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FuzzyRussianHat

05-27-2024 04:44 AM

2004 World Baseball Championship

FuzzyRussianHat

05-27-2024 10:00 AM

2004 in AAB

FuzzyRussianHat

05-27-2024 04:23 PM

2004 in ALB

FuzzyRussianHat

05-28-2024 04:46 AM

2004 in ABF

FuzzyRussianHat

05-28-2024 11:20 AM

2004 in SAB

Although South Asia Baseball had seen very top-heavy results on the diamond, the fan response had been excellent since its formation in 1980. Officials felt the time for expansion was coming up, even if some of the teams were still having some financial woes. Expanding markets likely would bring in more cash and four new teams were approved starting with the 2004 season, putting both leagues at 14 teams.

https://i.imgur.com/Y5FcuCH.png

The Indian League added the Nagpur Patriots to the South Division and the Lucknow Larks to the Central Division. That put both divisions at five teams, while the West Division kept its original four teams. Meanwhile, the Southeast Asia League’s additions made for two divisions with seven teams each. The South Division added the Vietnam-based Da Nang Nailers, while the North Division introduced the Bangladeshi Khulna Claws. This gave both Vietnam and Bangladesh three teams, the most of any country within SEAL.

https://i.imgur.com/3GCCj3y.jpg

For the first time since 1993, Ahmedabad didn’t have the best record in the Indian League. That honor went to defending champ Bengaluru at 106-56, earning a third consecutive South Division title. The Animals still made the postseason field, extending their playoff streak to 20 years. They joined EBF’s Zurich and EPB’s Minsk as the only teams in any world league to post a two-decade postseason streak. Ahmedabad’s West Division title streak grew to 16 seasons, but it was the closest they’d come to surrendering the crown in that stretch.

The Animals took it at 95-67, while Mumbai was one back at 94-68. The Meteors earned a fourth wild card in a row, topping Chennai by four games. Jaipur took a weak Central Division at 83-79 for their seventh playoff appearance in nine years. Kanpur was two behind and reigning division champ Delhi was four back.

Hyderabad was just above .500, but their first baseman Janesvara Aryasva repeated as Indian League MVP in his third season. He led in RBI (108), total bases (339), triple slash (.335/.416/.630), OPS (1.046), wRC+ (220), and WAR (9.1). His power was down noticeably from his 61 home runs the prior year, only smacking 35. He would stay three more years with the Hippos before starting his more famous run from 2008-2015 with Yangon.

In a quiet year for Pitcher of the Year options, Mumbai’s Jagisa Myska took it. The 26-year old righty led in wins (19-3), ERA (1.55), and quality starts (26). He added 230 strikeouts in 209 innings and 5.2 WAR. Myska’s poor stamina would lead to him being moved to the bullpen the next season, where he won Reliever of the Year. He would have a forgettable run in the following decade though. In other reliever news, Surat’s Taj Kanikaraja became a three-time Reliever of the Year winner.

In the first round of the playoffs, Jaipur shocked Ahmedabad 3-1. This would be the first time since 1985 that the Animals weren’t in the Indian League Championship Series. The Jokers earned their fourth ILCS in five ears. Bengaluru bested Mumbai 3-1 to continue their repeat hopes. The Blazers battered Jaipur in a sweep to repeat and earn a fourth Indian League pennant (1982, 85, 03, 04). The Jokers remain snake-bitten, sitting 0-9 in their ILCS appearances.

https://i.imgur.com/1B6wSVq.jpg

While Ahmedabad’s dynasty had finally cracked, Ho Chi Minh City’s was very much alive in the Southeast Asia League. The defending SEAL champs were 122-40 atop the South Division, topping the 120+ mark for the third time in their 18-year playoff odyssey. Their division title streak grew to 13 years. This Hedgehog squad matched their own SEAL record of only 428 runs allowed, which still remains the top mark. HCMC also set a new WHIP record at 0.945. Their 2.53 ERA and 411 earned runs were both second-best in SEAL history behind the 1993 campaign, while the 1008 hits allowed was third fewest. These marks all hold those same spots as of 2037.

Yangon’s playoff streak grew to ten years with their eighth North Division title in that stretch. The Green Dragons were 105-57, 19 games better than closest foe Hanoi. The Hounds were seven games away from the second wild card. The first spot was a stunner as expansion Da Nang debuted at 98-64. The only other expansion team to earn a playoff spot in its debut was CABA’s Suriname last year. Phnom Penh grabbed the second spot at 93-69, ending a four-year stretch without a playoff appearance or winning record. The Pandas turnaround was impressive, having won 68, 66, 69, and 71 games in their most recent efforts.

Yangon 3B Jatinder Chowdhary won the SEAL MVP as the 24-year old Indian led in runs (129), triple slash (.355/.468/.755), OPS (1.223), wRC+ (227), and WAR (12.5). He added 53 home runs and 127 RBI. The Green Dragons had wisely locked him up to an eight-year, $17,960,000 deal after the 2002 season. He managed to fend off HCMC’s Tirtha Upadhyaya for the top honor despite the latter’s 68 home runs and 158 RBI. That set the SAB RBI record, which would get obliterated four years later. It was also six short of Dhuna Itar’s record 74 homers in 2000.

HCMC’s Sikander Harija won his second Pitcher of the Year, having also taken it back in 2000. The 32-year old Indian lefty led in ERA (2.04), WHIP (0.81), complete games (14), shutouts (6), FIP- (55), and WAR (9.0). Harija added a 22-4 record and 303 strikeouts in 233.1 innings. Also of note, Sabuj Nath became a three-time Reliever of the Year winner, posting a 5.8 WAR effort for the expansion Da Nang squad.

Ho Chi Minh City swept Phnom Penh in the first round to give the Hedgehogs an 11<sup>th</sup> straight SEAL Championship appearance. The upstart Da Nang upset Yangon 3-1, earning an LCS in the debut season. The Nailers gave the Hedgehogs a spirited effort, but the dynasty ultimately continued. HCMC won the series in six games to repeat as SEAL champs and earn a 12<sup>th</sup> pennant.

https://i.imgur.com/RMmhX1A.png

Ho Chi Minh City battered Bengaluru with a sweep to repeat as South Asia Baseball champs. This was their fourth overall title, joining the 1997, 2000, and 2003 campaigns. It was also the second-most wins ever by a SAB champ behind 1995 Ahmedabad’s 124-38 effort. RF Kamlesh Kanmani was finals MVP, making 13 playoff starts with 19 hits, 5 runs, 6 doubles, 3 home runs, and 10 RBI.

https://i.imgur.com/mZ41R4O.png

Although HCMC had been firmly a SEAL dynasty, they were now finally shining as SAB’s top team after being denied so many times by Ahmedabad. Having gone 240-84 in the prior year, they matched the 1994-95 Animals for the world record most wins by a team that won back-to-back titles. The best two-year run in any world league was WAB’s Kano at 248-76 from 1999-00, but they had lost the 2000 championship.

Other notes: HCMC also had a record-setting postseason by reliever Nikeyparee Basnet. Over 17.1 playoff innings, he set SAB records for H/9 (1.56), opponent batting average (.057), and opponent slugging (.113). Basnet won SEALCS MVP, an incredibly rare feat for a reliever. He had a 0.52 ERA, 3-0 record, 4 saves, and 25 strikeouts in nine playoff appearances.

SAB’s eighth perfect game came on July 7 from Da Nang’s Raja Ahmad Saari, who struck out nine against Mandalay. Reliever Saroth Bora became the first to reach 400 career saves. He would pitch until 2010 and retire with 499, holding the all-time mark until finally passed in the late 2020s.

Tirtha Upadhyaya became the second member of the 600 home run club. He still had work to reach Amoda Shah, who retired the leader at 729 after the 2005 season. Upadhyaya also won his tenth Silver Slugger and his first as a designated hitter. Van Loi Phung became the third to 1500 runs scored, retiring third at 1505.

3B Manju Abbas won his 15<sup>th</sup> and final Gold Glove. Abbas is one of a very select few at any position in any world league to win 15. He joined MLB’s Christopher Sollinger and Dusty Knight as the only 15-time winners at third base specifically. Abbas would retire with 3395 games and 3288 starts at third; more than anyone in world history. P Tanvir Hosen and C Quoc Pham won their seventh Gold Gloves. SS Dhruv Sanjay won his seventh Silver Slugger.

FuzzyRussianHat

05-28-2024 04:53 PM

2004 in WAB

FuzzyRussianHat

05-29-2024 04:58 AM

2004 in CLB

FuzzyRussianHat

05-29-2024 10:53 AM

2004 in APB

FuzzyRussianHat

05-29-2024 05:17 PM

2004 in OBA

FuzzyRussianHat

05-30-2024 05:18 AM

2004 in EPB

FuzzyRussianHat

05-30-2024 11:19 AM

2004 in EBF

https://i.imgur.com/eY9Yj9A.jpg

Copenhagen had the European Baseball Federation’s best record in 2004, setting a franchise record at 112-50. The Corsairs rolled to a fifth straight Northeast Division title and the Northern Conference’s top seed. Copenhagen scored 875 runs, 122 more than their closest conference foe. They also allowed only 561 runs, tied with Warsaw for the fewest in EBF.

The #2 seed went to defending conference champ Warsaw at 101-61. The Wildcats had to fend off a fierce challenge from Berlin at 99-63 to take the North Central Division. The Barons easily got the first wild card and ended a three-year playoff drought. Paris picked up the Northwest Division at 93-69 to end their own three-year playoff skid. The Poodles were three games ahead of Amsterdam for the title.

Glasgow took the British Isles Division at 88-74. It was their weakest season of a now nine-year playoff streak, which also extended the division title streak to eight. Dublin was the closest foe at 81-81. For the second wild card, Kyiv (92-70) held off Amsterdam (90-72), Kharkiv (88-74). Brussels (85-77), and Vilnius (85-77). The Kings got their second berth in three years. The Killer Bees’ playoff streak dating back to their final EPB seasons was ended at nine seasons, ceding the longest active streak to Glasgow.

Brussels first baseman Francisco Cruz won Northern Conference MVP. The 26-year old lefty from Portugal was the leader in runs (125), hits (218), total bases (422), average (.360), slugging (.698), OPS (1.105), wRC+ (198), and WAR (9.9). Cruz also had 38 doubles, 26 triples, 38 home runs, and 104 RBI. This effort earned Cruz a hefty payday, as the Beavers signed him in the offseason to an eight-year, $64,140,000 extension.

Luxembourg’s Johannes Jol won Pitcher of the Year. The 27-year old Dutch righty had a 16-9 record in 255.2 innings, 2.75 ERA, 245 strikeouts, and 6.9 WAR. Jol also earned a raise for his efforts with the Lancers giving him five years and $31,640,000 in the offseason.

