The Islandian Times

Around the Town in the IPA

HIGH MESA COWBOYS

Owner: Dixon and Lula Belle Queen of the Queen Ranch

GM/Manager: Frisky Franks

High Mesa is located in the sparsely-populated central region of Tycobbia, a dry, dusty plains area with scrubby vegetation and low rainfall. It is midway between Ozarka in the Silver Mountains to the east, Bay St. Clair on the west coast and Midway on the Appian River to the northwest, about 100 miles from each. High Mesa has about 40,000 population.

It was sleepy little village when the Queen family arrived in 1870 from war-torn Texas in the United States. Richard Queen had made his money in shipping and riverboats during the Civil War and lost much of his wealth for being on the wrong side. He and his family migrated to Tycobbia to start anew. Queen was a good businessman and when he toured the high plains area east of Bay St. Clair, he found the perfect spot for his ranch. It had the only water hole for 100 miles in any direction and was shaded and sheltered by large mesquite trees. From that small holding Queen expanded to the biggest ranch in the Islands over the next 50 years. The Queen Ranch has grown to almost a million acres and is still in business today, guided by Richard Queen's descendants.

For the last century and a half the Queen Ranch has concentrated on raising cattle and supplies much of beef in Tycobbia. In the 1930's oil was discovered on the property and made the ranch even more profitable. The Queen family's oil industry contacts made it much easier for them to get an IPA franchise, quite an achievement for such a small town. Friends like the Ewing Oil family made it possible. The Queen Ranch is also famous for its thoroughbred horses and has produced many Arlon Derby winners over the years.

The High Mesa Cowboys play at a beautiful old stadium built in 1914. Queen Stadium has ivy-covered outfield fences that are unique in all of the Islands. It's a hitter's ballpark with short power alleys and a short center field. High-scoring slugfests are commonplace at Queen Stadium. The Cowboys have a Rhinestone Cowboy as their mascot. He gallops around the field on a splendid golden Palomino whooping it up and exhorting the crowd to cheer for the Cowboys.

Queen Stadium also serves a delicious ribeye steak sandwich at the concession stands. They are cooked right before you eyes on huge barbecue grills, filling the stands with the fragrance of sizzling steaks and grilled onions. Mouth-watering hamburgers and hot dogs are also on the menu along with the customary soft drinks and beer.

The High Mesa Cowboys are managed by Frisky Franks, who starred as a great second baseman in college and the industrial leagues. Franks is one of the all-time greats in Islandian baseball history, both as a player and a manager. He also doubles as the club's general manager.

Queen Stadium (1914)

Capacity: 6,575

Dimensions:
Left Field Line 355
Left Field 357
Left Center 368
Center Field 390
Right Center 368
Right Field 363
Right Field Line 353

The Islandian Times

Around the Town in the IPA

HILLSBORO BLAZERS

Owner: Hanford Banking and Insurance Company, Robert Hanford, President and CEO.

GM/Manager: Arky Spanderson

Hillsboro is a very prosperous town in Tycobbia with 46,000 residents, located on the Caledonia River bluffs in the Silver Mountains in the southeastern corner of the country. It is noted for it vast forest and timber reserves, lumber processing mills and its insurance and banking interests. It is the smallest town population-wise in the Islandian Pro Alliance. Its financial power and influence are the only reasons that Hillsboro was placed in the Islands' elite league.

Hillsboro is an elegant, old-timey town intermingled with a little modernity. Ancient Hanford Stadium (circa 1903), the home of the Hillboro Blazers, is a prime example of the architecture prevalent in the area. The team is named for one of the country's outstanding early amateur baseball clubs, the Blazers Baseball Club of Hillsboro. The BBCH Athletic Club was established in 1899 and evolved into the present day Blazers.

Hanford Stadium is a unique configuration and was built in 1903 to house the original Blazers. It is a bandbox with short distances all around. It is a hitter's paradise with center field only 370' and the power alleys 375'. It is only 318' and 320' down each foul line.

The Blazers are owned by the Hanford Banking and Insurance Company with its headquarters housed in office buildings that form the outfield walls of the ballpark. An air of yesteryear pervades both the town and the stadium.

Blazer fans take their game seriously. They come to the ballpark to watch their beloved game of baseball. So you won't find many distractions and promotions once the game begins. All eyes are glued to the diamond. The only music is provided by an old-fashioned organist. Hanford Stadium is one of only three ballparks that still have this tradition. Ozarka, Kenwood and Marston are the only other places in the Islands that have a live organ player.

There is a lot to be said about organ music and baseball. They go together quite well. Beer, soft drinks, peanuts, popcorn, crackerjacks, ice cream, cotton candy, hot dogs and hamburgers go together quite well with baseball, too. And these are the only concession staples you'll find at Hanford Stadium.

The Hillsboro Blazers are run by GM/Manager Arky Spanderson, ex-industrial league journeyman. He played many years and managed the Hanford Insurance team. Arky is a very fine manager, but was only a so-so second baseman. "Good field, no hit" would aptly describe his playing days. When the Islandian Pro Alliance came to Hillsboro, the ownership naturally turned to Spanderson to direct its pro team.

Hanford Stadium (1903)

Capacity: 7,755

LF Line 318
LF 345
LCF 375
CF 370
RCF 375
RF 350
RF Line 320

The Islandian Times

Around the Town in the IPA

KENWOOD WILDCATS

Owner: Kenwood Farmers Co-op

GM/Manager: Aaron Hankins

Kenwood, a rustic and rural town of 50,000 located 25 miles off the Kelnyck Ocean in west central Tycobbia, is an agrarian area with little industry. Farms as far as the eye can see dot the landscape. Founded by English and Welsh settlers, life is like merry olde England of a century or two ago. Country inns and pubs with fine ales, fresh trout out of the crystal clear streams or a piece of juicy wild boar or game bird are always on the menu, and you can sample all of the homemade cheeses and wonderfully fresh produce of the region. Corn, wheat, barley and other grains are the main crops; dairy, pork and chicken products are important to the economy, too.

