Baseball: The World's Game

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One player was inducted into the Central American Baseball Association’s 1946 Hall of Fame Class. Pitcher Paul Garcia made the cut on his first ballot with 77.7% of the vote. Fellow pitcher Aitor Moreno came incredibly close again at 63.4%, barely under the 66% threshold. That was Moreno’s ninth try, meaning he’ll have one more opportunity to make the cut next year. Two others were above 50%, 2B Junior Mota on his seventh try and SP Rayan Montes on his first.



Two players were dropped after lasting ten seasons on the ballot. Pitcher Carlos Cartagena was the 1922 Mexican League Pitcher of the Year, posting 174-145, 3.09 ERA, and 38.0 WAR with mostly Guadalajara. He peaked at 27.7% on his first try on the ballot, ending at 11.3%. Reliever Philippe L’Amour was the 1921 Caribbean League Reliever of the Year with 202 saves in his CABA career. He peaked at 17.8%.



Paul Garcia – Starting Pitcher – Hermosillo Hyenas – 77.7% First Ballot

Paul Garcia was a 6’0’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Acapulco, the coastal beach city in southern Mexico. Garcia had 96-98 mph velocity with a five-pitch arsenal of a curveball, forkball, changeup, sinker, and splitter. Garcia was considered a respectable defensive pitcher and someone who could reliably eat innings, leading the Mexican League in innings pitched thrice. He was a “sparkplug” player with an infectious energy.

After a strong amateur career, Garcia was picked fourth overall in the 1925 CABA Draft by Hermosillo. He became a full-time starter by his third season and was a regular starter for the Hyenas. He led Mexican in wins in 1931 and 33, strikeouts in 1933 (292), and WAR in 1932. Reliable, but he only made the top three in Pitcher of the Year once with Hermosillo, taking third in 1933. He helped lead the Hyenas to the Mexican League title in 1930 and 33, falling short of the CABA title in both seasons because of Jamaica.

Hermosillo began to struggle into the mid 1930s, as did Garcia. At age 31, Hermosillo traded Garcia for prospects to Haiti in July 1935. His contract was up after only a few months with the Herons and he signed back up with the Hyenas the next year. After spending 1936 there, he was traded again, this time to Santiago.

After a forgettable year with the Sailfish, he went back to Haiti as a free-agent and was part of the Herons’ 1938 CABA championship season. Garcia had a career resurgence in 1939, finishing third in Pitcher of the Year voting at age 35 with a 21 win, 2.88 ERA season. Still, the Herons traded him that offseason to Monterrey, where Garcia pitched his final season. He picked up his 200^th career win with the Matadors and opted to retire after the 1940 season at age 37.

Garcia’s final line: 213-163, 3.05 ERA, 3249 strikeouts over 3462.2 innings, 284/424 quality starts and 62.5 WAR. His #12 was retired by Hermosillo in 1941. Not dominant, but a reliable starter in the late 1920s and into the 1930s. This led to Garcia’s induction at 77.7% on the first ballot as the only 1946 CABA Hall of Fame pick.

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The 1946 East Asia Baseball Hall of Fame added one player in the 1946 class. On his seventh attempt, infielder Kisho Miura finally crossed the 66% threshold with 73.0% of the vote. Closer Toyohiko Taguchi came close on his debut at 62.9%. Another reliever, Ji-Hyun Kim, was the only other player above 50%.



One player was dropped after 10 seasons on the ballot; starting pitcher Takenao Fukuda. Between four teams, he had a 147-87 record, 2.51 ERA, 2045 strikeouts and 52.4 WAR. Solid numbers considering his official EAB career started at age 29. With a full career of numbers, he may have made, but lacking big accolades hurt him despite helping Yokohama win two EAB titles. Fukuda peaked at 32.8% on his second try, ending at 11.1%.



Kisho “Ant” Miura – Infielder – Gwangju Grays – 73.0% Seventh Ballot

Kisho Miura was a 5’9’’, 180 pound right-handed infielder from Kurume, a city in the Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan. Miura was renowned for incredible speed and baserunning ability. He was also a very solid contact hitter with a great eye. He wasn’t powerful, but used his speed to get a good number of doubles and triples. He was an infielder and generally thought of a below average defender. He spent about 40% of his starts at third base, around 25% at second base, 25% as a designated hitter and the rest roughly split between first and shortstop.

Miura was a solid pro in Japan prior to the forming of East Asia Baseball. When EAB was officially founded, Miura signed with the Gwangju Grays at age 29 for the 1921 season. He won six Silver Sluggers in his 10 seasons with Gwangju and led the Korean League in stolen bases each of those years. His 141 steals in 1925 remains the single-season record even a century later. Miura also led the league in runs twice, hits once, and triples thrice.

Gwangju was a Korea League power in the 1920s, winning seven straight South Division titles from 1924-1930. They won the Korea League title in 25, 26, 27, and 30; winning the EAB title in 1930. Miura was the KLCS MVP in 1925 and in his playoff career had 65 hits and 27 runs in 63 playoff games. With the Grays, Miura had 1604 hits, 992 runs, 1106 stolen bases, a .301/.383/.474 slash, and 58.7 WAR. His #17 was retired, the first number to be retired by Gwangju, as an important part of their 1920s run.

At age 39 fresh off a 112 run, 5.5 WAR season, Miura took a shot at Major League Baseball, spending two seasons with Omaha. The veteran was a solid starter in two seasons with the Hawks, then returned to EAB for his final two seasons with Sendai.

His final EAB stats were 1075 runs, 1790 hits, 260 doubles, 222 triples, 1185 stolen bases, a .297/.377/.466 slash and 62.1 WAR. At retirement, he had more stolen bases than any other professional baseball player and remained the EAB all-time leader until 1971. His Hall case is an interesting one as he lacked the home run and RBI numbers usually required. His overall accumulations were lower than many others in the Hall, but it was worth noting his EAB career started at age 29. Had he had his 20s to add to the stats, 2000 career stolen bases could have been possible and he certainly would have racked up more impressive run and hit totals. Miura was below 60% in his first six years on the ballot, but he made it to 73.0% on the seventh try to earn induction.

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After voting started in the 1940s, the first Beisbol Sudamerica Hall of Famers were elected in 1946. Pitchers Mauricio Vargas and Wagner Santos both made it in on their first ballot with Vargas at 77.0% and Santos at 72.9%. CF Nelson Coelho was the next closest with a distant 33.4% on his first try.



Mauricio Vargas – Starting Pitcher – Valencia Velocity – 77.0% First Ballot

Mauricio Vargas was a 6’0’’, 195 pound right-handed pitcher from Lima, Peru. Vargas had excellent movement and solid stuff with a 96-98 mph fastball mixed with a good slider and forkball, plus a rarely-used changeup. He was also considered a great defender, as he won six Gold Gloves during his tenure.

Vargas bounced around the amateur and semi-pro ranks in Peru before Beisbol Sudamerica was formed. He was 27 years old when BSA began, signing with Valencia for the 1931 season. The Velocity had some solid seasons in the 1930s, but was unable to win the North Division. Still, Vargas was excellent for nine seasons.

Vargas led the Bolivar League in ERA in 1932 (1.96) and 1934 (1.65). He also posted an incredible 13.4 WAR in 1934 and 11.1 WAR in 1937. Vargas earned Pitcher of the Year in 1934 and finished third in both 1936 and 1937. In 1940 at age 36, he returned to his native Peru by signing with Callao. Unfortunately in late May, a partially torn UCL would end his career.

Vargas’s final statistics were 165-96, 2.24 ERA, 2792 strikeouts over 2500 innings, 235/311 quality starts and 80.7 WAR. His #20 was retired by Valencia and he was considered one of the top pitchers of BSA’s first decade. His totals are low by comparison to later HOF pitchers due to his later start and earlier retirement, but Vargas is well deserving as a member of the first Beisbol Sudamerica Hall of Fame Class.



Wagner Santos – Starting Pitcher – Buenos Aires Atlantics – 72.9% First Ballot

Wagner Santos was a 5’9’’, 185 pound right-handed pitcher born in Ferraz de Vasconcelos, part of greater Sao Paulo, Brazil. He was known for stellar control with 95-97 mph velocity when he came into Beisbol Sudamerica with a fastball, slider, and changeup. He was already a very seasoned pro when he started his official BSA career, signing with Buenos Aires at age 32 for the 1931 season.

Santos won the Southern Cone Pitcher of the Year in his Atlantics debut with the league lead in ERA at 1.64. He led in ERA again in 1934, led in WAR (11.5) in 1932, led in WHIP thrice and K/BB four times with his remarkable 210 walks over 2053.2 career innings. In May 1933 against Salavdor, Santos threw the second BSA perfect game with 15 strikeouts. He was second in Pitcher of the Year in 1934 and was third in 1933 and 1932.

The veteran pitcher didn’t stay anywhere very long. His first three and best seasons were with Buenos Aires. He signed with Brasilia from 1934-36 and won Copa Sudamerica with the Bearcats in 1935. Santos was with Fortaleza in 1937. The Foxes traded him to Salvador, where he played two seasons, followed by a final season back with the Bearcats.

His final stats: 137-72, 2.05 ERA, 2053.2 innings with 2121 strikeouts, 198/284 quality starts and 64.6 WAR. The fact that this stat line came from ages 32-41 is especially impressive and if he had been able to start earlier, Santos might have been thought of as an inner-circle level player. Still, this run earned him a first ballot selection at 72.9% in Beisbol Sudamerica’s first Hall of Fame class.

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La Paz and Medellin were again the Bolivar League division champions to set up a third straight finals meeting between the two. For the Pump Jacks dynasty, this extended their playoff streak to a Beisbol Sudamerica record eight seasons. La Paz had the best overall record at 101-61, six games ahead of Cali in the South Division. The Mutiny finished 90-72 atop the North Division, five better than Valencia.

