THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Monday, October 18, 2049

HAWK AND BELL TOP IPA HURLERS
The Islandian Pro Alliance announced the top pitchers in the league today, naming Ralph Hawk and Matt Bell the recipients of the Golden Arm Awards for the Ruthlandian Union and the Tycobbian Union for 2049. It's the third time in his career Bell has been honored, while Hawk captured it for the second straight season.

Bell is a 30-year-old righty for the San Alejo Montaneros. He led the Monties to the Tycobbian South Division flag with a 24-12 mark and a 2.13 ERA. Bell was second in the IPA in strikeouts and shutouts. Bell's 98 mph fastball whiffed 271 batters in the season, beaten only by Lanny Gray of Arlon with 282. He twirled 6 shutouts, topped by IPA leader Rob Hutchins of Cold Creek in the Ruthlandian Union. Hutchins tossed 8 shutouts. Bell completed 24 of his 40 starts. In his 11 years with San Alejo Bell has fashioned a very impressive 234 wins with only 127 defeats with a superb 2.35 ERA. He also won the Golden Arm trophy in 2045 and 2047.

Fellow Montanero teammate Will McKinney gave Bell the most competition in the poll. He wound up 23-9 with a fine 2.43 ERA and 271 Ks. McKinney tied with Bell for second place in the IPA in strikeouts. He racked up 22 complete games in 38 starting assignments

Matthew Christianson paced the Rolling Hills Reds to third place in the Tycobbian West pennant race with a 23-6 record with a strong 2.51 ERA. The 35-year-old right-hander finished third in the TU Golden Bat balloting.

For 12 years the Ruthlandian Golden Arm winner, Ralph Hawk, has been a vital part of the Ranford Bulls, registering 202 victories with only 127 losses in his career. The Bulls wound up second this season in the Ruthlandian North. Hawk was 20-7 with a remarkable 1.40 ERA, tops in the IPA. Only Jack Rogers of the Tuckanarra Blue Jays ever had a better mark. In 2043 Rogers, a reliever, chalked a 1.30 ERA. Hawk, a 31-year-old southpaw, has now won the RU Golden Arm trophy two years in succession. The record is held by the IPA icon and legend J. J. Gillespie of Cold Creek, who won the Golden Arm five times. He picked up three in a row from '33 to '35. He also won in '37 and '40. Ilya Szabo of Colfax is second with four awards. Szabo won in '10, '11, '14 and '15.

The number-two votegetter was Rocky Rapids' Jamie Taylor. The 33-year-old right-hander notched a 20-12 record with a great 1.59 ERA, helping the Snappers to a fourth-place finish in the Ruthlandian West. Taylor was chosen the Ruthlandian MVP and Golden Arm in 2046.

Sugar Valley's Cullen Winslow came in third in the Golden Arm voting with a standout 23-6 mark and a terrific 2.18 ERA. Winslow sparked the Rattlers to 103 victories, the best record in the IPA. He was tied for second place in the IPA with 6 shutouts.

***** Matt Bell **** Ralph Hawk *****

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, October 19, 2049

WYATT AND KOVALENKO TOP ROOKIES
There was a bumper crop of newcomers this year in the Islandian Pro Alliance. Heavy-hitting Johnny Wyatt of Middlefield and steady Stan Kovalenko of Bay St. Clair were selected the Rookie of the Year for their respective leagues. Wyatt pick up the Ruthlandian trophy and Kovalenko received the Tycobbian award.

Ruthlandia's best rookie was Johnny Wyatt. The 22-year-old right fielder for the Middlefield Roosters had a fantastic freshman year with a .287 BA, 45 homers, 121 RBIs and 93 runs. He was one of the main ingredients in the Roosters piling up 104 victories and hauling in the Ruthlandian West pennant. Wyatt was third in the IPA in homers and sixth in RBIs.

Waleska's flame-throwing Trey Earnest was a very close runner-up to Wyatt. The 21-year-old recorded 20 wins and 12 losses with an excellent 2.91 ERA for the third place Westerners in the Ruthlandian South Division. Earnest throws in the high 90's and posted 20 complete games in 36 starts, 3 shutouts and fanned 212 batters in his inaugural season.

Third in the RU Rookie of the Year balloting was Wyatt's teammate Timothy Hayworth, who played left field for Middlefield. Hayworth batted .315 with 12 homers, 97 runs, 59 RBIs and 20 SBs.

The top rookie in Tycobbia was 25-year-old outfielder Stan Kovalenko. He played in 146 games for the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers collecting 37 doubles, 4 triples, 17 roundtrippers and 86 RBIs, while stealing 22 bases and batting .276. Kovalenko was one of the prime movers in the Bucs rise from last place to first place this year.

In second place in the rookie voting was Johnny Helwig of the Chicopee Braves. The 26-year-old left fielder won the Tycobbian batting title with a .366 BA. In 122 games Helwig had 8 homers, 58 RBIs and scored 80 runs. Nonetheless, the Braves finished a poor sixth in the TU West.