Life is peaceful and sedate in Kenwood, where tradition is important. All new construction in the town has to be approved by the Planning Board. Modern architecture is not permitted in Olde Towne, as the central downtown area is known. All buildings must be designed circa 1850 and fit in with the historic décor of the existing buildings. Even the ballpark where the Kenwood Wildcats play is an old ballpark; the fans wouldn’t have it any other way. Olde Towne can be seen over the center field and right field fences and the new part of the town over the left field fence. Olde Towne has a wonderful old-fashioned soda shoppe where you can get homemade ice cream in flavors like orange-pineapple (with bits of pineapple and orange), grape (with real grapes), strawberry (with bits of strawberry), banana (with bits of banana) and vanilla, chocolate and fudge ripple, too. Cherry cokes, vanilla cokes, chocolate cokes and thick shakes, malts and hamburgers as well. It is a great place to meet after the ballgame.

Olde Towne Grounds is perfect for the Kenwoodians. They are old-fashioned at the ballpark, too, with only cold drinks, ale, hot dogs, hamburgers, peanuts and Crackerjacks and marvelous thick milk shakes made with delicious homemade ice cream at the concession stands. And in keeping with the oldtime flavor of Kenwood, there is live organ music to entertain the fans. Only three other parks boast an organ player; Ozarka, Hillsboro and Marston.

Olde Towne Grounds is is a quaint ballpark with an asymmetrical configuration. The left field line is 380', the same as it is to straightaway center. Right field is more realistic at 350'. It was built in 1911.

The Kenwood Wildcats are owned by the Kenwood Farmers Co-op and are managed and directed by one of the all-time great home run hitters and outfielders in Tycobbian industrial league history, Aaron Hankins.

Olde Towne Grounds (1911)

Capacity: 6,115

Dimensions:
LF Line 380
LF 365
LCF 370
CF 380
RCF 365
RF 345
RF Line 350

The Islandian Times

Tycobbian Union West Division Standings

Saturday, June 15, 2002

Saturday, June 15, 2002

The Islandian News

Saturday, June 15, 2002

Bay St. Clair, Denton City, Kenwood, TU West Contenders

It's a closely-bunched pennant chase in the Tycobbian Union West at the midpoint in the season with almost every team still with a chance to at least make the playoffs. The Bay St. Clair Buccaneers are only 1 game ahead of the Denton City Redbirds, 2 games in front of the third place Kenwood Wildcats and 4 up on the Rolling Hills Reds. Bayview is tied with Chicopee for the fifth spot, just 6 games off the pace. Rounding out the division are the Arlon Champions, who are 7 games out in the seventh spot in the standings and the cellar-dwelling La Claire Lynx, trailing by 9 games.

Guy Rondre's Bay St. Clair Buccaneers (40-31) have gone from worst to first since last year... The Bucs still hit the cover off the ball just like last season, but Rondre found some pitchers to go with it and now they find themselves at the top of the heap in the TU West... The Buccaneers are batting .273 (1st) with 51 homers (5th)... excel with a superb 3.03 ERA (1st)... but take a nose dive with a .972 fielding average (7th-tied).

Rondre's top starters are Duke DeVree (6-1 1.71), Duncan McFalls (7-6 3.06) and Denny Coulon (6-3 3.01)... The Bucs bullpen is even better than the starters with Kenny Metcalf (5-2 2.08) leading the way.

In the batter's box, Bay St. Clair's best hitters are 2B Tony Mann (.359) with 4 home runs and 36 RBIs, 3B Ed Albrecht (.315) with 17 homers and 55 RBIs, RF Jose Valenzuela (.298) with 5 roundtrippers and 31 RBIs, C Jake Singleton (.292) with 37 RBIs, CF Wayne Latham (.291) 3 home runs and 27 runs batted in and LF Charley Moon (.305) has 3 home runs and 19 RBIs... With such a well-balance blend of batting and pitching, the Bucs are the favorites for the division banner, but will have a tough battle on their hands.

The Denton City Redbirds (39-32), piloted by Ford Whiteman, don't have good stats, but they have a winning record... The Redbirds have compiled a .258 average (5th-tied), hit only 39 homers (8th), notched a poor 4.44 ERA (8th), but still are only one game out of first place... Denton City did well in April with a 19-10 mark, but have only been 20-22 since... However, the Redbirds can catch the ball and lead the division in defense with a fine .981 fielding average (1st).

Whiteman, a superb southpaw in his playing days, only has three dependable pitchers... Starters Bob Coleman (9-4 2.69) and Joe Hoffman (8-5 3.39) have been impressive and consistent, while Pappy Waterhouse (2-2 2.63) has been stong as the Redbird closer.

Offensively for Denton City, RF Cris Willis (.360) has 42 RBIs, scored 43 times and stolen 12 bases, SS Trevor Tomlinson (.277) has hit 5 homers, driven in 27 runs, scored 49 runs and stolen 29 bases, 3B Kenny Sterling (.260) has homered 11 times, batted in 40 runs and scored 40... 1B Josh Swift (.336) and C Kyle Hamilton (.303) are the Redbirds other .300 batters... Judging by their play in the last month and a half, Denton City will have trouble maintaining their lofty perch... a downward spiral is indicated.

In the third spot in the TU West are the Kenwood Wildcats (38-33)... They started off strong in the early going, but have slumped in the last few weeks... Piloted by one of the all-time home run hitter, Aaron Hankins, the Wildcats do hit the ball well... They are batting .271 as a team (2nd) with a division high 65 home runs (1st)... with a 3.65 ERA (5th) and a poor .972 fielding percentage (7th-tied).

SS Ned Chamberlain (.346) has been outstanding with 13 roundtrippers, 47 RBIs and 53 runs scored... IF Denholm Carruthers (.331) has 2 home runs, 21 RBIs and 23 runs scored, IF Jamie Meade (.320) has homered 4 times, has 30 RBIs and has scored 25 times, LF Grover Chilcott (.336) with 2 homers, 23 RBIs and 21 runs... RF Aydan Winthrop (.260) has supplied 17 home runs and 46 RBIs.

Hankins has only two reliable hurlers in starters Nick Deville (7-2 2.76) and Andrew York (7-4 3.19)... Kenwood's bullpen is adequate and has outpitched the starting rotation overall... As long as the Wildcats keep hitting and hitting with power, they should remain in the first division... Kenwood seems to be a good bet to make the playoffs and just might contend for the division regular season title, too.

Homers, decent pitching and solid defense have carried the Rolling Hills Reds (36-35) this season... Skipper Matty Christianson has led them to a fourth-place slot at midseason, just 4 games behind Bay St. Clair... The Reds are batting only .246 (8th), but have clouted 64 home runs (2nd)... pitching has been alright with a 3.63 ERA (4th), while defense has been solid with a .978 fielding average (3rd).