La Paz 1B Noel Parra secured the MVP with the league lead in hits (190), doubles (41), slugging (.570), OPS (.938), and WAR (9.4). The Pump Jacks also had the Pitcher of the Year as Ilalio Lopez earned his second straight. Lopez at age 30 led in wins (22) and complete games (21), posting 8.9 WAR, 333 strikeouts, and 2.09 ERA.



Defending Copa Sudamerica champ Buenos Aires extended their postseason streak to six straight seasons, taking the Southern Cone's South Division at 93-69, beating Cordoba by seven games. A competitive Brazil division saw new contenders as Sao Paulo dropped to third place. Belo Horizonte got their second-ever division title (1939) at 99-63, one game better than Fortaleza.

Sao Paulo 1B Amadeus Ribeiro won his third MVP in four seasons. He tied Manel Pinedo’s single-season home run record with 62 and had one of the best offensive seasons in Liga Cono Sur history. Ribeiro also led the league in runs (101), hits (204), RBI (126), triple slash (.332/.376/.684), OPS (1.060), wRC+ (254) and WAR (11.8). Buenos Aires ace Evan Yho secured his third Pitcher of the Year. The 31-year old lefty Yho led the league in WAR for the third straight season at 10.7. He also led in wins (21), innings (276.2), strikeouts (368), and K/BB (10.2).

The Bolivar League Championship Series rematch between La Paz and Medellin had the same result as the prior two. The Pump Jacks again prevailed, this time even more convincingly with a sweep. La Paz wins their fifth straight and seventh in eight years. It wouldn't be until Valencia in the 1970s that another team won five straight Bolivar titles. In the Cono Sur final, Buenos Aires outlasted Belo Horizonte in seven games to give the Atlantics back-to-back titles and their fourth in six years.

The 1946 Copa Sudamerica was the third time in the 1940s that it was Buenos Aires versus La Paz. The winner would become the first franchise to win four Copa Sudamerica titles. Unlike 1942 and 1945, which saw the Atlantics prevail; the 1946 edition went to the Pump Jacks. La Paz took the series in five games, giving them four titles from 1939-1946. This would ultimately mark the end of their Bolivar League dynasty with a nearly 30-year playoff drought to follow despite having some decent teams in that stretch. Still, the run inspired and solidified a solid fanbase and presence in Bolivia for years to come, despite later stumbles.





Other notes: La Paz veteran pitcher Mohamed Ramos made it an unprecedented 7000+ career strikeouts in 1946. Meanwhile, Sao Paulo's Danilo Patricio celebrated being the second player to get to 4000 strikeouts and the second to 250 wins. Pascal Aguirre and Timoteo Caruso both made it to 3500 Ks. Aguirre also became the sixth to 200 career wins.

In offensive notes, five crossed 2000 hits in 1946; making it 10 players to do so in BSA. Doing it in 1946 were Sam Lara, Carlo Mizurado, Ruy Vargas, Barry Huaman, and Leonardo Velasco. Vargas and Jose Negron became the third and fourth BSA hitters to reach 400 home runs. Huaman became the sixth to 1000 runs scored. Rio’s Martin Arriaga earned an 11^th Gold Glove at right field. Two-way player Ignacio Rola earned his 10^th Silver Slugger at pitcher.

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Saitama had the Japan League’s best record in 1946 at 101-61 for their first playoff berth since 1934. They cruised to the North Division title as back-to-back league champ Sapporo fell off, tying for second at 82-80 with Yokohama. Osaka at 98-65 easily took the South Division, giving the Orange Sox four straight playoff appearances.

Leading the Sting to their playoff appearance was Dylan Chen. The 29-year old Chinese RF was two average points short of a Triple Crown with a .314 average, 54 home run, 108 RBI season with 100 runs scored and 9.5 WAR. He’d get his seventh Silver Slugger in his finale year in Saitama, as he’d head to Major League Baseball and Buffalo next season with the hold on EAB players leaving lifted now that World War II was over. Fukuoka veteran Taiji Makino won the Pitcher of the Year. Th3 32-year old didn’t lead in any stats, but had a 2.03 ERA and 5.6 WAR with 234 strikeouts.



Hamhung secured the Korea League North Division for the second straight season with their 97-65 mark eight games better than Pyongyang and Seoul. In the South, Yongin outraced defending EAB champ Changwon for the title. The Gold Sox took it at 101-61, two games better than the Crabs. For Yongin, it is their first playoff appearance in franchise history. This leaves Chiba, Daejeon, Incheon, and Sendai as the EAB teams without at least one playoff berth through the first 26 seasons.

Pyongyang 1B Seong-Jun Han picked up the MVP in his fourth season. “Sugar Bear” set a league record with 38 triples, while also leading Korea in runs (113), slugging (.601), wRC+ (182), and WAR (8.1). The triple record would stand until 1987. Incheon’s Su-Yeon Kim won back-to-back Pitcher of the Year awards. He was five ERA points away from a Triple Crown with the 27-year old going 21-7 with a 1.74 ERA and 291 strikeouts. He also led Korea in innings (289), quality starts (28), and WAR (9.5).

Osaka defeated Saitama in six games in the Japan League Championship Series for their second title in four years and fourth overall league title. In the Korean League Championship Series, Hamhung edged Yongin in a seven-game classic for the Heat’s third title and first since 1928. The East Asian Championship also was a seven game slugfest with Hamhung prevailing over Osaka. The Heat become a three-time EAB champion.





Other notes: In a statistical oddity, 1946 didn’t have a single no-hitter, the first time in EAB history this happened. Goyang’s Byung-Oh Tan became the fourth EAB batter to 500 career home runs. Busan’s Min-Seong Pak became the fourth to 2500 career hits. Changwon’s Ha-Jun Cho won his eighth Silver Slugger at right field. Nagoya’s Si-U Gim won his ninth at shortstop.

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Chihuahua took the Mexican League North Division in 1946 at 96-66, nine games better than Tijuana. Hermosillo, who won it the last two years, fell off hard to a last place 67-95. Meanwhile in the South, Merida edged defending CABA champ Mexico City by a game with the Mean Green at 97-65 and the Aztecs at 96-66. For Merida, it is their first playoff appearance in more than 30 years with their only berths in 1911 and 1912.

The MVP went to Guadalajara 1B Prometheo Garcia in his second full season. It would be the first of many MVPs for arguably the greatest hitter in CABA history. The 23-year old from Ojinaga, Mexico in 1946 led Mexico in hits (214), runs (104), average (.358), OBP (.405), OPS (1.024), and WAR (10.3). Chihuahua’s Danny Ledo earned Pitcher of the Year and was the first Triple Crown winning pitcher since 1928. The 26-year old Ledo had a 23-7 record, 2.15 ERA, and 320 strikeouts.



Puerto Rico made it six straight seasons on top in the Caribbean League Island Division. The Pelicans held off a very competitive field at 94-68, two games better than Haiti and five ahead of both Jamaica and Santiago. In the Continental Division, Panama edged Salvador by one game, taking it at 83-79. It is the first playoff berth for the Parrots since making it from 1911-1914.

RF Pasqualino Yanez of Puerto Rico won his third MVP in five seasons. In his penultimate season with the Pelicans, the 34-year old led the Caribbean with 7.7 WAR, adding 41 home runs, 119 RBI, and a .309 average. Rookie Glenn Paolantionio was a surprise Pitcher of the Year for Haiti with a 16-7 record, 2.44 ERA, 241 strikeouts, and 6.9 WAR. Paolantonio had an odd career, getting drafted twice in the first round in MLB but failing to sign. The North Carolina native left for CABA and had this big rookie year, but a torn UCL and two torn rotator cuffs meant he never had a full season beyond his rookie year.

In the Mexican League Championship Series, Chihuahua beat Merida in six games, giving the Warriors their third league title and first since 1926. In the Caribbean League Championship Series, Panama denied Puerto Rico’s bid for a four-peat, winning in seven. It was the Parrots’ first ever Caribbean League title and they added their first CABA Championship in a seven-game classic over Chihuahua. It would be an outlier with Panama, who wouldn’t return to the finale in the next 90 years. At 83-79, the Parrots are maybe the weakest and most unlikely champ in CABA history. Still, the shiny ring looks the same on their fingers.





Other notes: Yves Jean and Jonny Lucero became the sixth and seventh CABA players to 500 home runs. Felipe Morales became the fourth to 4000 strikeouts and the fifth to 250 wins. Leon’s Emmanuel Zavala won his 12^th Silver Slugger at shortstop. Thomas Rheault grabbed his 12^th Gold Glove at shortstop.

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Philadelphia set a franchise record with a 114-48 season, giving the Phillies a sixth straight playoff berth and fifth straight Eastern League title. Toronto also set a franchise record trying to keep pace as the Timberwolves took second in the EL at 108-54. For Toronto, it is their first playoff berth in a decade. Hartford’s streak was snapped as they took third at 96-66. In the Midwest League, Kansas City was first at 93-69 for their first playoff spot since 1937. Milwaukee grabbed second at 89-73, their first playoff berth since 1939. Last year’s ML champ Minneapolis fell to eighth at 73 wins.

Milwaukee’s Francisco Valencia won the MVP in his third season in the league. The Mexican first baseman led in the triple slash at .387/.455/.730 with a 1.186 OPS, 234 wRC+ and 9.9 WAR. His .387 average was the third-best season to that point. The 1.1858 OPS was a single-season record that held until 1995. Philadelphia’s Leon Frausto earned the Pitcher of the Year at age 30. The Venezuelan had a career year with an NA-best 2.09 ERA and 0.88 WHIP with 16 complete games and 7.5 WAR. Toronto’s Alex Lusk also became one of a select few to win Reliever of the Year three times, leading the NA with 45 saves.

