ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

I have created free agents with league average talent.
I am now working on fixing the weird names on all of the teams.
Yep, I'm sick. Normal people don't worry about this.

Give me a few more days. I have done 16 of the 64 teams.
I also retired unproductive and aging players over 35.

[Eugene Church]

I have now updated 40 of the 64 team rosters with rookie free agents and corrected all the player names that look strange.. like Joe Unknown.and names like Jose Otani... Armand Glockenspiel...and Billy Bob Fernandes... they don't show up a lot, but they still have to be checked and fixed.

24 teams to go and IPA season 2090 is ready to go.

[Eugene Church]

Hooray!
Finish revamping and revising the rosters.All 64 teams have been done.
And away we go --- Islandian Pro Alliance season #90.
Will post the preseason predictions soon.

[jg2977]

Glad to see that the Valmara Vipers won. They've always been one of my favorite IPA franchises. Great name, great logo.

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by jg2977

Glad to see that the Valmara Vipers won. They've always been one of my favorite IPA franchises. Great name, great logo.

Since I was a Russian Language Specialist in the USAF many, many years ago, I like Valmara, too.
They had one of my favorite IPA player, Jett Kazmarek, the only .400 hitter in IPA history. He batted .424 in 2002 and won 9 batting titles, compiling a lifetime .364 BA.

Here's is their town history.

AROUND THE TOWN IN THE IPA

VALMARA VIPERS

Owner: Viper Offshore Services, headed by the estate of Capt. Stanislaw Lem, Ruthlandia Navy (ret)
Manager: Primo Sirak (2076)

Valmara is located in the northeastern part of Valdar Island, a port town of 81,000 people on Valmara Bay, an excellent deep water harbor. A clash of a warm Valerian Ocean current and a cold Kelnyck Ocean provides for heavy early morning fogs and sometimes nasty rainy weather.

The town began as a small fishing village in the 1880s and pretty much remained that way until the late 1930s. Valmara has never been considered a pleasant place to live with rocky soil, thick ocean fogs and moss growing everywhere. If not for its wonderful port, no one in their right mind would live there. The harbor and the port have brought commerce and jobs.The prime industries of Valmara revolve around the sea, be it catching and processing fish, servicing deep-ocean oil rigs or supporting the ten-ship navy of Ruthlandia.

With the threat of world war on the horizon in 1938, the Ruthlandian government established Valdarian Military Academy, a college for cadets and midshipmen studying for future service in the Ruthlandian Navy and Army.

During the Second World War, Ruthlandia was swept up in the maelstrom in the nation's first and only war. The nation sent a regiment of troops and a fighter squadron to England to aid the Allies. The Ruthlandian navy served proudly with the 2nd Polish Corps in the Italian campaign, especially at Monte Cassino. After the war, many Poles opted not to return to their Soviet-occupied nation and several hundred emigrated to Ruthlandia. Many of the ex-soldiers did not go far past Valmara when they got off the boat.

Over the next four decades, many Poles emigrated from behind the Iron Curtain to Ruthlandia. After many generations of migration and birth, more than a third of the town is of Polish descent.

The Valmara Vipers are owned by the family of Capt. Stanislaw Lem, RN (ret.) of Viper Offshore Services. The owner liked to be called "The Captain" in public. Lem made a small fortune after his navy career operating ships and helicopters that serve offshore oil rigs. Thanks to the vast supply of petroleum offshore, his company's profits went through the roof. The Captain had no problem coming up with money to buy a franchise in the Islandian Pro Alliance in 2001, the first pro baseball league in the Islands history. Valmara plays in the Ruthlandian Baseball Union in the North Division.

The Valmara Vipers trace their history from the frigate Viper, which had a team in the Naval League in the 1940's. When the amateur league players became semi-pros in the 1950s and worked and played baseball for companies, the Vipers were sponsored by Marine Midland Bank. The Captain played baseball for his service team in the 1960s and was active in the industrial leagues as a sponsor in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Since Captain Lem had been the captain of the frigate Viper in the late 1960s, when it came to naming his IPA franchise, it was a no-brainer. The Valmara Vipers were born.

The Vipers play their games at historic old War Memorial Stadium. Amateur and industrial league teams have used it for years. It is dedicated to the memory of the 121 men from Ruthlandia killed in action in the Italian campaign during the Second World War. It is a old stadium built for football and soccer, but improvised and used for baseball since 1946. The Captain commissioned noted architectural company HOK to renew the old park into a suitable baseball park. He spared no expense in updating the old stadium with modern technology and conveniences. Yet it still retains the charm of an old stadium.

Game-Day Experience:

Like many successful immigrants, the people of Valmara have fiercely adopted the values of their new nation. Ruthlandia's flag is navy blue and green. In Valmara, it's just taken to a ridiculous extreme. The team s colors are navy blue and green. So are the water towers, the dockyard cranes, the street signs and city hall.

Captain Lem wanted to build a new ballpark, but the city fathers persuaded him to just refurbish the old stadium in the old part of town to be an anchor for a new mixed residential-commercial district. Civic pride got the best of the Captain and he agreed to use War Memorial Stadium. The civic renewal project was quite successful. Because there is little parking nearby, fans have to walk nearly a quarter mile to the park. On the way, they are treated to a dozen restaurants, bars, and pubs. The integration into the neighborhood is considered to be charming. The revitalization project has brought a good deal of commerce and energy into the east side of town. The worst of the neighborhood was torn down. The city fathers have expanded the renovations and given the old town a new look.