Number three in the rookie poll was 20-year-old right fielder Eldon McLennan of the Colchester Elites. He posted a .328 BA with 25 doubles, 14 triples, 8 HRs, 63 RBIs, 79 runs and 39 SBs. McLennan tied for the IPA lead in triples and was fourth in stolen bases. The Elites wound up fifth in the TU South.

** Johnny Wyatt * Stan Kovalenko **

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, October 20, 2049

IPA GIVES OUT GOLDEN GLOVES
The Islandian Pro Alliance acclaimed the top defenders around the Islands - the sure-handed guys that cover a lot of ground and flash a lot of leather - the Golden Glovers. Two Ancona outfielders headed up the Ruthlandian Gold Glove winners. Right fielder Eldon Aldridge was honored for the sixth time in his career and teammate left fielder Walter Glenn was named for the fifth time. Topping the Tycobbian Golden Glovers were two Mahaska players: catcher James Boswell and shortstop Rocco Bertara, who were selected a second time. Only one rookie, right fielder Johnny Helwig of the Chicopee Braves, made the teams.

Ruthlandian Union Golden Glove Team:
P: Took Noonan (Stoner Stars) (19-10/1.79) (.984 FA)
C: Koby Howard (Wynnamac Sundowners) (.254 BA/15 HR/52 RBI/37 R) (.997 FA/3 PB/33.6% RTO)
1B Masaharu Kawasaki (Rocky Rapids Snappers) (.286 BA/25 HR/87 RBI/85 R) (.985 FA)
2B Mike Matthews (Beechwood Bobcats) (.240 BA/12 HR/56 RBI/73 R) (.984 FA) (3-time winner)
3B Rick Clayburne (Claxton Diamonds) (.270 BA/10 HR/74 RBI/93 R) (.959 FA)
SS John Rodgers (LaGrange Sports) (.283 BA/23 HR/94 RBI/74 R) (.971 FA) (2-time winner)
LF Walter Glenn (Arcona Red Elephants) (.279 BA/4 HR/27 RBI/73 R) (.994 FA) (5-time winner)
CF Calvin Marbury (Marston Nine) (.268 BA/17 HR/69 RBI/61 runs) (.988 FA) (3-time winner)
RF Eldon Aldridge (Arcona Red Elephants) (.262 BA/23 HR/88 RBI/67 R) (.997 FA) (6-time winner)

Tycobbian Union Golden Glove Team:
P: Billy Hoover (Southport) (21-12/3.28 ERA) (.989 FA)
C: James Boswell ( Mahaska Haymakers) (.244 BA/34 HR/94 RBI/71 R) (.994 FA/8 PB/45.8% RTO) (2-time winner)
1B: Rodger Parsons (Tuckanarra Blue Jays) (.343 BA/25 HR/94 RBI/76 R) (.993 FA)
2B: Kax Clark (Midway Wolves) (.310 BA/9 HR/53 RBI/97 R) (.984 FA)
3B: Artie Clayton (Ozarka Naturals) (.217 BA/31 HR/87 RBI/66 R) (.965 FA)
SS: Rocco Bertara (Mahaska Haymakers ) (.293 BA/10 HR/49 RBI/82 R) (.975 FA) (2-time winner)
LF: Johnny Helwig (Chicopee Braves) (.366 BA/8 HR/58 RBI/80 R) (.991 FA) (Rookie)
CF: Eddy Spafford (Turon Typhoons) (.286 BA/15 HR/53 RBI/99 R) (.989 FA)
RF: Chuck Coltharpe (North Hills) (.297 BA/33 HR/99 RBI/103 R) (.989 FA)

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Thursday, October 21, 2049

WYATT AND GRANTHAM VOTED TOP IPA PLAYERS
Two recent newcomers to the Islandian Pro Alliance took the Most Valuable Player Awards this year. 3-year veteran Royce Grantham of the San Alejo Montaneros and rookie John Wyatt of the Middefield Roosters were honored this season as the best players in the Ruthlandian Union and the Tycobbian Union. Both players had already received awards this season. Grantham was the Tycobbian Golden Bat winner, while Wyatt was voted the Ruthlandian Rookie of the Year trophy.

Grantham, the 27-year-old left fielder for the Monties, was chosen the Tycobbian Most Valuable Player. He hit a solid .303 with 32 doubles, 3 triples and 36 homers, driving in an IPA high of 152 runs and scoring 101 times. Grantham is a lifetime .290 batter with 101 homers in three seasons with San Alejo. The Montaneros won the pennant in the Tycobbian South this year.

White River's splendid right fielder Ryne Hyland, who paced the Rascals to their second straight division crown, was second in the MVP voting. Hyland, only 22 years old, batted .304 with 36 HRs, 109 RBIs, scored 111 runs and stole 34 bases in a standout season.

