ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, July 17, 2086

RU STARS OUTSHINE TU STARS IN 86TH IPA ALL-STAR GAME
In the 86th Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star Classic at Mountain View Stadium in Colfax, the Ruthlandian All-Star hurlers were just a tad better than their Tycobbian All-Star counterparts and the RU Stars were just a little better with the bats than the TU Stars. The Ruthlandian Union All-Stars slipped past the Tycobbian Union All-Stars 3-1 in a low-scoring affair. However, the Most Valuable Player Award went to Hank Allardice (Ancona), who banged out the only homer in the game. He knotted the score at 1-1 in the last of the fourth. In the same frame the RU Stars took the lead on a triple by Chris Savallas (Ancona) and and RBI ground out by Blackie Lavitola (Valka). The final score came in the 6th inning. Marty Getchell (Fort Benton) walked, moved to second and third base on ground outs, then scored on Gavin Foxton's (Colfax) RBI base hit. Tycobbia's only run came in the opening inning. Ruben Schuessler (Denton City) got a lead-off walk, stole second base and was singled in by Noah Bowers (Arroyo Grande).

The Tycobbian Stars got more hits than the Ruthlandian Stars. They socked 8 hits and got 4 free passes, but stranded 11 baserunners in the game. The RU All-Stars made better use of their 6 hits and 3 walks.

Sneaky Breedlove (Ancona) notched the victory with a scoreless 4th frame. Pinned with the loss was Linc Dickens (Rolling Hills), who was torched for 2 runs in his 2 innings.

Overall the IPA All-Star Game has been a bed of roses for the Tycobbian Union. They have socked it to the Ruthlandian Union most of the time and possess a huge 55-31 margin in the 86 games.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, July 10, 2086

IPA 86th ALL-STAR GAME SET FOR WEDNESDAY IN COLFAX
Yeah, buddy. Get yo'self set for one of the biggest events of the year in the Islands -- the annual Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star Classic. 52 of the best baseball players in the IPA will come together on the diamond and clash this Tuesday afternoon at Mountain View Stadium in Colfax, home of the current IPA Pro Cup champion Black Sox.

The Tycobbian Union All-Stars will take on the Ruthlandian Union All-Stars. It will be a contest of will and a battle of egos to determine the the best baseball league in Islandia. So far in the 86-year history of the IPA the TU Stars have totally dominated the RU Stars in the midsummer All-Star Classic, winning 55 games and losing only 30 times.

It's that time of the season again, when the best of the best battle it out for Islandian Pro Alliance bragging rights. Yes, it's time for the annual All-Star game! The Ruthlandian Union All-Stars will take on the Tycobbian Union All-Stars in a star-studded showdown.

Leading the way for the Ruthlandian Union All-Stars will be 4-time honorees:
Dex Antoon (Wynnamac), Gavin Foxton (Colfax), Chris Savallas (Ancona) and
Mac Teale (Eastshore). Two rookies made the squad: Lyle Fourroux (VLM) and Ben Acheson (Stoner).