Food:

Fans love to scarf down bigos (cabbage and meat stew) and rye bread at cafes adjacent to the ballpark. Inside the park, everyone loves perogis (potato and cheese dumplings). The Captain persuaded Mama Kolski's Restaurant (home of the best perogis in town) to open a stand at his newly-renovated ballpark and it was a big hit.

Beer sales are strictly regulated by city ordinance to two beers per person. This is due to the locals love of pale lagers that are 9% alcohol. Also in recent years, draft Coors has been a trendy choice.

Ambiance:

Music at the ballpark is best described as LOUD. The Captain installed a very modern, very powerful sound system at the refurbished stadium.

In the inaugural 2001 IPA season, a sound system operator played the Village People's "In the Navy" to start the 9th inning and started a new tradition. It was a college night with plenty of middies from Valdarian Military Academy on hand and many crewmembers from the frigates Viper and Foxx. It was a smash hit, no doubt fueled by a hot autumn evening, cold pale lager and the nine-run Viper lead.

In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)
(written by Henri Belolo, Jacques Morali, Victor Willis)

You can listen to the song by the Village People here on youtube:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...F07B&FORM=VIRE

Mascot:

The Captain (he considers himself a traditionalist) did not believe in having a mascot until he put his own money into the old ball park. At that point, he had to figure out how to attract every dollar possible from every fan possible. So Vippy and Vippa Viper came into being. They parade around the ballpark entertaining the fans and leading cheers, dances and songs. Viper fans are noted for shrill hissing at the umpires and the opposing teams. The Captain sells a lot Vippy and Vippa apparel and memorabilia...even rents them out to for birthday parties at the stadium.

History:

Baseball on Valdar Island had a late beginning. Due to the Island topography, climate and lack of mineral deposits it was not as desirable as the Ruthlandian mainland, so it was bypassed by the immigrants until about 1910, when the towns of Valmara, Ancona, Kilkenny, Taranto and Ranford sprang up. From 1910 to 1920, touring amateur baseball teams from the mainland would play games from time to time and the game was introduced slowly. But it did catch on. In a desire to assimilate with the rest of the country, where baseball was like a religion, the Valdarians took to the game with passion and fervor. Amateur baseball clubs and company-based teams began to sprout in abundance in the 1920s. By the mid-1940's Valdar Island baseball was as good as the Mainland.

The team was first managed by J. Jackson Samuel, a run-of-the-mill industrial league player that became a legendary manager. Samuel broke Jay Loman's record for the most Silver Whale Cups, given to the best amateur team on Valdar Island. Loman was the manager of the Ancona Red Elephants in the 1920s and won nine straight Valdar Island League titles. Samuel won 12 during his amateur career.

Samuel ran Valmara in the early days of the Islandian Pro Alliance, but only had modest success with five playoff appearances and two pennants in 16 seasons... in 2017 he retired and turned the reins over to one of the all-time great Vipers, Jet Kazmarek. who was a .350 career hitter in his 16 IPA seasons. Kazmarek was an 8-time All-Star and won the batting title 9 times. He is also the only .400 hitter in the annals of the league. Kazmarek batted an awesome .428 in 2002. He was inducted into the IPA Hall of Fame in 2027. Kazmarek skippered the Vipers to their first Pro Cup crown in 2026.

Kazmarek retained his GM title, but in 2036 turned the managerial duties over to Vanya Vasylenko, a former Valmara pitching star. Vasylenko starred for 20 seasons for the Vipers and compiled a 304-261 record with a 3.45 career ERA. Valmara captured three Pro Cup trophies during Vasylenko's managerial tenure. The Vipers were IPA champions in 2043, 2049 and 2050. Valmara has accrued five Pro Cups.

At the helm of the current edition of Valmara Vipers is general manager Primo Sirak, a former star hurler, who played from 2042 to 2058. He has also skippered the club since 2084. As a player Sirak was outstanding and was named to the Islandian Pro Alliance Hall of Fame in 2061. In his career Sirak posted a 272-147 mark with a superb 2.80 ERA. He had quite a career, a 6-time All-Star and played on 9 pennant winners and 3 Pro Cup champions. Sirak won his first Pro Cup as a manager in 2089.

War Memorial Stadium (1946)

Capacity: 9,595

Dimensions:
Left Field Line - 330
Left Field - 350
Left Center - 380
Center Field - 405
Right Center - 370
Right Field - 330
Right Field Line - 309

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, July 1, 2090

FOREST CITY, SOUTHPORT FAVORITES FOR PRO CUP SERIES
Should the baseball soothsayers be right, come November it will be Forest City representing the Ruthlandian Union and Southport playing for the Tycobbian Union in the Pro Cup Finals for the overall IPA title. However, those clubs will have get by the current Pro Cup holder Valmara, Valka, Wynnamac, Ozarka, La Claire, Denton City and White River to make the Pro Cup Series.

Here is the forecast for the 2090 IPA division by division.

