ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Monday, September 29, 2087

FROGS ARE BIG FAVORITES IN IPA PRO CUP PLAYOFFS
One would think the Fairfax Frogs have it all this season and should take home the revered Islandian Pro Cup in rather easy fashion. In recent seasons the Belair Beach Sunbirds were choice to win the Pro Cup in 2084 and 2086 and they did. The Frogs top the IPA in offense, pitching and defense. Fairfax looks like a Pro Cup shoo-in. However, the pollsters and pundits are saying the 2087 IPA Pro Cup playoffs are shaping up to be a battle royale between all 8 division champions. It is a well-balanced group of teams, each with its positives and negatives. Actually, the winner will be the team that gets hot and goes on a month-long spree. It will be the team that gets Hall-of-Fame performances from a few of its unsung and unheralded players. Momentum is also a crucial element in the postseason. Still, the overwhelming favorite this year has to be the powerful Fairfax Frogs. Nobody else seems to be in their league.

The current IPA Pro Cup champion Belair Beach is not back to defend their title. The Sunbirds were upended by the Grand City Cybercats in the Ruthlandian South this season. Belair Beach also won the Pro Cup in 2084.

There are lots of postseason novices this year. Not a lot of appearances, not a lot of Pro Cups. By far Tuckanarra is the most experienced club in the playoffs, but not in recent years. The Tucks have made the postseason 25 times with 3 Pro Cups ('23, '24, '35). The Blue Jays did appear most recently in 2076. Ginza is in its 11th postseason and possesses one Pro Cup (2059). The Ninjas and Rocky Rapids are the only two returners from last year's playoffs. They both lost in the second round last year to Rolling Hills and Belair Beach. Ranford has also made 11 playoff appearances with one Pro Cup (2040). The Bulls last won a postseason spot in 2080. This is the 9th time Fairfax has been in the IPA playoffs. The Frogs have not made the postseason since 2033 and they have never won a Pro Cup. This is the 8th playoff appearance for Rocky Rapids. The Snappers won their only Pro Cup in 2019. Grand City has only made the postseason 5 times in its history and has no Pro Cups to its credit. This is the first year since 2055 they have made the playoffs. Poor Belle Plaine has only appeared 3 times in the postseason and has never won a Pro Cup. However, the Musketeers did make it recently in 2084.

2087 IPA Pro Cup Poll

1. FAIRFAX FROGS (98-56) (TU North)
787 Runs/.292 BA/101 HR/3.37 ERA/.983 FA
Frogs can do it all... Has 4 capable starters... only
fair bullpen... a powerhouse.

2. Ginza Ninjas (93-61) (TU South)
769 Runs/.272 BA/176 HR/3.70 ERA/.978 FA
2 good starters... good power... weak bullpen
average defense.

3. Tuckanarra Blue Jays (87-67) (TU East)
722 Runs/.267 BA/173 HR/3.59 ERA/.981 FA
Good power... one solid starter... good overall
staff... very good defense.

4. Grand City Cybercats (93-61) (RU South)
748 Runs/.273 BA/124 HR/3.56 ERA/.979 FA
Only one fine starter... very good closer...
good enough to knock off current Pro Cup champ
Belair Beach in RU South... has a bunch of good
quality contact bats... average defense.

5. Belle Plaine Musketeers (88-66) (RU East)
746 Runs/.275 BA/138 HR/4.02 ERA/.982 FA
lineup is chock full of solid hitters... good power
strong defenders... pitching just fair to middling
with one standout starter... no bullpen at all.

6. La Claire Lynx (95-59) (TU West)
726 Runs/.268 BA/104 HR/3.27 ERA/.983 FA
Fine pitching overall... pretty good group of
contact hitters... short on power... excellent
defense... 2 excellent starters and a top-notch
closer... Lynx upset perennial power Rolling Hills
for division crown.

7. Rocky Rapids Snappers (91-63) (RU West)
760 Runs/.284 BA/143 HR/3.96 ERA/.979 FA
Heck of an offense with good power... average to
mediocre on the mound... average defense...
one fine starter... not much in the bullpen...
the Snappers will have to hit their way to the Pro
Cup title.

8. Ranford Bulls (84-70) (RU North)
718 Runs/.280 BA/146 HR/3.93 ERA/.977 FA
Hits with power and average... not much on
the hill except for 2 strong starters... fairly good
bullpen... less than average defense.

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

A Very Special Thanks to hurricanekevin and Pepe for four of the logos.
Kevin did Rocky Rapids, Fairfax and Belle Plaine. Pepe did La Claire years ago.

And a Very Special Thanks to txranger for the marvelous IPA logo.
He and knuckler did about 70% of the IPA logos, jerseys and caps.

They really made my IPA graphics look good and greatly increased my enjoyment of the game.

I think it played a big role in the success of this dynasty report, too.

Many thanks to all of the graphics guys on the OOTP Mods Forum.
Many of them have done graphics work for me over the last 20 years.

[Eugene Church]

It's time to take another trip around the IPA and around the town. So we will take you out to the old ball game.

AND AWAY WE GO!

Fairfax Frogs

Owner: Frog Fashions
GM/Manager: Harold Dorman

Fairfax is a dynamic town of 107,000 on the northshore of beautiful Blue Lake in Central Tycobbia and at the mouth of the Rio Lobo. It is an important river and railway distribution hub for timber and wood products from North Hills and Hartsdale to the north and agricultural products from Mahaska to the west, which is brought by rail and the Appian River. Timber and manufactured goods from Luxora are shipped on the Rio Lobo.

Because of its proximity to the lake, it a tourist haven with hotels lining the peaceful blue waters, which provide sailing, swimming, skiing, fishing and other boating activities and a thriving recreational shipbuilding industry.

Fairfax is also the home of the popular and quite prosperous Frog Fashions, makers of fine men and women's fashions, including bathing suits and swimwear. The Frog logo is featured on all of the company's wearing apparel and is known throughout the Islands.

Frog Fashions is also the owner of the Fairfax Frogs, who play in the Islandian Pro Alliance. The ballclub is a member of the Tycobbian Union's North Division. Fairfax plays its games at the Frog Pond. It is a beautiful stadium with a panoramic view of the downtown area over the outfield walls and was built just in time for the 2001 IPA inaugural season.

It is a tradition from industrial and company league days for the Frog fanatics to cheer and urge their team on to victory with this rally chant, led by the team mascot, Jeremiah the Bullfrog:

Jeremiah the Bullfrog, also leads the fans in singing "Take Me Out to the Frog Pond" during the seventh inning stretch. A Fairfax victory is always celebrated with a rousing chorus of "Joy to the World" when the last out of the game is made.