SP Georgie Adams (BB) - 10-1, 2.65 ERA, 98.2 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 4.7 K/9, 2.2 WAR
SP Dex Antoon (WYN) - 8-3, 2.52 ERA, 132.0 IP, 1.14 WHIP, 5.9 K/9, 4.1 WAR
SP Barney Brayton (WLK) - 12-2, 1.86 ERA, 135.1 IP, 1.05 WHIP, 5.1 K/9, 3.4 WAR
SP Sneaky Breedlove (ANC) - 11-2, 1.78 ERA, 121.1 IP, 1.11 WHIP, 3.9 K/9, 2.5 WAR
SP Jon Farnsworth (MAR) - 11-4, 2.85 ERA, 132.2 IP, 1.06 WHIP, 4.3 K/9, 2.2 WAR
SP Lyle Fourroux (VLM) - 9-0, 2.02 ERA, 111.1 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 4.1 K/9, 2.5 WAR
SP Marcel Giroud (BP) - 9-4, 2.16 ERA, 112.2 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 4.6 K/9, 2.4 WAR
SP Gardiner Palmquist (BB) - 11-2, 2.63 ERA, 130.0 IP, 1.25 WHIP, 5.3 K/9, 2.8 WAR
C Gavin Foxton (CFX) - .309/.391/.506, 265 AB, 13 HR, 156 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
C John Green (CCR) - .278/.342/.456, 259 AB, 12 HR, 123 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
C Vinny Hixson (ETS) - .289/.362/.458, 249 AB, 11 HR, 129 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
1B Lee Drummond (RR) - .312/.413/.529, 263 AB, 15 HR, 168 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
1B Fuzz Smiley (FC) - .331/.402/.560, 284 AB, 16 HR, 1 SB, 171 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
2B Blackie Lavitola (VLK) - .316/.375/.593, 307 AB, 22 HR, 167 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
2B Lanny Moultrie (RR) - .314/.369/.545, 325 AB, 17 HR, 9 SB, 158 wRC+, 4.8 WAR
3B Marty Getchell (FTB) - .356/.392/.535, 331 AB, 7 HR, 8 SB, 157 wRC+, 4.0 WAR
3B Chris Savallas (ANC) - .308/.382/.542, 299 AB, 12 HR, 3 SB, 160 wRC+, 4.2 WAR
SS Jean-Paul Lacombe (BP) - .344/.453/.505, 291 AB, 11 HR, 2 SB, 168 wRC+, 5.0 WAR
SS Dirk MacIntyre (BB) - .332/.400/.582, 304 AB, 19 HR, 1 SB, 172 wRC+, 4.9 WAR
LF Griff Cotter (VLM) - .340/.402/.614, 303 AB, 20 HR, 4 SB, 186 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
LF Mac Teale (ETS) - .307/.419/.645, 290 AB, 27 HR, 6 SB, 192 wRC+, 5.6 WAR
CF Ben Atcheson (STO) - .314/.392/.600, 315 AB, 18 HR, 177 wRC+, 5.6 WAR
CF Jake Osborne (CL) - .338/.382/.488, 334 AB, 4 HR, 5 SB, 142 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
RF Hank Allardice (ANC) - .340/.393/.607, 303 AB, 18 HR, 179 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
RF Dutch Van Donk (BB) - .307/.442/.505, 283 AB, 11 HR, 1 SB, 170 wRC+, 4.4 WAR


While the Tycobbian Union will feature 5-time recipients: Jaron Shufford (Rolling Hills)
and Johnny Davidson (Kenwood), along with 4-time winner Noah Bowers (Arroyo Grande).
Three freshmen were named to the team: Cees De Groot (SUM), Willie Ditchburn (HAR) and Jorgen Kron (Bayview).

SP Asmund Bjornstad (OZK) - 9-5, 1.94 ERA, 139.0 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 2.8 WAR
SP Cees De Groot (SUM) - 12-1, 2.35 ERA, 130.1 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 4.8 K/9, 2.6 WAR
SP Linc Dickens (RH) - 12-3, 2.98 ERA, 121.0 IP, 1.25 WHIP, 6.0 K/9, 3.3 WAR
SP Willie Ditchburn (HAR) - 10-2, 1.98 ERA, 100.0 IP, 1.03 WHIP, 2.9 K/9, 1.4 WAR
SP Mitch Hynes (FFX) - 9-4, 2.28 ERA, 134.1 IP, 1.01 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 3.1 WAR
SP Corky Jasker (MAH) - 12-2, 2.35 ERA, 130.0 IP, 1.01 WHIP, 4.8 K/9, 2.0 WAR
SP Arjen Rijkaard (SF) - 11-4, 2.30 ERA, 140.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 3.1 K/9, 3.0 WAR
CL Magnus Bjornstad (CHI) - 5-2, 2.52 ERA, 93.0 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 4.2 K/9, 0.9 WAR
C Jorgen Kron (BAY) - .285/.381/.448, 239 AB, 9 HR, 139 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
C Buck Ransom (RB) - .368/.411/.570, 272 AB, 13 HR, 181 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
C Jaron Shufford (RH) - .279/.403/.454, 251 AB, 8 HR, 2 SB, 143 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
1B Davy Mannington (SF) - .410/.473/.703, 293 AB, 19 HR, 232 wRC+, 5.2 WAR
1B Kazz Yamazaki (GIN) - .324/.385/.610, 315 AB, 22 HR, 3 SB, 178 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
2B Noah Bowers (AG) - .331/.442/.553, 284 AB, 17 HR, 1 SB, 187 wRC+, 6.0 WAR
2B Johnny Davidson (KEN) - .292/.312/.438, 288 AB, 7 HR, 104 wRC+, 1.3 WAR
3B Emil Farnham (HIL) - .310/.360/.554, 316 AB, 18 HR, 2 SB, 159 wRC+, 3.9 WAR
3B Fabian Quigley (RH) - .303/.368/.534, 290 AB, 11 HR, 11 SB, 147 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
SS Manny Saballos (MAH) - .292/.349/.407, 305 AB, 6 HR, 113 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
SS Ruben Schuessler (DC) - .326/.375/.450, 313 AB, 1 HR, 10 SB, 134 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
LF David Glascock (CHI) - .286/.409/.571, 287 AB, 20 HR, 2 SB, 175 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
LF Muzuki Hoshino (GIN) - .341/.407/.570, 305 AB, 20 HR, 174 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
CF Mees Dekker (MDW) - .326/.345/.586, 319 AB, 18 HR, 5 SB, 159 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
CF Olek Novak (LUX) - .325/.346/.556, 320 AB, 10 HR, 1 SB, 150 wRC+, 1.6 WAR
RF Bruce Quarterman (SUM) - .300/.326/.559, 320 AB, 23 HR, 150 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
RF Yank Yankovich (SF) - .321/.408/.578, 296 AB, 21 HR, 4 SB, 179 wRC+, 3.6 WAR

