ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by jg2977

When the time comes, you can forward me your IPA dynasty file and I can try to continue it! Although I don't think I can do your reporting justice.

Congrats to Belle Plaine.

jg, I can't think of a person better to take over.
CD could do it, too. He is such a good writer and detailed person.
But I know he doesn't have the time to do it.

I'm sure you will do the IPA justice.
Thank you. When the time come, I will send the IPA to you.
You are welcome to make it your own league.

[Eugene Church]

FOREST CITY'S BORDEN TOP RU ROOKIE IN 2088
In his apprentice season in the Ruthlandian Union, Cale Borden put up some quality statistics to sew up the prestigious Ruthlandian Union Rookie of the Year Award.

This talented Forest City second baseman posted a .357 average, best in the Ruthlandian Union this season, while accumulating 153 hits, 30 doubles, 7 triples, 16 home runs, 80 RBIs and 93 runs scored in 120 games. He led the RU by drawing 79 walks as he fashioned a splendid .458 on-base percentage. The 21-year-old Borden led his Firebirds to the Ruthlandian West Division title.

RU Golden Arm Margus Karu (19-8/2.01 ERA/250 IP) of the Valka Blackhawks finished second in voting, while shortstop Tony Benedetti (.298 BA/17 HR/91 RBI/102 R) of the Forest City Firebirds finished third.

[Eugene Church]

MAHASKA'S BENNIGAN GRABS TU GOLDEN BAT FOR 3RD TIME
Byron Bennigan of the Mahaska Haymakers did it again for the third time in his 7-year career. The gifted and talented first sacker again was voted the best batter in his league and will receive the 2088 Tycobbian Union Golden Bat Award. The 27-year-old Bennigan narrowly edged Yank Yankovich and Terrence Stonich for the honor.

Bennigan hit for a .354 average in 153 games while collecting 189 hits, 29 doubles, 7 triples, 53 home runs, 136 RBIs and scoring 125 times. He topped the RU in homers, runs and OBP. Benningan led the Haymakers to a third-place spot in the TU North Division.

Yank Yankovich (142 games/.351 BA/39 HR/138 RBI/96 R/20 SB) of the South Fork Stallions finished second in voting, while Terrence Stonich (149 games/.363 BA/31 HR/106 RBI/105 R) of the Rolling Hills Racers finished third.

[Eugene Church]

HARTSDALE HURLER HUMPHREY HAILED AS TU GOLDEN ARM
Sid Humphrey of the Hartsdale Hellcats was on cloud nine during the 2088 season, mystifying most of the hitters he faced, then capping it off with the Tycobbian Union Golden Arm Award. The 34-year-old right-hander is in his 15th season with the Hellcats and getting better with age. Lifetime Humphrey has compiled a 199-160 record with fine 3.35 ERA. He sparked Hartsdale to the Tycobbian North pennant this year. This season's TU Golden Arm led the league in ERA and tied for the lead in shutouts with 5.

Humphrey was spectacular in 31 starting assignments with 25 wins and 2 losses, 264 innings, 168 strikeouts and a fine 2.12 ERA. He fired 17 complete games.

19-year-old rookie Don Bartels (22-8/2.49 ERA/271 IP/19 CG) of the La Claire Lynx finished second in voting, while Miles Chaucer (19-9/2.58 ERA/286 IP/26 CG) of the Ozarka Naturals finished third. Chaucer is just 21. This was also his freshmen season in the IPA.

[Eugene Church]

TU SELECTS LA CLAIRE BARTELS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
He was just a rookie left-hander, but when Don Bartels got his chance in the La Claire starting rotation, he quickly made his presence known and chalked up an enviable record. For his efforts, Bartels got the Tycobbian Union Rookie of the Year Award this year. He was an important cog in La Claire winning the TU West for the second season in a row.

The little 5'9" lefty ended his debut season with a 22-8 mark and a 2.49 ERA in 32 starts, tossed 271 innings, fanned 166 and held opposing teams to a .220 average and had 19 complete games.