Here is the song "Joy To The World":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE6q6wsSpaM

At the concession booths, the fans can savor ballpark regulars like hot dogs, hamburgers, beer, soft drinks, peanuts and crackerjacks. In addition, refreshing daiquiries of all flavors and concoctions are available. Sorry, no frog legs served.

The Frog Pond (2001)
Capacity: 11,700

Dimensions:
LF Line 340
LF 375
LCF 400
CF 422
RCF 400
RF 375
RF Line 340

[Eugene Church]

Ginza Ninjas

Owner: OmniSea, Ltd.
GM/Manager: Vince Carnaggio

Ginza began as a little fishing village in southeastern Tycobbia, settled by seafaring Japanese immigrants, who came in the 1860s during the Meiji Dynasty, a period of westernization. Today Ginza is a prosperous town of 88,000 with about half of its citizens being Japanese. Both Japanese and English are official languages here.

The name Ginza comes from “silver mint”, which Japanese authorities built in 1612. The modern day Ginza is a fabulous shopping area in Tokyo. The Tycobbian Ginza emulates it namesake, but on a much smaller scale. It is a free trade port and has many importers and exporters at the International Bazaar. Great bargains are in abundance in Ginza. The town also has a thriving fishing fleet and seafood processing industry.

Baseball got a late start in Ginza. The town inhabitants began playing amateur baseball in the 1930s, but soon began to challenge other towns in the sport. OmniSea Marine Processors, the largest employer in town, began sponsoring leagues and invested heavily in the game's development. OmniSea eventually expanded to industrial leagues and now to the Islandian Pro Alliance. They own the Ginza Ninjas of the Tycobbian Union West Division.

Ginza plays at Ninja Stadium, a ballpark built in 1998. A game at Ninja Stadium is really special. Most of the fans are quite reserve and quiet, typical Japanese social demeanor. However, in the left field bleachers it is another world...a wild and noisy place. There, the Ninjas have an official cheering section called “oendan” (pronounced “oh-en-dan”), that plays songs, beats drums and gongs, blows trumpets and waves flags. They stand up the entire time, when the Ninjas are at bat and sit down, when the opposition is batting. Fans clap plastic megaphones along with the oendan and sing chants to each Ginza player. Many fans carry umbrellas to the ballgame. Whenever the Ninjas score a run, they also open up all of the umbrellas, their way of telling the opposing pitcher, he is headed for the showers.

In the Lucky Seventh, the traditional seventh inning stretch, they sing the Ninja fight song and then release hundreds of rocket balloons (jetto fusen). Other unique things about Ninja baseball is the public address announcer is female, the only one in the Islands. You will also see the pitcher bow in reverence to fielders, who make good plays.

At the Ninja Stadium concessions you will find not only traditional baseball fare, but Japanese as well. Ginza fans can enjoy yakisoba (fried noodles), yaketori (BBQ chicken on skewers), takoyaki (fried octopus dumplings) and bento (cold lunch in a wooden box). For the sweet tooth, kakigori (snowballs with flavored syrup and condensed milk), green tea ice cream, sweet potato ice cream, anmitsu (cold fruit dessert) and anpan (sweet bun).

Ninja Stadium (1998)
Capacity: 10,667

Dimensions:

LF Line 330
LF 355
LCF 377
CF 400
RCF 372
RF 360
RF Line 335

[Eugene Church]

Around the Town in the IPA

TUCKANARRA BLUE JAYS
(aka Tiger Cats 2060-2077)

Owner: Tuckanarra Baseball Enterprises
GM/Manager: Quinn Starr

Tuckanarra is a rural town in southern Tycobbia with a population of 49,000. It is about 100 miles east of Bay St.Clair, 100 miles west of South Fork and 100 north of Denton City. Tuckanarra came into existence in the 1860s, when a group of Australians were shipwrecked on the coast near Bay St. Clair. Not having the means to continue their journey from Tuckanarra, Australia to England, they decided to move inland to set up homesteads. Included in their numbers were a few aboriginal families. These were farmers, cattle ranchers and sheep herders. Wheat, wool, beef and lamb were their main products. They named the town after their old hometown, Tuckanarra. The main industries in modern day Tuckanarra are woolen textiles factories and meat processing plants.

In the early 1900s, the game of baseball arrived in the form of exhibition games by the Chicopee town teams, who began to barnstorm the Islands. Initially just traveling to nearby towns like Denton City, Colchester and Tuckanarra, then expanding to Tycobbia, Ruthlandia and even to distant Valdar Island. The Aussies took a liking to the American game and began to form teams, which led to leagues. It took them almost 20 years to compete on the level of the other adjacent towns. By 1920 company leagues were flourishing in Tuckanarra. It stayed amateur and semipro for the next 80 years, when in 2001, the first pro baseball league in the Islands was established, the Islandian Pro Alliance. It was an attempt to get rid of all the corruption in the Amateur Baseball Alliance. Too many teams were just violating the rules by paying the players to just play baseball, but not requiring them to do any bonafide work for the company sponsors.

Since it is one of the smallest towns in the Islands, it seemed like Tuckanarra was going to miss out on the IPA. But local baseball aficionado, playboy and philanthropist, Jayden Thorpe, stepped up to the plate and put up the money for the franchise, the Tuckanarra Bluejays. He chose the name Bluejays simply because it is a tough and feisty bird, just like him. He thought it would make a good mascot, too. Thorpe made his fortune riding high tech stocks in the 1980s and 90s. He hired as GM and manager, Carlton "Lefty" Stevens, a great left-handed pitcher in the industrial leagues. Stevens led the Golden Age of Bluejays baseball. From 2002 to 2038 he guided Tuckanarra to 17 playoff appearances, 3 Pro Cups in 2023, 2024 and 2035 and was named Manager of the Year 3 times in 2013, 2017 and 2028. Stevens was blessed with the 6-foot-6 Starr triplets from 2022 to 2036. Quinn and Glynn were pitchers and Lynn a first baseman. They were the core of his teams. In his career Quinn Starr was 219-164 with a 2.97 ERA, Glynn Starr was 172-130 with a 3.24 ERA and Lynn Starr batted .296 lifetime with 317 homers and 1184 RBIs. Upon Stevens' retirement, the Tucks went into a two decade-long postseason drought. In 2059 Thorpe thought rebranding the club as the Tiger Cats might rejuvenize the stagnant franchise. The Starr family purchased the club from Thorpe family in 2062 and made them competitive again. The Tiger Cats have flourished under Starrs, winning 5 pennants so far. Tuckanarra is still seeking its 4th Pro Cup Trophy.The talented trio also performed even better in the IPA playoffs. The Starr Triplets are now the proud owners of the Tiger Cats. Quinn is the skipper, Glynn, the pitching coach and Lynn is the batting coach. Tuckanarra is truly a family affair. Central Park Stadium comes alive in the 8th inning when all the Starrs lead the fans in singing the great Sister Sledge song "We are Family".