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

Deleted the post.

I already had posted the All-Star Game score... thanks to CD for catching my mistake.

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, October 1, 2086

MAHASKA SMACKS FAIRFAX IN PLAYOFF; ALL 8 POSTSEASON TEAMS DECIDED
Poor Fairfax. It's been 34 seasons since the Frogs last made the IPA postseason playoffs. Nope, it won't be this year. Mahaska smacked Fairfax 7-2 in a sudden-death playoff game to garner the Tycobbian North crown and quality as the 8th team to make the postseason playoffs.

The Haymakers will join the Ancona Jumbos, Belair Beach Sunbirds, Marston Nine, Rocky Rapids Snappers, Ginza Ninjas, South Fork Stallions and Rolling Hills Racers in the IPA Pro Cup playoffs beginning this Wednesday afternoon. All series throughout the playoffs will be best-of-seven games.

First-round play in the Ruthlandian Union pits Marston (88-66) against Belair Beach (93-61) and Ancona (90-64) tangling with Rocky Rapids (91-63). In the Tycobbian Union opening round it will be Mahaska (94-61) welcoming Ginza (92-62) and South Fork (92-62) at home against Rolling Hills (92-62).

2086 IPA Season Recap

Let's take a whirlwind tour of the 8 divisional races this year. For the first time in 65 years the Ancona Jumbos will return to the IPA playoffs. This was totally unexpected. The Jumbos were forecast to wind up in 7th place. Valmara was the preseason choice. Kilkenny and last year's champion LaGrange were supposed to be in the hunt, too. Ancona (90-64) moved into the top spot in May and never relinquished it, finally beating out the Gators (85-69) by 5 games. Far Mountain (83-71) came in third, 7 GB and the Cats (81-73) were beaten out by 9 games. Preseason pick Valmara (75-79) flopped and finished in 6th place. Ancona is not expected to go deep in the playoffs. The Jumbos are not likely to win their first Pro Cup this year.

In the Ruthlandian South Belair Beach was the choice to win its fourth straight pennant and it did. The Claxton Diamonds took charge in May and remained on top of the standings until September when the Sunbirds (93-61) finally overtook them and won going away by 7 games over second place Grand City (86-68). The Diamonds (84-70) suffered a second-half swoon and wound up third, 9 GB. Waleska (82-72) wound up in the fourth spot, 11 games off the pace. Belair Beach copped its second Pro Cup in 2084. The Sunbirds reached the second postseason round in 2083 and 2085. They look poised and ready to win their third Pro Cup Trophy this year.

'Twas a three-team affair in the Ruthlandian East this season between unsung Marston (88-66), Belle Plaine (85-69) and preseason favorite and last year's division winner Eastshore (82-72). The Nine started off badly in last place in April. By June, Marston was in the chase, near the top. By August, the Nine wrestled first place from the Musketeers and they finally triumphed by 3 games. This will be the first playoff appearance for Marston since 2075. The Nine will be seeking their very first Pro Cup crown. The Cotton Kings jumped out and led the RU East in April, stayed close until August and then faded badly in September, ending up 9 games behind. Marston will get their chance to see how good they are. The Nine meets rock-solid Belair Beach in the first round of the playoffs.

