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FuzzyRussianHat · 05-12-2024, 04:58 PM

Pedro “Bronco” Pizarro – Third Base – Chihuahua Warriors – 73.4% Eighth Ballot

Pedro Pizarro was a 6’0’’, 205 pound right-handed third baseman from Motozintla, Mexico, a city of around 76,000 people on the southern border with Guatemala. Pizarro earned the nickname “Bronco” for his horse-like quick speed. He led the Mexican League in stolen bases five times and knew how to perfectly time his jumps. Pizarro was a great leadoff man his era with solid contact skills and a great eye. He was good at drawing walks, but was outstanding at putting the ball in play and avoiding strikeouts.

Pizarro wasn’t just a singles hitter, as he’d usually get around 25-35 doubles and 10-20 triples per season. He didn’t have home run power though, only once hitting double-digits in a season. Pizarro was a career third basemen and was well below average defensively. Still, he was very well respected for his intelligence and work ethic. Pizarro also had excellent durability in his prime, playing 150+ games each year from 1981-89.

Even without home run power, Pizarro skillset drew plenty of attention after a great amateur career. In the 1977 CABA Draft, Chihuahua selected Pizarro with the fourth overall pick. He was used only as a part-time starter in his first three seasons, starting only 171 games over those years. 1981 saw Pizarro’s first year as the full-time guy at third, a spot he’d hold for the next decade. Chihuahua remained a mediocre team in his run with only one winning season in the entire 1980s. However, Pizarro would hold his own.

From 1981-89, Pizarro had 6+ WAR each season. He led in stolen bases with 99 and OBP with .412 in 1982. Pizarro then led in steals four straight years from 1986-89 and won a batting title with .321 average in 1989. He won two Silver Sluggers (1986, 1988) but was never an MVP finalist with the lack of home run power and being on bad teams. Pizarro committed long term after the 1982 season with an eight-year, $5,482,000 extension.

Pizarro was well known in Mexico even with Chihuahua being a non-factor. He would play in eight editions of the World Baseball Championship, but almost exclusively as a backup and pinch runner. Pizarro had 23 games and 8 starts with 9 hits, 4 runs, and 8 steals.

By WAR, 1989 was his finest season with 9.0 WAR at age 34. He still played at a high level in 1990, but the Warriors moved him to a part-time starter role in his final season. Pizarro decided to leave for free agent, in part dissatisfied with being a backup. He’d remain popular with fans, but the awkward ending played a role in Pizarro’s jersey number never being retired. Even at age 36, he seemed to still have plenty to offer. MLB’s Tampa Thunderbirds would bring in Pizarro on a three-year, $5,980,000 deal.

Pizarro started much of the 1991 season, but posted very pedestrian numbers. Tampa made him a part-time starter in 1992 as he posted negative WAR. Over 217 games in MLB, he had -0.3 WAR and 86 wRC+. Pizarro was let go and couldn’t find a home for 1993. He would retire that winter at age 39.

For his CABA and Chihuahua run, Pizarro had 2002 hits, 909 runs, 325 doubles, 167 triples, 63 home runs, 631 RBI, 931 stolen bases, a .316/.370/.451 slash, 149 wRC+, and 72.4 WAR. Pizarro was 14^th in steals at induction and sits 21^st as of 2037. His WAR was sixth-best in CABA history at third base as of retirement. However, voters were very averse on guys who didn’t have home runs or RBI.

Thus, Pizarro debuted on the ballot in 1996 at 44.7%. He slowly grew into the 50s and then got as high as 63.5% in 2001. Pizarro dropped back down to 59.1% in 2002. In 2003, the eighth ballot was finally the one for him with 73.4%. His unique skillset and run even with a poor team was deemed worthy for the 2003 CABA class.

Gabe de Kroon – Starting Pitcher – Puebla Pumas – 68.8% Fifth Ballot

Gabe de Kroon was a 5’9’’, 195 pound right-handed pitcher from Willemstad, the capital and largest city of Curacao. The stocky de Kroon was known for having outstanding pinpoint control. He would have strong stuff in his prime, although his movement was subpar, leading to a higher number of home runs allowed than you’d like. His fastball was in the 96-98 mph range and was evenly mixed with a slider, curveball, sinker, and splitter. No one pitch was dominant, but de Kroon was great at mixing them up and spotting them. He had excellent stamina, although he’d run into injury troubles at various points.