Rolling Hills hurler Matthew Christianson finished third in the MVP poll. The 35-year-old chalked up a strong 23-6 mark this season with a 2.51 ERA and 4 shutouts, leading the Reds to a close third-place finish in the Tycobbian West. Overall Christianson has registered a 258-193 record in 15 seasons with Rolling Hills.

For only the second time in IPA history, a player captured both the best rookie and best player awards. Johnny Wyatt of Middlefield nabbed both trophies this year just like High Mesa's legendary Jack Elliott did in 2013. The 22-year-old Wyatt was one of the main reason the Roosters racked up 104 victories on the way to the Ruthlandian West championship. This year's Tycobbian Most Valuable Player plays right field for the Roosters, hit .287 with 45 roundtrippers, 121 RBIs and scored 93 runs. Wyatt came in third in the IPA in homers and sixth in RBIs.

Wyatt beat out last year's Ruthlandian MVP and Golden Bat winner, Lenny Buisson of the second-place Belle Plaine Musketeers. Buisson was second in the IPA with 197 hits, while ranking fourth with a .341 BA, 129 RBIs and 109 runs, leading the Muskies to 95 wins this year.

Sugar Valley's fine right-hander Cullen Winslow sparked the Rattlers to the Ruthlandian East Division flag with 103 triumphs, second best in the IPA and wound up third in the MVP voting. He put up a terrific 23-6 mark with 6 shutouts and a great 2.18 ERA. Winslow was second in shutouts and ninth in ERA in the IPA. After five seasons in Sugar Valley the 29-year-old Winslow is 104-43 with an impressive 2.69 ERA.

Royce Grantham/Johnny Wyatt

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Friday, October 22, 2049

CORNWALL AND TINKER TURN CLUBS AROUND
Two IPA skippers picked up their first Manager of the Year trophies this season. The Ruthlandian Union honoree was Ricky Tinker of the Middlefield Roosters and the Tycobbian winner was Cotton Cornwall of the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers. Both of them won the awards because their teams went from rags to riches in just one year.

It was a miraculous recovery for Middlefield. Tinker turned them around from fifth place and 19 GB with a 73-81 record to an IPA high 104 victories and the RU West Divsion title. Tinker had a modest playing career, spending 19 years as a light-hitting first baseman for the Roosters. He batted .290 with 188 roundrippers. Tinker played from 2002 to 2020.

Two skippers came in second and third in the RU Manager of the Year competition. Bobby Gamble led his Sugar Valley Rattlers to their second straight pennant in the Ruthlandian East with a super 103-51 mark after going 95-59 last year. Slick Hammill guided the Belle Plaine Musketeers up from third place to a distant second to Sugar Valley. The Muskies improved from 84-70 and 11 GB to 95-59 and only 8 games off the pace.

Decades have gone by since Bay St. Clair last made the postseason in 2030. Cotton Cornwall's club rose up from a horrendous 57-97 to 93-62. They were last in 2048 and 38 games behind in the pennant race. This year they won the division flag, edging out Denton City in a single-game playoff and beating back the reigning Pro Cup champion Rolling Hills by three and a half games. Cornwall was an outstanding outfielder playing six years with Ginza and 12 with Bay St. Clair, putting a .303 lifetime batting average with 433 homers. He was a five-time All-Star, Batter of the Year in 2032 and Rookie of the Year in 2027. He retired in 2043 at age 38 and has been the pilot of the Bucs since 2044.

Cornwall got some stiff competition from three other skippers. Luxora's Joel Poche was the runner-up in the Manager of the Year poll as he sparked the Zorros in their rise from third place and 12 GB in 2048 to a tight second place this year behind White River in the Tycobbian North. The Z's went from 82-72 to 95-59, losing out to the Rascals by only three games.

San Alejo's Filipe Zamora skippered his Montaneros from third and 14 GB with an 87-57 record to the top spot in the TU South with a 97-57 mark.

Fourth in the polling was White River's Mick Cronyn, whose club won its second consecutive pennant in the TU North with a fine 98-56 record. In 2048 the Rascals were 94-60.

Ricky Tinker *** Cotton Cornwall

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Saturday, October 31, 2049

5 NEW STARS ADDED TO IPA HALL OF FAME
The Islandian Pro Alliance Hall of Fame in Marston has just added five stellar stars to its illustrious numbers bringing the new grand total to 78. Taking their place in the hallowed halls of the all-time greats are John Velasco, Augie Marshall, Rusty Vizcarra, Scotty Lagrange and Billy Christianson. All of the new inductees will be installed into the IPA Hall of Fame next Spring.

Heading up the list of inductees is John Velasco, one of two players in IPA history to get over 4000 hits. Playing 24 years for Fairfax, Velasco batted .299 and collected 4056 hits, topped only by the all-time leader Phil Gravelli's 4260. In his terrific career Velasco had 457 homers, 2026 RBIs (7th) and 2071 runs (7th). He was a 9-time All-Star and good gloveman at second base and shortstop. During Velasco's tenure he led the Frogs to only two pennants, but the club was consistently a first-division contender. He retired at the end of this season at age 43. Velasco hit .320 in his final season with 18 homers and 87 RBIs.