The Fort Benton Cannons (88-66) were touted the best team in the preseason poll, followed closely by the Rocky Rapids Snappers (91-63) and the defending Pro Cup champion Colfax Black Sox. In a bewildering fall from grace, once-potent Colfax (71-83) fell to seventh place, a whopping 20 games out of the running. Their pitching was the main culprit. The Black Sox staff ERA bulged from a strong 3.19 last year to 4.26 ERA this season. It was really just a two-team race most of the year. Forest City (78-76) did well until the hot days of summer when they vanished in a downward spiral. They finished in a tie for the third spot with Volusia (78-76), but 13 games back. Except for the first two months of the season, the Vigilantes were never a serious contender. The Cannons challenged the Snappers all the way to September, then lost out by 3 games.
This is the first pennant for Rocky Rapids since 2046. They will be seeking their second IPA Pro Cup title. The Snappers won it long ago in 2019. They may make some noise in the postseason. They can put runs on the scoreboard. Pitching, especially in the bullpen, will be the key to their playoff success. If the relievers do their job well, Rocky Rapids will do well, too.

In the Tycobbian North Division it was a quite a season-long scuffle between the Mahaska Haymakers (94-61) and the Fairfax Frogs (93-62). The Hayseeds jumped out early and had the division all to themselves until August, when the Frogs went 19-6 and leaped to the top of the standings and even led by 3 games heading into the final month of September. Mahaska caught them in the stretch drive and forced a one-game playoff, won by the Haymakers. Perennial power Hartsdale was favored to win the TU North for the 5th straight season, contested by Fairfax and Mahaska. The Hellcats (83-71) were never in the chase and came in third, 10 and a half games out. Poor Fairfax continued their frustrating ways. They were trying for their first pennant since 2033. This was the Haymakers' first TU North title since 2076 and 2078. Look for Mahaska to be a playoff-team to be reckoned with. They are a rock-solid club. The Haymakers have never won the Pro Cup.

The baseball pros and prophets forecast a double-digit runaway win for Ginza this year in the Tycobbian South. They ended up being right on the money. However, there was a battle royale this season until July between Ginza, Arroyo Grande and Colchester. The Elites were the first to go, dropping out with a 9-15 July. The Suns were next to go, falling apart with a terrible second half of the season, going 32-45. Arroyo Grande was on top in July and only trailed by 1 in August. By September Ginza (92-62) was ahead by 8 games and won going away by 11 games over runner-ups Summerland (81-73) and Southport (81-73). Arroyo Grande (79-75) finished fourth, trailing by 11 games and Colchester slumped to fifth place, 18 GB. The Ninjas are returning to the postseason for the first time since 2060. Ginza gained its only Pro Cup in 2059. Expect the Ninjas to kick some butt in the playoffs. They are a good all-round club. This just might be another year for a Pro Cup trophy in Ginza. They topped the IPA with 211 homers and have solid pitching, too. The Ninjas can score, hit with power, pitch well and play strong defense. 'Nuff said, Ginza is good.

The pennant race was over at midseason in the Tycobbian East, dominated by the South Fork Stallions (92-62). They were way in front by 10 games at midyear, finally winning by 12 games over second place East Point (80-74), 15 games better than third place Red Bluff (77-77) and 16 ahead of fourth place and defending champion High Mesa (76-78). Only the Tuckanarra Blue Jays were forecast to test and challenge the Stallions. Nope, it didn't happen -- the Bluebirds (72-82) wound up dead last in eighth place, 20 GB. South Fork has won 4 Pro Cups. This just might be the year the Stallions enlarge their Pro Cup Trophy case. They may have the best attack in the IPA. Coupled with pretty good pitching, this will give them a good chance to go deep into the postseason playoffs.

In the Tycobbian West the legendary Rolling Hills Racers were the pick of the stable this season by the preseason pickers and grinners. Only last year's winner Chicopee was expected to contend with the Racers. As it turned out only the La Claire Lynx (89-65) afforded any challenge. They stayed in striking distance in second place most of the season, finally succumbing by 3 games. The Bayview Vikings (84-70) ended up in the third spot, 8 GB. And the Denton City Redbirds came in fourth, 13 GB. Chicopee (76-78) was nowhere in sight, 16 GB at season's end in fifth place. Rolling Hills is well-stocked with a bunch of solid bats. If the Racers get good pitching in the playoffs, they could do well. They have a pretty fair shot at capturing their 11th Pro Cup. Rolling Hills has the perfect blend of everything to do it.