Here is a link to the classic song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcrvVuaQtgw

In 2078 the Starr Family restored the vintage name Blue Jays. It was great PR move. The town folks really like and welcomed the change back to the team's original name.

The Tiger Cats play at Central Park Stadium, which is located right in the middle of a beautiful park on the edge of the downtown area, which houses the Central Park Zoo. The zoo specializes in animals native to Australia and features a ferris wheel, carousel and a carnival midway. It is a favorite place for Tuckanarran families to while away weekend hours perusing koala bears, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, platypuses, tasmanian devils and kookaburras. Central Park Stadium was constructed in 1948 and is still a great place to watch a ballgame. Even the aboriginal Australians have taken to the sport of baseball and have acquited themselves very ably over the years.

Food-wise, you won't just gorge out on Aussie delicacy vegemite sandwiches, a salty food paste, and swig Australian beers like VB (Victoria Bitter) and Foster's at the ballpark, you can also get Aussie gourmet treats like barbecue, Tim Tam (chocolate biscuits) and a chocolate Pavlova (a fruit meringue dessert named for the Russian ballerina) with sorbet. Hot dogs, hamburgers and cokes are available, too.

Central Park Stadium (1948)
Capacity: 7,750

Dimensions:

Left Field Line - 340
Left Field - 370
Left Center - 400
Center Field - 385
Right Center - 400
Right Field - 370
Right Field Line - 340

[Eugene Church]

GRAND CITY CYBERCATS

Owner: Gates Billington, Synergy Technologies
GM/Manager: Vince Kinston

Grand City is a town of 128,000 and the largest population-wise in the Islands. It has a very special and very short history. It was the brainchild of multi-millionaire Gates Billington, computer and financial genius. It was his vision to build the "perfectly planned" town. Originally Grand City was called Emerald and was just a small fishing village on the southern coast of Ruthlandia near the Valerian Ocean. It was settled by the Scotch-Irish and English in the early 1800's, who came to get away from religious intolerance in the British Isles.

It remained a sleepy little fishing village until 1990, when Billington bought up all of the real estate and decided to make his dream city come true. He and his entrepreneurial cohorts pooled their money, ideas and plans and made it come to fruition in 5 short years. Grand City went up overnight and soon became the most populous town/city in the Islands and one of the most prosperous.

Billington created a financial and high tech industrial complex. These ambitious business and civic leaders have boosted Grand City into a sophisticated, fast lane cultural metropolis. It is a town of skyscrapers, beautiful boulevards, condos, high rise apartments, all arranged in perfect symmetry. Autos are not permitted in Grand City. Residents must use it highly-advanced public transportation system, walk or ride bicycles. Only service vehicles are permitted on the streets of the city. And in keeping with the town's high tech, modernistic motif, the Grand City Cybercats of the Islandian Pro Alliance play in a avant garde stadium, Synergy Park.

Billington is a big-time baseball fan and is the owner of the club. He has more money than he knows what to do with. No expense was spared at this ballpark. Everything is computerized. When you get your order at the concession stands, all the hot food items are hot, all the cold items are cold and you get them served quickly without standing in line very long.

The highly-paid technocrats are really pampered with the best of everything.
You don't miss any of the ballgame at Synergy Park. Since the Grand City Cybercats have just come into being in 2002, they have no amateur and industrial league history, so they have no established traditions.

To insure success on the diamond, Billington hired one of the best baseball minds in the Islands as General Manager, Tory Joseph. He guided the Cybercats in the early days of the Islandian Pro Alliance. Joseph was a solid hitter and fair catcher in his playing days, who gained fame as one of the best industrial league managers.

Synergy Park (2001)

Capacity: 15,000

Dimensions:
LF Line 340
LF 360
LCF 375
CF 400
RCF 375
RF 360
RF Line 340

Sorry, the stadium was not in the folder... I must have accidentally deleted it.

[Eugene Church]

Belle Plaine Musketeers

Owner/GM/Manager: Eliot Marcum

Belle Plaine, "beautiful plain" in French, is a rural town of 93,000 situated in north central Ruthlandia on the Central Plains in a region known as the "Breadbasket of Ruthlandia". The plains stretch all across the country from east to west and includes the towns of Rocky Rapids, Wynnamac, Elnora and Marston. It is a region known for wheat, oats and corn products, large graineries and grain processing plants and dairy, poultry and meat processing industries. The LeBat factory is located in Belle Plaine as well. It manufactures most of the bats used throughout the Islands.

Belle Plaine was first inhabited by Frenchmen seeking religious freedom. Both English and French are officially spoken here, with French spoken the most. The town is famous for its Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday", a time of parades, carnival and costume balls just prior to Lent. It is a time for the kids to enjoy a multitude of great rides, games, cotton candy, candied and caramel apples and sweets on the carnival midway and enjoy the wonderful parades. Visitors come from all over to attend the fun and festivities at the two-week long event.

It is also the home of the Belle Plaine Musketeers of the Ruthlandian Union's East Division. The team is named for the elite guard of King Louis XIII. They were excellent shots with the musket, but because a musket had to be reloaded, were also excellent swordsmen. It is a tradition at Musketeer Field for the Belle Plaine Can-Can Girls, all lovely young ladies, scantily clad in their cute little outfits, to draw their swords and to use them to rally and to spur on their beloved Musketeers by raising them skyward and shouting in unison, "en guarde... en guarde... charge...charge...charge" with a decided French accent. Every time the Musketeers score a run, the Can-can Girls strut their stuff with their famous can-can dance on top of the dugouts.

Fans can win $10,000 at Musketeer Field, compliments of the LeBat Company. If a player hits the sign ("Hit It Here"), located in center field 420 feet from home plate, it will ring a bell and the lucky ticket holder will win the prize.

Musketeer Field is a big ballpark to hit in, especially for righthanded hitters, who have to deal with huge distances of 363' feet down the line, 380' to straightaway left and 415' in the left center alley. Lefthanded batters love it though... a very short 318' down the right field line, only 340' to straightaway right and just 375' in the power alley.

At the concession stands fine French cuisine can be savored: hot beignets (hot doughnuts with powdered sugar...pronounced "ben-yays"), cafe au lait (strong, flavorful coffee with chicory and steamed milk) and melt-in-your-mouth, sweet and tasty eclairs. Plus the traditional ballpark foods: hot dogs, cokes, peanuts and crackerjacks.

Belle Plaine's original owner and manager was Boo Ladreau (pronounced Lah-dro), the proprietor of the finest restaurant in town. A fine shortstop and manager in the company leagues in his early years. When it looked like Belle Plaine might not get a franchise in the PBA, he stepped up and bought a spot in the league. "Tee Boo" ("Little Boo" in French) , was only 5'4" in height, but he really stands tall and was a bigtime favorite in Belle Plaine because of his community spirit.

