ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

2091 TYCOBBIAN UNION FINAL REVIEW

Tycobbian North Division

RED-HOT HELLCATS FINISH STRONG TO HOLD OFF FEISTY RASCALS IN THE TU NORTH RACE
Five to six clubs contested in the Tycobbian North this year up until August when it turned into a two-team affair. Hartsdale was picked to win the division flag fairly easily by 7 games and 8 games over Blue Lake and Oxford in the preseason poll, but it didn't turn out that way. Last year's champion White River hung on to the Hellcats' heels the whole season before they lost out in a photo-finish by one game with three games to go. The pesky Rascals were chosen 4th in the preseason and forecast to wind up a distant 12 games behind in the pennant chase. Hartsdale sizzled the last two months with a 37-16 mark, while White River wound up a solid 30-23. The Rascals had a woeful 13-14 record in August, which cost them the title. The Hellcats have been a perennial contender, last winning the TU North pennant in 2088. This was their 6th division flag in the last decade. Hartsdale will be making their 22nd postseason appearance. They have captured 2 Pro Cup Trophies (2046 and 2063). The Hellcats have a good all-around ballclub and just might be a sleeper in the Pro Cup playoffs.

SUMMERLAND SIZZLES, WRAPS UP TU SOUTH PENNANT AT MIDYEAR
The baseball pundits forecast just a two-team tussle in the Tycobbian South this season with a close race between this year's favorite and last year's flag winner Summerland and second choice Southport. Only Arroyo Grande was given an outside chance of getting involved in the hunt. As it turned out the Sunsets ran away with the division, winning it by 10 games over the Sun Sox and the Suns. Summerland won its fourth division title in a row. This will be their 10th postseason appearance with no Pro Cups. The Sunsets are primed and poised to make a noise in the playoffs this year. The only thing they lack is the longball. Summerland will be a team to watch in the postseason. Their starting foursome is really something.

SF STALLIONS IN A RUNAWAY STAMPEDE IN TU EAST
It was a marvelous season for the South Fork Stallions with 106 victories, one of the best records of all-time in the Islandian Pro Alliance. The Stallions won their third TU East title in a row and 4th in the last six seasons. Like Summerland they breezed to the pennant by a ridiculous 21 games over runner-up Tuckanarra. The Blue Jays were rated to end up way back in 5th place, 28 games off the pace. In the preseason poll only Ozarka (7 GB) was given any shot at the pennant. South Fork (20-7) opened up a solid 7-game lead over the Tucks (15-13) by July, never looked back and won going away. The Stallions have the hosses to win their 5th Pro Cup. South Fork previously won the overall IPA crown in 2025, 2042, 2073 and 2077. They will certainly be one of the Pro Cup favorites this season along with Summerland, reigning Pro Cup champion La Claire and Forest City from the Ruthlandian Union. South Fork has its all except for a good defense. That just might be their thorn in the flesh. Otherwise, the Stallions can do it all. However, they have a gigantic task to get by La Claire, Summerland and Hartsdale to get to the Pro Cup Series against Forest City, the heavily-favored Ruthlandian Union champion. This year's Pro Cup playoffs is chocked full of talented teams.

LA CLAIRE OUTRACES ROLLING HILLS FOR 3RD STRAIGHT TU WEST TITLE
By the halfway point in the Tycobbian West the pennant contenders had dwindled down to just 3 teams, La Claire, Rolling Hills and Bayview. The Lynx and the Racers were deadlocked for the top spot in the standings with the Vikings 6 games back. La Claire was favored to win comfortably over Kenwood (8 GB) and Rolling Hills (13 GB) in the preseason balloting. In July Bayview (6-18) faded out of the race and Kenwood (15-9) got into the hunt. The Wildcats didn't last long and fell out of the running by August (13-15). Heading into September La Claire only led Rolling Hills by 2 and a half games. They both fought hard the final month with the Lynx going 18-8 and the Racers hanging right with them with a 17-10 mark. La Claire finally prevailed by 5 games and copped their 5th consecutive TU West title. The Lynx have nabbed 2 Pro Cups in the last 4 seasons and they will be seriously seeking their 3rd IPA overall crown. No one has repeated as Pro Cup champion since the 2065 and 2066 Southport Sun Sox. La Claire just might be a better team this year with more home-run power and a tad better on the mound. I do declare it could be La Claire in the IPA postseason playoffs this year. It will take a rock-solid club to beat the Lynx this season and halt their repeat chances in the Pro Cup playoffs.

