OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

FuzzyRussianHat · 09-05-2024, 06:30 AM

2013 had two players earn first ballot inductions into the Central American Baseball Association Hall of Fame. Pitcher Pasqual Cantu (86.3%) and infielder Osnel Hyppolite (82.7%) made for a pretty nice one-two punch. Two returners dropped 50%, but fell short of the 66% requirement. SP Angel Tobar had 58.5% and 1B Gonzalo Juarez got 52.4%, both on their fifth ballot. No players were dropped following ten failed tries.

Pasqual Cantu – Pitcher – Haiti Herons - 86.3% First Ballot

Pasqual Cantu was a 5’10’’, 170 pound right-handed pitcher from Bluefields, Nicaragua, a city of around 58,000 people. Cantu was known for having excellent stuff, outstanding control, and above average movement. His velocity hit 97-99 mph regularly with a cutter/sinker one-two punch. Cantu also had a rarely used changeup in his arsenal.

The lack of a strong third pitch led to a split career between the bullpen and the starting rotation. Additionally, Cantu’s stamina was considered merely average. Still, his stuff and pinpoint control made him a tough challenge for any hitter. Cantu had good durability and was a sparkplug with a scrappy work ethic. His adaptability and intelligence also served him well over a 13 year pro career.

Cantu was signed as a teenage amateur by Haiti in November 1988 and ultimately spent his entire pro run in Port-au-Prince. He officially debuted in 1993 at age 21, but he had only one appearance that year. Cantu saw some set-up and occasional closing work from 1994-96. He was moved into the closer role full-time in 1997, which coincided with the Herons becoming a Caribbean League powerhouse. 1997 would start a 14-year playoff streak for Haiti which saw 13 division titles, 4 CABA championships, and five CL pennants.

That year, Cantu led the league in saves (34) and games (68) with a 1.37 ERA over 78.2 innings, 114 strikeouts, and 3.9 WAR. He won his first Reliever of the Year, although he gave up two runs in two playoff innings as Haiti lost the CLCS to Salvador. The Herons lost again to the Stallions in the 1998 CLCS and in the 1999 first round. Cantu had a strong 1998 postseason, going 4/4 on save opportunities with a 1.29 ERA in seven innings.

He repeated as Reliever of the Year in 1998. Cantu also took third in 1998 and 1999’s World Baseball Championship Best Pitcher voting. He was dominant for his native Nicaragua from 1996-2007 primarily as a starter. Cantu had a 13-6 record over 139.1 innings with a 1.23 ERA, 211 strikeouts, 28 walks, 289 ERA+, and 6.8 WAR. Among all pitchers with 80+ career WBC innings, Cantu’s ERA ranks eighth best.

Cantu won his third straight Reliever of the Year in 1999 and was All-Star Game MVP. That season had a career-best 41 saves. Although his ERA was worse, 2000 had 5.1 WAR, his highest mark as a reliever. Cantu took third in ROTY voting, but most importantly stepped up big in the playoffs.

Haiti won the Caribbean League in 2000, but lost the CABA Championship to a 114-win Ecatepec. Cantu had 11 appearances with a 1.47 ERA over 18.1 innings, 5 saves, 8 shutdowns, and 22 strikeouts. 2001 would be his best ERA as a closer at 1.13 over 79.2 innings. Cantu won his fourth Reliever of the Year, a distinction he shares with only 11 other CABA pitchers.

Despite pitching only in relief in the 2001 regular season, Haiti used him for three starts and one relief appearance in the playoffs. He had a 3.60 ERA over 25 innings, which helped the Herons win it all in a finals rematch with Ecatepec. That was enough for Haiti to end Cantu’s time as a reliever, becoming a full-time starter from then on. He had been getting one-year deals, but finally got a two-year, $6,800,000 extension before the 2002 campaign.