In the first round of the playoffs, Berlin edged Glasgow 2-1 and Paris topped Kyiv 2-1. The Barons gave top seed Copenhagen a scare, but the Corsairs survived 3-2 in round two. Meanwhile, the Poodles pulled off the upset 3-2 at Warsaw. This was Copenhagen’s first Northern Conference Championship appearance since 2001 and Paris’ first since 1999. The top-ranked Corsairs clobbered the Poodles for a sweep, taking their third-ever pennant (1950, 1985, 2004).

https://i.imgur.com/tSnonYB.jpg

Reigning European Champion Vienna had the Southern Conference’s top seed at 103-59 atop the East Central Division. The other bye went to 99-63 Munich, winning a fourth consecutive South Central Division. The Mavericks really had to work for it with Zurich only one game behind at 98-64. The Mountaineers and South Central quad Naples (90-72) were the wild cards. This was the third berth in five years for Zurich and ended a four-year drought for the Nobles. The only other squad in the wild card mix was Lisbon at 86-76.

Madrid was ten ahead of the Clippers, winning the Southwest Division at 96-66. The Conquistadors’ playoff streak grew to six seasons. 95-67 Tbilisi meanwhile cruised in the Southeast Division for a third straight title. One notable shift in the SC was Budapest, who went from 107-wins in 2003 to a lousy 72-90 in 2004. Bratislava also had a tough drop, going from a conference finalist the prior year to a 70-win squad in 2004.

Southern Conference MVP was Krakow CF Joris Kostic, fresh off an impressive Rookie of the Year campaign in 2003. The 24-year old Austrian lefty led in runs with 110, adding 219 hits, 38 home runs, 97 RBI, 76 stolen bases, a .365/.410/.622 slash, and 8.9 WAR.

Vienna’s Steffen Neumann won Pitcher of the Year and had the 1th EBF pitching Triple Crown. The achievement hadn’t been reached since Lindsey Brampton in 1996. The 25-year old German left had a 24-7 record, 2.16 ERA, and 332 strikeouts over 262 innings. Neumann also led in WHIP (0.98), quality starts (27), FIP- (61), and WAR (9.3).

Tbilisi swept Zurich and Madrid swept Naples in the first round, making it only division champs in round two. Both top seeds would see stunning 3-1 exits as the Trains upset defending EBF champ Vienna and the Conquistadors shocked Munich. Madrid earned a fourth Southern Conference Championship appearance in six years, while the Trains had their second in three years. Just as in 2002, Tbilisi was denied its first-ever pennant by the Conquistadors. Madrid swept them for a fourth pennant in six years. It was their ninth conference title, passing Zurich for the most in the SC.

https://i.imgur.com/snVdbyN.png

For the third straight appearance, Madrid was the runner-up in the European Championship. Copenhagen took the 55<sup>th</sup> finale 4-2, earning the cup for the first time since the inaugural 1950 season. LF Balas Gecsek was finals MVP as the 25-year old Hungarian had 15 playoff starts with 13 hits, 7 runs, 5 doubles, 3 home runs, and 10 RBI.

https://i.imgur.com/qYowsmV.png

At 112-50, the 2004 Copenhagen squad marks well among the finest-ever EBF champs. To that point, the only teams to win the title with a better record were 1954 Amsterdam (118-44) and 1961 Brussels (113-49). Additionally, a Scandinavian team hadn’t won it all since Stockholm in 1982.

Other notes: Villum Kleist became the 14<sup>th</sup> batter to 1500 career RBI.

FuzzyRussianHat

05-30-2024 05:47 PM

2004 in BSA

FuzzyRussianHat

05-31-2024 04:11 AM

2004 in EAB

FuzzyRussianHat

05-31-2024 11:53 AM

2004 in CABA

FuzzyRussianHat

05-31-2024 05:50 PM

2004 in MLB

Major League Baseball had seen the smallest active roster size of any pro league when they lowered it to 23 players starting in 1974. The players finally succeeded in fighting back against that and MLB grew it back to 24 players starting in 2004.

https://i.imgur.com/uceppmn.png

The National Association saw two new faces at the top of the 2004 standings. Winnipeg and Wichita were both part of the 1982 expansion and previously had a combined three playoff appearances between them. The Wolves had the top seed at 106-56, winning the Upper Midwest Division for only the second time (1992).

Meanwhile, the Wasps won the Lower Midwest at 100-62 for their first-ever division title and second-ever playoff berth (1994). Wichita also made history, setting MLB single-season records for team ERA (2.37) and earned runs allowed (397). The ERA mark is still #1 as of 2037, while the earned runs total would get passed once. It was an impressive turnaround since they hadn’t won more than 75 games in a season since 1995. Also impressive was Wichita did this with the lowest payroll in all of MLB at just under $87 million.

Boston ended a six-year playoff drought by winning the Northeast Division at 97-65. Philadelphia repeated as East Division champs at 96-66. The Phillies were ultimately the only team from the prior year’s playoff field in the National Association to make it back in 2004. Milwaukee took the first wild card at 92-70 for a third playoff berth in four years.

Brooklyn and Cincinnati tied for the second spot at 91-71 with the Dodgers taking the tiebreaker game to advance. That was Brooklyn’s first playoff appearance since 1988. Just falling short in the wild card race was Louisville (89-73), defending NA champ Ottawa (87-75), Cleveland (86-76), and Kansas City (86-76). Pittsburgh and St. Louis, both playoff teams last year, each fell to 79-83.

National Association MVP honors went to Boston 1B Joran Mallery. In only his second season, the 22-year old lefty led in runs (112), hits (217), total bases (341), and WAR (9.0). Mallery added 35 doubles, 27 home runs, 98 RBI, a .340 average, and 191 wRC+. He also posted a 31-game hit streak in the early summer. The Red Sox had drafted Mallery with the 70<sup>th</sup> overall pick in the 2002 MLB Draft.

Louisville had picked right-handed pitcher Joshua Williams with the #2 overall pick in the 2003 MLB Draft. He lived up to the billing, winning both Pitcher of the Year and Rookie of the Year. He joined Jerry Addison (1963) as the only MLB players to win both in the same year. The Raleigh, North Carolina native led in strikeouts (272) and quality starts (31). Williams added 7.8 WAR, a 1.96 ERA, and 21-9 record over 293.1 innings. Also of note, Milwaukee closer Hunter Cuthbert became a three-time Reliever of the Year winner.

Round one of the playoffs had Philadelphia swept Milwaukee 2-0 and Boston beating Brooklyn 2-1. The Red Sox upset Wichita 3-1 in round two, while Winnipeg held off the Phillies 3-1. Boston earned its first National Association Championship Series appearance since 1996, while the Wolves’ only prior NACS was 1990. Winnipeg would win its first-ever pennant, besting Boston 4-2. |

The Wolves were the third of the eight 1982 expansion teams to earn a World Series trip, joining Edmonton and Virginia Beach. They became the 24<sup>th</sup> of the 28 National Association teams with at least one pennant. The four teams still without a pennant are expansion squads Wichita and Quebec City, as well as original squads Omaha and Buffalo. In 104 years, the Hawks have only four NACS berths and the Blue Sox have just two.

https://i.imgur.com/GT1rNTc.png

Defending World Series champion Phoenix earned the American Association’s top seed, winning a third consecutive Southwest Division title at 103-59. The Firebirds’ playoff streak grew to five seasons, which would end 2004 as the longest active streak in MLB. The battle for the #2 seed was tight as two games separated the other three divisional winners.

For the first time in franchise history, expansion Salt Lake City won the Northwest Division at 96-66, beating out Seattle by six games. The Loons were the #2 seed and did earn a third playoff berth in five years. Nashville made it three division titles in four years, taking the Southeast Division at 94-68. Houston took a third straight South Central Division at 94-68, edging Austin by two games.

The Amigos and Albuquerque were both 92-70, picking up the wild card spots. That ended a two-year drought for Austin, while the Isotopes earned a fourth consecutive berth. Seattle’s six-year streak ended with the Grizzlies two out of the wild card at 90-72. Seattle fell off after four straight 100+ win seasons, including a franchise record 113 in 2003. Las Vegas was also in the mix at 89-73.

Salt Lake City CF Morgan Short won the American Association MVP. In his third season, the lefty from Denver led in runs (125), hits (217), doubles (41), stolen bases (58), average (.370), OBP (.438), OPS (1.048), and WAR (11.9). Short added a 178 wRC+, 24 home runs, and 108 RBI. The WAR total was the fourth best single season by a position player in MLB history.

Pitcher of the Year went to Albuquerque’s Jaxson Hardy. The 26-year old lefty led with 320 strikeouts, 8 shutouts, and 10.5 WAR. Hardy also had a 19-10 record over 280.1 innings with a 2.31 ERA. He also tossed the season’s lone no-hitter, striking out 14 with one walk against Oakland on August 10. The Isotopes were quite happy, having signed Hardy to a seven-year, $59,720,000 extension prior to the 2004 season.

Houston edged divisional foe 2-1 in the first round, while Nashville ousted Albuquerque 2-1. Both top seeds prevailed in round two with Phoenix outlasting the Hornets 3-2 and Salt Lake City dropping the Knights 3-1. The Loons had never been to the American Association Championship Series in their 23-year history. The reigning MLB champ Firebirds denied SLC its first pennant, taking the series 4-1.

Phoenix was the first repeat AA champ since Calgary in 1992-93. That also ended a stretch of seven different champs in seven years. It was the Firebirds’ 11<sup>th</sup> title, which leads all American Association franchises.

https://i.imgur.com/9IfaSmd.png

The 104<sup>th</sup> World Series was highly anticipated with the two #1 seeds facing off. It was ultimately anticlimactic as Phoenix swept Winnipeg. The Firebirds are the sixth franchise to repeat as champs, joining Houston (1910-12), Philadelphia (1917-18, 1941-44), Los Angeles (1945-46, 73-74), San Diego (1955-56), and most recently Calgary (1986-87). It was Phoenix’s sixth title, joining 1907, 1953, 1960, 1985, and 2003. LF Ezra Anstett was finals MVP as the 27-year old played eight playoff games with six starts, getting 11 hits, 5 runs, 4 extra base hits, and 5 RBI.

https://i.imgur.com/APRAkNJ.png

Other notes: Oklahoma City scored only 519 runs in 2004, which was the second-lowest in American Association history. Only New Orleans the prior year at 517 had done worse. Portland’s Khalil Cobbs struck out 20 in a game against Cincinnati, becoming the eighth in MLB history with a 20K game.

FuzzyRussianHat

06-01-2024 04:38 AM

2005 MLB Hall of Fame

Two players earned induction in 2005 into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Pitcher T.J. Nakabayashi was a slam dunk with a 99.3% debut. 3B Ambrose Heidinger also picked up the first ballot nod, but at the lower 74.8% mark. Six other players were above 50%, but short of the 66% requirement to get in.

https://i.imgur.com/t5kNNJ2.png

The highest of those was closer Alex Cantos at 59.7% on his seventh ballot. Debuting CF Will Kemme had 59.0% and debuting RF Brian Ostrovskaya got 56.5%. On his fourth try, outfielder Mike Castaneda had 55.0%. Reliever Isaac Porter debuted at 52.2% and SP Ollie Husband picked up 50.4% on his seventh try.

