Baseball: The World's Game

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The Eastern League was a battle at the top with six teams finishing within six games of the title. Pittsburgh ended up on top at 97-65, earning their first EL title and only third-ever playoff appearance (first since 1913). Defending Eastern League champ Montreal was one back and took second at 96-66. Washington won 95, New York and Toronto both 93, and Ottawa 91.

Minneapolis won the Midwest League, their first-ever league title and only second playoff appearance (1907). The Moose were 89-73. Cincinnati at 84-78 became the lowest-finishing National Association team to get a second-place playoff spot. The Reds were one-game better than Louisville and two over last year’s World Series champ Cleveland.

Cincinnati did have the Pitcher of the Year Wyatt Maman, who led the NA in ERA. Detroit outfielder Sandy Rainey at age 22 won the MVP as the leader in batting average, slugging, and WAR.

Despite their unremarkable record, the Reds stunned the Pirates in five games in the first round. Montreal swept Minneapolis and had no problem also sweeping Cincinnati, giving the Maples their third-ever National Association crown.



Defending American Association champ Atlanta took first in the Southern League at 90-72 for their third straight playoff berth. Miami at 87-75 took second place, beating out 84-78 Houston. The Mallards earned only their second playoff berth, joining the 1902 season.

Albuquerque and San Francisco both made the playoffs again but switched spots in the Western League; the Isotopes first at 105-57 and the Gold Rush at 102-60. Calgary and Los Angeles both were in the mix at 98-64. Albuquerque’s Crazy Legs Snider in his fourth season won his second Pitcher of the Year with the AA’s best 1.81 ERA, the lowest mark for anyone since 1902. Las Vegas second-year third baseman Nelson Bivens won the MVP with 53 home runs and a 8.7 WAR.

Miami stunned the Isotopes in five games and San Francisco topped the Aces in four. The AACS went seven games with the Mallards upsetting the Gold Rush for their first Association title. Miami continued their Cinderella run and knocked off Montreal 4-2 in the World Series for their 1928 World Series title.






Other notes: Philadelphia's Jax Sanders had a 37-game hit streak in the summer. This is the second-longest in MLB history, only behind Condela Gurrola's 40-game streak for Seattle in 1902.

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Only one player was elected into the MLB’s 1929 Hall of Fame Class; shortstop Kyle Bartz. He earned a first ballot nod at 84.8%. Third baseman Rick Montgomery was again barely short, getting 65.3% on his fifth try, Pitcher Lanny Roberts on his third try was also a point short at 65.0%.

Mario Sanchez ended up surviving ten ballots, although his highest was 31.8% on his debut. The former Denver, Houston, Vancouver, and Albuquerque first baseman was a three time Silver Slugger winner with 66.9 WAR, 2260 hits, 1319 runs, 406 home runs, and 1357 RBI. Respectable tallies and above average in three of the five metrics, but zero black ink.

CABA’s Hall of Fame voted in two. Shortstop Jhoyce Hidrovo got 83.6% on his first time on the ballot. And first baseman Manny Arroyo on his third try just made the 2/3s cut at 67.8%.





Kyle “Punch” Bartz – Shortstop – Phoenix Firebirds – 84.8% First Ballot

Kyle Bartz was a 5’10’’, 195 pound right handed shortstop from Paterson, New Jersey. Nicknamed “Punch,” Bartz had an interesting skillset. He was a excellent contact hitter with solid speed. He very rarely would strikeout, but even rarer were walks. The ball was almost always put in play, as he wasn’t a power hitter either. Defensively, he played almost exclusively at shortstop, only switching to third base near the end of his career. He was generally thought of as a good to above average defender.

Bartz played college baseball at Auburn and was drafted in the 1904 MLB draft ninth overall by the Phoenix Firebirds, where he’d play for the first nine years of his career. He was in the lineup immediately as a rookie, helping Jason Salvage and others turn the Firebirds into a contender. In his first six seasons in Phoenix, they made the playoffs six teams; made the American Association final five teams, and won the World Series in 1907. Bartz was third in MVP voting in both 1906 and 1910, and won two of his four Silver Sluggers with the Firebirds.

In 1911, Phoenix went from 104 wins to 62 wins and Bartz struggled like his team. With no one to spell him on a mismanaged roster, he picked up more than 2/3s of his career strikeouts over the 1911 and 1912 seasons, destroying his confidence. In 1913, he bounced back and looked more like his old self, but it was time to leave Arizona.

Bartz signed a five-year, $20,800 contract with the Chicago Cubs and won two Silver Sluggers while there, twice leading the National Association in hits. He was back to being a solid top-of-the-lineup guy, but the Cubs were a bottom tier team. Before his age 34 season, the Cubs traded Bartz to Charlotte for five prospects. After picking up his 2500^th career hit with the Canaries, he signed a four-year deal with Portland starting in the 1919 season.

Bartz spend three years with the Pacifics, then signed with St. Louis for his final two seasons in MLB. With Portland in 1921, he became the first MLB player to 3000 career hits and the eighth to reach 1500 runs scored. Injuries to his ankles and age caught up to him, as he was released at the end of 1923. In July 1924, he signed with Atlanta’s minor league affiliate, but was unproductive and retired at the end of the year.

At his retirement, Bartz was the all-time hit king, although Corey Patrizio and Elijah Cashman both passed him in the 1930s. His 230 triples was the all-time mark until Wei-Ju Wang passed him in the 50s and remains eighth all-time even a century later.

He finished with a .303 average, 3383 hits, 1657 runs scored, 437 doubles, 230 triples, 163 home runs, 1210 RBI, and 62.7 WAR. His lack of walks and home run power hurt him when looking at advanced metrics, but his hit and run total alone was going to get him into the Hall of Fame.



Jhoyce “Frosty” Hidrovo – Shortstop – Puerto Rico Pelicans – 83.6% First Ballot

Jhyoce Hidrovo was a 5’9’’, 190 pound infielder from Bayamon, a suburb of San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was a prolific batter, combining both excellent contact ability and power, along with a solid eye and good speed. He played most of his prominent years at shortstop with defense ranging from very good in his 20s to below average in his later 30s, eventually switching to first base in his later years.

Hidrovo became known around the island as one of the best players at the start of the century before more coherent leagues were around in the Caribbean. When CABA was formed to begin in 1911, his home team, the Puerto Rico Pelicans, were quick to bring him aboard. He signed an eight-year, $17,000 deal, beginning his CABA career at the age of 27.


Right away, he was a star, posting 11.9 WAR in his first season and taking second in MVP voting. He’d pick up seven Silver Sluggers and grab MVP in 1913, 1914, and 1916. He led the Caribbean in WAR four straight seasons, including a 13.7 mark in 1916 that stood as the all-time best for a CABA hitter until 1940. In 1914, the Pelicans would win the Caribbean League, falling to Tijuana in the CABA final.

Despite his efforts, 1914 was Puerto Rico’s only playoff appearance in his time. Now 34 entering 1918, the Pelicans traded him to Nicaragua for four prospects. Even missing a good chunk to injury, Hidrovo posted a 7.1 WAR season in 1918 for the Navigators, helping them earn a division title.

His contemporaries called him a greedy guy who didn’t have much loyalty. The allure of big money brought him to America, signing a four-year deal with the Brooklyn Dodgers. His previous top season salary was $2,600; he’d now be making $7,000 a year with the Dodgers. He provided a solid bat, but injuries and age started to catch up after his third year, leading Brooklyn to trade him that offseason to Kansas City. After one season with the Cougars, he played his final year back in CABA as a reserve for Merida.

His overall accumulation is low due to starting late and leaving CABA in his mid 30s, but he still amassed 1300 hits, 724 runs, 271 home runs, and a whopping 81.6 WAR in his CABA career. A key figure in expanding the game’s popularity in Puerto Rico, the three-time MVP Hidrovo earned his spot in the CABA Hall of Fame.



Manny Arroyo – First Baseman – Ecatepec Explosion – 67.8% Third Ballot

Manny Arroyo was a 6’0’’ 200 pound right handed corner infielder, born in Chetumal on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Often called a “sparkplug” by those who knew him, Arroyo was a well-rounded hitter with solid contact, power, and eye. He split his defensive career between first base and third, playing a bit more at the former. He was considered a very good defensive first baseman, thrice winning the Gold Glove, but thought of as a well below average third baseman.