2091 Tycobbian Union Final Standings and Team Statistics

[Eugene Church]

2091 Final Tycobbian Union Batting and Pitching Leaderboards

[Eugene Church]

Deleted.... have to replay the IPA 2092 and 2093 seasons. I corrupted my game in OOTP26... Going back to OOOTP25 to start over again.
I will do a quick skim and not spend much time on the IPA as I have in the past. I just want to get to 100 seasons and retire the league.
I love it and hate it at the same time. 64 teams is way to many to cover well.There is just not enough time in a day, especially when I am on 10 radio stations
with a two-hour show every Sunday... I have to record them at home. It takes a minimum of 20 hours a week to produce the program.

[Eugene Church]

Deleted.

[Eugene Church]

Jock Ewing Stadium

[Eugene Church]

Deleted --- having to replay 2092 and 2093 season again.

[Eugene Church]

Deleted.

[Eugene Church]

deleted.

[Eugene Church]

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[Eugene Church]

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[Eugene Church]

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[Eugene Church]

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[Eugene Church]

Sorry folks. It's the first of the month. I have a lot of radio programs to do.
I will begin the IPA playoffs in a few days.

[Eugene Church]

WOW!

Can you believe it?

I just passed the 1,000,000 mark in views.

Thank all of you for being such faithful followers of the Islandian Pro Alliance over the last 18 years.
The first post was December 16, 2007.

From the bottom of my heart a huge thank you.
You are the reason I still do this. Without your faithful viewership I would have stopped long ago.
I was worried I wouldn't live long enough to reach a million.

Our Creator must have a good reason for keeping EC around. He still has me doing this Dynasty Report and 23 years after retiring from radio, He has me on 9 Country and Southern Gospel radio stations.

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, October 14, 2091

HARTSDALE HALTS SOUTH FORK IN SURPRISE IN IPA ROUND ONE PLAYOFFS
FOREST CITY, LAGRANGE AND LA CLAIRE ALSO ADVANCE
#5-rated Hartsdale upset #1-ranked South Fork in the IPA First Round action, #2 Forest City whipped #8 Claxton in a hotly-contested 7-game series, #3 La Claire survived a 7-game set with #4 Summerland and #6 LaGrange bested #7 Marston in another red-hot 7-game affair.

Tycobbian Union First Round Review

HELLCATS STAFF STIFLES STALLIONS
Hartsdale corralled the favored South Fork Stallions in a quick 5-game series with splendid pitching and timely hitting. The Hellcats won the first two games on the road, winning both games 5-2. South Fork copped game three 3-2 in Hartsdale, only to have the Hellcats wrapped up the series with 4-0 and 11-9 victories at home in games four and five.

Hartsdale hurlers stood out, sparked by starters Dandy DeBusshere (1-0/2.70 ERA/2 starts/10 IP), Darren Peabody (1-0/1.86 ERA/1 start/5 IP) and Bennie Frye (0-0/0.00 ERA/one start/5 IP). The middle relief was good, led by Spats Baham (0-0/0.00 ERA/3 saves/6 IP/4 games) and Mitch Womack (1-0/1.29 ERA/4 games/7 IP). Closer Kurt Schnell (1-0/9.00 ERA/4 games/6 IP) struggled. Top hitters were Calvin Mannon (.350 BA/7-20/1 HR/3 RBI/4 R), Scottie Deutsch (.286 BA/6-21/2 RBI/2 R), Delton Gunn (.333 BA/6-18/2 RBI/4 R), Jorah Hladki (.300 BA/6-20/2 HR/6 RBI/4 R), Bill MacPherson (.316 BA/6-19/4 RBI/2 R) and Wayne Gervais (.294 BA/5-17/3 RBI/3 R).