Thrice as a starter, Cantu led the Caribbean in K/BB. He also led in innings pitched in 2002 and had a career best 8.6 WAR. Cantu provided strong value with 34.5 WAR in his five full seasons in the rotation, but he wasn’t a Pitcher of the Year finalist at any point as his ERA stayed above three. Still, he led in wins in 2006 with 20 and earned a five-year, $19,000,000 extension in January 2004.

Haiti’s dynasty was in full swing, going 114-48 in Cantu’s first year as a starter and repeating as CABA champ over Ecatepec. In 21 playoff innings that year, Cantu was 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA and 24 strikeouts. They would suffer first round exits in 2003 and 2004 and a CLCS defeat in 2005. The Herons were back on the mountaintop with CABA titles in 2006 and 2007 over Juarez and Mexicali. For his playoff career, Cantu finished with a 2.94 ERA over 143.2 innings, a 9-5 record, 10 saves, 153 strikeouts, 12 walks, 136 ERA+, and 2.7 WAR.

Cantu also earned a special place in CABA history on May 15, 2005. That day, he threw CABA’s 31^st perfect game, striking out eight against Santo Domingo. He’s believed to be the only pitcher in world history to own both a perfect game and a Reliever of the Year award.

His velocity would fall off hard in 2007, going from his normal 97-99 mph range down to a mere 90-92 mph peak. Cantu was used only in 50.2 innings that year despite being healthy with a 3.73 ERA. He earned his fourth CABA Championship ring, but wasn’t used in the postseason. Cantu remained under contract in 2008 and healthy, but never saw the field. He retired that winter at age 37 and immediately had his #16 uniform retired for his role in Haiti’s dynasty.

Cantu finished with a 151-108 record, 210 saves, 247 shutdowns, 2.96 ERA, 1881.2 innings, 2258 strikeouts, 185 walks, 678 games, 169 starts, 98 quality starts, 42 complete games, 8 shutouts, 136 ERA+, and 61.6 WAR. His 0.88 BB/9 also ranks fifth best in 2037 amongst all pitchers with 1000+ innings. Because of his split career, it is hard to rank Cantu against either the great CABA closers or the other great starters.

Certainly, four Reliever of the Year awards put him among the top relievers. His ERA is the worst among any guy in the CABA Hall of Fame with 200+ saves, but his WAR though ranks second best in that same group as do his strikeouts. That said, the four awards, a perfect game, and a key role in the Haiti dynasty was plenty for most voters. Cantu received 86.3% for a first ballot induction, the top spot in CABA’s two-player 2013 class.

Osnel Hyppolite – Third Base – Havana Hurricanes – 82.7% First Ballot

Osnel Hyppolite was a 6’0’’, 195 pound right-handed infielder from Leogane, Haiti; a city of 90,000 located 30 kilometers west of the capital Port-au-Prince. Sadly, the city was the epicenter of the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. Hyppolite was a quite solid contact hitter with a decent strikeout rate, although he was below average at drawing walks. His biggest asset was gap power, regularly getting extra base hits.

Over his 162 game average, Hyppolite got 37 doubles and 18 triples. He also could go yard with around 15-20 home runs most years. Hyppolite was very quick and dangerous on the basepaths, often stretching out for that extra base. He had a strong work ethic and was a fan favorite over his 17 year career. Hyppolite also boasted excellent durability, playing 149+ games each year from 1992-2006.

Defensively, Hyppolite mainly played at third base and graded out as just above average there. He had starts at all of the infield spots over his career and usually had a few at shortstop each year. Hyppolite was below average defensively away from third, but was passable enough to work in a pinch. The versatility from this ironman could give his teammates a brief spell when needed.

Hyppolite was spotted as a teenage amateur in Haiti and brought to Cuba, signing in August 1986 with Havana. He officially debuted in 1990 at age 21, but saw limited use initially. In his first two seasons, Hyppolite had only 24 starts and 69 games played. The Hurricanes made him a full-time starter in 1992 and he held that role for a full decade in the Cuban capital. Hyppolite’s first full-season saw him lead the Caribbean League with 43 doubles.