Arroyo had already become known as one of Mexico’s better baseball players before CABA was formed. When it was created for the 1911, the 26-year old was signed by Ecatapec for five years, $10,640. His second and third seasons with the Explosion earned him MVP, both years getting the batting title and 10+ WAR. He wouldn’t reach those heights again, but picked up seven Silver Sluggers during his CABA run.

Ecatapec twice won the division during Arroyo’s decade with the team, but they were never able to make much postseason noise. Before the start of the 1921 season, he was surprisingly traded away to Costa Rica for three prospects. He won his final Silver Slugger in his lone season with the Rays, then decided to take the big money to play in the United States. His salary would more than double his two-year deal with Minneapolis.

While he never adjusted to the Minnesota cold, he did earn an All-Star appearance in a solid MLB debut at age 37 with the Moose. Before the 1923 season, he was traded to Kansas City, where he again was a respectable start. After one year there, he played his final two seasons in Memphis, where his skills had begun to diminish as he entered his 40s. He retired after the 1925 campaign.

His final CABA numbers were 1897 hits, 910 runs, 291 home runs, a .295 average, and a 74.5 WAR. A late start and final years in the US don’t put his totals as notable on the big leaderboards. But he was solidly a top-tier hitter in Mexico for CABA’s first decade, giving him a spot in the Hall of Fame.

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Yokohama was unable to make it six straight seasons above 100 wins in 1929, but the Yellow Jackets were able to extend their division title streak to six. At 88-74, they held off 86-76 Saitama to take the North Division again. Yasushi Matsu****a picked up the Pitcher of the Year for Yokohama, leading Japan in WHIP at 0.75 and finishing second in ERA and WAR.

Defending champ Fukuoka led the way again in the South, finishing 111-51. Frogs first baseman Kenzo Uemura earned MVP with the league lead in OPS at .928 and RBI at 96. In a JCLS rematch, Fukuoka defeated Yokohama for back-to-back seasons, winning the series in six. Little did either team know that this 1929 series would be the last playoff appearance for either squad for more than 30 years.



In the Korea League, Pyongyang earned their first division title since 1924, as the Pythons finished 113-49, topping defending EAB champ Hamhung at 101-61. Gwangju dominated the South Division again; their 97-63 mark earned them a sixth straight playoff berth.

Grays left fielder Shigeaki Kono was the Korean MVP, becoming the first EAB batter earning the Triple Crown. Kono finished with a .346 average, 43 home runs, and 121 RBI. Seongnam, who took third in the North Division, had the Pitcher of the Year Hyung-Mo So, who finished second in ERA (1.73), WAR (9.9), and third in strikeouts (295).

In the Korean League Championship Series, Pyongyang downed Gwangju in six, giving the Pythons their third Korean League title. They wouldn't get their third EAB title though, as Fukuoka defeated them 4-1 in the East Asian Championship. This is the first overall title for the Frogs.





Other notes: Saitama's Moon-Hwan Lee became the first EAB player to 400 career home runs. On August 21, Harukazu Fukushima of Hiroshima threw a perfect game against Kobe with seven strikeouts.

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The Mexican League had different faces at the top for the 1929 season. In the South Division, Ecatepec was the top team overall at 103-59, while the defending CABA champ Puebla and Guadalajara each finished 88-74.. It was the first playoff berth for the Explosion since 1918. Meanwhile, Juarez narrowly took a weak North Division at 85-77, only their second-ever division title (1912).

League MVP and Rookie of the Year both went to Mexico City right fielder Kiko Velazquez, who had an incredible debut with top three finishes in batting average, WAR, OPS, home runs, runs, hits, and total bases. Although the Aztecs were still at the bottom of the league, Velazquez gives them reason for optimism. Pitcher of the Year was Puebla's Martin Campos, who finished as the season's WARlord.

The Mexican League Championship Series went all seven games with Ecatapec defeating Juarez, giving the Explosion their first-ever league title.



Defending Caribbean champ Puerto Rico claimed back-to-back Island Division titles and their fourth playoff appearance in five seasons. At 101-61, the Pelicans beat out 93-win efforts from Havana and Jamaica. Despite his team taking fifth, Haiti third baseman Jonny Lucero won his third MVP, leading the way with 47 home runs. Jamaica's Jorge Aleman won his second career Pitcher of the Year, having won the 1927 Mexican League award with Monterrey. Aleman had the best ERA (2.34), WAR (10.0) and strikeout tally (330).

Honduras' stranglehold on the Continental Division ended as they won only 79 games. Costa Rica took first at 86-76 for their first-ever postseason appearance. The Rays would fall in six to the Pelicans in the Caribbean League Championship Series, sending Puerto Rico to the CABA final for the third time in four years and fifth time overall.

The Pelicans were unable to claim their second CABA title, as Ecatepec claimed their first in a seven-game classic series.





Other notes: Ulices Montero, now pitching for Juarez, became the first CABA pitcher to reach 300 career wins. Guadalajara's Adrian De La Rosa became the second to reach 250 later in the year. Leon's Hector Quinoz threw the seventh CABA perfect game on September 17 against Merida, striking out 14 in the win.

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The Canadian teams were atop the Eastern League in 1929. Toronto took first at 103-59, earning their fifth league title. One game back was Ottawa at 102-60, their fifth playoff berth in the last six years. Defending National Association champ Montreal took third at 94-68. St. Louis was the Midwest League champ at 105-57, the second playoff appearance in the Elijah Cashman era. Louisville took second at 91-71 for their third wild card in four years. The playoff teams from last year, Cincinnati and Minneapolis, both finished in the bottom half.

Cashman won his sixth MVP and earned Triple Crown honors with 56 home runs, a .382 average, and 149 RBI. Cashman became the first (and only as of a century later) MLB hitter to earn the Triple Crown twice. Meanwhile, Lynx pitcher Kadoor Saleem earned the Pitcher of the Year and pitching Triple Crown with a 21-8 record, 2.31 ERA, and 238 strikeouts. The 25-year old from Pakistan was only the second MLB pitcher to earn the honor, joining Josh Davis from 1911.

The Lynx upset the Timberwolves, sweeping them on the road. Meanwhile, Ottawa edged St. Louis in five, putting both second place teams in the National Association Championship Series. The Elks downed Louisville in five, giving Ottawa its third Association title in six years.



In the Southern League, Jacksonville took first at 94-68, their first playoff appearance since 1918 and only fourth-ever. They finished one game better than Houston, with the Hornets earning their eighth playoff berth in the last decade and 18^th total playoff berth. Defending World Series champ Miami was third at 87-75, while last year’s league champ Atlanta fell completely off a cliff, finishing 58-104. Veteran pitcher Dee Walters, who had been traded to Houston in the offseason after more than a decade in Hartford, earned his lone Pitcher of the Year award.

Phoenix won the Western League at 101-61, their first playoff appearance since 1917. San Francisco was second at 97-65 for a third straight playoff berth. Defending league champ Albuquerque was in a three-way tie for fourth at 94 wins. Isotopes center fielder Josh Chandler won the MVP at age 23 as the AA’s WARlord at 8.6.

The Western teams prevailed in the first round as Phoenix bested Houston in four and San Francisco knocked off Jacksonville in five on the road. Although the Firebirds were League champ, the Gold Rush easily took the American Association Championship Series in five games, the third AA title for SF. It would be no contest in the 29^th World Series though as Ottawa swept San Francisco for the Elks’ second MLB title.





Other notes: Elijah Cashman passed 500 career home runs, the 10^th player to do so. Las Vegas pitcher Bailey Johnson became the ninth to reach 3000 career strikeouts.

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Three players earned induction in the 1930 MLB Hall of Fame Class. Pitcher Regal Lewis was a first-ballot pick at 88.7%. Third baseman Rick Montgomery on his sixth try made it at 72.6%, while pitcher Lanny Roberts got in on his fourth go at 70.1%. Outfielder Jonathan Gillette was just short on his second try at 63.1%.

