THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, June 22, 2038

2038 RUTHLANDIAN MIDSEASON STANDINGS AND TEAM STATISTICS

The Far Mountain Redhawks have opened up a six-game lead over the Glasco Athletics in the Ruthlandian North Division... favored LaGrange is wallowing under the .500 mark and in fifth place, 15 games back.

In the Ruthlandian South Division Claxton has jumped out to an eight-game bulge over runner-up St. John... defending IPA champion Waleska in third place in the standings and 10 games behind... the Westerners were the preseason pick.

2038 RUTHLANDIAN MIDSEASON STANDINGS AND TEAM STATISTICS

In the Ruthlandian East race powerful Sugar Valley has built up a solid 5-game lead over the Beechwood Bobcats at midseason... preseason favorite Cold Creek has played well, but so far it hasn't come close to matching the Rattlers' blistering pace... the Catamounts have fallen behind by 9 games, which may be too much to make up... highly-thought of Wynnamac is languishing in seventh place, 16 games off the pace... it looks like a two-team contest between Sugar Valley and Beechwood, two offensive juggernauts.

Out in the RU West Divsion the number-one pick Fort Benton has its hands full with the Sligo Rovers... the Defenders are tied with them at the All-Star break... Volusia and Middlefield are within reach, but not likely to challenge this year... the outlook is a close finish between two very evenly-matched teams... it might be too close to call... the Rovers' home-run power could be the difference maker.

2038 TYCOBBIAN UNION MIDSEASON STANDINGS AND TEAM STATISTICS

The tough North Hills Hawks are trying to improve on a string of four consecutive Tycobbian North Division titles... so far, so good... at the All-Star break the Hawks are in first place and three games up on the preseason pick Fairfax Frogs... last year North Hills finished strong and beat out the Frogs by three games... it appears to be another down-to-wire climax again... two other clubs White River and Mahaska are still in the chase.

In the TU South Division the Turon Typhoons are giving defending champ San Alejo fits again... last season the Montaneros managed to slip by them by one game, but this year the Typhoons are up at half way point by three games... the forecast is calling for another tense stretch drive between them... the Ginza Ninjas are seven games out and not likely to be a title contender... better pitching and defense may give Turon the edge this year... however San Alejo has the better offense.

2038 Tycobbian Union Midseason Standings and Team Statistics

The talented Tuckanarra Blue Jays have had their way in the Tycobbian East Division for the last four years, winning the pennant each season, often in runaway fashion... this year it just might be a little bit tougher... the Tucks are playing magnificently as usual, but so are the Ozarka Naturals, High Mesa Cowboys and the East Point Panthers... the Blue Jays have a scant two-game margin over the Nats, who were picked to knock them off this year in the preseason poll... High Mesa, who started like a ball of fire last year, but fizzled out after the first month of play, has staying power thus far this season and trails by just four games... the Panthers are perennial contenders in the pennant chase and are just five games behind... on paper Ozarka is the only one of the three challengers that can make a run at the Blue Jays.

There's also a very good race in the Tycobbian West Division this season with six teams in the hunt... last year's division champ La Claire is still a good ball club... the Lynx are three games ahead of second place Chicopee, four in front of third place Bayview and Arlon, six games better than fifth place Denton City, the preseason choice, with Bay St. Clair seven games off the pace in sixth... it is a wide-open race... La Claire and Arlon have the pitching... Chicopee and Bayview the firepower... it's hard to go against such a well-balanced club like the Lynx, who also play great defense.

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, June 23, 2038

TU STARS TAMES RU 3-2 ON KUKK'S HIT
At Westerner Field in Waleska, the Tycobbian All-Stars snapped a two-game losing streak in the IPA All-Star Classic with a 3-2 triumph... Mikk Kukk (Mahaska) delivered the game-winning hit in the seventh, scoring Jess Wilkerson (South Fork) from second base... Tycobbia improved to 25-13 in the annual classic... the TU All-Stars rallied from an early 2-0 deficit with runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh... Kukk was voted the game's Most Valuable Player.

Tycobbian outhit Ruthlandia 10 to 6... SS Clifford Coleman (High Mesa) was the only player to get 2 hits... Clyde Engstrom (Turon) got the victory with 2 perfect innings in the fifth and sixth... J. J. Gillespie (Cold Creek) suffered the loss... he allowed 2 hits in the seventh, a double by Jess Wilkerson and Kukk's single.

The RU All-Stars took the lead in the second frame... RF Nicky Farrugia (St. John) led off with a walk against Pat Kovacs (La Claire), moved over to third on 3B Leonard Purkey's (San Dimas) single, then scored on C Brad Alexander's (Middlefield) sacrifice fly... Ruthlandian added another run off Armin Boehm (Turon) in the third when 2B Roger Hobbs (Sugar Valley) beat out a bunt, advanced to second on a groundout, stole third, and was driven in by RF Foxy Fuchs' (Claxton) base hit.

Tycobbia finally got things going offensively in the fifth frame against Dave Gronkowski (Valka), scoring on singles by 1B Stan Ferguson (Cape Coral), CF Eric Kusek (Fairfax) and SS Clifford Coleman (High Mesa), cutting it to 2-1 in favor of Ruthlandia... a single by C Filipe Zamora (San Alejo) and an RBI double by LF Spade Weldon (Tuckanarra) off Frankie Moreland (Far Mountain) tied it up at 2-all in the sixth.

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, September 1, 2038

FM REDHAWKS ROMP IN RU NORTH
There's no semblance of a pennant race in the Ruthlandian North... Far Mountain has a massive 13-game lead going into the last few weeks of the season... the Redhawks had a 6-game edge over second-place Glasco at mid-year and greatly increased it during the summer... the LaGrange Sports, pennant winners for the last three years, will not bring home the trophy this season... the Sports are 14 games back in third place... there are only 18 games left to play.

DIAMONDS SHINE IN RU SOUTH
The Claxton Diamonds have won more games than anyone in the Islandian Pro Alliance this year, so far running away with the Ruthlandian South Division... runner-up St. John is a distant 17 games off the pace... Pro Cup champion Waleska will not be back to defend its IPA title... the Westerners fizzled badly and are in fifth place and trail by 23 games.

SV RATTLERS HOLD SLIGHT LEAD IN RU EAST
It's been another year-long battle in the tough Ruthlandian East Division between Sugar Valley and Cold Creek... heading into the stretch drive, the Rattlers are in front by 4 games over the Catamounts... the Beechwood Bobcats are in the third spot in the standings, resting 8 games back... Cold Creek has closed the gap with Sugar Valley in the second half of the season... the 'Cat were behind by 9 games at the All-Star Game.

3 TEAMS VIE FOR RU WEST CROWN
The best race in the IPA this year is in the Ruthlandian West with the Colfax Blasters, Sligo Rovers and Fort Benton Defenders in a tight, tense duel... with only three weeks to go, Colfax has a slight 2-game advantage over second-place Sligo and are just 3 in front of Fort Benton, the preseason favorite and last season's division winner... the Blasters have really come on strong in the last two months to overtake the slumping Rovers and Defenders... Colfax was under .500 in the first half, but has surged since being 7 games out at mid-season.

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, September 23, 2038

TYCOBBIAN UNION

HAWKS HEADED FOR ANOTHER TU NORTH TITLE
For the fifth season in a row the North Hills Hawks have pretty much wrapped up the Tycobbian North Division with a terrific 12-game bulge... it's highly unlikely that anyone can catch them this late in the year... Luxora is in second place with Mahaska third and 13 games out... fourth place is held by Blue Lake, 14 games off the pace... it was a close race until mid-year when Fairfax was right on the Hawks' heels and just a game out of first... the Hawks went on a second-half blitz and left everybody in their draft... the Frogs went into a tailspin in July and August and spiraled downward to sixth place, 21 games behind.

