32-year old 3B Jorge Arredondo (.292/.367/.432, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 23 BB, 1.7 WAR) are enjoying fine starts. But lead-off hitter LF Carl Patton (.246/.361/.267, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 35 BB, 10 SB, 0.4 WAR) has regressed severely, after his breakout season last year when he racked up 7.4 WAR and finished 8th in the EL Babe Ruth Award voting.

An iconic face who has been the heart of the Legends lineup for the past 12 seasons is slowly receding: 36-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.252/.318/.461, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 12 BB, -0.2 WAR) has been reduced to pinch hitting duties and the LHP lineup, as 25-year old Francis Joicey (.256/.323/.433, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 9 BB, 0.4 WAR) has taken over the bulk of the duties at first base facing RHP.

The pitching is struggling but there have been a few bright spots: No. 3 starter, 33-year old RHP Luis Cruz (5-4, 3.36 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 126 ERA+) has been Brunswick’s best pitcher, while 26-year old RHP Mhelter Pilapil (5-4, 4.05 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 104 ERA+), who won 21 games last year, has pitched well the last few games. In the bullpen, 28-year old RHP Byron Ollson (0-1, 1 SV, 2.30 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 184 ERA+) has pitched well in 31.1 innings so far.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 30 – SS Harris Yaag (.520, 13 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R)

Noteworthy:

October 11 – The Legends pulled out a dramatic walk-off win against the Wellington Athletics as 23-year old rookie OF Jay Mitchell (.281/.329/.453, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 5 BB, 0.3 WAR) proved to be the hero. Down 3-2 heading into the bottom of the 9th, C Robert Kersey led off with a double off of RHP Zachary Collingham. 1B Stuart Bentham followed with a 4-pitch walk. RF Marcus Peyto (.264/.329/.521, 10 HR, 31 RBI, 14 BB, 0.7 WAR) then slashed a single into left centerfield to tie the game. RHP Finlay Capstick then came on in relief, getting two quick outs. But then Jay Mitchell stepped to the plate and smashed a 1-2 pitch 421 ft. into the right centerfield bleachers for a 3-run homer, giving the Legends the walk-off win.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .258/.319/.402 (7th/7th/6th)
Pitching: 4.16/4.56/3.13 (4th/6th/1st)
Defense: .708 (2nd)

The Downie Chiefs are just two seasons removed from their last playoff appearance and it appears they trying to rebuild on the fly. They have promoted at least 4 rookies to the lineup and rotation. Considering the struggles of many of their veterans this season, that isn’t such a bad move.

Their offense is sputtering, with only 25-year old 2B Dominic Dudding (.363/.430/.527, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 23 BB, 2.6 WAR) playing up to his expected level. 27-year old CF Alfonso León (.342/.386/.485, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 15 BB, 1.8 WAR) is considered one of the elite players in the United Leagues (4th overall) and is producing, but his overall production is done from his Babe Ruth Award-winning level from last season. The rest of the veterans are all experiencing slow starts.

Perhaps as a result, the Chiefs have promoted a couple of their prospects to the major league lineup. 22-year old Freddie Ogburn (.224/.259/.366, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 7 BB, 0.2 WAR – 45/63), an 11th overall pick from 1949-50 has taken over third base full-time, with 25-year old Louis Revill (.260/.322/.398, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 14 BB, 0.8 WAR) shifting to first base. Meanwhile, 24-year old OF Jack Jefferson (.286/.385/.381, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 0.2 WAR – 48/57) was recently promoted, but has largely been serving as the 4th outfielder for now.

While the bullpen, led by former starter RHP Joong Ling (1-0, 2.13 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 193 ERA+), has been very effective, the club has used injuries in their rotation as an opportunity to try out some rookies. Thus, 22-year old RHP Stefan Rankin (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.88 WHIP – 40/43), a former 4th round pick from 1950-51, and 22-year old LHP Quinn Merrifield (2-4, 5.59 ERA, 1.84 WHIP, 74 ERA+ - 23/59), a 2nd-round pick from last season, are getting their turns in the 4th and 5th spots respectively.

Noteworthy:

November 12 – In a wild game that saw the lead change hands 6 times, the Chiefs pulled out a come from behind win over the Hespeler Stars, winning 9-7. Down 7-6 heading into the bottom of the 9th, CF Alfonso León singled off of RHP Nelson Wigley with one out. 2B Dominic Dudding then drew a 4-pitch walk. Next up was 1B Louie Revill, who hit his second home run of the day, a 3-run shot into leftfield, giving the Chiefs the walk-off win.

Current Injuries:

November 11 – RHP Carl Luscombe – torn meniscus. Out for: 7 weeks.
November 27 – RHP Bernie Knowles – strained shoulder. Out for: 4 weeks.

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Offense: .251/.319/.361 (8th/8th/8th)
Pitching: 4.16/3.88/5.68 (3rd/2nd/6th)
Defense: .688 (5th)

The Queensland Eagles are at the bottom of the standings and its not hard to see why: they have the most anemic offense in the United Leagues. But as bad as their offense is, their pitching has been sturdy – and it appears it’s only to going to get stronger. Like the Downie Chiefs, the Eagles have promoted a few rookies on both offense and pitching to see if they can give a much-needed boost to Queensland’s fortunes.

The lineup is a virtual wasteland, with only 27-year old 3B Ryan Conisford (.263/.341/.459, 9 HR, 35 RBI, 23 BB, 1.5 WAR) enjoying a solid start, the best of his 4-year career. Two rookies have made the lineup, attempting to establish themselves. 7th round pick (1950-51) CF Liam Banfield (.254/.338/.365, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 25 BB, 8 SB, 0.6 WAR – 46/49) is leading off, while Queensland’s top prospect, 20-year old RF Hal Dhu (39/68), was promoted to the majors in late November. The 5th overall selection from 1951-52 will bat 5th, immediately behind Conisford.

What the Eagles don’t have (yet) on offense, they have in pitching: the top two rated players in the United Leagues. 28-year old RHP Logan Belsey (6-6, 3.13 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 132 ERA+ - 72/80) and 26-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (5-4, 3.14 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 132 ERA+ - 69/74) are unquestionably the most formidable pitching duo in the United Leagues today. And the rotation could get even stronger in near future. 21-year old RHP Derek Tarn (0-1, 5.14 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 81 ERA+ - 46/64) currently resides in the bullpen, but the former 3rd overall pick (1950-51) is a future starter. Down in AAA, the Eagles also have 21-year old RHP Wayne O’Reilly (36/62), a 9th overall pick from last year and 24-year old LHP Amoka Kalea (40/56), who was selected in the 3rd round last season. If the young guns continue to develop, Queensland could easily have the strongest rotation in the ULB sooner rather than later.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 19 – LF Rod Dennis (.500, 13 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI)

Noteworthy:

November 25 – It remained a scoreless tie until the top of the 9th inning, when the Eagles finally broke through, but the day belonged to RHP Logan Belsey. On 123 pitches, he blanked the Balmoral Giants, 5-0. He struck out 8, walked 2 and gave up just 4 hits (GS: 85). Triple-A veteran, 27-year old SS Juan Ramos (.250/.283/.477, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 0.3 WAR), got the big hit, a two-out, 3-run jack to leftfield.