The lone player dropped after ten ballots was pitcher Tadd D’Innocenzo. He pitched 11 years between Ottawa and Calgary, posting a 178-104 record, 3.22 ERA, 2713.2 innings, 2110 strikeouts, 648 walks, 124 ERA+, 75 FIP-, and 73.5 WAR. D’Innocenzo also won two titles with the Cheetahs. He retired fairly young after his age 35 season and had pretty good rate stats. D’Innocenzo’s WAR total certainly wouldn’t be out of place compared to other additions, but he lacked any league-leading dominance or major awards. Thus, his candidacy never got much traction, debuting at a peak of 24.9% and ending at 8.3%.

https://i.imgur.com/MwmgY1Y.png

T.J. “Hitman” Nakabayashi – Starting Pitcher – Austin Amigos – 99.3% First Ballot

T.J. Nakabayashi was a 5’9’’, 180 pound right-handed pitcher from Honiara, the capital and largest city of the Solomon Islands. Nakabayashi earned the nickname “Hitman” for his strikeout dominance on the mound. He would later gain the distinction as the first inductee representing a team from MLB’s 1982 expansion and was the first MLB inductee born from a Pacific Island nation.

Despite the smaller frame, Nakabayashi threw fire with 10/10 stuff led by 99-101 mph fastball. He also had a stellar changeup and a good curveball, boasting very good movement and control. Nakabayashi had excellent stamina and was an ironman who never missed a start, tossing 255+ innings each year of his 18 year career. Nakabayashi was adaptable, but he wasn’t looked to in the clubhouse for leadership. However, his remarkable ability to get whiffs made him a very popular player throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Nakabayashi grew up on the Solomons as a fan of the country’s Oceania Baseball Association squad Guadalcanal. Some OBA scouts took notice of him as a teenager, but his family connections allowed him to move to the United States towards the end of high school. Nakabayashi would attend Wake Forest for his college career. In three seasons as a Demon Deacon, he had a 21-9 record, 1.95 ERA, 281 innings, 330 strikeouts, 18 1 ERA+, and 13.1 WAR. Nakabayashi was second in NCAA Pitcher of the Year voting as a freshman.

With the MLB Draft’s regional restrictions in the first three rounds, Nakabayashi wasn’t eligible until the fourth round of the 1981 Draft. This draft was also the first to feature the eight expansion franchises that would begin play in 1982 with those squads having the earliest picks each round. Austin had the second pick of the round and grabbed Nakabayashi with the 174<sup>th</sup> overall selection.

Nakabayashi was a full-time starter and ace immediately, posting 7.7 WAR in his rookie season, which somehow was second in Rookie of the Year voting. He would go on to have 13 seasons worth 7+ WAR in his career. By his second season, Nakabayashi led the American Association in strikeouts, a feat he’d achieve nine times in his career. He led in Ks as well in 1984 and 1985.

In 1984, Nakabayashi had a no-hitter on June 3 with 10 strikeouts and one walk against Houston. 1985 was Nakabayashi’s first time as a Pitcher of the Year finalist, taking second. That was also the one season he won an ERA title, posting 2.61. He had a weaker 1986, but bounced back with a third in Pitcher of the Year voting in 1987 and in 1988. Austin committed to their ace after the 1986 campaign with a seven-year, $13,320,000 contract extension.

In 1988, the Amigos and Edmonton became the first expansion teams to earn a playoff appearance, both getting to the American Association Championship Series. The Eels prevailed, but Nakabayashi had a great postseason with a 1.91 ERA over 33 innings. Austin made it back to the AACS in 1989, but lost to Denver. Nakabayashi again was a good playoff arm with a 2.70 ERA over 26.2 innings.

1989 began a streak of six straight seasons leading in strikeouts. That year also was the first of three straight as the WARlord, posting 10.5 Still, Nakabayashi only got second in POTY voting. He wasn’t a finalist in 1990, but couldn’t be denied in 1991.

He had career highs in wins (24-10), ERA (2.47), strikeouts (314), quality starts (28), shutouts (6), FIP- (51), and WAR (12.6) in 1991 to finally win Pitcher of the Year. The WAR total also set the new single-season record by any player in MLB history. Nakabayashi’s mark still remains the all-time mark among pitchers as of 2037.

Austin missed the playoffs in 1990 and 1991, but made it back in 1992. The Amigos were ousted in the second round and Nakabayashi was rocked with a 9.39 ERA in 15.1 innings. Nakabayashi finished third in Pitcher of the Year voting that year, but it was a rough way to ultimately end a brilliant run in Austin. He decided to decline his contract option, becoming a free agent for 1993 entering his age 32 season.

For his Amigos tenure, Nakabayashi had a 196-132 record, 2.87 ERA, 3146.2 innings, 3138 strikeouts, 856 walks, 269/372 quality starts, 198 complete games, 138 ERA+, 70 FIP-, and 94.6 WAR. He would be remembered very fondly as the franchise’s first star and his #25 uniform would be the first jersey retired in Austin.

Nakabayashi signed a six-year, $14,300,000 deal with San Francisco. He led in Ks his first two years with the Gold Rush and took second in Pitcher of the Year voting in 1994 and 1995. SF had a four-year playoff streak from 1993-96. In 1994, San Francisco surprised the field as a wild card by winning the World Series over Toronto.

Despite his general dominance, Nakabayashi wasn’t good in the playoffs for the Gold Rush. He had a 6.54 ERA in the title run and posted a 6.10 ERA over 62 innings with 44 strikeouts in total for SF. Still, he was popular for his role in getting the team to the title in 1994. Nakabayashi continued to reliably eat innings, but his velocity and production started to dip by the end of the San Francisco run.

Nakabayashi had a career worst 3.80 ERA in 1997 and in 1998, had his first season with fewer than 200 strikeouts. Still, he became the sixth pitcher to reach 4500 for his career. Nakabayashi’s once triple-digit velocity was now towards the mid 90s though and his hopes of becoming the all-time strikeout leader were dwindling. His last year with San Francisco did see him join the 300 win club as the eighth member.

With the Gold Rush, Nakabayashi had a 109-73 record, 3.34 ERA, 1718 innings, 1429 strikeouts, 391 walks, 132/213 quality starts, 102 complete games, 118 ERA+, 78 FIP-, and 42.9 WAR. He was a free agent again at age 38 entering the 1999 season and Phoenix gave him a shot with a two-year, $8,640,000 deal.

By now, Nakabayashi’s fastball peaked in the 90-92 mph range. The ironman still got 255 innings, but they were subpar quality with a 4.27 ERA and 92 ERA+. He narrowly passed Newton Persaud for second on the strikeout list, but was still 302 away from Julius Jordan’s mark while only posting 119 in 1999. Nakabayashi decided to retire that winter at age 38.

For his career, Nakabayashi had a 317-222 record, 3.09 ERA, 5119.2 innings, 4686 strikeouts, 486 walks, 417/619 quality starts, 312 complete games, 128 ERA+, 75 FIP-, and 139.2 WAR. As of 2037, Nakabayashi’s still very prominent on the all-time pitching leaderboards in MLB. He’s second in strikeouts, fifth in pitching WAR, sixth in wins, tenth in innings pitched, and fourth in complete games.

It is surprising considering that resume that Nakabayashi only won Pitcher of the Year once, and that took a single-season WAR record. Still, most felt he was a top five ace for the better part of two decades, making Nakabayashi a no-doubt Hall of Famer. He received 99.3% to headline MLB’s 2005 class.

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Ambrose Heidinger – Third Base – Cincinnati Reds- 74.8% First Ballot

Ambrose Heidinger was a 6’3’’, 200 pound right-handed third baseman from Cincinnati, Ohio. Heidinger was considered a very good contract hitter that was solid at avoiding strikeouts, although he was mediocre at drawing walks. He wasn’t a prolific home run hitter, but he had reliably sturdy power. Six times, Heidinger hit 30+ dingers in a season and he’d almost always get you at least 20. He also was good for around 25-30 doubles most years.

Heidinger was big and slow, known as a laughably bad baserunner. He had a cannon arm though, which served him as a career third baseman. Heidinger’s glove and range was respectable and he graded out for his career as reliably above average defensively. He had great durability for his career and didn’t miss much time in the field over a 20-year career.

After growing up in Cincinnati, Heidinger remained in Ohio for college by attending Bowling Green. He won a Silver Slugger as a freshman for the Falcons. In total at BGSU, Heidinger had 144 games, 165 hits, 101 runs, 21 doubles, 35 home runs, 110 RBI, a .280/.327/.497 slash, 144 wRC+, and a 6.1 WAR. His hometown Reds were well aware of Heidinger and his dream from childhood came true as Cincinnati picked him 20<sup>th</sup> overall in the 1978 MLB Draft.

Heidinger was a part-time starter as a rookie, but was largely the full-time guy after that for the next 14 years for Cincinnati. He was merely a decent starter his first two years, but began to look elite by year three, winning his first Silver Slugger in 1982. Heidinger would win it again in 1987, 1989, and 1990. He was very much ol’ reliable, but never was a league leader to MVP finalist. Still, Heidinger had eight seasons worth 6+ WAR for the Reds.

Throughout the 1980s, Heidinger was a beloved local hero for Cincinnati. He was one of the only redeeming things in a weak era for the team, as they were more often than not below .500. Their only playoff appearance in Heidinger’s 15-year tenure was 1989, a second round exit. The Reds had committed to Heidinger with a seven-year, $17,720,000 extension after the 1987 season.

Heidinger chugged along as a fixture at third base. He did make six World Baseball Championship squads for the United States team, but as a reserve. He only made two starts in 25 games, but did get world champion rings with the 1985 and 1992 teams. After the 1993 season, Heidinger executed his contract option to finish the seven-year deal in full with the Reds. He would hit his 400<sup>th</sup> career home run right at the end of the 1994 season.

Heidinger and Cincinnati would amicably part ways after the 1994 campaign, ending a 15-year run. In total, he had 2464 hits, 1125 runs, 383 doubles, 400 home runs, 1301 RIB, a .292/.322/.486 slash, 140 wRC+, and 77.2 WAR. To the surprise and confusion of many Reds fans, Heidinger’s #10 uniform would never be retired by the team.

Coming up on his age 36 season, Heidinger signed a three-year, $10,360,000 deal with Ottawa. He put up his usual steady production with the Elks, posting 493 hits, 209 runs, 73 home runs, 261 RBI, a .280/.312/.450 slash. 130 wRC+, and 14.7 WAR. Ottawa made the playoffs once in 1996 as a wild card, but were quickly ousted.

Heidinger was a free agent again for 1998 and Tampa wanted that reliable production, giving him three years and $11,920,000. Heidinger regressed though and was firmly mediocre in two seasons starting for the Thunderbirds with a .230/.264/.388 slash, 83 wRC+, and 1.8 WAR.