Rolling Hills CF Willie Mays Nixon (.282) and 1B Sunshine Anaba (.277) have provided the power... Nixon has 17 homers, 45 RBIs, scored 45 times and stolen 16 bases, while Anaba has homered 10 times with 34 runs batted in.

Christianson's starting rotation includes Dennis McCarley (3-3 3.17), Keith Greenwood (4-5 3.30) and Roger Davidson (4-6 3.86)... His bullpen standout has been Hondo Anoki (5-5 2.86)... Rolling Hills will be in the running for a playoff slot... third or fourth place most likely.

The Bayview Vikings (34-37) and Chicopee Braves (34-37) are running neck-and-neck and are tied for fifth place in the Tycobbian West...but well within striking distance of first place and most certainly a playoff position... The Viks and the Braves are only 6 games off the pace. Looking at the two clubs season stats, they are deadlocked there, too... Both clubs might hit their way into the playoffs.

The Vikings are run by Walter Johanssen, perhaps the finest righthanded pitcher in the industrial league history... Bayview has a .264 team batting average (4th) with 52 homers (4th) and a 3.90 ERA (6th)... The Viks are fielding at a .977 pace (4th-tied)... On offense, 2B Alan Hansen (.299) has only 1 home run, but has driven in 25 and scored 42, while stealing 25 bases... C Hank Bethel (.267) has walloped 10 roundtrippers, has 41 RBIs and scored 28 runs... 3B James Scott (.389) has done well in a platoon role with 2 homers, 19 RBIs, scored 27 times and stolen 9 bases... same thing for 1B Chancey Quibedeaux (.311) with 6 home runs and 21 RBIs.

Skipper Johanssen has two solid starters in Jerry Harrison (8-5 3.39) and Paul Hood (9-8 2.92), but needs help for the other two slots... Bayview's bullpen has done well with Adrian Strom (1-0 2.44) and Terry Banks (1-0 2.05) getting most of the relief work... The Vikings really could use a closer.

Chicopee is hitting at a .268 clip (3rd) with 56 homers (3rd) and a 4.16 ERA (7th)... defensively the Braves are fielding .977 (4th-tied)... CF Orville Butler (.302) is manager Harry Fleetfoot's biggest run producer... Butler has 21 homers and 62 RBIs... 2B Black Hair Shilah (.326) has hit 5 roundtrippers with 36 RBIs and 38 runs scored... 3B Johnny Kajika (.322) has 5 home runs with 24 RBIs and scored 32 runs... Platooners 1B Big Charlie Hansa (.333) with 5 homers and 25 RBIs and LF Big Stick Takala (.302) with 4 home runs and 17 runs batted in.

Fleetfoot's mound corps needs some help... but starters Wayne Blackwell (11-7 3.33) and Warren Paul (6-5 3.14) have been steady and solid... Closer Chitto Dasan (1-3 2.93) has done well, too... Chicopee and Bayview could finish anywhere from 2nd to 6th... how much their pitching improve will be the key factor.

Holding down seventh place in the TU West are Gary Louis' Arlon Champions (33-38)...the Champs are 7 games back in the pennant race, mainly because of a poor offense... they are hitting a collective .254 (7th) with 50 home runs (6th) with a good 3.35 ERA (3rd) and a very good .980 fielding average (2nd).

It has been Arlon's mound corps that stood out this year... Jeff Nieman (7-7 2.49), Ace Howe (9-5 3.21) and Kurt DeHaan (3-2 2.88) all are very capable starters with good relievers, too... Closer Craig Smith (4-2 1.53), Sean Dudek (2-2 3.00) and Ray Hurt (0-0 3.52 have anchored the bullpen.

Arlon needs some big sticks... Louis' bat crew consists of only three hitters... LF Matt Merrill (.297) with 3 homers, 33 RBIs and 37 runs scored... CF Steve Barnett (.287) has homered 8 times with 27 RBIs, 41 runs scored and 15 stolen bases... and SS Nicky Sweet (.276) has collected 6 roundtrippers, 24 RBIs and 26 runs scored... It will take more scoring for the Champions to make a playoff run... seventh place seems to be where Arlon will finish the season.

The La Claire Lynx (31-40) are in the same boat as Arlon... Manager Rip Calkin's club suffered from a lack of hitting... The Lynx have recorded a .258 mark (5th-tied) with 49 homers (7th)... registered a decent 3.51 ERA (3rd) and are fielding .975 (6th).

Calkin has good starters in George Gentry (8-7 3.69), Pat Daniels (6-8 3.69), Munoto Kishata (6-4 2.66) and Kimo Orlando (7-8 3.87)... La Claire has some good arms in the bullpen, too... Andy Murray (2.73), Tony Nygaard (3.27), Frank Lamoreaux (3.25) and Matt Johnson (1.80) have kept them in the ballgame most of the time. The Lynx pitching corps is more than adequate... Calkin needs hitters.

3B Luis Marquez (.320) has homered 5 times and batted in 37 runs this season... CF Lucky Collins (.315) has chipped in with 3 homers, 31 RBIs, scored 48 times and stolen 21 bases... and rookie first baseman Kenny Jablonski (.320) has belted 5 out of the park and driven in 17 in limited action since being obtained in a trade with the Eastshore Elegants in early May... More offense could do wonders for La Claire... The Lynx might contend for the playoffs if it happens... Last place is the more probable forecast.

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, June 19, 2002

It's All-Star Game time -- time for the superstars to shine! Every year the Islandian Pro Alliance takes a break in the schedule to play the annual All-Star Game. It's a battle of the superstars -- the Ruthlandian Union All-Stars versus the Tycobbian Union All-Stars. The All-Star Game will spotlight the best hitters, the best pitchers and the best fielders, all doing battle against one another, all trying to prove their league is best.