Owen Frank (0-0/0.00 ERA/1 start/5 IP) gave the Stallions their only strong start. Lee Mantle (0-0) was good in the bullpen with 3 appearances and a 1.80 ERA. Otherwise the South Fork staff floundered. Only Tommy Leduc (.400 BA/8-20/3 RBI/4 R) and Silas Leeuwenhoek (.333 BA/6-18/3 RBI/4 R) wielded good bats. The Hartsdale pitching corps silenced the rest of the lineup.

LA CLAIRE RALLIES AND OUTLASTS SUMMERLAND IN 7 GAMES
It looks like the series was over after three games, all won by the La Claire Lynx 3-0, 12-3 and 6-3. But Summerland did not roll over and ride off into the sunset. The Sunsets made the Lynx sweat by taking the next three games with fine pitching 1-0, 6-0 and 5-3. La Claire rebounded and got a great complete-game performance from Roger Arenado (2-0/1.17 ERA/2 starts/15 IP) in the game-seven finale at home and won 3-0. He also won game three 6-3. La Claire also got quality work from starters Don Bartels (1-1/3.00 ERA/2 starts/15 IP), Shuggie Garsett (1-0/3.38 ERA/2 starts/13 IP) and Clayton Benedix (0-1/1.12 ERA/1 start/8 IP). Rick Gautreau (0-0/2.25 ERA/2 games/4 IP) did well in middle relief, while closer Erich Richthofen (0-1/5.79 ERA/1 save/3 games/5 IP) was not effective.

Leading the La Claire hit parade were Rick Wall (.360 BA/9-25/3 RBI/2 R), Dennis Culpepper (.320 BA/8-25/1 HR/5 RBI/2 R), David Glascock (.250 BA/7-28/2 HR/5 RBI/6 R), Gino Manda (.350 BA/7-20/1 HR/4 RBI/1 R), Judah Pickens (.250 BA/7-28/2 RBI/5 R) and Howie Ellenberger (.250 BA/6-24/1 HR/6 RBI/5 RBI). Manda was injured in the series and may not return for a week or two.

Summerland suffered a devastating loss when ace Gary Glanville (19-7/2.74 ERA) was lost with a back injury in game four. Paul Pegram (1-1/1.80 ERA/2 starts/15 IP) did his best to pick up the slack, but he got no help from the other starters Ruben Jans (0-2/6.39 ERA/2 starts/13 IP) and Wes Warrick (0-1/7.88 ERA/1 start/8 IP). Closer Bubba Byers (2-0/1.29 ERA/4 games/7 IP) thrived in the series. Quality middle relief was provided by Reg Atherton (0-0/3.00 ERA/1 save/6 IP) and Duke Snijder (0-0/1 save/3 games/3 IP).

Only Norris Chance (.345 BA/10-29/0 RBI/4 R), Boogie Bonham (.269 BA/7-26/4 RBI/2 R) and Gerrit Maas (.250 BA/7-28/1 HR/4 RBI/3 R) provided any offense for the Sunsets. The La Claire staff handled Summerland very well at the plate.

Ruthlandian Union First Round Recap

FAVORED FOREST CITY TRIUMPHS OVER VALIANT CLAXTON IN 7 GAMES
Yes indeed, the favored Forest City Firebirds knew they were in a series. Claxton won the opener 5-3 and then fought valiantly the rest of the series, only to fall 6-3 in the seventh game. Most of the games were decided in the late innings. The Firebirds evened the series in game two with 5-1 victory, then took a one-game lead, knocking off the Diamonds 6-4. Claxton knotted it up in the fourth game 5-3, only to lose the lead in game five to the Firebirds 4-3. Game six went to the spunky Diamonds 6-2, thus forcing a decisive seventh game.

