1941
American scientists have developed the technology to use radio waves for echolocation. This will allow us to build fighters, bombers, paratroopers, and importantly for league expansion, airports.
We have negotiated a deal with Greece to allow us open borders to their country without compromising our own security. They have demanded silver in return for the ability to recruit Greek ballplayers, and the Buffalo Argent have stepped up and answered the call. We have also renewed our open borders policy with Egypt and Japan.
A World Congress has been established to answer growing concerns by other countries and city states that America may be too powerful. We are seen as an aggressive warmonger by some countries because of our harsh retaliation against the Byzantines. Greece has the most backing and we don't trust their intentions, so we threw our votes behind Venice to stay the neutral host for the Congress.
Washington LF John Campbell was the top free agent this offseason. He had some injury issues in recent seasons but is still an offensive force, winning the MVP in 1937. Significant free agent signings:
Washington LF John Campbell -> Houston Citadel
Buffalo C Jason Marcus -> Washington Elephants
Houston SP Tony Diaz -> New York Admirals
Miami 3B Asmerom Simai -> Miami Haberdashers
Washington RP Doug Katz -> Washington Elephants
Boston 3B Calvino Delicati -> Washington Elephants
Writers, fans and baseball pundits celebrated the induction of two new members of the CBA Hall of Fame, SP Hashim Imad and CF Abdul-Jalil Nu'man. "I really don't know what to say during such an enormous moment," Nu'man said, "because words cannot describe all the feelings and thoughts running through my head. The love and appreciation from all my fellow players and all the fans out there has been overwhelming, but I would not be here today without the love and support of my family. My greatest thanks goes to them."
Entering the season the Almaty Diamond Kings had three of the top 10 prospects to watch.
Masters Division: On draft day the New York Admirals had a 3 game lead over the Portland Stags, with the Chicago Miners and Buffalo Argent following close behind. The Admirals strengthened their lead, and by the trade deadline the Miners had crept up to a half game behind Portland. On the last day of the season the Miners beat the Stags 4-3 at home to set up a sudden-death game in Portland, and in that game SS Guignard Falconiere hit a clutch 7th inning double to put the Stags ahead and into the playoffs. The division series was back-and-forth, and finally decided in a 7th game in New York: Portland jumped on Admirals SP Mike Guarino early and earned a return to the championship with a 7-4 victory.
Legends Division: The Washington Elephants stampeded out to an early 5 game lead over the Miami Haberdashers, 12 games ahead of the rest, who were all fighting to stay out of last place. The standings remained the same over the summer, although the San Francisco Zoo did separate themselves from the bottom tier to grab a firm hold of third place. Washington continued to stomp their way through the division, beating Miami 4 games to 2. SP Hide Saito had two complete game victories for the Elephants.
CBL Championship: Portland looked like they were on their way to an easy repeat, gaining a 3 games to 1 advantage over the Elephants, but Washington rallied back to tie the series. Pitching at home, veteran pitchers Mike Trego and Doug Katz were unable to stop the Stag offense and Portland rolled to an impressive 9-5 victory to defend their title. CF Eric Heath batted .385 in the 7 games and was named series MVP.
Portland's decision to hire Hall of Fame SP Waleed Harith as manager last season has paid immediate dividends with their second world title.
Portland Stags SS Josh Irby was named league MVP for the third time, and New York Admirals SP Chris Morgan won his second Best Pitcher Award. Portland 3B Kevin Chandler was selected as Rookie of the Year.
The Atlanta Bison, Almaty Diamond Kings, Los Angeles Steel, San Francisco Zoo, and St. Louis Pioneers are all still seeking their first championship.