Getting dropped after his 10^th try was journeyman outfielder Stephen Flannery, whose best percentage was 31.4% in his second go. With eight teams, Flannery picked up 2361 hits, 1296 runs, 472 home runs, 1478 RBI, a .292 average and 61.0 WAR.

Two earned induction in CABA’s Hall of Fame; closer B.J. Medina and designated hitter Chris Barnett; both on the first ballot. Making it to his 10^th ballot but getting dropped was closer Carlos Fernandez. He only played five seasons for Panama, but twice earned Reliever of the Year and picked up 188 saves in five CABA seasons.



Regal Lewis – Starting Pitcher – San Diego Seals – 88.7% First Ballot

Regal Lewis was a 5’7’’, 175 pound left handed pitcher from Bordentown, New Jersey. At his career peak, Lewis consistently tossed 100 mph with four great pitches; a sinker, curveball, forkball, and changeup. His changeup was often considered one of the nest changes of all-time.

Lewis attended Kansas State and was second in college Pitcher of the Year voting in his sophomore season. In the 1907 MLB Draft, he was taken 52^nd overall in supplemental round #1 by San Diego. By his second season, he was a full-time starter and reliable top-of-the-rotation guy. In 1910 and 1915, he finished third in American Association Pitcher of the Year voting. In eight-and-a-half seasons with the Seals, Lewis picked up 53.2 WAR, 1899 strikeouts, with a 3.23 ERA.

While Lewis was successful, San Diego was a mid-tier team. At age 29, the Seals traded him to Indianapolis at the deadline for prospects. His first taste of the playoffs came with the Racers, who made it to the NACS. That offseason, Lewis entered free agency and signed a six-year, $33,800 deal with Brooklyn. With the Dodgers, he achieved his 3000^th career strikeout and 200^th career win.

His most impressive statistical seasons were in his five with Brooklyn, leading the National Association in strikeouts thrice. Entering 1922 at age 35, the Dodgers traded Lewis to Denver. After a season with the Dragons, he signed with Calgary for his final two seasons. His first year with the Cheetahs was a 7.9 season; his second-best mark, but struggles the next year led Lewis to retire after the 1924 season.

Lewis was never a big star as his teams tended to be towards the middle or bottom of the standings. But he put up 3965 career strikeouts, which when he retired was the all-time top mark. Lewis finished with 104.0 WAR with a 3.22 ERA and 242-170 record with 336 quality starts in 504 attempts. One of the most reliable pitchers of the 1910s era, Lewis earned his spot as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.



Rick Montgomery – Third Baseman – Memphis Mountain Lions – 72.6% 6^th Ballot

Rick Montgomery was a 5’11’’, 200 pound third baseman from Jacksonville, Florida. A left-handed batter, Montgomery was known as one of the all-time great contact and singles hitters. He wasn’t one who drew many walks or hit with much power, and he was a slow runner, but Montgomery very rarely struck out and knew how to put the ball in play. He was a designated hitter early in his career with Oakland, but spent his later time primarily as a third baseman, where he was considered a below-average to poor fielder.

Montgomery played in college at Bowling Green and excelled, earning him the fourth overall draft selection in 1903 by the Oakland Owls. In his second season in Oakland, he led the American Association with 231 hits and won the batting title at .343. He again was batting champ (.369) in 1908 and his 237 hits was the single-season record for a few years. This season earned him second place in MVP voting and one of three Silver Sluggers.

His production waned in his final two seasons with the Owls and he tested free agency, signing for the 1911 season a seven-year, $23,520 deal with Memphis. This became his signature run as a key part of the Mountain Cats’ 1910s dynasty. He hit a career-best .381 in 1913 as Memphis won their first World Series. The Mountain Cats won it all again in 1915 and were American Association champs additional in 1914 and 1917.

Although still a starter, an aging Montgomery saw his value dwindle at the end of the run. For 1918 at age 35, he signed with San Francisco. He started for one season, then found himself on the bench in 1919, retiring that offseason. He needed another decent full season to get to 3000 hits, which he could’ve been the first to do.

Still, 2849 career hits, 1327 runs, and a .317 career average isn’t anything to be ashamed of. Advanced stats put him as one of the weaker Hall of Fame members, thus having to wait until his sixth try. But being a three-time batting champ and an important piece of the Memphis dynasty was enough to get Montgomery into the Hall.



Lanny Roberts – Starting Pitcher – Hartford Huskies – 70.1% Fourth Ballot


Lanny Roberts was a 6’0’’, 185 pound right handed pitcher born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. One of the great fastball pitchers, he hit upper 90s often while also boasting a great splitter and curveball. Roberts was also known for having excellent pinpoint control. He attended the University of Central Florida and was the fourth overall draft pick in 1907 by the Hartford Huskies.

As a rookie, Roberts found himself as a regular starter and would be at the top of the Huskies rotation for more than a decade. A six-time All-Star, he rarely was a league leader, but always among the most productive pitchers. He finished second in National Association Pitcher of the Year voting in 1914 and 1916.

Hartford made the playoffs seven times during Roberts’ run, winning a World Series in 1916. That year, he led the NA with a 0.99 WHIP and had a career-best 9.3 WAR. The Huskies also won the NA title in 1920 and in the playoffs, he went 5-0 in his five start. That season, he hit 2500 career strikeouts.

Despite the team success in 1920, Roberts left and decided to cash in during free agency. At age 34, he signed a four-year, $28,000 just north with Montreal. With the Maples, he recorded his 200^th career victory. But in July 1921, he started dealing with severe shoulder inflammation that ended his season. Further setbacks with his shoulder forced Roberts to retire that offseason.

Even with the early retirement, Roberts still put up 90.8 career WAR with a 206-159 record, 3.05 ERA, 2620 strikeouts, and 307 quality starts in 462. Although his Montreal production was dwindling, many wondered if Roberts would’ve been more regarded with the greats if he had another few years of production. But he was solid enough and a big part of Hartford’s 1910s success to earn election on the fourth ballot.



B.J. “The Warden” Medina – Closer – Tijuana Toros – 82.9% First Ballot

B.J. Medina was a 5’10’’ 190 left handed pitcher from Celaya in central Mexico. He had one of the stranger professional baseball careers, but is remembered as an all-time great closer. He only threw two pitches; a 100 mph fastball and a changeup, but was amazing at changing speeds and leaving batters helpless.

Although a CABA Hall of Famer and someone born in Mexico, his early baseball career was in the United States. Medina came stateside for college and played for Maryland. After three years as a Terrapin, he went to Canada, picked by Calgary with the 52^nd overall pick in the 1910 MLB Draft. After a respectable rookie and sophomore year with the Cheetahs, his contract was purchased by Tijuana late in 1912.

His signature run was with the Toros, where he stayed through 1918. Tijuana dominated the Mexican League during Medina’s tenure, winning five Mexican League titles and three CABA titles with Medina, plus one more in 1919 after he left. He became known as “The Warden” then, picking up 213 saves and 264 shutdowns with a 0.92 ERA and 35.2 WAR with the Toros. In the postseason, he had 24 shutdowns in 32 appearances to collect three CABA rings. His last year in Tijuana earned his first Reliever of the Year after finishing twice second and third once prior.

At age 29 entering 1919, he came back to the US and signed with Cincinnati, where he won a World Series ring with the Reds. He only stayed the one year, signing with Kansas City for the 1920 campaign. The Cougars traded him to San Francisco to close the year. In 1921, he joined Las Vegas, but again was traded midseason, this time to Buffalo.

He played well in MLB, but tired of bouncing around, he went back to CABA and signed with Chihuahua in 1922. With the Warriors at age 32, he put up 7.7 WAR and 50 saves as the Reliever of the Year and earned another ring as Chihuahua won the CABA crown. But disaster struck in spring training 1923, suffering a torn UCL.

After missing 1923, he came back for Chihuahua in 1924 and was just as dominant as ever. He grabbed his third Reliever of the Year and also picked up Pitcher of the Year with 54 saves and a 0.39 ERA. Medina went to Canada the next year and pitched with Ottawa. After one year, the now 36-year old Medina signed with Atlanta and after four appearances, torn his UCL again to end his career.