TYPHOONS ON TOP IN TU SOUTH
The Turon Typhoons blew away the defending Tycobbian South champ San Alejo with a hot August to build up a 7-game margin going into the final weeks of the season... Turon led the Montaneros by just 3 games at the All-Star break... Ginza has hung close in third place and 8 games behind the Typhoons... the Ninjas were 7 games back at mid-season.

BLUE JAYS BEST IN TU EAST BY 7
Perennial powerhouse Tuckanarra is still at it and going strong in the Tycobbian East Division... the Blue Jays are well on the way to their fifth straight flag with a 7-game lead over the Ozarka Naturals... High Mesa is third and 8 games out... and East Point is in the fourth spot in the division standings, 9 games back in the race... it's been a pretty good four-team affair most of the year... at the season's half way mark, the Tucks were on top by 2 games over Ozarka, 4 up on High Mesa and 5 in front of East Point... since then, the Blue Jays have played steady and consistently, while Ozarka stumbled badly in July and East Point slumped severely in August... High Mesa managed to be 3 games over .500 the last two months.

LYNX AND VIKS GO AT IT IN TU WEST
At the All-Star Game six clubs were in contention in the Tycobbian West Division with the La Claire Lynx in the lead... everyone but the Bayview Vikings bit the dust in the dog days' of Summer... La Claire, the current division champion, begins September with the same 4-game edge over the Vikings they held at mid-season... the Lynx have done it with pitching, while Bayview has stayed in the race with an explosive offense... over the last two months the Viks have been a little bit better than the Lynx record-wise... they were 34-23 to La Claire's 32-25.

TYCOBBIAN UNION STANDINGS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Monday, September 21, 2038

FM REDHAWKS SWOOP IN RU NORTH FLAG
There was no pennant race this year in the Ruthlandian North Division... Far Mountain ran away with it, defeating LaGrange by a monstrous margin of 15 games... the Sports had won the division flag five of the past six seasons...

1st: Far Mountain
PRO CUP OUTLOOK: this will be the Redhawks' 12th playoff appearance... first division title since 2025... Redhawks have quality pitching, but bats may not be strong enough to go far into the postseason... club has captured 3 Pro Cups (2011, 2012, 2013).
Top Pitchers: Dennis Sasek (20-3/2.81), All-Star Frankie Moreland (20-14/3.31), Karl Nordheim (20-12/3.56), Chad Cummings (17-16/3.54)
Top Batters: All-Star LF Harman Silver (.326/23/85/81), SS Dan Vance (.324/3/39/75), 1B Johnny Burrell (.300/25/94/78), 2B Kyle Ainslie (.282/19/73/58), RF Gilbert Bauer (.26/19/73/58)

2nd: LaGrange
Comments: Starters didn't produce this year as in the past... hitters still a liability... Sports have won the pennant six times, but never a Pro Cup.
Top Pitchers: Walt Thurber (21-12/3.06)
Top Batters: SS Fred Bird (.320/4/51/118), RF Charles Bacque (.299/18/74/80), 3B Claude DesJardins (.266/22/77/64)

3rd: Kilkenny
Comments: Worst hitting in the division... however pitching was good... Cats were expected to really contend this year... came in close second in 2036 and 2037... never has made the playoffs.
Top Pitchers: Dave Michael (19-15/2.82), Dave Stratford (16-11/3.27)
Top Batters: LF Kevin McLaglen (.300/13/58/63), 3B Leevi Viru (.267/18/91/80)

4th: Glasco
Comments: playoff drought for 36 seasons... no Pro Cups titles... played well until mid-season... faded in the second half... has the offense, but lacks the pitching... good defensively.
Top Pitchers: All-Star Basil Newchurch (19-17/3.82), Jimmy Willard (17-15/3.93)
Top Batters: All-Star Travis Houston (.318/30/88/117), 3B Taylor Hampshire (.299/20/59/89), RF Galen Watson (.280/26/96/83), SS Greg Stone (.297/16/68/75)

5th: Taranto
Comments: has made first division only once in 11 years and that was fourth place... won only Pro Cup in 2015... last pennant was in 2019... small ball park is made for homers... really tough on pitchers.
Top Pitchers: Rex Perrilloux (17-16/2.84), Fast Eddy Romano (3-1/2.04/9 saves)
Top Batters: LF Alden Evans (.299/32/74/101), C Angelo Rossi (.296/33/80/78), 1B Big Sam Takota (.251/39/101/96), 2B Donnie Nilsson (.277/17/72/86)

6th: Ancona
Comments: just a mediocre club... hasn't been in the postseason since 2022... never won Pro Cup.
Top Pitchers: rookie Lucian Kairis (11-6/2.79), Jock Fraser (13-8/3.66), Pablo Pilar (13-11/3.79)
Top Batters: rookie LF Eldon Aldridge (.344/23/72/61), 3B Tommy Richardson (.313/22/77/80), SS Alex Zitek (.258/26/92/74), 1B Jesse Clayton (.278/15/70/77)

7th: Ranford
Comments: finished near the bottom for fourth year in a row... last pennant in 2034... never won Pro Cup... Bulls have some power, but little else.
Top Pitchers: rookie reliever Ralph Hawk (6-7/2.53/13 saves), reliever Miguel Mandina (3-1/1.91/3 saves)
Top Batters: RF Dale Weston (.289/47/98/106), 1B Joey Gompers (.248/28/80/76)

8th: Valmara
Comments: proud franchise with 13 postseason appearances and one Pro Cup in 2026, but has been down since winning the flag in 2031... pitching is poor, bats pretty fair.
Top Pitchers: closer Clark Van Vreeland (6-4/2.45/20 saves), Harold Hudson (11-10/3.81)
Top Batters: 3B Andy Ruffino (.336/10/56/76), 2B Miroslav Ciszek (.298/11/72/55), RF Benny Hooper (.290/21/73/74), 1B George Jenkins (.282/22/57/65)

2038 RUTHLANDIAN NORTH DIVISION FINAL STANDINGS AND TEAM STATISTICS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, September 21, 2038

CLAXTON CRUISES TO RU SOUTH CROWN
Six so-so seasons have gone by since the Claxton Diamonds have had any real success in the Ruthlandian South Division... that was the last year they took home the pennant... the high-octane Claxton bats boomed this year and rolled up 96 wins, the second-best number in the IPA next to Sugar Valley's 104 victories in the RU East... the Diamonds had an 8-game edge at the All-Star break... they easily outdistanced runner-up St. John Crusaders by 14 games and third-place Waleska Westerners by 17 to garner their 10th Pro Cup appearance... Waleska was the reigning IPA champion... Claxton is still in search of its first Islands' baseball crown.