Augie Marshall played right field for six teams in his 19 years in the IPA, but played primarily for the Taranto Tars, where he enjoyed his most success from 2013 to 2022. Marshall led the Ruthlandian Union in homers and RBIs in 2014 and 2015. He was the RU Rookie of the Year in 2013 and a 9-time All-Star. Marshall hit 504 home runs and drove in 1791 runs, while batting .287. He helped two clubs win Pro Cups. Taranto won in 2015 and Crystal Lake took it in 2022. Marshall played until 2033 when he retired at age 39.

Rusty Vizcarra of the Arroyo Grande Suns had a shorter career than most of the Hall of Famers and this hurt him with the Hall of Fame voters, but he was a prodigious slugger in his time, belting 432 homers in his 13 seasons. The HOF voters finally recognized him this year and should have done so years ago. In 8 of his first 10 seasons, Vizcarra drove in over 100 runs, topping the Tycobbian Union from 2022 to 2026. He also led in homers three times in those years. The talented first baseman won the TU Rookie of the Year in 2022 and captured the Golden Bat in 2024. Vizcarra snapped Jack Elliott's remarkable string of Golden Bats at 11. Lifetime Vizcarra batted .280 with 432 homers and 1318 RBIs. He retired in 2034 at age 35.

Gifted center fielder Scotty Lagrange was an Eastshore staple for 18 years, calling it quits at 36 in 2044. 6 times he won Golden Gloves, 5 times he was an All-Star selection and in 2034 Lagrange won the Ruthlandian MVP Award and the Golden Bat. Lagrange was a rock-solid batter in his career with a .295 mark, 2402 hits, 451 homers, 1414 RBIs and 1415 runs.

Last, but certainly not least, was Billy Christianson, the sure-handed third baseman, who starred for Rolling Hills in 16 of his 21 seasons in the IPA. Christianson was a winner, leading the Reds to seven division pennants and three Pro Cup titles. He retired at the end of this season at age 38. 6 times Christianson was named a Golden Glover and 5 times he made the All-Star team. Overall he hit .302 with 3173 hits, 556 doubles, 82 triples, 258 homers, 1446 RBIs and scored 1469 runs.

John Velasco/Augie Marshall/Rusty Vizcarra/Scotty Lagrange/Billy Christianson

Will begin work on the new season... #50.

Should have preseason picks posted soon.

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Monday, April 4, 2050

5 CLUBS PICKED TO REPEAT IN IPA POLL
The preseason poll for the IPA 50th season forecast that five of the division champs from a year ago will be on top again. Defending Pro Cup titleholder Valmara and Sugar Valley will again reign in the Ruthlandian Union, while last year's Pro Cup finalist White River, San Alejo and Bay St. Clair are picked to repeat in the Tycobbian Union.

In the Ruthlandian North the Valmara Vipers are favored to capture the division for the third year in succession with Ranford the only challenger... the Vipers' great pitching gives them the edge... the Bulls were a distant second last season (18 GB).

According to the oddsmakers, the Ruthlandian South will be turned upside down this year... last year's division winner Claxton is slated to fall all the way to last place and Belair Beach, seventh last season, will replace them in first place... the Sunbirds will have a close fight on their hands from St. John, Valka and San Dimas... second-division clubs, Crystal Lake, Grand City and Waleska could contend for the first division, too... it should really be a dogfight in one of the weaker divisions in the IPA.

The powerful Sugar Valley Rattlers again will dominate the Ruthlandian East race... possibly by double-digit numbers... they won by 8 last season over Belle Plaine... three clubs will battle for the runner-up spot: Wynnamac (up from seventh), Belle Plaine (2nd) and Cold Creek (3rd).

The Middlefield Roosters are the returning division champion in the Ruthlandian West and should be in contention again, but the pollsters are picking the Rocky Rapids Snappers to win... the Snappers have stronger pitching than the Roosters... the only other team in pennant contention are the Stoners Stars, who were fifth last year... Rocky Rapids was fourth in the standings a year ago.

Ruthlandian Union Preseason Poll

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Monday, April 4, 2050

TYCOBBIAN PENNANT PICKS
The best in the Tycobbian North this year will be the powerhouse White River Rascals... they whipped second place Luxora by 3 games last year and are predicted to do quite a bit better this year... Hartsdale (3rd) should move up to second place.. Luxora (2nd) will be right on the Hellcats heels... North Hills (4th) and Mahaska (5th) will contend for fourth place in the standings.

Once again the San Alejo Montaneros are the favorite in the Tycobbian South... the Monties ran away with the division flag last year, but they will be challenged some this year by the Southport Sun Sox, last year's distant runner-up... the Turon Typhoons (3rd) get the nod for third place from the pollsters, while Arroyo Grande (4th) will try to hold on to fourth place again... Cape Coral (7th) and Colchester (5th) could challenge for first-division berths.