2086 Ruthlandian Union

[Eugene Church]

2086 Tycobbian Union

[Eugene Church]

2086 Ruthlandian Union Player Leaderboard Statistics

[Eugene Church]

2086 Tycobbian Union Player Leaderboards Statistics

[jg2977]

My prediction for LaGrange almost came true. I noticed that they had the best run differential in the RU North despite being in 6th place. They did leapfrog up to 2nd place by the end of the season, but couldn't quite catch Ancona.

The Rolling Hills dynasty continues! So does Belair Beach. A Pro Cup between those two would be monumental.

[Eugene Church]

I'm looking forward to this year's playoffs. I like Belair Beach and Rolling Hills both alot... I also pull for the teams that have never won a Pro Cup.

This is the Sunbirds best chance to win another Pro Cup... Time is running out on them.

This is really a good bunch of teams. It should be a very hard fought postseason.

[jg2977]

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

I'm looking forward to this year's playoffs. I like Belair Beach and Rolling Hills both alot... I also pull for the teams that have never won a Pro Cup.

This is the Sunbirds best chance to win another Pro Cup... Time is running out on them.

This is really a good bunch of teams. It should be a very hard fought postseason.

I'm anxiously awaiting the first round updates!

[Eugene Church]

I just finished the Pro Cup Poll.
I will post it tomorrow... got to go watch this great World Series between the Dodgers and the Yankees.

My, how times have changed. In the 50s, I loved the Yankees with Mantle, Berra and Ford, and hated the Dodgers with Snider, Reese, Hodges, Robinson, Furillo, Erskine, Newcombe and Campanella.

Now I pulling for the Dodgers. I like Freeman (wish he was healthy), Ohtani and Betts.

I think the Yanks' starters will win it for them... plus Soto, Judge, Stanton are really something as hitters. Gleyber Torres is really good, too.

Not a fan of Cole... because he played for the infamous "drumbeating" Astros... but he is still a good pitcher, but not as good as he used to be.

Flahery and Yamamoto are not enough to win the World Series.

Give it to the Yanks in 6 games.

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, October 1, 2086

IPA POSTSEASON STARTS TOMORROW AFTERNOON; SUNBIRDS FAVORED IN RU, HAYMAKERS IN TU
The team with the most recent postseason success is the choice of the sportswriters, broadcasters, scribes and baseball prophets. That would be the Belair Beach Sunbirds, who will be appearing for the fourth consecutive time. The Sunbirds reach the RU Title Round in 2083, won the Pro Cup in 2084 and were eliminated by Pro Cup champion Colfax last year in the RU Title Round in 7 games. The 2086 edition of Belair Beach looks improved on the 2084 edition. The time is right for the Sunbirds to soar this postseason. The were the number-one pick in The Islandian Times' Pro Cup Poll. This year it looks like the Pro Cup Trophy will go to Belair Beach or the Mahaska Haymakers. However, the pollsters cautiously said South Fork, Ginza and Rolling Hills will also have a say in the matter. Momentum is everything in the playoffs. The hot team usually wins it all. The red-hot clubs the last month of the season were Belair Beach, Mahaska and Ginza. Ancona, Rocky Rapids and South Fork are playing well going into the postseason. Only Rolling Hills and Marston had losing months down-the-stretch.

2086 Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Poll conducted by The Islandian Times

1. Belair Beach Sunbirds (93-61)
The Sunbirds' postseason success in recent years is their biggest plus. Belair Beach's fate will be determined by its experienced pitching staff. They have a pretty fair starting four, coupled with an outstanding rookie closer. As the mound corps of Gardiner Palmquist, Georgie Adams, Felix Poirot, Jim Brockington and rookie Orval Columbus goes, so goes the Sunbirds. Belair Beach has a fine scoring machine, paced by Lucky Hayden, rookie Bucky Keats, Dutch Van Donk, Dirk MacIntyre and Mees Achthoven. The Sunbirds are have one of the best attacks in the IPA this season. Rocky Rapids and South Fork are their biggest rivals offensively.

2. Mahaska Haymakers (94-61)
The Haymakers may be the best team in the IPA. They can do it all. No real weakness. In the playoffs scoring runs may be a problem for them. They only possess one elite hitter. Byron Bennigan can't win the Pro Cup by himself. The lesser lights in the lineup like Manny Saballos, Jeff Thigpen, Sam Moody and Roland Hague will be crucial to their postseason success. Mahaska has good home-run power, fine starting pitching and excellent defense. Corky Jasker is their ace. Bobby Perry and Mel Golden are quality starters, too. The bullpen is capable with Izo Utterbach, Goldy Keane, Greg Stoneman and Harry Marceaux. They should go far in the IPA playoffs this year.