Musketeer Field (1999)
Capacity: 11,650

Dimensions:
LF Line 363
LF 380
LCF 415
CF 400
RCF 375
RF 340
RF Line 318

[Eugene Church]

La Claire Lynx

Tycobbian Baseball Union

West Division

Owner: The Rip Calkin Sports Foundation and Enterprises
GM/Manager: Jonny Bacon

La Claire is the capital of Tycobbia and its largest town with a population of 120,000, second largest in the Islands. It is located in the central section of the country on the meandering Appian River, which cuts through two thirds of the country, flowing from the Appian Mountains in the north near North Hills, southward to Hartsdale, through the capital, then down to Bay St. Clair and empties into the bay there.

The town was established in the 1850s by a group of American abolitionists from the North and the South, who saw the coming Civil War. They wanted to set up a country free from slavery and religious intolerance.

La Claire is an enchanting town of the old, mixed with the new. The State Capitol and governmental offices are in the center of Capitol Park, which is the center of the town. Lush greenery is everywhere, with the new modern section at the edge of town, which houses the movers and shakers of Tycobbia's business, financial, banking and automotive worlds.

La Claire is also home to the La Claire Lynx of the Islandian Pro Alliance. The Lynx play in the Tycobbian Baseball Union West Division. The club plays at Capitol Park Stadium, a charming old ballpark constructed in 1923. Spectators get a spectacular view of the State Capitol over the right field fence and can see the new developing part of town in the distance beyond the left field fence. Most of the food and drink at the ballpark are typical, except for the Dippy Dogs , a gourmet wiener, dipped in a maize/corn batter and fried. It is unique to State Capitol Park and is especially tasty, when the meal includes a refreshing cup of freshly-squeezed pink lemonade.

Before and after a Lynx game, fans can enjoy the fine restaurants, diners and shops on the shore of the Appian River. Movie theaters, old-fashioned soda fountains, concert halls and fashionable night clubs are in abundance, too. All within easy walking distance.

Rip Calkin, famed shortstop in his industrial league career, noted for rarely missing a game, started up the Lynx. Calkin did not turn out to be much of a manager. They rarely had a winning team and only made the postseason twice in his 24 seasons. The team is owned by the Rip Calkin Sports Foundation and Enterprises.

Capitol Park Stadium (1923)
Capacity: 13,557

Dimensions:

LF Line 330
LF 350
LCF 374
CF 400
RCF 374
RF 350
RF Line 334

[Eugene Church]

ROCKY RAPIDS SNAPPERS

Owner: Express Freight and Shipping Company
GM and Manager: Rian Noland

Rocky Rapids, population near 63,000, is a river town in northwestern Ruthlandia on the banks of the vital Green River, which begins in the Appian Mountains near Far Mountain and ends in Belair Beach, almost splitting the country in half north to south. The Green River intersects with its western tributary, the Silver River, at Forest City, the Ruthlandian capital and main commercial city.

Rocky Rapids is a lumber and grain processing center and is an important transportation community. Vast quantities of timber from Far Mountain in the north are shipped through the town. It is not a fancy town, just a blue collar, middle class culture.

Rocky Rapids is also the home of the Snappers of the IPA’s RU West Division. The Snappers play at Snapper Stadium, overlooking the Green River in the downtown area, which can be seen in the background beyond the ballpark fences. The team is named the Snappers because of the financial importance of the river to the community’s economy. The Snapper was chosen because it is a tough, tenacious river inhabitant, just like the citizens of Rocky Rapids.

The fans really rock at Snapper games with team mascot, Rocky the Snapping Turtle, leading the charge. Music is played throughout the game by the rock band, Rocky Rapids Revival. They constantly rock the stadium with the classic “Rollin’ on the River” every time the Snappers mount a rally. And the seventh-inning stretch is really something to hear. RRR jams out on a rock-n-roll version of the baseball classic “Take me out to the ballgame”.

Stadium concessions include crisp and tasty fried catfish taken from the river’s pure and clear waters. But absolutely no turtle soup can be found in the town, despite the request by many opposing teams fans.

The team is owned by Express Freight and Delivery Company, which has extensive railroad and river barge interests. The first owner and manager of the Snappers was Ryan Noland, the all-time strikeout leader in company league baseball history.

Snapper Stadium (1940)
Capacity: 7,650

Left Field Line - 310
Left Field - 340
Left Center - 370
Center Field - 410
Right Center - 370
Right Field - 340
Right Field Line - 310

[Eugene Church]

RANFORD BULLS

Owner: Barnes Petroleum Enterprises
President, GM and Manager: Bert Skippman

The Ranford Valley has long been known for its rough and tumble lifestyle. During its early years the town of Ranford was a hamlet set up to offer merchant services to the soldiers at Fort Branagh which was built to protect the Valdar Bay gateway.

The army decided to consolidate all the island’s armed forces in Valmara in 1912. Ft. Branagh was abandoned and Ranford became a refuge for outlaws, gamblers and bootleggers. It was sometimes referred to as the "forgotten city" as much of Ruthlandia cut any existing ties to the area which was kept afloat by the economic backbone of barkeepers and gambling halls.

After the great revival of ’29, churches slowly started to outnumber the saloons and commerce and merchants from the mainland began to return and expand into Ranford. For the next 35 years Ranford’s reputation moved from a town of debauchery to being known as the hardest-working town in Ruthlandia. It was a well-earned distinction as those who toiled with the rough and rocky terrain were well-suited for the country’s lumber and manufacturing faction.

In the mid 1960’s oil was discovered inland and within five years extensive exploration had begun. In what seemed overnight, much of Ranford’s blue collar work force had joined the aristocracy.

Ranford has a diverse population with just about all ethnic groups in the Islands represented. They come from near and far to participate in the oil prosperity in the area. Ranford has become one of the most affluent cities in Ruthlandia, but has kept to its blue collar roots.

The early years of baseball in Ranford consisted of amateur teams made up of soldiers, sailors and ruffians from the area. Despite the amateur status of the teams, the games were taken very seriously and brawls often took place between players and fans alike. During the industrial years the team was known as the Outlaws, but in efforts to makeover the town’s reputation it was later changed to Bulls and stayed that way when the Islandian Pro Alliance was formed in 2001.

The original owner of the Bulls was Cliff Barnes of the Barnes Oil Company. He inherited the company from his father, Digger Barnes. The Barnes family have always had a running feud with the Ewing family that still continues to this day because Jock Ewing had supposedly swindled Digger out of his share of an oilfield partnership, when both were just getting started in the oil industry. The Ewing family own three teams in the IPA: Waleska, South Fork and Ozarka. In the 1980s the family feuds simmered down quite a bit when Bobby Ewing won the heart of vivacious Pamela Barnes.

Yep, love conquers all in Islandia, even family feuds.