In summer 1973, a scout from Puebla spotted a teenaged de Kroon in Curacao. He was signed as a 16-year old amateur and spent parts of the next four years in their developmental system. De Kroon made his official debut in 1978 at age 21, although he’d be only an occasional starter in his first three seasons. His results were promising and he was promoted to a full-time starter role in 1981.

That season, de Kroon led the Mexican League in wins at 18-11, innings pitched at 273.0, and complete games at 16. He regressed a bit in 1982 and was only a part-time starter. The Pumas ended a 15-year playoff drought, but de Kroon struggled in two playoff starts with a 5.62 ERA as they lost in the Mexican League Championship Series to Juarez. 1983 saw 200+ innings although he only had 26 appearances. In his limited time, de Kroon had a very good 6.1 WAR, earning a full-time rotation spot from then on with Puebla.

In 1984, de Kroon had a career-best 7.3 WAR and led in both wins and complete games for the second time. Puebla had the best record in Mexico at 105-57, but again fell to Juarez in the MLCS. De Kroon again struggled in two playoff starts with a 4.50 ERA. He would go onto pitch a few more good years, although de Kroon wasn’t a league leader. He was never a Pitcher of the Year finalist in his career a well.

Puebla signed de Kroon to a six-year, $5,400,000 extension in March 1986. The Pumas again made the playoffs in 1987, but yet again lost in the MLCS, this time to Torreon. The team regressed in the following years while de Kroon carried on. Injuries started to cost him time towards the end of his deal, including a herniated disc and strained abdominal in 1989, then an arthritic elbow in 1990.

Just before the 1991 season, de Kroon was traded to Guadalajara for three prospects. In total with Puebla, de Kroon had a 147-115 record, 3.06 ERA, 2473.1 innings, 2816 strikeouts, 311 walks, 194/298 quality starts, 158 complete games, 104 ERA+, 90 FIP-, and 43.7 WAR. The Hellhounds used him more out of the bullpen, although he struggled with a 4.83 ERA. He was back more to the rotation in 1992 and pitched better, but was still very middling.

In his two seasons for Guadalajara, de Kroon had a 4.18 ERA over 340 innings, 405 strikeouts, 83 ERA+ and -1.2 WAR. Now a free agent at age 36, Santo Domingo gave de Kroon a one-year deal. He was able to eat some innings with average results and earned 1.6 WAR. This would be the final season for de Kroon in CABA, but he wasn’t quite done yet.

For 1994, de Kroon found a spot in Italy with EBF’s Rome. He was a back-end starter for the Red Wolves, then joined Zurich for 1995. He fared no better in Switzerland, giving him -0.4 WAR and a 4.55 ERA in his two EBF seasons. De Kroon was unsigned in 1996 and retired that winter at age 39.

For his CABA run, de Kroon had a 174-156 record, 3.25 ERA, 3000.1 innings, 3411 strikeouts, 376 walks, 218/354 quality starts, 180 complete games, 101 ERA+, 96 FIP-, and 44.2 WAR. His walk rate was among the lowest for guys with 3000 innings, but other advanced stats had him as delightfully average. Additionally, de Kroon was never a Pitcher of the Year finalist. Most initial indications suggested a Hall of Pretty Good level guy. His WAR would be the lowest of any starting pitcher in the CABA Hall of Fame.

In 1999, de Kroon debuted at 38.9% and dropped to 36.4% the next year. He managed to get a bump to 52.8% on his third ballot, but then dropped back to 42.2% in 2002. Many were surprised when de Kroon received a big jump on his fifth ballot, earning a narrow induction at 68.8%. Scholars suggest de Kroon as one of the weakest CABA Hall of Fame members, but regardless, he secured a spot to close out the 2003 class.