Ruthlandian North Division

3-TEAM RACE BETWEEN VALMARA, FAR MOUNTAIN AND LAGRANGE
2089 Pro Cup winner Valmara is a slight favorite to repeat in the Ruthlandian North pennant race. The Vipers will have a fight on their hands with the Far Mountain Redhawks and LaGrange Gators. All three clubs are evenly matched with good hitting, good power and good pitching. Valmara's fine defense could be the difference maker. It is much better than their two rivals. Except for last year the Vipers have been in the doldrums for the previous decade. They came out of nowhere last season, jumping from 7th place to the top spot and even won the IPA crown. LaGrange has won 5 of the last 9 pennants, last winning the division in 2088. They can score with their home-run power, but they have mediocre pitching and are an aging team. The Gators were runner-up to Valmara last season, finishing 6 games off the pace. Far Mountain's last pennant came in 2083. They have been a fairly good team, but not a serious contender. Last year the Redhawks wound up in third place, 9 games behind. To make a run for the pennant, Far Mountain needs better pitching.

Ruthlandian South Division

5-TEAM TUSSLE WITH EDGE GOING TO VALKA BLACKHAWKS
Any one of five teams could take the Ruthlandian South this season. The oddsmakers are going with the Valka Blackhawks, based on better pitching. Belair Beach, Waleska, last year's champion Claxton and Crystal Lake will be right on the heels of the favored Blackhawks. Valka has the edge in defense over their pennant competitors.The Blackhawks last playoff appearance was in 2077. The last decade has not been a good one for them. Last year was lackluster. They finished fifth, 10 games behind pennant-winning Claxton. The Diamonds have been a good time the last five years and are on the rise. Before last year's title, you had to go back a long way to 2069. They won the division title last year with rock-solid pitching. Belair Beach has dominated the RU South in recent years with 5 division titles in 7 years and 2 Pro Cups in '84 and '86. The Sunbirds are a good all-around team. Last season they came in third, losing out by 7 games.Waleska did well last year, ending up in second place, only 4 games behind. The Westerners have not made the playoffs since 2056. They possess good pitching, but will need improved offense to win the pennant. Crystal Lake is a darkhorse. The Skippers wound up in fourth place last year, 8 games out. They have solid pitching, but no offense. The last postseason appearance was in 2082.

Ruthlandian East Division

TIGHT 3-TEAM TANGLE IN RU SOUTH
The Wynnamac Sundowners are a solid choice in the Ruthlandian East according to the baseball scribes and broadcasters, but the defending flagholder Eastshore Cotton Kings and the Marston Nine will have something to say in how it comes out. The Sundowners' offense favors them. The race should be closer than predicted. Don't be surprised if the Belle Plaine Musketeers gets into the chase, too. The Cotton Kings are not going to throw in the towel without a fight. They still possess home-run power. Eastshore won the pennant last year with that and a lack of pitching. It could happen again. Eastshore took the division flag last year with its home-run power. The Cotton Kings also won the crown in 2085. Don't be surprised if they repeat. Marston was third last season, 6 GB. The Nine has only been a so-so team the last two decades, winning the RU South only one time in 2086. Pitching is their forte. Badly needs bats. Don't count out the Belle Plaine Musketeers just yet. The baseball experts picked them to drop in the standings this year and out of contention. Last year the Muskies were second, winding up just 4 games out of first place. Belle Plaine was the Pro Cup champion in 2088 with 3 RU South titles in the last 6 seasons. The Musketeers still have some good starters and a good bullpen. The bats are not what they used to be, but they still can compete.

Ruthlandian West Division

2-TEAM BATTLE AGAIN PREDICTED BETWEEN FOREST CITY AND COLFAX
Last year Forest City was considered the best team in the IPA regular season. In the Ruthlandian West the Firebirds had to win 101 games to beat out the runner-up Colfax Black Sox by 2 games. Nobody else was close. Ditto again this season. Except it might be closer between the Firebirds and Black Sox. Both are forecast to win over 100 games. Forest City is seeking its third consecutive RU West flag. They are the best all-around team in the IPA. The Firebirds can do it all. They won over 100 games in the last two years and just might do it a third time. Colfax has been their only rival the last five seasons. The Black Sox even unexpected won the Pro Cup in 2085. It would really be something if they whipped Forest City. Colfax has a fine team. They just happen to be in the wrong division.

Tycobbian North Division

WHITE RIVER WILL WIN PHOTO FINISH WITH HARTSDALE IN 2-TEAM RACE
Only two clubs are given any chance of winning the Tycobbian North pennant this year. Only White River and Hartsdale have what it takes. Can the Rascals pitch their way to the pennant and beat out the bats of the Hellcats? One thing in Hartsdale's favor is they have a solid mound corps, too. The Hellcats have better defense as well. The race will go down to the wire. Either team can win it. The Oxford Red Caps ran away with the TU North last year, but are forecast to be an also-ran this year. White River has not been a serious contender in the last decade, but they did greatly improve last season to a very distance third place, 15 GB. Hartsdale has won the division 5 times in the last 8 seasons. The Hellcats won it in 2088. They are a potent team and a worthy contender. Hartsdale is a complete team. The Hellcats do everything well. 2090 could be a Pro Cup year for Hartsdale. White River hadn't had a winning season since 2081 up until last year's third-place finish. 2081 was their last playoff appearance. In a surprise the Rascals did win their only Pro Cup in 2080. White River's main strength is on the mound. They have excellent starters. The Rascals need help at the plate to overcome the Hellcats.