From 1992-1999, Hyppolite posted 5+ WAR each season for Havana. He led in stolen bases with 83 in 1996, but otherwise wasn’t a league leader. Hyppolite won a Silver Slugger in 1992 at shortstop, then earned Sluggers in 1995 and 1996 at third base for Havana. His only time as an MVP finalist was a third place in 1996. Hyppolite helped the Hurricanes end a nearly decade long playoff drought, although they lost in the first round of the playoffs to Honduras. This would be their only playoff appearance during his tenure.

Havana was happy to have him, inking an eight-year, $18,840,000 extension after the 1994 season. Hyppolite notably had a six-hit game in 1995. He was a popular player even as the Hurricanes were stuck in the middle tier. Havana would later retire his #37 uniform for his solid efforts in Cuba.

Hyppolite did also return to his native Haiti from 1993-2006 for the World Baseball Championship. He had 117 games and 109 starts in the WBC, posting 106 hits, 43 runs, 19 doubles, 6 triples, 22 home runs, 62 RBI, 25 stolen bases, a .248/.288/.474 slash, 120 wRC+, and 2.2 WAR.

In total for Havana, Hyppolite had 1952 hits, 976 runs, 370 doubles, 177 triples, 205 home runs, 960 RBI, 612 stolen bases, a .318/.351/.536 slash, 137 wRC+, and 56.5 WAR. The last year of his deal was 2002 at age 33. Hyppolite’s production had dipped slightly in his last two seasons, although he was still a perfectly solid starter. Havana decided to trade him in the offseason to Ecatepec for three prospects.

The Explosion weren’t interested in a rental, giving Hyppolite a five-year, $18,800,000 extension before the season started. Ecatepec was in the midst of their Mexican League dynasty, having won three straight league titles and CABA Championships in 1999 and 2000. The hope was Hyppolite would lock things down at third base and provide some reliable depth and production.

Hyppolite’s first season in Mexico saw career bests in WAR (7.5), batting average (.355), OPS (.968), and wRC+ (181), earning the fourth Silver Slugger of his career. He would have three more seasons worth 5+ WAR and lead the league in doubles in both 2003 and 2005. Hyppolite seemed rejuvenated by the move and played some of his best baseball in his mid 30s.

He also stepped up in the playoffs as Ecatepec’s run continued. The Explosion won the Mexican League title in 2002, 2003, and 2004; winning the CABA title in 2004. They lost in the 2005 MLCS, then saw a surprising 80-82 season in 2006. Ecatepec re-established its hold on the South Division in 2007, although they wouldn’t win another pennant while Hyppolite was there.

With Ecatepec, Hyppolite had 56 playoff games and 48 starts with 59 hits, 26 runs, 11 doubles, 11 triples, 5 home runs, 34 RBI, 12 stolen bases, a .314/.343/.572 slash, 157 wRC+, and 1.7 WAR. Explosion fans would remember him fondly for his role within a 20-year run of dominance in the Mexican League.

In his fifth season with Ecatepec, Hyppolite saw a dip to only 2.7 WAR and 124 wRC+; the worst full-season efforts of his career. Hyppolite was reduced to a bench role in 2007, struggling to -0.6 WAR over 88 games and 28 starts. He had hoped to make a run at 3000 career hits, but he seemed cooked. Hyppolite retired after the 2007 season at age 39.

Hyppolite finished with 2892 hits, 1435 runs, 569 doubles, 266 triples, 294 home runs, 1405 RBI, 918 stolen bases, a .316/.348/.533 slash, 140 wRC+, and 83.6 WAR. As of 2037, he ranks sixth all-time in doubles, 19^th in triples, 27^th in hits, 40^th in runs, 23^rd in stolen bases, and 67^th in WAR among position players.