Current Injuries:

October 24 – LHP Steven Selkirk – torn flexor tendon. Out for: 5 months.
November 22 – RF Jilenko Vergara – wrist soreness. Out for: DtD, 3 days.
November 28 – 3B Bob Sobel – sprained ankle. Out for: 2 weeks.

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[Dark Horse]

Patrick Lidgate makes it easy to root for the Monarchs.
Plus, i really like their unis.

[reds1]

December 1, 1953

Western League: Generals, Pelicans Battle It Out in Early Going





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Offense: .274/.328/.385 (2nd/6th/5th)
Pitching: 3.44/3.57/2.62 (1st/3rd/1st)
Defense: .735 (1st)

For most of the first two months of the season, four teams were vying for top spot. But in the last week of November, two teams have begun to separate themselves from the pack, if only a wee bit. The Fort Richmond Generals have parlayed a hot November to move into a tie for first place with the Kingston Pelicans.

The Generals’ offense had been serviceable but needs more contributions from more players to sustain their recent success. 25-year old Greg Cusack (.324/.378/.475, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 16 BB, 3 SB, 2.0 WAR) has established himself as Fort Richmond’s centerfielder of the present and future as 6-time all-star, 31-year old Dylan Moyne (.247/.310/.338, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 7 BB, 0.1 WAR), continues to fade. 29-year old SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.309/.350/.425, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 12 BB, 2.0 WAR) and 32-year old C Louis Wearne (.309/.391/.536, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 12 BB, 1.3 WAR) have also contributed, but not the extent they have in the previous seasons.

Pitching continues to be the Generals’ greatest strength. 30-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (6-2, 3.30 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 124 ERA+) is the ace of the rotation, while No. 3 starter, 33-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (8-2, 2.88 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 143 ERA+), is outstanding once again. Despite injuries, the bullpen continues to be the best in the League, anchored by 29-year old RHP José Rodríguez (4-0. 3 SV, 2.08 ERA, 1.23 WHIP).

Player of the Week Awards:

November 23 – C Louis Wearne (.625, .750 OBP, 5 H, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R)

Noteworthy:

November 2 – Jacob Gadsden (.325/.374/.444, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 10 BB, 0.7 WAR) played a big role in the Generals 7-2 victory over the Sherburn Tigers. For the visitors, the 26-year old first baseman went 5 for 5, collecting 2 R and 3 RBI. He singled twice and hit 3 doubles, including a two-run double in the 9th to put the game out of reach.

November 21 – The Wellington Athletics were completely befuddled by 26-year old LHP Diarmid Rowet (2-2, 3.35 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 123 ERA+) who whitewashed Wellington, 2-0. Rowet allowed just one hit all afternoon, a two-out single by Matthew Floyd in the 1st inning. He notched 4 strikeouts and walked 4 on 121 pitches (GS: 85).

November 30 – The Generals ended November with a bang, blanking the top team in the East – the Embro Suns, 7-0. Keeping them off the scoreboard was LHP Nicholas Grimes, who fanned 3, while walking one batter. He gave up just two hits on 93 pitches (GS: 85).

Current Injuries:

November 26 – LHP Frank Lita – torn flexor muscle. Out for: 6 months.
November 29 – RHP Roberto Taváres – back spasms. Out for: DtD, 2 days.

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Offense: .272/.349/.404 (3rd/1st/4th)
Pitching: 3.76/3.88/3.27 (4th/4th/3rd)
Defense: .712 (2nd)

After finishing 14 games below .500 and in 6th place last year, the Kingston Pelicans have quickly returned to relevance this season. Their 33 wins are the most for any team in the United Leagues thus far.

The offense is buoyed by a mixture of veterans and fresh faces. The heart of the lineup is 27-year old C Carlos Camasura (.300/.466/.407, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 48 BB, 1.8 WAR). The on-base machine is off to another fine start and is rated 3rd among all catchers in the ULB. He is joined by 39-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.264/.387/.477, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 34 BB, 1.6 WAR), who is enjoying his best season in 4 years. The 7-time all-star currently sits in 4th place on the all-time home run leaderboard (273). Also enjoying great starts are 25-year old SS Charlie Cockin (.301/.377/.477, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 22 BB, 2.01 WAR) and 26-year old sophomore 3B Harry Herold (.264/.326/.423, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 15 BB, 0.9 WAR). However, 38-year old 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.364/.364/.727, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0 BB, 0.2 WAR), the club’s all-time leader in hits and games played, has quickly become an afterthought.

A couple of the younger hurlers are pitching really well. No. 2 starter, 27-year old LHP Rob Hutchence (5-3, 2.26 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 187 ERA+), is considered a hard worker and its showing. The former 6th overall pick from 1945-46 is being supported by sophomore 27-year old RHP Brian Marsland (8-2, 3.45 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 123 ERA+), and No. 5 starter, 29-year old veteran LHP Dana Listman (6-2, 3.84 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 110 ERA+), who is off to his best start in 6 years.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 9 – RHP Brian Marsland (2-0, 18 IP, 0.00 ERA, 9 K)

Noteworthy:

November 7 – The Pelicans eked out a 1-0 win over the Sherburn Tigers, thanks largely to RHP Brian Marsland, who pitched a two-hitter. The 27-year old Marsland struck out 6 and walked three in his 117-pitch gem (GS: 86). Kingston could only muster 3 hits themselves but got the hit that mattered when 3B Harry Herold singled in a run with two men on base and two out in the bottom of the 6th.

Current Injuries:

October 9 – RHP Ben Currall – torn triceps. Out for: 8-9 weeks.
November 3 – CF George Nipper – torn meniscus. Out for: 3 weeks.
November 21 – 2B Noah Wellings – knee tendinitis. Out for: DtD, 1 week.

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Offense: .268/.331/.407 (5th/5th/3rd)
Pitching: 3.46/3.53/3.21 (2nd/2nd/2nd)
Defense: .710 (3rd)

As in the previous two seasons, the Pulberry Trolleys are in the playoff hunt, but are still looking to take the next step in becoming a real force in the West and end their playoff drought. What is needed right now is more consistent contributions from all players in the lineup. The pitching, however, is quietly developing into a dependable squad, something that the Trolleys have rarely enjoyed.

25-year old LF Aidan Thirkettle (.313/.427/.665, 14 HR, 40 RBI, 36 BB, 5 SB, 2.8 WAR) was selected first overall back in 1950-51. In just his third season, he is proving that selection to have been a wise choice. He is off to an incredible start and leads the Western League in 10 offensive categories. He is currently rated 5th overall among all position players. But Thirkettle could benefit from more support. 26-year old CF Cooper Tyson (.284/.347/.428, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 20 BB, 4 SB, 1.6 WAR) continues to have an impact, but both his offense and defense have taken a step back from his level of play in prior years. 26-year old 3B Makani Kahale (.306/.325/.461, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 5 BB, 1.4 WAR) continues his solid play and has seen a nice little bump in his power game. Meanwhile, 23-year old sophomore C Paul England (.284/.378/.382, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 0.8 WAR – 53/68) continues to progress and appears to be justifying his high draft selection (2nd overall) in 1951-52.