Barnes hired O'Neal Buckman as chief operating officer. Buckman had played for and managed Barnes Oil company teams in the amateur leagues for 30 years and had been quite successful. Buckman surprisingly hired a teammate of many years, Page Satcher, to be his manager. Satcher was a heck of a player, but had no experience as a manager. Satcher alway gave the appearance of not taking the game of baseball too seriously. Many baseball people questioned Buckman's choice for those reasons.

When grilled about this, Buckman just grinned and said, "Old Satch is gonna make you guys regret those words. He's gonna be a darn good manager. You just wait and see."

Satcher, who was a local star for the fabled and infamous Ranford Outlaws back in the industrial league years and one of the best pitchers ever to throw a baseball. Satcher played into his 50s and never revealed his age, saying, "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?" Not only was he good on the baseball mound, but he was good with a quote, too. "I ain't ever had a job, I just always played baseball."

Another of his poetic jewels was his work ethic. "I don't generally like running. I believe in training by rising gently up and down from the bench."

Satcher had the reputation for doctoring up the ball. "I never threw an illegal pitch. The trouble is, once in a while I would toss one that ain’t never been seen by this generation."

Asked what the secret of his success was, he would reply, "Just take the ball and throw it where you want to. Throw strikes. Home plate don’t move."

Years ago the Ranford management decided to go to the college ranks and hired a very successful college coach, Bert Skippman. He did well right off the bat and won the RU North pennant in 2060, but since then Shippman has only had fair success in the pro ranks.

The Ranford Bulls play at Ranford County Stadium, a nondescript, but adequate ballpark. The ballpark fare is just middle class and blue collar with hot dogs, cokes, burgers, peanuts and crackerjacks. A special fan feature at Bulls' game is when they go to the bullpen. The reliever strolls in like a matador at a bullfight to the music of Herb Alpert's "Lonely Bull", a hit song from the 1960s. It is the intent of the Bulls' pitcher to silence the opposition and to kill the threat.

Hear the "Lonely Bull" at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uqPBZncL5Q

Ranford County Stadium (1953)

Capacity: 7,850

Dimensions:

Left Field Line - 315
Left Field - 362
Left Center - 382
Center Field - 402
Right Center - 382
Right Field - 362
Right Field Line - 315

[Eugene Church]

Here is a video of a Japanese baseball game that shows how the fans cheer their teams. This is "oendan".

It's 24 minutes long.... skip into it about halfway to seen the "oendan" in the bleachers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Eg9gemwvL0

[Eugene Church]

Glory Hallelujah, EC is so blessed.

"Wit, Quips and Quotes From the Diamond Minds"

My new book "Strange But True Baseball Stories" by Furman Bisher, great Atlanta Journal-Constitution sports editor, is outstanding so far and I have only read the first four stories:

Here are the chapter titles:

Immortal By Accident
The Greatest Defeat
The One-Armed Big Leaguer
One Last Game

I will feature a story on each chapter, at least the good ones.
So far, so good. Furman Bisher is batting 1.000!

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, October 8, 2087

VAUNTED FAIRFAX FROGS CROAK IN IPA FIRST ROUND, SO DID OTHER TOP-RATED TEAMS GINZA, GRAND CITY AND BELLE PLAINE
Apparently none of the lesser lights in the IPA postseason playoffs paid any attention at all to their lightly-regarded reputation. The Tuckanarra Blue Jays, La Claire Lynx, Ranford Bulls and Rocky Rapids Snappers just went out and did their thing on the baseball diamond and they did it well. So long and sayonara to the pundits playoff picks.

The vaunted Pro Cup favorite Fairfax Frogs croaked to the #3 Tucks in 5 games in the first round of the Pro Cup playoffs, #2-ranked La Claire delivered a decisive blow and kicked out the Ginza Ninjas in 7 games, lowly 8th-rated Ranford upset #3 Grand City in 7 games and #7 Rocky Rapids outdueled the #5 Belle Plaine Musketeers in 6 games.

In the Islandian Pro Alliance Title Series it will be Rocky Rapids hosting Ranford in the RU Title round and Tuckanarra welcoming La Claire in the TU Title round. All rounds are best-of-seven series.

BLUE JAYS FLY BY FROGS IN 5 GAMES IN TU FIRST ROUND
And just how did Tuckanarra manage to dispose of the powerful Fairfax Frogs in 5 games? The Bluebirds did it with superb pitching. Their staff completely silenced the super bats of the Frogs, holding them to just 11 runs in the 5 games. Fairfax led the entire IPA in both scoring and pitching this year.

Fairfax started off in a blaze of glory and rallied late for a 7-6 triumph in the opener, but that was the first, last and only offense they produced in the series. The Frogs were very feeble the rest of the way, scoring only 4 runs in the final 4 games.

In game two the Blue Jays took down the Fairfax Frogs by the score of 4-2 and moved into a 1-1 tie in the IPA first-round action. The largest share of the credit belongs to Tuckanarra starter Artie McQuiston, who threw 8 innings of 7-hit ball. He also drove in 2 runs with 2 hits.

In the third game the Tuckanarra Blue Jays got an exceptional performance from starter Danny Patrick, who silenced the Fairfax offense on 4 hits en route to a 4-0 shutout win. The Frogs could never get a bead on the right-handed Patrick, who threw 8 innings of shutout ball. The Blue Jays now had a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-7 series.

Game four was more of the same. Tuckanarra moved to within one game of the TU Title Series, downing the visiting Fairfax Frogs at Central Park Stadium by a score of 2-1. Blue Jays right-hander Jarli Hamilton had a strong outing in which he threw a complete game of 5-hit ball. The win gives the Blue Jays a huge 3-1 advantage in the best-of-7 first-round series. One more loss and Fairfax's fabulous season is over. No Pro Cup for them!

In the TU First Round the Tuckanarra Blue Jays are riding high after eliminating the favored Fairfax Frogs four games to one. The Bluebirds got another great outing from Grant Gossard, who shut them down 3-1 with 8 solid innings. Closer Hoyt Riddle sealed the game and the series with a scoreless 9th, getting his 3rd save.

The Tucks held Pro Cup favorite Fairfax and its high-power attack to just 11 runs in the 5-game series. The Blue Jays staff was magnificent. The Blue Jays tallied only 17 runs in the 5 contests. Patrick (1-0/0.00 ERA/8 IP), Hamilton (1-0/1.00 ERA/9 IP), McQuiston (1-0/2.25 ERA/8 IP) and Gossard (2-0/2.40 ERA/15 IP) dominated the Frogs.

I DO DECLARE LA CLAIRE UPSETS HIGHLY-TOUTED GINZA IN 7-GAME AFFAIR
There was another upset in the other Tycobbian Union First Round Series. La Claire surprised the Ginza Ninjas, nipping them four games to three. However, Ginza began like a ball of fire, running off three victories in the first four games and seemed to be a cinch to win. That's when the Lynx went to town and captured the last three games, the last two in routs.