Forest City exploded for 4 runs in the last of the sixth in game seven to snap a 2-2 tie with three doubles off loser Adriaan Bakker (0-1/7.15 ERA). Big Boy Walker (2-0/2.77 ERA) fired a solid game and did not allow an earned run in his 6 innings.

Fuzz Smiley (.321 BA) sparked the Forest City attack with 8-29 at the plate with one homer, 5 RBIs and 4 runs scored. Jurgen Borgmann (.276 BA/8-29/2 HR/6 RBI/5 R), Milt Moncriffe (.296 BA/8-27/1 HR/4 RBI/5 R), Brodie Northern (.267 BA/8-30/1 HR/2 RBI/2 R), and Tony Benedetti (.389 BA/7-18/2 RBI/1 R). Clete Ward (.233 BA/7-30) also had a productive series with a homer, 2 ribbies and 4 runs scored.

The top twirlers for the Firebirds were starters Big Boy Walker (2-0/2.77 ERA/2 starts/13 IP) and Matty O'Mara (0-0/3.65 ERA/2 starts/3.65 ERA/12 IP). Thomas Tate (14-6/3.30 ERA) and Robbie Matthews (7-3/2.02 ERA) did not fare well against Claxton. Closer Curt Leininger (1-0/1.12 ERA/1 save/5 games/8 IP) was a standout, along with middle relief Craig Ballantyne (1-0/0.00 ERA/3 games/5 IP).

Claxton was paced by fine plate performances by Arnfried Beckenbauer (.412 BA/14-34/7 RBI/2 R), Pokie McBryde (.375 BA/9-24/1 HR/1 RBI/5 R/9 BB/4 SB), and Vincent Vos (.286 BA/8-28/3 RBI/3 R). They did well against the superior pitching of Forest City.

Diamond starters Tony Bickham (1-0/2.45 ERA/1 start/7 IP), Monty Maples (0-0/3.46 ERA/2 start, 1 RA/13 IP) and Irv Dawkins (1-1/3.86 ERA/2 starts/16 IP) kept the series close. Middle relief did pretty well with Riivo Possos (0-0/0.00 ERA/1 save/5 IP), Willie Wills (1-0/0.00 ERA/1 game/3 IP) and Johan Timmerman (0-1/3.18 ERA/4 games/6 IP).

GATORS EKE OUT 7-GAME VICTORY IN HARD-FOUGHT SERIES WITH SPUNKY NINE
Boy, what a series!
All seven games were decided by two runs or less. Favorite LaGrange won the first two with superb pitching at home, both by the scores 2-0. The series switched to Marston where the Nine won the next three in their friendly confines 5-4, 4-2 and 1-0. Solid pitching did it. The homefield advantage paid off for the Gators as they continued with splendid mound work and copped the series four games to three by nabbing the last two games 5-2 and 2-0.

Lordy mercy, the entire series was about pitching. Both staff were excellent. Not one pitcher actually had a bad series. LaGrange was marvelous on the mound with Andre Dujardin (2-0/1.20 ERA/2 starts/15 IP), Bucky Erdmann (1-0/0.00 ERA/2 starts/13 IP) and Jules Dufour (0-1/1.50 ERA/1 start/6 IP) and Jules Le Royer (1-1/0.53 ERA/2 starts/17 IP). The Gators rarely had to go to a reliever. When they did, Julius Hauer (0-1/1.29 ERA/2 saves/4 games/7 IP) came through in 3 of his 4 appearances. The only run he allowed was a game-losing solo homer.

Heading up the LaGrange lineup were Evon Layton (.444 BA/12-27/1 HR/3 HR/3 R), Charley Gray (.333 BA/9-27/3 RBI/3 R) and Lenny Lang (.348 BA/8-23/3 RBI/3 R).

Marston lost the series because they just couldn't put any runs on the scoreboard. Glen Chatsworth (.240 BA/6-35/2 RBI/4 R), Billy Graham (.261 BA/6-23/1 HR/3 RBI/2 R) and Tarmo Juczyk (.227 BA/5-22/1 HR/4 RBI/3 R) were the best of the bad. Nobody was really good at the plate. That how much the LaGrange staff dominated them.