1st: Claxton
PRO CUP OUTLOOK: the Diamonds should be one of the prime contenders to win the Pro Cup with its tremendous hitting... they led the IPA with 902 runs this season and have pretty fair pitching and good defense... potent Sugar Valley will pose the biggest threat in the Ruthlandian Union... Tuckanarra, Turon and North Hills will be among the favorites in the Tycobbian Union.
Top Pitchers: Sam Nathan (20-14/3.27), Stan Yudash (21-6/3.81), Abe Schiffman (17-9/3.95), closer Maxie Richter (9-2/1.74/10 saves), reliever Gary Haskin (4-4/3.09/10 saves)
Top Batters: All-Star 1B Jojo DeLucca (.340/30/106/129), All-Star LF Foxy Fuchs (.335/32/109/115), CF Ivan Krause (.289/30/105/72), 2B Gary Colton (.301/17/88/102), C Jaan Hoogendoorn (.299/17/80/80)

2nd: St. John
Comments: the Crusaders have a few good bats, but can't compare to Claxton... they fall short on the mound, too... and only have average defense... St. John has been a first-division club in seven of the last eight years... they won the pennant in 2033 and 2036, have 6 overall, but haven't won a Pro Cup.
Top Pitchers: Jeremy Kirk (20-15/3.26), Vito Sanfratello (16-14/3.51)
Top Batters: All-Star RF Nicky Farrugia (.304/33/117/90), All-Star CF Art Kelley (.314/29/87/94), 3B Marty Blankenship (.259/25/97/70)

3rd: Waleska
Comments: the Westerners were the preseason pick to win the division, but didn't get a chance to repeat as IPA champion... just didn't have the bats... but the pitching was still there... Waleska has finished in the first division the last four seasons, winning two RU South flags in 2035 and 2037... the Westerners have made the Pro Cup playoffs six times and captured two Pro Cups in 2028 and 2037.
Top Pitchers: Tony Haskell (19-12/2.99), Terry Richards (17-11/2.57), Craig Nash (18-18/3.19), relievers Jeff Woodruff (4-2/1.86/10 saves), William Slaughter (3-3/2.52/10 saves)
Top Batters: CF Jon Lassiter (.329/10/58/98), RF Niles Gregory (.275/23/96/75), 1B Shayn Lambert (.307/22/76/73), 2B Joey Harris (.271/15/63/105)

4th: San Dimas
Comments: the Rancheros sport a high-scoring offense, average starting pitching, poor bullpen and poor defense... for the sixth successive season they have wound up in the first division... San Dimas has never won a Pro Cup and has only three pennants in its history, the last was in 2031.
Top Pitchers: Gil Arnaud (15-9/3.65)
Top Batters: All-Star 3B Leonard Purkey (.324/25/104/94), 1B Pat Sautier (.342/21/92/79), CF Klaus Stordahl (.296/26/92/116), RF Denny Hendrix (.280/30/91/87)

5th: Valka
Comments: for the tenth year in a row the Blackhawks have been stuck in the second division of the RU South Division... Valka has never won a Pro Cup and it's been 22 years since they have copped a pennant... only four times have they been in the playoffs, the last time was in 2017... the Blackhawks possess good bats, lousy pitching and inadequate defense.
Top Pitchers: All-Star Dave Gronkowski (20-13/3.93), Arnie Rosenboom (13-11/3.89)
Top Batters: All-Star RF Kenny Mitzusaka (.331/27/107/98), 1B Bobby Scott (.310/28/87/112), 3B Bill Bradford (.285/17/97/77), LF Gilberto Duarte (.306/27/83/96), 2B Marek Kallasmaa (.298/13/82/95)

6th: Crystal Lake
Comments: the Crushers have a total of two Pro Cup titles (2020 and 2022) and seven postseason appearances... they have been down for the last four seasons with second-division finishes... the last year Crystal Lake won the pennant was in 2034... mound corps is fairly good, offense is mediocre, defense better-than-average.
Top Pitchers: Ken Lawson (16-11/3.43), Douglas Merrill (10-6/2.81), reliever Clyde Thompson (6-4/2.82/16 saves)
Top Batters: RF Paul Dillon (.344/11/68/102), C Stan Stanek (.304/15/103/72), SS Mackie Cummings (.265/22/81/62), 3B Harry Berry (.242/19/90/58)

7th: Grand City
Comments: marooned five consecutive seasons in the second division... last RU South flag was in 2030... has appeared only three times in the Pro Cup playoffs with nothing to show as far as Pro Cup trophies... not much on the hill, nor with the bats... pretty good with the gloves.
Top Pitchers: Kenny Morrow (19-14/2.96)
Top Batters: 1B Benny Hull (.315/40/117/92), SS Teddy Grantham (.311/19/68/84), 3B Mickey Etheridge (.286/25/84/78)

8th: Belair Beach
Comments: after coming in fourth place for the previous two years, the bottom fell out for the Sunbirds as they sunk down to the cellar... the culprits were very puny offense and questionable pitching... defensively the Sunbirds are good... it's been over two decades since they made the playoffs... overall the Sunbirds have participated seven times... 2016 was the last time... never in its history has Belair Beach won a Pro Cup.
Top Pitchers: Todd Clyman (18-19/3.57)
Top Batters: 3B Jason Butler (.324/43/99/94)

RUTHLANDIAN SOUTH FINAL STANDINGS AND TEAM STATISTICS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, September 21, 2038

SV RATTLERS HOLD OFF CC 'CATS IN RU EAST
The frustration is over... after three years of winning 97, 92 and 97 games and not winning the Ruthlandian East, the Sugar Valley Rattlers sweetened the pot to 104 victories and finally subdued the Cold Creek Catamounts... the Rattlers ended up winning by 8 games, but it wasn't very easy... the Catamounts hung with them until September before they finally folded, if you can call winning 96 games folding... Cold Creek won the RU East in 2036 and 2037 with Elnora winning it in 2035... Sugar Valley's mighty bats were the deciding factor... this was their first division pennant in nine years, which gives them their 11th crack at an IPA Pro Cup... the Rattlers have never won it, but should be one of the favorites this season... as in the last few seasons, the RU East is one of the better divisions in the IPA... seven of the eight clubs had winning seasons.

1st: Sugar Valley
PRO CUP OUTLOOK: the Rattlers certainly have the offense to challenge in the playoffs, plus good starting pitching... however the bullpen and defense are poor.
Top Pitchers: Juan Navarro (24-8/3.21), All-Star Jeremy Blanchard (22-10/3.29), All-Star Christopher Dunsberry (21-10/3.62), Josh Wilkerson (15-8/3.69)
Top Batters: All-Star 2B Roger Hobbs (.333/26/113/84), RF Bobby Gamble (.306/34/136/132), 1B Richie Strickland (.277/32/77/142), SS Jesse Burns (.280/2/43/113), LF Tyler White (.243/34/118/96), Carlo Verlucci (.289/20/86/79)

2nd: Cold Creek
Comments: powerhouse pitching wasn't enough for the Catamounts to win a third straight divisional flag... Sugar Valley's sluggers were just too much for them this year... 'Cats made the first division for the seventh year in a row... they have never won a Pro Cup, but have made the postseason on five occasions.
Top Pitchers: Joey Baker (22-8/2.38), All-Star J. J. Gillespie (18-13/2.32), Rob Hutchins (16-4/2.74), reliever Pete Heller (7-5/3.08/14 saves)
Top Batters: CF Ken Brennan (.312/8/55/96)

3rd: Beechwood
Comments: rose up from sixth place to third this year on the strength of strong pitching, average hitting and good power... not much on defense... Bobcats haven't made the playoffs since 2027... have only been in the postseason three times and possess no Pro Cups so far.
Top Pitchers: All-Star Maury Patterson (26-8/2.35), Neil Palmer (17-9/2.96), Jimmy Herman (18-9/3.81)
Top Batters: All-Star SS Cody Hanks (.329/26/100/97), All-Star LF Howie Baldwin (.271/47/120/106), 3B Leonard Mason (.291/25/83/96), 2B Mel Smith (.272/18/74/95)

4th: Marston
Comments: best season in 10 for the Nine with a fourth-place finish, 14 games over the .500 mark... had pretty good bats, fair pitching and average defense... last RU East flag came in 2028... Marston is still looking for its first Pro Cup title... has only been in the playoffs six times.
Top Pitchers: rookie Val Farnsworth (20-9/3.60), Barry Sexton (16-12/3.41), Kris Delaney (16-12/4.14), reliever Jimbo McGinnity (7-11/1.98/19 saves), reliever Webb Walden (6-0/1.93/6 saves)
Top Batters: 1B Marco Ameche (.348/21/97/89), All-Star 3B Philip DeWey (.285/9/104/94), 2B Lonnie Trekell (.292/22/95/85), SS Stan Mila (.288/16/65/101)