He wasn’t one to dominate leaderboards, but few were as reliably steady in the 1990s and 2000s as Hyppolite. His run with Ecatepec really boosted his profile with fans who might not have noticed him while in Havana. Hyppolite received 82.7% for a first ballot induction in CABA’s 2013 Hall of Fame class

09-05-2024, 06:30 AM	#1584
FuzzyRussianHat Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2020 Posts: 2,831	2013 CABA Hall of Fame 2013 had two players earn first ballot inductions into the Central American Baseball Association Hall of Fame. Pitcher Pasqual Cantu (86.3%) and infielder Osnel Hyppolite (82.7%) made for a pretty nice one-two punch. Two returners dropped 50%, but fell short of the 66% requirement. SP Angel Tobar had 58.5% and 1B Gonzalo Juarez got 52.4%, both on their fifth ballot. No players were dropped following ten failed tries. Pasqual Cantu – Pitcher – Haiti Herons - 86.3% First Ballot Pasqual Cantu was a 5’10’’, 170 pound right-handed pitcher from Bluefields, Nicaragua, a city of around 58,000 people. Cantu was known for having excellent stuff, outstanding control, and above average movement. His velocity hit 97-99 mph regularly with a cutter/sinker one-two punch. Cantu also had a rarely used changeup in his arsenal. The lack of a strong third pitch led to a split career between the bullpen and the starting rotation. Additionally, Cantu’s stamina was considered merely average. Still, his stuff and pinpoint control made him a tough challenge for any hitter. Cantu had good durability and was a sparkplug with a scrappy work ethic. His adaptability and intelligence also served him well over a 13 year pro career. Cantu was signed as a teenage amateur by Haiti in November 1988 and ultimately spent his entire pro run in Port-au-Prince. He officially debuted in 1993 at age 21, but he had only one appearance that year. Cantu saw some set-up and occasional closing work from 1994-96. He was moved into the closer role full-time in 1997, which coincided with the Herons becoming a Caribbean League powerhouse. 1997 would start a 14-year playoff streak for Haiti which saw 13 division titles, 4 CABA championships, and five CL pennants. That year, Cantu led the league in saves (34) and games (68) with a 1.37 ERA over 78.2 innings, 114 strikeouts, and 3.9 WAR. He won his first Reliever of the Year, although he gave up two runs in two playoff innings as Haiti lost the CLCS to Salvador. The Herons lost again to the Stallions in the 1998 CLCS and in the 1999 first round. Cantu had a strong 1998 postseason, going 4/4 on save opportunities with a 1.29 ERA in seven innings. He repeated as Reliever of the Year in 1998. Cantu also took third in 1998 and 1999’s World Baseball Championship Best Pitcher voting. He was dominant for his native Nicaragua from 1996-2007 primarily as a starter. Cantu had a 13-6 record over 139.1 innings with a 1.23 ERA, 211 strikeouts, 28 walks, 289 ERA+, and 6.8 WAR. Among all pitchers with 80+ career WBC innings, Cantu’s ERA ranks eighth best. Cantu won his third straight Reliever of the Year in 1999 and was All-Star Game MVP. That season had a career-best 41 saves. Although his ERA was worse, 2000 had 5.1 WAR, his highest mark as a reliever. Cantu took third in ROTY voting, but most importantly stepped up big in the playoffs. Haiti won the Caribbean League in 2000, but lost the CABA Championship to a 114-win Ecatepec. Cantu had 11 appearances with a 1.47 ERA over 18.1 innings, 5 saves, 8 shutdowns, and 22 strikeouts. 2001 would be his best ERA as a closer at 1.13 over 79.2 innings. Cantu won his fourth Reliever of the Year, a distinction he shares with only 11 other CABA pitchers. Despite pitching only in relief in the 2001 regular season, Haiti used him for three starts and one relief appearance in the playoffs. He had a 3.60 ERA over 25 innings, which helped the Herons win it all in a finals rematch with Ecatepec. That was enough for Haiti to end Cantu’s time as a reliever, becoming a full-time starter from then on. He had been getting one-year deals, but finally got a two-year, $6,800,000 extension before the 2002 campaign. Thrice as a starter, Cantu led the