ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Tycobbian Union Standings on May 1, 2087

[jg2977]

Nice first month review of where the teams in the 2087 IPA season are at, EC. I really enjoyed reading it. Simple and directly to the point. I wish that I had the patience to do that with my leagues. I'm just anxious to get to the playoffs.

I think with my leagues I'll start looking at the preseason predictions, and then only sim ahead a month at a time, and take a quick glance just so that I can see where last year's champions are in the standings, and who the surprise teams are.

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by jg2977

Nice first month review of where the teams in the 2087 IPA season are at, EC. I really enjoyed reading it. Simple and directly to the point. I wish that I had the patience to do that with my leagues. I'm just anxious to get to the playoffs.

I think with my leagues I'll start looking at the preseason predictions, and then only sim ahead a month at a time, and take a quick glance just so that I can see where last year's champions are in the standings, and who the surprise teams are.

Glad you like it, jg2977.
I think I will like it this way. I can know how the teams did the whole season this way.

[jg2977]

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

Glad you like it, jg2977.
I think I will like it this way. I can know how the teams did the whole season this way.

A recap of every month in this way would be great. It will make the pennant races interesting to follow.

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, July 1, 2087

GINZA AND LA CLAIRE GOING STRONG AT MIDSEASON
Thus far at midseason in the 2087 Islandian Pro Alliance season things are coming up roses for the Ginza Ninjas, Fairfax Frogs and the La Claire Lynx. The Ninjas were forecast to win the TU South with ease. So far, so good -- Ginza is 7 games up on runner-up Arroyo Grande. In the TU North the Frogs have a huge 9-game bulge over the second place Mahaska Haymakers. In the TU West the Lynx are up by 5 games over preseason pick Rolling Hills. In the other 5 divisions around the IPA, there are some fairly good pennant races. Pro Cup champion Belair Beach is in a little bit of trouble, running fourth in the RU South, 6 and a half games back of first place Grand City. Still, the Sunbirds have the second half of the season, which is plenty of time to get back into the hunt for its second straight Pro Cup Trophy.

RUTHLANDIAN UNION MIDSEASON SUMMARY
The Ruthlandian North has a good race going. 7 of the 8 teams still possess a shot at the division crown. Only last place Kilkenny appears to have no chance. At midyear, Ranford is on top of the standings, leading second place Valmara by 2 and a half games. Third place LaGrange is now 5 and a half games out. The Gators led in the first month of the season. Preseason-favored Ancona is tied for third place. Far Mountain and Taranto are tied for the fifth spot, but still within striking distance, 6 GB. Glasco is in seventh place, just 8 games off the pace. The race is anybody's to win.

Valmara has played the best ball the last two months with a 31-22 mark. Taranto went 29-25. Ranford has been steady at 28-25. Ancona has the same record 28-25. Far Mountain has been over .500, but just barely at 27-26. This race appears to be going down to the wire with quite a few contenders. The Bulls have solid hitting (.284 BA), scoring (373 runs) and pretty fair pitching (3.67 ERA). They are the best in the RU North at the plate and on the mound. LaGrange is the home-run power (97 HR), tops in the Ruthlandian Union and also in the IPA. But the Bulls are batting a mediocre .246 for average. The race may come down to Ranford and Valmara.

With some strong pitching the Grand City Cybercats (3.41 ERA) soared to a 34-18 record and moved up into first place in the Ruthlandian South. They top the runner-up Waleska Westerners by 4 games now. The Cowpokes were riding high in May and at the top of the standings. Waleska went 29-25 the last two months. Third place Claxton had an impressive May and June, posting a strong 31-21 mark, but they fell to 6 and a half games out. The reigning Pro Cup champion Belair Beach Sunbirds were 28-26 and slipped further behind Grand City, trailing now by 6 and a half games in fourth place. It is still looking like four-team race in the RU South.