3. South Fork Stallions (92-62)
The Stallions can put runs on the scoreboard, hit with power and have two fine starters. Will Wilford, Davy Mannington and Yank Yankovich are a rock-solid threesome in the batting order. Arjen Rijkaard and Willem Bekker are strong starters. Alfie Ginger takes care of the relief chores very well. South Fork will contend for the 2086 Pro Cup Trophy. Their secondary starters will be the key, along with the middle relief.

4. Ginza Ninjas (92-62)
The Ninjas are a dark horse in the IPA postseason. Fine pitching coupled with longball power and defense goes a long way in the playoffs. Kazz Yamazaki and Muzuki Hoshimo are dynamite threats in the batter's box, both for average and power. Should they get good secondary run support from the rest of the lineup, the Ninjas will do well. Top-to-bottom the pitching staff is top-notched, sparked by Asmund Bjornstad, Eddy Bohannon, Taichi Taka and Louie Patino. The bullpen is quite solid, too, with Luis Rosario, Louis St. Pierre Kento Tokota and Riley Kincaid. We will find out real quick just how good Ginza is. They play Mahaska in the first round.

5. Rolling Hills Racers (92-62)
The Racers are not your father's baseball team of old. These Racers pitch well and do not depend on hitting their way to the Pro Cup crown. Lack of home-run power will hurt their chances in the playoffs. Rolling Hills has to play like they did in the first five months of the season. The Racers slowed down in September and were not impressive. That's why they are picked as the fifth-best postseason team. If starters Junior Ashmore, Linc Dickens, Skeets Kazlauskas and Dain Holman perform well in the playoffs. They should do well. The bullpen headed up by J.B. Deeds and Steve Farnham are solid, too. Hopefully, Emmett Spangler, Clifford Stratton, Danny Marisnick and Fabian Quigley can get the offense going and give them the run support their need.

6. Rocky Rapids Snappers (91-63)
The Snappers are sleepers in the playoffs. They may be better than the prognosticators think. Rocky Rapids can hit, score runs and have power with the likes of Lanny Moultrie, Tony Nobles and Lee Drummond. They have one excellent starter in rookie Ronnie Dabbs. It will be up to veteran Pat Buckland and Nelson Goodlee to enable them to go deep in the playoffs. The bullpen is questionable, too. Hitting your way to the Pro Cup title can be done, but it is not likely.

7. Ancona Jumbos (90-64)
The Jumbos have some punch in the middle of their lineup with Chris Savallas, Hank Allardice and Ricardo Quexada. At the top of the batting order Yanis Trikoupis and Cosmo Kourakis are very solid sticks, too. Hamilton Burger and Sneaky Breedlove are capable hurlers. The other two starters are marginal and the relief corp is suspect, too. The Pro Cup outlook is not particularly good for Ancona.

8. Marston Nine (88-66)
The Nine has the worst regular-season mark of any of the playoff participants. They lack offense, pitching and power. But they do have an excellent up-and-coming rookie first baseman, Hobbs Noland. He just doesn't have much help in the lineup or on the hill, except for hurler Haywire Haygood. Marston opens up with #1-rated Belair Beach. Their stay in the playoffs may be short-lived.

[Eugene Church]

Thanks to hurricanekevin for the beautiful Mahaska logo.
EC did a pretty good job on the Belair Beach logo.
I like it.

[care4ameatball]

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

Attachment 1031392
Tuesday, October 1, 2086

IPA POSTSEASON STARTS TOMORROW AFTERNOON; SUNBIRDS FAVORED IN RU, HAYMAKERS IN TU
The team with the most recent postseason success is the choice of the sportswriters, broadcasters, scribes and baseball prophets. That would be the Belair Beach Sunbirds, who will be appearing for the fourth consecutive time. The Sunbirds reach the RU Title Round in 2083, won the Pro Cup in 2084 and were eliminated by Pro Cup champion Colfax last year in the RU Title Round in 7 games. The 2086 edition of Belair Beach looks improved on the 2084 edition. The time is right for the Sunbirds to soar this postseason. The were the number-one pick in The Islandian Times' Pro Cup Poll. This year it looks like the Pro Cup Trophy will go to Belair Beach or the Mahaska Haymakers. However, the pollsters cautiously said South Fork, Ginza and Rolling Hills will also have a say in the matter. Momentum is everything in the playoffs. The hot team usually wins it all. The red-hot clubs the last month of the season were Belair Beach, Mahaska and Ginza. Ancona, Rocky Rapids and South Fork are playing well going into the postseason. Only Rolling Hills and Marston had losing months down-the-stretch.