The pitching staff slowly became a respectable unit last season and that progression continues this year. Four of the five starters are enjoying fine starts. 32-year old ace RHP Alexander Ellacott (4-3, 3.38 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 122 ERA+) is off to his best start in 10 years. Pulberry’s top rated starter, 25-year old RHP Taylor Folkard (5-2, 5 SV, 1.51 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 272 ERA+) has just moved back into the No. 2 spot and continues to prove what a steal he was from Braeland City two years ago. 24-year old LHP Ramón Castro (3-3, 3.19 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 129 ERA+) is bouncing back nicely from a down sophomore year last season and 26-year old RHP Harley Rodman (5-3, 3.43 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 120 ERA+) is finding a home in the No. 5 spot. The bullpen is proving to be steady core as well. Among the relievers is future starter, 24-year old LHP Dermott Rathbone (2-3, 1.71 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 241 ERA+ - 46/60), a 2nd-round pick from 1949-50.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 16 – LF Aidan Thirkettle (.476, 10 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R)

Noteworthy:

October 13 – The top offensive performance thus far in the Western League is by LF Aidan Thirkettle who went 3 for 3, including 2 home runs in the Trolleys’ 13-4 victory over the Sherburn Tigers. Thirkettle slammed a 2-run homer in the 1st inning then a Grand Slam in the 5th, both against Sherburn’s LHP Luke Henty. In all, Thirkettle collected 3 R, 6 RBI, 2 BB for game score of 107. 2B Wade Billyard (.177/.208/.306, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 5 BB, -0.4) also hit a Grand Slam, against LHP Roman Davis in the 7th inning to put the game away.

October 26 – 28-year old RF Ellis Dibble (.307/.376/.453, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 21 BB, 0.5 WAR) came through for his teammates in a big way against the Hespeler Stars, leading the Trolleys to a 6-5 walk-off win. Dibble went 3 for 5, with 1 R and 4 RBI. A 2-out, 2-run double in the 2nd inning put Pulberry up 5-1 but he Stars fought back to tie the game in the 7th. But with one out in the bottom of the 9th, Dibble hit a cutter off of reliever RHP Nelson Wigley for a solo home run, 414 ft. in the leftfield stands to end the game in dramatic fashion.

October 30 – RHP Harley Rodman went the distance and then some in the Trolleys’ 6-1 win over the Fort Richmond Generals. Rodman pitched 11 innings, surrendering only 1 run over 109 pitches. In the process he put in the top pitching performance in the West (GS: 89). The Generals managed to push a run across the plate in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extras. The Trolleys broke the tie in the top of the 12th, aided by 3 singles, an error and a 3-run home run by LF Aidan Thirkettle. RHP Denzel Vyse sent the Generals down in order in the bottom of the 12th to end the game. Rodman gave up just 4 hits, a walk and struck out 5 in his gem.

November 20 –RHP Alexander Ellacott pitched a brilliant game against the Brunswick Legends, shutting them out 4-0 on 4 hits in a complete game effort. He rang up 10 strikeouts and walked 2 on 129 pitches (GS: 87).

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .247/.325/.359 (8th/7th/8th)
Pitching: 3.64/3.28/5.40 (3rd/1st/7th)
Defense: .707 (4th)

The Wolseley Unions got off to a painfully slow start last season before turning on the afterburners and overtaking the Cambria Cannons for first place in the final days of the regular season. But this year feels different. Although they enjoy a winning record after two months of play and still have one of the best rotations in the game, the offense is far from the dominant force it was in the past.

Only 28-year old 3B Paddy Leseberg (.260/386/.335, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 33 BB, 1.4 WAR) is enjoying a career year. Even so, he is hardly an offensive powerhouse to begin with. Both 32-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.277/.440/.480, 9 HR, 24 RBI, 51 BB, 1.6 WAR) and 32-year old SS George Kimpton (.299/.377/.443, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 22 BB, 1.4 WAR) are having fairly solid seasons, but it appears they have lost a step. The rest of the lineup has really regressed. One exception is 24-year old rookie CF Joey South (.291/.333/.418, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 0.1 WAR), who is filling in for 30-year old CF Howard Ockey (.214/.298/.352, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 19 BB, 0.5 WAR) and is leading 0ff.

The rotation is solid from top to bottom, with 35-year old RHP Bill Blair (9-2, 2.44 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 174 ERA+) and 28-year old LHP Axel MacKay (4-5, 2.82 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 150 ERA+) leading the way. The rotation is so strong that 26-year old RHP Joseph Sellwood (0-1, 2 SV, 4.76 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 89 ERA+ - 61/63), a 14th overall pick from 1949-50, still cannot crack the rotation after 3 seasons.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 26 – 1B Carlos Ortíz (.478, 11 H, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R)
November 2 – 3B Paddy Leseberg (.476, 10 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI)

Current Injuries:

November 22 – CF Howard Ockey – sore shoulder. Out for: 5-6 weeks.

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Offense: .278/.347/.430 (1st/2nd/1st)
Pitching: 4.49/4.27/5.26 (6th/7th/6th)
Defense: .698 (6th)

The Cambria Cannons are the exact opposite of the Wolseley Unions right now – great offense, but a lackluster pitching staff. But the defending United Cup champions are far from going into crisis mode. The pitching has the potential to get better and the Cannons currently boast the top farm system that is already bearing fruit.

The Cannons are blessed with some wonderful young talent in the lineup; more of the same could soon be arriving over the next couple of seasons. 24-year old CF Sam Tite (.285/.409/.559, 13 HR, 45 RBI, 37 BB, 3 SB, 2.7 WAR – 67/78) is quickly establishing himself as one the best players in the United Leagues (15th overall), while 22-year old rookie LF Calvin Hanbridge (.293/.415/.518, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 35 BB, 3 SB, 1.8 WAR – 60/73) made his presence known in November as Cambria’s lead-off hitter, winning both Batter of the Month and Rookie of the Month honours. And 27-year old 1B Carlos Corea (.333/.371/.561, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 9 BB, 1.0 WAR) continues to be a force at the plate. In looking at the not-too-distant future, No. 1 prospect 21-year old SS Doug Martin (40/70) and No. 6 prospect 19-year old CF Kilipeka Maleko (20/74) are developing in AA.

The pitching is not as good as it could be. But 25-year old RHP Ray Lambright (5-1, 2.83 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 146 ERA+) has established himself as the Cannons’ ace, after splitting time between the rotation and bullpen last season. Also, No. 2 starter, 33-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (5-5, 3.78 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 110 ERA+) have given some solid outings.

Noteworthy:

October 26 – In shades of Game 7 of the last season’s Western Pennant Series, the Cambria Cannons came back in dramatic fashion in the top of the 9th to defeat the Wolseley Unions, 10-4. 29-year old 3B Luis Torres (.286/.345/.429, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 15 BB, 1.1 WAR) played a vital role, going 3 for 5 with a home run and a double, while scoring 3 times and driving in 2. Down 4-2 heading into the top of the 9th, Torres led off with a home run off of RHP Aaron Saunderson, who also pitched in that fateful 9th inning back in Game 7. Following the home run, the Cannons banged out 5 singles off of Saunderson and 4 more against his replacement, RHP Shou-Xin Chin. In all, Cambria rang up 8 runs in the 9th to pull out the 10-4 victory in Wolseley.