You have really got to compliment the Marston moundsters. They, too, shined brightly most of the series. Remember the Gators are one of the best offenses in the Islandian Pro Alliance. Yet the Nine almost won the series. Hats off to Jayzy Stecko (1-1/1.42 ERA/2 starts/13 IP), Mal McElroy (0-1/2.84 ERA/2 starts/13 IP) and Merle Dubbins (0-2/3.55 ERA/2 starts/13 IP). Dubbins had the worst stats of any pitchers on either squad. His two losses were 2-0 and 5-2. That's not shabby pitching. He only gave up 2 runs and 3 runs in the defeats.

Yeah, buddy, the first round was really exciting. Just look at what is coming up in round two. The Ruthlandian Union Title Series will feature the #6-ranked LaGrange Gators taking on the #2-rated Forest City Firebirds, while the matchup in the Tycobbian Union Title Series is just as attractive. It will be the #3 La Claire Lynx against the #5 Hartsdale Hellcats. The Firebirds and the Lynx have the homefield advantage in the best-of-seven series.

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, October 14, 2091

FIREBIRDS AND LA CLAIRE FORECAST TO BEAT LAGRANGE AND HARTSDALE IN IPA UNION TITLE SERIES
Two exciting series are set to determine the IPA finalists this year. The #2 Forest City Firebirds are forecast to defeat the #6 LaGrange Gators for the Ruthlandian Union title in round-two action, while defending Pro Cup champion and the #3 La Claire are picked to get by the Hartsdale Hellcats in the Tycobbian Union Title Series. The survivors will then clash in the 2091 Pro Cup Series.

The opening games will be played Monday with Forest City hosting LaGrange at Riverside Stadium and the Lynx welcoming Hartsdale at Capitol Park Stadium in La Claire.

Both series look like 7-game showdowns with Forest City getting the best of LaGrange and La Claire toppling Hartsdale. The Gators will test the Firebirds in all respects, but they don't seem to have the pitching to quell Forest City high-powered attack. The Firebirds seem to have everything needed to win the Pro Cup this season. Same scenario in the TU Title Series. The Lynx mound corps is superior to the Hellcat hurlers.

LaGrange right-hander Jules Le Royer (13-4/1.91 ERA) will toe the rubber in the Ruthlandian Union opener at Forest City opposed by right-hander Matty O'Hara (18-6/2.15 ERA) of the Firebirds.

Lefty Dandy DeBusshere (18-6/2.55 ERA) gets the call for the visiting Hartsdale Hellcats. It will righty Don Bartels (18-6/2.88 ERA) for La Claire.

[reds1]

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

WOW!

Can you believe it?

I just passed the 1,000,000 mark in views.

Thank all of you for being such faithful followers of the Islandian Pro Alliance over the last 18 years.
The first post was December 16, 2007.

From the bottom of my heart a huge thank you.
You are the reason I still do this. Without your faithful viewership I would have stopped long ago.
I was worried I wouldn't live long enough to reach a million.

Our Creator must have a good reason for keeping EC around. He still has me doing this Dynasty Report and 23 years after retiring from radio, He has me on 9 Country and Southern Gospel radio stations.

Actually, for the Islandian Pro Alliance, I can believe it. Your continued enthusiasm and dedication has made it possible.

Congratulations, Eugene and thanks for sharing the IPA universe with us!

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by reds1

Actually, for the Islandian Pro Alliance, I can believe it. Your continued enthusiasm and dedication has made it possible.

Congratulations, Eugene and thanks for sharing the IPA universe with us!

Thank you reds1.

I appreciate it!

As I have told you many times, in my opinion your Braeland Dynasty is one of the Top 5 of Alltime and it's still going strong... soon you will reach the half-million mark. Hope you reach a million views, too. I love your graphics and your wonderful story telling. Your back story for your Dynasty is one of the best ever. I will never forget your story when the young Prince met Babe Ruth.