While in Tampa, Heidinger did reach the 3000 career hit and 500 home run milestones. He failed to meet the vesting criteria for the third year of the deal, becoming a free agent for 2000. Heidinger was cooked and went unsigned all year, finally retiring in the winter at age 42.

Heidinger had 3200 hits, 1436 runs, 494 doubles, 32 triples, 518 home runs, 1688 RBI, a .284/.315/.471 slash, 133 wRC+, and 93.6 WAR. As of 2037 among third basemen, he’s fourth in hits, fourth in homers, third in RBI, and eighth in WAR. Heidinger is 41th among all MLB players in hits as of 2037 and 74<sup>th</sup> in WAR.

A few voters were critical of his lack of black ink and big awards. However, Heidinger’s impressive longevity was hard to ignore. Plus, being a hometown favorite gives you a boost, even if the franchise was a stinker during the run. Heidinger received 74.8% for the first ballot induction with MLB’s 2005 Hall of Fame voting.

FuzzyRussianHat

06-01-2024 01:32 PM

2005 CABA Hall of Fame

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Pitcher Antonio Desir made history in 2005 as the first-ever unanimous selection into the Central American Baseball Association Hall of fame. He was joined in the 2005 class by 1B/DH Yohnny Galaz, getting his own solid first-ballot nod at 85.5%. 3B Bienvenido Ramon barely missed the 66% requirement with a 65.2% mark for his fifth ballot. The other player above 50% was LF Luis Martinez with 53.4% on his third go. No player was dropped after ten failed tries.

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Antonio Desir – Starting Pitcher – Monterrey Matadors – 100% First Ballot

Antonio Desir was a 6’6’’, 195 pound left-handed pitcher from the capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince. Desir was known for having outstanding pinpoint control, which graded out as a 9/10 for most his career. He had above average to good stuff and movement as well. Desir’s fastball peaked in the 96-98 mph range and was mixed with a slider, changeup, cutter, and curveball.

Desir’s stamina was weak compared to traditional CABA aces. However, his control and durability were strong enough to give him reliable regular innings regardless. He was a great defensive pitcher and won three Gold Gloves (1995, 97, 98). Desir was considered a leader and was a key figure in Monterrey’s dynasty run.

In February 1976, Desir was spotted at a camp in Haiti by a scout from Monterrey. He signed a developmental deal with the Matadors and spent six years training in their academy. Desir debuted in 1982 at age 22 and was split between the rotation and relief with respectable results. He was made a full-time starter for the next 16 years.

Desir was a decent starter in his first four seasons. 1985 was his first time in the playoffs, as Monterrey lost in the Mexican League Championship Series to Hermosillo. Desir posted a 3.43 ERA over 21 innings with 16 strikeouts. 1986, Desir emerged as a true ace, leading the league in wins (19-10), ERA (1.87), WHIP (0.87), quality starts (30), FIP- (67), and WAR (7.6). He won what would be his only Pitcher of the Year of his career.

Desir would post ten more seasons worth 5+ WAR with seven of those worth 6+ WAR. After the 1987 season, Monterrey signed him to a four-year, $5,280,000 extension. In 1988, the great Matadors dynasty began with their first of a CABA-record 18 consecutive playoff berths. Desir had a 0.00 ERA in 15 innings, but Monterrey lost the MLCS to Juarez.

They would drop the wild card round series in 1989. That year, Desir had a career and league best 1.66 ERA, taking second in Pitcher of the Year voting. It would be 1990 that the dynasty began in earnest and Desir emerged as an all-time great playoff pitcher. Monterrey won 110 games in 1990 and won the CABA title. In that postseason, Desir was 3-0 in 26 innings with a 0.35 ERA and 22 strikeouts, taking MLCS MVP. That earned him another six years and $9,380,000 signed in May 1991.

Monterrey won three straight CABA titles from 1990-92, then won back-to-back in 1995 and 1996. They also were Mexican League champs in 1993 and MLCS runner-up in 1994. Desir put up big playoff numbers over his career, finishing with a 15-8 record in 33 games, 2.10 ERA, 226.2 innings, 230 strikeouts, 171 ERA+, and 7.9 WAR. As of 2037, he’s the al-time playoff career leader in pitching WAR. Desir is also fifth in wins and fifth in strikeouts.

Desir also was a regular for his native Haiti from 1983-98 in the World Baseball Championship. He had a 2.20 ERA over 192 innings with a 12-10 record, 250 strikeouts, 25 walks, 166 ERA+, 47 FIP, and 7.9 WAR. As of 2037, he’s Haiti’s WBC leader in WAR, innings, and strikeouts and sits second in wins.

Because of his pinpoint control, Desir’s game aged very well. At age 33 in 1993, he earned his third ERA title (2.10) and led in WHIP. He led in both stats in 1997 as well at age 37. Desir also would have the best K/BB in five different seasons. He took third in 1992 Pitcher of the Year voting, second in 1993, and second in 1998. Desir’s three Gold Gloves came in 1995, 97, and 98.

He didn’t seem to be slowing down, so Monterrey signed Desir to three more years and $7,360,000 after the 1996 campaign. After a career of great durability, disaster struck on August 29, 1998. Desir was diagnosed with a damaged elbow ligament with 14 months of recovery time expected. Many figured that was the end of his career, but Desir was determined to make it back.

With a lot of hard work, Desir did return to make five starts at the end of the 1999 season. However, he looked firmly mediocre and wasn’t used in the postseason as the Matadors lost in the MLCS. Desir retired that winter at age 40 and his #28 uniform was immediately retired for his role in the great dynasty.

Desir ended up with a 255-130 record, 2.45 ERA, 3784.2 innings, 3652 strikeouts, only 365 walks for a 10.0 K/BB, 395/510 quality starts, 61 complete games, 138 ERA+, 78 FIP-, and 91.9 WAR. As of 2037, Desir sits 18<sup>th</sup> all-time in pitching WAR, ninth in wins, and 28<sup>th</sup> in strikeouts. He’s also CABA’s only Hall of Fame starter to toss more than 3000 innings and give up fewer than 400 walks in his career.

All of that, plus the great playoff numbers and four rings made Desir an obvious Hall of Fame choice. It was surprising that he was the first unanimous pick though, since despite his greatness, Desir isn’t coming up in the GOAT conversations. Regardless, his spot was well deserved to headline the 2005 CABA class.

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Yohnny “Flip” Galaz – First Base/Designated Hitter – Trinidad Trail Blazers – 85.5% First Ballot

Yohnny Galaz was a 6’1’’, 200 pound left-handed slugger from San Jose de las Matas. It is a municipality of around 109,000 people in the Dominican Republic’s Santiago province. Galaz was renowned for his home run power, which some scouts called a 10/10 at his peak. Five times, Galaz smacked 50+ dingers in a season. He was also a good to sometimes great contact hitter with a respectable ability at drawing walks and average strikeout rate. Galaz would also get you around 25-30 doubles most years, but he wasn’t going to leg out extra bases often. His speed and baserunning ability were both absolutely abysmal.

That also translated to lousy defense at first base, where Galaz played exclusively. About ¼ of his total career starts would come as a designated hitter. He didn’t have that option in his later years, but was about 60/40 DH/1B during his Trinidad prime. Galaz was a very durable player, setting 130+ starts each year from 1983-98. Galaz was one of the most beloved players of the era because he worked hard and socked dingers.

Galaz’s power was very evident in his amateur days, making him a hot commodity ahead of the 1980 CABA Draft. Trinidad picked him with the #2 overall pick, but he wasn’t considered fully formed yet. The Trail Blazers barely used him in 1981 or 1982 with a combined 26 games and 9 starts between the two years. He was rostered enough though for his rookie year to have been considered pass.

1983 was his first full season and he thrived, winning a Silver Slugger at DH and taking second in MVP voting. Galaz had his first of five 50+ homer seasons and his first of seven seasons worth 6+ WAR. He hit only 45 homers in 1984, but was the league leader for the first time as he won a Slugger at first base. In 1985, Galaz led with 61 homers and 395 total bases, getting his third SS (2<sup>nd</sup> at 1B) and a second in MVP voting.

With that, Trinidad signed Galaz to an eight-year, $8,490,000 extension after the 1985 campaign. The Trail Blazers still seemed no closer to contention though. Since 1975, Trinidad had absolutely stunk with no winning seasons from 1975-87 and only three seasons in there where they cracked 70 wins. There was hope Galaz could fix that, but 58 and 64 win efforts in 1986 and 1987 didn’t leave many with optimism. Galaz regressed in those years as well, only getting 26 homers in 1986.

In 1988, Galaz exploded with a record-setting season. He smacked 72 home runs, breaking Lobo Villanueva’s CABA record from 1990. No one would top this mark in CABA until 2034, although two would match it in the interim. Galaz also led in runs, hits, RBI, total bases, slugging, OPS, wRC+, and WAR. The 11.1 WAR was especially remarkable from a DH season. Galaz was Player of the Month thrice that year, won his fourth Silver Slugger, and his lone MVP.

This also turned things around for Trinidad, who went from only 64 wins the prior year to a division champ at 94-68. The Trail Blazers went on a playoff run and earned the franchise’s first CABA championship, beating Juarez in the final. Galaz continued his tear into the postseason, winning CLCS MVP. In 17 playoff starts, he had 21 hits, 12 runs, 2 doubles, 7 home runs, and 15 RBI. That run alone forever made him a Trinidad hero, as the 1988 season is their only CABA ring as of 2037.

Galaz won three more Silver Sluggers as a DH from 1989-91. He led in runs and OPS in 1989; and homers, RBI, and total bases in 1991. Trinidad was out of the cellar now, but they were stuck just above .500 during these seasons. Galaz also played for his native Dominican Republic from 1983-92 in the World Baseball Championship. In 85 games and 76 starts, he had 75 hits, 49 runs, 6 doubles, 34 home runs, 62 RBI, a .259/.336/.631 slash, 171 wRC+, and 4.0 WAR.

1991 would be his final season with Trinidad, as Galaz surprised many by opting out of the remainder of his contract. He’d still be a beloved franchise icon with the distinction of being the first Hall of Famer wearing the Trail Blazers hat. His #11 uniform was retired at career’s end. With Trinidad, Galaz had 1569 hits, 865 runs, 214 doubles, 456 home runs, 1008 RBI, a .293/.347/.596 slash, 166 wRC+, and 59.6 WAR.

No one was sure what was next for the 32 year old Galaz. Few would have guessed his next move, as he left CABA for the Oceania Baseball Association. Very few had gone from CABA to OBA with most observers considering that a move “backward” in terms of talent level and pay. Galaz made a lengthy move to New Zealand, inking a four-year, $4,240,000 with Christchurch.