Caribbean in K/BB. He also led in innings pitched in 2002 and had a career best 8.6 WAR. Cantu provided strong value with 34.5 WAR in his five full seasons in the rotation, but he wasn’t a Pitcher of the Year finalist at any point as his ERA stayed above three. Still, he led in wins in 2006 with 20 and earned a five-year, $19,000,000 extension in January 2004. Haiti’s dynasty was in full swing, going 114-48 in Cantu’s first year as a starter and repeating as CABA champ over Ecatepec. In 21 playoff innings that year, Cantu was 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA and 24 strikeouts. They would suffer first round exits in 2003 and 2004 and a CLCS defeat in 2005. The Herons were back on the mountaintop with CABA titles in 2006 and 2007 over Juarez and Mexicali. For his playoff career, Cantu finished with a 2.94 ERA over 143.2 innings, a 9-5 record, 10 saves, 153 strikeouts, 12 walks, 136 ERA+, and 2.7 WAR. Cantu also earned a special place in CABA history on May 15, 2005. That day, he threw CABA’s 31^st perfect game, striking out eight against Santo Domingo. He’s believed to be the only pitcher in world history to own both a perfect game and a Reliever of the Year award. His velocity would fall off hard in 2007, going from his normal 97-99 mph range down to a mere 90-92 mph peak. Cantu was used only in 50.2 innings that year despite being healthy with a 3.73 ERA. He earned his fourth CABA Championship ring, but wasn’t used in the postseason. Cantu remained under contract in 2008 and healthy, but never saw the field. He retired that winter at age 37 and immediately had his #16 uniform retired for his role in Haiti’s dynasty. Cantu finished with a 151-108 record, 210 saves, 247 shutdowns, 2.96 ERA, 1881.2 innings, 2258 strikeouts, 185 walks, 678 games, 169 starts, 98 quality starts, 42 complete games, 8 shutouts, 136 ERA+, and 61.6 WAR. His 0.88 BB/9 also ranks fifth best in 2037 amongst all pitchers with 1000+ innings. Because of his split career, it is hard to rank Cantu against either the great CABA closers or the other great starters. Certainly, four Reliever of the Year awards put him among the top relievers. His ERA is the worst among any guy in the CABA Hall of Fame with 200+ saves, but his WAR though ranks second best in that same group as do his strikeouts. That said, the four awards, a perfect game, and a key role in the Haiti dynasty was plenty for most voters. Cantu received 86.3% for a first ballot induction, the top spot in CABA’s two-player 2013 class. Osnel Hyppolite – Third Base – Havana Hurricanes – 82.7% First Ballot Osnel Hyppolite was a 6’0’’, 195 pound right-handed infielder from Leogane, Haiti; a city of 90,000 located 30 kilometers west of the capital Port-au-Prince. Sadly, the city was the epicenter of the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. Hyppolite was a quite solid contact hitter with a decent strikeout rate, although he was below average at drawing walks. His biggest asset was gap power, regularly getting extra base hits. Over his 162 game average, Hyppolite got 37 doubles and 18 triples. He also could go yard with around 15-20 home runs most years. Hyppolite was very quick and dangerous on the basepaths, often stretching out for that extra base. He had a strong work ethic and was a fan favorite over his 17 year career. Hyppolite also boasted excellent durability, playing 149+ games each year from 1992-2006. Defensively, Hyppolite mainly played at third base and graded out as just above average there. He had starts at all of the infield spots over his career and usually had a few at shortstop each year. Hyppolite was below average defensively away from third, but was passable enough to work in a pinch. The versatility from this ironman could give his teammates a brief spell when needed. Hyppolite was spotted as a teenage amateur in Haiti and brought to Cuba, signing in August 1986 with Havana. He officially debuted in 1990 at age 21, but saw limited use initially. In his first two seasons, Hyppolite had only 24 starts and 69 games played. The Hurricanes made him a full-time starter in 1992 and he held that role for a full decade