There are four challengers in the chase for the Ruthlandian East flag. May's leader Wynnamac is still on top of the heap with a 3 and a half game lead over second place and preseason favorite Belle Plaine. The Macs have the hurlers (3.41 ERA), while the Musketeers have the bats (.278 BA). Third place belongs to the Beechwood Blues, 6 GB. Last year's winner Marston is resting in the fourth spot in the standings, 8 GB. The Sundowners have played the best the last two months, chalking up an impressive 33-20 record, followed by the Muskies at 32-23, the Blues 31-24 and the Nine coming in at 29-24. The winner will come down to Wynnamac and Belle Plaine. Good pitching usually wins out. The Macs are looking like the best team in the RU East. Having made the playoffs on a regular basis (24 times), the Sundowners are due for another postseason appearance. They last appeared in 2083, a four-year absence. Then again, the Musketeers did win it last year. If the bats could win it, Beechwood (.271 BA) is looking good. But the Blues have the blues on the hill. They just don't have quality pitching (4.05 ERA).

At the midyear mark five clubs are still in the hunt for the Ruthlandian West title. Forest City was the #1 choice in the preseason poll and they have come through like champs so far. They have a scant one and one-half game edge over the defending champion Rocky Rapids Snappers. The Firebirds have been red-hot, going 33-19 the last two months. Most importantly, they were a sizzling 20-6 in June. Preseason favorite Rocky Rapids was 29-24. Third place Colfax chalked up a fine 33-20 mark, 4 and a half games out, fourth place Stoner was 28-24 and 6 GB. Fading Volusia has fallen to the fifth spot, trailing by 7 and a half games. The Vigilantes went 24-28 in May and June.

Forest City has the best attack in the Ruthlandian Union with 409 runs, 72 homers and a .274 BA. However, their mound staff is troubled with a lousy 4.36 ERA. The Firebirds still win despite the poor pitching. Rocky Rapids can hang with Forest City. Their offense churned out 377 runs, .281 BA and 77 HRs. Their hurlers posted a better ERA than the Firebirds. They put up a 3.95 ERA. After a poor start in April, Colfax has been impressive and on the move, sporting a fine offense with 383 runs, 68 homers and an impressive .283 BA. The Black Sox will certainly be a factor in the RU West this season. Fourth place Stoner is staying close, 6 GB, but doesn't really threaten the top three leaders.

Forest City climbed to the top ot the RU West with a sizzling 20-6 run in June. Over the last two months the Firebirds posted a fine 33-19 mark. Rocky Rapids is hanging tough with a 29-24 record. Colfax moved up with 33-20 in recent months. Stoner was 28-24 and holding steady. All of the also-rans played under .500 in May and June.

Ruthlandian Union Standings on July 1, 2087

[Eugene Church]

Tycobbian Union Midseason Summary

There is only one real race at the halfway point in the Tycobbian Union. Four clubs are contending in the TU East, where Hillsboro is up by one and a half games over preseason choice South Fork, 3 games better than third place Tuckanarra and 5 and a half ahead of fourth place Ozarka.

Here's what going on in the TU North at midyear. Simply put, it's a playground for the fantastic Fairfax Frogs, who have already soared to a 9-game advantage. Nobody is close. The Frogs are on pace to pile up 110 victories this year. The IPA record is held by the Rolling Hills Racers, who posted 111 wins in 2066 in the Tycobbian Union. The Colfax Blasters set the Ruthlandian Union record in 2010 with 107 victories. By June Fairfax was an incredible 42-10 with a mindboggling .808 winning percentage and a 12-game lead. They came down-to-earth last month with a 14-12 mark. The Mahaska Haymakers haven't been any kind of slouches, going a strong 31-19 in May and June. During the same period the Frogs were 36-17. Third place Oxford is 16 GB. The Red Caps were 27-26. Fourth place White River went 25-29 and last year's division champion and this year's preseason favorite Hartsdale is a pathetic fifth, 19 GB. The Hellcats haven't had a winning month so far this season. They chalked up a poor 24-29 in the last two months. None of the remaining three clubs are doing well at all. It is going to be a long season for Luxora, Blue Lake and North Hills.