November 16 –RHP Ray Lambright went toe-to-toe with the Cobourg Red Stockings ace Fergus Hirst, defeating him 1-0 at Alexander Field in Cambria. The 25-year old struck out 3, walked 1 while allowing just 2 hits on 107 pitches (GS: 85). RF Seung-jae Park (.284/.300/.394, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 3 BB, -0.2 WAR) broke the scoreless tie with a one-out solo home run in the 8th.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .268/.334/.385 (6th/3rd/6th)
Pitching: 3.96/4.08/3.43 (5th/5th/4th)
Defense: .699 (5th)

The Balmoral Giants are the one team in the West that is a big unknown right now. With no real dominant team appearing in the early going in the West, the Giants are not out of the running for a playoff spot. But they may not have enough talent to break through the crowd that’s currently ahead of them. Coupled with the second weakest farm system, Balmoral’s playoff drought will most likely continue into its 10th season and beyond.

The fact that they are hovering around .500 right now can certainly be explained in part by having one of the most dynamic players in the United Leagues. 33-year old LF Ángel Costa (.360/.417/.576, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 18 BB, 2.1 WAR – 73/73), though technically a rookie, has jumped right in and lived up to his pre-signing hype. He is currently rated 11th overall among position players and is rated 3rd overall among leftfielders. 27-year old C Alexander Pyatt (.322/.358/.480, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 9 BB, 1.5 WAR) continues to be one of the better catchers in the United Leagues (5th overall), while 30-year old veteran SS Sean Brearton (.326/.400/.411, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 15 BB, 1.6 WAR) is enjoying his first productive season in 4 years.

While the pitching staff has not been outstanding, it has been respectable, with 30-year old LHP Ron Albin (5-5, 2.85 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 147 ERA+) and 36-year old RHP Hun Park (6-3, 3.30 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 127 ERA+) leading the squad.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .264/.318/.371 (7th/8th/7th)
Pitching: 4.50/4.24/5.62 (7th/6th/8th)
Defense: .691 (7th)

The Sherburn Tigers may be turning the corner in gathering talent onto their major league roster but it’s coming in fits and starts and their handling of their top talent has to be called into question, as they are doing themselves no favors. If they can finally figure it out, then they may finally turn the corner and make some noise in the West.

While they have had success drafting quality arms, the Tigers have had trouble seeing its young position players develop into superstars, despite the often-high draft picks Sherburn has earned from their poor play in recent years. But that may soon change. 24-year old rookie SS Dwayne Vick (.333/.362/.362, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 8 BB, 1.8 WAR – 56/71) is shaping up to be the real deal. The former 3rd overall pick from last season is rated as the No. 5 prospect overall. Multiple Ball Hawk awards and all-star selections appear to be in his future. Now if the Tigers can only do right with their other once highly touted prospect, 25-year old 3B Archie Eridge (.273/.360/.591, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 0.1 WAR – 46/64). Eridge is currently riding the bench and that’s unacceptable, at least to me. He deserves to play full-time. Sherburn also has 22-year old rookie CF Ryan Blenkhorn (46/59) starting full-time. The fourth-round selection from 1949-50 has a chance to become a regular if he can bounce back from a fractured fibula suffered back in spring training.

Overall, the pitching has been nothing special, but a couple of pitchers are having banner years. 26-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (4-2, 1.79 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 237 ERA+) is the ace of the rotation and has been nothing short of sensational, taking over from a slumping 29-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (3-7, 5.21 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 81 ERA+). 26-year old RHP Bradley Strawson (4-6, 3.87 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 110 ERA+) has been decent. But the rotation may get a shot in the arm very soon. 20-year old LHP Kozue Saito (23/74), who is rated 7th overall among all prospects in the ULB, is currently pitching in AAA and is considered a future ace.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 12 – RF Morgan Caskey (.500, 15 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R)
November 30 – LF Noah Teale (.407, 11 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI)

Noteworthy:

October 9 – It was a parade of hits at the Paramount for 27-year old RF Morgan Caskey (.500/.545/.700, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 0.6 WAR), who has spent most of this time in AAA. But on this day, he was in the big-league lineup and he went 5 for 6, propelling the Tigers to a 9-8 win over the Wolseley Unions in 13 innings. Caskey hit 4 straight singles before connecting on a two-run double in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extras. Although he flied out in the 11th, his fellow AAA teammate, 28-year old 3B Brooks O’Reilly (.304/.360/.435, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB), singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 13th for the walk-off win.

Current Injuries:

October 24 – LHP Roman Davis – herniated disk. Out for: 3 days.
November 28 – 2B Jack Burt – knee contusion. Out for: DtD, 5 days.

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Offense: .269/.331/.416 (4th/4th/2nd)
Pitching: 4.84/4.93/4.52 (8th/8th/5th)
Defense: .682 (8th)

The Hespeler Stars got off to a painfully slow start in October and have been promptly buried in last place, which is probably where they belong. Like the Tigers, the Stars are mismanaging their young talent and seeing them waste away sitting on the bench. Hespeler has one of the strongest farm systems in the United Leagues, but they don’t seem ready to embrace a youth movement. That has to change if they want to finally turn things around.

The offense has been quite decent actually in the early going, with 30-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (.313/.367/.500, 9 HR, 43 RBI, 18 BB, 2.0 WAR) enjoying a banner season leading off. Among shortstops, he is second only to Fort Richmond’s Nobuyoshi Yoshida. Last season’s Rookie of the Year, 26-year old 3B Mike Park (.367/.432/.509, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 17 BB, 1.3 WAR), is having another fine year, while 26-year old John McMurray (.286/.317/.465, 8 HR, 25 RBI, 8 BB, 1.1 WAR) continues to progress, although not as much as one might expect from a former 1st overall pick (1949-50). But the Stars are squandering the talent of 23-year old RF Bill Spaeth (44/61), their 2nd overall pick from 1950-51. He deserves to start, such as at first base, his strongest position. Hespeler has also recently promoted their top prospect (3rd overall), 24-year old SS Apia Yarrah (54/72). The quandary with Yarrah, last year’s No. 1 pick, is that he is rated only for shortstop, and he is blocked by the still outstanding Zhao-hui Qian (71/71).

The pitching staff is struggling mightily, with only No. 5 starter, 27-year old RHP Connor Naysmith (3-2, 3.94 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 108 ERA+) having a decent start.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 19 – SS Zhao-hui Qian (.409, 9 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI)

Current Injuries: None.

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[Tyke]

I've said before that I love the whole Braeland concept (and still cherish ambitions of using the Quickstart to create my own version), but what I've not been able to do, even after all this time, is commit to one team to support. I feel that I now have to do that.
I live in the north of England, where Rugby League is a prominent sport, and one of the teams in the top level is the Castleford Tigers. Not far from Castleford is a village called Sherburn - so you see where I'm going with this!
Time to commit to the Sherburn Tigers of the United Leagues, especially as the last report of the potential within their system gives some optimism for the future.
Go Tigers!

[reds1]

Originally Posted by Dark Horse

Patrick Lidgate makes it easy to root for the Monarchs.
Plus, i really like their unis.

Thanks, Dark Horse! The problem I have is that for some of the teams, when the time comes to update some of their unis, it won't be as good as their previous unis. But I guess that happens IRL ( - or I'll have to see if I can make improvements their new unis before the time comes. )

[reds1]

Originally Posted by Tyke

I've said before that I love the whole Braeland concept (and still cherish ambitions of using the Quickstart to create my own version), but what I've not been able to do, even after all this time, is commit to one team to support. I feel that I now have to do that.
I live in the north of England, where Rugby League is a prominent sport, and one of the teams in the top level is the Castleford Tigers. Not far from Castleford is a village called Sherburn - so you see where I'm going with this!
Time to commit to the Sherburn Tigers of the United Leagues, especially as the last report of the potential within their system gives some optimism for the future.
Go Tigers!