5th: Elnora
Comments: the All-Stars hit very well with average power... one of the better offensive clubs in the league... but had average pitching... batter-than-average with the gloves... in spite of some lean seasons recently, Elnora has been quite good with four flags in the last eight years... they won their only IPA title in 2033 and have appeared in the Pro Cup playoffs 9 times.
Top Pitchers: Dan Pitts (19-16/3.59), Jeremy Sellers (16-16/3.32)
Top Batters: C Cannon Johnson (.287/20/92/65), SS Joe Korman (.289/18/89/79), CF Clive Kenyon (.302/17/65/88), LF Enos Conrad (.359/5/48/73), 3B Cooter Whitter (.316/19/56/48)

6th: Wynnamac
Comments: the Sundowners were rated co-favorites with Cold Creek in the preseason poll, but they were overated... Wynnamac had good offense, average pitching, no power and good defense... part of the problem was playing in a strong division, too... they have been down on their luck the last three seasons with second-division finishes... prior to that the Sundowners racked up 11 straight years in the first division... spotty record in the postseason with just five appearances... the last RU East pennant came in 2030, however Wynnamac did win one Pro Cup, way back in 2008.
Top Pitchers: Ernie Hodges (18-14/2.99), Geoff Hobart (16-15/4.12)
Top Batters: CF Darrell Donnelly (.270/17/86/112), RF Davy Lamour (.299/26/89/77)

7th: Eastshore
Comments: won two Pro Cups in 2016 and 2017, but little success since with only one pennant since in 2034... had a winning year, but came in seventh... weak starters, great bullpen, average with the bats, good power and good defense.
Top Pitchers: Ramon Contreras (17-16/3.56), Don Klingenberg (13-15/3.65), reliever Kenny Chandler (6-4/1.66/15 saves), Jody Friday (3-2/1.81/10 saves)
Top Batters: All-Star 2B Johnny Petrak (.325/27/104/91), CF Scotty Lagrange (.292/35/103/96)

8th: Belle Plaine
Comments: the Musketeers haven't had a winning team in five years, coming in last three times and seventh twice... they have only one pennant the club's history and no Pro Cups... the Muskies can hit, but can't pitch... defensively they are just average.
Top Pitchers: Mario Aragon (12-5/3.45), Benny Lucas (17-11/3.95)
Top Batters: RF Boo Boudreaux (.309/49/117/103), 3B Cal Lund (.308/33/89/76), 1B Mitch Mason (.297/21/73/81), SS Kit Ritter (.294/23/67/85)

2028 RUTHLANDIAN EAST FINAL STANDINGS AND TEAM STATISTICS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, September 21, 2038

COLFAX TOPS RU WEST
Down by seven games at mid-season to Ruthlandian West Division co-leaders Sligo and Fort Benton, the Colfax Blasters did an about-face and turned their season around... they soared past both of the them in August and September to win the division by seven games... for the fourth time in the last nine seasons Colfax has won the pennant... the Blasters also won in 2030, 2032 and 2036... this will be Colfax's 12th appearance in the Pro Cup playoffs, which they have won one time in 2010.

1st: Colfax
PRO CUP OUTLOOK: the Blasters could test Sugar Valley in the first round with its hot bats and quality pitchers, but may not have the long-ball power to knock off the Rattlers... otherwise Colfax is a very solid ball club at the plate, on the hill and on defense... Sugar Valley should not look past them... the Blasters were very good the second half of the season.
Top Pitchers: Bobby Porter (24-12/3.27), Norm Harbison (21-13/3.21), Randell Perkins (17-15/3.81)
Top Batters: All-Star LF Chet Penn (.321/22/98/87), 2B Kristian McEly (.277/26/99/82), C Mitch Fullerton (.288/17/71/86)

2nd tied: Fort Benton
Comments: the Defenders did not play well in the second half... overall they were a little better-than-average in offense, pitching and defense, but short on home-run power... for the ninth consecutive year Fort Benton was a first-division club... last year was the first time in its history to make the playoffs... the Defenders were the heavy favorite to win the RU West in the preseason polling... they have not ever won the Pro Cup... Fort Benton's mound corps was not as good this year as last.
Top Pitchers: Jordy Raeburn (25-9/3.13), Augie Marquis (18-17/3.36), closer Edd Farmer (8-7/3.12/19 saves)
Top Batters: 3B Mitch Hamilton (.320/8/69/104), RF Cayman Crittenden (.327/17/78/88), 1B Oscar Pendleton (.323/18/73/72), All-Star C Hunter Glenholmes (.272/7/48/81), LF Kelly Chamberlain (.248/21/87/68)

2nd tied: Sligo
Comments: the Rovers posted a losing mark the last three months of the year... the bats went into decline and the pitching suffered some, too... still they had a winning record for the fourth season in a row... Sligo won the IPA crown in 2021 and has made the postseason seven times... the last time they went to the playoffs was 2033... offensively and on the mound the Rovers are fair... they go deep well and also handle defense pretty well.
Top Pitchers: Tom Pierson (20-12/2.62), Randall Steele (17-15/3.91), Joey Hicks (15-12/4.05)
Top Batters: All-Star 1B Denny Simmons (.297/29/95/101), SS Neil Mitchell (.292/16/77/77), C Damon Klein (.280/13/69/60), LF Jim Lewellen (.260/27/65/66)

4th: Middlefield
Comments: second best in scoring primarily because of the home runs... the Roosters were the RU leader and fourth in the IPA... only three Tycobbian teams hit more: Bayview, Luxora and High Mesa... pitching was pathetic... defense was bad... but for the first time in four seasons the Roosters wound up in fourth place and the first division... Middlefield last won a pennant in 2026 and you have to go back to 2005 for the only Pro Cup trophy... seven times they have made the postseason.
Top Pitchers: reliever Ricky Farris (4-1/1.93/7 saves), reliever Ray Owens (5-7/2.29/18 saves)
Top Batters: All-Star Brad Alexander (.285/39/106/87), LF Alejandro Dominguez (.285/37/99/93), RF Norman Antonioni (.251/37/75/71), CF Tony Parsons (.302/26/79/87)

5th: Forest City
Comments: the 'Jacks only had one winning month this season... they were just a middle-of-the-road team in most respects, not very good on offense, on the hill or on defense... Forest City has had only one playoff appearance... that was in 2013 and the club hasn't ever captured an IPA championship.
Top Pitchers: Jeff Watford (17-14/3.35)
Top Batters: RF Junior Chandler (.341/10/56/62), 1B Pistol Pete Picard (.291/20/65/71), SS Hal Burton (.282/0/67/81), 3B Kelly Hardison (.289/18/70/79)

6th: Rocky Rapids
Comments: for the sixth straight season the Snappers have been in the second division of the RU West Division... for the fourth year in five they came in sixth in the standings... Rocky Rapids doesn't have a lot of hitting, pitching or defense... it's been almost 20 years since they won a pennant (2020)... four times they have participated in the postseason and won a Pro Cup in 2019.
Top Pitchers: Janek Zoldak (11-12/3.86), Randy Peters (15-20/4.03)
Top Batters: 1B Omar Velaquez (.337/23/82/90), CF Crusher Derringer (.292/24/86/72), 2B Dwight Dickey (.324/12/50/88), LF Buddy Hamilton (.254/18/74/65)

7th: Stoner
Comments: for the fourth year in a row the Stars found themselves in the second division with very few bright spots... poor hitting, terrible pitching and pretty good defense... Stoner has rarely gone to the postseason, only three times in its history with no Pro Cups... they copped the RU West Division in 2029.
Top Pitchers: closer Earl Marley (10-5/2.01/19 saves), Mel Glosterman (13-12/4.12)
Top Batters: All-Star Barry Swindell (.278/33/89/75), 1B Don Shoenweiss (.305/19/84/100), RF Amos Mars (.313/11/61/44), CF Don Cain (.294/10/75/64)