His combined MLB and CABA numbers see 420 saves, 509 shutdowns, a 1.16 ERA and a 67.5 WAR. In CABA specifically, he had 317 saves and a 0.87 ERA with 50.2 WAR. One of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball history and a key part of the 1910s Tijuana dynasty, The Warden certainly is deserving of a spot in the CABA Hall of Fame.



Chris ‘Ratface’ Barnett – Designated Hitter – Jamaica Jazz - 74.0% First Ballot

Chris Barnett was a 6’1’’, 200 pound American right handed batter. It is unknown where he born, but he attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey. At his peak, ‘Ratface’ was one of the best pure hitters of his generation. He combined elite contact, strong power, and a very solid eye, making up for a lack of speed of fielding ability. He was almost exclusively a designated hitter, playing only 38 total games in his career in the field.

Barnett took the rare path of skipping college, going in the seventh round of the 1907 MLB draft out of high school, the 340^th overall pick, by Philadelphia. He spent four full seasons in their minor league affiliate Wilmington and finally got called up for a few games in 1912. But his MLB stay would be short-lived as his contract was sold, something allowed in the earliest days of CABA. He was sent to the Jamaica Jazz, which would become the run that earned him a CABA Hall of Fame spot.

The humble Barnett took his assignment with grace to an unfamiliar place and in a decade with the Jazz, he was named Silver Slugger at DH seven times. An All-Star game fixture, Barnett was the Caribbean League MVP in 1915 with the league lead in this, RBI, walks, average, and OBP. While Jamaica never had a losing season in his tenure, 1915 was his only chance to play in the postseason.

With the Jazz, he acquired 66.1 WAR, 1805 hits, 910 runs, 329 home runs, 1021 RBI, and a .301 batting average. These would be the numbers that put him in the CABA Hall of Fame, even as a pure DH and as someone whose time in CABA was only 10 years.

At age 33, Barnett left for the US but stayed somewhere warm, signing a four-year deal starting in 1923 with Miami worth $30,400; more than his earnings for the entire Jamaica run. He became a top-tier home run hitter with the Mallards, whacking 49, 54, and 45 in his three seasons. Still, Miami opted to trade him in spring 1926 to Denver. After a year with the Dragons, he spent his final three seasons with Atlanta.

Although hard to compare leagues; combined between MLB and CABA, Barnett hit 568 home runs, 2817 hits, 1683 RBI, and had 88.5 WAR as a pure DH. If he had stayed in either league his whole run, he might have been up near the top of the hitting leaderboards. Still, his decade of excellence with the stick in Kingston earned him CABA Hall of Fame honors.

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Saitama dethroned Yokohama atop the Japan League North Division. The Sting earned their first division title at 96-66. The Yellow Jackets fell to fourth place at 80-82. Meanwhile, Kobe was a first time division winner in the South at 94-68, finishing two games better than defending EAB champ Fukuoka and three ahead of Hiroshima.

Frogs outfielder Kota Takuda won his third MVP award, leading Japan in OBP and WAR. Sendai’s Yoshimatsu Sakamoto was the Pitcher of the Year in his first year with the Samurai with 9.9 WAR, taking second in ERA and strikeouts. It was the second PotY for the 31-year old lefty, who also took the title in 1927 with Chiba.

In the Japanese League Championship Series, Saitama defeated Kobe in six games for their first league title in franchise history.



In Korea, defending league champ Pyongyang dominated the North with a 115-47 record, their second straight division title. The Pythons had the MVP in veteran Hyeon-Seong Kang, who won the batting title and added solid defense in center. Teammate Kil-Sung Min was the Pitcher of the Year, the first for the 24-year old.

Gwangju won their seventh straight South Division title at 101-61, setting up a rematch in the Korean League Championship Series. The Grays got the better of the Pythons this time around, taking it in six for their fourth Korean title. They’d add their first East Asian Baseball crown to the list, as they swept Saitama. This would mark the end of the Gwangju dynasty, as they wouldn’t make the playoffs again until the 1950s.





Other notes: on September 10, Seung-Won Cho of Seoul threw a perfect game, striking out 10 against Changwon. Hamhung’s Chikara Ohkubo became the first EAB pitcher to 3000 career strikeouts. In-Seong Kim, also playing for the Heat, became the second to reach 400 career home runs.

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Defending CABA champ Ecatepec took their second straight Mexican League South Division title, going 104-58 for the best record in Mexico. 1928 champ Puebla was second at 96-66. The Explosion had the Pitcher of the Year Rayan Montes, as the 24-year old led in wins (24), strikeouts (350), quality starts (30), and WAR (9.0). Despite finishing last, Guadalajara;s Victor Valenzuela won his fourth MVP. It would be the final MVP for “Mr. Reliable.”

Hermosillo won their second North Division in three years, running away with it at 103-59. In the MLCS, the Hyenas defeated the Explosion in six games for Hermosillo’s first-ever Mexican title.



The top record in the Caribbean League in 1930 was Jamaica at 107-75, their third-ever playoff berth and first since 1922. Defending champ Puerto Rico tied for second at 88 wins with Santiago. Jazz pitcher Glen Anderson won Pitcher of the Year. Meanwhile, Haiti third baseman Jonny Lucero won his fourth MVP in the first six years of his career.

In the Continental Division, Salvador won their first division title since 1917. The Caribbean League Championship went seven with the Jazz edging the Stallions; Jamaica’s first league title. The CABA championship was a seven-game classic with game seven going 15 innings. Jamaica walked off Hermosillo for their first CABA crown.





Other notes: Guadalajara’s Victor Valenzuela became the second CABA hitter to 2500 career hits. Chihuahua’s Max Ramirez became the second CABA pitcher to 4000 career strikeouts.

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After three straight 90+ win seasons with no playoff appearance, Washington claimed the Eastern League title in 1930 at 96-66, their first playoff berth since 1916. Philadelphia went from 63 wins the prior year to 92, taking the second place spot by one game over Brooklyn. Defending league champ Toronto and defending World Series champ Ottawa both missed the postseason, taking fourth and fifth in the standings.

Detroit took the Midwest League title at 94-68, their first playoff spot since 1911. Defending league champ St. Louis took second at 88-74, while last year’s wild card Louisville was seventh. Cardinals star Elijah Cashman picked up his record seventh MVP award, finishing with 50+ homers for the sixth time. St. Louis also had the Pitcher of the Year in Derek Edwards, who signed with them in the offseason after one year with Montreal. It’s his third PotY, he previously won it in 1920 and 1926 with Buffalo.

Washington outlasted the Cardinals in five games, while Detroit swept Philadelphia. In the National Association Championship Series, the Admirals swept the Tigers, earning their third NA title.



Miami won the Southern League at 92-60, while Jacksonville took second at 90-62. Meanwhile, Phoenix claimed the Western League for back-to-back years at 101-61 with Albuquerque two back at 99-63. Defending American Association champ San Francisco finished one game short at 98-64, tying with Portland for third.

Gold Rush outfielder Rafael Becerra in his second season with the squad earned the MVP, leading the AA in runs, homers, RBI, and OPS. He was five points behind taking the batting title and a Triple Crown. Isotopes ace Crazy Legs Snider won his third Pitcher of the Year, posting 26 quality starts and 19 complete games.

Phoenix survived a first round challenge from Jacksonville in five, while Albuquerque upset Miami in four games. The AACS went seven games with the Firebirds defeating the Isotopes, earning their second AA title (1907). The 30^th World Series went seven games as well, but Washington prevailed for their second MLB title (1914).




Other notes: In addition to his seventh MVP, Elijah Cashman earned his ninth career Silver Slugger and eighth first base Gold Glove. Washington’s Noah Pugliese won his third straight Reliever of the Year. He’s the first to ever win three in a row and only third to win it three times in a career.

Jacksonville’s Jayden Gagnon in the summer set the MLB record with a 49-game hitting streak. Only once before had anyone reached 40, Condela Gurrola in 1902 for Seattle. The 35-year old second baseman led the league in hits and would retire after the following season.