Galaz lived up to the deal, winning four Silver Sluggers at first base in his four seasons with the Chinooks. That gave him 11 total Sluggers for his career. He led the Australasia League with 43 home runs in 1992, but otherwise wasn’t a league leader and was never an MVP finalist. Galaz was a reliable slugger in the low offense environment of OBA.

Christchurch won AL pennants in 1992 and 1996, but lost in the Oceania Championship both years. Galaz was merely okay in his 13 playoff starts there with 10 hits, 8 runs, 4 homers, and 6 RBI. In total with Christchurch, Galaz had 645 hits, 331 runs, 115 doubles, 143 home runs, 399 RBI, a .276/.331/.527 slash, 160 wRC+, and 20.8 WAR. His Chinooks deal would expire after the 1995 season.

Now 36 years old, Galaz put out feelers for a CABA return. Certainly, he was well remembered and the Mexican League’s Guadalajara gave him a two-year, $4,720,000 deal. He had a strong return season worth 6.9 WAR and the Hellhounds made the playoffs, although they lost in the wild card round. Guadalajara ultimately kept Galaz around four seasons, where he reached the 500 home run, 2000 hit, and 1000 run milestones.

Galaz was merely good in 1997 and 1998. Then in 1999, his power had gone and he was firmly a below average bat. Guadalajara benched him and Galaz made only 61 starts that final season. With the Hellhounds, he had 493 hits, 259 runs, 82 doubles, 111 home runs, 261 RBI, a .285/.347/.543 slash, 155 wRC+, and 14.7 WAR. He retired in the winter of 1999 at age 40.

For his entire pro career, Galaz had 2707 hits, 1455 runs, 411 doubles, 710 home runs, 1668 RBI, a .287/.343/.570 slash, 163 wRC+, and 95.1 WAR. Being a member of the 700 home run club for a career is an impressive accomplishment to be sure. The four-year excursion to New Zealand would keep him from shining more prominently on the CABA leaderboards.

Still, in CABA Galaz had 2062 hits, 1124 runs, 296 doubles, 567 home runs, 1269 RBI, a .291/.347/.583 slash, 164 wRC+, and 74.3 WAR. The accumulations weren’t at the very top and some voters are iffy on DHs. However, lots of homers, the single-season homer record, and helping a newer franchise to its first-ever title are achievements worthy of enshrinement. Galaz picked up 85.5% to secure his spot in the 2005 CABA Hall of Fame class.

FuzzyRussianHat

06-01-2024 07:00 PM

2005 EAB Hall of Fame (Part 1)

East Asia Baseball’s 2005 Hall of Fame class was a hefty one with four players making the cut. EAB had seen three-player groups from 2002-04 and continued to load up the Hall. Voters were easily solid too with all four guys getting first ballot adds. 1B Byung-Il Jun (99.7%) and SP Ha-Ram Lee (98.3%), were absolute locks, while CF Yuma Akasaka (85.1%) and 1B Do-Yun En (78.1%) both had few doubters.

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The other two guys above 50% were 2B Seong-Jae Kang at 57.3% in his tenth and final try, as well as LF Jin-Uk Song with 50.7% for his third go. For Kang, he had an 18-year career with five teams, winning five Silver Sluggers. He had 2816 hits, 1385 runs, 393 doubles, 348 triples, 152 home runs, 935 RBI, a .325/.363/.504 slash, 146 wRC+, and 66.2 WAR.

Kang’s WAR totals were sank by his cartoonishly abysmal defense though. At second, he finished with a career -183.9 zone rating and .882 EFF. Still, the offensive totals were worth a look, although the low home run/RBI stats as a lead-off guy also worked against him. Still, Kang got tantalizingly close, receiving 60% four times. In 2004, he was at 65.2%, less than a full point away. Kang would end at 57.3% though, forever getting banished to the Hall of Pretty Good.

Also dropped after ten ballots was reliever Dong-Myung Choy, who won both Reliever of the Year and Pitcher of the Year in 1978 with Chiba, posting 7.5 WAR in 94 innings with 169 strikeouts and 40 saves. He had a 17-year career between EAB and MLB with his EAB numbers being 322 saves over 957.2 innings, 2.67 ERA, 1305 strikeouts, 139 ERA+, and 31.3 WAR. Other relievers had gotten in with similar or arguably weaker stats in the EAB Hall, but Choy was only outstanding for a about 2/3 year stretch. He peaked at 50.0% in 1997 but ended at only 22.2%.

Another pitcher, Tae Oh, fell off the ballot after ten years as well. He peaked at 41.5% in 1997 but ended at only 7.6%. A 17-year veteran between EAB, MLB, and EPB, his EAB accolades split between starting and relief a 120-81 record, saw 164 saves and 191 shutdowns, a 3.04 ERA, 1720 strikeouts in 1691.1 innings, 125 ERA+, and 41.7 WAR. He wasn’t a closer long enough for a lot of voters and he was merely decent as a starter, leaving him on the outside.

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Byung-Il Jun – First Base/Designated Hitter – Seongnam Spiders – 99.7% First Ballot

Byung-Il Jun was a 6’2’’, 200 pound left-handed first baseman from Daejeon; South Korea’s fifth-largest metropolis with around 1.5 million people. Jun was an excellent contact hitter with great home run power and a solid eye. Eight times, Jun posted 40+ home runs in a season. He also was good for around 25-35 doubles most years. Jun scored a lot because he got on base a ton, but his baserunning skills were garbage.

Jun made all of his starts in the field at first base. He was a poor defender generally, but not atrocious. He made roughly 70% of his starts at 1B with the rest as a designated hitter. Jun was a sparkplug who worked very hard while also showing excellent durability much of his career. From 1980-98, he had 150+ games in all but three seasons. With his remarkable bat, it isn’t a surprise that Jun became one of Korea’s most adored baseball stars of the era.

After a very good amateur career at Busan’s Dong-A University, Jun was eligible in the 1977 EAB Draft. He was picked seventh overall by Seongnam and would spend his entire EAB career with the Spiders. Jun was a full-time roster guy in his first two years, but mostly pinch hit as he made only 88 starts between the years. 1980 marked a full-time move into the starting role, a spot he’d hold for the next 12 years for Seongnam. In April 1981, the Spiders gave Jun an eight-year, $3,706,000 deal, locking him up at a relatively bargain rate.

In 1981, Jun emerged as a star, leading the Korea League in RBI, total bases, triple slash, wRC+, and WAR. It was one of four seasons he’d have worth 8+ WAR and one of nine that he had 7+ WAR. Jun also smacked 50 home runs, falling one short of a Triple Crown season. This earned him KL MVP and his first Silver Slugger. Seongnam also won 92 games, but saw their postseason drought grow to ten seasons.

Jun repeated as MVP and Silver Slugger in 1982 by leading again in WAR, wRC+, and OPS. He also led in hits while smacking 44 home runs. Seongnam ended the playoff drought and won the Korea League for the first time in franchise history. Kawasaki beat them in the EAB final, but they were finally a contender after mostly mediocrity prior. In 15 playoff starts, Jun had 18 hits, 11 runs, 4 doubles, 2 home runs, and 6 RBI.

The Spiders made the playoffs again in 1983, 1984, and 1985. They were the lowest wild card in 1983, but went on a tear, defeating Sapporo for the franchise’s first EAB title. Jun had 18 hits, 10 runs, 5 doubles, 4 home runs, and 11 RBI over 16 playoff starts. Seongnam would be one-and-done in the other two seasons, but did win division titles.

Jun was third in 1983 MVP voting, third in 1984, and second in 1985. He also won Sluggers in 1984 and 1985. He won his second and third batting titles in 83-84 and had a career-best 8.5 WAR in 1983. Jun would opt out of his contract after the 1984 season, but two weeks later signed a new eight-year, $6,420,000 deal with Seongnam.

The Spiders were respectable from 1986-89, but couldn’t make the playoffs any of those years. In 1987, Jun won his third MVP and fifth Silver Slugger, posting a career and league-best 51 home runs. He also led in RBI, total bases, OPS, and wRC+. 1988 would be Jun’s first major injury setback, as he suffered a broken kneecap in August. That knocked him out for ninth months, but he worked his way back in time for a full 1989 campaign.

In 1989, he had career and league highs in hits (220), RBI (150), and total bases (408). Jun was also the leader in runs for the first time, as well as both OPS and WAR for the third time. This earned a fourth MVP and a sixth Silver Slugger. He was only the eighth EAB player to have 150+ RBI in a season, a feat that hadn’t been reached in two decades.

Jun was outstanding again in 1990, leading in runs, hits, average, OBP, and OPS. It was his fourth batting title and earned his fifth MVP and sixth Silver Slugger. Jun became only the second player in EAB history to win five MVPs, joining all-time hit king Byung-Oh Tan.

This effort also got Seongnam back into the playoffs as a wild card, where they put together another playoff run. The Spiders won their second EAB title, this time defeating Niigata in the final. Jun again stepped up in the playoffs, getting 25 hits, 15 runs, 3 doubles, 8 home runs, and 15 RBI over 17 playoff starts.

Jun was absolutely beloved by Seongnam fans, but was extremely popular nationwide. He played for South Korea from 1981-97 in 14 editions of the World Baseball Championship. With 138 games and 121 starts, Jun had 126 hits, 83 runs, 17 doubles, 42 home runs, 92 RBI, a .273/.367/.582 slash, 163 wRC+, and 5.9 WAR.

Seongnam got back to the KLCS in 1991, but were denied by Goyang. This marked the end of Jun’s original run, where he had a career-best 120 runs and 40 doubles. He also led in walks for the first time, OBP for the fifth, and OPS for the fifth. To the surprise of many, the Spiders voided the team option year for a buyout of $150,000, making Jun a free agent after the 1991 season.

The 35-year old Jun had worldwide suitors and ended up making the move to America on a three-year, $5,700,000 deal with Wichita. He had two respectable years to start with the Wasps, but wasn’t elite. A strained abdominal cost him a chunk of 1994. Wichita did earn their first-ever playoff appearance this year, but lost in the wild card round.

Wichita gave him another two years and $5,440,000 just before the 1995 season. Disaster would strike though with a torn PCL in June. The original diagnosis was 9-10 months, but a setback forced an additional surgery and added another 12 months on top of that. Wichita let him go, giving him 10.0 WAR, 463 hits, 251 runs, 57 doubles, 90 home runs, 262 RBI, a .253/.314/.438 slash, and 127 wRC+ for the MLB run.

Jun was unemployed most of 1996, but didn’t want to end his career with the injury. Las Vegas signed him in late August 1996, but he was never cleared to participate for them. Most places figured he was done or at best, damaged goods. Jun went home to South Korea and angled for a return with Seongnam. He was still beloved by Spiders fans for his role in their two titles. They gave him a one-year, $2,240,000 deal for the 1997 season.

Jun triumphantly played the whole season at age 40 and while not outstanding, was still a good starter. That year, he passed the EAB milestones of 500 home runs, 2500 hits, and 1500 RBI. Seongnam brought him back for 1998 and he looked even better, leading the league in RBI for the fourth time in his career.

