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BNN Weekly Report
This Week in the CBO, BMU, and GBRL
by Nat Wright-Kawolski
14 October 2303
Sole Survivor Series VIII Begins Today
Today marks the beginning of the eighth-annual Sole Survivor Series as the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud take on the Roxbury Rad Sox in Atomatoys Stadium at Roxbury.
These two teams took quite different paths to get to the final series, so let's take a look at each team's journey.
The Roxbury Rad Sox are making just their second playoff appearance and first Sole Survivor Series. Led by third-year manager, Coffee Kupp, the Rad Sox finished 83-37 (.691) on the season, tops in the South Charles Association. Kupp is known as a pitcher's manager, feeling his team is best when the pitching staff is strong, and Roxbury certainly has that.
The top three rated players by OSA scouts on the Rad Sox squad are SP Nuke Laloosh (13-2, 1.73), CL Andy Helium (29 SV, 3.18), and 2B Chris Connexx (.302/21/95). Roxbury has a CBO-high 18 players rated as plus-players, another word for "good" and only one minus-player, or below average. There are no significant injuries for the team entering the Sole Survivor Series.
By month in the regular season, the Sox went 15-5 in April, 18-4 in May, 16-5 in June, 6-14 in July, 20-2 in August, and 8-7 in September. In the playoffs, Roxbury downed their Railroad League rivals, the Diamond City Swatters, three games to two and then beat the defending champions, the University Point Deathclaws, four games to one.
The Silver Shroud led the Institute League for most of the season but relinquished that lead on the 121st game, a tie breaker game versus the Concord Radstags. Fort Hagen finished 64-57 (.529), earning them the 4th seed in the 2303 playoffs. For the Shroud, 2303 marked the seventh-straight season in the playoffs. While they have never won the championship, they did play in two Sole Survivor Series, both losses to the back-to-back champions, the Swatters.
For Fort Hagen in the regular season, they went 11-9 in April, 12-10 in May, 12-9 in June, 11-9 in July, 10-12 in August, and 8-8 in September. Their playoff run has been longer. In the Play-In Series, the Shroud defeated playoff newcomers, the Sunshine Tidings Chemists, two games to one. Fort Hagen upset the CBO's best team, the County Crossing Bloodbugs, three games to two in the semifinals, and then they overcame their second-place finish to defeat Institute League champions, the Stags, four games to one.
Silver Shroud players atop the OSA scouting list are CF Ben Pawlak (.348/18/67), SP/RP Jim Livermore (9-11, 4.34), and ace SP Derek Green (16-8, 2.59). Twelve of the Shroud's 25 players are considered plus-players and just one is a minus-player. Like the Sox, Fort Hagen has no significant injuries entering the Series.
Sole Survivor Series History
2296: The Slog 4, Finch Farm 1
2297: Oberland 4, Nordhagen Beach 2
2298: Goodneighbor 4, Easy Town 0
2299: Diamond City 4, Fort Hagen 2
2300: Diamond City 4, Fort Hagen 3
2301: Nordhagen Beach 4, Atom 1
2302: University Point 4, Nordhagen Beach 3
Player Spotlights
CF Ben Pawlak, Fort Hagen
Ben Pawlak, the pride of Milton, Massachusetts, west of Quincy has become a legendary figure within the CBO as a member of the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud. Born on March 23, 2277, Pawlak's passion for the game was evident from an early age, and he swiftly rose through the ranks, making a name for himself as an extraordinary center fielder.
A youth player in the Quincy Youth League for the Poseidon Energy Red, Pawlak batted .441 in 26 games with 13 home runs, 52 runs scored, 42 driven in, and 20 stolen bases in his final season in 2296. That was the only year that stats were recorded as a mandate for draft eligibility in the CBO. Pawlak then left the QYL for the CBO draft in 2296.
Drafted by the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud in the 2296 Rookie Draft as the 3rd overall pick, Pawlak quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His incredible athleticism, exceptional fielding skills, and lightning-fast speed made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Throughout his career, Pawlak has accumulated a remarkable collection of accolades and achievements. He is a three-time recipient of the prestigious Nuka-Hitter Award, awarded to the top offensive player in the association, having claimed the title in 2300, 2301, and 2302. His ability to consistently connect with the ball and drive in runs has earned him a reputation as one of the most feared hitters in the game.
Not only a formidable offensive player, Pawlak is also known for his outstanding defensive prowess. In 2300, he was honored with the Corvega Top Defender Award for his exceptional performance as a center fielder, showcasing his ability to make jaw-dropping catches, cover vast distances in the outfield, and prevent opposing teams from scoring.
Pawlak's remarkable skills and achievements have earned him a spot in the All-Star Game for five consecutive years, from 2299 to 2303. His consistent excellence on the field, both offensively and defensively, has solidified his status as one of the league's premier players.