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Three players were elected to the 1931 MLB Hall of Fame Class, each on the first ballot. Third baseman Del Klassen got in with an impressive 90.2%, while closers Brandon Smith and Clark Sanders both narrowly got in at 72.3% and 67.7%, respectively. Jonathon Gillette just missed out on his third try at 63.5%. Dan Wagner, Karl Maurer, and Bill Willis each got over 50%.

For Willis, it was his 10^th year on the ballot, ending his pursuit. An outfielder with Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Denver; Willis retired as the all-time MLB stolen base leader with 801. He had over 60 WAR and over 1400 hits, but lack of power and weak fielding hurt. He finished above 50% seven times, peaking in 1928 at 58.0%



In the CABA voting, catcher Mar Pavia made it on the first ballot at 74.3%. Also cracking 50+ were pitchers Matt Determan (57.3%) and Jimmy Pike (56.3%).



Del “Bugs” Klassen – Third Baseman – Jacksonville Gators – 90.2% First Ballot

Del Klassen was a 5’7’’, 190 pound infielder from Calgary. Klassen was known as an excellent contact hitter with respectable power and a solid penchant for drawing walks. He played a little bit of shortstop early in his career, but quickly spend the majority of his time at third base. He was considered a well below average fielder and okay baserunner, but his batting prowess served him well. Additionally, he was considered a greedy guy who wasn’t a leader and lacked work ethic.

Despite those deficiencies, he was a highly recruited player, playing collegiately at Kansas State. In the 1904 MLB Draft, Klassen was the first overall pick by San Antonio. He became a full-time starter for the Oilers right away, putting up respectable numbers despite dealing with some nagging injuries. But with San Antonio, he was merely a good starter, not the stud they had hoped with the top overall pick. After five seasons, in the 1909 offseason, Klassen was traded to Denver. He spent two seasons with the Dragons, then at age 28 signed an eight-year, $39,200 deal with Jacksonville.

His signature run was with the Gators, where he picked up three of his four Silver Sluggers. He didn’t put up league-leading numbers, but thrice posted 7+ WAR seasons with Jacksonville. In 1915, he had a career best 40 home runs and 130 RBI. His last year with the Gators in 1918, they won the Southern League title, although were an early playoff exit.

Klassen declined the eighth-year option on his deal and joined Columbus on a four-year contract at age 35. He continued to put up quality hitting numbers over the length of the deal, getting another Silver Slugger in 1920 and helping the Chargers to a NACS appearance. He then signed at age 39 with Seattle and played his final three seasons there.

In May 1923, Klassen became only the second player in MLB history to reach 3000 career hits. He fell off in his last year with the Grizzlies, keeping him just short of a few milestones. Klassen recorded 1991 runs scored, retiring as the all-time record holder. He was third all-time in hits and walks drawn at retirement and almost got to 500 home runs, finishing at 498. His numbers have been passed in many cases years later, but as a reliable producer for two decades, Klassen goes down as an all-time great hitter and a worthy Hall of Famer.



Brandon Smith – Closer – Vancouver Volcanoes – 72.3% First Ballot

Brandon Smith was a 6’0’’, 205 pound left-handed pitcher from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He had two pitches, but both were excellent; a 99-101 mph fastball and a solid slider. He averaged a strikeout per inning with these pitches and while in college at East Carolina, was the 1903 NCAA Reliever of the Year.

Smith was taken by Vancouver in the second round of the 1904 MLB Draft with the 75^th overall pick. He spent six seasons with the Volcanoes, leading the American Association with 35 saves in his second year. After the 1910 season, Smith signed a three-year contract with Denver, where he was their close for two seasons. The Dragons traded him to Hartford for his age 28 season in 1913. After one season with the Huskies, Smith spent the next three seasons with Dallas.

He joined Albuquerque in 1917 at age 32, but was rarely used. That offseason, the Isotopes traded him to Memphis, where he was the closer for two seasons. That would be his last time as a the closer, but he’d spend another six seasons bouncing around as a bullpen arm. He pitched for Calgary, the New York Yankees, New Orleans, a return to Denver, Columbus, and then with the Yankees one more time.

Smith retired with 375 saves, one of only three to reach that mark at the time of retirement. His 39.4 WAR was the most by a reliever at the time of retirement and 1259 strikeouts was second behind fellow 1931 inductee Clark Sanders. Those thresholds led to Brandon Smith getting picked for the MLB Hall of Fame.



Clark Sanders – Closer – Omaha Hawks – 67.7% First Ballot

Clark Sanders was a 6’2’’, 200 pound right handed relief pitcher born way up north in Kodiak, Alaska. Sanders ended up being known for a 100 mph fastball, along with a pretty solid curveball to compliment it. He played college baseball at Western Michigan University and was a respectable starter, scouts at the top rated his stuff as a 7/10. In the 1906 Draft, Indianapolis picked him in the third round, 104^th overall. But Sanders elected to take a risk and return for his senior year as a Bronco. His gamble worked, with scouts then rating him a 10/10 for stuff. In the 1907 Draft, he was taken 76^th overall by Omaha, who he signed with and played with for 13 seasons.

He moved into the closer role by his sophomore season and filled that spot for the Hawks from 1909 until 1920. He twice led the National Association in saves, and finished third in Reliever of the Year voting in 1914, although he never would claim the award. Omaha twice won the Midwest League during his tenure, although they never made it out of the first round of the playoffs.

Looking to rebuild in the summer of 1920, Sanders was part of a trade with infielder Jeremy Cooper for five prospects to Dallas. He pitched a year and a half with the Dalmatians, then bounced around his final four seasons as a back of the bullpen type for San Francisco, Columbus, Philadelphia, and Hartford.

Like Brandon Smith, he retired in the top three of most reliever stats, along with already inducted Jim Klattenburger. His 385 saves was second most at retirement (only behind Klattenburger) and he had the most strikeouts for a reliever at 1271. With similar stats, some wonders if voters would opt to pass on both him and Smith; but they decided both relievers were worthy of being in the 1931 MLB Hall of Fame class.



Mar Pavia – Catcher – Tijuana Toros – 74.3% First Ballot

Mar Pavia was a 5’10’’, 185 pound catcher from the Dominican capital Santo Domingo. Pavia was generally considered a very solid all-around bat for the often-weak catcher position, while also providing very good defensive value at the position. On top of his baseball skills, Pavia was an excellent leader, serving as the captain for Tijuana’s early CABA dynasty.

When CABA formed officially for the 1911 season, he was expected to be an important player, having already shown his value in the unorganized Dominican leagues that existed prior. But at age 26, he started his real pro career be signing an eight-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles. Pavia earned a Silver Slugger in his MLB debut, but the Orioles decided to sell his contract to Jamaica before the 1912 season. After a year with the Jazz as a backup, he was traded to Tijuana.

At age 28, his signature run began as arguably the greatest catcher in CABA history. 11 times, he was named Silver Slugger at catcher in the Mexican League, four times a Gold Glove winner, and 11 times an all-star. In his second year with the Toros, he won league MVP, posting 12.4 WAR a .989 OPS.

To many, he was the heart and soul of the Tijuana dynasty. They won seven Mexican League titles and four CABA titles during Pavia’s run. He also was the 1918 CABA Championship MVP. He was the first Mexican League player to get 11 Silver Sluggers and would end up only one of two catchers to have done so a century later.

Pavia retired at age 40 in 1925 after 13 seasons with the Toros. As a catcher in a low offense era, his final career numbers aren’t all eye popping; 1620 CABA hits, 337 home runs, 853 RBI. The totals are lower too since he didn’t officially start in CABA until age 27, with the stats-only voters snubbing him for a lower percentage than you might expect. But he amassed 91.1 WAR with the help of his excellent defense behind the plate. And as a key piece of CABA’s first dynasty, Pavia more than earned his spot in the Hall of Fame.

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The success and popularity of baseball in North America and the Caribbean naturally caused the game to continue to spread further south. In South America, Venezuela and Colombia were the first places where the game took off. The love for the game spread down the Andes Mountains and eventually even penetrated Brazil and Argentina, two nations that had already taken a liking to football. But the draw of the game and the financial rewards seen from MLB, CABA, and EAB, meant that South Americans wanted in on the action.