The East Point Panthers, long a division doormat, might gain some face this year... like the Bay St. Clair Bucs did last year, they made wholesale roster moves and now they are the surprising selection to win the Tycobbian East Division... their main challengers will be High Mesa, 4th place in 2049, last year's winner Tuckanarra and the Midway Wolves, who were fifth last season.

Bay St. Clair had a great comeback year in 2049... the Buccaneers beat Denton City (2nd) in a playoff to win the Tycobbian West... Rolling Hills was a very close third... the Reds are figured to come in second this year, but the Bucs should have more breathing room this year... last year's cellar dweller La Claire looks to be much improved and was selected the third-best club in the division... fourth place should go to the Denton City Redbirds, who wound up second last season.

Tycobbian Union Preseason Predictions

Happy Thanksgiving, Eugene.

And a big Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Monday, June 20, 2050

50TH ALL-STAR CLASH IN VALMARA WED
The Islandian Pro Alliance is celebrating half a century of baseball in the Islands with it 50th All-Star Game between the Ruthlandian Stars and the Tycobbian Stars, which is scheduled for War Memorial Stadium in Valmara Wednesday afternoon. Tycobbia has an overwhelming 31-18 lead in the series, but Ruthlandia is riding a two-game winning streak.

San Alejo led all the Tycobbian clubs with four representatives, while the Rolling Hills Reds placed three members. Topping the Ruthlandian Stars were the Forest City Lumberjacks with three players... only two rookies made the IPA All-Stars... both on the RU Stars... that was closer Martin Futch (Ranford) and left fielder Heck Callis (Forest City) on the RU Stars.

Jojo DeLucca will be making his 11th All-Star appearance for the Ruthlandian Stars... Benny Hull for the 7th year and John Rodgers and James Long have been selected five times. Tycobbia is led by Corky DiNozzo, who has been chosen 12 times... and Scott Courtney and Pablo Teixeira are making their 6th appearances.

Ruthlandian All-Stars:
SP GLEN CASWELL (KILKENNY) (14-3/3.03) (FIRST TIME)
SP DARUS GRAJEK (VALMARA) (13-4/2.14) (FIRST TIME)
SP JAMES LONG (MIDDLEFIELD) (13-3/2.19) (5 TIMES)
SP RUSTY HOWARD (FOREST CITY) (12-5/1.88) (4 TIMES)
SP JUSTIN MENARD (LAGRANGE) (12-3/2.69) (FIRST TIME)
SP FRANK LONG (ST. JOHN) (12-6/2.99) (FIRST TIME)
RP MARTIN FUTCH (RANFORD) (3-2/2.35/11 SAVES) (ROOKIE)
RP TRENT NIVEN (EASTSHORE) (5-2/2.17/8 SAVES) (FIRST TIME)
C KAROL KOSKA (VALMARA) (.300/18/73/43) (FIRST TIME)
C DARRELL DILLON (COLFAX) (.306/17/51/32) (3 TIMES)
C DEL PEEVY (CRYSTAL LAKE) (.301/5/31/31) (2 TIMES)
1B BENNY HULL (GRAND CITY)) (.326/30/90/59) (7-TIME)
1B RYAN REAGAN (KILKENNY) (.303/20/53/51) (FIRST TIME)
1B AL PACE (ST. JOHN) (.312/13/63/44) (FIRST TIME)
2B MIKE MATHEWS (BEECHWOOD) (.317/7/32/56) (FIRST TIME)
2B JOJO DELUCCA (CLAXTON) (.317/7/44/39) (11 TIMES)
2B MATT SWALLOW (COLD CREEK) (.265/20/49/39) (3 TIMES)
3B JOEY HAGBURN (ELNORA) (.372/6/55/39) (FIRST TIME)
3B JOE COCHRANE (COLD CREEK) (.320/10/41/46) (4 TIMES)
3B ZIGGY REGAN (FOREST CITY) (.305/7/36/54) (FIRST TIME)
SS SCOTT MCINTYRE (GRAND CITY) (.315/8/31/50) (FIRST TIME)
SS JOHN RODGERS (LAGRANGE) (.334/10/53/44) (5 TIMES)
SS LUCIEN LINDSEY (FORT BENTON) (.323/4/34/41) (FIRST TIME)
LF MEL NEWLAND (WYNNAMAC) (.383/10/60/40) (FIRST TIME)
LF ROBB MADDUX (COLFAX) (.352/10/54/43) (FIRST TIME)
LF HECK CALLIS (FOREST CITY) (.362/5/41/43) (ROOKIE)
CF JOHN WYATT (MIDDLEFIELD) (.284/28/69/53) (FIRST TIME)
CF ENRIQUE ORESTEZ (SAM DIMAS) (.303/17/54/51) (2 TIMES)
RF JIMMY JOHN RAMSEY (CLAXTON) (.311/17/59/54) (FIRST TIME)
RF LENNY BUISSON (BELLE PLAINE) (.325/18/40/56) (3 TIMES)