The Ruthlandian Union roster will feature these outstanding players:

SP Ray Watson (BB)
SP Zach Simon (STJ)
SP Tony Amick (LAG)
CL Lew MacAlester (CCR)
SP Carl Costas (ELN)
SP Mike McCabe (FM)
SP Casey Ledbetter (MAR)
SP Mike Amato (VOL)
SP Ben Mashburn (RR)
SP Roberto Peralta (VLK)
LF Jet Kazmarek (VLM)
CF Kirk Pitzer (KIL)
1B Dennis Cole (CFX)
2B Gil Foster (ELN)
RF Bailey Norcross (MDF)
SS Flipper Bird (SV)
3B Allen Black (STO)
C Dave Davis (FM)
C Dale Kerr (ANC)
LF L. J. Aldridge (BEE)
2B Fred Younger (WYN)
1B J. T. Edmonds (FC)
CF Trip Holmes (CCR)
3B Yoshihide Nishida (WLK)
RF Dominic Zuccaro (TAR)
C Slingshot McFall (SV)
SS Villem Kask (VLK)
RF Ron Dizon (ETS)

And the Tycobbian Union roster will have these elite performers:

SP Ernie Arredondo (SA)
SP Tito Tovares (LUX)
SP Dickie Pendarvis (CCH)
SP Coorain Janama (TUC)
SP Kaz Hayagawa (FFX)
SP Bob Coleman (DC)
SP Boomerang Hines (MAH)
SP John Owens (HM)
SP Duke DeVree (BSC)
LF Adam Zitek (HM)
2B Karol Zodoka (EP)
SS Ned Chamberlain (KEN)
RF Stacey Zacker (SUM)
CF Lacey Tompkins (LUX)
CF Willie Mays Nixon (RH)
1B Al Joyner (WR)
C Edmundo Franquez (SA)
C Jay Fessler (HM)
LF Corey Tavington (TUC)
RF Marcelino Zuniga (SA)
SP Alberto Herrera (SA)
SS Rolf Kellgren (HM)
3B Joe Courtney (OXF)
C Trace Crittenden (TUR)
1B Boots Dubois (TUR)
2B Ed Granberg (HM)
3B Rex Sokolov (EP)

TU Stars Blank RU Stars 6-0 in IPA All-Star Game
In the 2002 Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star Game played at Legends Stadum in Marston, a full house witnessed the Tycobbian All-Stars 6-0 shutout of the Ruthlandian All-Stars... Tycobbia cracked three homers and nine hits to easily beat Ruthlandia... First baseman Al Joyner of White River put them up 2-0 in the second inning with a two-run blast off losing pitcher Zach Simon of St. John... Summerland right fielder Stacey Zacker also added a home run in the same inning to make the score 3-0... It stayed that way until the ninth when left fielder Corey Tavington of Tucknarra homered for a 4-0 lead... San Alejo right fielder Marcelino Zuniga tripled and scored on Turon first sacker Boots Dubois' base hit... three straight bases on balls forced in the final run... Seven Tycobbian pitchers blanked Ruthlandia on just four hits, all singles... Tito Tovares of Luxora pitched two perfect innings for the victory with the loss going to Simon. The TU All-Stars had nine hits with the game's MVP Al Joyner the only player with two hits. Attendance for the game was 12,445.

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, September 18, 2002

Ruthlandian Union North Division Final Standings

Glasco A's Nab RU North Crown - Redhawks, Bulls, Vipers in Playoffs

The Glasco Athletics pretty much led the Ruthlandian North Division the entire season. At mid-season they led by only 3 games. The A's captured the division crown by 5 games over Far Mountain and Valmara. The Ranford Bulls, who had a sizzling 54-29 record in the second half, finished fourth, only 6 games back. These four clubs will now move into the First Round of the IPA playoffs with Glasco playing Ranford and Far Mountain opposed by Valmara. All of the playoff series will be best-two-out-of-three, except the Islandian Pro Cup Series, which will be best three-out-of-five. The team with the best regular season record in each series will get the home field advantage.

Best Hitting Team - Ranford .276 BA
Most Homers - Taranto 172
Best Pitching - Far Mountain 3.25 ERA
Best Defense - Glasco .981 FA

Glasco Athletics - McDuffie Hughes, Manager
Top Pitchers - Charles Darby (18-14 3.00), Ray Cook (14-5 3.24), Jake Nyberg (18-8 3.42), Jerry Smith (18-12 3.78)
Top Hitters - 1B Maury Smith (.333/7 HR/62 RBI), LF Ox Beauvais (.324/19 HR/68 RBI), OF Bobby Pascarelli (.280/17 HR/70 RBI), C Les Ferguson (.270/29 HR/84 RBI)

Far Mountain Redhawks - Alex Groveland, Manager
Top Pitchers - Doc Randolph (13-6 3.02), Robby Kelly (18-11 3.08), Sonny Elliott (18-12 3.25), Mike McCabe (16-13 3.50), Cliff Pope (11-7 3.54)
Top Hitters - C Dave Davis (.315/13 HR/82 RBI), CF Sid Cameron (.295/10 HR/50 RBI), LF Karl Dietz (.289/28 HR/81 RBI), RF Lee Maddox (.276/19 HR/70 RBI)

Valmara Vipers - J. Jackson Samuel, Manager
Top Pitchers - Andre Trepanier (10-2 2.49), Ted Farentino (10-10 3.00), Vanya Vasylenko (17-12 3.04), Danny Blauser (17-10 3.33)
Top Hitters - LF Jet Kazmarek (.428/15 HR/111 RBI/135 R/85 SB), SS Fred Vinson (.327/6 HR/117 RBI), CF Jan Szymanski (.222/22 HR/96 RBI), C Yoshi Motsuzuki (.269/10 HR/56 RBI/116 R/50 SB)

Ranford Bulls - Page Satcher, Manager
Top Pitchers - Jim Maxwell (14-12 2.89), Chris Bernhoffer (21-11 3.01), Lloyd Huff (12-5 3.44), Leland Shaddock (11-7 3.57)
Top Hitters - CF Warren Gravois (.318/4 HR/42 RBI/25 SB), C Walt Horvath (.318/6 HR/60 RBI), 1B Donny Jorgensen (.307/14 HR/57 RBI), 1B Jordy John (.302/14 HR/64 RBI), 3B Robin O'Donoghue (.290/10 HR/50 RBI)

LaGrange Sports - Foxy Jimision, Manager
Top Pitchers - Al Thibaut (16-9 3.48), Barney Prohaska (19-15 3.64)
Top Hitters - SS Kyle Villere (.306/9 HR/73 RBI/80 R/24 SB), RF Phil Lacroix (.277/13 HR/64 RBI), 1B Arnie vicknair (.260/20 HR/68 RBI)

Taranto Tars - Tommaso Lazzorda, Manager
Top Pitchers - Anthony Nardone (16-10 2.90), Arnie Wickersham (12-7 3.48)
Top Hitters - RF Dominic Zuccaro (.330/39 HR/94 RBI/90 R), 1B Anthony Cavaliere (.266/23 HR/81 RBI), CF Teddy Giacone (.240/28 HR/73 RBI)