Inspired in part by CABA’s multinational structure, Beisbol Sudamerica was created as the sanctioning body for the professional game on the continent. With the first official season in 1931, BSA was divided into two leagues:

Liga Bolivar, named for the independence leader Simon Bolivar, was made up of teams from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. The North Division would have four Venezuelan teams (Caracas Colts, Barquisimeto Black Cats, Valencia Velocity, and Maracaibo Mariners) and two Colombian teams (Bogota Bats, Medellin Mutiny). The South Division had one Colombian team (Cali Cyclones), two from Ecuador (Quito Thunderbolts, Guayaquil Golds), two from Peru (Lima Lobos, Callao Cats), and one from Bolivia (La Paz Pump Jacks).

Liga Cono Sur (Southern Cone) also had two six-team divisions. The Brazil Division had the Sao Paulo Padres, Rio de Janeiro Redbirds, Fortaleza Fozes, Salvador Storm, Brasilia Bearcats, and Belo Horizonte Hogs. The South Division had three teams from Argentina (Buenos Aires Atlantics, Rosario Robins, Cordoba Chanticleers), one from Chile (Santiago Saints), one from Uruguay (Montevideo Venom), and one from Paraguay (Asuncion Archers).

The division champions would meet in a best-of-seven league championship series much like the CABA and EAB set up. Then, the two league champions would play a best-of-seven Copa Sudamerica to be crowned the top team on the continent.

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The first season for Beisbol Sudamerica saw Medellin as the dominant team in Liga Bolivar. The Mutiny won the North Division at 117-45, 26 games better than second place Maracaibo. The South Division was a two-team battle with Callao pulling away down the stretch, taking it at 90-72, three better than the Cyclones.

The first MVP was Manuel Pinedo of Medellin. A 30-year old Salvadoran first baseman, he socked 62 home runs and 132 RBI. The 62 homers would hold not again be reached until 1946 and not passed until 1973. Cali’s Virisimo Ibarra was the first Pitcher of the Year. The 28-year old Ecuadoran led in WAR (11.1), wins (28), ERA (1.60), innings pitched (303.2), quality starts (30) and shutouts (11). The 11 shutouts and 28 wins would hold as single-season records even a century later.



In Liga Cono Sur, Brasilia won the Brazil Division at 101-61. Rosario took the South Division at 111-51, holding off Montevideo at 103-59. Santiago’s Vadao Becker was the first MVP, as the Brazilian infielder hit 56 home runs. 32-year old Wagner Santos led in ERA and WHIP, earning the Pitcher of the Year.

The first Beisbol Sudamerica postseason was incredibly anticlimactic. Medellin swept Callao for the Bolivar title and Rosario swept Brasilia for the Southern Cone crown. In the first Copa Sudamerica, the Munity swept the Robins, giving the first BSA title to a Colombian team.





Other notes: The first BSA perfect game came from Santiago’s Joaquin Lara, who struck out 11 against Cordoba on April 27.

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Saitama defended their North Division title in 1931 at 97-65, finishing five games better than Sapporo. Nagoya took a competitive South Division at 103-59 for their third-ever division title. The Nightowls were five games better than defending division champ Kobe and 10 ahead of 1929 Japanese champ Fukuoka.

Nagoya slugger Danzu Min was the MVP, leading Japan in homeruns (56) and RBI (116). The 26-year old third baseman became the fifth player since the EAB debut season to hit 50 dingers. Although they missed the postseason, Kobe’s Natsu Kawamura was Pitcher of the Year with a 9.4 WAR season with a 1.75 ERA and 301 strikeouts.



Over in Korea, Pyongyang earned a third-straight North Division title at 105-57. They finished two better than Suwon, who had their franchise’s best season, and six ahead of Hamhung. Daegu edged defending EAB champ Gwangju and Busan in the South. The Diamondbacks won their first division in a decade at 90-72, one better than the Grays and four over the Blue Jays.

Although they missed the playoffs, Hamhung had the league MVP and PotY. Outfielder In-Seong Kim at age 39 had a career season, leading Korea in homers (45), RBI (128), OPS (.992) and WAR (7.9). Another veteran, 37-year old Chikara Ohkubo, earned his fourth and ultimately final Pitcher of the Year. He also became the first EAB pitcher to 200 career wins.

Both League Championship Series were seven game classics. Nagoya beat Saitama to earn the Nightowls their first Japanese crown, while Daegu defeated Pyongyang for the Diamondbacks’ first Korean title. In the East Asian Championship, Nagoya won in five. League MVP Danzu Min was the EAB series MVP, putting together eight home runs and 13 RBI on 12 postseason games.





Other notes; Moon-Hwan Lee became the first EAB player to 500 career home runs. The Saitama slugger also hit 50 homers in 1931, becoming the first player to hit 50+ home runs in a season three times. Michihisa Toda earned his ninth career Gold Glove, the first EAB player to do so. The next season, the 38-year old centerfielder would head to America.

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1931 was a competitive one in Liga Mexico. Juarez got their second North Division title in three years at 93-69, beating out defending league champ Hermosillo by two games, Tijuana by four, and Monterrey by seven. Ecatepec won a third-straight South Division by finishing 97-65, three games ahead of Mexico City.

The Explosion’s Rayan Montes won his second straight Pitcher of the Year, leading the league in WAR (9.), and strikeouts (320). Mexico City’s Kiko Velazquez won his second career MVP, leading Mexico in runs (135), hits (229), homers (44), RBI (118), average (.374), OPS (1.114), and WAR (12.9). His season earned the first-ever CABA hitting Triple Crown; the previous seven winners were all for pitching.

Ecatepec took care of the Jesters in five for their second Mexican League title in three seasons.



Defending CABA champ Jamaica won back-to-back Island Division titles as the Jazz at 102-60 were five games better than Puerto Rico. In his sophomore season, Haitian lefty Dusty Louis won the Pitcher of the Year for the Jazz, leading the Caribbean in ERA (2.08), wins (23), WAR (8.6) and quality starts (30/33).

Salvador again took the Continental Division, their 95-67 being four games better than Nicaragua. Costa Rica took last, but outfielder Domingo Herta still received his second MVP, leading in home runs (46), OPS (1.061), and WAR (9.4).

In a Caribbean League Championship Series rematch, Salvador and Jamaica again went seven games. This time, the Stallions had the edge for their second league title and first since 1915. The 1931 CABA Championship with seven as well with the Explosion defeating Salvador, giving Ecatepec two overall titles in three years.




Other notes: Puebla’s Jose Angel Islas became the third CABA player to 400 career home runs.

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Defending World Series champion Washington and Montreal finished tied atop the Eastern League at 91-71. The competitive season had Ottawa only three back, Philadelphia five, and Toronto six. No tiebreaker game is used for first place in the MLB, but the Admirals were awarded the season tiebreaker. In the Midwest, Indianapolis, who hadn’t had a winning season since 1924, surprised the field by taking the title at 96-66.

Meanwhile, the second place spot saw a fierce battle with four teams tying for the spot at 88-75; Columbus, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Kansas City. Even wilder, two other teams, Detroit and Louisville, finished only one game back from joining the logjam. In basically a four-team tournament, the Chargers and Cardinals beat the Reds and Cougars; followed by a Columbus win over St. Louis, sending the Chargers to the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.

National Association MVP went to 24-year old Baltimore shortstop Dante Lutz. The Aruban hit 40 home runs and compiled an 8.7 WAR with the NA’s best OPS at 1.051. Derek Edwards of St. Louis won his second consecutive Pitcher of the Year and fourth overall in his storied career. He was the only pitcher with a sub-two ERA and his 0.89 WHIP at the time was a new single season record.

In the first round, the Midwest prevailed as Columbus upset Washington in four games and Indianapolis survived Montreal in five. In the National Association Championship Series, the Racers topped the Chargers in six, sending Indy to the World Series for the first time in franchise history.



In the Southern League, Miami won a second straight title, improving to a franchise-best 101-61 record. Dallas was second at 97-65 to earn their first playoff berth in a decade. In a competitive Western League, San Francisco took first at 98-64 with Las Vegas second at 96-66. It’s the fourth playoff berth in five seasons for the Gold Rush, while it is the first for the Vipers since 1922. Defending American Association champ Phoenix was third, three games back on Vegas.