First baseman Barry Cranmore (152 games/.396 BA/6 HR/96 RBI/97 R) of the Cape Coral Hurricanes finished second in voting, while pitcher Paul Pegram (20-7/2.64 ERA/262 IP) of the Summerland Sunsets finished third.

[jg2977]

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

jg, I can't think of a person better to take over.
CD could do it, too. He is such a good writer and detailed person.
But I know he doesn't have the time to do it.

I'm sure you will do the IPA justice.
Thank you. When the time come, I will send the IPA to you.
You are welcome to make it your own league.

I would be honored!

[Eugene Church]

LAGRANGE'S ROBICHEAUX AND SUMMERLAND'S HALLSTROM HONORED AS IPA SKIPPERS OF THE YEAR
The 2088 Islandian Pro Alliance Managers of the Year were Antoine Robicheaux of the LaGrange Gators and Jayson Hallstrom of the Summerland Sunsets. Robicheaux was named the Ruthlandian Union top manager, while Hallstrom was chosen the Tycobbian Union best skipper. Both are first-time winners.

The 48-year Robicheaux has been the pilot of the LaGrange Gators since 2078. This season his club made great progress by improving from 2nd place and an 82-72 record to a sparkling 105-49 mark and the RU North Division title. Robicheaux had tough competition for the award. He edged out Randy Snow of the Forest City Firebirds, who raised his team up from 2nd place to first place in the RU West Division. The Firebirds upped their record from 89-65 in 2087 to an impressive 105-49 this year. The 61-year-old Snow won the best manager award in 2068, his first season at the helm of the club. Snow starred for Forest City for 13 years, playing the outfield and batting .297 in his career with 301 homers and 1060 runs batted in. Robicheaux only played 6 seasons in the IPA, all with LaGrange and compiled a 33-19 mark with a 3.89 ERA. He was injury-prone during his career.

The best skipper in the Tycobbian Union, Hall-of-Fame hurler Jayson Hallstrom, raised his Summerland Sunsets up from third place and a 78-75 mark to first place and the TU South crown with an 88-66 record. The 71-year-old Hallstrom had a splendid career in the IPA, all with Summerland. He was 368-274 with a fine 2.65 ERA in 20 seasons.

Hallstrom had intense competition, too. La Claire's Jonny Bacon jumped his club up from 95-59 to 101-63 this year, winning their second straight TU West title. Third place in the close balloting went to Mark Markis of the Hartsdale Hellcats, who greatly improved from 83-71 last year to 96-58 this year. They came in third last season and move up to win the TU North this season. Markis won the Manager of the Year back in 2072. He took command of the club back in 2062.

[Eugene Church]

2088 GOLDEN GLOVERS HONORED IN RUTHLANDIAN UNION
The Ruthlandian Union had many great defensive performers in 2088, but these men stood above
all others at their respective positions. Ancona third sacker Chris Savallas won his 3rd Gold Glove and
Marston center fielder Gerrit Van Valkenburg nabbed it for the second time in his career. The winners
of the Golden Glove Award are:

Pitcher
Gianni Trevisani (Sligo Rovers)(36 games/.958 FA/24 PO/22 Assists) (9-16/4.32 ERA/32 Starts/227 IP)

Catcher
Tomas Lizano (San Dimas Firebrands) (128 games/.995 FA/5 PB/69 Assists/7 DP/63.4% RTO/117 games/.266 BA/15 HR/64 RBI)

First Baseman
Edgaro Altuve (San Dimas Firebrands) (148 gams/.995 FA/77 Assists/.308 BA/10 HR/75 RBI/80 R/8 SB)

Second Baseman
Yago Rivas (Crystal Lake Skippers) (152 games/.986 FA/418 Assists/.242 BA/9 HR/75 RBI/57 R/10 SB)

Third Baseman
Chris Savallas (Ancona Jumbos) (149 games/.970 FA/284 Assists/.266 BA/21 HR/74 RBI/82 R/18 SB) (3rd Golden Glove Award)

Shortstop
Jurgen Olesk (Valka Blackhawks) (150 games/.975 FA/492 Assists/.247 BA/10 HR/46 RBI/74 R/12 SB)