Tycobbian South Division

BOTH SUMMERLAND AND SOUTHPORT HAVE DOMINANT PITCHING AND GOOD BATS -- PUNDITS LEAN TOWARD SUN SOX
The Southport Sun Sox and the Summerland Sunsets are two peas in a pod. Both clubs can score runs and keep the other teams off the scoreboard. Both play good defense. They are the only pennant contenders in the Tycobbian South this year. The baseball pundits think Southport will prevail this season, despite the fact that Summerland reached the Pro Cup Finals two years ago and made the TU Title Series last year. The Sunsets don't impress with their batting order, but they always score enough to beat you without any stars. However on the hill, that is another story. Summerland's entire staff is outstanding. They are too good to be true. It will take a darn good team to top the Sunsets this year. Time will tell if Southport has the hosses to do it. Southport has not made the playoffs since 2069. The Sun Sox have been a mediocre franchise for most of the last two decades, but they did surge up to second place last year with a 98-56 mark, good for second place. The Sunsets edged them out by two games in a torrid finish. Southport has fine pitching and hitting last year and is set to do it again.

Tycobbian East Division

TOSS-UP IN TU EAST BETWEEN OZARKA AND SOUTH FORK
Not a lot of challengers in the Tycobbian East this season. Ozarka and last year's victor South Fork are head-and-shoulders above the other 6 clubs. The Stallions have won the division crown in two of the last four seasons and they went to the Pro Cup Finals last year. South Fork has a winning pedigree. Ozarka won the pennant two years ago and have contended the last three seasons. On paper one would have to give the edge to the Stallions. South Fork is better at the plate and on the mound. But the baseball analysts are predicting the division flag will go to the Naturals.

Tycobbian West Division

POWERFUL LA CLAIRE WILL BE CHALLENGED BY SURPRISING DENTON CITY
A multi-team pennant race is not in the cards for the Tycobbian West. A nip-and-tuck affair between powerhouse La Claire and upstart Denton City is the outlook. The other six teams will be far back in the rear. The Lynx have won the division flag the last three years and even won the 2087 Pro Cup. Denton City hasn't had a winning season since 2083, no postseason playoffs since 2059, yet they, the baseball folks-in-the-know, are predicting they have a shot at the TU West this year. Would be great should that happen. To their credit, the Redbirds are on the rise. They came in third last year, 11 GB. They had good pitching and pretty good bats. It hard to see that Denton City will take the division title from potent La Claire. Time will tell.

[Eugene Church]

2090 Ruthlandian Union Division Preseason Favorites

[Eugene Church]

2090 Tycobbian Union Preseason Favorites

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

I will soon give a midseason recap.

[Eugene Church]

Monday, July 3, 2090

FOREST CITY, SOUTH FORK AND SUMMERLAND HAVE GOOD LEADS AT MIDSEASON IN IPA RACES
Three ballclubs have had red-hot seasons so far. Halfway through the season in the Islandian Pro Alliance the Forest City Firebirds, South Fork Stallions and the Summerland Sunsets have solid leads. The Firebirds are the best in the Ruthlandian West by far with a 10 and a half-game margin over runner-up Volusia at midseason. The Stallions are riding herd on the Tycobbian East by 6 games over second place Tuckanarra and the Sunsets have shot out to an 8 and one-half game edge over the second place Arroyo Grande Suns. There are however some good races in the other five divisions.

Ruthlandian North Division

AS PREDICTED TIGHT RACE IN RU NORTH BETWEEN LAGRANCE, VALMARA AND FAR MOUNTAIN
Reigning IPA Pro Cup champion Valmara has a fight on its hands at midyear. LaGrange is atop the Ruthlandian North by one game on the Vipers with Far Mountain hot on the trail and clinging close in the third spot, just 2 and a half games behind. Valmara's rock-solid pitching staff will win it. They have a decided edge on the mound. But it will be a close race. The Gators and the Redhawks can hit the ball, but both need help on the mound.

Ruthlandian South Division

VALKA AND BELAIR BEACH BATTLE FOR THE LEAD IN THE RU SOUTH
At the midpoint of the Ruthlandian South so far it's a battle between the Valka Blackhawks and the Belair Beach Sunbirds. It was forecast to be a 5-team donnybrook, but so far, Waleska and Crystal Lake have faltered. The only rivals the two leaders have are defending champion Claxton and surprising San Dimas, who are clinging close. They each trail by 5 games. The Blackhawks are the best-balanced club between the two co-leaders. Valka has good hitting and good pitching, while the Sunbirds depend mainly on it mound corps. The odds favor the Blackhawks over the Sunbirds, while the Diamonds will win the battle for third place.

Ruthlandian West Division

FC FIREBIRDS DOMINATE RU WEST
At midseason it is a slam dunk for the powerhouse Forest City Firebirds. They are making shambles of the Ruthlandian West with a whopping 10 and a half-game bulge over second place Volusia. Two other perennial rivals Rocky Rapids and Colfax are pretty much out of the race, too. The third place Snappers are 11 games behind and the fourth place Black Sox are a dismal 15 and one-half games back. No one is going to catch the Firebirds this year. Rocky Rapids appears to be the best-rounded team in the battle for the runner-up spot.