Wow, that's amazing, Tyke! I come from a line of baseball fans on my Dad's side. My grandmother & uncle were Cleveland Indians fans, while my great aunt is still a Detroit Tigers fan (her daughter was a Blue Jays fan). My family is originally from Southern Ontario, so being fans of those teams was only natural. I've always like the Detroit Tigers and my wife & I lived on a street called 'Sherburn' back in the 90's, so that's where that came from.

[DreamTeams]

Hopes are high that the Trolleys can get it done. Good to see Thirkettle leading in so many categories. Now if only Tyson can step it up we might have a two-pronged attack for the cause.

[Dark Horse]

Originally Posted by reds1

Thanks, Dark Horse! The problem I have is that for some of the teams, when the time comes to update some of their unis, it won't be as good as their previous unis. But I guess that happens IRL ( - or I'll have to see if I can make improvements their new unis before the time comes. )

No, i went back to your posts where you showed all of the team's jerseys. i'll be sticking with the Monarchs.

And, i'll be rooting for the Stars in the Western League. Of course, they have some work to do.

[reds1]

Brunswick, Dec. 6 – For the second time in three years, the Sherburn Tigers will make the first overall pick at the United Leagues’ annual Amateur Draft. Entrusted in making that pick is rookie GM Stewart Pruitt. Last year, Sherburn’s previous management appears to have struck gold when they selected SS Dwayne Vick (.333/.362/.436, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 8 BB, 1.8 WAR) with the 3rd overall pick. Vick is already embarking on an impressive rookie campaign and the 46-year old Pruitt is fully aware that the pressure is on him to continue that success.

“There’s no excuses”, admits Pruitt. “With the first pick, there’s no one ahead of us. We can’t say ‘Well, this player or that player was already taken’. But our scouting staff has done their legwork on these players and we believe the player we have settled on for our first pick will become an impact player as well; someone our fanbase will be excited about as they watch him develop and then reach the ‘show’.”

Selecting an impact player or more is on the minds of the other 15 general managers as well, who have converged onto the Sebastian Hotel in Brunswick, where this year’s draft is being held. With all 16 cities in the United Leagues now having taken their turn hosting the annual amateur draft, the honor returns to Brunswick, who hosted the inaugural draft back in 1937.

The Tigers enter this year’s draft with the 4th strongest farm system and are looking to bolster it even more. Following them in the draft will be the Queensland Eagles, who have the 3rd best farm system and the Balmoral Giants, who have one of the weakest (15th). Its been 7 years since Sherburn and Queensland made the playoffs. It’s been 10-years for Balmoral. Will any of these clubs be able to point to this year’s draft and be able to say, ‘That is when we turned our fortunes around?” Only time will tell. But at 9:00 am, the participants packed the ornate banquet hall and got down to the business of drafting their future. Advance scouting suggested that this year’s draft class would be comprised with mostly above average talent with only a couple of players that could be categorized as standout talent. As things transpired, this marked the first Amateur draft where not one pitcher was selected in the first round.

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Here is a brief synopsis of the 16 players taken in the first round:

1st Pick – Sherburn Tigers:



IF/OF Bernard Kerkin (43/73) – 23-years old; 5’-10”, 180 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.
Status: College Senior

It didn’t take long for the Tigers to reveal their choice: the highly touted Kerkin, hailing from the small town of Minto in the extreme south-west corner of the country. Kerkin’s strongest position is at second base. Possessing outstanding contact ability and speed should translate into a high batting average. If he develops his raw power potential, Kerkin could a future star in the United Leagues very soon.

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2nd Pick – Queensland Eagles:



IF Noel Eissens (37/68) – 21-years old; 6’-0”, 180 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.
Status: College Junior

Jack Clayton, the former general manager of the Sherburn Tigers made his first selection for his new team, the Queensland Eagles. With the second pick, he went with the Pulberry-born Eissens. Eissens has the chance to develop into a prototype shortstop, with a well above average arm and defense. He is blessed with blinding speed and if his contact ability develops, he can easily become a .300 hitter.

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3rd Pick – Balmoral Giants:



IF/OF Quido De Jesús (20/62) – 20-years old; 5’-7”, 155 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws RH.
Status: Junior College Sophomore

The Giants’ long-time GM Victor Lynch selected the diminutive De Jesús from Aruba. De Jesús has above average contact potential and raw power with plenty of speed. He looks to become a steady presence anywhere in the outfield and has the potential to be a second division starter at centerfield.

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4th Pick – Kingston Pelicans:



IF/OF Eddie Reed (36/66) – 22-years old; 5’-10”, 185 lbs.; Bats SH/Throws RH.
Status: College Senior

The Pelicans have never picked this early in the Amateur Draft before (they picked 8th overall in 1951). With the 4th pick, GM Kane Overell announced the selection of Eddie Reed from Standish, England. Reed, a switch hitter, has plus raw power potential that could translate into becoming a big run producer. Defensively, he has the chance to become a standout starting third baseman as well.

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5th Pick – Braeland City Monarchs:



OF Bernard Burkitt (20/55) – 18-years old; 6’-1”, 180 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws LH.
Status: High School Senior

The Monarchs went with the young Burkitt from Crumlin, Oxford. Burkitt possesses a balanced, rhythmic swing and is a talented contact hitter. With his speed and range, Burkitt has the chance to be a reliable outfielder and an above average player.

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6th Pick – Downie Chiefs:



IF Dave Murray (32/56) – 22-years old; 5’-10”, 185 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.
Status: College Senior

GM Raymond Hunt stayed close to home with the Chiefs’ pick, selecting Downie native Dave Murray with their first pick. Murray shapes up to be a talented player of the future, with good pitch recognition at the plate and one who already has decent power, with a chance to develop above average power in the future. While he is not an elite defensive catcher, he is solidly above average.

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7th Pick – Hespeler Stars:



IF Shigemori Saikawa (34/59) – 22-years old; 5’-8”, 165 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.
Status: College Senior

After picking first overall last year, Stars GM Marcello Bonaddio goes with the fleet-footed Saikawa from Japan with the 7th overall pick. Along with his speed, Saikawa has the potential to be a .330 hitter and become a solid if not elite defensive second baseman. He has a real shot at becoming an everyday big-league player.

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8th Pick – Wellington Athletics:



IF Vance Fendley (38/61) – 22-years old; 5’-11”, 185 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.
Status: College Senior

Having yet to draft an impact player in the first round since Mathew Floyd was selected first overall back in 1948, GM Rick Stewart hopes to change that with the selection of Fendley from Kingston. Fendley projects to be an instinctive shortstop with a nose for the ball. He has the potential to be .310 hitter to go along with impressive defensive skills. Leagues scouts believe Fendley can become a second division starter.

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9th Pick – Brunswick Legends:



IF/OF Edilberto Mandac (35/57) – 22-years old; 6’-0”, 190 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.
Status: College Junior

Like the Downie Chiefs, the Legends go with a hometown lad, selecting the versatile Mandac. Defensively, Mandac figures to be strongest in the outfield, where his speed and range will serve him well. With a loose, quick stroke that works inside the ball, he has a chance to be an above average hitter.