Playing at home La Claire was victorious over Ginza 2-1 in game one of the Tycobbian Union First Round. Shuggie Garsett and two relievers outpitched Eddy Bohannon. They held the Ninjas to 5 hits to take the opener. Sonny Zambello paced the Lynx with 2 hits and 2 RBIs, including a solo swat. Muzuki Hoshino sparked the Ninjas with an RBI double. Bohannon went all the way, yielding just 2 runs on 6 hits in a very good performance.

In game two the Ginza Ninjas knotted up the series at Capitol Park Stadium, thanks in large part to starter Asmund Bjornstad, who quieted the La Claire Lynx, enabling Ginza to grab the 3-0 win and move into a 1-1 tie in the best-of-7 series. Bjornstad allowed no runs on 5 hits over his eight and one-third innings stint. He walked 2 and struck out 6. Kento Tokota got the final 2 outs for Byornstad. Andy Murdoch led Ginza at the plate with 3 hits, 2 runs and an RBI. Murdoch sent one soaring out of the park in the 7th frame for the game's only circuit clout.

The Ginza Ninjas got a superlative outing from starter Taichi Taka, who silenced the La Claire offense en route to a 3-0 shutout win in third game of the series. Taka blanked the Lynx on 5 hits, fanned 3 and walked only one. The Ninjas now hold a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-7 series. Ginza scored all their runs in the 4th frame on back-to-back-to-back roundtrippers by Muzuki Hoshino, Kazz Yamazaki and Ko Yoshimo. Willem Chrisman suffered the loss, working 7 innings and giving up 3 runs on 8 hits with 5 Ks and no walks. The next game is set to be played tomorrow again at Ninja Stadium.

The Ginza Ninjas moved to within one game of the Tycobbian Union Title Series downing the visiting La Claire Lynx at Ninja Stadium by a score of 4-3. It was a battle of home runs. There were 5 all total, 3 by Ginza. Ninjas left-hander Luis Rosario had a strong outing, going the distance , allowing 10 hits, but only 3 runs. Rosario whiffed 6 batters, while walking only one. The win gives the favored Ninjas a big 3-1 advantage in the best-of-7 series. With no one out in the bottom of the fifth, Andy Murdock barreled up a curveball from Cyrus Mylonas. The result was a 2-run home run, putting the Ninjas in front, 4-0. Riki Miyamoto and Muzuki Hoshino also went deep. La Claire made the game close with a pair of dingers. A 2-run shot by Frechie Devereaux and a solo swat by Sonny Zambello. Mylonas was pinned with the defeat, tagged for 4 runs and 7 hits in 6 innings. The next game is set to be played tomorrow afternoon at Ninja Stadium.

Already down in the TU First Round, the La Claire Lynx put on their best show in the fifth game of the series, beating Ginza by a final score of 4-0 at Ginza Stadium. Starter Shuggie Garsett was special, shutting out the Ninjas on 3 singles in his 8 and one-third innings. Closer Von Eldredge finished up for him. La Claire now trails Ginza 3-2 in the best-of-7 affair. Eddy Bohannon lost again, slammed for 4 runs and 11 hits in 8 frames. Devon Daley and Don Carlin both socked 2 hits and drove in a run. Lyn Holman and Stosh Rudarski drove in the other 2 scores. Sonny Zambello and Judah Woods contributed 2 hits apiece and scored a run. The next game is set to be played Tuesday afternoon in La Claire at Capitol Park Stadium.

The La Claire Lynx and the Ginza Ninjas will take the TU First Round Series to a decisive 7th game. In a must-win situation the Lynx beat clobbered the Ninjas 10-1 at home in game six at Capitol Park Stadium to force the series into what will essentially be a one-game playoff. La Claire first baseman Culver Jensen was 3-5 with a home run and 2 singles, while scoring 3 runs and driving in 4. The Lynx lashed out 15 hits in the rout. Johnny Salsbury and Devon Daley also collected 3 hits each. Sammy Zambello added a pair of hits. The next game is also slated for the Lynx's home field to be played tomorrow afternoon. After trailing 3 games to one, the Lynx are right back even in the series and have the home-field advantage. Ginza ace Asmund Byronstad took it on the chin. La Claire battered him for 7 runs on 10 hits in just 3 innings.

It went the distance, but the La Claire Lynx came back from the dead and rallied from a 3-1 deficit and disposed of the favored Ginza Ninjas, clobbering them 11-6 in the series clincher at Capitol Park Stadium, paced by Sonny Zambello, Lyn Holman and Devon Daley. Zambello and Holman each rapped 4 hits and drove in 3 runs, while Daley pitched in with 2 hits and scored 2 runs. Norman Calder also contributed a 2-run homer. It was a slugfest. The Lynx cracked 15 hits and the Ninjas had 10. Kenshin Yamada led the Ninjas with 2 homers and 4 runs batted in and Muzuki Hoshimo smacked 3 hits., but they didn't get any help from the other big Ninjas sluggers. Ginza cut the La Claire lead to 7-6 in the top of the 7th frame, but Lynx put them away and wrapped up the series with a 4-run 8th.

Winning the seventh-game finale gave the Lynx the series, 4-3. They will now advance to the Tycobbian Union Title Series. The Most Valuable Player Award went to La Claire second baseman Sonny Zambello. He batted .517 in the series, collecting 5 RBIs and scoring 6 runs. La Claire outscored Ginza 30 to 18 in the 7-game series, also sparked by the bats of Devon Daley (.379 BA), Stosh Rudarski (.348 BA), Lyn Holman (.333 BA) and Johnny Salsbury(.320 BA). Shuggie Garsett (2-0/0.61 ERA/14 IP) and Roger Arenado (1-1/2.20 ERA/16 IP) stood out on the hill. Muzuki Hoshino (.407 BA/2 HR) and Andy Murdoch (.321 BA/2 HR) were the prime bats for the Ninjas. Both Taichi Taka (1-1/1.29 ERA/14 IP) and Luis Rosario (1-0/3.00 ERA/9 IP) performed well on the mound.

UNRECOGNIZED RANFORD TOPS FAVORED GRAND CITY IN SEESAW RU FIRST-ROUND SERIES 4-3
The #8-ranked Ranford Bulls pulled off a mild upset over the #4-rated Grand City Cybercats, taming them in a hard-fought 7-game series. In seesaw fashion the teams traded victories throughout the series. Ranford won the series in spite of being outscored 31-22. The Bulls were led by two veteran pitchers 40-year-old Kim Madison (2-0/1.20 ERA/15 IP) and 34-year-old Dayton Stansbury (2-0/1.69 ERA/16 IP).