8th: Volusia
Comments: the Vigilantes were in the running until the All-Star Game, just 5 games off the pace... but it didn't last... the V's went a horrible 19-56 the rest of the year... they rank near the bottom in almost everything... Volusia doesn't do anything well... they have languished near the bottom the last three years with two eighth-place finishes and a sixth-place finish... the Vigilantes won the very first Pro Cup in 2001, but have been winless since... eight times they have made the playoffs... most recently in 2034 and 2035.
Top Pitchers: Drew Selby (11-23/3.80), Hector Vargas (12-21/4.07)
Top Batters: CF Cazzie Carvalho (.268/14/73/78), 2B Charlie Farmer (.276/13/58/93), 1B Kris Wilson (.308/15/67/63)

2038 RUTHLANDIAN WEST DIVISION FINAL STANDINGS AND TEAM STATISTICS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, September 21, 2038

HO-HUM HAWKS WIN TU NORTH AGAIN
Winning the division is really becoming old hat for the North Hills Hawks... they are the champion of the Tycobbian North Division for the fifth year in a row... and doing it with ease the last three years... the Hawks were taken to task until the All-Star hiatus with four challengers within 3 to 8 games of them... but they quickly pulled away in the second half and dismissed all of them... North Hills won the division by 11 games over Mahaska, 12 ahead of Luxora and 14 in front of Blue Lake.

1st: North Hills
PRO CUP OUTLOOK: the Hawks are a perfect ball club with strong hitting, pitching and fielding... they do everything well... there's a good chance North Hills' seventh trip to the Pro Cup playoffs could result in the team's third IPA title... this just might be the best team the Hawks have ever sent to the postseason.
Top Pitchers: David Michael (22-13/2.53), Jeff Owens (20-13/2.81), All-Star Frankie Lambert (16-10/2.80), Tony Mack (18-11/3.32)
Top Batters: All-Star LF Adam Thurgood (.326/40/122/101), RF Gerry Rice (.340/8/45/79), 1B Ric Hamilton (.297/23/86/91), 2B Tommy Vavas (.308/10/61/84), CF Kris Anastas (.305/10/67/49), 3B Jim McDermott (.283/19/78/60)

2nd: Mahaska
Comments: after two bad seasons in the TU North second division, the Haymakers got improved pitching and climbed up to second place... it's been over a decade since they made the playoffs... four times in its history the club has made the postseason, but they have never won the Islands' championship.
Top Pitchers: All-Star Mark Pennington (21-14/3.07), Darrell Godfrey (16-11/3.54), Greg Douglas (14-13/3.74), reliever Kirk Stanley (4-3/2.32/12 saves), reliever Mackie McGinnity (4-4/2.62/4 saves)
Top Batters: All-Star 2B Mikk Kukk (.292/15/82/89), SS Rocco Bertara (.293/5/46/86), CF Bill Whittier (.264/21/81/90), 3B Duane Blayney (.240/24/70/61)

3rd: Luxora
Comments: the Zorros greatly improved at the plate and consequently rose up from the division basement up to the third spot in the standings... the Z's have never claimed a Pro Cup trophy, but have made 11 postseason appearances... to get there they need to bulk up in the pitching department... hitting home runs and scoring runs is what Luxora does best... they were second in the IPA in homers and fourth in scoring... fielding is not one of their strong points.
Top Pitchers: rookie Larry Carmichal (13-2/3.77), Kent Halloran (14-18/3.08), Jose Beltran (17-12/4.32)
Top Batters: All-Star 3B Todd Dubbins (.316/32/100/93), SS Joel Poche (.311/25/80/109), 2B Kelvin Cassidy (.322/31/78/82), 1B Gerry Hathaway (.289/29/78/72), LF Milt Powers (.296/26/81/80), RF Derek Jackson (.318/17/54/78)

4th: Blue Lake
Comments: the Blue Sox are just an average ball club, but have two fine starters... need a lot of help on offense... they are on a 3-year run in the first division... Blue Lake has won the TU North only twice and made the playoffs three times... in 2030 the Blue Sox captured its only Pro Cup.
Top Pitchers: Frankie Quinn (20-13/3.29), Sal Mays (21-14/3.29)
Top Batters: 2B Egon Ojamaa (.268/28/89/88), 3B Matt Thompson (.278/16/74/78), LF Jack Ryan (.279/14/67/76)

5th: White River
Comments: one thing you can say about the Rascals is that they are consistent... for the last four years they have finished in fifth place... they are average on the mound, not very good at the plate and slightly above average with the gloves... it's been 12 years since White River made the playoffs... they last won the TU North Division in 2027... overall the Rascals have appeared only four times in the postseason and don't have a Pro Cup yet.
Top Pitchers: Paul Sardini (19-7/2.69), J. C. Hudson (11-8/3.25), Trenton Anderson (16-14/3.44)
Top Batters: All-Star C Stevie Dee Daniels (.266/29/97/61), SS Warren McKenzie (.229/29/82/54), CF Buford Cross (.278/18/66/94)

6th: Fairfax
Comments: started the season as the preseason favorite, played well until mid-year, trailed by just 3 games, but flopped badly in the second half... came in sixth and snapped a 10-year skein of first-division finishes... the Frogs have participated in the playoffs on eight occasions, but never have won the Pro Cup... most recent appearance was in 2033... club's major shortcoming is home-run power... they are above average on the hill and with the bats... just average defensively.
Top Pitchers: Harold Dorman (18-11/2.65), reliever Bruno Stratton (7-6/2.35/16 saves)
Top Batters: All-Star CF Eric Kusek (.318/9/68/102), LF Sonny Oliver (.313/19/82/65), 1B Max Lebowitz (.276/13/60/86)

7th: Oxford
Comments: the Red Caps are not a very impressive team, pitching is horrendous, but did post a winning record over the last two months of the season... and they can go deep... in Oxford's bleak history they have made the playoffs only five times, but not recently... however, that was a great year for the Red Caps... they were Pro Cup champion in 2007.
Top Pitchers: B. B. Dristoll (20-14/4.05), Kent McKinley (11-9/3.95)
Top Batters: 2B Alonzo Norris (.307/26/70/111), CF Dalton Ward (.226/29/61/64), LF Donny Braun (.269/13/82/70), SS Johnny Gentry (.260/13/72/65)

8th: Hartsdale
Comments: for the fourth successive season the Hellcats have been at or near the bottom of the TU North Division... this year they were deep in last place... Hartsdale is not a very talented team... they have made the postseason only six times in their history with no Pro Cups... the Hellcats won the pennant the last time in 2029.
Top Pitchers: Wayne Dawson (14-17/3.07)
Top Batters: 1B Hayden Richardson (.324/19/61/61), 2B Jesse Jenkins (.292/9/62/77)

2038 Tycobbian North Division Final Standings and Team Statistics

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, September 21, 2038

TYPHOONS BLOW AWAY MONTIES IN TU SOUTH
No much of a pennant race in the Tycobbian South Divisionn either... at least it wasn't close in the final weeks of the season... Turon opened up a good lead in August and built on it in September to blow away San Alejo and Ginza by 9 games... at the halfway point in the year, Turon led San Alejo by 3 games and Ginza by 7... the Typhoons were the preseason favorite over the Montanaros and Cape Coral Hurricanes... the 'Canes came in fourth in the final standings... Turon had too much of everything and should do quite well in the IPA Pro Cup playoffs.