The Spiders hadn’t made the playoffs since he left, but snapped that drought in 1998, falling in the KLCS to Bucheon. A strained abdominal muscle would cost him much of the postseason run. For his playoff career, Jun had 69 starts with Seongnam with 81 hits, 44 runs, 15 doubles, 17 home runs, 41 RBI, a .319/.369/.587 slash, 160 wRC+, and 3.4 WAR.

Seongnam brought Jun back for one more year in 1999, but age finally caught up with him. He stunk with -0.5 WAR in 72 games and 14 starts, relegated to the bench. Jun retired that winter at age 43 and the Spiders immediately retired his #20 uniform.

For his entire pro career, Jun had 3277 hits, 1717 runs, 490 doubles, 658 home runs, 1956 RBI, 1062 walks, a .316/.378/.563 slash, 155 wRC+, and 104.1 WAR. The four years in Wichita did cost Jun slightly in terms of featuring at the top of the EAB leaderboard. Still, his Seongnam tenure was a slam dunk by itself.

For the Spiders, Jun had 2814 hits, 1466 runs, 433 doubles, 568 home runs, 1694 RBI, 904 walks, a .329/.391/.590 slash, 161 wRC+, and 94.2 WAR. As of 2037 among EAB Hall of Famers, he ranks ninth in batting average, tenth in OBP, and eleventh in OPS. Five MVPs and two championships helped make Jun a baseball superstar in his time, nearly unanimously getting in at 99.7%. He was an excellent choice to headline an impressive four-player EAB Hall of Fame class in 2005.

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Ha-Ram Lee – Starting Pitcher – Incheon Inferno – 98.3% First Ballot

Ha-Ram Lee was a 6’2’’, 200 pound left-handed pitcher from Busan, South Korea. Lee had absolutely electric stuff that graded out as a 10/10 in his prime. He had a 98-100 mph fastball and mixed it with a great cutter, strong slider, and weak changeup. Lee also had great control, although his movement graded out as merely above average.

He was considered great at holding runners, although his stamina were merely okay compared to most aces of EAB. Lee was a fan favorite, well liked due to a strong work ethic and great leadership skills. Big injuries would derail him in his early 30s, but Lee was reliably durable in the early part of his career.

Lee attended Chung-Ang University in Seoul and excellent as a college pitcher. When the 1987 EAB Draft came around, Incheon snagged him with the #2 overall pick. Lee was a full-time starter right away and an immediate success, leading the Korea League in strikeouts and quality starts as a rookie. He took second in both Rookie of the Year and Pitcher of the Year in that debut season.

That year also a turnaround year for the Inferno, who had won only 62 games in 1987. They hadn’t made the playoffs since 1973, but won a division title in 1988. They also were a wild card in 1989, but were one-and-done both years. In his two playoff starts, he had a 2.76 ERA over 16.1 innings. Despite Lee’s efforts, Incheon hovered in the middle-tier for the next few years before falling back to mediocrity in the mid 1990s.

Lee was far from mediocre though. From 1989-93 with Incheon, he led the league in wins twice, ERA twice, strikeouts thrice, WHIP thrice, quality starts once, and WAR once. All five seasons were above 6.5+ WAR. Lee won Pitcher of the Year in 1989 and 1991, while taking second in 1990.

1991 was especially special, as Lee threw the 12<sup>th</sup> pitching Triple Crown season in EAB history. He had a 19-7 record, 1.83 ERA, and 342 strikeouts along with a career-best 9.6 WAR. Lee also had the very unique accomplishment of having two no-hitters in the same season. The first was August 10 with 11 strikeouts and two walks against Bucheon. Exactly one month later on September 10, he had 16 Ks and one walk versus Pyongyang.

By 1994, Incheon was terrible and they knew that 1995 was the last year they’d have Lee before free agent eligibility. The Inferno let it known that they were willing to shop him and found a buyer in 1994 in Busan in exchange for five prospects. With the Inferno, Lee had a 104-67 record, 2.65 ERA, 1599.2 innings, 2135 strikeouts, 295 walks, 143 ERA+, 68 FIP-, and 48.6 WAR.

Lee was excited to return to his hometown. Busan was pushing to end a ten-year playoff drought and succeeded with a wild card, although they were one-and-done. Lee’s split 1994 season saw him lead again in strikeouts and WHIP while posting 8.5 WAR, earning his third Pitcher of the Year. Quite pleased with their pickup, Busan locked Lee up in March 1995 with a seven-year, $19,320,000 extension.

In 1995, Lee posted his second Triple Crown season with career bests in wins (24-8), ERA (1.66), strikeouts (392), WHIP (0.73), innings (277), and quality starts (32). The 392 Ks fell only five short of the then single-season record and still ranks 12<sup>th</sup> as of 2037. Lee won his fourth Pitcher of the Year, the fifth in Korea League history to reach the mark. The Blue Jays made the KLCS, but lost to Yongin.

Busan got back to the 1996 KLCS, but lost that time to Ulsan. For his six playoff starts there, Lee had a 3.13 ERA over 46 innings and 51 strikeouts. His ERA regressed to a career worst 3.56 in 1996, but he led in strikeouts for the seventh time in his career and still posted 6.1 WAR. The Blue Jays were one-and-done in 1997 as a wild card and began a playoff drought after that.

Lee had bigger problems in 1997. In the World Baseball Championship that January, he suffered a partially torn labrum. It was only the fourth time he had pitched for South Korea in the WBC, posting a 3.04 ERA over 53.1 innings with 81 strikeouts in his run. The recovery time was three months, meaning he’d be back in May to begin the year with Busan.

On June 19, he partially tore his labrum again and after a setback, was on the shelf for seven months total. Lee had to dramatically change up his game, as the injury lowered his velocity and meant he couldn’t overpower you with his stuff. Gone were the big strikeout numbers, but he still had a good full 1998 worth 4.5 WAR, evening leading the KL in quality starts.

Lee’s velocity dropped even more in 1999, now down to 92-94 mph after previously being 98-100 mph. He looked delightfully average for the season, which ended in early September due to bone chips in his elbow.

Lee remained under contract for 2000 with Busan, but wasn’t used. He decided to retire that winter at age 35. In total with the Blue Jays, he had an 83-34 record, 2.75 ERA, 1107 innings, 1278 strikeouts, 190 walks, 138 ERA+, 78 FIP-, and 27.2 WAR.

The career stats for Lee: 187-101 record, 2.69 ERA, 2706.2 innings, 3413 strikeouts, 485 walks, 249/355 quality starts, 141 ERA+, 72 FIP-, and 75.8 WAR. He didn’t have the longevity to climb up the leaderboards, but peak Lee was among the most dominant pitchers EAB had seen. The voters didn’t need much convincing, giving Lee the first ballot addition at 98.3%.

FuzzyRussianHat

06-02-2024 02:22 AM

2005 EAB Hall of Fame (Part 2)

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Yuma Akasaka – Center Field – Osaka Orange Sox – 85.1% First Ballot

Yuma Akasaka was a 5’11’’, 200 pound right-handed center fielder from Sayama, Japan; a city of around 150,000 within the Saitama Prefecture. Akasaka was a great contact hitter that was solid at avoiding strikeouts, but below average at drawing walks. He didn’t have prolific power, but still had a reliable pop in his bat. Akasaka averaged 24 home runs and 35 doubles/triples per his 162 game average. Despite center field being associated with speed, Akasaka was laughably slow and sluggish as a baserunner.

However, he was excellent at timing his jumps and showed nice range in the field. Along with a strong arm and glove, Akasaka graded out as a consistently good to sometimes great defender in CF. He made a small number of starts at first base and third base as well. Akasaka was hard working and very intelligent, allowing him to succeed and become very popular. He also had pretty good durability over an 18 year career.

Akasaka attended Rikkio University in Niiza and earned plenty of attention ahead of the 1980 EAB Draft. With the sixth overall pick, Osaka added Akasaka to the roster. He was a part-time starter with decent results in 1981, but was relegated almost exclusively to the bench in 1982. Akasaka got the job back in 1983 and held it for the next 14 years for the Orange Sox.

1983 would be the first of 12 seasons of 6+ WAR for Akasaka. Before the 1985 season, Osaka signed him to an eight-year, $6,550,000 deal. He won his first Silver Slugger in 1985 with an 8.7 WAR season. This season, the Orange Sox ended a 26-year playoff drought, posting the Japan League’s best record. This would be the first of six consecutive playoff berths for Osaka.

The Orange Sox would claim the 1985 EAB Championship, besting Yongin. In 17 playoff games, Akasaka had 17 hits, 4 runs, 4 doubles, 1 homer, and 5 RBI. The next three years, Osaka was one-and-done each year in the playoffs. Akasaka was great though, winning his second Silver Slugger in 1986 with a second place in MVP voting. He posted league and career bests in doubles (45), batting average (.363), and OBP (.389), while also posting a career-best 9.8 WAR.

That would be Akasaka’s only time as a league leader except for leading in hits in 1990. Still, he won additional Silver Sluggers in 1987-92 and 94-96, earning 11 in total. In 1989, Akasaka had a 9.7 WAR season and won his lone MVP. Osaka won the EAB crown again, besting Daegu in the final. Akasaka had 17 playoff starts with 27 hits, 6 runs, 3 doubles, 1 home run, and 11 RBI.

That was the best of his postseason efforts. For his career with Osaka, he had 52 starts, 66 hits, 18 runs, 7 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 23 RBI, a .332/.354/.447 slash, and 148 wRC+. The Orange Sox would go one-and-done in 1990, then go on a playoff drought from 1991-95.

Akasaka missed some time in 1991 to injury, but bounced back with reliable stats into his 30s. In January 1993, Osaka gave Akasaka a five-year, $6,900,000 extension. The Orange Sox broke their drought in 1996, but again were one-and-done. That was Akasaka’s last time playing in the postseason for Osaka.

In 1997, Akasaka was still respectable, but saw only 3.0 WAR and 125 wRC+, his worst full season efforts of his career. He had one year left on his deal, but Osaka opted to trade him away to Yongin for two prospects. Akasaka remained very popular with Orange Sox fans and kept a good relationship with the franchise, who would retire his #1 uniform shortly.

Akasaka was a full-time starter for the Gold Sox in 1998, but were merely an okay starter. The Gold Sox gave him a qualifying offer for 1999, but he struggled in his limited action and was relegated to the bench. Akasaka didn’t get to the 3000 hit threshold as he hoped, posting 105 wRC+ and 1.5 WAR in 250 games for Yongin. Akasaka was unsigned in 2000 and retired that winter at age 41.

Akasaka ended with 2962 hits, 1225 runs, 492 doubles, 59 triples, 390 home runs, 1414 RBI, a .316/.353/.505 slash, 160 wRC+, and 114.4 WAR. As of 2037, Akasaka’s 18<sup>th</sup> all-time in WAR by a position player. At retirement, he was one of only nine players in EAB history with 11 or more Silver Sluggers. That made him a pretty solid choice for the voters, earning 85.1% and a first ballot selection with the 2005 EAB Hall of Fame class.