in the Cuban capital. Hyppolite’s first full-season saw him lead the Caribbean League with 43 doubles. From 1992-1999, Hyppolite posted 5+ WAR each season for Havana. He led in stolen bases with 83 in 1996, but otherwise wasn’t a league leader. Hyppolite won a Silver Slugger in 1992 at shortstop, then earned Sluggers in 1995 and 1996 at third base for Havana. His only time as an MVP finalist was a third place in 1996. Hyppolite helped the Hurricanes end a nearly decade long playoff drought, although they lost in the first round of the playoffs to Honduras. This would be their only playoff appearance during his tenure. Havana was happy to have him, inking an eight-year, $18,840,000 extension after the 1994 season. Hyppolite notably had a six-hit game in 1995. He was a popular player even as the Hurricanes were stuck in the middle tier. Havana would later retire his #37 uniform for his solid efforts in Cuba. Hyppolite did also return to his native Haiti from 1993-2006 for the World Baseball Championship. He had 117 games and 109 starts in the WBC, posting 106 hits, 43 runs, 19 doubles, 6 triples, 22 home runs, 62 RBI, 25 stolen bases, a .248/.288/.474 slash, 120 wRC+, and 2.2 WAR. In total for Havana, Hyppolite had 1952 hits, 976 runs, 370 doubles, 177 triples, 205 home runs, 960 RBI, 612 stolen bases, a .318/.351/.536 slash, 137 wRC+, and 56.5 WAR. The last year of his deal was 2002 at age 33. Hyppolite’s production had dipped slightly in his last two seasons, although he was still a perfectly solid starter. Havana decided to trade him in the offseason to Ecatepec for three prospects. The Explosion weren’t interested in a rental, giving Hyppolite a five-year, $18,800,000 extension before the season started. Ecatepec was in the midst of their Mexican League dynasty, having won three straight league titles and CABA Championships in 1999 and 2000. The hope was Hyppolite would lock things down at third base and provide some reliable depth and production. Hyppolite’s first season in Mexico saw career bests in WAR (7.5), batting average (.355), OPS (.968), and wRC+ (181), earning the fourth Silver Slugger of his career. He would have three more seasons worth 5+ WAR and lead the league in doubles in both 2003 and 2005. Hyppolite seemed rejuvenated by the move and played some of his best baseball in his mid 30s. He also stepped up in the playoffs as Ecatepec’s run continued. The Explosion won the Mexican League title in 2002, 2003, and 2004; winning the CABA title in 2004. They lost in the 2005 MLCS, then saw a surprising 80-82 season in 2006. Ecatepec re-established its hold on the South Division in 2007, although they wouldn’t win another pennant while Hyppolite was there. With Ecatepec, Hyppolite had 56 playoff games and 48 starts with 59 hits, 26 runs, 11 doubles, 11 triples, 5 home runs, 34 RBI, 12 stolen bases, a .314/.343/.572 slash, 157 wRC+, and 1.7 WAR. Explosion fans would remember him fondly for his role within a 20-year run of dominance in the Mexican League. In his fifth season with Ecatepec, Hyppolite saw a dip to only 2.7 WAR and 124 wRC+; the worst full-season efforts of his career. Hyppolite was reduced to a bench role in 2007, struggling to -0.6 WAR over 88 games and 28 starts. He had hoped to make a run at 3000 career hits, but he seemed cooked. Hyppolite retired after the 2007 season at age 39. Hyppolite finished with 2892 hits, 1435 runs, 569 doubles, 266 triples, 294 home runs, 1405 RBI, 918 stolen bases, a .316/.348/.533 slash, 140 wRC+, and 83.6 WAR. As of 2037, he ranks sixth all-time in doubles, 19^th in triples, 27^th in hits, 40^th in runs, 23^rd in stolen bases, and 67^th in WAR among position players. He wasn’t one to dominate leaderboards, but few were as reliably steady in the 1990s and 2000s as Hyppolite. His run with Ecatepec really boosted his profile with fans who might not have noticed him while in Havana. Hyppolite received 82.7% for a first ballot induction in CABA’s 2013 Hall of Fame class __________________ Baseball: The World's Game fictional world reports Continental Baseball Federation world reports (8-tier promotion/relegation sim and college feeder)