Tycobbian All-Stars:
SP WILL MCKINNEY (SAN ALEJO) (13-5/2.20) (5 TIMES)
SP KEIL TRICKETT (WHITE RIVER) (13-2/2.51) (FIRST TIME)
SP MATT BELL (SAN ALEJO) (12-5/1.53) (4 TIMES)
SP LANNY GRAY (ARLON) (11-5/2.19) (FIRST TIME)
SP MICKEY ROSEN (RED BLUFF) (11-4/2.68) (FIRST TIME)
SP BEAU MCCLOUD (MIDWAY) (11-5/2.22) (FIRST TIME)
SP BRUCE SLATTERY (WHITE RIVER) (12-2/2.61) (TWO TIMES)
SP BILLY HOOVER (SOUTHPORT) (9-5/2.52) (3 TIMES)
C CORKY DINOZZO (KENWOOD) (.293/20/53/45) (12 TIMES)
C SCOTT COURTNEY (FAIRFAX) (.339/11/35/33) (6 TIMES)
C JUAN LUIS BARCELONA (BLUE LAKE) (.320/8/31/45) (5 TIMES)
1B VINCE KINSTON (ARROYO GRANDE) (.326/27/62/50) (FIRST TIME)
1B DARWIN TARD (ROLLING HILLS) (.315/9/48/47) (5 TIMES)
1B COUNTRY CROWDER (KENWOOD) (.369/3/26/50) (3 TIMES)
2B MIGUEL ROMEROS (ROLLING HILLS) (.336/15/58/56) (FIRST TIME)
2B DWAYNE MUNGLE (BAY ST. CLAIR) (.295/3/40/56) (FIRST TIME)
3B ARNIE CLAYTON (OZARKA) (.311/27/68/56) (FIRST TIME)
3B SCOTTY JACKSON (CAPE CORAL) (.323/20/67/48) (3 TIMES)
3B RICH PRINCE (DENTON CITY) (.360/5/27/37) (FIRST TIME)
SS DAZZY BEVIS (RED BLUFF) (.300/16/51/54) (2 TIMES)
SS DUSTIN THIBODEAU (ROLLING HILLS) (.317/13/47/62) (2 TIMES)
LF ROYCE GRANTHAM (SAN ALEJO) (.300/22/62/52) (FIRST TIME)
LF JUSTIN MORRISON (MIDWAY) (.359/9/45/42) (4 TIMES)
CF SOGO TAKAGI (GINZA) (.318/20/55/63) (9 TIMES)
CF PABLO TEIXEIRA (SAN ALEJO) (.335/16/46/57) (6 TIMES)
RF CHUCK COLTHARPE (NORTH HILLS) (.328/18/52/54) (2 TIMES)
RF NIOKA INKAMARA (BAYVIEW) (.314/29/59/45) (5 TIMES)
RF ELDON MCLENNAN (COLCHESTER) (.357/8/41/50) (2 TIMES)

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, June 22, 2050

TU STAR TEIXEIRA DRIVES IN WINNING RUN
The 50th edition of the Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star Classic was played at War Memorial Stadium in Valmara, the home of the defending Pro Cup champion, but the game went to the visiting Tycobbian All-Stars 2-1 on Pablo Teixeira's (San Alejo) base hit in the top of the 12th inning... his single plated Nioka Inkamara (Bayview) from second base with the game-winning run, snapping Ruthlandia's two-game winning streak in the annual affair... overall Tycobbia has a commanding 32-18 lead in the series.

The game's Most Valuable Player Award went to right-hander Mickey Rosen (Red Bluff), who twirled four scoreless innings for the victory... taking the loss was Frank Long (St. John), who worked three innings and surrendered one run... the TU Stars outhit Ruthlandia 12 to 7... Tycobbia's staff fanned 9 batters, while Ruthlandia whiffed 13 batters in the seventh extra-inning game between them.

2B Miguel Romeros (Rolling Hills) and Chuck Coltharpe (North Hills) led the TU Stars with two hits each... both clubs scored runs in the fourth inning... Romeros singled in SS Dustin Thibodeau (Rolling Hills) for Tycobbia and LF Mel Newland (Wynnamac) scored RF Lenny Buisson (Belle Plaine) from second with a single for Ruthlandia.

Three hurlers stood out with sterling performances... Tycobbia's starter Matt Bell (San Alejo) sat down six straight batters in the first two innings, fanning two of them... Tycobbia's Keil Trickett (White River) retired six batters in a row with two strikeouts in the seventh and eighth frames, while James Long (Middlefield) had two perfect innings in the fifth and sixth for Ruthlandia, also striking out a pair of batters.

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, June 28, 2050

RASCALS, MONTIES WAY AHEAD AT MID- SEASON
At mid-season six of the IPA divisions still have pennant races... two of the them seem to be pretty well decided... White River leads the Tycobbian North by a whopping 16 games and San Alejo is up by 8 in the Tycobbian South.