In the first round of the playoffs, Philadelphia swept Milwaukee and Toronto battled to a 3-2 win at Kansas City. In the National Association Championship Series, the Timberwolves battled hard, but the Phillies dynasty continued. Philadelphia won the series in seven games for their unprecedented sixth consecutive NA title.



In the Southern League, Jacksonville at 99-63 took first, getting their first playoff appearance since winning the 1932 World Series. San Antonio was one back at 98-64 for only the third-ever playoff appearance for the Oilers (1907, 1924). Nashville was third at 89 wins, while last year’s SL champ Dallas dropped to 72 wins. In the Western League, San Diego took back-to-back titles, yet again finishing one game ahead of Los Angeles. The Seals were 102-60 with the defending World Series champ Angeles at 101-61 for their third straight playoff berth. Las Vegas (99-63), San Francisco (97-65) and Oakland (94-68) all had great seasons, but fell just short.

25-year old San Antonio designated hitter Sebastian “Lizard” Lunde won his first MVP with a historic season. He posted the fifth-ever MLB hitter Triple Crown with a .354 average, 55 home runs, and 149 RBI. Lunde also led the American Association in runs (125), hits (235), and slugging (.656). San Francisco journeyman Dave Garcia was the Pitcher of the Year, leading the AA in wins (21) and WAR (7.5) with 261 strikeouts and a 3.01 ERA. San Diego’s Victor Porter became a three-time Reliever of the Year winner with a 1.51 ERA, 4.5 WAR season.

The Western League prevailed in the first round as San Diego survived in five games against San Antonio and Los Angeles swept Jacksonville. In an American Association Championship Series rematch, the Angels again defeated the Seals; this time in seven games. This set up a World Series rematch as well between the Angels and Phillies. Once again, Los Angeles came out on top in five games. The Angels join the Phillies dynasty (41-44), the 1917-18 Phillies, and 1910-12 Houston Hornets as the only winners of consecutive World Series titles.






Other notes: Denver’s Caleb Yang became the seventh MLB batter to 600 home runs. Yang, Jesse Cuello, and Purvis Jones all crossed 3000 hits, making it 19 batters to have joined the club. Getting to 1500 RBI were Aubin Shrauger, Feris Adam, and Keith Strollo. Jesse Cuello and Luke Murray made it to 1500 runs scored. San Francisco’s Roy Cole, Charlotte’s Domingo Martinez, and Vancouver’s Jacob Gosselin all crossed 250 career wins. Boston 1B Blake Wynn won his 11^th Gold Glove.

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The 1947 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Class had only one inductee, but a no-doubter in CF Jax Sanders, who got in with an impressive 98.2%. Two others crossed 60%, but not the 66% required for induction. 1B Balta Llama got 61.4% on his second try and CL Noah Pugliese had 61.1% on his fourth go. Eight others made it above 50%.



Getting dropped after his 10^th ballot was SP Sebastian Pentland. The 1927 American Association Pitcher of the Year, over 17 seasons between Boston, San Francisco, and Indianapolis, he had a 235-208 record, 3.70 ERA, 4087.1 innings, 3135 strikeouts, and 82.6 WAR. His longevity and totals were solid and by the metrics, he’s actually at or above the average in each category. Still, the lack of dominance and accolades sank him as Pentland peaked at 43.1% on the first ballot.

Further down also dropped after ten seasons was pitcher Mack Brandt. In 14 years with Albuquerque and Houston, he had a 184-132 record, 3.57 ERA, 2946.2 innings, 2491 strikeouts, and 62.6 WAR. He was most notable for being just a win short of a Triple Crown in 1926. A better peak than Pentland, but fewer accumulations, so not surprising that he didn’t fare any better. He peaked at 30.5% on his second ballot.



Jax Sanders – Centerfielder – Philadelphia Phillies – 98.2% First Ballot

Jax Sanders was a 5’10’’, 175 pound right-handed centerfielder from Malvern, Pennsylvania, a small town located 25 miles west of Philadelphia. Sanders was one of the all-time great leadoff hitters as an excellent contact hitter with outstanding speed. He regularly put the ball in play, rarely striking out but also rarely getting walks. He wasn’t much of a power hitter, but his speed allowed him to get some extra bases. He led his league in stolen bases six times in his career. He was a career centerfielder and a stellar defender, earning seven Gold Gloves.

Sanders played college baseball at Virginia and ended up back close to home as Philadelphia picked him 28^th overall in the 1921 MLB Draft. He spent 10 seasons with the Phillies, who were a mid to lower tier franchise during his run in the 1920s. He won three of his five Silver Sluggers with Philly and finished with 1808 hits, 886 runs a .314 average, and 58.0 WAR. In 1928, Sanders had a 37-game hitting streak; at the time the second-longest streak in MLB history.

His #6 is one of two numbers retired by the franchise and he’d remain very popular locally for years, despite his tenure coming in a relatively forgettable time between their late 1910s titles and the 1940s dynasty. Sanders left Philadelphia and signed a seven-year deal with Memphis for the 1931 season at age 30.

With the Mountain Cats, he won two more Silver Sluggers and five of his seven Gold Gloves. In 1934, Sanders grabbed his lone MVP with the American Association lead in hits (219), runs (115), and WAR (7.8). Memphis made the playoffs twice in his six year tenure but were eliminated in the first round both times. With the Mountain Cats, he had 1165 hits, 616 runs, and 31.5 WAR. He picked up his 2500^th hit and 1500^th run with Memphis.

Sanders was on the move for the 1937 season at age 36 and signed a three-year deal with Toronto. He led in stolen bases twice with the Timberwolves and still provided good defensive value, although his hitting value was starting to drop. He picked up his 3000^th hit in Toronto.

At age 39, he signed with Calgary in 1940 and earned his 3500^th career hit. He won one more Gold Glove, but was starting to have age and injuries catch up. He wrapped his MLB career in 1941 with Louisville, only playing 22 games thanks to a torn ACL. But his 18 hits with the Lynx allowed him to pass Corey Patricio as the MLB all-time hit king at 3609. Sanders would play three more years in CABA with Jamaica, posting a solid 1942, before seeing limited time in 1943 and 1944. He would retire at age 45 after going unsigned in 1945.

His final stats in MLB: 3609 hits, 1786 runs, 384 doubles, 172 triples, 227 home runs, 1196 RBI, a .302/.334/.420 slash and 101.8 WAR. He’d get passed by three hitters for the hit king by the end of the 1950s, but would finish the 21^st Century fifth all-time. His 928 steals was first all-time when he retired and he’d only be passed by Bill Tan in the next century. His career Zone Rating was 338.5, the all-time most of all MLB CFs and third all-time at any position. Sanders had a unique skill set and was a premier player of the 1920s and 1930s, well deserving of an inner-circle 98.2% induction into the 1947 MLB Hall.

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The 1947 Central American Baseball Association Hall of Fame had three players inducted. Two were inner-circle level picks in pitchers Martin Campos (98.8%) and Leo Antonucci (97.9%). The third was pitcher Aitor Moreno who got in on the slimmest of margins. On his 10^th and final possible attempt, he crossed the 66% threshold with a 66.1%. 2B Junior Mota was close but short again at 56.7% on his eighth attempt. Two other pitchers, Rayan Montes and Dusty Louis, both were at 50% even. No players were dropped after a 10^th ballot in the CABA HOF.



Martin Campos – Starting Pitcher – Puebla Pumas – 98.8% First Ballot

Martin Campos was a 6’0’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Silao, a city in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato. Campos had incredible movement with a strong five-pitch arsenal of a slider, forkball, changeup, sinker, and circle change. His velocity peaked at 97-99 mph. After having great amateur success, Puebla picked Campos second overall in the 1926 MLB Draft.

Campos immediately became an ace for Puebla, winning Rookie of the Year in 1927 and taking third in Pitcher of the Year voting. In 1928, Campos had a 1.69 ERA and 4-0 record in 26.2 playoff innings en route to a CABA championship for the Pumas. They were solid, but missed the playoffs in his remaining years with Puebla. But Campos was still a star, winning Pitcher of the Year in 1929 and 1933. He took second in 1930 and 1932 and third in 1931. He led in WAR twice, ERA once, and WHIP twice with the Pumas. His career numbers there was 131-72, 2.26 ERA, 2259 strikeouts over 1987.2 innings and 61.3 WAR. His #6 jersey would be retired after retirement.

Puebla fell off hard in the 1934 and decided to trade Campos for five prospects, one of which would be 1956 Hall of Fame inductee Felix Hernandez. Campos joined Monterrey for the 1935 at age 31 and grabbed his third Pitcher of the Year, finishing just 19 strikeouts short of a Triple Crown with a 21-8 record, 1.65 ERA, and 320 Ks. The Matadors won the Mexican League title, falling in the CABA final to Costa Rica. This season also saw his lone no-hitter, coming against his former squad Puebla on September 4 with 12 strikeouts and one walk.

Campos took third in Pitcher of the Year voting in 1936 with Monterrey, leaving that offseason for a big free agent contract with Havana. The Hurricanes signed him at $12,800 per year over five years; his salary had peaked at $6,100 in his prior stints. He never was top three in Pitcher of the Year, but was solid in his mid 30s with the Hurricanes. At age 37, he was traded in the last year of his deal to Tijuana for the 1941 season. He was off to a strong start with the Toros, but suffered a torn labrum on June 10 that ended his career.

Campos final statistics saw a 235-134 record, 2.48 ERA, 3503.2 innings, 3815 strikeouts, 338/443 quality starts, 111 complete games and 99.7 WAR. At retirement, he was behind only Ulices Montero and Esaie Cherefant in pitcher WAR. One of the true elite pitchers of the late 1920s and 1930s, Campos was a slam dunk first ballot Hall of Famer at 98.8%.