MVP went to Oakland second-year outfielder Walter Atwood, who led the AA in WAR (7.8) and OPS (1.059). Brandon Scott, in his second season in Miami, earned his first Pitcher of the Year. The 31-year old veteran was the leader with wins at 24.

Dallas upset San Francisco in four in the first round, while Miami swept Las Vegas. In the American Association Championship Series, the Mallards prevailed in six for their second AA title in four seasons. They’d add their second World Series as well, with Miami defeating Indianapolis in five in the Fall Classic.





Other notes: Ulices Montero, the GOAT pitcher in CABA, led the AA in ERA at 2.49 in his second season with Denver. Washington closer Noah Pugliese won his fourth straight Reliever of the Year; the first player to win the award four times. Two-way Washington star Dylan D’Ippolito won his eighth Silver Slugger at pitcher. Los Angeles third baseman R.J. Bran became a nine-time Gold Glover.

In milestones, Nashville’s Corey Patrizio became the first hitter to 3500 career hits. St. Louis’s Elijah Cashman became the third to 600 career home runs. Las Vegas pitcher Bailey Johnson became the fifth to reach 3500 career strikeouts.

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One player was inducted in the 1932 MLB Hall of Fame class. Outfielder Jonathon Gillette on his fourth try made it in with 79.6% of the vote. Pitcher Karl Maurer came very close on his seventh try at 64.4%. Closer Dan Wagner and first baseman Christopher Ross both were above the 50% mark.



Three players were dropped after surviving ten years on the ballot. Second baseman Don Holland was dropped with his best tally coming in his last year at 45.0%. He was primarily with the New York Yankees, but also played with Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, and Calgary, as well as in Costa Rica. Holland had 2453 hits and a .320 average with a 77.7 career WAR as an excellent defensive 2B, but his lack of power hitting sunk his chances.

Israel Villalobos peaked at 54.3% on his first time up for voting, gradually dropping from there. He played mostly with Kansas City and Dallas, with brief stays with Atlanta and Cincinnati. Villalobos posted 77.5 WAR with strong defense at third base, 2746 career hits, 1518 runs, and 1227 walks. But like Holland, his lack of power and extra base hits lowered his odds.

Reliever Jorge Espinoza also made it 10 years, peaking at 44.4% his first time on the ballot but dropping to single digits by the end. Best known for his time in Denver, he had 243 saves and 2.24 ERA, but those numbers seemed very pedestrian as other impressive closers emerged.

In the CABA Hall of Fame voting, Dave Walsh was elected on the first ballot at 89.0%. Matt Determan came close at 60.6% on his second try with Jimmy Pike at 53.2%.



Jonathon Gillette – Outfielder – Houston Hornets – 79.6% Fourth Ballot

Jonathon Gillette was a 6’0’’, 205 right-handed outfielder from Chicopee, Massachusetts. The hard-working Gillette was considered a solid all-around hitter with good contact, power, and a good eye. His biggest downfall was being very slow, but despite this, he played centerfield mostly in his 20s.. Generally thought of as a lousy defensive CF, he spent roughly 40% of his career in center, 40% in right, and 20% in left. Gillette was statistically a respectable defender in the corner. He also was an occasional relief pitcher, picking up 19 saves on 39.2 career innings with a 0.45 ERA.

Gillette’s pro career coincided with the start of MLB. At age 22, he was picked 53^rd overall in the inaugural draft by Kansas City. In his first year, he put up a career-best 7.7 WAR and was a solid starter for five years with the Cougars. He became a free agent and signed for eight years and $28,300 with St. Louis, one of the biggest contracts of the time.

In his Cardinals debut, he won his lone MVP, hitting a career high 38 home runs. St. Louis would make it to the National Association final in 1907 and win it in 1908, losing the World Series to Houston. That offseason, Gillette stunned the Cardinals by opting out of his contract and joined the Hornets. At age 30, his missed half the year due to injury, having also done the same the prior year. Houston went out in the first round and Gillette was again the move, signing for one season with Dallas.

After one season with the Dalmatians, Gillette signed again with Houston and started what would become his signature run. Gillette started for five seasons in the middle of the Hornets dynasty, winning the World Series in 1911 and 1912 with Gillette the AACS MVP in 1912. After falling in the AACS in 1913 and 1914, Houston entered a rebuild for a few years and Gillette was again on the move.

At age 37, Denver signed Gillette and he spent two years with the Dragons, still putting up respectable production. At age 39, he began a third stint with Houston and played two years there. Still contributing, he was signed again by Denver at age 41 in 1920. In 1921, he went back to Houston for a fourth stint and as a 42 year old, put up a 5.3 WAR, 33 home run season. He just missed another ring with the Hornets, as his fourth stint was in between their 1920 and 1922 rings.

In 1922, he played with Montreal, then played in 1923 in his final year with Cincinnati. Although he usually missed a few weeks each year due to small injuries, Gillette is one of a very select few to have played to age 44. His final statistics; 2927 hits, 1740 runs, 1866 RBI, 530 home runs, 489 doubles, 1161 walks, and a 92.4 WAR.

He was the third MLB player to reach 500 home runs and his 1866 RBI was the most all-time at retirement, although it would soon be passed by Corey Patrizio. He never was a league leader in statistics, but he was consistently a solid hitter for three decades and a key postseason contributor for Houston and St. Louis. It was somewhat surprising that he wasn’t inducted until the fourth ballot, but Gillette definitely has a place with the hallowed greats.



Dave Walsh – Starting Pitcher – Santo Domingo Dolphins – 89.0% First Ballot

Dave Walsh was a 5’8’’, 190 pound left handed pitcher from Southbridge, Massachusetts. His velocity topped out at 96-98 miles per hour and had five pitches with solid stuff, but at times inconsistent control and movement. He was known for a stellar changeup and could also fool you with a slider, forkball, and splitter.

Walsh played college baseball at Ohio State, but his junior year suffered a terrible torn labrum, which ended his junior season early. San Francisco still liked his potential and picked him with the 42^nd overall pick in 1907, but a setback and surgery from the torn labrum meant he would miss all of 1908.

His debut justified the Gold Rush faith in him, as he led the American Association in ERA and took third in Pitcher of the Year voting. But his second and third seasons with San Francisco would be middling and at the end of 1911, his contract was sold to the Panama Parrots.

Walsh became a dominant strikeout pitcher with Panama, leading the league three years in a row and posting a 387 strikeout, 12.4 WAR season in 1913, which earned him second in PotY voting. After three great seasons with the Parrots and an iffy 1915, the 28-year old Walsh was traded partway through the 1916 season to Santo Domingo. This is where he’d spend the next decade in his signature run.

In 1917 and 1918, the Dolphins would win the Caribbean League title and they took the CABA crown in 1917. In seven postseason starts in that run, he tossed 53.1 innings with only six earned runs and 52 strikeouts. He was the 1917 CLCS MVP. In June 1917, Walsh also threw a perfect game with 11 strikeouts against Honduras.

Walsh was a solid starter into his early 30s with Santo Domingo, although recurring back issues often caused him to miss a few starts each year. In 1924, he reached his 3500^th career CABA strikeout, the second player to reach the milestone. In the 1925 season debut, a torn rotator cuff ended his season. He tried a comeback at age 38 the following season but struggled, retiring that offseason.

His overall career had 234 wins and more than 4231 strikeouts. In CABA, he finished with a 195-125 record with a 2.73 ERA, 3684 strikeouts, and an 82.1 WAR. One of the top early CABA pitchers who came south from America and a key piece in two Caribbean titles for Santo Domingo, Walsh earned a spot in the CABA Hall of Fame.

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Defending champ Medellin fell to fourth place in the Bolivar North Division in year two of Beisbol Sudamerica at 84 wins. Caracas, who only won 75 in the first season, rolled to a 112-50 season. Valencia was their closest competitor at 100-62. In the South Division, Lima was first at 95-67, seven games better than last year’s champ Callao.

Veteran shortstop Sid Guijarro would win the MVP for Bogota, posting a 11.9 WAR season. Next season would be his last as a torn labrum would end his career prematurely. Pitcher of the year was Lima’s Mohamed Ramos, a 23-year old Bolivian who struck out a ridiculous 484 batters. With his five pitches, including a dominant fastball, slider, and forkball, this would be only the beginning for one of the greatest pitchers to have ever lived.