In the first game of the RU First-Round Series, Ranford got an impressive start on the road from 34-year-old veteran left-hander Dayton Stansbury as the Bulls bested Grand City 4-2 at Syntergy Park. Stansbury threw 8 innings allowing 1 run in the win, which gave the lightly-rated Bulls a 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. Ranford used homers by Tommy Clements, Gil Kirchberg and Sherm Barrymore to gain the victory. The next game is also slated to be played tomorrow afternoon in Grand City. Eddy Futch took the loss and surrendered 3 runs in his 7 frames.

In the second game the Grand City Cybercats took down the Ranford Bulls by the score of 5-4 and tied the best-of-seven series at one game apiece. Little Ben Nash's game-tying 2-run homer and Dante Gravolet's game-winning double were the big blows of the game. Winning pitcher Sammy Sledge hurled a complete game. He fanned 7 batters, walked none, while being touched for 10 hits. Roger Whitney suffered the defeat, tagged for 5 runs in 6 innings.

Playing at home at Ranford County Stadium, game three went to the homestanding Ranford Bulls 3-1 behind 40-year-old journeyman hurler Kim Madison. In a strong outing he stiffed Grand City on one run and 7 hits with 4 Ks and no walks. The Bulls now lead the series 2 games to one. Ranford scored all its runs in the first 3 frames off loser Rodney Heroman, who allowed 9 hits in his 6 innings. Kelly Kincaid had an RBI base hit in the first frame, Madison's sac fly scored a run in the second and Christopher Jung finished the scoring with a 3rd-inning clout. Grand City's Winky Brewer's blast in the 6th spoiled Madison's shutout. Game four is also set to be played tomorrow afternoon in Ranford.

It was Grand City's turn to win in the seesaw series. The Cybercats knotted up the RU First-Round Series at Ranford County Stadium, thanks to the shutout pitching of Dale Stonestreet, who quieted the Ranford Bulls 8-0 on a 4-hit masterpiece, enabling the C'Cats to move into a 2-2 tie in the best-of-7 series. Stonestreet got excellent run support. Dimitris Tsoukalas homered, doubled and drove in 4 runs. Raul Carrero added a homer, single and 3 ribbies. Game five will also be played in Ranford.

Game 5 was big. So was Dayton Stansbury. The veteran fired 8 strong innings as the Ranford Bulls defended their home turf to seize a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 Ruthlandian Union First-Round Series. The Bulls slipped past Grand City 4-3. Stansbury limited the Cybercats to 2 runs and 5 hits with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks. Ranford took the lead 4-2 with 3 runs in the last of the 8th, highlighted by Mel Tillis' 2-run double. Christopher Jung and Jakob Heidelberger also doubled in runs for the winners. Samuel Stamps and Dante Gravolet homered for Grand City. Eddy Futch lost for the second time in the series, rapped for 3 runs and 7 hits in 8 innings. The Cybercats return home for the final two games of the series.

In game six at home, the big bats of the Grand City Cybercats were booming. The C'Cats banged 3 out of the park in an 11-4 thrashing of the Ranford Bulls, knotting the series at 3 games each to force a 7th game in first-round RU action. Raul Carrero, Noel Jolivette and Winky Brewer all blasted 2-run roundtrippers to bash the Bulls. Grand City got strong relief work from Gordy Stockton, Vernon Plante and Eddy Futch. The trio blanked the Bulls the last 5 and one-third innings. Stockton picked up the win, while the loss went to Ranford starter Roger Whitney, who was scorched for 7 runs in just 5 frames. It was Whitney's second defeat in the series. Game seven is tomorrow afternoon at Syntergy Park.

The Ranford Bulls are on their way to the Ruthlandian Union Title Series after outlasting the Grand City Cybercats, sparked by 40-year old southpaw Kim Madison, who won 2 games in the series. In game seven Madison befuddled the C'Cats on 4 hits in his 6 innings. He whiffed 4 and didn't walk anyone in a masterful performance. Closer Rafael Buenaventura sealed the series with his 3rd save with 3 scoreless frames. Madison outpitched Rodney Heroman, who permitted 2 runs on 8 hits in 6 frames, walked no one and fanned 3 batters. It was his second defeat in the series. The game was a scoreless duel until the top of the 5th when the Bulls tallied twice on a single by Christopher Jung and a two-bagger by Gil Kirchberg. Little Ben Nash got Grand City on the scoreboard with an RBI double in the bottom of the 6th. Ranford's Tyke Nolte finished the scoring with an 8th inning solo swat. Christopher Jung was voted the series MVP. He put up a .333 BA with a .419 on-base percentage in the series. He also had 1 home run, drove in 5 runs and scored 6 runs himself. Other Ranford batting contributors were Tyke Nolte (.400), Sherm Barrymore (.290 BA) and Gil Kirchberg (.267 BA). On mound Madison (2-0/1.20 ERA/15 IP), Dayton Stansbury (2-0/1.69 ERA/15 IP) and Buenaventura (0-0/2.57 ERA/3 saves/7 IP/4 games). Grand City's key performers at the plate were Raul Carrero (.385 BA/2 HR/8 RBI), Little Ben Nash (.308 BA/4 RBI), Dimitris Tsoukalas (.250 BA/1 HR/5 RBI) and Winky Brewer (.233 BA/2 HR/5 RBI). Top twirlers were Dale Stonestreet (1-0/0.00 ERA/8 IP) and Eddy Futch (0-2/3.24 ERA/17 IP/3 games).

ROCKS SOCK MUSKIES IN 6 GAMES, ADVANCE TO RU TITLE ROUND
Staked to a 7-4 lead at home at Snapper Stadium, Dobie Mortenson, 13-5 during the season, held Belle Plaine to just one earned run in his 7 innings and Rocky Rapids held on to edge the Musketeers 7-6 in the opening game of the Ruthlandian First-Round Series. The Snappers handled 20-game winner Marcel Giroud (20-5/2.71 ERA) fairly easily, ripping him for 6 runs in 6 innings. Eugene Ganley (.298 BA/9 HR) belted a 3-run homer in the 6th to give Rocky Rapids the lead 6-3. Tony Nobles (.263 BA/21 HR) added a solo shot in the 8th. The Muskies rallied for 3 runs in the 9th, but fell short. Jean-Paul Lacombe (.358 BA/28 HR) slammed a 2-run smash in the inning. Rocky Rapids played lousy defense, but overcame the 4 miscues. The two clubs meet again this afternoon in Rocky Rapids. The Snappers have the homefield advantage in the best of 7-game series. Belle Plaine is a slight favorite. The Musketeers are rated the 5th-best team in the IPA playoffs, while the Snappers are picked 7th.

in game two of the RU First Round Belle Plaine got a standout start from Claude Woodhouse (14-13/3.56 ERA) on the road. Woodhouse spun a jewel, stopping Rocky Rapids 4-0 to even the series at one game each. Game three is set for Belle Plaine this Friday. Woodhouse held the Snappers to just 5 hits, struck out 5 and gave up 2 bases on balls. He went all the way for the win. Anthony Taliaferro (.292 BA/11 HR) cracked 2 out of the park to spark the Muskies' attack. Bobby Ray Timberlake (15-10/4.02 ERA) notched the loss, tagged for 3 runs and 9 hits in 6 innings. Overall Belle Plaine collected 11 hits.