Kilkenny Cats - Kieran McKenna, Manager
Top PItchers - Dino Caravaggio (19-12 3.27), Mack Harrell (19-11 3.46)
Top Hitters - CF Kirk Pitzer (.318/17 HR/77 RBI/93 R/43 SB), SS Rowdy O'Leary (.267/21 HR/76 RBI/79 SB), LF Zoro Volakis (.264/16 HR/70 ERA), 2B Joey Zajac (.265/16 HR/70 RBI)

Ancona Red Elephants - Manny Mickens, Manager
Top Pitchers - Marty Sellick (12-10 3.25), Shannon Estes (10-13 3.16)
Top Hitters - 1B Issie Manos (.316/15 HR/69 RBI), 3B Dmitri Vrotsos (.314/24 HR/96 RBI/79 R), C Dale Kerr (.252/22 HR/82 RBI)

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, September 18, 2002

Ruthlandian Union South Division Final Standings

Valka Rallies In Second Half, Wins RU South Pennant

The Valka Blackhawks got hot in the July, August and September to win the Ruthlandian South pennant. Valka was 7 games behind first place Grand City at the All-Star break and finished up with a 50-33 mark the rest of the year. Three teams were deadlocked for second place in the race. Belair Beach, Claxton and Grand City all finished 3 games off the pace. The Claxton Diamonds turned it on with a 47-36 record in the second half to make the playoffs. All four clubs will be in the playoffs with the champion Blackhawks engaging Grand City and the Diamonds tangling with the Sunbirds. First Round playoff games are best-two-out-of-three series.

Best Hitting Team - San Dimas .271 BA
Most Homers - San Dimas 130
Best Pitching - Grand City 3.41 ERA
Best Defense - Waleska .983 FA

Valka Blackhawks - Jaan Kurus, Manager
Top Pitchers - Roberto Peralta (17-6 2.31), Andrei Kokk (18-10 3.63), Arvo Krimm (14-12 4.00), Daryl Vannoy (4-5 2.53) with 33 saves
Top Hitters - SS Villem Kask (.315/4 HR/55 RBI/69 R/23 SB), RF Jimmy Trymayne (.296/14 HR/79 RBI/76 R), C Kristjan Kasik (.293/19 HR/82 RBI/72 R), CF Ron Landauer (.291/9 HR/64 RBI/86 R/ 39 SB)

Belair Beach Sunbirds - Marty Pedroza, Manager
Top Pitchers - Slim Mosley (17-9 3.25), Tiny Lindgren (17-14 3.57), Ray Watson (16-11 3.79)
Top Hitters - LF Nicky Swift (.264/33 HR/112 RBI/89 R/18 SB), RF Matty McDermott (.264/8 HR/56 RBI/91 R/60 SB), C Denny Everhart (.279/12 HR/82 RBI), SS Danny Church (.296/6 HR/56 RBI/82 R), 1B Phil Gravelli (.246/19 HR/70 RBI)

Claxton Diamonds - Stacy Engel, Manager
Top Pitchers - Terry Kuznetsov (20-4 2.94), Sal Tallis (13-11 3.12)
Top Hitters - LF Dixie Baker (.263/28 HR/83 RBI/82 R), RF Jackie Allemand (.276/22 HR/61 RBI/68 R), CF David Skelton (.299/4 HR/43 RBI/62 R/12 SB)

Grand City Cybercats - Torry Joseph, Manager
Top Pitchers - Freddy Loggia (16-10 3.34), Lefty Paddison (14-12 2.87), Dick Blessing (8-8 3.17)
Top Hitters - SS Wynn Joslin (.299/18 HR/82 RBI/107 R), 1B Robby Maynard (.287/21 HR/80 RBI/70 R)

Waleska Westerners - McGraw Johnson, Manager
Top Pitchers - Buddy Kennedy (14-6 3.22), Gary Hill (18-14 3.22), Smokey Joe Carter 914-12 3.43)
Top Hitters - 3B Yoshihide Nishida (.277/17 HR/80 RBI/109 R/37 SB), LF Big Hoss Burkhalter (.247/26 HR/79 RBI/82 R), RF Rick Vaughn (.276/12 HR/68 RBI/71 R)

San Dimas Rancheros - Paco Banderas, Manager
Top Pitchers - Josh Houston (14-13 3.14), Wayne Mallard (15-15 3.42), Zippy Hodge (9-6 3.94) with 21 saves
LF Fernando Baldera (.318/18 HR/76 RBI/60 R), 2B Cyclone Cobb (.314/2 HR/34 RBI/88 R/95 SB), 3B Domingo Rios (.296/23 HR/76 RBI/90 R), SS Russ Russell (.296/16 HR/75 RBI/76 R), 1B Sancho Duran (.286/27 HR/82 RBI/63R)

Crystal Lake Crushers - Herman "Baby" George, Manager
Top Pitchers - Rocky Giambi (18-17 3.76), Bill Ehrhardt (13-17 3.75)
Top Hitters - LF Ben Butler (.287/34 HR/98 RBI/87 R/12 SB), 1B Johnny James (.277/24 HR/93 RBI/59 R), CF Derren Prince (.280/15 HR/61 RBI/89 R/21 SB), 3B Richie Dunn (.284/4 HR/41 RBI/94 R/30 SB)

St. John Crusaders - Dickie Billings, Manager
Top Pitchers - Zach Simon (21-15 3.09), Eric Mayes (10-10 3.48), Eddie Thorsen (4-7 2.53) with 19 saves
Top Hitters - CF Jake Dillon (.257/16 HR/57 RBI/57 R), 2B George Longmire (.245/9 HR/63 RBI/79 R/62 SB)

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, September 18, 2002

Ruthlandian Union East Division Final Standings

Sugar Valley Rattlers Romp To RU East Title

The Sugar Valley Rattlers withstood all comers and came away with the Ruthlandian East title, winning it by six games over the Elnora All-Stars... Rounding out the top four teams were third place Eastshore and fourth place Cold Creek... The Elegants were 9 games back and the Catamonts ended the regular season 13 games out. In the opening round of the IPA playoffs, it will be the Rattlers opposing Cold Creek and Elnora battling Eastshore.

The Sugar Valley Rattlers played solid and consistent ball throughout the entire season... Skipper Gibson Bobkins' ball club was pushed until mid-season, but they slowly pulled away from the other clubs in the second half of the campaign... The Rattlers were in first at the All-Star break, but five teams were within 4 games of one another.