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10th Pick – Fort Richmond Generals:



1B Takuji Kanno (23/52) – 21-years old; 6’-2”, 230 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws LH.
Status: College Junior

Looking to bolster their below average farm system, Fort Richmond’s GM Tzu-yu Kim selects Kanno from Queensland. Kanno projects to become a solid hitter with plus contact ability and an impressive batting average. With a ceiling as an above average power hitter, Kanno should become a starting first baseman very soon.

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11th Pick – Pulberry Trolleys:



OF Joe Riding (20/51) – 18-years old; 5’-10”, 165 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.
Status: High School Senior

Long-time Pulberry GM Marcus Dejyothin announced the selection of Joe Riding from Cobourg. Riding has a quick bat with a knack for making hard contact that, coupled with his speed, will help him pick up extra base hits. He will need to work on this barrel control, however. If he fully develops his power, scouts believe he could be a second-division starter.

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12th Pick – Embro Suns:



IF/OF Ryan Bird (20/59) – 18-years old; 5’-10”, 165 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws LH.
Status: High School Senior

The Suns selected the youthful Ryan Bird from Wolseley. Bird is said to have a quick bat that will handle most fastballs, although off-speed stuff may challenge him. With an above-average power ceiling and a patient approach at the plate, Bird should have the talent to flourish in the majors, although defensive awards may not be in his future.

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13th Pick – Cambria Cannons:



2B Chia-Liang Fang (36/56) – 22-years old; 5’-9”, 180 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.
Status: College Senior

GM Dylan Taylor went overseas for his club’s first pick with Chia-Liang Fang from Taiwan. Fang is considered one the best defensive fielders available in this draft at his position. His speed grades out at above average and he has the potential to make consistent contact. It is felt that Fang can be a second division starter at second base.

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14th Pick – Stratford Barons:



IF/OF Jake Dean (20/48) – 20-years old; 5’-11”, 175 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws RH.
Status: Junior College Sophomore

The Barons went overseas as well with their first pick, tabbing Jake Dean from Newcastle, Australia. Dean is an elite defender at either second base or shortstop; however, he grades out as a slightly below average contact hitter. He will need further seasoning against quality pitching before getting his chance in the majors.

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15th Pick – Wolseley Unions:



IF/OF Curt Holmes (23/55) – 21-years old; 5’-11”, 180 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH.
Status: Junior College Sophomore

Looking to beef up their 14th overall rated farm system, GM Tony Hinton approached the podium and announced Curt Holmes of Fairbanks, Alaska as Wolseley’s first selection of the day. Holmes has above average contact potential and projects to be a .300 hitter or better. A smooth defender at shortstop with average running ability, Holmes figures to be an above average big-league shortstop one day.

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16th Pick – Cobourg Red Stockings:



IF Harold Prudom (22/53) – 21-years old; 6’-1”, 195 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws RH.
Status: College Junior

Making his first selection as Cobourg’s general manager, Roy King concluded the first round by picking Harold Prudom of Queensland. Prudom is a versatile infielder with excellent instincts with the glove. As he matures, he should grow into an above average power hitter with an above average eye as well. Scouts believe he should prove to be a reliable hitter in the Red Stockings’ grand scheme.

[Tyke]

I like the look of Kerkin and hope he makes an impact soon. At 23, he's not exceptionally young, so maybe his maturity will be a plus.
When teams have a bad run and, therefore, acquire high draft picks, they've got to get it right. I hope Mr Puitt has done it again!!

[reds1]

December 31, 1953

Here are the standings and leaderboards at the end of games on December 31:





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Also, OOTP issued an updated Top 100 Prospects List on December 31st, which I can’t remember ever happening before. So here is the updated list of the top 25 position players and pitchers respectively as well as the latest Top Farm Systems rankings. At least seven players taken in this month’s amateur draft are included, including Sherburn’s 1st overall pick, Bernard Kerkin, who is rated No. 1 overall.





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Finally, here are the latest results of the All-Star voting for both Leagues. However, they may not be completely accurate. When I went into the All-Star Ballot tab, it said that I had already voted, which I hadn’t. So, I’m wondering if the numbers below erroneously include my picks from last season.

At any rate, I recalled my ballot so that I can submit my selections before the ballots are finalized early in the new year.

[DreamTeams]

Tyson & Dibble starting in the outfield. Nice! Trolleys well represented with five all-stars.

[Dark Horse]

The Stars must have some really loyal fans. They have the top second baseman, third baseman and shortstop.

They could use some young pitching. Hopefully, it will be some nice arms in the next draft.

[Tyke]

Reds1, did you ever manage to do the Quickstart which, I think, was mentioned way back? If so, I'd be very interested in getting my hands on it!!

[reds1]

Originally Posted by Tyke

Reds1, did you ever manage to do the Quickstart which, I think, was mentioned way back? If so, I'd be very interested in getting my hands on it!!

I last made a quickstart for OOTP20, which is the original that I've been importing into each new version since OOTP16.

[Tyke]

Brilliant, thanks!

[reds1]

Here is a quickstart for OOTP21.

[Tyke]

And thanks again - that's what I call service!!

[reds1]

January 1, 1954

Looking Back: The 1943-44 Amateur Draft

Overall, the 1943-44 draft class represents a bit of a letdown from the impressive draft the season before. Make no mistake, there was still a bevy of quality players that continue to ply their trade in the majors, but with the exception of a pitcher taken in the second round, there appears to be no serious contender for the Hall of fame from this group. On the other hand, 15 of the 16 players taken in the initial round all reach the majors and became regulars, even if it was for just a few seasons.

Below are the eight players that stood out to me one way or another over the past 10 seasons since their name was called:

Cream of the Crop:



LHP Nicholas Grimes – 25th overall pick (Round 2, Pick 9) original by the Braeland City Monarchs.

Career: 128-86, 2 SV, 3.15 ERA, 248 GS, 2057.0 IP, 154 CG, 16 SHO, 1.26 WHIP, .265 BABIP, 3.42 FIP, 40.8 WAR, 130 ERA+

Achievements:

• 4-time All-Star
• 1948-49 Eastern League Satchel Paige Award
• 1951-52 Western League Satchel Paige Award
• 1 selection to the All-Braeland Team
• 4-time Pitcher of the Month

Comments: Grimes (53/53) emerged as the top player taken in this draft in my opinion. Rated as the 17th best prospect in 1944, Grimes put in one solid season in 1945-46 (16-8, 3.86 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 105 ERA+) before serious injuries forced him to miss half of each of the next two seasons. But he came back strong in 1948-49 (21-9, 3.06 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 141 ERA+), winning the EL Satchel Paige Award. Two seasons later, the fading Monarchs traded him to the Fort Richmond Generals. The Generals have never regretted it, as Grimes continued to be one of the best pitchers in the United Leagues, winning his second Satchel Paige Award in 1951-52 (20-10, 2.02 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 180 ERA+). In the process, he became the first pitcher to win the award in both Leagues. This season he continues to be one of the best hurlers in the United Leagues and will no doubt receive some consideration for this year’s WL Satchel Paige Award.