05-12-2024, 04:58 PM	#1238
FuzzyRussianHat Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2020 Posts: 2,635	2003 CABA Hall of Fame (Part 2) *Pedro “Bronco” Pizarro – Third Base – Chihuahua Warriors – 73.4% Eighth Ballot* Pedro Pizarro was a 6’0’’, 205 pound right-handed third baseman from Motozintla, Mexico, a city of around 76,000 people on the southern border with Guatemala. Pizarro earned the nickname “Bronco” for his horse-like quick speed. He led the Mexican League in stolen bases five times and knew how to perfectly time his jumps. Pizarro was a great leadoff man his era with solid contact skills and a great eye. He was good at drawing walks, but was outstanding at putting the ball in play and avoiding strikeouts. Pizarro wasn’t just a singles hitter, as he’d usually get around 25-35 doubles and 10-20 triples per season. He didn’t have home run power though, only once hitting double-digits in a season. Pizarro was a career third basemen and was well below average defensively. Still, he was very well respected for his intelligence and work ethic. Pizarro also had excellent durability in his prime, playing 150+ games each year from 1981-89. Even without home run power, Pizarro skillset drew plenty of attention after a great amateur career. In the 1977 CABA Draft, Chihuahua selected Pizarro with the fourth overall pick. He was used only as a part-time starter in his first three seasons, starting only 171 games over those years. 1981 saw Pizarro’s first year as the full-time guy at third, a spot he’d hold for the next decade. Chihuahua remained a mediocre team in his run with only one winning season in the entire 1980s. However, Pizarro would hold his own. From 1981-89, Pizarro had 6+ WAR each season. He led in stolen bases with 99 and OBP with .412 in 1982. Pizarro then led in steals four straight years from 1986-89 and won a batting title with .321 average in 1989. He won two Silver Sluggers (1986, 1988) but was never an MVP finalist with the lack of home run power and being on bad teams. Pizarro committed long term after the 1982 season with an eight-year, $5,482,000 extension. Pizarro was well known in Mexico even with Chihuahua being a non-factor. He would play in eight editions of the World Baseball Championship, but almost exclusively as a backup and pinch runner. Pizarro had 23 games and 8 starts with 9 hits, 4 runs, and 8 steals. By WAR, 1989 was his finest season with 9.0 WAR at age 34. He still played at a high level in 1990, but the Warriors moved him to a part-time starter role in his final season. Pizarro decided to leave for free agent, in part dissatisfied with being a backup. He’d remain popular with fans, but the awkward ending played a role in Pizarro’s jersey number never being retired. Even at age 36, he seemed to still have plenty to offer. MLB’s Tampa Thunderbirds would bring in Pizarro on a three-year, $5,980,000 deal. Pizarro started much of the 1991 season, but posted very pedestrian numbers. Tampa made him a part-time starter in 1992 as he posted negative WAR. Over 217 games in MLB, he had -0.3 WAR and 86 wRC+. Pizarro was let go and couldn’t find a home for 1993. He would retire that winter at age 39. For his CABA and Chihuahua run, Pizarro had 2002 hits, 909 runs, 325 doubles, 167 triples, 63 home runs, 631 RBI, 931 stolen bases, a .316/.370/.451 slash, 149 wRC+, and 72.4 WAR. Pizarro was 14^th in steals at induction and sits 21^st as of 2037. His WAR was sixth-best in CABA history at third base as of retirement. However, voters were very averse on guys who didn’t have home runs or RBI. Thus, Pizarro debuted on the ballot in 1996 at 44.7%. He slowly grew into the 50s and then got as high as 63.5% in 2001. Pizarro dropped back down to 59.1% in 2002. In 2003, the eighth ballot was finally the one for him with 73.4%. His unique skillset and run even with a poor team was deemed worthy for the 2003 CABA class. Gabe de Kroon – Starting Pitcher – Puebla Pumas – 68.8% Fifth Ballot Gabe de Kroon was a 5’9’’, 195 pound right-handed pitcher from Willemstad, the capital and largest city of Curacao. The stocky de Kroon was known for having outstanding pinpoint control. He would have strong stuff in his prime, although his movement was