Off the field, Pawlak has become a fan favorite, adored by supporters of the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud and baseball enthusiasts across the Commonwealth. His dedication, work ethic, and humble nature have endeared him to fans, who appreciate his commitment to the game and his team.
Considered the best center fielder in baseball, Pawlak's impact extends beyond his individual achievements. He serves as a mentor and leader in the locker room, inspiring his teammates to strive for greatness and fostering a strong team spirit within the Silver Shroud organization.
In the wasteland's harsh and unforgiving landscape, Pawlak shines as a beacon of excellence, embodying the spirit of a true baseball legend. His incredible performances, unwavering work ethic, and genuine connection with the fans have made him an icon of the sport, ensuring his legacy as one of the greatest center fielders to grace the Commonwealth Baseball Organization.
SP Nuke Laloosh, Roxbury
Nuke Laloosh, a prodigious talent hailing from the town of Wendell, Massachusetts, has become a standout figure in the CBO as a starting pitcher and ace for the Roxbury Rad Sox. Born on December 5, 2280, Laloosh's journey to the top has been marked by sheer determination, unrivaled intellect, and an unwavering drive for success.
Even in his youth, Laloosh displayed an exceptional aptitude for the game. As a member of the Beerthirty Sippers of the Boston Youth Development League, he achieved a remarkable undefeated record of 12-0. His dominance on the mound was unparalleled, boasting an astonishing 0.29 ERA, striking out 238 batters in just 125.0 innings, and averaging an impressive 1.9 strikeouts per inning. Throughout the entire season, he allowed a mere four runs, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force and a future star in the CBO.
It was no surprise, then, when Laloosh was selected as the first overall pick in the 2299 Rookie Draft by the Roxbury Rad Sox. His talent and potential were apparent to all, and he quickly transitioned to the professional ranks, ready to make his mark on the CBO.
On the field, Laloosh's intellect and work ethic shine through in his performances. His strategic approach to pitching, combined with an extensive knowledge of the game, enables him to outwit and outmaneuver opposing batters. With a diverse arsenal of pitches and pinpoint accuracy, he confounds hitters and leaves them guessing at his next move. His poise, focus, and ability to perform under pressure have elevated him to the upper echelons of the league.
Off the field, Laloosh's personal journey holds a profound significance. His family undertook a perilous journey along the former Mohawk Trail from Wendell’s Country Store Settlement to Boston in 2288, seeking refuge from the harsh realities of the wasteland. They were drawn to the prospect of a safer life in the rejuvenated city, and their courage and determination paved the way for Laloosh's own path to success. Laloosh’s father has claimed that his son was valuable in the journey because he could “pick off bloatflies from 100 feet” with his collection of vintage baseballs. Nuke carries the weight of his family's journey as a constant reminder of the opportunities he has been granted and the responsibility he bears as a role model.
Throughout the CBO, Laloosh is widely regarded as a rising star and a beacon of hope for aspiring players. His drive, intelligence, and commitment to excellence have earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of fans across the Commonwealth. As he continues to showcase his formidable skills on the mound, Laloosh is poised to leave a mark on the world of baseball, proving that even amidst the challenges of the wasteland, determination and talent can pave the way to greatness.
Season Series
Season Opener, April 7: Fort Hagen 5 at Roxbury 1
Silver Shroud Upend Rad Sox, 5-1
Atomatoys Stadium at Roxbury was the site of the home opener for the Roxbury Rad Sox. The contest featured a prime matchup between Mike Cartrette of the visiting Fort Hagen Silver Shroud and Eugene Gym of the Rad Sox. The final score was 5-1, the Silver Shroud getting the win. Cartrette turned in the best performance. Cartrette, now 1-0, was the winner. In 6 innings, he gave up 4 hits, while striking out 5, walking 4, and allowing 1 run.
Fort Hagen used the clutch hitting of Andrew Nuka to capture the win. The pinch hitter drilled a 3-run home run in the top of the eighth inning to put the Silver Shroud ahead, 5-1. It was his only hit in 1 at-bat, but it was a big one.
"I feel honored to be a part of this team," said Nuka.
The Sox's Donn Mattingley also hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot off Cartrette in the third.
Gym (0-1) pitched 7.0 innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits with five walks and four strikeouts.
Prediction
While Fort Hagen has been this far, they have yet to win the championship. Their performance in the playoffs has been impressive, but the Roxbury squad is built differently than anyone else that the Shroud have played. We are expecting the Rad Sox to win this one in five games, breaking the Boston curse of teams named the Sox never winning a championship. Roxbury 4, Fort Hagen 1.
Game 1 Preview
SP - Laloosh vs Cartrette - Advantage Rox
Batting: 5 batters advantage Rox, 2 batters advantage FtH, and one draw