1st: Turon
PRO CUP OUTLOOK: the Typhoons can do it all - pitch, hit and field - good qualities to bring home their fifth Pro Cup... Turon was a powerhouse in the early years of the IPA with 13 playoffs appearances and four Pro Cups in its first 19 seasons... since then - zilch... the Typhoons hold the IPA record for most Pro Cup Finals... a total of six... although they have come close recently, being beaten out by a single game in 2033 and 2037.
Top Pitchers: All-Star Clyde Engstrom (26-10/2.90), All-Star Armin Boehm (22-10/2.92), Wes Brynnton (18-13/3.15), Nate Scottsdale (19-15/3.71), reliever Ralph Fulton (6-5/2.10/15 saves)
Top Batters: All-Star RF Guido Gervasio (.305/21/100/104), All-Star J. P. Trevenot (.315/26/81/99), SS C. C. Kingsford (.296/24/98/87), C Gil Erwin (.317/15/57/76), 2B Marty Gibson (.313/8/60/49), 3B George Jordan (.264/14/83/57)

2nd: San Alejo
Comments: the Montaneros were almost equal to the Typhoons, but couldn't stay with them defensively... that might have been the difference... San Alejo has won the TU South four of the last seven seasons and won it all in 2032 for their first and only IPA Pro Cup... six times the Monties have made the postseason.
Top Pitchers: Benny Buckmaster (23-8/2.97), Johnny Brown (21-12/3.20), Lupe Olmedo (14-11/2.96), Tommy Smith (13-13/3.40)... 30-year-old Brown reached the 200-win milestone this season... 31-year-old Smith should reach it early next season.
Top Batters: All-Star C Filipe Zamora (.301/41/120/105), All-Star 1B Ted Hatch (.305/34/82/54), CF Dusty Rogan (.301/21/74/87), SS Sancho Cruz (.242/19/78/87), 3B Bubby Blackwell (.287/9/72/80), RF Charlie Wilberforce (.271/18/56/84)

3rd: Ginza
Comments: the Ninjas have made steady progress under new playing manager and LF Sadaharu Uchiyama the last two years, rising up from sixth to fourth to third... it's been seven years since Ginza made the postseason... they have made the playoffs seven times, but don't possess an IPA crown... 2031 was the last year they made the playoffs... the Ninjas could score and had fairly good pitching this year with poor defense.
Top Pitchers: Hollis Pace (16-12/3.10), Emil Kaltenborn (10-6/3.58) and Glenn Downing (16-19/3.89), reliever Timmy Hickens (5-2/2.13/20 saves)
Top Batters: CF Sogo Takagi (.299/22/110/109), LF Ichiro Kazumi (.318/9/59/67), 1B Steve Daniels (.298/22/81/62), LF Sadaharu Uchiyama (.319/6/50/69), RF Scott Sparks (.256/25/75/64)

4th: Cape Coral
Comments: the Hurricanes' offense really puts runs on the board, but the pitching and defense was bad... the 'Canes topped the IPA with a .290 team BA and led the Tycobbian Union in runs and ranked near the top in roundtrippers with 216... they improved from sixth to fourth this year... Cape Coral is still looking for its first Pro Cup... and has made the postseason seven times.
Top Pitchers: Mario Morales (14-11/3.77), Norm Dawson (16-14/3.92)
Top Batters: All-Star 1B Stan Ferguson (.322/32/128/74), 3B Rikky Van Dalen (.324/38/105/109), CF Max Tselika (.307/16/43/98), SS Joel Collins (.300/8/73/79), LF Paul Law (.268/20/82/99)

5th: Summerland
Comments: the Sunsets were strong contenders in 2036 and 2037 with second and third-place finishes... they dropped to fourth this year because of atrocious offense... the Sunsets ranked last in the division in scoring... but they have solid pitching and excellent defense... Summerland is one of the least successful franchises in the IPA with only two postseason appearances (2005 and 2033) with no Pro Cups.
Top Pitchers: Freddi Rossi (20-18/3.25), Johnny Young (16-16/3.15), Jayson Hallstrom (16-16/3.65), Dutch De Boer (7-3/3.33/2 saves), reliever Ronald Shaddock (7-4/1.26/23 saves)
Top Batters: CF Antonio Vasquez (.292/5/52/100), 1B Mark Delaney (.262/25/107/62)

6th: Southport
Comments: the Sun Sox are just a so-so ball club bordering on mediocre... only three times have they made the Pro Cup playoffs and have never captured the Islands' baseball crown... Southport last made it to the postseason in 2027 and 2028... prior to that it was in 2002, their first season in the Tycobbian Union.
Top Pitchers: rookie Johnny Swanson (14-11/3.23), Blitzer Borden (16-13/3.96), rookie reliever Brandon Delmore (8-9/3.23/17 saves)
Top Batters: SS Craig Glennon (.264/30/103/93), CF Barney Lewis (.281/22/84/70), CF Pat Kinney (.283/7/53/78)

7th: Colchester
Comments: after a great season in 2036 when they chalked up 96 wins and the TU South flag, the Elites have dropped quickly into oblivion going from fifth to seventh... Colchester scores well, but has poor pitching and only average defense... they have never won a Pro Cup and have been in the playoffs just four times... three of them came in the team's first six seasons 2002 to 2007.
Top Pitchers: Tony Dazzi (13-12/4.47), Dave Lacoste (13-16/4.09)
Top Batters: RF Blake Barrister (.275/48/122/122), 1B Billy Christianson (.313/23/85/96), LF Chet Porter (.364/8/82/79) 2B Joey Rogers (.268/8/67/87), SS Alejandro Vasquez (.277/14/70/74), 3B Jasper Matthews (.233/20/85/87)

8th: Arroyo Grande
Comments: it was another very long season for the hapless Suns... after three straight years in seventh place, they finally reached the bottom, ranking near the bottom in batting, scoring and pitching... Arroyo Grande is another of the many long-suffering IPA franchises with no Pro Cups and only four playoff appearances from 2020 to 2025, the team's best seasons.
Top Pitchers: rookie Anthony Lombardi (15-12/4.49), reliever Cody Simmons (6-4/2.85/16 saves), reliever Kevin Meeks (6-7/3.48/15 saves)
Top Batters: CF Rafael Montoya (.286/14/60/66), LF Rene Jesclard (.257/20/67/90), C Pip Gleason (.258/23/66/50), RF Gregorio Olivera (.245/30/74/63)

2038 Tycobbian South Division Final Standings and Team Statistics

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, September 21, 2038

TUCKS WIN AGAIN IN TU EAST
Old habits are hard to break, so they say... the Tuckanarra Blue Jays are perfect examples... they have made it a habit to win the Tycobbian East Division at least for the last five years in a row... and the Blue Jays did it again in easy fashion, topping preseason favorite Ozarka by 10 games, third place High Mesa by 14 and fourth place East Point by 18... this is the 17th time the Tucks have made the postseason... they hold the IPA mark for most playoff appearances... the Blue Jays will be seeking their fourth Pro Cup, which would tie Turon for the lead in IPA titles... Tuckanarra took charge in the second half, but they were pressed in the opening half by the Naturals, Cowboys and Panthers... East Point stayed in the race until August, trailing by only four games, but they fell apart in the last two months.