subpar, leading to a higher number of home runs allowed than you’d like. His fastball was in the 96-98 mph range and was evenly mixed with a slider, curveball, sinker, and splitter. No one pitch was dominant, but de Kroon was great at mixing them up and spotting them. He had excellent stamina, although he’d run into injury troubles at various points. In summer 1973, a scout from Puebla spotted a teenaged de Kroon in Curacao. He was signed as a 16-year old amateur and spent parts of the next four years in their developmental system. De Kroon made his official debut in 1978 at age 21, although he’d be only an occasional starter in his first three seasons. His results were promising and he was promoted to a full-time starter role in 1981. That season, de Kroon led the Mexican League in wins at 18-11, innings pitched at 273.0, and complete games at 16. He regressed a bit in 1982 and was only a part-time starter. The Pumas ended a 15-year playoff drought, but de Kroon struggled in two playoff starts with a 5.62 ERA as they lost in the Mexican League Championship Series to Juarez. 1983 saw 200+ innings although he only had 26 appearances. In his limited time, de Kroon had a very good 6.1 WAR, earning a full-time rotation spot from then on with Puebla. In 1984, de Kroon had a career-best 7.3 WAR and led in both wins and complete games for the second time. Puebla had the best record in Mexico at 105-57, but again fell to Juarez in the MLCS. De Kroon again struggled in two playoff starts with a 4.50 ERA. He would go onto pitch a few more good years, although de Kroon wasn’t a league leader. He was never a Pitcher of the Year finalist in his career a well. Puebla signed de Kroon to a six-year, $5,400,000 extension in March 1986. The Pumas again made the playoffs in 1987, but yet again lost in the MLCS, this time to Torreon. The team regressed in the following years while de Kroon carried on. Injuries started to cost him time towards the end of his deal, including a herniated disc and strained abdominal in 1989, then an arthritic elbow in 1990. Just before the 1991 season, de Kroon was traded to Guadalajara for three prospects. In total with Puebla, de Kroon had a 147-115 record, 3.06 ERA, 2473.1 innings, 2816 strikeouts, 311 walks, 194/298 quality starts, 158 complete games, 104 ERA+, 90 FIP-, and 43.7 WAR. The Hellhounds used him more out of the bullpen, although he struggled with a 4.83 ERA. He was back more to the rotation in 1992 and pitched better, but was still very middling. In his two seasons for Guadalajara, de Kroon had a 4.18 ERA over 340 innings, 405 strikeouts, 83 ERA+ and -1.2 WAR. Now a free agent at age 36, Santo Domingo gave de Kroon a one-year deal. He was able to eat some innings with average results and earned 1.6 WAR. This would be the final season for de Kroon in CABA, but he wasn’t quite done yet. For 1994, de Kroon found a spot in Italy with EBF’s Rome. He was a back-end starter for the Red Wolves, then joined Zurich for 1995. He fared no better in Switzerland, giving him -0.4 WAR and a 4.55 ERA in his two EBF seasons. De Kroon was unsigned in 1996 and retired that winter at age 39. For his CABA run, de Kroon had a 174-156 record, 3.25 ERA, 3000.1 innings, 3411 strikeouts, 376 walks, 218/354 quality starts, 180 complete games, 101 ERA+, 96 FIP-, and 44.2 WAR. His walk rate was among the lowest for guys with 3000 innings, but other advanced stats had him as delightfully average. Additionally, de Kroon was never a Pitcher of the Year finalist. Most initial indications suggested a Hall of Pretty Good level guy. His WAR would be the lowest of any starting pitcher in the CABA Hall of Fame. In 1999, de Kroon debuted at 38.9% and dropped to 36.4% the next year. He managed to get a bump to 52.8% on his third ballot, but then dropped back to 42.2% in 2002. Many were surprised when de Kroon received a big jump on his fifth ballot, earning a narrow induction at 68.8%. Scholars suggest de Kroon as one of the weakest CABA Hall of Fame members, but regardless, he secured a spot to close out the 2003 class. __________________ Baseball: The World's Game fictional world reports Continental Baseball Federation world reports (8-tier promotion/relegation sim and college feeder)