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SS John Medley – 1st overall pick by the Cobourg Red Stockings

Career: .304/.363/.420, 1469 G, 6,012 AB, 1,826 H, 273-2B, 152-3B, 40 HR, 606 RBI, 948 R, 546 BB, 402 K, 304 SB, 177 CS, .783 OPS, 115 OPS+, 115 wRC+, 36.8 WAR

Achievements:

• 7-time All-Star
• 1 selection to the All-Braeland Team
• 6-time Player of the Week
• 1-time Batter of the Month

What the original scouting report said:

“The Red Stockings selected 22-year old John Medley, whose strongest defensive position is shortstop. Medley has amazing vision and speed, which should help him be a terror as a lead-off hitter. Power is not part of his game and he could stand to work on his patience so as to draw more walks. But he is well respected by his coaches for his training discipline.”

Comments: Taken first overall by the Red Stockings, Medley (55/55) has been a tremendously steady player over his 11-year career – a perennial all-star who did develop his patience. Using his ability to get on base and blessed with amazing speed, Medley has stolen a United Leagues record 304 bases thus far. He is comfortably in the lead on career stolen bases, as the next active player, Brunswick Legends’ Jorge Arredondo, has 190. Although he started and led off for the Eastern League All-Stars last season, Medley’s career is at a crossroads. He has been supplanted in Cobourg’s everyday lineup by rookie Douglas Jones (60/71). Jones is another speedster who is undeniably more defensively sound than Medley ever was. So it remains to be seen how Medley’s career plays out from here.

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SS George Kimpton – 5th overall pick by the Wolseley Unions

Career: .287/.359/.432, 1,191 G, 4,171 AB, 1,198 H, 214-2B, 51-3B, 96 HR, 628 RBI, 591 R, 479 BB, 215 K, .791 OPS, 121 OPS+, 130 wRC+, 33.5 WAR

Achievements:

• 4-time All-Star
• 3-time Player of the Week
• 1948-49 Western League Pennant Series MVP
• 1949-50 Western League Pennant Series MVP
• 1950-51 United Cup MVP
• 3 United Cup Championships

What the original scouting report said:

“Kimpton has little weaknesses to speak of – he projects to be a solid contact hitter with a good eye and great power. He is blessed with great speed and acceleration as well. Only his defense can be described as average. He is projected to be a proto-typical clean-up hitter.”

Comments: After being drafted, Kimpton (60/60) played all of 37 games in the minors before being promoted to the big-league roster. He deserved the promotion, but it wasn’t until the 1947 season that he became firmly entenched as the Unions’ everyday shortstop. He hit his stride in 1949 but where he has really made his mark is in the playoffs – winning 3 MVP awards over 3 seasons (.336/.407/.519, 8 HR, 43 RBI, 33 BB, 173 wRC+, 289 AB). His only glaring weakness has been defense (.939 PCT, 4.47 RNG, -38.0 ZR, .970 EFF, 290 E). But he did become a clean-up hitter on a championship team.

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C Éric Denis – 12th overall pick originally by the Queensland Eagles

Career: .303/.353/.424, 965 G, 3,859 AB, 1,171 H, 173-2B, 16-3B, 87 HR, 603 RBI, 449 R, 289 BB, 178 K, .777 OPS, 118 OPS+, 127 wRC+, 33.4 WAR

Achievements:

• 5-time All-Star
• 4-time Player of the Week
• 1-time Batter of the Month
• 3-time Rookie of the Month
• 1946-47 Western League Rookie of the Year
• 1951-52 United Cup MVP
• 3 United Cup Championships

What the original scouting report said:

“The Eagles pick up a catcher with outstanding contact and tremendous power potential, and with a little practice, could have very good plate discipline as well. Defensively, he is a capable catcher. Speed is not part of his repertoire, however.”

Comments: Traded to Wolseley before he had a chance to make the Eagles’ big-league roster, the Canadian-born Denis (49/49) made a splash in 1946-47 with Wolseley, earning Rookie of the Year honours. Over the next 6 seasons, Denis has proven to be a solid, consistent catcher, reaching his peak in 1951-52 when he was rated 18th overall among all position players (4th best catcher). Although he has never won a Ball Hawk Award, his defense has been very good (.987 PCT, 4.96 RNG, +11.5 ZR, 1.005 EFF, 63 E). That stretch of solid play appears to have ended this year however, as Denis has struggled at the plate over the first half of the season (.263/.323/.301, 1 HR, 21 RBI, 21 BB, 0.3 WAR).

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C Louis Wearne – 6th overall pick originally by the Fort Richmond Generals

Career: .262/.359/.436, 1,110 G, 3,623 AB, 948 H, 132-2B, 13-3B, 158 HR, 580 RBI, 499 R, 560 BB, 480 K, .795 OPS, 130 OPS+, 133 wRC+, 35.8 WAR

Achievements:

• 3-time All-Star
• 6-time Player of the Week
• 2-time Batter of the Month
• 1950-51 Western League Babe Ruth Award Winner
• 1 selection to the All-Braeland Team
• 1 United Cup Championship

What the original scouting report said:

“Wearne’s strength lies in his hitting ability – while he is projected to be an average contact hitter, he has all-star power potential and a great eye. Defensively he is merely average and his speed is non-existent.”

Comments: When Wearne got his first taste of the majors in 1943-44, he faced a logjam at the catcher position as the Generals still had the great Danny Trowbridge as well as the up-and coming Heung-su Park (who now plies his trade with the Cambria Cannons). Although both eventually departed via trades, it wasn’t until 1946 that Wearne finally became Fort Richmond’s everyday catcher. It’s fair to say that Wearne is not the catcher that either Trowbridge or Park proved to be, but like so many other players selected in this draft, he became a solid, reliable player. But what stands out in Wearne’s career is one truly amazing season. In 1950-51, Wearne suddenly became one of the best players in the United Leagues (.297/.403/.576, 34 HR, 90 RBI, 80 BB, 184 rWC+, 7.2 WAR), winning the WL Babe Ruth Award and earning a spot on the All-Braeland Team. It looked as though Wearne had taken his career to the next level and would join the elite of the United Leagues. Alas, it proved to be only a one-year deal. Since that impressive season, Wearne has regressed severely, to the point that he has lost his starting job and has been reduced pitch hitting duties. Still its puzzling. While he may no longer be an all-star, Louis is still very much a capable player and could start for several other teams. Like Cobourg’s John Medley, it remains to be seen if he will be given a chance to start elsewhere.

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1B Dean Witherden – 14th overall pick originally by the Kingston Pelicans

Career: .321/.372/.482, 1,046 G, 3,550 AB, 1,140 H, 180-2B, 10-3B, 124 HR, 547 RBI, 537 R, 293 BB, 167 K, .854 OPS, 129 OPS+, 132 wRC+, 24.8 WAR

Achievements:

• 4-time All-Star
• 6-time Player of the Week
• 1-time Batter of the Month
• 1 selection to the All-Braeland Team

What the original scouting report said:

“Dean Witherden [is] a proto-typical first baseman: good contact and plus-plus power. He will need to work on his plate discipline though, as he has a tendency to swing at anything that comes near it. The Queensland native will also need to work on his defense, as it is very poor at the moment (40). An intense player, he does not take losing in stride.”