Leo Antonucci – Starting Pitcher – Santiago Sailfish – 97.9% First Ballot

Leo Antonucci was a 6’0’’, 185 pound right-handed pitcher from Frederick Maryland, part of the Washington metro area. He had 98-100 velocity and very good control of a fastball, slider, changeup, and cutter He had a lot of strikeouts and low walk numbers, but his pitches would often come in flat and he had issues allowing home runs. Antonucci also had great stamina and was incredibly durable, very rarely missing a start.

It was an unusual path to CABA for an American pitcher. He played college baseball at Virginia and wasn’t a highly touted prospect at all. He was picked in the seventh round, 303^rd overall, by Columbus in the 1924 MLB Draft. But he was cut before playing a game. Looking for work, the Santiago Sailfish signed Antonucci and debuted him as a part-time starter in 1926. In the Dominican Republic, he developed his skill and became a staff ace for the next 15 years with Santiago.

He came in just after Santiago’s prominent run at the start of the 1920s and although they were rarely bad, they only made the playoffs once in Antonucci’s tenure. He was a bright spot though, leading the Caribbean in strikeouts five years in a row from 1930-34. He led in quality starts five times and K/BB six times. He finished third in Pitcher of the Year voting in 1931 and was a six-time all-star.

Antonucci was often in the top 10 in most stats each year, but wasn’t dominant. Still, he racked up the accolades. On June 6, 1937, he had a no-hitter with 10 strikeouts against Honduras. He became the seventh CABA pitcher to 3500 strikeouts and then the third to 4000. He was the third to also reach 250 wins in 1941, his final season. He retired after that season at the age of 37. The Sailfish retired his #4 that offseason.

His final stats: 252-180, 3.17 ERA, 4004.1 innings, 4350 strikeouts with 5050 walks, 313/495 quality starts and 77.9 WAR. He could be counted upon for 15 years to get you a full season of starts for around 4-6 WAR with 250-300 strikeouts. At retirement, he was second in CABA strikeouts and he’d be fourth on the leaderboard at the turn of the millennium. With that, Antonucci was an easy first ballot choice at 97.9%.



Aitor Moreno – Starting Pitcher – Guadalajara Hellhounds – 66.1% Tenth Ballot

Aitor Moreno was a 5’11’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Masaya, the fourth largest city in Nicaragua. He had solid control throughout his career with 95-97 mph velocity between a good fastball and an alright changeup and slider. His stuff was generally thought of as average, but he put up very reliable production.

Moreno was picked 29^th overall in the second round of the 1916 CABA Draft by Costa Rica. He was a reserve player in his first two seasons with the Rays and a part-time starter who struggled in 1919. He did better in 1920 and 1921, but was a low-end starter. The Rays opted to trade Moreno before the 1922 season to Guadalajara for RF Yarlis Montilla. At age 27, this began his signature run with the Hellhounds.

He came in and posted a 5.9 WAR, 1.83 ERA season in his first year with Guadalajara, finishing third in Pitcher of the Year voting. In 1923, he won the PotY on a great year that included a no-hitter with nine strikeouts on April 21 against Mexicali. He led Mexico in wins (21), ERA (2.04), complete games (16), and shutouts (10). The Hellhounds made the playoffs four times during his tenure and they won the Mexican League title in 1925.

Moreno was solid a few more seasons, but started to see his productivity wane into his 30s. In his last year with Guadalajara in 1930 at age 35, he led the Mexican league in losses with 22. He signed with Puebla for 1931, but suffered a stretched elbow ligament to put him out for a year. He tried a comeback with Santo Domingo and made two starts in 1932, then retired that offseason.

The final stats: 173-146, 2.73 ERA, 3020.2 innings, 2566 strikeouts and 556 walks, 275/378 quality starts, 108 complete games, and 39.9 WAR. In the minds of many, that is a “Hall of Very Good” type career and when he started at 37.6% on the first ballot, that is what was expected. But Moreno slowly gained ground, getting above 60% on his eighth and ninth ballots. On his final try, needing 66% even to make it, Moreno received 66.1% of the vote. He has the lowest WAR of any non-reliever in the CABA Hall, but regardless; Aitor Moreno is in.

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One player made the East Asia Baseball Hall of Fame in 1947 as starting pitcher Tadao Iemochi picked up 85.6% on his first try on the ballot. Only two others were above 50%; reliever Toyohiko Taguchi at 55.1% on his second try and 3B Koson Mori at 51.3% on his seventh. There were no EAB players who were dropped on their 10^th ballot in 1947.



Tadao Iemochi – Starting Pitcher – Kobe Blaze – 85.6% First Ballot

Tadao Iemochi was a 6’2’’, 195 pound right-handed pitcher born in Yokohama, Japan. Iemochi was never a powerful pitcher as his velocity peaked at 93-95 mph. However, he was known from great movement on his pitches and later in his career, strong control. He mixed up a four-pitch arsenal of a slider, forkball, changeup, and sinker.

He moved to Tokyo as a teenage and attended Nishogakusha High School, where he caught a lot of attention as a baseball prospect. While players usually played in college or semi-pro, Iemochi was picked out of high school eighth overall in the 1923 EAB Draft by Kobe. He mostly was kept on the reserve roster to develop his skills, although he did see brief relief outings in 1924 and 1925. In 1926, he became a full-time starting pitcher at age 21.

Iemochi was a respectable starter in his early 20s. In late 1929, he suffered a torn flexor tendon, putting his career in question. He came back late in 1930 to make a few starts, but then at age 26, bounced back with his best season to date in 1931 with a career-best 8.8 WAR. He became a legitimate ace from 1931-1936, winning Pitcher of the Year in 33 and 36 and taking third in 32, 35, and 36. In 1935, Iemochi became a Blaze legend with a 0.73 ERA in three postseason starts. Kobe won their first East Asian Championship and Iemochi was named the series MVP; a rare honor for a pitcher.

In May 1937, he again suffered a torn flexor in his elbow. He never regained his elite form, but came back and was a solid contributor in 1938 and 1939. In 1940 at age 35, a torn labrum put him out for almost the entire year. Kobe voided his team option at that point, although they would later retire his #1 jersey and honor him as one of the franchise’s greats. He signed with Fukuoka for 1941, but a torn labrum meant he saw limited action. He tried a another comeback with Nagoya for 1942, but a second torn labrum in spring training officially put him out of the game.

Iemochi’s final stats: 188-141, 2.36 ERA, 3014.1 innings, 2736 strikeouts, 522 walks, 282/385 quality starts, and 76.9 WAR. A number of big injuries kept him from compiling higher totals, but his ability to keep pitching despite that speaks to his resilience. His 1931-1936 stretch was about as good of a six years a pitcher can have and he was instrumental in bringing Kobe a championship. Thus, Iemochi secured first ballot Hall of Fame status at 85.6%.

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Reliever Vitorio Paolini became the third Beisbol Sudamerica Hall of Famer as the lone inductee in the 1947 class. Paolini picked up 71.2% on his first try on the ballot. Another closer, Aitor Rangel, barely missed the 66% threshold with a 65.2% on his first try. No one else on the still limited BSA ballot made it above 1/3 of the vote.



Vitorio Paolini – Closer – Medellin Mutiny – 71.2% First Ballot

Vitorio Paolini was a 6’0’’, 200 pound left-handed pitcher from Rosario, Argentina. He had a 98-100 mph fastball and an absolutely filthy curveball as his second pitch with incredible movement. His control was at times shaky, but he made up for it with raw power. Paolini established himself in the amateur and semi-pro ranks in Argentina, earning him attention when Beisbol Sudamerica officially formed for 1931. At age 28, Paolini entered the organization with Medellin.

Paolini was immediately dominant in the bullpen, winning Reliever of the Year four times; 1932, 33, 34, and 36. He led the Bolivar League in saves four times and finished with 6+ WAR six times in seven seasons; a remarkable mark for a closer. Medellin was an early powerhouse, winning the Bolivar League title in 31, 34, 36, and 37. They won Copa Sudamerica in 31, 34, and 37 and in 1934, Paolini was the Copa Sudamerica MVP. That postseason, he pitched 9.2 scoreless innings with 25 strikeouts and four saves. His #5 would be the first jersey retired by the Mutiny.

After seven lights out seasons, his last two years with Medellin saw his productivity and use dwindle. Paolini was traded in July 1939 to Salvador, where he finished out the season. He pitched two more seasons, spending 1940 in Cordoba and 1941 in Buenos Aires. He got to retire on top though, tossing seven scoreless postseason innings to help the Atlantics to the 1941 Copa Sudamerica.

His final stats saw 300 saves, 398 shutdowns, 1.24 ERA, 832.1 innings with 1462 strikeouts and 48.7 WAR. His 300 saves would eventually be the lowest total of any inducted full-time reliever, but it is worth noting he started at age 28 and lost a few prime seasons of production. His seven-year peak was as unhittable as a closer could be, an essential piece to Medellin’s 1930s dynasty. Thus, Vitorio Paolini finds a first ballot spot at 71.2% in the Beisbol Sudamerica Hall of Fame.

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The idea for a baseball tournament of nations had been considered and bounced around in the prior years as the game expanded, but World War II effectively prevented the idea from gaining serious traction. Once the war ended in 1945, the idea was more seriously considered as a way to showcase the game and a way to promote peace and cooperation worldwide.

Major League Baseball, Central American Baseball Association, East Asia Baseball, and Beisbol Sudamerica all partnered together to form the Global Baseball Alliance. The GBA would become the sanctioning body of the World Baseball Championship, and later the Baseball Grand Championship. The additional major leagues that would form in the 21^st Century would join the GBA with efforts to grow and promote the game worldwide. While the leagues were competitors, they also would begin to collaborate and share notes to influence the future of the game.

In 1947, the first World Baseball Championship tournament was held. Deciding which nations would be represented was a contentious issue with many bad feelings still existing especially against Japan from WW2. In the initial edition, the teams participating would be from the Americas, along with Japan, North and South Korea, and China. The field would expand and the format would change in 1950 with the European Baseball Federation’s founding and general expansion of the game. The format in the first three seasons of the WBC had two 12-team divisions playing a round robin. The two division winners advanced to a best-of-seven championship series.