Best Hitting Team - Sugar Valley .279
Most Homers - Eastshore 166
Best Pitching Team - Elnora 3.48 ERA
Best Defense - Elnora .982 FA

Sugar Valley Rattlers - Gibson Bobkins, Manager
Top Pitchers - Gregg Neal (17-11 2.71), Jay Washington (12-12 3.02), Ron Benson (15-12 3.82), Dale Bixler (11-8 3.84)
Top Hitters - LF Bruno DiPirro (.349/3 HR/80 RBI/104 R/44 SB), SS Flipper Bird (.330/26 HR/94 RBI/113 R/45 SB), 2B Jorge Vargas (.297/23 HR/99 RBI/85 R/11 SB), 1B Ron Armstrong (.288/30 HR/105 R/76 R), CF Freddie Vaux (.283/7 HR/48 RBI/102 R/55 SB)

Elnora All-Stars - Zoggy White, Manager
Top Pitchers - Charlie Murphy (16-7 3.17), Carl Costas (13-10 3.72), Harry Dye (13-12 3.41), Taylor Gibbs (11-10 3.45), Matty Williamson (3-4 1.76) with 15 saves
Top Hitters - 2B Gil Foster (.333/20 HR/76 RBI/98 R), LF Quincy Peterson (.304/21 HR/90 RBI/106 R/28 SB), C Todd Simons (.290/10 HR/67 RBI;70 R), CF Rusty Gilbert (.288/13 HR/69 RBI/94 R/27 SB)

Eastshore Elegants - Killer Brewster, Manager
Top Pitchers - Thomas Williams (16-10 3.04), Stony Blackwell (12-12 3.97)
Top Hitters - LF Darrel Alston (.301/25 HR/94 RBI/107 R), 2B Miles Sheehan (.284/20 HR/64 RBI/89 R), 1B Vito Iacoboni (.272/25 HR/112 RBI/84 R), RF Ron Dizon (.272/36 HR/114 RBI/115 R)

Cold Creek Catamounts - T. Kelly Holmes, Manager
Top Pitchers - Dave Molinari (16-10 3.25), Mitch Saffo (15-11 3.27), Lew MacAlester (8-7 2.80) with 26 saves
Top Hitters - 1B Johnny Carducci (.285/35 HR/105 RBI/90 R), CF Trip Holmes (.283/26 HR/85 RBI/108 R/16 SB), LF Joe Reed (.298/16 HR/68 RBI/92 R), RF Karl Yashin (.284/23 HR/80 RBI/63 R)

Marston Nine - Johnny Walters, Manager
Top Pitchers - Nick Pace (15-16 3.03), Casey Ledbetter (15-18 3.55), Walt Sellers (11-6 3.52)
Top Hitters - RF Sam Dixon (.311/13 HR/51 RBI), SS Don Nichols (.284/15 HR/65 RBI/80 R)

Wynnamac Sundowners - Matt Donnelly, Manager
Top Pitchers - Angus Conroy (16-9 3.04), Caleb Browne (15-14 3.61), Ullo Illka (10-18 3.39), Rich Walters (12-10 3.82)
Top Hitters - 2B Fred Younger (.339/5 HR/82 RBI/107 R), RF Tee Boy Joubert (.289/10 HR/76 RBI)

Beechwood Bobcats - Bret George, Manager
Top Pitchers - Lance Moore (9-4 3.67), Will Cadbury (9-17 4.11), Joe Hahn (11-21 4.21)
Top Hitters - RF Clifton Czako (.316/12 HR/80 RBI/102 R/29 SB), CF Lonnie Snider (.294/7 HR/43 RBI/96 R/53 SB), LF L. J. Aldridge (.262/26 HR/99 RBI/92 R)

Belle Plaine Musketeers - Boo Ladreau, Manager
Top Pitchers - Lou Dozier (12-19 3.71)
Top Hitters - LF Juan Mendez (.339/1 HR/61 RBI/62 R)

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, September 18, 2002

Ruthlandian Union West Division Final Standings

FC Lumberjacks Fly RU West Flag, Win By 7 games
Skipper Rob Jackson led the Forest City Lumberjacks to the Ruthlandian Union West regular season championship and now will try to take them all the way through the playoffs and take the Islandian Pro Cup Series, emblematic of professional baseball supremacy in the Islands. His First Round opponent will be the fourth-place Stoner Stars, who finished 10 games in back of the 'Jacks. The other division qualifiers are the second place Volusia Vigilantes and third place Middlefield Roosters. The V's are the defending IPA titlists, having won the playoffs last season. Volusia was 7 games off the pace of Sugar Valley and the Roosters ended the year 10 games out. Teams will play best-two-of-three-game series for the first three rounds. The finals, the Islandian Pro Cup Series, will be best-three-out-of-five.

Best Hitting - Forest City .276 BA
Most Homers - Middlefield 162
Best Pitching - Volusia 3.23 ERA
Best Defense - Forest City and Rocky Rapids .981 FA

Forest City Lumberjacks - Rob Jackson, Manager
Top Pitchers - Glenn Moore (13-7 3.03), Timmy Brooks (16-9 3.78), Frank Loeffler (12-9 3.27), Herm Bahr (13-10 3.76)
Top Hitters - RF Chuck Hill (.294/24 HR/113 RBI/103 R), SS Bill Nilsen (.281/35 HR/125 RBI/102 R/24 SB), 1B/3B J. T. Edmonds (.300/16 HR/87 RBI/99 R/16 SB), CF Ryan Morse (.310/8 HR/42 RBI/86 R/27 SB), LF Dave Jagger (.313/6 HR/67 RBI/51 R)

Volusia Vigilantes - Alfonso Feliz, Manager
Top Pitchers - Mike Amato (17-8 2.93), Carl Schmitz (16-11 2.99), Ricky Moreno (13-8 3.41), Hernando Espanderos (6-6 2.33) with 19 saves
Top Hitters - 1B-2B Francisco Abreu (.263/21 HR/90 RBI/77 R), CF Ryan Raines (.310/18 HR/84 RBI/78 R/41 SB), 2B Scooter Perez (.303/6 HR/67 RBI/86 R/47 SB), RF Lonny Howard (.322/2 HR/46 RBI/84 R/49 SB)