Fairfax hasn't been to the playoffs since 2033. Yep, you would think the drought is finally over. The Frogs are putting up record numbers with a .307 team batting average. They are first in scoring, too. They are second with a very good 3.41 team ERA. Cape Coral holds the IPA record for BA with a .306 in 2075. The Frogs do have flaws. They have a lousy bullpen with a 5.02 ERA, but the starters are rock solid with a 3.07 ERA. Mahaska is known for its good second halves. The Haymakers are a very good team with a .269 BA with good scoring, good power and good pitching. But they are not going to catch Fairfax this year. Yeah, buddy, the pennant race is over and done in the TU North. Everybody is going to have to wait until the proverbial next year.

Ginza is having another stellar season in the TU South. The Ninjas are having a banner year, better than last year when they claimed the division flag fairly easily. They are doing it again and even better. They are hitting better (.276 BA), scoring better (388 runs) and pitching better (3.37 ERA). After a slow start in April, they have put the metal to the pedal with a 36-16 mark the last two months. Ginza was a big favorite to win big again this year. Their main rival, runner-up Arroyo Grande, has been 28-24 in that same period of play and is 7 games off the pace. Third place Southport has gone 27-26 (10 GB) and fourth place. The Sun Sox are just an average ballclub. So are the Summerland Sunsets. However, the Sunsets have improved in May and June with a 30-24 mark. Fifth place Colchester began the season pretty well (14-10), but has faltered since with a 23-29 mark. San Alejo has also fallen back sharply after a good April (14-10) and first place. The Monties have slipped to 22-32 and sixth place in recent months. Cape Coral is not a good club. The Hurricanes are running seventh, 14 and a half-game behind Ginza. The 'Canes carded a poor 23-30 record since May. It's a terrible season for proud Turon. The Typhoons are suffering their worst season since 2067 (63-91). They were not supposed to be this bad. They are dead last in the TU South (17 GB). In May and June Turon was just 23-31.

Yes indeed, there is a pennant race in the Tycobbian East Division. Four clubs are in the fight at the halfway point in the year. From the top spot in the standings to the fourth spot is just a 5 and a half-game spread. Hillsboro is having a fine season with a one and a half-game edge on defending champ and this year's preseason pick, the South Fork Stallions. Tuckanarra is in the third spot, just 3 GB behind and unheralded Ozarka is trailing by 5 and a half games in fourth place. The outlook is for a photo-finish in the TU East. All four challengers look to be in it for the long haul. South Fork was supposed to dominate the division this year. Ozarka was rated to wind up in eighth and last in the race (33 GB). Hillsboro (8 GB) and Tuckanarra (12 GB) were forecast to end up a distant third and fourth.

At midseason the TU East has settled down with the top four clubs all playing good baseball. In May and June the Hillsboro Blazers were 29-24, South Fork Stallions 29-23, the Tucks 32-23 and the Ozarka Naturals were 31-23.

The Blazers are well-rounded with a .281 BA, 374 runs, 70 roundtrippers and a 3.44 ERA. Likewise the Stallions with a .273 BA, 76 homers, 371 runs and a quality 3.51 ERA. The Blue Jays are right up there with the top two teams with a .274 BA, 86 dingers, 362 runs with a little less pitching (3.74 ERA). The lightly-regarded Nats don't seem to be equal to the top contenders with a 3.87 ERA, .261 BA, 299 runs and just 47 home runs. It looks like a three-team battle.

In the Tycobbian West first place La Claire has the best pitching in the IPA by far. The Lynx staff has a sensational 2.96 ERA. Nobody is close. Couple that with some decent offense and you have a darn good team. La Claire sports a .263 BA, 51 homers and 356 runs. They have posted an impressive 38-18 record the last two months. Runner-up Rolling Hills (5 GB) can match the Lynx's offensive numbers with a .264 BA, 54 HRs and 353 runs, but fall far short of them on the hill with a 3.69 ERA. Since May 1st, the Racers are 33-21. Bayview (5 GB) is tied with Rolling Hills for second place and has powerful bats with 93 HRs, 410 runs and a .287 BA, but has mediocre pitching with a 3.90 ERA. Still they have been 30-24 in recent months. Chicopee is in fourth place (9GB). The Braves can put runs on the scoreboard with a .275 BA, 63 homers and 378 runs. Their 3.63 team ERA is pretty good. Chicopee put up a 28-24 mark in May and June.