Another sticking point was the locations for such a tournament, but it was ultimately decided to go to a new city and country each year. Since these tournaments were to take place in January, weather had to be considered. Generally, tropical and southern hemisphere cities would have to get the nod as the game expanded. However, the initial WBC would take place in the United States. Houston was selected as the city had become a baseball hotbed due to the Hornets’ early success, plus it was one of the American cities warm enough in January to be playable.



In Division 1 in 1947, the United States took first place at 10-1, followed by Cuba at 8-3 and both Japan and Mexico at 7-4. In Division 2, Canada was undefeated at 11-0. Colombia and Honduras tied for second at 7-4. Officially, the nation awarded third place was Cuba and Honduras was fourth. In the first championship series, the USA defeated Canada in five games to earn the first world title.

The tournament MVP was Canada’s John Roberts. The 33-year old Cincinnati LF from Laval, Quebec in 15 games had 23 hits, 13 runs, 17 stolen bases, and a .418 average. American reliever Wyatt Weis was named the Best Pitcher. The 25-year old San Diego Seals reliever had eight saves in eight appearances with a 0.64 ERA in 14 innings with 34 strikeouts, two hits allowed and three walks.

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The Bolivar League North Division had Medellin on top for the fourth straight year, this time posting the best record in Beisbol Sudamerica at 112-50. In the South Division, Cali was close behind at 108-54 for their first playoff berth since 1937. The La Paz dynasty’s playoff streak was snapped at eight seasons, although the Pump jacks were still solid at 100-62. They wouldn’t win 100+ games again until 1978.

Cali CF Saul Vargas won his fourth Bolivar MVP award. It would be the final great season for the 34-year old Colombian, leading the league in runs (97), hits (198), stolen bases (76), average (.344), OBP (.395), OPS (.974) and WAR (8.8). He also won his 11^th and final Silver Slugger. Medellin 29-year old lefty Leonardo Magana earned Pitcher of the Year. Magana would’ve had a Triple Crown if it wasn’t for Mohamed Ramos, as Magana posted a 25-5 record, 1.51 ERA with 28 quality starts and 332 strikeouts.



Belo Horizonte won the Southern Cone Brazil Division for back-to-back seasons with another 99-63 season. The Hogs held off Salvador by five games and Brasilia by seven. In the South Division, Buenos Aires continued their dynasty with a seventh consecutive playoff berth. The Atlantics took the division at 96-66, nine games better than Cordoba.

Brasilia fourth-year LF Hadriano Laribi was the league MVP. He ate a balanced breakfast in 1947 with 50 home runs; he’d never hit more than 31 the rest of his career. Laribi also led Liga Cono Sur in slugging (.621), OPS (.991), wRC+ (237), and WAR (10.1). Sao Paulo righty Luisao “Redeye” Capucho was the Pitcher of the Year. He posted a 1.26 ERA, league-best 396 strikeouts, 33/34 quality starts and 14.2 WAR. The WAR tally is a top-10 all-time mark and would be second-best all-time if Mohamed Ramos didn’t exist. Instead, it is seventh.

The Bolivar League Championship Series went seven games for the first time since 1939. Medellin edged Cali, finally prevailing after taking runner-up the prior three seasons to La Paz. It is the fifth league title for the Mutiny and their first since their 1930s dominance. In Liga Cono Sur, Buenos Aires made it three straight by winning their rematch with Belo Horizonte in six games. The Atlantics now have five league titles in seven years. Copa Sudamerica went seven for the first time since 1939 as well with Medellin edging Buenos Aires, making the Mutiny four-time winners.





Other notes: Mohamed Ramos crossed 7500 strikeouts in his penultimate season. He’d retire after 1948 with 7747 strikeouts, 347 wins, and 205.1 WAR. He’d be the first professional baseball player in any league to cross 200 total WAR. Meanwhile, R.J. Figueroa and Oscar Blanco became the third and fourth pitchers to reach 4000 career strikeouts. Maracaibo’s Jonathan Iglesias and Buenos Aires’s Luis Albina both became three time Reliever of the Year winners. Cali’s Freddie Sandoval became the second to 400 career saves.

Offensively, MVP Saul Vargas became the first hitter to 2500 career hits and also made it to 1000 RBI. Ruy Vargas and David Anacoreta each made it to 1000 runs scored. Yuri Assuncao and Walter Robledo passed 1000 RBI with Robledo also being the sixth to 400 homers. Two-way player Ignacio Rola won his 11^th and final Silver Slugger at pitcher.

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After missing the playoffs last year, Sapporo took the Japan League North Division for the fourth time in five years. The Swordfish finished 95-67, three games better than Tokyo and seven ahead of last year’s division champ Saitama. In the South Division, Kobe prevailed at 98-64 for their fifth playoff appearance and first since 1942. They broke up Osaka’s streak at four as the defending league champ Orange Sox finished second at 93-69.

Fukuoka’s Takashi Isihara won his second MVP in three years. The 27-year old right fielder led Japan in runs (98), home runs (48), RBI (113), slugging (.618), and WAR (11.9) Tokyo’s Yeon-U Choo won his second Pitcher of the Year in three years. The 25-year old was three ERA points off a Triple Crown with a 21-6 record, 1.56 ERA, and 364 strikeouts. He also led in quality starts (29), FIP- (35), and WAR (11.5)



The 1947 Korea League was very competitive. Defending champ Hamhung won a third straight North Division with a 91-71 record. Goyang (90-72), Pyongyang (89-73), Seoul (87-55), and Incheon (85-77) all gave them a run. In the South Division, Daejeon at 93-69 was first by one game over Changwon. Last year’s division champ Yongin fell to 77 wins. For the Ducks, it is their first-ever playoff appearance in 27 years of existence.

Ulsan 2B Yeo Park earned his lone MVP at age 27. He led Korea in hits (192), average (.336) and WAR (9.6), also posting great defense. Daejeon’s Ji-Yoon Park won Pitcher of the Year in his fifth season. Park led in ERA (1.53), WHIP (0.82) and FIP- (62) while adding 262 strikeouts and a 17-3 record.

In the Japan League Championship Series, Sapporo claimed their third title in four years by defeating Kobe in six games. It is the fifth title for the Swordfish, giving them the most of any Japanese franchise. The Korea League Championship Series saw Hamhung best Daejeon in six, giving the Heat back-to-back titles and their fourth in franchise history. In the East Asian Championship, Sapporo topped Hamhung in six games, finally prevailing after taking runner-up in 1944 and 1945. It is the second overall title for the Swordfish, who won it all in 1932.





Other notes: Goyang’s Byung-Oh Tan became the first EAB player to hit both 1500 runs scored and 1500 RBI, crossing both in late August. Takiji Ito became the 10^th pitcher to 200 wins. Drew St. Louis was the eighth pitcher to 3500 career strikeouts. Shortstop Si-U Gim became the second EAB player with 10 Silver Sluggers.

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After winning only 67 games the prior year, Hermosillo bounced back for their third Mexican League North Division title in four seasons. The Hyenas took first at 93-69, six games ahead of Mexicali and nine ahead of defending league champ Chihuahua. Mexico City secured the South Division at 98-64, eight games better than Guadalajara. Defending division champ Merida tied for third at 80-82 with Leon.

Mexicali 1B Timmy Ramirez won his first MVP at age 25. Ramirez led Mexico in home runs (47), slugging (.644), OPS (1.000), and wRC+ (214). Puebla’s Kraig Berton secured Pitcher of the Year with the league lead in ERA (2.01) and WHIP (0.82).



Santiago won their first Caribbean Island Division title since 1935 with a 98-64 season. They were two games better than Havana and seven up on Puerto Rico, snapping the Pelicans playoff streak at six seasons. The Continental Division went to Costa Rica at 86-76 for their second berth in three seasons. The Rays were four games ahead of defending CABA champ Panama at 82-80.

Puerto Rico RF Pasqualino Yanez won his third Caribbean League MVP. It was the final CABA season for the 35-year old Yanez, who would leave for the MLB and Dallas next season. Yanez didn’t lead the league in any stats, but posted 43 home runs, 102 RBI, and 6.5 WAR. He also secured his ninth Silver Slugger and crossed 500 career home runs. Costa Rica’s Gabriel Ibarra had a career year for Pitcher of the Year, posting a league best 24 wins and 2.22 ERA, adding 5.9 WAR and 244 strikeouts.

The Mexican League Championship Series saw Hermosillo defeat Mexico City in six games, giving the Hyenas their third league title and first since 1933. The Caribbean League Championship Series was a seven game classic claimed by Santiago over Costa Rica. This was the fourth title for the Sailfish and first since 1923. The CABA Championship went seven games with Hermosillo defeating Santiago for their first-ever CABA title.





Other notes: Se-Hyeon Kim of Havana had a 30-game hit streak, only the second CABA player to get to 30+. The record is 38 in 1911 by Ivan Iniguez. Lanny Lujan became the ninth to 500 home runs. Yves Jean and Ray Reyes became the seventh and eighth hitters to 2500 hits. Felix Hernandez and Jeron Evans both crossed 3500 strikeouts. Shortstop Thomas Rheault became the first 13-time Gold Glove winner. SS Emmanuel Zavala won his 13^th Silver Slugger, second only to Kiko Velazquez’s 14.

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Hartford picked up the Eastern League championship at 98-64 for their fourth playoff berth in five years and second EL title in that stretch. Philadelphia kept their chance at a seventh straight National Association title alive by taking the second place spot at 95-67. Toronto, who won 108 games last year, tied with Montreal for third at 91-71. In the Midwest League, Columbus took first at 98-64 for their first playoff berth since 1931. It’s their fifth ML title with the last once all the way back in 1923. Kansas City earned back-to-back playoff berths, finishing one back of Columbus at 97-65. Cincinnati’s drive for a fifth straight playoff berth ended quickly as they were a distant ninth at 70-92.