For you folks that have never looked at reds1's great Dynasty, here is an excerpt from it.

A Young Prince Meets a Sultan
April 1926

Despite being denied from playing with the neighbourhood children, William nevertheless was fascinated with the big league version of baseball as well. He would follow both the National and American Leagues with zeal, with such stars as Jimmie ‘The Beast’ Foxx, Lou ‘The Iron Horse’ Gehrig, and Walter ‘Big Train’ Johnson setting off his imagination as well as the imaginations of other baseball mad children. But above all the others, there was one player he idolized: George Herman ‘Babe’ Ruth Jr., the man American journalists would dub ‘The Sultan of Swat’ for his hitting prowess. Years later, the King would recount with pride the experience of witnessing Babe Ruth play ball first at the Polo Grounds, and later, Yankee Stadium:

“Those were definitely heady days, as you had two great teams, the Giants and the Yankees, competing for centre stage at the Polo. But it really was no contest as the Yanks had the Babe and that’s all that mattered. Looking back, I can understand [New York Giants’ manager John] McGraw’s frustration, but Ruth was worth the price of admission alone.

“The first time I heard that sound of the ball making contact with his bat is something I will never forget. His sound was different, completely unique from anyone else’s.”

The occasion of attending his first ballgame at Yankee Stadium was due to another time-honoured ritual often observed by the rambunctious kids – skipping lessons to sneak into the ballpark. While William would quickly pay a stern price for that stunt, there was no denying him. William was hooked. The Queen Mom, understandably protective of her children, eventually grew tolerant of their fondness for baseball, at least when his schooling was over for the summer.

Meeting the Babe

In 1926, Colonel Jacob Ruppert, owner of the New York Yankees, invited William to meet his idol for the first time upon learning of the lad’s lineage and his reverence for the Babe. Walking out onto the green grass of expansive Yankee Stadium in the bright sunshine enthralled William. But it paled in comparison after the Colonel called out to a man leaning on his bat waiting his turn at batting practice.

“Hello Babe, I have someone who would like to meet you.”

Turning around, the man looked down upon his young admirer, who was now standing completely in his shadow.

”Hey kid, how you doin’?”

The lad, rendered speechless, could all but shake the Babe’s outreached hand.

“What’s the matter son - cat got your tongue?”

The broad smile on Ruth’s face put William at ease and he finally found the words.

“Would you teach me how to hit a baseball like you?”

Ruth laughed. “Sure kid. Here, let me show you how to hold a bat.”

It would be the beginning of a friendship that would last to this day. The Prince would continue to meet his idol on numerous other occasions, learning the finer elements of hitting and how to wait for a pitch. His Highness recalled another experience he had with the Babe later that same summer:

“I was swinging the bat back and forth trying to apply what the Babe was teaching me while he relaxed on the grass.

“Keep your feet square son, and bend those elbows”, he implored. “Keep them close to the body. You gotta watch for those inside pitches.”

Looking out towards the pitcher’s mound, I made the mistake of thinking out loud.

“It must be easy to be a pitcher. All you do is wind up and throw.”

“Easy?” Ruth exclaimed, “That just goes to show how little you know about baseball!”

“Why, have you tried it?” I asked.

The immediate laughs from the other players within earshot made me realize that I had just stuck my other foot in my mouth. Needless to say, that little session quickly became a pitching clinic. As the rest of the team lined up to watch him take to the mound, my awe of the Babe only grew.

“There’s nothing he can’t do!” I said to myself.””

As pleasant as it was for the young royal family in America, home was never far away for the Queen Mother. For the first time in years, the news from Braeland sounded hopeful. Unrest over the oppressive regime was spreading throughout the island. The Resistance was successfully turning the tide, and clamour for a return of the monarchy was becoming more vocal. In anticipation of their eventual return, William would now be groomed in preparation for assuming the Brunswick throne. While his personal contact with the Babe would become less frequent, his education and training would not deter him from following Ruth and his Yankees. In time, Ruth himself would pay William a visit, although under much different circumstances.