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Do-Yun En – First Base/Designated Hitter- Kumamoto Monsters – 78.1% First Ballot

Do-Yun En was a 6’0’’, 195 pound switch-hitting first baseman from Busan, South Korea. En was a good contact hitter with a great eye for drawing walks, although his strikeout rate was subpar. He was a strong bat with a 162 game average of 32 doubles, 13 triples, and 29 home runs. En wasn’t a prolific home run hitter, but his excellent gap power meant he regularly got extra base hits. En had average to below average speed and baserunning, but he was quicker than you’d expect from the average 1B/DH.

En made about half of his career starts at first base and was a terrible defender. Roughly 1/5 of his starts were split between right and left field, where En was even worse defensively. The remainder of his starts came as a designated hitter. He was a great batter with outstanding durability, playing 150+ games each year over 16 straight years.

En had a strong college run in Seoul with Sungkyunkwan University, putting him among the top prospects entered into the 1981 East Asia Baseball Draft. With the fifth overall pick, En was selected by Kumamoto. The Monsters were entering only their fifth season, having struggled since entering the Japan League with the 1978 expansion. Still, En only saw 18 appearances as a pinch hitter in 1982. He was rostered most of 1983 and posted 2.5 WAR despite only having 118 games and 47 starts. That earned him the full-time job from 1984 onward.

In his first full season, En led Japan in doubles and walks. The next year, he was the leader in runs, total bases, OBP, slugging and wRC+. The 228 wRC+ and 9.0 WAR were career bests, as was his 109 runs, 207 home runs, 40 home runs, 122 RBI, .354 average, and 1.087 OPS. This would be one of only two Silver Sluggers for En, along with a second place in MVP voting.

En remained reliably solid for the next few years, leading in walks drawn in both 1988 and 1989 as well as OBP in 1987. By 1988, Kumamoto was finally good enough to earn its first-ever playoff berth, albeit winning a lousy division at 80-82. En stunk in nine playoff starts with -0.3 WAR with the Monsters losing in the Japan League Championship Series to Yokohama.

Despite that playoff effort, En was a popular player and signed a five-year, $7,600,000 extension with Kumamoto in April 1989. Although playing in Japan, En would return to South Korea for the World Baseball Championship. From 1985-99, he had 102 games and 63 WBC starts, posting 71 hits, 45 runs, 19 doubles, 13 home runs, 34 RBI, 40 walks, a .260/.365/.487 slash, 146 wRC+, and 2.9 WAR.

1990 would be En’s second Silver Slugger and another second place MVP finish, leading the league in slugging (.633), OPS (1.049), and wRC+ (215). It was also his third season worth 7+ WAR. Kumamoto struggled into the early 1990s though and En began pondering his options. After the 1993 season, he declined his contract option, becoming a free agent heading into his age 34 season.

In total with Kumamoto, En had 1800 hits, 996 runs, 346 doubles, 144 triples, 302 home runs, 1019 RBI, 755 walks, a .305/.384/.567 slash, 187 wRC+, and 62.6 WAR. En remained a popular figure with Monsters fans and would see his #7 uniform later retired. He was also the first Hall of Fame inductee to go in representing one of the four 1978 expansion squads.

En returned home to Korea and signed a five-year, $10,360,000 deal with Suwon. He spent the vast majority of his time as a DH for the Snappers, leading the Korea League thrice in plate appearances. He also led in walks in 1995, but otherwise was generally was a good but not outstanding starter.

Suwon was a regular contender during En’s five-year tenure, winning four division titles. However, they were one-and-done thrice and lost in the 1997 KLCS to Yongin. En was at least respectable in his efforts in 23 starts with 25 hits, 13 runs, 5 doubles, 2 triples, 6 home runs, 16 RBI, and a .291/.344/.605 slash. In total with the Snappers, En had 828 hits, 470 runs, 146 doubles, 56 triples, 156 home runs, 402 RBI, a .273/.344/.513 slash, 134 wRC+, and 18.2 WAR.

En hit 2500 hits in his last year with Suwon, but it was statistically the weakest of his career. He was a free agent again coming up on age 39, but Seongnam gave En a one-year, $2,720,000 deal. He was very middling in his half season for the Spiders, but did cross the 1500 career runs scored threshold. En ultimately had 0.9 WAR and a 108 wRC+.

En’s career would end in July with a partially torn labrum, which cost him eight months total after a setback required surgery. He wanted to make a comeback, but no teams were interested in an aged DH off a major injury. After going unsigned in 2000, En retired that winter at age 40.

En ended with 2703 hits, 1505 runs, 508 doubles, 204 triples, 472 home runs, 1464 RBI, 1122 walks, 233 stolen bases, a .293/.370/.545 slash, 167 wRC+, and 81.7 WAR. Because of the normal big power at first and DH from competitors, En didn’t get a ton of awards looks. Plus, his primary years were on a struggling expansion team. However, as of 2037 he’s one of 27 guys with 500+ career doubles and one of only 25 with 1000+ career walks.

Although an arbitrary distinction, En is the only EAB player to have reached 500+ doubles, 200+ triples, 450+ home runs, and 1000+ walks. It was a strong enough resume that even in a stacked 2005 Hall of Fame group, En was able to break through for a first ballot addition at 78.1%. He was a solid way to round off an impressive four-player group.

FuzzyRussianHat

06-02-2024 11:09 AM

2005 BSA Hall of Fame

Two players picked up additions in 2005 into Beisbol Sudamerica’s Hall of Fame. Ageless outfielder Diego Fernandes was a first ballot nod with 83.2%. 3B Nicolas Carnicas joined him on his second try, just breaching the 66% requirement with 67.2%. Two other debutants were above 50% with SP Gonzalo Argueta (57.6%), and 2B Leonardo Salvador (51.9%). RF Jairo Vincente was right at 50% in his sixth ballot.

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Dropped after ten failed ballots was RF Dani Manzanares. He had a 19-year career almost exclusively with Salvador, winning one Silver Slugger with 2544 hits, 1279 runs, 496 doubles, 583 home runs, 1345 RBI, a .291/.340/.558 slash, 167 wRC+, and 81.1 WAR. He was a part of three championship teams and was great in the playoffs with a 181 wRC+ and 2.4 WAR in 46 starts, winning Copa Sudamerica MVP.

His accumulations don’t look out of place by any means, but Manzanares was a terrible defender who lacked major awards or many league-leading stats, winning one batting title and leading in doubles twice. When he debuted on the ballot at 60.2%, many figured it was a matter of time. However, Manzanares never got higher and ended at 49.2%, banished to the Hall of Pretty Good.

Also dropped was pitcher Augusto Tavaco, who led in wins and WHIP twice in a decade run with Sao Paulo. He had a 161-83 record, 2.65 ERA, 2291.2 innings, 2154 strikeouts, 128 ERA+, and 46.0 WAR. He left for MLB with his final four seasons with injury issues. Tavaco was good, but didn’t have the longevity or any major awards despite winning two rings with the Padres. He got as high as 43.7% on his second ballot, but plummeted to a paltry 4.2% at the end.

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Diego Fernandes – Outfielder – Sao Paulo Padres – 83.2% First Ballot

Diego Fernandes was a 6’0’’, 195 pound right-handed outfielder from Londrina, a city of roughly 588,000 people in southern Brazil’s state of Parana. In his prime, Fernandes was a quite solid contact hitter with a low strikeout rate, although he was below average at drawing walks. Fernandes wasn’t a big bopper, but he would get you a nice assortment of extra base hits most year with a 162 game average of 30 doubles, 10 triples, and 22 home runs.

Fernandes was lightning quick and considered one of the craftiest baserunners and stealers of all-time. He had remarkably impressive conditioning and maintained his base stealing abilities even into his mid 40s. Despite his legendary longevity, Fernandes was criticized by some for being lazy and a bit dumb. Even with those flaws, he is believed to be the oldest man to ever play in one of the major leagues.

Fernandes was primarily an outfielder, making roughly 40% of his starts in left field, around 30% in right, and around 20% as a designated hitter. The rest were sporadic starts in right field, first base, and shortstop. Fernandes’ best spot was LF, but he was still firmly subpar there. However, he was lousy elsewhere with his glove. Fernandes’ unique batting profile and his longevity would make him one of the more fascinating players of his era. Because his pro debut was 1979, Fernandes ended up playing in four different decades.

Fernandes was picked 16<sup>th</sup> overall by Sao Paulo in the 1978 Beisbol Sudamerica Draft. The Padres were a solid squad at that point, having won pennants in 1976 and 1977. They would go on a five-year playoff drought after that, but were always above .500. Fernandes couldn’t crack the lineup much in his first three seasons, making a total of 75 starts. In 1982, he finally became a full-time starter and was so for the next two decades, only missing time to occasional injuries.

Fernandes’ base running was especially noticeable, leading the Southern Cone League four times from 1983-87 and cracking triple-digits four times. 1983 would be his finest effort with career bests in steals (105), WAR (9.9), and wRC+(193). Fernandes also had a .344 average, 31 home runs, and 105 RBI. He took a Silver Slugger as a center fielder and took second in MVP voting.

Most importantly, Sao Paulo broke its playoff drought. The Padres won Copa Sudamerica in 1983 and Fernandes was the LCS MVP. In 10 playoff starts, he had 15 hits, 8 runs, 4 doubles, 8 RBI, and 7 steals. 1986 was another impressive effort for Fernandes with league and career-bests in hits (217), doubles (42), and batting average (.360). He was third in 1986 MVP voting, his final time as a finalist. Fernandes did win additional Silver Sluggers with the Padres in CF in 1984 and 1986.

Sao Paulo fell just short of the playoffs in 1984 and 1985, but began a five-year playoff streak in 1986. The Padres won the Southern Cone pennant in 1986, but lost to Cali in Copa Sudamerica. They were one-and-done in Fernandes’ remaining years. In his playoff tenure with SP, Fernandes had 22 starts, 30 hits, 13 runs, 5 doubles, 14 RBI, 16 steals, a .361/.402/.506 slash, and 161 wRC+.

Fernandes also had emerged as a great player for Brazil in the World Baseball Championship, making his debut in the 1984 edition. He had 208 games and 186 starts from 1984-01, posting 233 hits, 148 runs, 43 doubles, 36 home runs, 87 RBI, 120 stolen bases, a .309/.365/.517 slash, 152 wRC+, and 10.3 WAR.

He was second in 1984 MVP voting and led both that year and in 1990 with 36 hits. In 1990, Fernandes earned the MVP, also leading with 27 runs, 22 stolen bases, and 2.2 WAR. He had three world titles for Brazil in 1987, 1989, and 1990. As of 2037, his 120 WBC steals are seventh most all-time and his 233 hits are 16<sup>th</sup>.