24-year old Pittsburgh RF Gene Jobgen picked up the NA MVP in 1947. He didn’t lead in any stat, but had a 7.5 WAR season with a .328 average, 32 home runs, and 109 RBI. Montreal’s Dylan Van Zandt was the Pitcher of the Year, having joined the Maples in free agency last season at age 27. He led the National Association in WAR (9.6),complete games (15), shutouts (7), and FIP- (62) with a 2.54 ERA.

In the first round, Hartford survived Kansas City in five games and Philadelphia went to Columbus and knocked off the Chargers in four games. The 1947 National Association Championship Series was a rematch of the 1943 and 1944 editions. This one was the closest yet, going seven games, but yet again the Phillies prevailed to extend their unprecedented NA title streak to seven seasons.



San Antonio secured the Southern League title at 99-63, their first time taking first place. It is back-to-back playoff berths for the first time as well for the Oilers, who had only made the postseason twice prior to 1946. Nashville made it three berths in four years with a second place 92-70 season, finishing four ahead of last year’s SL champ Jacksonville. In the Western League, the best record in MLB went to Albuquerque at 101-61, their fifth WL crown and first playoff spot since 1943. Phoenix got the wild card and thwarted Los Angeles’ change at a World Series three-peat. The Firebirds took second at 98-64, beating the Angels by a game and both Calgary and San Diego by only three. It’s Phoenix’s first playoff spot since 1942.

San Antonio designated hitter Sebastian Lunde won his second straight American Association MVP. The 26-year old actually had worse final stats, but that’s because he missed about a month with a back injury. In 134 games, he still posted 5.3 WAR, a .614 slugging percentage, 42 home runs, and 105 RBI. Calgary’s Phil Savard won the Pitcher of the Year at age 23, his second full season. Savard led the AA in innings (301.1) and had 6.8 WAR with a 2.81 ERA, 22-10 record, and 250 strikeouts.

In the first round of the playoffs, San Antonio swept Phoenix to advance to the AACS for the first time and Nashville upset Albuquerque in four games. The American Association Championship Series went seven games with the underdog Knights winning for their second AA title in four years and second overall. The 47^th World Series was a rematch of 1944 and went the distance. Philadelphia defeated Nashville again to give the Phillies their fifth World Series title in seven seasons.

This would officially mark the end of the Philadelphia dynasty, as they wouldn’t return to the Fall Classic again in the 21^st Century. Still, the 1940s in Major League Baseball is forever synonymous with the Philadelphia Phillies and their stretch is often considered as the best run in MLB history. Seven straight World Series appearances and five rings in seven years wouldn’t be matched again in MLB and is especially remarkable in the ultra-competitive MLB. There would be other runs in other world leagues of five titles in seven years (and even instances of six titles in seven years), but Philadelphia’s 1941-47 forever stands near or at the top for the best seven-year run in professional baseball history.





Other notes: On May 16, Buffalo’s A.J. Guiles threw MLB’s seventh perfect game with eight strikeouts against St. Louis. Rodrigo Reta of Omaha and Blake Wynn of Minneapolis crossed 600 career home runs. This would be Wynn’s final season, who also added his 12^th Gold Glove at first base. Omaha’s Angelo Leblanc made it to 250 caerer wins, the 16^th pitcher to do so. Philadelphia’s Feris Adam made it to 3000 career hits and 1500 runs scored. Also getting to 1500 runs scored was Ethan Ayala, while Maxwell Redmond got 1500 RBI.

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Two players earned induction in Major League Baseball’s 1948 Hall of Fame Class. SP Crazy Legs Snider was a first ballot no-doubter with 97.3% of the vote. Meanwhile, LF Sergio Castro on his third attempt made it past the 66% threshold with a 70.1% vote. Four others came very close with more than 60%. 2B BJ Scott (1^st try), 1B Balta Llama (3^rd try), CL Noah Pugliese (5^th try) and RF Jake Nicholson (6^th try).



Getting dropped after a 10^th ballot was Boston left fielder Alfredo Elizarraras, who peaked at 47.0% on his fourth try. He was a six-time Gold Glover and tallied a solid 84.1 WAR with a .306 average, but his lack of power (352 homers, 1320 RBI) sank him. He had 2646 hits, 1374 runs, and 446 doubles. Another Boston outfielder, Trent Rising, was dropped on his 10^th after peaking at 40.5% on his debut. He had 78.0 WAR, 476 home runs, 1385 RBI, and 2285 hits. Other notables dropped was 1B Michael Schroder on his seventh try (2886 hits, 528 HR, 1661 RBI, 68.1 WAR), LF AJ Finch on his eighth (2948 hits, 404 homers, 1521 RBI, 45.1 WAR), and 3B Joseph Romley on his fifth (2942 hits, 1432 runs, 304 HR, 1204 RBI, 79.2 WAR).



Crazy Legs “Sledgehammer” Snider – Starting Pitcher – Albuquerque Isotopes – 97.3% First Ballot

Crazy Legs Snider was a 6’0’’,200 pound right-handed pitcher from Los Angeles. Crazy Legs had excellent stuff with 98-100 mph velocity and solid movement and control. His best pitch was a stellar cutter, which he mixed with a slider, changeup, and splitter. Despite having “Crazy” in his name, Snider was known as a very humble man.

Snider had an excellent college career with the Florida Gators, earning the attention of Albuquerque. The Isotopes picked him 11^th overall in the 1924 MLB Draft. He would be their ace for the next 16 seasons and one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball.

In only his second season, Snider won the American Association Pitcher of the Year, leading in WAR (9.6), complete games (21), shutouts (8), FIP- (66), and wins (21). Each of those marks would be career highs. He immediately established himself as an Isotope legend by helping them to their second-ever postseason berth. Albuquerque went on a big run and Snider had one of the all-time great playoff runs with a 1.83 ERA and 4-0 record over 43.2 innings for 1.7 WAR. The Isotopes would win their first World Series and the only 22-year old Snider was essential in that title.

Albuquerque would be a regular postseason team in the next decade with Snider leading the way. In 1928, he got his second Pitcher of the Year, leading the AA in ERA (1.81), WAR (8.4), complete games (19), and WHIP (0.93). He won his third in 1930 with a 7.4 WAR season. In 1934, he had a 3.03 ERA in five playoff starts as he and the Isotopes won their second World Series. In his tenure, Albuquerque had seven playoff appearances and four AACS berths.

Albuquerque began to rebuild in the late 1930s and Snider’s days as an ace were dwindling, although he still provided positive value. With the Isotopes, he had a 258-192 record, 3.50 ERA, 3309 strikeouts, and 96.6 WAR. For the 1941 season, the 37-year old Snider was traded for prospects to San Francisco. He had a solid debut year with the Gold Rush, but bone chips in his elbow derailed year two. Snider opted to retire at the end of the 1942 season at age 38.

The final statistics for Snider: 276-207, 3.51 ERA, 4369 innings, 3491 strikeouts, 962 walks, 307/556 quality starts, 256 complete games, and 101.9 WAR. He was the seventh MLB pitcher to cross 100+ career WAR. His #13 jersey was retired and he remains an Albuquerque legend. A critical part of two World Series titles and one of the top arms of the 1920s and 1930s, Crazy Legs is an obvious first ballot Hall of Fame choice.



Sergio Castro – Left Field/First Base– Pittsburgh Pirates – 70.1% Third Ballot

Sergio Castro was a 5’7’’, 165 pound left-handed batter from Baltimore. Castro was a very well-rounded hitter with an excellent eye and discipline. He was a good contact hitter and had surprisingly good power in his bat despite his small size. Castro was a slow baserunner, but his ability to get on base and extra base hits meant he was a solid run scorer. He played roughly 2/3s of his career defensively at left field and 1/3 at first base and was considered a lousy fielder at both. Very outspoken, Castro often clashed with teammates and fans.

Castro played college baseball for Duke and earned a Silver Slugger in his sophomore season. Pittsburgh picked him 24^th overall in the 1922 MLB Draft. He spent most of 1923 in the minors, then had an excellent full-time debut in 1924, winning the National Association’s Rookie of the Year. His second year was his best statistically, posting career bests in runs (125), hits (212), doubles (42), average (.353), OBP (.423), and WAR (7.8). Castro won Silver Sluggers in 1925, 1927, and 1929.

In his decade with the Pirates, Castro had 1598 hits, 912 runs, 302 doubles, 262 home runs, 991 RBI, and 46.8 WAR. Castro was a reliable solid starter and Pittsburgh ultimately retired his #22 jersey, but the franchise was a forgettable one in that era. For the 1933 season, the 31-year old Castro was traded to Houston. He spent one season as a Hornet, but did pick up his 1000^th career run and 1000^th RBI. Castro then signed a six-year, $93,600 free agent deal with San Diego.

He was a solid starter in five seasons with the Seals and was an important part of their 1936 World Series championship season. In that postseason, Castro had a .369 average, 24 hits, 13 runs, 5 home runs, and a 15 RBI. He posted 710 hits, 406 runs, 137 homers, 482 RBI, and 16.1 WAR with San Diego. Castro left for free agency again and signed with Denver for the 1939 season, getting his 2500^th hit and 1500^th run with the Dragons. He was solid in 1939, but fell off hard in 1940, retiring at the end of that season at age 38.

Castro’s final statistics: 2717 hits, 1557 runs, 484 doubles, 478 home runs, 1696 RBI, 1238 walks, a .295/.377/.514 slash, and 73.4 WAR. A very solid career, but he was never an MVP candidate and his outspoken nature meant he wasn’t the first choice for many Hall of Fame voters. It took three tries, but eventually Castro crossed the threshold with 70.1%, earning his spot in the MLB Hall of Fame.