In the preseason poll all four clubs were forecast to be in the pennant chase. Rolling Hills was a slight favorite over La Claire (3 GB). Bayview (7 GB) and Chicopee (8 GB) were picked to fight it out for third place. It will probably come down to the Lynx and maybe the Racers. La Claire is really looking good because of their superb starters and fine bullpen.

[jg2977]

Both Belair Beach and Rolling Hills may not make the postseason. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the regular season plays out. And Arlon is having a historically bad year. So far they're as bad as the 2024 Chicago White Sox.

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by jg2977

Both Belair Beach and Rolling Hills may not make the postseason. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the regular season plays out. And Arlon is having a historically bad year. So far they're as bad as the 2024 Chicago White Sox.

I will miss both of them, Belair Beach and Rolling Hills, if they don't make the playoffs. I have gotten to know them covering them in the Pro Cup playoffs.

Arlon might be headed for the worst record ever in the IPA. East Point lost 113 games in 2071 (.266 winning percentage)... Belle Plaine and Bayview lost 109 games in 2061 and 2051 respectively for a winning percentage of .292. Arlon is currently at .247 winning percentage at midyear. The Champions are 19-58. On track to lose 116 games.

[jg2977]

The upside of Belair Beach and Rolling Hills not making it to the playoffs is that new blood can be interesting! New players to learn about.

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, July 10, 2087

IPA ELITE TANGLE IN 2087 ALL-STAR CLASSIC IN BELAIR BEACH
The Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star Game is a match made in Heaven. Over 50 elite stars will tangle in the 87th midsummer classic at Bayside Park in Belair Beach next Wednesday afternoon. It will be the Tycobbian Union All-Stars taking on the Ruthlandian Union All-Stars. The TU Stars have dominated the annual clash with 55 victories and only 31 losses.

5-time All-Star third baseman Chris Savallas of the Ancona Jumbos will lead the RU Stars in quest of victory with the help of 4-time participant Volusia center fielder Jake Osborne. Ruthlandia has two rookies on the squad, Taranto catcher Rodger McFalls and Forest City right fielder Bryant Stubbs.

7-time All-Star catcher Conn Donaldson from Tuckanarra will lead the charge for the TU Stars. Bay St. Clair hurler Chuck Chelkowski and Ginza left fielder Kazz Yamazaki will be appearing for the 4th time. Tycobbia will feature one rookie, White River center fielder Roger D'Abboville.

The two All-Star teams will be managed by the skippers from last year's Pro Cup Series, won by the Belair Beach Sunbirds in a four-game sweep over the Rolling Hills Racers. Sunbird manager Brock Josephson will handle the RU Stars, while Racer skipper Hugo Sutton is in charge of the TU Stars.