Back in the comfort of their homefield, Musketeer Stadium, for the third game of the series Belle Plaine took advantage of it and clobbered the visiting Rocky Rapids Snappers 11-2, battering them for 13 hits. Frankie Holstein (17-9/372 ERA) was on the hill, hurling a complete game. The Snappers got 7 hits, but only 2 runs. Holstein fanned 6 batters and walked just one in an outstanding outing. This win gave Belle Plaine a two games to one edge in the best-of-seven series with game four and five also at their home place. The Muskies mauled Nelson Goodlee (3-0/1.77 ERA) for 4 runs in 6 innings. The bullpen did even worse, giving up 7 more scores. Jean-Luc Lacombe (.358 BA/107 RBI) led the way at the plate with 3 RBIs. Callum Hayford (.291 BA/89 RBI), Viggo Frandsen (.265 BA/41 RBI) and Olav Frandsen (.267 BA/45 RBI) pitched in with 2 ribbies apiece.

It's all even again in RU First-Round action. Rocky Rapids' Sal Brooks (13-13/4.12 ERA) rockin' and rolling'. The 25-year-old right-hander sat down hard-hitting Belle Plaine 3-2, yielding only 5 hits and 2 runs in 8 innings. Sandy Noland (6-2/4.31 ERA/13 saves/38 games) relieved and got the last 3 outs to get his 2nd save in the series. Pinch hitter Herm Chatham (.323 BA/11 HR/47 RBI) provided the eventual gamewinner, a run-scoring double in the 7th frame. Nelson Sinquefield (12-11/3.88 ERA) absorbed the loss, allowing 3 runs in his 7 innings. He had 6 Ks and walked none. Jean-Luc Lacombe (.358 BA/28 HR/107 RBI) acconted for the Musketeers only runs with a 2-run rip.

Game five in Belle Plaine was a huge game and Rocky Rapids got a huge game from Dobie Mortenson (13-5/2.94 ERA). In a brilliant performance the 27-year-old righty was in total command, shutting out the Musketeers 1-0 on just 2 measly and miserly hits. This gave the Snappers a three to two edge in the best-of-seven series. One more victory and its on to the Ruthlandian Union Title Series. A Tony Nobles (.263 BA/21 HR/77) double and a Julian Duvauchelle (.271 BA/10 HR/65 RBI) single made Mortenson a winner over reliever John Michael Rupp (12-11/5.26 ERA). Rocky Rapids only managed 8 hits themselves. Belle Plaine ace Mike Giroud (20-5/2.71 ERA) was also superb, matching Mortenson zero for zero for 6 and two-thirds innings. Walks got him in trouble in the 7th and he needed relief. Rupp got him out of it, but lost it in the 8th. Dominque Roche (.302 BA/16 HR/84 RBI) was the only Musketeer to get a hit. He got both of them, both of them singles. That was all, y'all. The teams will be off today and tangle in game six on Tuesday afternoon in Rocky Rapids.

The Rocky Rapids Snappers rocked Belle Plaine for 3 homers in game six and copped the series in 6 games. The Snappers were powered by home-run power in the 6-3 triumph. Bobby Ray Timberlake led the way for Rocky Rapids, turning in a strong performance on the mound. He was backed up by 3 homers by Mickey Starbuck (.283 BA/17 HR/71 RBI), Tony Nobles (.262 BA/21 HR/77 RBI) and Julien Duvauchelle (.271 BA/10 HR/65 RBI). Timberlake (15-10/4.02 ERA) held the heavy bats of Belle Plaine to one earned run and 5 hits in 7 innings. Sandy Noland (6-2/4.31 ERA/13 saves) posted his 3rd save of the series. He whiffed 4 batters in his 2 innings and didn't permit a base hit to close out the game and the series. Dodie Mortenson was named series MVP. The MVP had a 0.56 ERA over 16 innings and chalked up a 2-0 record. During the regular season Mortenson was 13-5 with an impressive 2.94 ERA.

[jg2977]

With all these upsets, who is the new favorite among the Final Four teams? Tuckanarra, La Claire, Rocky Rapids or Ranford?

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by jg2977

With all these upsets, who is the new favorite among the Final Four teams? Tuckanarra, La Claire, Rocky Rapids or Ranford?

Tuckanarra is rated #3 in the postseason poll.
La Claire was #6, Rocky Rapids #7 and Ranford #8.

I would think the Tucks will win the Pro Cup. They really stopped Fairfax with super duper pitching.

[Eugene Church]

Looking at the IPA Division Title round, Tuckanarra and La Claire were the most impressive teams in the first round. One of them will probably win the Pro Cup Trophy. However, Ranford and Rocky Rapids were impressive. They beat some pretty good teams. Anyone can win the 2087 IPA crown on paper. Mostly likely it would be the Tuckanarra Blue Jays. They really did a job on the powerful Fairfax Frogs. It's really hard to understand the Frogs losing. It was unbelieveable to me. They were truly fantastic this season offensively and very good on the hill. It's hard to believe the Frogs only scored 11 runs in 5 games. 7 of them came in the first game. They were totally shut down the rest of the series.

[jg2977]

Thanks for the predictions and recap. Looking forward to seeing what happens in the Union Title Series.

[Eugene Church]

Sorry, I have been very, very busy with my revived and resusitated radio career. After 21 years of retirement, I'm back on the radio at age 84.
Tha's pretty old to still be on the radio. Yeah buddy, that is really pretty darn old to do anything.
But hey!
I'm lovin' ever minute of it!

I am now on 4 radio stations. My Southern Gospel program and my Positive Country program. I'm on in Mississippi 4 times a week... it's a strange schedule. Sunday afternoon and also MWF from 6 am to 7:30 am.

I am on a two secular Country stations in Texas on Sunday morning 6 am to 7 am. My Positive Country show mixes country hits that would not offend a Christian with the Southern Gospel hits. My aim is to draw the attention of non-believers with the great Country stars like George Jones, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard and then entice them to stay with me and enjoy the wonderful Southern Gospel stars, too. Not too sure it will work, but I hope so. I was in Country Music for about 20 years. I really think a Country fan will appreciate the wonderful Southern Gospel singers and song to. They are some of the most talented singers and songwriters anyplay, anywhere. People just don't know them. Southern Gospel is a very small part of the music and radio business.