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Only one player made the 1948 Central American Baseball Association Hall of Fame, but it was a guy deserving of standing alone. Mexico City ER Kiko Velazquez received 98.9% of the vote on his first ballot. Barely missing the 66% cut was 2B Junior Mota at 65.3%. SP Rayan Montes was also right there at 64.9% on his third attempt. No other players crossed 50% and no one was dropped after a 10^th ballot.



Kiko “Bad Company” Velazquez – Right Fielder – Mexico City Aztecs – 98.9% First Ballot

Kiko Velazquez was a 5’11’’, 190 pound right-handed right fielder from the Nicaraguan capital of Managua. Few, if any, players in baseball history were better contact hitters. Velazquez also hit for excellent power and was a very good baserunner and base stealer. He played almost exclusively in right field and was considered an above average to good fielder. Velazquez’s personality rubbed many teammates the wrong way and he didn’t make many friends. But he was absolutely beloved by fans as one of the most impressive players in baseball history.

He was spotted in Nicaragua as a teenager by a scout from Mexico City, who signed Velazquez to an amateur free agent deal at only the age of 16. He was almost instantly named the top prospect in CABA and someone the Aztecs had extreme confidence in. Apart from their fluke 1924 CABA title run, Mexico City had been a bottom-tier franchise despite being a massive market. Team officials hoped that Velazquez could be the guy to eventually lead them to sustained success. And they would be right.

He briefly debuted in 1927 at age 20 in 28 games, but became a full-timer in 1929 at age 22. He immediately lived up to the hype, winning the Mexican League MVP and Rookie of the Year, leading the league in home runs (38), and WAR (8.1). This would be the first of a CABA-record 10 MVP awards, as he’d also win it in 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, and 41. Velazquez won seven in-a-row while only one other player in CABA history would go on to win seven total MVPs. He also won 14 Silver Sluggers, one of only two CABA players who would reach that feat.

Over his 14 full seasons with Mexico City, Velazquez led the league in hits eight times, runs eight times, home runs five times, RBI six times, stolen bases twice, batting average nine times, OBP seven times, slugging 11 times, OPS 11 times, and WAR 11 times. In 1931, he was the first CABA hitter to earn a Triple Crown on 44 home runs, a .374 average, and 118 RBI. He did it again in 1932 (49 HR, .348 avg, 122 RBI), 1937 (51 home runs, 118 RBI, .365 average) and 1940 (50 home runs, 136 RBI, .358 average). His 229 hits in 1931 set a then single-season record. His 144 runs in 1940 stayed the single-season mark until 1998. His .385 average in 1934 was a single-season record, as was that year’s 1.169 OPS. He had five 12+ WAR seasons including a 13.75 WAR 1940. Velazquez simply was untouchable.

With his success came team success for the Aztecs, who won six South Division titles from 1934-1940. They were Mexican League champ in 1934, 36, and 40; winning the overall CABA title in 34 and 36. Velazquez was named MVP of the 1936 and 1940 CABA championships. In 42 playoff stats, he would post 52 hits, 28 runs, 10 home runs, and 2.8 WAR.

At age 36, Velazquez had already established himself as an all-timer and perhaps the CABA GOAT at that point. Not satisfied with this (and also liking money), Velazquez left Mexico City for Major League Baseball. He signed with Las Vegas for $30,600; almost triple his Aztecs salary. He lived up to the hype in his Vipers debut in 1943, leading the American Association in RBI (140) with 43 home runs and 7.2 WAR. Velazquez also earned a Silver Slugger, becoming one of a select few to do it in multiple leagues.

His second year with Las Vegas was good for a 37 year old, but unremarkable by his standard. Velazquez was traded that offseason to Cincinnati. Age caught up with him as he struggled in a backup role with the Reds, retiring after the 1945 season at age 39.

Between CABA and MLB, he had 3121 hits, 1770 runs, 666 home runs, and 157.1 WAR. Just in CABA, Velazquez had 2714 hits, 1552 runs, 583 home runs, 1502 RBI, 808 stolen bases, a .349/.401/.660 slash, 1.060 OPS, 220 wRC+, and 147.3 WAR. He retired the CABA WARlord and would be third all-time by the end of the century. At retirement, he was the all-time runs leader, third in homers, and third in hits. His accumulations would slide down as time passed and CABA became more offense heavy. But no batter was more dominant in his time in Mexico. Beloved by the Mexico City fans and one of Nicaragua’s favorite sons, Kiko Velazquez is an inner-circle all-time CABA great.

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The 1948 East Asia Baseball Hall of Fame class had three players. Leading the way was 3B Kyu-Min Ri, a first ballot pick at 87.7%. Closer Toyohiko Taguci on his third attempt made it at 75.6%. Starting pitcher Jung-Hee Cho on his first try just made the 66% cut with 67.6%. The only other player above 50% was closer Ji-Hyun Kim at 54.9% on his eighth attempt. No players were dropped after a 10^th ballot this season.



Kyu-Min Ri – Third Base – Ulsan Swallows – 87.7% First Ballot

Kyu-Min Ri was a 5’8’’, 205 pound right-handed third baseman from Hoechon, South Korea. Ri was a very well-rounded hitter with solid power and contact skills. He was a bit chonky and not a great baserunner. His range wasn’t the best, but had a cannon arm over at third base, where he spent his entire career defensively. Ri moved to Japan and attended college at Kyushu University in Fukuoka. He excelled in college, earning the first overall pick in the 1925 East Asia Baseball Draft by Ulsan. He’d spend his entire EAB run with the Swallows.

He was unremarkable in his first few seasons, but eventually came into his own starting in 1930. That season would be his first of eight straight Silver Sluggers at 3B. At age 30, Ri picked up his first Korea League MVP in 1934. He won it again in 1935 and 1936 as Ulsan became a contender. He led in RBI in 32, 34, 35, and 36. His 1936 season was legendary with 52 home runs, 156 RBI, a .362 average, and 11.4 WAR. It was only the fourth-ever 150+ RBI season and the next one wouldn’t happen into until the 1950s. In 1936 and 1937, Ulsan won their first-ever Korea League titles and won the EAB title in 1937.

1937 would be Ri’s final season in EAB at age 33 and Ulsan wouldn’t be a playoff team again until the 1960s. There was some initial bitterness towards him leaving when he did, but the Swallows would ultimately retire his number in 1947. He left right before World War II would cut off any EAB players from heading elsewhere, signing for the 1938 season at age 34 with MLB’s Kansas City Cougars.

Ri was an all-star in his MLB debut with a 6.8 WAR season with 36 home runs and 131 RBI. He wouldn’t have any more elite-level seasons, but Ri would be a solid starter in MLB for a decade. He spent 1938-41 with Kansas City, then signed with Ottawa for 1942-43. He spent 1944-45 in Houston, then ended in 1946-47 with St. Louis. After an abysmal final season at age 43, Ri retired. In his entire professional career, he had 2988 hits, 1481 runs, 511 home runs, 1713 RBI, and 98.0 WAR.

For his 12 years with Ulsan, Ri had 1818 hits, 912 runs, 315 home runs, 1018 RBI, a .303/.360/.528 slash, and 75.4 WAR. He’s not high on the EAB leaderboards since he left when he did, but three MVPs and a key role in two league titles makes Ri a worthy choice, picked to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot at 87.7%.



Toyohiko Taguchi – Closer – Sapporo Swordfish – 75.6% Third Ballot

Toyohiko Taguchi was a 5’10’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Asaba, a small town in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture. Taguchi had 95-97 mph velocity and good control, excellently mixing up his fastball and curveball. He eventually moved to Nagoya and attended Tokai High School and was a rare player drafted straight out of high school. Taguchi was picked in the second round, 36^th overall, by Hiroshima in the 1925 EAB Draft. He never played for the Hammerheads, getting traded in the summer of 1927 to Sapporo.

He debuted in four outings in 1927 and saw limited action in 1928 with the Swordfish. Taguchi assumed the closer role in 1929 and held it through 1937 with Sapporo. He led the league in saves three times and had 51 saves in 1935, tying the single-season record. He never won Reliever of the Year, but took second in both 1931 and 1934. Sapporo made the playoffs three times between 1932-35, winning the EAB title in 1932 and the Japan League title in 1933. Taguchi was important in both runs but especially in 1932, picking up six saves in nine appearances with a 0.66 ERA.

Taguchi left Sapporo and signed with Yokohama for the 1938 season at age 31. Midway through the season, he suffered a devastating torn rotator cuff He was released and spent the next year with Chiba, but was a back-end of the bullpen guy. The Comets traded him to Daegu part way through the 1940 season and he retired at age 34 after that year.

Taguchi’s final line: 360 saves, 2.21 ERA, 902 innings, 1127 strikeouts, 213 walks, 406 shutdowns, and a 20.4 WAR. He had a good short burst and was a big part of Sapporo’s early 1930s success and the career saves leader at the time of retirement, although he’d be passed by five other guys within the next few years. He has the lowest WAR of any member of the EAB Hall of Fame, but the voters decided he still deserved a spot, elected on the third ballot at 75.6%.



Jung-Hee Cho – Starting Pitcher – Nagoya Nightowls – 67.6% First Ballot

Jung-Hee Cho was a 6’3’’, 200 pound right-handed starting pitcher from Goyang, South Korea. Cho threw hard with 98-100 mph velocity and was known for having very good control and a strong work ethic. His fastball was his main pitch with a solid splitter as his #2 offering. He also had a weak curveball and changeup to sprinkle into the mix. Cho was a solid defensive pitcher as well, adding two Gold Gloves in his career.