The 2087 Ruthlandian Union All-Stars

SP Georgie Adams (BB) - 10-3, 2.65 ERA, 118.2 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 5.6 K/9, 3.4 WAR
SP Charley Connelly (RAN) - 8-4, 12 SV, 2.41 ERA, 86.0 IP, 1.31 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, 1.5 WAR
SP Andrew Delchamps (ETS) - 10-3, 2.66 ERA, 128.1 IP, 1.17 WHIP, 6.5 K/9, 3.8 WAR
SP Frankie Gifford (TAR) - 8-4, 2.71 ERA, 139.1 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 4.9 K/9, 1.9 WAR
SP Marcel Giroud (BP) - 11-3, 2.63 ERA, 119.2 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 5.4 K/9, 3.2 WAR
SP Monty Maples (CLX) - 11-5, 2.37 ERA, 151.2 IP, 1.11 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 4.0 WAR
SP Bubba Rummel (WLK) - 13-1, 2.62 ERA, 120.0 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 5.5 K/9, 2.8 WAR
SP Roger Whitney (RAN) - 11-5, 2.73 ERA, 128.2 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 5.5 K/9, 3.1 WAR
C Vinny Hixson (ETS) - .278/.326/.430, 263 AB, 10 HR, 107 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
C Tomas Lizano (SD) - .269/.349/.466, 253 AB, 12 HR, 126 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
C Rodger McFalls (TAR) - .276/.361/.432, 257 AB, 9 HR, 124 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
1B Hank Allardice (ANC) - .338/.400/.606, 325 AB, 18 HR, 4 SB, 168 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
1B Julius Goodson (WYN) - .371/.428/.558, 278 AB, 11 HR, 9 SB, 168 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
2B Edgaro Altuve (SD) - .346/.368/.486, 327 AB, 3 HR, 20 SB, 131 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
2B Louie Palmisano (TAR) - .319/.419/.403, 310 AB, 3 HR, 35 SB, 139 wRC+, 4.4 WAR
2B D.D. Whatley (VOL) - .337/.417/.552, 279 AB, 13 HR, 1 SB, 166 wRC+, 3.5 WAR (Injured)
3B Jim Raver (FC) - .362/.446/.595, 304 AB, 15 HR, 190 wRC+, 5.2 WAR
3B Chris Savallas (ANC) - .340/.406/.630, 303 AB, 17 HR, 21 SB, 181 wRC+, 5.5 WAR
SS Rupert Jennings (KIL) - .329/.421/.561, 289 AB, 15 HR, 1 SB, 171 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
SS Jean-Paul Lacombe (BP) - .354/.464/.510, 294 AB, 12 HR, 6 SB, 167 wRC+, 5.9 WAR
LF Marcello Chacon (VOL) - .360/.394/.524, 336 AB, 4 HR, 12 SB, 152 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
LF Mickey Wertz (WLK) - .340/.384/.508, 329 AB, 8 HR, 2 SB, 146 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
CF Tyrus Cobb Gehringer (WLK) - .313/.403/.435, 278 AB, 4 HR, 4 SB, 128 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
CF Jake Osborne (VOL) - .310/.372/.484, 339 AB, 6 HR, 13 SB, 134 wRC+, 4.7 WAR
RF Misha Kuzmin (VLM) - .314/.403/.617, 261 AB, 20 HR, 1 SB, 175 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
RF Bryant Stubbs (FC) - .335/.386/.470, 313 AB, 9 HR, 3 SB, 137 wRC+, 2.5 WAR