Left Fielder
Willie Collingham (Forest City Firebirds) (150 games/. 983 FA/231 PO/2 Assists/2 DP/.299 BA/30 HR/106 RBI/109 R/11 SB)

Center Fielder
Gerrit Valkenburg (Marston Nine) (146 games/.983 FA/383 PO/7 Assists/4 DP/.230 BA/0 HR/38 RBI/46 R/8 SB) (2nd Golden Glove Award)

Right Fielder
Lonny Calhoun (Kilkenny Cats) (143 games/.994 FA/294 PO/13 Assists/2 DP/.253 BA/12 HR/55 RBI/72 R/19 SB)

TYCOBBIAN UNION PICKS TOP DEFENDERS IN 2088
Who are the Golden Glove Award winners? They are the guys that steal outs. They make spectacular
plays, but they also consistently make the routine plays. All of this year's TU Golden Glove team won
for the first time. There were no repeat winners. This year in the Tycobbian Union these defensive stalwarts
made a name for themselves with their gloves:

Pitcher
Artie McQuiston (Tuckanarra Blue Jays) (31 games/.940 FA/32 Assists/15 PO/11-17/3.45 ERA/31 Starts/238 IP)

Catcher
Huey Nicholas (Colchester Elites) (128 games/.993 FA/69 Assists/5 PB/4 DP/62.9% RTO/.208 BA/9 HR/50 RBI/39 R)

First Baseman
Rado Pasternak (Luxora Zorros) (124 games/.993 FA/65 Assists/.247 BA/18 HR/44 RBI/17 SB)

Second Baseman
Jody Josephson (Mahaska Haymakers) (146 games/.985 FA/361 Assists/.258 BA/9 HR/63 RBI/87 R/18 SB)

Third Baseman
Emil Farnham (Hillsboro Blazers) (147 games/.958 FA/277 Assists/11 DP/.305 BA/29 HR/110 RBI/100 R/2 SB)

Shortstop
Benny Zane (Kenwood Wildcats) (149 games/.968 FA/458 Assists/.241 BA/13 HR/54 RBI/77 R)

Left Fielder
Griff Cotter (Rolling Hills Racers) (146 games/.980 FA/235 PO/7 Assists/3 DP/.242 BA/20 HR/79 RBI/100 R/3 SB)

Center Fielder
Kieran Lange (Fairfax Frogs) (148 games/.979 FA/417 PO/11 Assists/3 DP/.329 BA/11 HR/89 RBI/84 R/9 SB)

Right Fielder
Daniel Upchurch (Red Bluff Red Sox) (142 games/.969 FA/230 PO/8 Assists/3 DP/.251 BA/4 HR/44 RBI/40 R/3 SB)

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, November 21, 2088

IPA MVP AWARDS GOES TO LAGRANGE SWINNERTON AND MAHASKA BENNIGAN
The IPA Year of 2088 was dominated by slugging first sackers. None were better than LaGrange first baseman Tory Swinnerton and Mahaska first sacker Byron Bennigan.

SWINNERTON CAPTURES 5TH RU MVP AWARD
LaGrange's Swinnerton was acclaimed the Ruthlandian Union Most Valuable Player for the 5th time in his standout career. He is showing no signs of slowing down on the diamond. The 36-year-old star had another banner year and topped the RU for the 13th time in home runs and in RBIs for the 4th time. Swinnerton was also named the RU Golden Bat for the 3rd time in his career. This season he batted .298 in 148 games and piled up 56 homers, 134 ribbies and scored 124 runs. The Gators won the RU North Division for the 5th time in the last 8 years. Swinnerton has amassed massive numbers in 16 seasons with a .302 lifetime batting average, 683 roundtrippers, 1716 RBIs and 1600 runs scored. He has made the All-Star team 9 times and won 2 Golden Gloves. Swinnerton is currently ranked 11th in homers in IPA history. Another good season or two and he can move up to 4th place behind the legendary Jerry Culpepper (878 HR), Roy Roberts (872) and Jack Elliott (848 HR).