[Eugene Church]

A Legend Returns
July 1940

Leaning over the ship’s railing, the passenger flicked the ash from his cigar into the turbulent waters below. Afforded a rare occasion where his ever-present wife was not tending to him, the man retired to a lonely spot along the promenade deck to enjoy a contraband havana, one he had stowed away in the inner lining of his coat pocket.

Having watched the port town of Honolulu slowly recede from view, the man closed his eyes, lost in thought, allowing the South Pacific sun to warm his face. Suddenly, the silence was broken.

“To hell with ‘em!”, he heard himself holler. The man opened his eyes and stood erect, surprising himself at his sudden outburst. He looked around to make sure he wasn’t overheard.

But he now realized that any misgivings he had of leaving America were gone. He was going to pursue his dream one way or another, and if the baseball barons stateside were going to shut him out, he’d simply take his business elsewhere. One way or another, he was going to get his chance.

Just then, he heard his name being called by someone just around the corner.

“George? George? Oh, where is that man?”

He quickly took one last puff from his cigar and tossed it overboard just as his wife came into view.

“George – there you are! What on earth are you doing out here?”

“Just enjoying the sea air, my pet.”

His wife leaned into him and took a big whiff. “Is that tobacco smoke I smell? George, how could you? You know how I feel about them.”

“Now don’t get yourself all riled up – I just had the one. Besides, this is a long trip. A man is entitled to one now and again, ain’t he?”

“But they’ll be the death of you, I swear!”

“Oh, now don’t worry, yourself, Claire. I’ll get the better of them before they ever get the better of me! But what’s with all the ruckus? What’s the panic?”

“There’s some gentlemen on board that would like to meet you. They say they have some important matters to discuss. You need to get dressed and meet them straight away.”

“Meet them? What important matters? The only important matter I want to discuss is the return to our cabin and chow down! I’m starving! And dress up? Who are these people anyway?”

“Now, George, you’ll find out soon enough. They’re very important people and they’ve invited us to dine with them in the private banquet hall. The sooner we get going, the sooner we can eat and find out what this is all about. Now come on, George – they’re waiting!”

Following a frantic visit to their suite to freshen up, they made their way to the banquet hall. With his wife pulling him by the hand, George reluctantly followed, but stopped just short.

“Wait, wait – I haven’t finished doing up my tie! Why do I have to wear one of these things anyway?”

His wife neatly fixed his tie, kissed him gently on the cheek and looked at him with a knowing smile on her face.

“You’ll thank me later.”

Reaching their destination, attendants on either side opened the doors on their behalf. Stepping into the opulent room, George looked around to see guests formally dressed seated around a large elongated dining table. He recognized none of them until his eyes lighted upon a young man seated at the far end. A man he had not laid eyes on in nearly five years.

Upon seeing him enter the room, the young man’s face lit up. He immediately jumped up from the table and raised his champagne glass with an exuberance that startled the others who had been in quiet conversation.

“Hello, Babe! Remember me?”

Ruth beamed at seeing his old friend. “William! What the devil are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting to see you until we arrived in Braeland!”

William rushed over to greet his idol with a hearty handshake and hug. “You know me; I couldn’t wait that long and so we sailed to Hawaii to meet up with you half way. It’s so good to see you again! Hello Claire – thank you for keeping it a surprise for me!”

One of the guests, startled at Mr. Ruth’s informality, leaned over and whispered into the ear of Alexander Louden, the King’s Private Secretary. “He calls him ‘William’?”

“He calls him ‘kid’, too”, added Louden, as the guest looked on in disbelief.

For a moment, the two began to reminisce while the guests stood in awkward silence. Finally, a beautiful young woman approached and gently tugged on the King’s arm.

“William dear, perhaps you should introduce them to the rest of your guests?”

The King, having returned to the present, turned around and realized that all eyes were upon him.