1st: Tuckanarra
PRO CUP OUTLOOK: Blue Jays possess fine pitching, power and hitting that will give Tuckanarra a pretty fair shot at the Pro Cup... defense is the club's only weakness... they have three IPA championships in the last 16 years, winning the last one in 2035.
Top Pitchers: All-Star Jeff Buttrum (23-12/3.50), Philip Marston (21-13/3.66), Junior Bristow (21-14/3.32), Bobby Reid (17-12/3.55)... reliever Jack Rogers (4-5/0.80/20 saves)
Top Batters: All-Star LF Spade Weldon (.343/18/82/90), RF Lorne Evans (.271/38/82/111), 3B Daniel Redd (.289/10/69/92), 2B Nicky Weill (.302/15/75/45), C John Paul (.276/22/86/71), CF Pancho Villa (.293/16/59/56)

2nd: Ozarka
Comments: the Naturals have finished in the runner-up spot four of the last five years, but well behind the tough Blue Jays... 14 times in its history they have made the playoffs, but not lately... 2030 was the most recent year... five times the Nats have made the Pro Cup Finals, but failed to get the trophy... this season Ozarka had a pretty fair attack, very good defense and solid pitching, but lacks power at the plate.
Top Pitchers: Glen Jenkins (20-11/3.30), Leon Bernard (18-14/3.54)
Top Batters: CF Lonnie Gillespie (.309/11/90/100), All-Star SS Duffy Morrison (.295/20/99/77), LF Reggie Davidson (.295/19/62/84), RF Bob Banachak (.276/15/83/66), Nick Nova (.304/5/37/66), C Jaak Pajukivi (.271/16/76/69)

3rd: High Mesa
Comments: the Cowboys got their first winning season since 2026... improved pitching was the prime reason, along with HR power... playoff-wise it's been almost forever since they appeared... you have to go back to High Mesa's first two seasons in the IPA... 2003 was the club's last year in the postseason... in 2002 the Cowpokes garnered their only Pro Cup.
Top Pitchers: Virgil Hasper (19-14/3.91), Garret Danielson (17-13/3.84), Dean Harris (17-18/3.20)
Top Batters: All-Star SS Clifford Coleman (.304/23/77/88), RF Corbett Brooks (.263/40/93/97), LF Clay Johnston (.295/29/79/65), 1B Michael Page (.271/23/56/54), C Zee DiCaprio (.266/22/70/59)

4th: East Point
Comments: pretty much an average ball club with very poor bats... the Panthers made the first division for the 11th time in the last 12 seasons... not a very strong team history... they have made the postseason only four times with no Pro Cups... East Point's last pennants came in 2031 and 2033... the Panthers stayed in the race with Tuckanarra until they went into a late-season funk with a 15-31 record in August and September.
Top Pitchers: All-Star Dixie Brooks (19-13/3.04), Johnny Moore (15-15/3.58), Burton Cook (12-12/3.95)
Top Batters: 2B Tetsu Tanaka (.240/28/79/80), 1B Bert Henrich (.276/27/64/62)

5th: Red Bluff
Comments: the Red Sox went deep well, didn't hit much for average, and had woeful pitching and horrific defense... they have seldom appeared in the postseason... Red Bluff has one Pro Cup (2004) and four pennants... they have not made the playoffs since 2009.
Top Pitchers: Ayden Carmack (11-8/3.86), George Reynolds (16-13/4.79), Jules Capet 12-10/4.54)
Top Batters: RF David Kelson (.286/33/90/58), CF Ike Sweetwater (.300/23/80/77), 1B Garris Aiken (.222/34/73/75)

6th: Midway
Comments: the Wolves are just a mediocre ball club in all respects... Midway has made the postseason only three times and never has won a Pro Cup... their last TU East flag came in 2027.
Top Pitchers: Cary Snead (16-15/3.31), Carl Dreux (14-17/3.74)
Top Batters: RF Bennett Cardwell (.314/25/88/93), LF Yancey Tanner (.272/1/46/88), 1B Shaman Sakima (.266/13/71/70), 2B Lou Flowers (.250/21/80/59)

7th: Hillsboro
Comments: the Blazers were pretty bad again this season just like they have been in their entire IPA history... Hillsboro had never won a pennant... in fact, they have had only two chances to win one... 2020 and 2033, when they fell short by 2 games and 4 games.
Top Pitchers: reliever Scott Watkins (3-6/2.25/26 saves), Cazzi Reier (10-9/4.03)
Top Batters: 2B Scotty McNeill (.294/7/59/85), SS Jan Kessinger (.269/0/46/77), CF Jurrien Bellini (.259/29/93/89), 1B Ted Winter (.233/24/80/68)

8th: South Fork
Comments: the Stallions had the worst season in the club's history with only 55 victories... they don't hit well or pitch well... however, South Fork is solid defensively... South Fork has finished last in two of the last three years... rarely do they grace the playoffs, showing only three appearances in 2001, 2002... and 2025 when the Stallions won their one and only Pro Cup.
Top Pitchers: Gary Golden (15-15/5.11), reliever Jay Murphy (6-6/4.31/15 saves)
Top Batters: SS Jess Wilkerson (.319/29/93/82), 3B Elton Jacoby (.259/22/89/88), 1B Paul Sexton (.283/27/74/63), CF Scotty O'Sullivan (.254/27/61/88).

2038 Tycobbian East Final Standings and Team Statistics

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, September 21, 2038

LC LYNX FIGHT OFF CHAMPS, VIKS, REDBIRDS IN TU WEST
The Tycobbian West Division was the only close pennant race in the IPA this season... five clubs dueled pretty much the entire season with the flag going to the La Claire Lynx for the second successive season... the Lynx outlasted Arlon by 3 games, Bayview by 4, Denton City by 5 and Chicopee by 8 games... five of the teams chalked up winning records.

1st: La Claire
PRO CUP OUTLOOK: the Lynx are a well-balanced club with fine starting pitching, hitting, power and excellent defense... the bullpen is suspect... La Claire repeated as the TU West winner and made the postseason for only the fourth time in its history...they did well in the playoffs last year, upsetting the number-one pick Tuckanarra and then put up a good fight against San Alejo in the TU Finals... La Claire could upset the apple carts of the more highly-regarded Tuckanarra, Turon and North Hills... the Tycobbian Union title could go to any one of them. All four clubs will be in the running with Sugar Valley, Claxton and Far Mountain of the Ruthlandian Union... don't count out Colfax either... they surged to the RU West title with a torrid second-half... the 2038 IPA Pro Cup is up for grabs... it's a toss-up as to which one of the eight playoff qualifiers will be the victor.
Top Pitchers: All-Star Pat Kovacs (25-10/2.80), Bruce Kinson (21-12/3.74)
Top Batters: RF Billy Holland (.306/22/87/82), 3B Jarrod O'Neal (.275/32/81/92), 2B Rog Clemens (.277/22/78/66), LF Rod Conklin (.317/15/51/48)

2nd: Arlon
Comments: the Champions are a very similar club to La Claire... their pitching is better, but they lack HR-power... defensively Arlon is also impressive... this was the first time in nine seasons they had a winning season... a poor August cost them the pennant... the Champs have only made the playoffs three times and have not won a Pro Cup... 2020 was Arlon's last playoff year.
Top Pitchers: 2-time strikeout leader Lanny Gray (23-13/2.88), Frankie Gauthier (16-12/3.39), Emil Nowak (17-18/3.30), Pat Stuyvesant (13-8/3.38/7 saves)
Top Batters: RF Mark Cameron (.259/41/116/101), All-Star LF Charley Hastings (.311/19/85/115), 1B Ernie Pryor (.304/23/97/85), CF Gussi Czajk (.294/13/78/73), SS Roland Duvernet (.289/7/44/84)

3rd: Bayview
Comments: the Vikings are a home-run machine (with the help of its small-dimensioned ball park)... they led the IPA with 248 HRs... Arroyo Grande holds the record with 260, set in 2005... but they don't have the pitching, nor the defense... the Viks faded in September... they had a chance for their first postseason since 2016... Bayview has made the playoffs only 6 times in its history and has never won the Pro Cup.
Top Pitchers: Kris Melgaard (18-11/4.26), Christy Kane (17-16/4.37), Claude Watson (15-15/3.83), Karl Magga (10-6/4.26/5 saves)
Top Batters: IPA HR leader and All-Star 2B Jerry Culpepper (.261/57/123/110), CF Derek Jorstad (.290/24/63/94), LF Roy Ricks (.296/25/67/71), 1B Claude Kingston (.303/22/63/58), SS Andreas Stokke (.261/22/74/73)