Cho was signed as an amateur free agent by Nagoya in 1923 at age 16 and would be developed on their reserve roster for the next few years, making his debut in 1929 as a solid reliever with a 0.75 ERA in 60.1 innings, finishing second in Reliever of the Year voting. He became a starter the next season and remained in that role for the next decade. Cho led in wins in 1932 (24) and led in innings pitched twice, WHIP once, K/BB twice, and quality starts once. He never won Pitcher of the Year, but finished third in voting in 1934 and 1940.

Nagoya became a North Division powerhouse in the 1930s, winning the division six times between 1931-40. The Nightowls were the overall East Asia Baseball champion in 1931, 34, and 40, and added the Japan League title as well in 1937. Cho was excellent in their 1931-34 playoff appearances, going 6-0 with 2.3 WAR in nine starts with a 1.71 ERA over 68.1 innings. He struggled a bit in the 1937 and 1940 runs, but still was a big part of Nagoya getting those rings.

In April 1941, the 34-year old Cho suffered a torn rotator cuff to end his year. He tried a comeback in 1942 as a reliever, but had limited value. Back issues later that year ended his season and Cho retired at age 36. Nagoya would retire his #5 jersey, becoming the first Nightowl to have his jersey number retired.

The final statistics: 178-106, 2.54 ERA, 2784 innings, 2444 strikeouts with only 371 walks, 249/342 quality starts, 84 complete games, and 58.6 WAR. Not dominant, but a very effective pitcher for more than a decade and a big part of Nagoya’s 1930 title runs. His numbers aren’t the highest on the leaderboards, but his success earned a nod on the first ballot, albeit just barely above the threshold at 67.6%.

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The first big Beisbol Sudamerica Hall of Fame class came in 1948 with four players elected, all on the first ballot. All four guys were starting pitchers as well as important players in the very defensive early years of BSA. Virisimo Ibarra (98.6%), Fernandinho Fuentes (91.4%), Pierre Ramirez (89.9%), and Daiquel Grimaldo (74.1%) were the inductees. Closer Aitor Rangel just missed out on his second try at 62.2%.



Virisimo Ibarra – Starting Pitcher – Cali Cyclones – 98.6% First Ballot

Virisimo Ibarra was a 6’0’’, 205 pound right-handed pitcher from Quito, Ecuador. Ibarra’s velocity topped out at 95-97 mph and he had excellent movement on his pitches with at-times shaky control. He mixed a curveball, sinker, and changeup. He built a tremendous reputation in the semi-pro circuit before Beisbol Sudamerica was formed. Ibarra was 28-years old when BSA started and moved to Colombia, signed a seven-year deal with Cali.

Ibarra was immediately Cali’s ace and was the first Bolivar League Pitcher of the Year, going 28-6 with a 1.60 ERA, 11.1 WAR, 23 complete games, and 11 shutouts in 1931. The 28 wins and 11 shutouts remain a BSA single-season record even a century later. Ibarra won Pitcher of the Year again in 1933 and 1937 and took second in 1936. He led the league in ERA and wins four times each, quality starts five times, and shutouts five times. He threw a no-hitter in 1933 and another in 1936.

The Cyclones were an early contender with four playoff berths in five years from 1933-37. Ibarra was solid in the 1933, 36, and 37 postseasons, but Cali never made it out of the BLCS. In 1941, the now 38-year old Ibarra suffered a torn elbow ligament. He came back and was okay in 1942, retiring at the end of that season. Ibarra’s #17 jersey was retired in 1942.

Ibarra was the second BSA pitcher to 200 career wins and 3000 strikeouts. He finished with a 221-106 record, 2.05 ERA, 3143 innings, 3453 strikeouts, 715 walks, 308/376 quality starts, 176 complete games, 60 shutouts, and 91.7 WAR. It’s an impressive stat line on its own and even more impressive considering this started at age 28. Had BSA started earlier, he might have been an inner-circle type guy on the leaderboards. Still, Ibara was one of the great aces of Beisbol Sudamerica’s first decade and a no-doubt first ballot pick at 98.6%.



Fernandinho Fuentes – Starting Pitcher – Caracas Colts – 91.4% First Ballot

Fernandinho Fuentes was a 5’10’’ 200 pound left-handed starting pitcher from Capivari in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. Fuentes was a hard thrower with 97-99 mph velocity and solid movement and control. He succeeded as a starter despite only having two pitches. He had a tremendous fastball and a very good slider with it. He was also considered an above average defensive pitcher.

Fuentes bounced around his native Brazil in the amateur and semi-pro ranks in his 20s as Beisbol Sudamerica was formed when he was 27-years old. Fuentes was signed by Caracas for the debut season and would spend eight seasons in Venezuela with the Colts. The team was very strong in the first decade of the Bolivar League and Fuentes was a big part of that, posting five 8+ WAR seasons. He rarely led the league in any stats, but would finish third in Pitcher of the Year voting in 1932, 35, and 38 with the Colts. He had a no-hitter against Medellin in 1931

Caracas won the Bolivar League title three times in Fuentes’ tenure (32, 33, 38) and took Copa Sudamerica in 1933. The humble lefty was an excellent playoff performer, in 13 games and 87.2 playoff innings with the Colts, Fuentes had an 8-1 record, 1.95 ERA, 116 strikeouts, and 2.6 WAR. For his regular season career with Caracas, Fuentes had a 140-79 record, 2.38 ERA, 2016 innings, 2376 strikeouts, and 62.8 WAR. His #18 jersey was retired in 1942.

At age 35 for the 1939 season, Fuentes entered free agency and signed back in his home country of Brazil with Rio de Janeiro. On July 17 against Brasilia, Fuentes threw a perfect game with 11 strikeouts. He was third in Pitcher of the Year voting in 1939 and second in 1940 for the Redbirds. Age and injuries began to bite him in his third year with Rio, although he helped them earn the franchise’s first playoff berth. In 1942, the 38-year old Fuentes signed with Fortaleza, but as a reliever. Elbow inflammation put him out most of the season and he retired in the offseason at age 38.

The final statistics for Fuentes: 183-111, 2.29 ERA, 2748.2 innings, 3140 strikeouts, 479 walks, 254/330 quality starts, 93 complete games, and 82.8 WAR. A very strong career on the mound and good stats despite his Beisbol Sudamerica career starting at age 27. An important member of the early success of Caracas, Fuentes earned his first ballot induction at 91.4%.



Pierre “Pops” Ramirez – Starting Pitcher – Santiago Saints – 89.9% First Ballot

Pierre Ramirez was a 5’10’’, 200 pound left-handed pitcher from Lima, Peru. He had 94-96 mph velocity known for very good control and solid stuff with a fastball, slider, forkball, and changeup arsenal. When Beisbol Sudamerica was formed, Ramirez was 25-years old. He was signed to Medellin for the 1931 season and spent his first four seasons with the Mutiny.

Medellin was the inaugural Copa Sudamerica champion and won it again In 1934. In the latter season, Ramirez was third in Pitcher of the Year voting. Ramirez had four great seasons, including a 10.0 WAR, 23-4 record, and 1.98 in 1934. He was 5-0 with a 1.38 ERA in 39 playoff innings with the Munity, playing a big role in their titles. In those four seasons, he posted a 78-28 record, 2.27 ERA, and 30.7 WAR.

At age 29, Ramirez left Medellin for free agency and ended up in Chile with Santiago, where he’d spend five years and change and ultimately be his team of induction. Ramirez picked up his third Copa Sudamerica ring as Santiago won it all in 1936 with Ramirez going 3-0 over 24.1 innings with a 0.74 ERA. He wasn’t as dominant as he was in Medellin, but still was very solid with Santiago. His Saints statistics were 86-56, 2.57 ERA, 1349.1 innings, 1637 strikeouts, and 34.9 WAR.

Santiago began to rebuild and in summer 1940, Ramirez was traded to Brasilia, where he finished up the season and earned his 3000^th strikeout. In the offseason, the 35-year old signed with Callao. He pitched a year and a half with the cats, getting traded to defending champ Buenos Aires at the deadline in 1942. Ramirez picked up his fourth ring with the Atlantics and in his final season had 6.9 WAR. Ramirez still could go, but decided to retire at the end of that season at the age of 37.

The final statistics: 199-114, 2.47 ERA, 2974.2 innings, 3656 strikeouts, 362 walks, a 10.1 K/BB, 272/385 quality starts and 79.8 WAR. In 12 postseason starts, he had a 9-1 record, 1.85 ERA, and 2.7 WAR. An important playoff pitcher in championships for three different franchises and a solid 1930s contributor, Ramirez earned his Hall of Fame spot on the first ballot at 89.9%.



Daiquel Grimaldo – Starting Pitcher – Cali Cyclones – 74.1% First Ballot

Daiquel Grimaldo was a 6’4’’, 205 pound right-handed pitcher from San Juan Nepomuceno, a small town in northern Colombia. Grimaldo had 97-99 mph velocity and reliable control between three pitches; a fastball, curveball, and changeup. He was a successful pitcher who was 26-years old when Beisbol Sudamerica was formed, staying in his home country and signing with Cali for the 1931 season.

Grimaldo spent 11 of his 12 BSA seasons with the Cyclones and ate up many innings, leading the Bolivar League in innings four times and complete games three times. He was third in Pitcher of the Year voting in 1933, throwing two no-hitters that season. Cali won four division titles in Grimaldo’s tenure, although they were unable to advance to Copa Sudamerica. Injuries began to slow Grimaldo down in his final Cali seasons. He was traded to Sao Paulo for the 1942 season and after one forgettable year with the Padres, Grimaldo retired at the age of 38.

His final statistics: 178-124, 2.60 ERA, 2895.2 innings, 3171 strikeouts, 478 walks, 242/342 quality starts, 189 complete games, and 70.1 WAR. A very respectable career, although less impressive then his fellow Class of 1948 comrades. Still, Grimaldo earned enough favor to join them as the fourth first ballot pick of the class, but at the lowest number of 74.1%.