Middlefield Roosters - Smitty Michaels, Manager
Top Pitchers - Jackie Lee Bevis (14-11 3.03), Joshua Jackson (13-13 3.97), Dave Webb (2-4 1.52) with 20 saves
Top Hitters - RF Bailey Norcross (.320/26 HR/85 RBI/112 R/65 SB), 2B Alfredo Soriano (.305/16 HR/63 RBI/94 R/31 SB), CF Ty DeWitt (.249/35 Hr/104 RBI/82 R/15 SB), LF Cecil Clark (.301/23 HR/65 RBI/78 R/21 SB)

Stoner Stars - Willie Dickens, Manager
Top Pitchers - Dwight Ruckman (19-9 2.85), Mike Atkinson (14-12 3.14), George West (13-13 3.02), Kelly Schaefer (7-3 2.26) with 9 saves
Top Hitters - 3B Allen Black (.300/23 HR/106 RBI/99 R/23 SB), SS Yancy Bellows (.274/11 HR/61 RBI/92 R/15 SB), RF Rob Preiss (.274/17 RBI/53 RBI/87 R/25 SB)

Rocky Rapids Snappers - Ryan Noland, Manager
Top Pitchers - Kirk Beckmann (14-7 3.72), Ben Mashburn (14-11 3.70)
Top Hitters - RF Doug Holt (.292/24 HR/79 RBI/70 R), 2B Timmy Peters (.277/13 HR/71 RBI/84 R), CF Terry Hecht (.269/15 HR/60 RBI/77 R/27 SB), 3B Archie Jackman (.290/11 HR/55 RBI/65 R/12 SB)

Sligo Rovers - Eddie Keys, Manager
Top Pitchers - Razzy Raziano (4-2 1.97) with 21 saves, Colin McGrath (11-12 3.42), Otis Coughlan (14-17 3.78), Ezzie Grant (14-21 3.86)
Top Hitters - 3B Rusty Ellis (.331/3 HR/45 RBI/79 R/31 SB), 1B Shane Redford (.326/6 HR/65 RBI/64 R), LF Lefty Roberts (.282/24 HR/64 RBI/63 R)

Colfax Blasters - Clem Rogers, Manager
Top Pitchers - Flash Guidry (16-15 3.51), Jasper LaForge (15-16 3.04)
Top Hitters - 1B Dennis Cole (.277/35 HR/97 RBI/98 R)

Fort Benton Defenders - Robbie Brooks, Manager
Top Pitchers - Leroy Hill (9-21 4.31), Adam Sommers (10-17 4.39)
Top Hitters - RF Russ Murphy (.264/27 HR/106 RBI/88 R/31 SB), 2B D. W. Koontz (.270/3 HR/50 RBI/85 R)

I forgot to post the All-Star rosters.

See post #746.

The Islandian Times

Around the Town in the IPA

KILKENNY CATS

Owner: Smithwick's Brewing Company

GM/Manager: Kieran McKenna

The town of Kilkenny has a population of 65,000 and is situated inland about 10 miles south of the Kelnyck Ocean in the northern part of Valdar Island. Irish immigrants settled here in the 1850s, the time of the Great Famine in Ireland. With an exquisite coastline that ranges from rolling green hills to low, craggy bluffs and hills, Kilkenny offers a relaxed pace of life and scenic beauty. It hasn't changed much in the last hundred years.

The people of Kilkenny love to laugh, sing and drink, so it seems logical that the brewing business would be primary here. It is the home of Smithwick's Brewery, which was established in Kilkenny's namesake in Ireland in 1710. Smithwick's (pronounced "Smithicks"...the "w" is silent) produces its famous ale along with Kilkenny Cream Ale.

Visitors can sample great ale, good food and experience Irish music in its traditional pubs. The pub lies at the heart of cultural, social and musical life in Kilkenny. Belly bustin' comedy can be enjoyed each weekend at Smithwick's The Cat Laughs Comedy Club, which features the best of Irish comedians, both native and imported. Smithwick's also owns the local IPA baseball franchise, the Kilkenny Cats. Prior to entry into professional baseball, the brewery had sponsored amateur and company leagues since the early 1900s.

Another important industry to the Kilkenny economy is marble. The "Black Quarry" is the source of fine black marble, which is one of Valdar Islands biggest exports. Many of the buildings in the town are constructed with the black marble. In fact, Smithwick's Stadium, the home of the Kilkenny Cats, is almost totally built with the marble. It is an old ballpark, built in 1968.

It is often said that the Irish do not have good food. This is not true. They just say that their food is not good so you won't get any of it! In addition to hot dogs, hamburgers, peanuts and crackerjacks, you can get Irish delicacies at Smithwick's...authentic Irish ales, Irish stew, Irish coffee, apple cakes and whiskey cakes...for the ladies they have tea and scones. To entertain the fans there is the team's mascot, the Kilkenny Cat and his Leprecaun friends. Standing on top of the dugouts or roaming throught the stands, they lead cheers and songs and dance Irish jigs throughout the ballgame.

During the seventh inning stretch, it is tradition at Smithwick's Stadium to stand an sing the Irish classic, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling".

Chorus
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.

They also sing it after every Kilkenny Cats victory, too.

The Valdar Island towns have never really cooperated with one another and don't really get along very well. Relations have always beened strained and competition is intense. The Kilkennyans are a boisterous bunch at the ballgame and can be quite rowdy and vocal. It's a blue-collar town and they can be agressive toward the other teams and their fans. There have been many brawls at the ballpark and after the game as well. Management now takes great measures to keep the peace with increased security. Visiting fans are housed in their own section for their safety. And they stop beer sales after the seventh inning. Security will be even tighter with the advent of the new Islandian Pro Alliance.

To head up the Kilkenny foray into professional baseball, Smithwick's Brewery hired Kieran McKenna to head up the club. He has been active as a player, coach, manager in the Valdar Baseball League since the 1970's and is well-respected in Valdar Island baseball circles.

Smithwick Stadium (1968)

Capacity: 7,650

Dimensions:

LF Line 330
LF 350
LCF 372
CF 397
RCF 372
RF 350
RF Line 330

The Islandian Times

Around the Town in the IPA

LA CLAIRE LYNX

Owner/GM/Manager: Rip Calkin

La Claire is the capital of Tycobbia and its largest town with a population of 120,000, second largest in the Islands. It is located in the central section of the country on the meandering Appian River, which cuts through two thirds of the country, flowing from the Appian Mountains in the north near North Hills, southward to Hartsdale, through the capital, then down to Bay St. Clair and empties into the bay there.

The town was established in the 1850s by a group of American abolitionists from the North and the South, who saw the coming Civil War. They wanted to set up a country free from slavery and religious intolerance.