2086 Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Poll conducted by The Islandian Times

1. Belair Beach Sunbirds (93-61)
The Sunbirds' postseason success in recent years is their biggest plus. Belair Beach's fate will be determined by its experienced pitching staff. They have a pretty fair starting four, coupled with an outstanding rookie closer. As the mound corps of Gardiner Palmquist, Georgie Adams, Felix Poirot, Jim Brockington and rookie Orval Columbus goes, so goes the Sunbirds. Belair Beach has a fine scoring machine, paced by Lucky Hayden, rookie Bucky Keats, Dutch Van Donk, Dirk MacIntyre and Mees Achthoven. The Sunbirds are have one of the best attacks in the IPA this season. Rocky Rapids and South Fork are their biggest rivals offensively.

2. Mahaska Haymakers (94-61)
The Haymakers may be the best team in the IPA. They can do it all. No real weakness. In the playoffs scoring runs may be a problem for them. They only possess one elite hitter. Byron Bennigan can't win the Pro Cup by himself. The lesser lights in the lineup like Manny Saballos, Jeff Thigpen, Sam Moody and Roland Hague will be crucial to their postseason success. Mahaska has good home-run power, fine starting pitching and excellent defense. Corky Jasker is their ace. Bobby Perry and Mel Golden are quality starters, too. The bullpen is capable with Izo Utterbach, Goldy Keane, Greg Stoneman and Harry Marceaux. They should go far in the IPA playoffs this year.

3. South Fork Stallions (92-62)
The Stallions can put runs on the scoreboard, hit with power and have two fine starters. Will Wilford, Davy Mannington and Yank Yankovich are a rock-solid threesome in the batting order. Arjen Rijkaard and Willem Bekker are strong starters. Alfie Ginger takes care of the relief chores very well. South Fork will contend for the 2086 Pro Cup Trophy. Their secondary starters will be the key, along with the middle relief.

4. Ginza Ninjas (92-62)
The Ninjas are a dark horse in the IPA postseason. Fine pitching coupled with longball power and defense goes a long way in the playoffs. Kazz Yamazaki and Muzuki Hoshimo are dynamite threats in the batter's box, both for average and power. Should they get good secondary run support from the rest of the lineup, the Ninjas will do well. Top-to-bottom the pitching staff is top-notched, sparked by Asmund Bjornstad, Eddy Bohannon, Taichi Taka and Louie Patino. The bullpen is quite solid, too, with Luis Rosario, Louis St. Pierre Kento Tokota and Riley Kincaid. We will find out real quick just how good Ginza is. They play Mahaska in the first round.

5. Rolling Hills Racers (92-62)
The Racers are not your father's baseball team of old. These Racers pitch well and do not depend on hitting their way to the Pro Cup crown. Lack of home-run power will hurt their chances in the playoffs. Rolling Hills has to play like they did in the first five months of the season. The Racers slowed down in September and were not impressive. That's why they are picked as the fifth-best postseason team. If starters Junior Ashmore, Linc Dickens, Skeets Kazlauskas and Dain Holman perform well in the playoffs. They should do well. The bullpen headed up by J.B. Deeds and Steve Farnham are solid, too. Hopefully, Emmett Spangler, Clifford Stratton, Danny Marisnick and Fabian Quigley can get the offense going and give them the run support their need.

6. Rocky Rapids Snappers (91-63)
The Snappers are sleepers in the playoffs. They may be better than the prognosticators think. Rocky Rapids can hit, score runs and have power with the likes of Lanny Moultrie, Tony Nobles and Lee Drummond. They have one excellent starter in rookie Ronnie Dabbs. It will be up to veteran Pat Buckland and Nelson Goodlee to enable them to go deep in the playoffs. The bullpen is questionable, too. Hitting your way to the Pro Cup title can be done, but it is not likely.

7. Ancona Jumbos (90-64)
The Jumbos have some punch in the middle of their lineup with Chris Savallas, Hank Allardice and Ricardo Quexada. At the top of the batting order Yanis Trikoupis and Cosmo Kourakis are very solid sticks, too. Hamilton Burger and Sneaky Breedlove are capable hurlers. The other two starters are marginal and the relief corp is suspect, too. The Pro Cup outlook is not particularly good for Ancona.