4th: Denton City
Comments: the Redbirds are better-than-average in BA, pitching, HRs... but only average in scoring and defense... a bad August hurt their pennant chances... DC was one of the early powers in the IPA and appeared in the postseason eight times in the first 13 seasons, but did not pull in a Pro Cup in its history... the Redbirds made the IPA Finals in 2005 and 2008.
Top Pitchers: Francisco Salcido (18-15/3.32), Troy McIntosh (21-12/3.77), Stephen Edwards (10-7/3.63), Kevin Blevins (17-20/3/61)
Top Batters: All-Star C Felton Welch (.314/30/98/81), LF Sam Carson (.315/27/76/77), RF Pete Doyle (.251/20/71/100), 1B Wayman Stetson (.303/23/71/46), SS Sammy Thornton (.287/5/57/79)

5th: Chicopee
Comments: the Braves won three straight division crowns from 2034 to 2036, then dropped out of sight with an atrocious 2037 (69-85) when they fell to seventh place... they rebounded somewhat and came in fifth this season, 4 games over .500... Chicopee had good hitting, offense and defense, but subpar pitching... the Braves have never won the Pro Cup and have made the postseason three times in its league existence.
Top Pitchers: Judd Hampton (15-15/3.74), Jimmy Beckworth (14-15/3.69), Heyoka Chaska (16-14/4.73), Lou Gianakos (12-8/4.18/6 saves)
Top Batters: All-Star SS Kurt Gustavsen (.313/23/79/76), 2B Todd Goodwin (.278/20/83/101), C Augie Meaux (.311/18/57/81), LF Charley Kota (.296/21/78/77)

6th: Rolling Hills
Comments: the Reds had good pitching, but little in offense and were just average defensively... for the sixth consecutive year they are just a lackluster team... 10 times Rolling Hills has been in the the playoffs... twice they have come home with the IPA Pro Cup, in 2029 and 2031... the Reds last won the TU West Division in 2032.
Top Pitchers: Matthew Christianson (17-16/2.50), Jakob Wagner (13-11/3.59), reliever Travis Hooper (6-1/2.60/16 saves), reliever Whammer White (7-3/3.15/6 saves), reliever Calvin Lee (2-0/2.77/no saves)
Top Batters: RF Jimbo Foxx (.268/26/80/60), CF Jason Garrett (.331/6/48/41)

7th: Kenwood
Comments: the Wildcats had a fair offense, fair pitching and good defense... in 2037 they surprised with a second-place finish and big things were forecast for them, but it didn't happen... the mound staff went back to mediocrity and the bats also failed to perform as well... Kenwood last made the postseason in 2024... has appeared only three times in its history... but does have a Pro Cup title, won in 2014.

8th: Bay St. Clair
Comments: the Buccaneers have had three years of famine after five seasons of first-division play... they last participated in the playoffs in 2030... overall the Bucs have been in the postseason 9 times, but have yet to win a Pro Cup... the Buccaneers were seventh in 2036 and in the TU West cellar the last two seasons... weak hitting, no power, poor starters, fairly good bullpen and good defense.
Top Pitchers: Jay Callahan (16-14/4.09), John Karlsen (12-21/4.36), reliever Pete Cross (4-6/2.58/7 saves), reliever Sam Zale (5-6/3.50/8 saves)
Top Batters: RF Cotton Cornwall (.294/22/72/64), CF Robby Palmer (.301/7/43/60), 3B Bailey Holmsworth (.259/20/74/46)

2038 Tycobbian East Final Standings and Team Statistics

2038 Ruthlandian Union Final Individual Batting and Pitching Leaders

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, September 22, 2038

RU STATS LEADERS ANNOUNCED
The Ruthlandian Union recognized the statistical leaders for the 2038 season today... heading up the list were batting champion Marco Ameche of the Marston Nine (.348 BA), home-run leader Boo Boudreaux of Belle Plaine (49 HRs), Bobby Gamble of Sugar Valley (136 RBIs) and Richie Strickland of Sugar Valley (142 runs)... mound leaders were Maury Patterson of Beechwood with the most wins (26), J. J. Gillespie of Cold Creek with the best ERA (2.32 ERA) and strikeout king Ken Morrow of Grand City with 256 Ks.

It's the third time in his illustrious career Patterson has posted 26 victories... first batting title for Ameche... first time for Gamble to lead in RBIs... after finishing second in runs for the three years, Strickland finally led this season... Boudreaux took the HR crown for the second year in a row... Patterson tied Clyde Engstrom of Turon for the IPA lead in wins... Gamble and Strickland top the IPA in RBIs and runs.

2038 Tycobbian Union Final Individual Batting and Pitching Statistics

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, September 22, 2038

TYCOBBIA TOP LEADERS PROCLAIMED
The top stats leaders in the Tycobbian Union were released today to the press... IPA leaders were Chet Porter of Colchester (.364 BA), Jerry Culpepper of Bayview (57 HRs) and Clyde Engstrom of Turon (26 victories)... and the IPA strikeout king was Lanny Gray of Arlon (264).

For the second straight year Culpepper was the IPA leading HR hitter and Gray topped in strikeouts... Stan Ferguson of Cape Coral came in first in the TU with 128 RBIs and Blake Barrister of Colchester scored the most runs (122)... the best ERA belonged to Matthew Christianson of Rolling Hills (2.50 ERA).

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, September 21, 2038

IPA PLAYOFFS START TOMORROW
The IPA Pro Cup opening round gets started tomorrow afternoon around the Islands... a wide-open affair is forecast by the baseball pros with the favorite being the high-octane Sugar Valley Rattlers of the Ruthlandian Union... the high-scoring Claxton Diamonds were the second choice... the number-three ranked club was the well-balanced Tuckanarra Blue Jays of the Tycobbian Union... the pitch-rich North Hills Hawks were fourth in poll... Turon Typhoons with its strong mound staff came in fifth... the Colfax Blasters were sixth in the balloting... followed by the Far Mountain Redhawks and La Claire Lynx... keep in mind unheralded teams have been known to win the Pro Cup... last year's winner Waleska is a prime example... they were the sixth choice in the Pro Cup poll.

Favored Sugar Valley hosts Colfax in first round IPA Elite 8 action and Claxton entertains Far Mountain in best-of-seven series... in Tycobbian play it'll be La Claire traveling to Tuckanarra and North Hills on the road in Turon.

The Islandian Times Pro Cup poll rankings:
1. Sugar Valley (104-50)
.262 BA (23rd), 894 runs (2nd), 198 HR (4th), 3.70 ERA (8th), .970 FA

2. Claxton Diamonds (96-58)
.285 BA (1st), 904 runs (1st), 191 HR (6th), 3.79 ERA (10th), .975 FA

3. Tuckanarra (95-59)
.273 BA (5th), 813 runs (3rd), 186 HR (6th), 3.33 ERA (4th), .970 FA

4. North Hills (93-61)
.279 BA (3rd), 751 (9th-tied), 156 HR (18th), 3.01 ERA (1st), .976 FA

5. Turon (95-59)
.276 BA (4th), 743 runs (13th), 142 HR (20th), 3.27 ERA (2nd), .978 FA

6. Colfax (88-66)
.277 BA, 757 runs (8th), 117 HR (27th-tied), 3.58 ERA (6th), .977 FA

7. Far Mountain (93-61)
.264 BA (18th), 747 runs (13th), 153 HR (16th-tied), 3.57 ERA (5th), .972 FA

8. La Claire (87-67)
.266 BA (13th), 751 runs (9th-tied), 183 HR (8th), 3.68 ERA (14th), .978 FA