Tycobbian North Division

TU NORTH RUNNING TRUE-TO-FORM, RASCALS AND HELLCATS ONLY CONTENDERS
A two-team race was forecast and that's just what is happening in the Tycobbian North at the halfway mark of the season. Preseason favorite White River has a 4 and a half-game edge on Hartsdale. The Hellcats have commanded the TU North for the last decade with 5 division flags, the most recent was in 2088. Last year winner is nowhere to be found this year. The Oxford Red Caps are wallowing back in the fourth spot, 3 games under .500 and 14 games behind. Third place North Hills is not expected to rival the two top teams. The Hawks are 9 games off the pace. White River is good all around, while Hartsdale has a much better attack, but lack good pitching. The Rascals will win the TU North this season. They have not been good for the last decade when they captured the Pro Cup in 2080. Last season they upped their season mark and wound up in third place, but a distant 15 games out. White River seems to have what it takes to succeed this season.

Tycobbian Union Southern Division

SUMMERLAND SIZZLES SENSATIONALLY IN TU SOUTH
When it comes to pitching, no one in the IPA can compare with the Summerland Sunsets. Their entire mound staff is marvelous this year with an overall 2.40 ERA. The IPA all-time record is 2.41 ERA recorded by the 2048 Forest City Firebirds. The Sunsets already have an 8 and a half-game margin over runner-up Arroyo Grande and 9 and a half better than third place Southport and Turon. The Sun Sox got the nod over last year's champ Summerland in the preseason poll by a slight margin. The Sunsets lost in the Pro Cup Finals last season to IPA champion Valmara. They seemed to be determined to win it all this year. It's not likely anyone will overtake Summerland this season. Playoff possibles, White River (2.72 ERA) and South Fork (2.90 ERA) are also blessed with superlative pitching.

Tycobbian East Division

SOUTH FORK STALLIONS STOMPING EVERYTHING IN SIGHT IN TU EAST
The Tycobbian East was expected to be a torrid two-team race between Ozarka and South Fork, last year's division winner. So far -- nothing of the sort. The South Fork Stallions have galloped out to a 6-game midseason lead over the second place Tuckanarra Blue Jays. It's even worst for the third and fourth place clubs. High Mesa is already 11 games behind with preseason favorite Ozarka trailing badly, 16 and one-half games off the pace. South Fork has its all, hitting, scoring, power, pitching and defense. The Tucks will have a tough time catching them. No one else will be in the race.

Tycobbian West Division

FOUR-TEAM FRACAS TO DECIDE BEST IN THE TU WEST; FAVORED LA CLAIRE ATOP STANDINGS AT MIDYEAR
The last six seasons have been good for the La Claire Lynx. They have copped the Tycobbian West crown for the previous three years and they are on top by a shaky 2 games at the midyear mark over the vastly-improved Chicopee Braves. Running a close third are the Kenwood Wildcats and Rolling Hills Racers, just 3 GB. The preseason pundits were not very accurate. It was supposed to be just two teams in the hunt, last year's champ La Claire and perennial also-ran Denton City. The Redbirds haven't been to the playoffs since 2059, but they improved last season and wound up in third place 11 GB behind the Lynx and 2 GB the runner-up Racers. Denton City has been a dismal disaster in the first half of the season, currently resting in 7th place, 9 and a half games out. La Claire is seeking its fourth successive TU West title. The Lynx also captured the revered Pro Cup in 2087 and would like nothing better than to do it again this year. La Claire is an excellent team and does everything well. It will take a good team to defeat them. It looks like there are several challengers on par with the Lynx. The Braves, Wildcats and Racers are giving them fits this year. La Claire has had a relatively easy time the last three years. Not so, this year. It's a wide-open race. Still it would be wise to pick the La Claire Lynx. They are still the best in the West.

2090 Midseason IPA Standings

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, July 11, 2090

90TH IPA ALL-STAR CLASSIC SET FOR NEXT TUESDAY IN VALMARA
The Islandian Pro Alliance best in class have been acclaimed for the 90th IPA All-Star Game. Over 50 of the finest players will get their chance to shine next week at War Memorial Stadium in Valmara, the home of the reigning Pro Cup champion Vipers. LaGrange's 38-year-old first baseman Tory Swinnerton will pace the Ruthlandian Union All-Stars. This season he is enjoying a remarkable career rejuvenation and will be making his 10th appearance. He will be joined by 4-time All-Stars Lee Drummond of Rocky Rapids and Ben Atcheson of Stoner and 3-time honorees Willie Collingham and Thomas Tate, both from Forest City. The Tycobbian Union All-Stars will be headed up by White River's Chris Savallas. He is a 6-time All-Star, the first 5 years were with Ancona in the Ruthlandian Union. At the age of 36 he is leading the Rascals to a fine season after being traded. They are leading the TU North at midyear. Summerland's Hennie Hendriks is appearing for his 4th All-Star Classic, while Rolling Hills' Terrence Stonich has been chosen 3 times.

The Forest City Firebirds placed 6 All-Stars on the Ruthlandian Union, while Valmara and LaGrange each had 4 players selected. Topping the Tycobbian Union were 4 All-Stars from White River and Summerland. Tuckanarra had 3 players honored.

Both the RU All-Stars and the TU All-Stars have 3 rookies each. Braydon Glenn of San Dimas, Jan Dijkman of Claxton and Lenny Davis of Sugar Valley made the Ruthlandian Stars in their first season in the IPA. The Tycobbian Stars will feature league newcomers Gary Glanville of Summerland, Satchell Pike of White River and Hot Rod Bolling of Rolling Hills.