Fernandes finally inked a long-term deal with Sao Paulo in September 1986 for five years and $5,770,000. He decided to opt out quite early, entering free agency after the 1988 season at age 31. It disappointed Padres fans, but they would later make up and his #7 uniform would be retired in Sao Paulo. Fernandes finished with 1427 hits, 670 runs, 208 doubles, 78 triples, 181 home runs, 628 RBI, 609 stolen bases, a .325/.355/.531 slash, 159 wRC+, and 44.3 WAR.

Fortaleza signed Fernandes to a six-year, $7,560,000 deal. The Foxes would be a one-and-done wild card in 1989, but sit just outside the playoffs in his other years. Fernandes was a good starter there, but not a league leader, winning one Silver Slugger in 1989 in left field. The run lasted five years, finishing with 907 hits, 446 runs, 143 doubles, 69 triples, 91 home runs, 367 RBI, 430 stolen bases, a .321/.350/.517, a 150 wRC+, and 24.5 WAR.

Fernandes declined the contract option year and entered free agency again at age 36. Belo Horizonte gave him a two-year, $2,760,000 deal, where he picked up his 2500<sup>th</sup> BSA hit and 1000<sup>th</sup> run. He also won his fifth and final Silver Slugger in 1994 at LF, leading the league that year with 98 steals. A strained hamstring cost him two months of 1995, but he posted two very strong seasons. With the Hogs, Fernandes had 342 hits, 143 runs, 54 doubles, 35 home runs, 151 RBI, 158 stolen bases, a .336/.365/.515 slash, 159 wRC+, and 11.5 WAR.

He was a free agent again at age 38 and had international suitors. That marked the end of his South American career, although very few probably could’ve guessed he’d play another nine seasons of pro ball. Fernandes’ final BSA line was 2676 hits, 1259 runs, 405 doubles, 159 triples, 307 home runs, 1146 RBI, 1197 stolen bases, a .325/.354/.524 slash, 156 wRC+, and 80.3 WAR.

As of 2037, he’s seventh in steals specifically in BSA. His post-BSA career didn’t matter to most voters and thus, he ended up with less eye-popping BSA accumulations. They were still firmly strong enough for most voters to give Fernandes the first ballot nod, highlighting the 2005 BSA class at 83.2%. His final years though gave him a more unique place in the greater annals of baseball history.

The 38-year old Fernandes got a three-year, $9,520,000 deal with MLB’s Nashville starting in 1996. Nagging injuries cost him small chunks of his Knights run, where he posted very league-average stats. With steals far more deemphasized in MLB, Fernandes’ best talents were perhaps wasted. He did get to compete in the 1996 American Association Championship Series, although again was unremarkable. In 364 games, he had 392 hits, 204 runs, 50 doubles, 41 home runs, 160 RBI, 100 steals, a .279/.313/.425 slash, 100 wRC+, and 2.9 WAR.

A free agent again at age 41, Fernandes still wanted to play and was still quite nimble. Few pro teams considered guys at that age regardless of their remaining talent. He would find a home just as the Arab League season started in 1999, signing a two-year, $1,460,000 deal with Mosul. This was in the midst of a dynasty run for the Muskies, who had won two conference pennants and one ALB title in the prior three years.

Mosul’s dynasty rolled on with Fernandes playing a notable role. The Muskies were 1999 and 2001 Arab League champs. They had a record-setting 121-41 2000 season, but suffered a shocking conference finals defeat to 83-win Kuwait. During this, Fernandes was a very good starter, posting three straight 4+ WAR seasons to start his run. Mosul had given him a three-year, $5,000,000 extension in September 2000.

Fernandes’ speed was timeline, remarkably stealing 92 bases in 2000 at age 42. He would swipe 73 bags in 2003 at 45, an absolutely absurd accomplishment. He was strong in the 1999 title run and in 26 playoff starts in total, posted 26 hits, 14 runs, 5 doubles, 4 home runs, 12 RBI, a .274/.324/.474 slash, and 121 wRC+.

Mosul’s playoff streak ended in 2003 at eight seasons. Fernandes was weaker, but still a fine start in 2003 and even started all 162 games. Father time finally caught up in 2004 with a -0.6 WAR effort over 63 games. He finally officially retired only a few days after his 47<sup>th</sup> birthday. Historians believe Fernandes is the oldest-ever player in a major pro league.

In six years with Mosul, all in his 40s, Fernandes had 804 hits, 426 runs, 155 doubles, 43 triples, 101 home runs, 345 RBI, 346 stolen bases, a .300/.341/.502 slash, 131 wRC+, and 17.6 WAR. That’s a strong run for any player, but doing that in your 40s and winning two league titles is unprecedented.

For his entire pro career, this gave Fernandes 3872 hits, 1889 runs, 610 doubles, 218 triples, 449 home runs, 1651 RBI, 1643 stolen bases, a .314/.347/.508 slash, 144 wRC+, and 100.8 WAR. At retirement, only Ishmael Perla (1721 in BSA-MLB) and Jun-Seong Noi (1656 between EAB-MLB).

Fernandes also at that point had the third most hits of any player in pro baseball history. Only the legendary Prometheo Garcia (4917 between CABA/MLB) and Stan Provost (4133 in MLB) had him beat. They were among a very short list with more games than Fernandes and Garcia is about the only guy close in terms of retirement age, calling it quits just after his 46<sup>th</sup> birthday.

Fernandes does have him beat in terms of major service at 25 years, 58 days compared to Garcia at 24 years, 59 days; although Garcia played a few hundred more games. Fernandes won’t be in the GOAT conversations like Garcia is, but he’s certainly one of the more fascinating stories in pro baseball history.

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Nicolas Carnicas – Third/First Base – Rio de Janeiro Redbirds – 67.2% Second Ballot

Nicolas Carnicas was a 6’2’’, 200 pound right-handed corner infielder from Soure, a town of 25,000 people in northern Brazil’s Para state. The town is on an island at the mouth of the Amazon River. Carnicas graded out as an above average contact hitter with solid power. He had a decent eye for walks, but a below average strikeout rate. Carnicas had 10 seasons with 30+ home runs and topped 40 thrice. He was also good for around 25-35 doubles per year.

Despite being a more of a power guy, Carnicas was a very crafty and intelligent baserunner. He successfully stole on 74% of his attempts, but had to pick his spots with merely average speed in his prime. Carnicas made around 3/4s of his starts at third base and was considered reliably good there. He started some at first early in his career and was terrific there, winning two Gold Gloves. Like most Hall of Famers, he had very good durability and became a popular figure in his time.

Carnicas was picked 13<sup>th</sup> overall by Rio de Janeiro in the 1980 Beisbol Sudamerica Draft. In his first two seasons, he was used only in a limited role and struggled in his few at-bats. By 1983, Carnicas took over a full-time starting job and excelled, posting 6.1 WAR in his first full year. It was the first of nine consecutive seasons worth 5.5+ WAR. Carnicas got his two Gold Gloves at first base in 1984 and 1985. While reliably great, he wasn’t an award winner or league leader otherwise. Sharing a league with eventual nine-time Silver Slugger winner Dyjan Rondo didn’t help Carnicas acquire hardware.

Part of that could be chalked up to Rio de Janeiro being lousy in the 1980s generally. The Redbirds gave Carnicas a five-year, $7,300,000 extension in June 1988 and he was a regular all-star for them. He was extremely popular in Rio, but became a national star around that time for his work in the World Baseball Championship for Brazil. He played on the team from 1986-98, although he was only a full-time starter from 1986-90.

In that run though, Carnicas helped Brazil win three world titles (1987, 1989, 1990). He was the WBC MVP in 1989, smacking 13 home runs with 24 RBI and 65 total bases in 26 starts, as well as 23 hits and 20 runs. In total, Carnicas had 145 games, 117 starts, 103 hits, 72 runs, 19 doubles, 39 home runs, 85 RBI, a .239/.321/.555 slash, 147 wRC+, and 4.7 WAR.

In 1990, Carnicas posted a career best 46 home runs and had 9.7 WAR, but still didn’t get awards consideration. Then in 1991, he was the WARlord with 10.6 WAR, finally winning his lone Silver Slugger and taking second in MVP voting. Rio ended a 15-year playoff drought, but lost to Belo Horizonte in the Southern Cone Championship. Carnicas had 12 hits, 7 runs, 2 homers, and 6 RBI in 11 playoff starts. This would be his only playoff action in his 15 year stint with the Redbirds.

Carnicas signed another three years at $4,140,000 for Rio de Janeiro after the 1993 season, but the team fell back into the mid-tier. Now in his mid 30s, Carnicas’ power had dropped considerably, although he still delivered around 4-5 WAR reliably. In 1995, he posted 4.1 WAR, the worst full season of his impressive career. Rio won only 71 games that year and decided to move Carnicas in the offseason, trading him to Sao Paulo for two prospects.

In total with Rio, Carnicas had 2095 hits, 1146 runs, 401 doubles, 444 home runs, 1101 RBI, 351 stolen bases, a .280/.331/.524 slash, 151 wRC+, and 90.7 WAR. He would remained beloved by Redbirds fans for years to come and his #22 uniform would get retired at the end of his career. But now 37 years old, Carnicas found himself in different colors.

Carnicas had a remarkable renaissance in his one year with Sao Paulo, leading the league with 10.1 WAR and taking second in MVP voting, adding 38 home runs, 94 RBI, and 183 wRC+. The Padres made the league final, but couldn’t compare to 115-win Recife. He did struggle in the playoffs, going 3-31.

Carnicas was a free agent again at 38, but that remarkable regular season effort raised his stock considerably. Santiago gave him a two-year, $5,040,000 deal. Carnicas was a great starter in 1997 with 5.8 WAR, but dropped to 3.1 WAR in the second year with merely average batting stats. His power sank in the second year with a career worst 15 home runs. He was good in 11 playoff games for the Saints with a .326/.326/.721 slash and 228 wRC+. However, Santiago lost in the 1997 LCS and lost in the 1998 first round.

Carnicas had 8.8 WAR, 51 home runs, and 117 wRC+ with Santiago. He was a free agent again for 1999, but the dwindling power and age didn’t help his cause even if he still was a reliable defender. After going unsigned in 1999, Carnicas retired at age 41 that winter.

Carnicas finished with 2518 hits, 1394 runs, 492 doubles, 533 home runs, 1342 RBI, 447 stolen bases, a .276/.327/.516 slash, 149 wRC+, and 109.6 WAR. As of 2037, he’s 23<sup>rd</sup> all-time in WAR among BSA position players. Carnicas’ great numbers almost surprised many voters, as he generally wasn’t a league leader or flashy guy.

Advanced stats were strong, but the accumulations without big awards or playoff success meant there were detractors. Carnicas missed the cut on his ballot debut in 2004 at 64.8%. He only barely crossed the line in 2005 at 67.2%, but earned the second ballot induction.

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