Coming in second the RU Most Valuable Player poll was Rocky Rapids fine first sacker Lee Drummond (152 games/48 HR/121 RBI/113 R). His Snappers wound up in third place in the RU West. Winding up in the third spot was Belle Plaine outstanding shortstop Jean-Paul Lacombe (149 games/35 HR/107 RBI/103 R). He paced the Musketeers to the RU East pennant and also to their very first Pro Cup crown. Lacombe was named the IPA Playoffs MVP as the standout postseason performer.

MAHASKA'S BENNIGAN HONORED WITH TU MVP FOR THE 3RD TIME
Among his many accolades Mahaska first baseman Byron Bennigan has won the Tycobbian Union Golden Bat Award in 2085, 2087 and 2088. Finally, this year the 27-year-old superstar snared his first TU Most Valuable Player trophy. It was his best season with a .354 BA in 153 games, 53 homers, 136 RBIs, 125 runs and 28 stolen bases. Bennington led the league in home runs and runs scored. He finished third in batting average. Overall in his 7 seasons Bennington has compiled a sparkling .324 BA with 269 homers, 698 RBIs, 723 runs and 74 stolen bases. His Haymakers came in third this year in the Tycobbian North.

Bennington outpolled two terrific hurlers to gain the league MVP honor. This year's TU Golden Arm Sid Humphrey (25-2/2.12 ERA/was the runner-up in the poll. The 34-year-old right-hander propelled his Hellcats to the TU North title and led the league in wins and ERA. La Claire's 20-year-old rookie pitcher Don Bartels (22-8/2.49 ERA/271 IP) came in third in the MVP balloting. He was the TU Rookie of the Year. The Lynx won the TU West with Bartels making a huge contribution.

[Eugene Church]

That wraps up the 2088 IPA season.

I will get busy on the new season soon.
I plan to speed up the process of playing each season.
I don't plan to cover the league as I have in the past.

Who knows? This may make it more interesting.
We'll see.

[Eugene Church]

NOBODY MADE THE IPA HALL OF FAME THIS YEAR
The modern-day IPA player doesn't have the numbers as in the days of old. It is getting harder and harder to make the Hall of Fame.
Pitcher William Pike came as close and you could get and not make it. There are a lot of rock-solid ballplayers, but none of them are Hall of Fame quality.

The ballots are counted and the results are in. Unfortunately, no player was elected to the Hall of Fame this year. The top vote getter was William Pike, who received votes from 74.9% of eligible electors.

The full voting results are included here. Players require 75% of ballots cast to be elected to the Hall, may stay on the ballot for up to 10 years if they receive at least 5% of the votes. Players must be retired for 3 years before they are eligible for induction to the Hall of Fame.

SP William Pike 74.9 (6th year)
RF Ernie Friedricks 70.4 (4th year)
SS Carroll Ezzell 66.3 (1st year)
SS Yazzy Ricks 65.9 (8th year)
SS Junior Evans 32.6 (7th year)
LF Dolph Gordon 27.7 (4th year)
SP Mick Flanders 24.3 (4th year)
3B Misha Makowski 24.3 (4th year)
2B Nat Kenner 24.0 (4th year)
SP Jalen Abercrombie 22.5 (1st year)
RP Henry Youngman 22.1 (4th year)
SP Calvin Hurley 21.7 (2nd year)
SS Andy Zahn 18.7 (4th year)
SP Major Rowling 18.4 (2nd year)
CF Eliott Carleton 15.7 (4th year)
SS Ollie Daggs 15.4 (4th year)
SP Paddy McCammon 12.0 (2nd year)
1B Virgil Welsh 11.6 (4th year)
SP Luis Trevino 11.2 (2nd year)
SP Russell Krohn 11.2 (7th year)
SP Junior Castle 10.1 (2nd year)
SP Jeff Kennon 9.7 (2nd year)
1B Neal Crichton 9.0 (1st year)
2B Jimmy Czarnecki 9.0 (4th year)
CF Buddy Long 7.9 (1st year)
RP Brownie Ashmore 6.7 (10th year)