Representing the Ruthlandian Union All-Stars this year:

SP Thomas Agee (BB) - 10-2, 2.45 ERA, 128.2 IP, 1.15 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 3.6 WAR
SP Andre Dujardin (LAG) - 9-4, 2.68 ERA, 141.0 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 5.7 K/9, 4.1 WAR
SP Braydon Glenn (SD) - 10-5, 2.42 ERA, 126.2 IP, 1.24 WHIP, 4.4 K/9, 2.5 WAR
SP Giles Guillot (BP) - 9-3, 2.30 ERA, 125.1 IP, 1.22 WHIP, 5.0 K/9, 3.0 WAR
SP Jackie Harrison (VLK) - 9-2, 2.45 ERA, 124.2 IP, 1.23 WHIP, 5.5 K/9, 2.5 WAR
SP Jules Le Royer (LAG) - 11-3, 3.08 ERA, 140.1 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 7.1 K/9, 4.6 WAR
SP Lefty Mays (BB) - 13-3, 3.19 ERA, 118.2 IP, 1.26 WHIP, 5.2 K/9, 3.6 WAR
SP Slats Slattery (FC) - 11-2, 3.48 ERA, 119.0 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 5.3 K/9, 2.3 WAR
CL Thomas Tate (FC) - 7-6, 16 SV, 2.97 ERA, 88.0 IP, 1.03 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, 2.4 WAR
C Jurgen Borgmann (FC) - .284/.348/.384, 250 AB, 3 HR, 97 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
C Dooky Craig (VLK) - .285/.343/.385, 260 AB, 5 HR, 104 wRC+, 1.5 WAR
C Jan Dijkman (CLX) - .300/.387/.438, 267 AB, 6 HR, 134 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
1B Lee Drummond (RR) - .301/.396/.564, 319 AB, 25 HR, 165 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
1B Tory Swinnerton (LAG) - .316/.358/.645, 282 AB, 26 HR, 171 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
2B Ronald Brooks (MDF) - .327/.424/.557, 309 AB, 17 HR, 11 SB, 171 wRC+, 4.9 WAR
2B Charlie Carrier (BB) - .322/.376/.489, 317 AB, 10 HR, 140 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
3B Alejandro Costillo (SD) - .357/.416/.488, 322 AB, 2 HR, 10 SB, 155 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
3B Jim Raver (FC) - .313/.395/.466, 313 AB, 9 HR, 142 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
SS Tony Benedetti (FC) - .322/.388/.481, 339 AB, 11 HR, 17 SB, 144 wRC+, 4.3 WAR
SS Charley Gray (LAG) - .326/.402/.559, 313 AB, 18 HR, 1 SB, 163 wRC+, 5.6 WAR
LF Willie Collingham (FC) - .308/.398/.538, 292 AB, 17 HR, 6 SB, 158 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
LF Pete Pettavina (BEE) - .337/.414/.590, 315 AB, 20 HR, 173 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
CF Ben Atcheson (STO) - .303/.382/.550, 251 AB, 14 HR, 2 SB, 158 wRC+, 2.9 WAR (Injured)
CF Lenny Davis (SV) - .266/.312/.538, 305 AB, 19 HR, 18 SB, 133 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
CF Ivan Jurczyk (VLM) - .277/.347/.449, 285 AB, 10 HR, 1 SB, 119 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
RF Pete Hubbard (RR) - .344/.420/.588, 320 AB, 16 HR, 1 SB, 179 wRC+, 5.1 WAR
RF Tavio Ortega (VLM) - .279/.400/.578, 301 AB, 26 HR, 5 SB, 169 wRC+, 4.2 WAR

The Tycobbian Union roster includes the following players:

SP Troy Fitzroy (WR) - 11-4, 2.25 ERA, 132.0 IP, 1.27 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 3.1 WAR
SP Owen Frank (SF) - 11-3, 2.36 ERA, 125.2 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 5.4 K/9, 4.3 WAR
SP Gary Glanville (SUM) - 11-4, 1.91 ERA, 136.2 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 3.2 WAR
SP Amos Lovelace (HM) - 9-4, 1.97 ERA, 132.1 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 5.2 K/9, 3.3 WAR
SP Artie McQuiston (TUC) - 10-2, 2.48 ERA, 112.2 IP, 1.20 WHIP, 5.0 K/9, 2.3 WAR
SP Paul Pegram (SUM) - 10-3, 2.55 ERA, 137.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 5.4 K/9, 4.5 WAR
SP Satchell Pike (WR) - 13-4, 2.47 ERA, 131.1 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 4.9 K/9, 2.7 WAR
SP Jandamara Spencer (TUC) - 9-2, 2.17 ERA, 120.0 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 5.9 K/9, 4.1 WAR
SP Wes Warrick (SUM) - 10-4, 2.22 ERA, 137.2 IP, 0.98 WHIP, 4.6 K/9, 3.1 WAR
C Amos Gibbons (BL) - .307/.358/.498, 261 AB, 11 HR, 138 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
C Hennie Hendriks (SUM) - .290/.393/.373, 252 AB, 2 HR, 122 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
C Billy Simms (AG) - .314/.379/.423, 274 AB, 6 HR, 130 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
1B Joe Coston (OXF) - .339/.435/.608, 301 AB, 20 HR, 186 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
1B Terrence Stonich (RH) - .363/.423/.637, 328 AB, 20 HR, 187 wRC+, 4.4 WAR
2B Bobby Balazar (BL) - .318/.382/.445, 308 AB, 8 HR, 134 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
2B Hot Rod Bolling (RH) - .318/.386/.479, 340 AB, 7 HR, 3 SB, 138 wRC+, 1.2 WAR
3B Chris Savallas (WR) - .314/.404/.569, 290 AB, 21 HR, 8 SB, 171 wRC+, 4.3 WAR
3B Tiger Taginski (BSC) - .321/.387/.503, 308 AB, 14 HR, 150 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
SS Silas Leeuwenhoek (SF) - .312/.394/.557, 298 AB, 15 HR, 10 SB, 164 wRC+, 4.4 WAR
SS Rusty Reich (WR) - .288/.331/.461, 330 AB, 11 HR, 1 SB, 120 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
LF Butch Avinger (TUC) - .319/.384/.505, 323 AB, 8 HR, 15 SB, 148 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
LF Buddy Lynn (OXF) - .292/.329/.584, 322 AB, 28 HR, 149 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
CF Vincent Bartelli (DC) - .338/.410/.473, 317 AB, 5 HR, 3 SB, 149 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
CF Sam Smiley (SPT) - .353/.401/.540, 346 AB, 13 HR, 3 SB, 160 wRC+, 5.1 WAR
RF Koshiro Koyama (OXF) - .290/.358/.524, 307 AB, 15 HR, 1 SB, 142 wRC+, 1.1 WAR
RF Morris Provine (EP) - .350/.391/.548, 323 AB, 12 HR, 8 SB, 164 wRC+, 3.9 WAR

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, July 12, 2090

TYCOBBIAN STARS SNAP 2-GAME LOSING STREAK TO RUTHLANDIAN STARS
The Tycobbian All-Stars forged a 3-run rally in the last of the 7th frame to nip the Ruthlandian All-Stars 10-9 in the 2090 edition of the midsummer IPA All-Star Classic at War Memorial Stadium in Valmara. The Tycobbian Stars snapped a two- game losing streak and improved their massive margin in the series to 57-33. Reliever Jules Le Royer (LaGrange) couldn't find the plate and walked in the tying and winning runs, giving the TU Stars the victory.

The game's Most Valuable Player Award went to Tycobbian third baseman Chris Savallas (White River). He went 2 for 2 in the game with 2-run clout. Sam Smiley (Southport) and Morris Provine (East Point) chimed in with 2 hits and 2 runs apiece. Savallas, Hot Rod Bolling (Rolling Hills) and Bobby Balazar (Blue Lake) all went deep for the victors. In a losing cause Ruthlandian third sacker Jim Raver (Forest City) had 2 hits and 4 ribbies, 3 of them coming on a roundtripper.

It was a loosely-played game with 5 unearned runs and 16 bases on balls. The RU Stars made 2 errors that cost them 4 runs. Tycobbia collected 10 hits and 10 walks, while Ruthlandia had 12 hits and 6 free passes. Good relief pitching saved the day for the Tycobbian Stars. Over the final 3 frames Paul Pegram (Summerland), Artie McQuiston (Tuckanarra) and Jandamara Spencer (Tuckanarra) held the Ruthlandian Stars to just one hit, one walk and no runs. Pegram notched the win, while Le Royer suffered the defeat.

[Eugene Church]

Just to let you know I have finished the 2090 IPA season.
I did the Ruthlandian Union recap today. Hope to do the Tycobbian Union in the next 2-3 days.
My radio show keep me pretty busy. It is tough to find time for the IPA.
I'm on 10 stations now.

[TC Dale]

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

Just to let you know I have finished the 2090 IPA season.
I did the Ruthlandian Union recap today. Hope to do the Tycobbian Union in the next 2-3 days.
My radio show keep me pretty busy. It is tough to find time for the IPA.
I'm on 10 stations now.

Congratulations! That is a good thing. Keep up the good work, Eugene!

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by TC Dale

Congratulations! That is a good thing. Keep up the good work, Eugene!

Thank you for you good comments, TC Dale... really appreciate you here on the Forums.
Thank you for reading my posts and Dynasty Report.
You really do a great job as Forum Moderator.

And thank you for tolerating me and CD on the Mods Forum. You
have been very patient with us.

At 85, I could be one of the oldest DJs still on real terrestrial radio stations
It is a lot of hard work, but I love the end results. I love music and I love
programming songs that hopefully please the listeners. I hope that a
lost listener will find his Creator in one of the songs. That is my main purpose in life.

It is my belief that the Creator created us to know Him and to do His will.
That is our purpose in life.

I am at peace with God. Happiness is not the ultimate goal ln life. I think contentment
is the ultimate goal. You only get contentment when you attain the peace of God. He
makes it possible for someone to be content in all circumstances --- the good times
when all is good and wonderful --- and also the tough times when we have to go through the bad times.

It is my prayer that I will just go to bed one night and wake up in Heaven the next morning.
Chances are that will not happen, so I have to be prepared for whatever comes my way.
My Creator, My God will get me through it.