The 2087 Tycobbian Union All-Stars

SP Nick Banfield (HIL) - 12-2, 1.98 ERA, 122.2 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 3.1 WAR
SP Chuck Chelkowski (BSC) - 10-2, 1.65 ERA, 147.1 IP, 1.01 WHIP, 5.3 K/9, 4.1 WAR
SP Johnny Connolly (MDW) - 4-4, 17 SV, 3.01 ERA, 92.2 IP, 1.31 WHIP, 4.9 K/9, 1.8 WAR
SP Steve Farnham (RH) - 9-2, 2.28 ERA, 110.2 IP, 1.20 WHIP, 4.7 K/9, 3.0 WAR
SP Shuggie Garsett (LC) - 15-0, 1.92 ERA, 145.2 IP, 1.03 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 3.7 WAR
SP Robert Sumter (MAH) - 9-1, 1.93 ERA, 88.2 IP, 1.05 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 1.4 WAR
SP Izo Utterbach (MAH) - 11-1, 2.24 ERA, 128.2 IP, 1.15 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 3.0 WAR
SP Vic Zeller (FFX) - 9-4, 2.87 ERA, 116.0 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 5.9 K/9, 2.9 WAR
C Conn Donaldson (TUC) - .335/.370/.461, 245 AB, 2 HR, 11 SB, 124 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
C Hennie Hendriks (SUM) - .326/.429/.483, 261 AB, 9 HR, 158 wRC+, 4.2 WAR
C Jorgen Kron (BAY) - .288/.368/.572, 243 AB, 18 HR, 2 SB, 156 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
1B Byron Bennigan (MAH) - .364/.493/.741, 297 AB, 31 HR, 18 SB, 215 wRC+, 6.3 WAR
1B Lucien Legrand (FFX) - .372/.434/.655, 304 AB, 15 HR, 7 SB, 183 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
2B Mylon Moncrief (CHI) - .304/.418/.516, 273 AB, 14 HR, 6 SB, 151 wRC+, 3.9 WAR
2B Kenshin Yamada (GIN) - .278/.381/.385, 317 AB, 5 HR, 28 SB, 119 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
3B Nathan Kenner (OXF) - .323/.394/.545, 310 AB, 17 HR, 6 SB, 160 wRC+, 4.3 WAR
3B Guus Lutjens (SUM) - .317/.364/.490, 300 AB, 11 HR, 2 SB, 138 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
SS Tripper Rogen (FFX) - .310/.342/.536, 323 AB, 13 HR, 4 SB, 133 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
SS A.C. Rotherham (HIL) - .358/.386/.488, 346 AB, 5 HR, 15 SB, 146 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
LF Ludolf Goldschmidt (FFX) - .339/.435/.505, 313 AB, 3 HR, 35 SB, 160 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
LF Kazz Yamazaki (GIN) - .337/.404/.551, 303 AB, 12 HR, 4 SB, 164 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
CF Roger D'Abboville (WR) - .350/.412/.556, 306 AB, 11 HR, 8 SB, 167 wRC+, 4.3 WAR
CF Kieran Lange (FFX) - .366/.413/.531, 339 AB, 1 HR, 13 SB, 157 wRC+, 4.3 WAR
RF Red Lilly (CHI) - .337/.446/.554, 294 AB, 8 HR, 18 SB, 177 wRC+, 4.8 WAR
RF Ricardo Zamora (SA) - .318/.390/.565, 308 AB, 19 HR, 2 SB, 155 wRC+, 2.9 WAR

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, July 16, 2087

TU STARS SOCK IT TO RU STARS IN 87TH MIDSUMMER DREAM GAME
It was more of the same in the 2087 Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star Classic. The Tycobbian All-Stars socked it to the Ruthlandian All-Stars 9-3 and continued to dominate the series, upping their record to 56-31. Byron Bennington (Mahaska) snagged the game's Most Valuable Player Trophy. He scored 3 runs, homered and doubled with 2 hits in 4 at bats.

The TU Stars took charge from the git-go, jumping out to a 6-1 lead in the first 3 frames. Red Lilly (Chicopee) tripled in a pair of runs and Jorgen Kron (Bayview) doubled in 2 more. Ruthlandian never was in the game.

[Eugene Church]

Sorry, folks. EC has been busy doing my Southern Gospel Radio show.
I had to do 4 programs for the last week of the year.

I will get busy and recap the 2087 IPA season tomorrow.

[Eugene Church]

Monday, September 29, 2087

GINZA NINJAS ONLY PRESEASON FAVORITE TO PREVAIL AND NAB PENNANT IN THE IPA
There were no surprise darlings, dark horses or anyone to come out of the blue in the Islandian Pro Alliance pennant races this season. The only preseason favorite to hoist a division flag this year the Ginza Ninjas of the Tycobbian South. We will crown a new Pro Cup champion this year as last year's winner Belair Beach lost out in the RU South after claiming it the last four years. The Sunbirds also won 2 Pro Cups in that same time frame.

The 2087 Ruthlandian Union division winners were Ranford, Grand City, Belle Plaine and Rocky Rapids, while it was Fairfax, Ginza, Tuckanarra and La Claire in the Tycobbian Union. Only the Snappers and Ninjas were repeat winners. 4 of the clubs are making their first postseason appearance in years. The Frogs have been absent since 2033, the Cybercats since 2055, Tucks since 2076 and Lynx since 2077.