Ruthlandian Union

Looking around the other divisions, in the Ruthlandian North race defending Pro Cup titleholder Valmara (49-28) is in a three-team battle with the Kilkenny Cats (46-31) and the Ranford Bulls (43-34)... the Vipers are the class of the division and should pull away in the second half... Valmara has strong pitching and can score runs... the Vipers have a shot at back-to-back Pro Cups... Valmara has won the division crown the last two years and has won it five of the last seven seasons.

Four clubs are in the running for the Ruthlandian South pennant with St. John (47-30) in front by 3 games over runner-up San Dimas (44-33), 6 ahead of Crystal Lake (41-36) and 8 games better than fourth place Grand City (39-38)... top pick Belair Beach (33-44) has slumbered so far and is running seventh and 14 games off the pace... last year's winner Claxton (35-42) is struggling in fifth... the Sunbirds and Diamonds may have too much ground to make up... the Diamonds have notched four division titles in the last six years... the second half should be a wide-open affair... no clear-cut winner... St. John is the most likely winner... the Crusaders have a well-balanced ball club.

In the Ruthlandian East the first place Sugar Valley Rattlers (49-28) have terrific starters and they should repeat as division champ relatively easy... it will be their third flag in a row and sixth in eight seasons... runner-up Belle Plaine (44-33) is hanging in the hunt with fine offense and trails by 5 games, but lacks championship pitching... the only other contender is Cold Creek (41-36), 8 games behind... the Catamounts have a fairly good attack, but only average pitching.

A three-team tussle among Rocky Rapids Snappers, Middlefield Roosters and Stoner Stars was forecast for the Ruthlandian West, but it hasn't transpired that way at the season's mid-point... picked seventh in the preseason poll, Forest City (47-30) in a mild surprise is 3 games up on second place Middlefield (44-33), the defending champion, and 7 games ahead of third place Rocky Rapids (40-37), the team favored to win this year... Stoner (39-38) is a just a middle-of-the road club in fourth place, 8 games back, along with Fort Benton (39-38) and Colfax (39-38)... the race could tighten in the second half... the Snappers have tremendous pitching and should make it closer... the Roosters have firepower and solid pitching... the Lumberjacks have good scoring and are better-than-average on the hill.

Tycobbian Union

The White River Rascals (54-23) are dominating the Tycobbian North Division with a magnificent mound corps (2.71 team ERA) and are on pace to win more games than anyone ever has in the IPA... Colfax of the Ruthlandian Union hold the record with 107 victories in 2011... the best ever in Tycobbia was by Ozarka in 2021 with 106... the Rascals are rampaging through the schedule and have piled up a 16-game lead and it's only half way through the season... no one else has a winning record in the division... Luxora (38-39) is in the second spot in the standings... 16 games behind White River... this will be the third consecutive division crown for the Rascals.

The number one preseason selection in the Tycobbian South, the San Alejo Montaneros (52-22), are living up to their reputation and have posted a comfortable 8-game lead over second choice Southport (44-33)... the Monties are having a marvelous year and are headed to a second straight pennant... they hit hit and pitch extremely well and should be a strong contender for the Pro Cup, but will have to contend with powerhouse White River... the second place Sun Sox have fine pitching, but can't put enough runs on the scoreboard... the rest of the division are totally out of the race.

The best race in the IPA this season is in the Tycobbian East Division... the East Point Panthers, a long-time doormat, was ranked the best team in the division in the preseason picks with High Mesa second best and last year's winner Tuckanarra rated third... however, the number seven selection, Red Bluff (45-32), has blossomed with the mid-season lead, just one game in front of the Tucks (44-33), 3 up on the fourth choice Midway Wolves (42-35) and 5 games better than East Point (40-37)... Red Bluff having the lead should surprise no one, the Red Sox were a close second last season (3 GB) and have four division titles since 2044... the TU East should go down-to-the-wire with the Tuckanarra Blue Jays having the best chance to take the title... they have good pitching and good scoring... the Red Sox depend too much on the home-run ball and lack pitching... Midway is a solid, all-around club and could give the Blue Jays a battle... East Point needs much better pitching to challenge... the High Mesa Cowboys (37-40) are a disappointing sixth this season... the Cowpokes have a solid mound corps, but lack offense.

There's a battle royal going on in the Tycobbian West between the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers (51-26) and the Rolling Hills Reds )(47-30)... the Bucs have a 4-game edge at mid-year... there are no other contenders in the division... the Bucs are the highest-scoring club in the IPA and have a strong starting rotation and deep relief corps... Rolling Hills can come fairly close to the Buccaneers on the scoreboard, but lack the starters and bullpen to compete with them... but don't discount the Reds... they won the Pro Cup in 2048... the TU West winner should be a potent factor in the Pro Cup playoffs this season.