La Claire is an enchanting town of the old, mixed with the new. The State Capitol and governmental offices are in the center of Capitol Park, which is the center of the town. Lush greenery is everywhere, with the new modern section at the edge of town, which houses the movers and shakers of Tycobbia's business, financial, banking and automotive worlds.

La Claire is also home to the La Claire Lynx of the Islandian Pro Alliance. The Lynx play in the Tycobbian Baseball Union West Division. The club plays at Capitol Park Stadium, a charming old ballpark constructed in 1923. Spectators get a spectacular view of the State Capitol over the right field fence and can see the new developing part of town in the distance beyond the left field fence. Most of the food and drink at the ballpark are typical, except for the “Dippy Dogs”, a gourmet wiener, dipped in a maize/corn batter and fried. It is unique to State Capitol Park and is especially tasty, when the meal includes a refreshing cup of freshly-squeezed pink lemonade.

Before and after a Lynx game, fans can enjoy the fine restaurants, diners and shops on the shore of the Appian River. Movie theaters, old-fashioned soda fountains, concert halls and fashionable night clubs are in abundance, too. All within easy walking distance.

Rip Calkin, famed shortstop in his industrial league career, noted for rarely missing a game, owns and manages the Lynx.

Capitol Park Stadium (1923)

Capacity: 13,557

Dimensions:

LF Line 330
LF 350
LCF 374
CF 400
RCF 374
RF 350
RF Line 334

The Islandian Times

Around the Town in the IPA

LAGRANGE SPORTS

Owner/GM/Manager: Foxy Jemison

LaGrange, with 65,000 residents, is found in the sparse and craggy foothills of the Appian Mountains in northeastern Ruthlandia. LaGrange is a very modern and up-to-date town with its main industries being silver and gold mining (some of the world’s richest reserves) and forestry and associated paper production industries. LaGrange was the second settlement in the country, populated by French Acadians during the 1850’s gold rush. Cajun French and English are spoken here.

The LaGrange Sports Baseball Club was the second amateur team in Ruthlandia (Marston was the first) and the town is now the home of the LaGrange Sports of the Islandian Pro Alliance, named in honor of the original Sports.

They play their games at the new state-of-the-art Sports Stadium, which has the town’s impressive skyline visible in the distance beyond the outfield walls. There’s a lot of fine food, fun, and frolic at Sports Stadium with great Cajun food and great Cajun music at every game. A Zydeco band plays at every game. At the seventh inning stretch, “Take me out to the ballgame” is sung first in Cajun French and then in English. And throughout the game Cajun yells of “aaahh-eeeee” (exclamation of joy) and “laissez le bon temps rouler” (“let the good times roll”) can be heard cheering the home club to victory.

Mouthwatering Cajun cuisine can be sampled at the concession stands. Seafood and okra gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish pies are in abundance along with the most delicious bread pudding, café brulot (orange and spice flavored coffee) and crème brulet (superb custard dessert) in the world, too, mes amis (“my friends”).

The LaGrange Sports are owned and managed by one of the all-time great sluggers and first basemen in Ruthlandian company league circles, Foxy Jemison. Jemison got his start in lumber mills, played ball for the company team, made a name for himself, moved up in the company hierarchy until he ended up owning it. Jemison sponsored a company team for years and worked hard to get a team in the IPA.

Sports Stadium (2001)

Capacity: 10,732

Dimensions:
LF Line 325
LF 345
LCF 400
CF 400
RCF 400
RF 345
RF Line 325

The Islandian Times

Around the Town in the IPA

LUXORA ZORROS

Owner: De la Vega Foundation
GM/Manager: Rodrigo Alejandro

Luxora is a picturesque town of 65,000 people of Spanish and Andorran ancestry located in the Silver Mountains of northeastern Tycobbia. Both Spanish and English are spoken there. Snowy winters and mild summers lure tourists from all over, who come in great numbers to enjoy the natural hot thermal springs and spas, snow skiing, snowboarding, whitewater rafting and the wonderful duty-free bazaar overflowing with electronics, luxury goods and fine handmade clothing made from the famous Luxoran wool in the town textile factory. Everywhere in the area you will see a plethora of sheep ranches, along with timber, lumber and wood products which are processed and manufactured there. Luxora benefits greatly from its proximity to the Rio Loco, a wild and raging river and a source of great hydroelectric power. By way of a series of dams and locks the river flows from high in the mountains, skirting the town on its western journey through the foothills before finally flowing into the sky blue waters of Blue Lake near Fairfax. As a result, it is the headquarters of the Tycobbia Electric Authority. Luxora itself is a modest town steeped in traditional ways. It has narrow streets and plazas in which to get happily lost among the grand and ancient churches and mansions. Because of the cultural tradition of “siestas”, Spanish-owned companies give their employees time off each day so they can attend the local team’s games with their families, a practice and custom that soon spread to all of the townships in baseball-crazed Tycobbia and Ruthlandia.

It is also the home of the Luxora Zorros (“foxes” in Spanish) of the Islandian Pro Alliance. The Z's are a member of the Tycobbian Union North Division. Luxora plays at De la Vega Stadium (affectionately called “The Foxhole” by the locals), named for Don Diego de la Vega, aka Zorro, the legendary black clad hero who fought corrupt government during the early 1800’s. Zorro was a "Spanish version of Robin Hood". His descendants, wealthy landowners with a huge sheep and Arabian horse farms, are the owners of the team. Of course, you can see Zorro atop his wondrous black stallion, Toronado (Spanish for “tornado”), galloping around the stadium to the cheers of the crowd as they rally the home team to victory. A splendid mariachi band serenades and provides a festive atmosphere at all the games. You can also enjoy the Spanish delicacies at the concessions stands: cunillo (succulent rabbit cooked in tomato sauce), escudello (a fantastic chicken, sausage and meatball stew), and fried ice cream, too. Traditional ballpark food is provided as well.

Even the Manager and GM of the Zorros is of Spanish descent. Rodrigo Alejandro, an outstanding power hitter and shortstop as an amateur, was the highest paid “amateur” ever in company league circles. Many say Alejandro was the best home run hitter in the Islands history.

De la Vega Stadium (1967)

Capacity: 9,487

Dimensions:
LF Line 330
LF 345
LCF 371
CF 408
RCF 371
RF 345
RF Line 330

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, September 18, 2002

Tycobbian Union North Division Final Standings