The forecast Pro Cup champion appears to be the Fairfax Frogs of the TU North. The Frogs have the best hitting and the best mound corps in the IPA this season. They are the odds-on favorite this year with the Ginza Ninjas and the La Clair Lynx also in the conversation. And don't count out the Grand City Cybercats out. The beat out the defending IPA champion Belair Beach, which says something for their chances. The Rocky Rapids Snappers might be a Pro Cup contender, too, if they can get some pitching. The can score runs aplenty and go deep.

RUTHLANDIAN UNION SEASON RECAP

RANFORD WINS RU NORTH AND THAT AIN'T NO BULL
In the Ruthlandian North the Ranford Bulls ran up a solid 8-game lead at midseason and then hung on to win by a slim 2-games margin over LaGrange and Far Mountain. Heading into the Pro Cup playoffs the Bulls are not playing well. The went 23-29 down the stretch, while the Gators (31-20) and Redhawks (29-23) prospered. The fourth place Taranto Tars did well until July, but swooned badly in the summertime (12 GB) and dropped out of the race, eventually finishing 6 games behind. The Ancona Jumbos were favored in the preseason poll, but overall ended up fifth and 7 games out.

GC CYBERCATS ENDS BB SUNBIRDS' REIGN IN RU SOUTH
The Grand City Cybercats were on top of the Ruthlandian South standings the entire season. They whipped powerful Belair Beach by 6 games. The Sunbirds finally started playing like Pro Cup champions in August (20-8) and cut the 'Cats lead to one and a half games. Grand City (17-7) had a fine final month and pull away again from preseason pick Belair Beach (13-10). Third place Claxton challenged until a bad August (10-18) killed the season. The fourth place Waleska Westerners were riding high in the saddle until midyear (45-33), but the Cowpokes slumped badly in the second half (31-46) and rode off into the sunset.

BP MUSKIES STUN MACS IN RU EAST WITH SEPTEMBER SURGE
What a shame! The Wynnamac Sundowners were in first place in the Ruthlandian East the first five months of the season, but not by much. However heading into September the Macs had a comfortable 6-game edge over runner-up Marston and a 7-game edge over third place and this season's favorite Belle Plaine. Marston was the defending division titleholder. Lo and behold, Wynnamac (8-15) tanked it and wound up in second place (3 GB) to the Musketeers (18-6), who made a fantastic final month run to repeat as the RU East champion. The third place Marston Nine (31-21) also came on strong the last two months, but lost out by 4 games. The Nine went 13-11 in September. No other clubs were in contention. Eastshore ended up 15 games off the pace in the fourth spot in the standings.

RR SNAPPERS WON TOUGH RACE IN RU WEST
Pretty much during the whole season it was a fairly close four-team battle in the Ruthlandian West this year. Rocky Rapids (32-20) got hot down-the-stretch and emerged with a 2-game margin over preseason favored Forest City (28-24), 5 games game better than third place Colfax (29-22) and 8 games up on fourth place Volusia (28-23). The Snappers repeated as the RU West champion, but it was the Firebirds who were the first choice of the preseason prophets.

TYCOBBIAN UNION SEASON RECAP

FAIRFAX ENDS 54-YEAR DROUGHT WITH FANTASTIC SEASON IN TU NORTH
For the first time in five frustrating decades, the longsuffering Fairfax Frogs are finally in the Pro Cup playoffs once again. For the first time since 2033. That's 54 long, long years. And the Frogs did it in grandiose style, totally dominating the Tycobbian West and winning it by 14 games over runner-up Mahaska. The Haymakers copped the division title last year. Fairfax started the season 41-10 and ran away with the division flag. Hartsdale was rated the top team in the preseason poll in a close race with Fairfax. Hartsdale won the TU North 4 times in the last 6 years. The Hellcats were never in the race and came in a very distant third, 15 GB. The Oxford Red Caps never contended, winding up 18 GB in the fourth spot. The Frogs set the league on fire and was on pace to set a new IPA league records for victories, but they tailed off (27-25) in the last two months of the season and won only 98 games. Still, that was the best mark in the IPA this year. Fairfax will be a big favorite to win its first and only Pro Cup Trophy this year. The Frogs have a potent batting order and a rock-solid staff. Look for them to do very well in the postseason playoffs.