2050 IPA Mid-Season Standings

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, June 28, 2050

2050 Ruthlandian Union Mid-Season Batting Leaderboards

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Thursday, September 1, 2050

SEPTEMBER STRETCH DRIVE IN IPA
Not a lot will be decided down the September drive in the IPA... most of the races have pretty much been determined... in the Ruthlandian Union only one race is in doubt... Middlefield has a one-game lead over Forest City in the RU West... and in the Tycobbian South a couple of divisions have to be decided... Southport has taken over the lead from defending champ San Alejo by 5 games in the Tycobbian South... and in the Tycobbian East it's a three-team affair with East Point having a 3-game edge on the Midway Wolves and 5 over the defending division champion Tuckanarra Blue Jays... should they hold the lead, this will be the Panthers' first pennant in 13 years.

Reigning Pro Cup champ Valmara tops the Ruthlandian North by a 6-game margin over runner-up Ranford... St. John is pretty safe with a 9-game edge over Crystal Lake in the Ruthlandian South... and Sugar Valley is 8 games up on Belle Plaine in the RU East and appears to be headed to its third successive division title.

The White River Rascals have demoralized the Tycobbian North, piling up a 28-game lead over second place Hartsdale... it will be the Rascals third straight division title... Bay St. Clair is very close to clinching the TU West with a 13-game bulge over Rolling Hills... the Buccaneers won the division crown last year.

2050 IPA September Standings

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Monday, September 19, 2045

IPA PLAYOFFS START THIS THURSDAY
The regular season has come and gone in the Islandian Pro Alliance. It's now time for the so-called "second season" - the IPA Pro Cup playoffs - a time to decide the overall champion in the Islands. The playoffs begin this Thursday at four venues around Islandia.

In first round action in the Ruthlandian Union the defending Pro Cup champion Valmara Vipers will host the St. John Crusaders at War Memorial Stadium and the Sugar Valley Rattlers will entertain the Middlefield Roosters at Farmers Memorial Park. The Tycobbian Division Championship Series will feature the East Point Panthers visiting the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers at Shoreline Park and the White River Rascals and the Southport Sun Sox opening up at White River Stadium. All of the rounds are best-of-seven series. Last year's finalists are back again this year. Valmara got the best of White River in six games last season.

Five of the teams are back again for another shot at the elusive Pro Cup trophy. Only three of them have ever won the overall IPA crown. Valmara has the most of this year's Pro Cup participants with three titles. Sugar Valley and Southport have both won it twice previously. The all-time leaders are Turon and North Hills with four trophies apiece. Tuckanarra, Valmara, Waleska, Rolling Hills and Far Mountain have captured three Pro Cups each. Double winners are South Fork, Crystal Lake and Eastshore.

Division Round-Up

The eight division winners have been crowned... in the Ruthlandian North, Valmara (100-54) captured its third consecutive pennant by three games over the Ranford Bulls (97-57)... Kilkenny (84-70) came in third, 16 games back and Taranto (83-71) finished in the fourth spot, 17 games off the pace. The Vipers have been the division winners in six of the last eight seasons. Twice they have captured the Pro Cup, winning it in 2043 and 2049.

For the first time in eight years the St. John Crusaders (90-64) are the champion of the Ruthlandian South Division... the Crusaders copped the flag by 11 games over runner-up San Dimas (79-75)... last year's winner Claxton (76-78) dropped to third place, trailing by 14 games and Crystal Lake (74-80) was fourth, 16 games out.

Powerful Sugar Valley (99-55) claimed its sixth division title in eight years in the Ruthlandian East... the Rattlers pulled away in the second half and won handily by 11 games over the Belle Plaine Musketeers (88-66)... third in the race 16 games behind were the Cold Creek Catamounts (83-71) with Wynnamac (82-72) coming in fourth, 17 games behind Sugar Valley.

In the Ruthlandian West Division, the Middlefield Roosters (91-63) rambled to their second pennant in a row and fourth flag in six seasons, overtaking Forest City (84-70) in the final few weeks and pulling away to win by 7 games... Rocky Rapids (77-77) was 14 games out in third place, while Colfax (75-79) wound up in the fourth spot, finishing 16 games back.

In the Tycobbian Union White River (102-52) won the most games in the IPA this season and took the TU North in a runaway over runner-ups Luxora (71-83) and Hartsdale (71-83) by 31 games. Fourth place went to the Oxford Red Caps (70-84).

In the Tycobbian South Division, the Southport Sun Sox (98-56) fought off San Alejo (90-64) by 8 games to take the title. Finishing third was Turon (84-70) with Summerland fourth (77-77).

For the first time in 13 years the East Point Panthers (91-63) are returning to postseason play. They nabbed the Tycobbian East crown, whipping Midway (87-67) by a 4-game margin, defending champ Tuckanarra (85-69) by 6 and High Mesa (83-71) by 8 games.

Resurgent Bay St. Clair (99-55) posted a great season and easily snagged the TU West by 13 games over runner-up Rolling Hills (86-68), 24 better than third place La Claire (75-79) and 29 games ahead of Arlon (70-84) in the fourth spot. After years of failure and frustration the Buccaneers have now chalked up two straight division crowns.

2050 IPA Final Standings