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, October 1, 2090

FC FIREBIRDS AND SUMMERLAND DESTINED FOR PRO CUP FINALS
Four teams copped division crowns in fairly easy fashion this year. The Forest City Firebirds and the Summerland Sunsets roared through the 2090 IPA season by running up over 100 victories each and blitzed everybody in their divisions by double digits. Forest City posted 106 wins, while Summerland sizzled with 101. In IPA history only three teams have done better than the Firebirds. The 2066 Rolling Hills Racers won 111 games for the all-time mark and the 2054 Midway Wolves and the Colfax Blaster each chalked up 107 victories. Forest City won the Ruthlandian West by an overwhelming 17 games better than second place Colfax. Summerland ran away with the Tycobbian South by 12 games over runner-up Southport. The Firebirds and Sunsets are fated to meet in the 2090 Pro Cup Series. They are the odds-on favorites to take the league titles.

It was closer in a couple of the division races, yet the Belle Plaine Musketeers still cruised to the Ruthlandian East flag by a comfortable 7 games over last year's champion Eastshore. South Fork also had a fairly safe 5-game margin over the Tuckanarra Blue Jays in the Tycobbian East. The Stallions repeated as division champ and hauled in their third flag in the last 5 years.

However, there were some ding-dong donnybrooks in the other four divisions. Defending Pro Cup titlist Valmara just barely beat out the feisty Far Mountain Redhawks by 2 games in the Ruthlandian North. Belair Beach claimed the Ruthlandian South by 3 games over last year's winner Claxton. La Claire notched its 4th consecutive Tycobbian West flag, edging the Rolling Hills Racers by 4 games, while White River got the best of the Hartsdale Hellcats by 5 games in the Tycobbian North race.

There were no big surprises in the Islandian Pro Alliance this year, but there were some huge disappointments. Preseason powers-to-be Wynnamac, Colfax, Ozarka, Denton City and Southport wound up more than 10 games out of first place at season's end.

RUTHLANDIAN UNION RECAP

VIPERS WIN AGAIN, NIP FEISTY REDHAWKS IN TORRID RACE
In the Ruthlandian North Pro Cup champion Valmara won its second straight division crown, but it was pushed to the max by the Far Mountain Redhawks. The Vipers prevailed by 3 games. It was three-team battle most of the season. LaGrange was in the top spot in the standings for the first half of the year, but faded badly in the second half and wound up in third place, trailing by 11 games. Far Mountain had a 5-game lead over Valmara at the beginning of August. The Vipers won out by going 36-17 the final two months, while the Redhawks could not keep that red-hot pace and went 30-23. The Gators slipped badly to 24-29 down the home stretch. Overall, it came down to the best pitching and Valmara had it.

BB SUNBIRDS NAB RU SOUTH 6TH TIME IN 9 SEASONS
The Belair Beach Sunbirds took over the top spot in the Ruthlandian South in May and kept it the rest of the year, but they were pressured by last year's division winner Claxton (3 GB), also by the third place Valka Blackhawks (6 GB). Valka was picked to win it in the preseason poll. The teams were pretty even. The Sunbirds did not have a losing month during the year, while the Diamonds and Blackhawks registered one losing month apiece. That was the difference in the pennant race. Belair Beach won the Pro Cup in 2084 and 2086. The Sunbirds just might be a Pro Cup dark horse this year.

STEADY BP MUSKETEERS HOLD OFF EASTSHORE AND MARSTON
The Belle Plaine Musketeers think they have a better team this year than their team when they nabbed the 2088 Pro Cup. The Muskies played rock steady in the Ruthlandian East this season. They didn't have a bad month and played very well down the stretch (35-20) to take the division title by 7 games over runner-up Eastshore. Last year's pennant-winning Cotton Kings had a slow start, but a good finish (36-18). Going 22-30 in June and June killed their season. The Marston Nine ended up 9 games off the pace. Teams that go 22-24 in the first two months and 13-15 in September do not win pennants. Belle Plaine will not be a pushover in the postseason. A Pro Cup Trophy is not out of the question.

FC FIREBIRDS TOTALLY TORCHED THE RU WEST
Yeah buddy, I mean to tell ya, the Forest City Firebirds were the best in the Ruthlandian West by far. By July the Firebirds were ahead by 10 games. They totally and absolutely torched all their divisional rivals and won going away. Forest City led start-to-finish and ended up with 106 victories, the fourth-best total in IPA history. The Firebirds won the RU West by a humongous 17 games over second place Colfax. You name it and Forest City excelled at it. Offensively the Firebirds were had the best attack in the IPA. They were the favorite last year to win the Pro Cup and they will be favored again this year. Valmara beat them in 5 games in the RU Title Series. Look for them to meet again in the postseason playoffs. Forest City has won the RU West the last three seasons, posting over 100 wins each year.

2090 Ruthlandian Union Final Standings

[Eugene Church]

2090 IPA Ruthlandian Union Division Champions

Special Thanks to No Pepper for the Valmara Vipers logo and txranger for the Belle Plaine Musketeers logo.
EC did the others.

[Eugene Church]

2090 Ruthlandian Union Team Batting


2090 Ruthlandian Union Team Pitching


2090 Ruthlandian Union Team Fielding

[Eugene Church]

2090 IPA Ruthlandian Union Batting Leaderboards



2090 IPA Ruthlandian Union Pitching Leaderboards