GINZA EASILY REPEATS IN TU SOUTH
No one in the Tycobbian South put up a real fight. Defending champ and preseason pick Ginza took charge in May and June (36-16) with a 6-game lead over Arroyo Grande and never looked back. Colchester came in second, 13 games back, Summerland was third and 14 games out and Southport wound up fourth and 16 games behind. The Suns ran well in the first two months of the season (30-21), but then began a slow second-half descent in the standings. Arroyo Grande dropped completely out of the picture in the second half and ended up 18 GB, winding up in fifth place.

TUCKS TAKE TU EAST TITLE IN TORRID SEASON-LONG TUSSLE
The Tycobbian East was a hotly-contested race the entire season. The top four clubs, Tuckanarra, Ozarka, last season's champ and preseason favorite South Fork and Hillsboro fought it out April through September. They were all within four games of each other just about the whole year. It was a pressure-filled fight to the finish, finally won by the Tucks. The Blue Jays did well down the stretch with a 31-21 record. The Naturals were 30-21, Stallions 27-25 and the Blazers a poor 23-29. Tuckanarra won with a well-rounded ballclub, solid hitting, very good home-run power, quality pitching and the best defense in the division. Ozarka just didn't have the offense to win, but they had very good pitching. Southport could match the Tucks at the plate, but came up a little short on the hill. Hillsboro was lagging a little bit in all areas, but they were still good enough to stay in the race all year long.

STRONG STAFF LEADS LC LYNX PAST POTENT RH RACERS IN TU WEST
The La Claire Lynx upset the highly-heralded Rolling Hills Racers for the Tycobbian West title. The Racers were the defending champion and had won the division crown in 4 of the past 5 years and were favored to do it again. The Lynx were forecast to wind up a very close second to the Racers. La Claire won the flag with some very fine pitching and sufficient scoring. None of the other clubs could come close to matching the Lynx on the mound. They toppled Rolling Hills by 6 games, Bayview by 9 and Chicopee by 14 games. By midyear La Claire had a good 5 and 6-game cushion on their main rivals, Rolling Hills and Bayview. Fourth place Chicopee was now trailing by 9 games. The Lynx went 38-18 in May and June and shot ahead of the other contenders. They did not have a losing month in the season. Neither did the Racers, but only they had one real good month, while La Claire had two great months. That was the difference in the season. Rolling Hills closed the margin to 4 games at the start of September, but La Claire had an excellent 16-8 month compared to Rolling Hills 14-10 mark.

2087 Ruthlandian Union Final Standings



2087 Tycobbian Union Final Standings

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

2087 Ruthlandian Union Team Batting, Pitching and Fielding

[Eugene Church]

2087 Tycobbian Union Team Batting, Pitching and Fielding

[Eugene Church]

"Wit, Quips and Quotes From the Diamond Minds"

EC just finished a fine book "Babe -- The Legend Comes Alive" by Robert W. Creamer, who also authored "Stengel".

This was an excellent book, well-written and easy to read. It kept your interest. It was well-researched and told Babe's story clearly, concisely and truthfully. Babe was a flawed person, basically just a big kid at heart. And a great baseball player. He was a womanizer, a glutton, but he had a huge heart and loved kids. Babe was generous. He was a big tipper and overtipped most of the time. During World War II he personally bought $100,000 in War Bonds to support our country's fight again Hitler and Japan.

Creamer told it like Babe was. He did it in straight-forward fashion without sentimentality. When Babe deserved sympathy, Creamer gave it, when he didn't deserve it, Creamer told you so.

My next book is by Furman Bisher, the famed sports editor at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1950 to 2008. It is entitled "Strange But True Baseball Stories". Hope there will some amusing, amazing and offbeat stories that I can share with you.

[Eugene Church]

Map of Islandia