8. Marston Nine (88-66)
The Nine has the worst regular-season mark of any of the playoff participants. They lack offense, pitching and power. But they do have an excellent up-and-coming rookie first baseman, Hobbs Noland. He just doesn't have much help in the lineup or on the hill, except for hurler Haywire Haygood. Marston opens up with #1-rated Belair Beach. Their stay in the playoffs may be short-lived.

Hope all is well EC.I'm rooting for the Ninjas to win it all. They've always been my favorite TU team. You have to admire Rolling Hills, too. Whoever is running that organization must be content with their last few decades in the IPA. They're like the Yankees of the IPA.

[Eugene Church]

Good to hear from you again, care4ameatball.

'Twould be nice if the Ninjas won another Pro Cup.

They have not appeared in the playoffs since 2059 and 2060.

Ginza won the Pro Cup in 2059. They defeated Oxford in 7 games, High Mesa in 5 games and swept Valmara for the Pro Cup.

2059 Ginza Ninjas' Stats, Lineup and Pitching Staff.

[Eugene Church]

Yesterday in the IPA (Reprinted from 2058 Playoffs)

Yours truly, EC, has mixed emotions about this year's Pro Cup.

Valmara is one of my favorite teams in the IPA... I was a Russian Language Specialist in the USAF many, many, many eons ago... so I like Slavic names, the Russian language and like the Russian people, too... the people are not the government... my teachers at the Army Language School, most of them native Russians, were really nice people and filled with a joy for life... this surprised me at that time... Hollywood gave you a much different view of Russians back in those bleak, cold war days... sad, morose, melancholy.

My wife and I took the trip of a lifetime about a year ago... a 13-day riverboat tour of Russia... started in Moscow and ended up in St. Petersburg... an absolutely wonderful trip... on Viking Tours... highly recommend Viking... I am very hard-to-please... and they really, really pleased me.

The Russians were really nice people... on the ship... and in the towns and cities... I was pleased that they could understand my Russian after all those years... and yes, I did a lot of study and relearning it before I went... had to brush up on the grammar and get down the basic vocabulary again... they complimented my Russian... said I spoke very clearly... and my accent was OK.

So I have always kind of pulled for the Vipers each year... they won their fourth Pro Cup in 2050 and I have wanted them to get a fifth one and take the lead in Pro Cup trophies... some of my most favored players in the 59 years I've been covering the Islandian Pro Alliance have played for Valmara… manager/outfielder HOF Jet Kazmarek, .354 career average, best in IPA history... only .400 hitter ever... .424 in 2002... HOF shortstop Ken Jensen (.300 BA), the Szymanski family: outfielder Jan Szymanski (.253 BA/98 HR/385 RBI)… he only played 4 years with the team... his son, outfielder Teddy Szymanski (.301 BA/188 HR), and grandson, current second baseman Vladimir Szymanski (.298 BA, catcher Karol Koska (.253 BA/235 HR)… and pitchers HOF Vanya Vasylenko (304-261/3.45 ERA) (also successful manager), Primo Sirak (272-147/2.80 ERA), Darus Grajek (197-122/2.76 ERA) and Teddy Twardzik (195-155/3.11 ERA).

Now the Ginza Ninjas leap into the picture... they have been run-of-the-mill also-rans for decades... and this year they captured my heart... though I thought they would fade in the second half of the season... the Karate Kids won their first pennant since 1931.

Then nobody thought they would beat Oxford in round one... and not too many thought they would whip High Mesa in the TU title series... but, lo and behold, they did it!

And we're now in the Pro Cup Series and the Karate Kids are there!... playing for the whole shebang... the Holy Grail of the Islands... the IPA Pro Cup trophy.

Through the years I've been a fan of the Ginza's 34-year-old shortstop Kuzuki Tamura... he is a 4-time All-Star and Gold Glover... and sadly never got into the playoffs.

So this year, I will pull for Tamura, Gideon Tracy, Kurt Brophy, Sparky Dane and Abram Worth... but I think the Valmara Vipers will win in 6 games... they just hit the ball too well.

Come on, Mr. Miyagi… work your magic just one more series.

1. “It’s ok to lose to opponent. It’s never okay to lose to fear" - Mr. Miyagi

[Eugene Church]