Despite Ramos’ dominance, Lima wouldn’t have any luck in the postseason against Caracas, as the Colts swept the BLCS.



Year two in the Southern Cone also had new division champs. Fortaleza ran away with it in Brazil at 96-66, 14 games ahead of defending champ Brasilia. In the South, Santiago was first at 100-62, five better than Buenos Aires and six over last year’s division champ Rosario.

MVP went to Saints third baseman Yukiichi De Leon, a Brazilian/Japanese dual national. He led Liga Cono Sur in WAR (11.4) and OPS (.976). Foxes ace Ian Silverio was Pitcher of the Year, as the 28-year old Chilean was the leader in wins, putting him ahead of other pitchers with far more impressive advanced stats.

Fortaleza would down Santiago in five games for the Southern Cone crown. In Copa Sudamerica, the Foxes continued to roll, sweeping Caracas and giving a Brazilian team its first Beisbol Sudamerica title.

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Sapporo won their first Japan North Division in a decade at 103-59, as defending division champ Saitama limped to 82 wins. Defending league champ Nagoya won back-to-back South Division titles, dominating with a 113-49 mark. Nightowls third baseman Danzu Min won back-to-back MVPs and also set the new single season home run record at 64. The 27-year old from Shenyang, China became the first EAB player to crack 60+ homers. Min also had the league lead in RBI (120), runs (105), and WAR (10.1), as well as strikeouts (208) as one of the earliest “three true outcomes” type players.

The Swordfish had the fewest runs allowed in Japan, led by Pitcher of the Year Joon-Kyu Cho. The 25-year old lefty led the league in strikeouts (349), WHIP (085), and WAR (9.7). His pitching helped lead Sapporo to the Japanese League title, defeating Nagoya in five in the JLCS. It’s the second league title for the Swordfish, who won it in 1922 as well.



In Korea, Pyongyang won a fourth straight North Division, although it was the most competitive it had been in a while. The Pythons finished 96-66, two better than Seongnam and six ahead of Hamhung and Suwon.

The South Division shifted significantly, as last year’s champ Daegu fell off a cliff to only 67 wins. Busan won their first-ever division title at 103-59, eight games ahead of Ulsan. The Blue Jays had both the MVP and Pitcher of the Year. Hometown favorite Min-Seong Pak was MVP, as the 26-year old right fielder led Koran in homers (46), OPS (1.016) and WAR (10.8). Pitcher of the Year was Yu-Geon Moon, who in his third season posted a league-best 1.86 ERA and 8.7 WAR.

Despite that firepower, the more postseason hardened Pythons would be victorious in the Korea League Championship Series. Pyongyang beat Busan in six games, the fourth title for the future capital of the North. The EAB Championship would go seven games for only the third time with Sapporo taking it over Pyongyang, giving the Swordfish their first overall title.





Other notes: Hamhung’s Chikara Ohkubo became the first EAB pitcher to 3500 career strikeouts. Pyongyang’s Toma Dobashi became the first hitter to 2000 career hits. Kobe’s Tsuneari Higoshi became the first closer to 300 saves.

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Juarez won back-to-back Mexican League North titles as the Jesters finished 99-63, 13 up on second place Monterrey. Defending league champ Ecatepec survived two major challenges to take the South. The Explosion finished 93-69, one game better than both Mexico City and Puebla, giving them a fourth straight division title.

Aztecs outfielder Kiko Velazquez won his third MVP in four years, earning back-to-back Triple Crowns. Kiko lead the league in WAR (11.4), triple slash (.348/.397/.688), wRC+ (232), runs (117), hits (209), homers (49), and RBI (122). Tijuana had the Pitcher of the Year in 24-year old Jhon Maestas, who led in WHIP (0.83), wins (20) and quality starts (31/33) with a 1.76 ERA.

The Jesters gave the Explosion a solid challenge, but Ecatepec prevailed in six games in the Mexican League Championship Series. The dynasty continues with their third league title in four seasons.



Jamaica won a third-straight Caribbean Island Division title, taking it at 104-58 with an eight game advantage over Santiago. Costa Rica cruised to the Continental title at 100-62, joining the 1929 season as their only playoff berths. Defending Caribbean champ Salvador had a terrible season, going 69-93.

Although Haiti again finished below .500, third baseman Jonny Lucero picked up his fifth MVP, a Caribbean record. Still only 29 years old, the Puerto Rican switch hitter was the leader in runs (94), homers (45), RBI (125), OPS (.982), and WAR (9.6). Panama also stunk, but produced the Pitcher of the Year in Ernesto Urbina, who led the league in ERA at 2.15.

The Rays claimed the CLCS over the Jazz in five games, giving Costa Rica their first-ever Caribbean League title. The Rays took Ecatepec to the limit, but the Explosion won the CABA Championship in seven games. Ecatepec’s dynasty now has three overall titles in four years. Only them and Tijuana have won three or more CABA titles (the Toros have won it four times, 13, 14, 18, 19)






Other notes: Two perfect games happened in the spring of 1932. Yusdel Ximenez of Hermosillo did it on April 27 against Chihuahua and Natalio Castro of Nicaragua did it against Costa Rica on May 18. Both players struck out seven in their perfectos. Elsewhere, Monterrey’s Max Longoria became the fourth CABA batter to 2500 career hits.

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After missing the postseason in 1931, both Ottawa and Toronto found themselves back atop the Eastern League in 1932. The Elks took first at 104-58, their sixth playoff berth in nine seasons. The Timberwolves at 97-65 finished one ahead of Buffalo and two on Brooklyn, Last year’s qualifiers, Washington and Montreal, both won only 79 games apiece. Defending National Association champ Indianapolis won the Midwest League for the second straight season, improving to 105-57. Detroit took second at 94-68, two ahead of Kansas City.

Despite Omaha having the worst record in the NA, 25-year old Hawks first baseman Kaby Silva was the MVP. A native of Cape Verde, he was the home run leader with 55, giving him the spot despite great years from Ottawa’s Robert Ross and Indy’s Caleb Yang. Brooklyn’s Ned Giles was Pitcher of the Year, one win short of a Triple Crown. At only age 23, the Dodgers acquired him in an offseason trade from Nashville. 10.5 WAR and a 2.03 ERA would be single-season bests for the Ireland-born Giles, who over the next two decades would build a case as MLB’s greatest pitcher.

In the first round, Indianapolis swept Toronto and Detroit upset Ottawa in five. Despite finishing 11 games ahead of the Tigers in the Midwest standings, it would be Detroit knocking out the Racers in six games for the National Association title. It’s the third NA title for the Tigers and the first since 1911.



In a competitive American Association, Jacksonville finished with the top record at 97-65 for the Gators’ third playoff berth in four years. Last year’s MLB champ Miami snuck in at 91-71, two games ahead of Houston and four over Dallas in the Southern League wild card race.

The Western League would be an absolute dogfight to the end. San Diego took first at 91-71, earning their first-ever playoff berth and league title. Las Vegas and Albuquerque both ended one game back with both Los Angeles and Phoenix only two off the lead and San Francisco four off. The Vipers won their one-game playoff over the Isotopes to take the second place spot and advance.

Memphis outfielder Andrei Tanev won his first MVP. The 25-year old Russian led the AA in runs (124), home runs (48), RBI (143), OPS (1.056) and WAR (8.5). San Francisco’s Reese Hall won Pitcher of the Year with the lead in wins (22), ERA (2.57), and WAR (10.2), while taking second in strikeouts at 305.

The Seals ousted the Mallards in four games and Jacksonville topped Las Vegas in four in the first round. The Gators then swept San Diego in the American Association Championship Series, giving Jacksonville their second AA title (1903). The Gators would secure their first World Series title as well, defeating Detroit in six games.





Other notes: St. Louis’s Elijah Cashman won his 10^th Gold Glove at first base. Phoenix’s Cliff Bettis won his third Reliever of the Year, the fourth player to win it thrice. Hartford’s Redman Sephus became the 11^th MLB player to 500 career home runs.