Comments: Another broken record: a player who became a reliable, steady player, if not a superstar. Witherden presents an interesting case in some respects. Drafted originally by the Pelicans, Witherden was traded to the Monarchs in 1944 in exchange for another ‘Dean’: 1B Dean Bishop. Yet, Braeland City proved reluctant to make him their everyday first baseman until 1950, when he finally played over 1000 innings at the position. 1951-52 proved to be his best season so far (.332/.379/.460, 15 HR, 80 RBI, 47 BB, 128 wRC+, 5.0 WAR), earning a spot on the All-Braeland Team, although curiously, he failed to make the All-Star roster. Witherden continues his steady ways this year, batting out of the No. 4 spot in what is currently the Eastern League’s hottest offense.

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Biggest Draft Disappointment

As previously mentioned, the majority of the players taken in the 1st-round enjoyed some staying power once they reached the United Leagues, even if was for just a few short seasons. One player though, just couldn’t make it stick:



IF Connor Parret – 15th overall pick by the Brunswick Legends.

Career: .168/.243/.244, 70 G, 131 AB, 22 H, 5-2B, 1-3B, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 9 R, 12 BB, 38 K, .487 OPS, 36 OPS+, 37 wRC+, 0.0 WAR

Minor League Achievements:

• 3-time Player of the Week
• 2-time Best Fielder
• 1 time All-Star
• Finished 2nd in the 1944-45 Heritage Leagues Lou Gehrig Award voting.

What the original scouting report said:

“Parret is projected as a .240 hitter with good to very good power and a great eye. His greatest strength will be in base stealing as he has tremendous speed and instincts. The scouts are not entirely sold on his defense, however. He has experience at playing at 2B (45), 3B (60) and SS (50). Parret also has a reputation of being difficult to coach and accept instruction.”

Comments: The scouts got it pretty much right, as Parret proved to be uninterested in establishing a major league career. Although injuries plagued him in the early going, Parret did well in the minor leagues, although he was never a great contact hitter as predicted. His defense though, developed just fine. He joined the Legends in 1945, but over the next 4 seasons he played in only 70 games with middling results. In April 1950, Brunswick released him. He signed a minor league contract with the Sherburn Tigers a few months later, but again was released in October. The following April, he hung up his stirrups for good.

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Later-Round Standouts

The later rounds of this draft were rather unremarkable. Only one player after the second round stood out to me:



C Dominic Pipard – 57th overall pick (Round 4, Pick 9) originally by the Braeland City Monarchs.

Career: .261/.341/.347, 694 G, 2446 AB, 638 H, 114-2B, 8-3B, 27 HR, 291 RBI, 250 R, 307 BB, 174 K, 3 SB, .688 OPS, 93 OPS+, 97 wRC+, 14.2 WAR

Achievements:

• 1947-48 Western League Rookie of the Year
• 4 Ball Hawk Awards
• 1-time Rookie of the Month

Comments: The best that I could find was the Wolseley-born Pipard (45/46), who Balmoral acquired from the Monarchs in June 1945. He reached the majors two years later and took over regular catching duties from Gavin Hurley, who retired shortly thereafter. He made quite the impression in his first season (.298/.352/.375, 2 HR, 53 RBI, 38 BB, 105 wRC+, 3.0 WAR), winning Rookie of the Year honors and the first of four straight Ball Hawk Awards. Not surprisingly, defense (.987 PCT, 4.64 RNG, +14.8 ZR, 1.054 EFF) is his calling card. However, by the 1951-52 season at age 25, he began to regress. The following season he was supplanted by 27-year old Alexander Pyatt, who came over from the Cambria Cannons. At present, Pipard serves as the two-time All-Star’s backup.

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[reds1]

January 12, 1954

Easterners Hang on to Win Their Tenth All-Star Game

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Balmoral, Oxford (BP) – The Eastern League All-Stars used a 5-run third inning to win their fourth all-star game in the past five seasons and tenth overall. But it was not a runaway, as the Western League All-Stars battled back to make things at least a little bit interesting in the later innings. Fort Richmond’s centerfielder Greg Cusack earned MVP honors in a losing cause, entering the game in the 6th inning, going 2 for 2 with a triple and an RBI single.

A full house of 26,600 fans packed Foster Field in Balmoral for the United Leagues’ 17th annual All-Star Game. Wolseley’s RHP Bill Blair and Queensland’s RHP Logan Belsey got the start for the respective league teams. In the 2nd inning, Hespeler Stars’ SS Zhao-hui Quin opened the scoring when he crushed a 2-1 pitch off Brunswick’s RHP Mhelter Pilapil, sending it 477 ft. into the awed left-centerfield bleachers for a one-out solo home run.

But the Westerners’’ lead was short-lived, as the Eastern All-Stars teed off Pulberry’s RHP Taylor Folkard in the top of the 3rd inning. With the bases loaded with one out, Cobourg’s 1B Harry Doxey drove in two runs when he singled into shallow rightfield past a diving SS Charlie Cockin. After CF Raymond Williams singled to reload the bases, Braeland City’s 2B Patrick Lidgate smacked a liner into the leftfield corner for a double. That cleared the bases, as LF Aiden Thirkettle’s throw home was not in time to cut down Williams at the plate. In all, Folkard gave up 5 runs on 6 hits.

Fielding miscues by the Western League All-Stars would allow the Easterners to tack on a couple of more runs.

In the top of the 6th, Braeland City’s C Hayden Billyard and RF Aiden Trembath led off with back-to-back singles. After 2B Matthew Channing sac fly allowed Billyard to reach third base, Billyard came in to score when Embo’s 3B Moromao Nakagawa’s slow roller was bobbled by 1B Carlos Corea.

In the top of the 7th, Embro’s CF Orlando Morales singled with one out, then promptly stole second base. He reached third on a passed ball committed by Balmoral’s C Alexander Pyatt. 2B Robert Jameson then singled his teammate home for the Eastern League’s 7th run.

But the Western All-Stars refused to give up. They got their second run in the bottom of the 6th when Greg Cusack led off with a triple off the left centerfield wall and scored on a Carlos Corea single. In the bottom the 7th, the Westerner loaded the bases when Alexander Pyatt and 3B Luis Torres led off with back-to-back singles and CF Sam Tite drew a 4-pitch walk. Greg Cusack then got his second hit of the game when he lined a single into shallow right-centerfield, scoring Pyatt. Cobourg’s RHP Marcus Truvill then uncorked a wild pitch, allowing Torres to score and Tite to reach third. The West made it 7-5 when Tite scored as 1B Dean Bishop grounded out to 3B Moromao Nakagawa.

In the bottom of the 8th inning, Kingston’s 3B Harry Herold led off with a walk then reached third when LF Carlton Hawking smacked a double into the leftfield corner. Herold would get the Western All-Stars to within a run of the Easterners when he came in to score as Luis Torres grounded out to SS Dominic Dudding.

But that’s all they could muster, as the Eastern All-Stars got the Western League to go down in order in the bottom of the 9th to preserve the win.

Eastern League manager Nicholas Willis couldn’t hold back a smile as he relished the victory over his Western League counterparts but noted it didn’t come easy. “That was a close call, that’s for sure”, admitted a relieved Willis. “But that’s what you expect from these games. No lead is safe, as you’ve got the very best going facing each other.”

For first-time All-Star Greg Cusack who entered the game in the 6th inning, winning MVP honors was an unexpected thrill, but the loss still stung a bit. “We made a game of it”, observed Cusack, “but came up just short. I just hope I can get the chance soon and come back to another All-Star game. Next time the outcome will be different.”

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Here are the complete All-Star rosters and final fan voting results: