ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

[jg2977]

I like your Summerland Sunsets logo for its simplicity and clean look, and I don't believe I have that one. Would you be able to post it in my IPA graphics thread?

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by jg2977

I like your Summerland Sunsets logo for its simplicity and clean look, and I don't believe I have that one. Would you be able to post it in my IPA graphics thread?

Yep, I'll do it right now.

[jg2977]

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

Yep, I'll do it right now.

Thank you.

I finally figured out how to create a team picture. I've started using them for the Ruthlandian and Tycobbian champions, as well the as the Pro Cup winner. It really adds to the immersion IMO. You can check it out in the last post of my IPA thread.

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by jg2977

Thank you.

I finally figured out how to create a team picture. I've started using them for the Ruthlandian and Tycobbian champions, as well the as the Pro Cup winner. It really adds to the immersion IMO. You can check it out in the last post of my IPA thread.

Yep, that looks nice.

[Eugene Church]

YESTERDAY IN THE IPA

The Islandian Times
Sunday, October 7, 2018

2018 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 4 At Jay Loman Park In Ancona

Ancona Ties Pro Cup, Trips Turon 6-5
The Ancona Red Elephants may be the underdog in the IPA Pro Cup, but they certainly are not just rolling over and playing dead... Ancona snatched a ninth-inning victory away from the heavily-favored Turon Typhoons 6-5 on Kenny Willard's (.244) two-run double and knotted up the series at two games apiece... the Red Elephants collected 11 hits and were sparked by RF Louie DiMucci (.292) with 3 RBIs and 2B Paul Alston (.246) with 3 hits and 4 runs scored... Clete Dukas (4-3 2.66) gutted out a complete-game win... Dukas allowed 5 runs and 9 hits... he blanked Turon 3-0 for the first 6 frames, then was tagged for 5 runs in the next two innings and entered the ninth behind 5-4... Typhoon starter Nicky Engstrom worked 7 innings, gave up 7 hits and 4 runs and left trailing 4-2... Juan-Carlos Torriente (1-2 9.00) was the loser... he was hit hard for 3 hits and 2 runs in the decisive ninth... Turon 1B Clyde Kingsford (.200) drove in 2 runs to pace the Typhoons.

[Eugene Church]

YESTERDAY IN THE IPA

The Islandian Times
Monday, October 8, 2018

2018 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 5 At Jay Loman Park In Ancona

Penn's 3-Run HR Gives Typhoons Pro Cup Lead
Reggie Penn saved the day for Turon with a dramatic 3-run smash in the seventh inning to defeat Ancona 4-2 in game 5 of the IPA Pro Cup Series... with the win the Typhoons nudged ahead three games to two... up until Penn's clout, Dave Blair had it pretty much his way... Blair shut them out for the first 6 innings, but caved in in the four-run seventh... LF Penn (.257) topped Turon at the plate with 3 hits... winner Shane Farmer (3-3 4.14) gave Turon a strong start, holding Ancona to 2 runs on 5 hits with 4 Ks and 4 walks... the loss went to Blair (4-2 3.00), who permitted 7 hits and 4 runs in 7 innings... SS Benny Morgan (.271) drove in both of the Red Elephants scores... the clubs will close out the series in Turon at Typhoon Stadium... the Typhoons need one win in the two games to claim their record fourth Pro Cup... Ancona needs to sweep the final two contests for its first Pro Cup crown.

[Eugene Church]

There's a lot of new blood in the IPA playoffs this year... I think I need to post the town history for all of the 8 teams.

I'll begin with the Taranto Tars who have a colorful history... they have made the postseason 10 times and won their only Pro Cup trophy in 2015... Taranto reached the Pro Cup Finals in 2053 but were beaten by the Midway Wolves.

AROUND THE TOWN IN THE IPA

Taranto Tars

Owner: Gianni Di Bella, CEO Papa Giovanni's Pizza
GM: Augie Marshall
Manager: Lenny Buisson

Originally Taranto was just a small fishing village on the southeastern coast of Valdar Island settled by Italian immigrants in the 1870s after the unification of Italy caused economic collapse in several areas of the country. Taranto was named after its namesake in Italy. Visitors are enthralled by the quaint and picturesque town. It has the feel and essence of the old country and should not be missed by tourists.

Taranto is also the origin of the common name of the Tarantula spider family, In ancient times, residents of the town of Taranto, upon being bitten by a spider, would promptly do a long vigorous dance like a jig. This was done in order to sweat most of the poison out of their pores and thus survive the spider bite. The dance they did became locally known as the Tarantella, which eventually became the name we use today to describe the large, sometimes hairy type of spider, the Tarantula.

The town got a big boost in the 1880s when the Ruthlandian government decided to construct a naval base here. The natural harbor at Taranto made it a logical home port for the Ruthlandian naval fleet. Taranto has since grown to a present-day population of 63,000. As a result of the naval expansion, baseball leagues sprang up in Taranto. First it was just for the sailors and marines, but soon spread to the town. Baseball has thrived in Taranto since the late 1880s.

The Navy is still the prime industy in Taranto. However, the town is also known for being the headquarters of Papa Giovanni's Pizza, the number one pizza in the Islands. Giovanni Di Bella began making pizzas in 1905 after emigrating from Italy. His pizzas with a special garlic butter sauce soon became a favorite of the townspeople. Papa Giovanni's Pizza's popularity soon spread throughout Vandar Island and then to the mainland of Ruthlandia and Tycobbia. You will now find a Papa Giovanni's Pizza shop in all of the main towns of Islandia.

Papa Giovanni was a good baseball player in his own right, but where he excelled was in sponsorship of the local amateur team. Papa Giovanni also managed the club and got most of his players from the navy leagues, hence the name Papa Giovanni's Tars. He used the team to publicize his expanding pizza business. The more popular his team got, the more pizza he sold.

A "tar" is a sailor. The name comes from the black, petroleum substance used to keep ropes and rigging dry aboard ship. It was also used to seal and make the ships water-tight. It would get on the sailors uniform, so people began to refer to them as Tars.

Papa Giovanni housed his team in the Palazzo di Sport, which was built in 1922 and is still in use today. The Palazzo is known for being a hitter's ballpark with its short fences. It's only 320 down the lines, 360 in the power alleys and just 385 to center. The Di Bello family has continued to big supporters of baseball in Taranto. When they heard that the IPA was going to expand the league, Grandson Gianni Di Bello got the backing of the Admiralty to insure a franchise would be granted to Taranto and to Papa Giovanni's Pizza.

The first general manager and field manager of the Taranto Tars was Tommaso Lazzorda. He gained his fame as a crafty southpaw for the Papa Giovanni's Tars. Lazzorda gained even more success and notoriety as the team's skipper. When the Tars switched over to professional baseball, Lazzorda came, too. Lazzorda loves to eat and loves his baseball. The congenial Lazzorda is good with a quote, too. "When we win, I'm so happy I eat a lot. When we lose, I'm so depressed, I eat a lot. When we're rained out, I'm so disappointed I eat a lot."

And the people of Taranto love him, too. There's no better ambassador of baseball than Tommaso Lazzorda. He often tells reporters, "I love doubleheaders. That way I get to keep my uniform on longer."

The current general manager is Augie Marshall, one of the greatest Tar stars in history. Marshall starred for almost 10 seasons. A heavy-hitting outfielder he swatted 504 homers and drove in 1719 runs, batting .287 for his career. Marshall was voted the 2013 Ruthlandian Rookie of the Year, a 9-time All-Star and inducted into the IPA Hall of Fame in 2049. Augie Marshall played right field for six teams in his 19 years in the IPA, but played primarily for the Taranto Tars, where he enjoyed his most success from 2013 to 2022. Marshall led the Ruthlandian Union in homers and RBIs in 2014 and 2015. He helped two clubs win Pro Cups. Taranto won in 2015 and Crystal Lake took it in 2022. Marshall played until 2033 when he retired at age 39.

The current skipper is Lenny Buisson. He starred for 19 years in the IPA from 2046 to 2064, playing his first 8 seasons with Belle Plaine, then his last 11 with Taranto. Buisson retired in 2064 and entered the IPA Hall of Fame in 2066. He batted .301 with 2833 hits, 734 homers and 1875 RBIs. Buisson is the Taranto all-time home-run leader with 434. He is ranked 5th in the IPA. Buisson was a Golden Glove outfielder, 4-time RU MVP, 5-time RU Golden Bat, 6-time All-Star and the RU Rookie of the Year in 2047. Since taking charge of the club in 2066, the Tars have been a regular contender in the Ruthlandian North Division with pennants in 2069 and 2074.

Palazzo de Sport

Capacity: 7,175

Dimensions:
Left Field Line 320
Left Field 335
Left Center 360
Center Field 385
Right Center 360
Right Field 335
Right Field Line 320


Palazzo de Sport
Capacity: 7,175

Dimensions:
Left Field Line 320
Left Field 335
Left Center 360
Center Field 385
Right Center 360
Right Field 335
Right Field Line 320

[Eugene Church]

Monday, October 8, 2074

CRYSTAL LAKE KO'S STONER, HEADS TO RU TITLE SERIES; CHICOPEE AND SUMMERLAND CAN WRAP UP SERIES IN GAME 6
The Ruthlandian Union title series is arranged... it will be Crystal Lake hosting the Eastshore Cotton Kings... the Tycobbian Union Elite 8 is still going on... the Chicopee Braves and Summerland Sunsets are in front 3 games to 2, going into game 6.

The Crystal Lake Skippers sent the Stoner Silver Sox home for the winter... the Skips did them in with a 3-2 victory in game 5 to take the series 4 games to one... in the Tycobbian first-round action, both series are still up for grabs... Tuckanarra cut Chicopee's lead to 3 games to one with a 4-1 win... in the other matchup Summerland rallied and beat Oxford 5-4 to move ahead 3 games to 2 in the best-of-seven series.

2074 IPA Postseason Stars of the Day

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

AROUND THE TOWN IN THE IPA

STONER STARS

Owner: Nonnac Textiles
GM: Beanie Billingham
Manager: Willie Dickens

Stoner, population 55,000, can be found in north central Ruthlandia, halfway between Rocky Rapids to the northwest and Cold Creek to the southeast. The majestic Green River runs by it on the way to Forest City, the nation's capital, then flowing southward through the Lowlands towns of Middlefield and Sugar Valley, finally emptying into Belair Bay near Belair Beach. The climate is cold and harsh during the winter, but quite moderate and nice the rest of the year. The rocky soil of Stoner makes it difficult for agricultural endeavors. The primary industry is manufacturing. The Green River Dam provides cheap and abundant electric power to drive the local plants and factories.

The town of Stoner got it name from Yancey Stoner and his family in the 1850s, who settled the area. He had emigrated here from Lancashire, England, where he worked for ten years at one of the textile factories there. There he gained the first-hand knowledge needed to build and operate a textile factory. He settled in Stoner because of the abundance of water power. He started on a small scale, beginning with a cottage industry that used women at home to make the textiles and slowly expanded over the years, eventually selling out to Nonnac Textiles.

Nonnac Textiles was established in 1872 and is headquartered in Stoner. The entire town revolves around the mills. It is a tight-knit community. Mill life is a simple life, yet satisfying. Nommac made sure its workers lacked for nothing. The Stoner mill families shared schools, medical facilities, churches and recreation centers, all created by their benevolent employers. Unions never got a foothold in Stoner, the company made them unnecessary. Nonnac was a leader in clean air, long before it became popular. They made certain the air was safe to breath in their town. Because of their progressive policies, Nommac can still compete with overseas manufacturing and still prospers today. The factory whistles are still blowing strongly and proudly in Stoner.

Nonnac Textiles brought "base ball" (its original name) to Stoner in the 1880s. The mill built a ball diamond for its plant workers and their families to enjoy. In 1891, the game had gotten so popular that Nonnac organized its own league. In the early 1900s the company's best players would travel to other nearby towns and plays those towns' best teams. A great rivalry sprang up between Rocky Rapids, Cold Creek, Sligo, Volusia and LaGrange. In 1909 Nonnac Textiles constructed Nonnac Stadium and it was the home of the Stoner Stars company teams in the Industrial League era and the home of the original IPA Stoner Stars (2001-2059). Now the stogy old ballpark has been the home of the current edition of the Stoner Silver Sox since 1960. The club is owned by Nonnac Textiles. You can see the Nonnac factory off in the distance over the outfield wall at the stadium.

The Stoner Stars fans really take the game of baseball seriously. It is a no-nonsense atmosphere at Nonnac Stadium. No theatrics or promotions, just good old-fashioned baseball the way it is meant to be played...and watched. All eyes are on the ballfield at Nonnac Stadium. Be aware that there are no guest singers for the Ruthlandian national anthem prior to the first pitch of the game. You are expected to sing it yourself, loudly, proudly and clearly or you could get a raised eyebrow or two, if you don't. The Stonerites are very patriotic. You are also expected to sing baseball's national anthem "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at the traditional Seventh-Inning Stretch. As far as stadium food, you also just get the standard fare: hamburgers, hot dogs, cokes, beer, peanuts and crackerjacks.

Historically, Stoner has not had much success in the Islandian Pro Alliance. This is the 5th time the club has made the IPA postseason playoffs. They have not made many trips, but they do well when they do, they make some noise. On 3 occasions Stoner made the Pro Cup Finals. Oxford beat the Stars in 2007, the Rolling Hills Reds defeated them in 2029 and Turon triumphed over the Silver Sox in 2072.

The current Stoner GM is Beanie Billings, a budding genius for his scientific approach to baseball. He uses computer analysis to create his player roster and to evaluate talent. For a manager, however, he has an old school manager, Billy Chapel, who was a rock-solid pitcher in his playing days, but the Stars were just mediocre at best during his tenure. Chapel was 260-212 in his 17 seasons with a 3.40 ERA. In 2025 he was voted the Ruthlandian MVP with a league-leading 23-12 mark and a 2.46 ERA. 4 times Chapel won 20 games. 3 times he topped the RU in strikeouts and fanned over 3000 in his career. Chapel retired as a player in 2029. Billings got him to come out of retirement in 2062 and take over as skipper. The Silver Sox have won 2 RU West crowns under Chapel.

Nonnac Stadium (1909)
Capacity: 6,625

Dimensions:
Left Field Line - 334
Left Field - 360
Left Center - 387
Center Field - 410
Right Center - 390
Right Field - 360
Right Field Line - 340

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

AROUND THE TOWN IN THE IPA

EASTSHORE COTTON KINGS
(aka Elegants 2002-2059)

Owner: Tara Plantation, Inc.
President and CEO: Bonnie Blue Butler
GM: Scottty Lagrange
Manager: Malcolm Tansbury

Eastshore is a town of 85,000 on the southeast coast of Ruthlandia, situated on the Valerian Ocean, just 50 miles east of Crystal Lake. It was settled by emigres from the American South in the 1870s, who were disillusioned by the post Civil War problems. Agriculture has always been the backbone of the Eastshore economy because of the perfect climate for growning cotton. Cotton is king in Eastshore. The port of Eastshore is one of the Islands' busiest and is also a vital part of the area's economy.

Southern charm and hospitality are a way of life here in Eastshore. One would think they were in Savannah or Charleston in the United States, instead of a world away. Moonlight, magnolias and mint juleps are still in vogue at the many plantation homes that inundate the farmlands in the area. The "New South" is alive and well in Eastshore.

But modern day Eastshore is more friendly than formal. Whoever you are, wherever you're from, you'll be welcomed with true Southern hospitality. Hip and historic, robust and refined, Eastshore is where you'll find amazing architecture, spooky cemeteries and rich history, along with global sophistication, funky night life and fabulous food. It's where history resonates into the present day and where memories are still being made.

Like all of the towns in Islandia, Eastshore loves its baseball and has since it first began in the late 1890s. The community has supported town ball, amateur leagues and industrial leagues down through the years and now have a professional team. The proud owners of the IPA Eastshore Elegants in the early years of the IPA were Clark and Vivian Butler. Their granddaughter Bonnie Blue O'Hara is the current CEO. The Cotton Kings are owned by Tara Plantation, one of the largest cotton plantations in Ruthlandia... the team rebranded in the 2060 as the Cotton Kings. Originally they were known as the Elegants.

Running the Elegants is renowned hard-hitting slugger and IPA Hall-of-Famer Scotty Lagrange, who starred for many years with the club. Lagrange was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2049. He was a 5-time All-Star, 6-time Gold Glover and the 2034 Ruthlandian Union Most Valuable Player. Lagrange batted .295 in his 18-year career with 451 homers and 1414 RBIs. He is the general manager. The manager is Malcolm Tansbury, a former workhorse pitcher for Eastshore... he was 193-215 in 17 seasons with a standout 3.26 ERA... Tansbury was the RU Rookie of the Year in 2043... both Lagrange and Tansbury played for mediocre teams... Eastshore only made the postseason one time in each of their careers, 2034 and 2056.

Eastshore plays its games at Kraft Stadium, built by Kraft Foods in 1996. Since the 1920s Kraft has sponsored teams in company and amateur leagues. A trip to Kraft Stadium is special. It is built for comfort with great sight lines and roomy seats... the spectators are close to the action. Not a bad seat in the house. Be sure to partake of some great southern delicacies at the concession stands, including mint juleps, frozen daiquiris, snowballs, apple turnovers and sweet potato pies. They even have real homemade ice cream made like your mama used to make. And the cotton candy is to die for. If you are a country music connoisseur, you will be entertained throughout the game by the Grand Ole Opry, a country band with some great fiddle and guitar players, playing songs like "Thank God, I'm a Country Boy", "Take Me Home Country Roads" and of course the classic, "Cotton Fields".

Kraft Stadium (1995)
Capacity: 11,575

Dimensions:
Left Field Line 330
Left Field 350
Left Center 375
Center Field 400
Right Center 375
Right Field 350
Right Field Line 330

[Eugene Church]

OK, take your pick: the folk version of "Cotton Fields" by the Highwaymen or a rock version by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Hope you peapickin' horsehiders get some enjoys from one of these versions of the great old song "Cotton Fields".

Highwaymen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7suWiC5I3uk

CCR:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poZx9jKlBoY

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, October 9, 2074

SPEEDY AND SPUNKY SUMMERLAND RACES PAST PRO CUP FAVORITE OXFORD IN 6 GAMES... TUCKS AND CHICOPEE FACE 7TH-GAME SHOWDOWN
In a bewildering series underdog Summerland unexpectedly scampered past Pro Cup-favored Oxford in the Tycobbian Union Elite 8 Series, eliminating the powerful Red Caps 4 games to 2... a 7th-game showdown is needed to decide the Chicopee-Tuckanarra series.

In Monday's action spunky Summerland won a marvelous 12-inning masterpiece 6-4 and sent the Oxford Red Caps home without the 2074 IPA Pro Cup Trophy... the Sunsets now await the winner of the Chicopee-Tuckanarra clash... the Braves and the Tiger Cats will settle that issue in a 7th-game finale in Tuckanarra.

The Ruthlandian Union Title Series has already been decided... the Eastshore Cotton Kings swept the Taranto Tars in 4 straight games and the Crystal Lake Skippers took care of the Stoner Silver Sox in 5 games in the RU Elite 8 Series.

Eastshore was the #3 pick after Pro Cup favorite Oxford and the #2 choice Chicopee to win the 2074 IPA Pro Cup this year... Crystal Lake is also highly-rated at #4... 4 of the top 5 teams are still in the running... only Oxford has fallen so far.

2074 IPA Postseason Stars of the Day

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

YESTERDAY IN THE IPA

The Islandian Times
Monday, October 8, 2018

2018 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 6 At Typhoon Stadium In Turon

Turon Pro Cup Winner, Trounces Ancona 10-2
Valiant Little David was exhausted and finally succumbed to powerful Goliath... The talented Turon Typhoons of the Tycobbian Union put it all together in game 6 and trounced Ancona of the Ruthlandian Union 10-2 at Typhoon Stadium to romp to a four-games-to-two victory in the IPA Pro Cup Finals... it was Turon's 4th title in its history, tops in the league... Ted Farentino (5-0 2.57) had a flawless day on the mound and Typhoon hitters mauled the Red Elephants for 2 homers and 3 doubles in the runaway... Turon racked up 11 hits in all, led by home runs by C Cory Moore (.314) and CF Mac McCurnan (.229)... 2B Matt Madison (.257), LF Andy Porter (.452) and Moore all batted in 2 runs each... LF Kenny Willard (.256) sent 2 out of the park in defeat... Willard had 5 homers in the postseason... Farentino tossed 8 fine innings, fanned 9, walked 1 and surrendered only 2 runs on 7 hits for his 5th playoff victory... Nikon Maragos (0-3 5.75) suffered the loss, allowing 7 runs in 3+ innings... Turon manager Whitey Richburn finally got his 4th Pro Cup after being edged out in seven games in 2010 and 2017... the Pro Cup Series now stands 10 to 8 in favor of the Ruthlandian Union.

Turon also captured the IPA Pro Cup Trophy in 2003, 2006 and 2009.

[Eugene Church]

YESTERDAY IN THE IPA

The Islandian Times
Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Farentino Pro Cup MVP
37-year-old Ted Farentino had a year he will never forget. Farentino, a 6' 5" journeyman right-hander, sparked the Turon Typhoons to the fourth Pro Cup title in the team's history with a 5-0 mark in the postseason and has been acclaimed the Pro Cup Most Valuable Player in a poll by The Islandian Times. Farentino posted two wins in the Finals and finished the postseason with a 2.57 ERA in 6 starts. Farentino was Turon's number three starter during the regular season. He was 18-13 with a 3.72 ERA. However, the 18-year veteran turned it up a notch in the playoffs and took the MVP trophy. In his career Farentino is 245-223 with 4 teams. Lifetime he sports a 3.72 ERA.

Second in the balloting was Typhoon left fielder Andy Porter, who batted a scorching .452 in the playoffs with 4 homers, 11 RBIs and 8 runs scored. The number three vote-getter was Turon right fielder Dominick DiCaprio with a .355 batting average, 2 home runs, 9 RBIs and 15 runs scored. Fourth in the poll was Typhoon closer Merle Studebaker, who chalked up 5 saves with a 0.61 ERA and a 1-0 record in 10 postseason appearances.

The only Ancona players to receive votes were starter Dave Blair and first sacker Johnny Lee Harder. Blair was 4-2 with a 3.00 ERA and ranked fifth in the poll, while Harder finished sixth and hit .328 with 3 roundtrippers, 10 RBIs and 13 runs.

[Eugene Church]

YESTERDAY IN THE IPA

The Islandian Times
Monday, October 15, 2018

Ancona's Mickens Honored As RU Best Manager
For the second time in his managerial career Manny Mickens of the Ancona Red Elephants has been named the Ruthlandian Union Manager of the Year by leading Ancona (87-67) to the RU North title. Mickens also took the honor in 2007. Marston's Johnny Walters ran second in The Islandian Times poll. He got the Nine (96-58) within an eyelash of winning the RU East as they wound up a very close second to powerful Eastshore (97-57). The Elegants skipper Killer Brewster was third in the balloting. He guided them to the most wins in the RU. Ryan Noland of Rocky Rapids (94-60) was fourth as he led the Snappers to their second straight RU West pennant.

TU Best Manager Award Goes To Typhoons Richburn
The Turon Typhoons won more games than any club in the IPA. That achievement got skipper Whitey Richburn his second Tycobbian Union Manager of the Year trophy. Turon was 102-52 and took the TU South flag for the third successive year and fifth time in six seasons. Richburn was also honored in 2009. Only two other managers received votes in The Islandian Times annual poll. Ozarka's Joe Mac Carney was second as his Naturals (101-52) had the second-best record in the IPA and copped the TU East pennant. The Luxora Zorros (91-63) won the TU North for the second year in a row under Cristo Viamonte, who finished third in the voting.