“Why yes, of course. Thank you, Lily. How foolish of me. My friends, allow me to introduce to you Mr. George Ruth and his wife Claire. They are our honored guests for this evening.”

“We do apologize for our tardiness, your Majesty”, replied Claire as she and her husband were shown to their seats at the dining table.

“No apology necessary, Mrs. Ruth”, the King countered, as he and his fiancée returned to their places. “It is I who should apologize, for springing this last minute engagement upon you. And I know how all of you must be famished, so I will make my remarks brief. We can dine and then following which, we can tend to the business at hand.”

“I have had the privilege of knowing Babe Ruth personally for nearly 15 years and I cannot tell you how excited I am at the prospect of him joining our ‘United League’ family. And so I propose a toast: To Babe Ruth, the greatest ballplayer who ever lived and the greatest friend a person could ever hope to have. May you meet with every success as you embark on your new adventure in Braeland.”

“Thank you, your High–er, your Majesty”, responded Ruth, as his wife nudged him in the ribs, correcting him.

The slight faux pas drew a hearty laugh from William while the other guests followed suit. As the Chief Steward commenced the serving of the meal, Lily’s curiosity got the best of her.

“It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ruth. William has told me so much about you, but he hasn’t actually informed me as to the nature of your visit to Braeland.”

“Oh, haven’t I dear?” interjected the King. “You must forgive me. The Babe will be the new field manager for the Brunswick Legends this coming season.”

“Really? Oh, how splendid. I know you will really enjoy it here in Braeland,” Lily continued. “Have you done much managing before in America?”

A look of horror swept across William’s face and an awkward silence descended upon the dining party, but Ruth was unfazed. Indeed, he seemed relish the opportunity to respond.

“No I have not, and it is a fair question to ask why”, answered Ruth, while holding his champagne coupe up as it was being filled. “Ah, thank you”, Ruth replied to the waiter, as he took a big gulp of his champagne.

Ruth continued.

“I believe the American owners are afraid; afraid of being proved wrong. They have this silly notion of me not having the capability of managing a team simply based on personal habits and conduct. But if anyone should know how to handle players on a team, it should be one who has been there, in the trenches and gone through all the ups and downs, both on the field and in personal life. And believe me; I have experienced all of that first hand.”

“Rogers Hornsby, Pie Traynor, Frankie Frisch – all of them big names; and all of them have managed and managed successfully without needing time in the minors. I’m just asking for my fair shot, and I am grateful to the Brunswick Legends and their owner, Mr. Reomel Buesa, for giving me that opportunity.”

“Hear, hear” and “well put” responded the dining party following Ruth’s comments.

“And we’re so very pleased to have you as our manager, Mr. Ruth,” replied Legend’s owner, Reomel Buesa, as he raised his glass in his honor. “Once we conclude this fine meal, I propose that we follow through on the King’s suggestion and retire to the Captain’s Quarters to make everything official.”

The parties involved did indeed make it official following the sumptuous meal, as representatives from the team and League met with the Babe to sign off on the contract and issue the official press release, announcing that none other than the immortal Babe Ruth had signed on to manage the Brunswick Legends for the upcoming 1940-41 season.

--------

After the evening’s unexpected flurry of activity, Ruth was eager to retire to his cabin and unwind. But as he had done earlier in the day, the Babe found himself once again along the promenade deck alone. Ruth, pleased with the day’s developments, watched as the light from the full moon danced over the restless waves below.

“Beautiful evening, isn’t it sir?” asked a voice that seemingly came from out of nowhere.

Ruth turned to address the stranger. “It sure – William! What on earth are you doing out here?”

“I knew you were a night owl, so I figured you’d still be up”, replied William, as he turned down the collar of his sport jacket that he had used to try and conceal his identity. “It’s not every day that I get a chance to spend time with my good friend.”

The two men leaned forward against the railing and remained silent for a few moments.

Finally William spoke up. “Are you happy with how things turned out?”

“Very”, replied Ruth. “Managing is something I’ve always wanted to do, and now I’m getting my chance. And I have you to thank for that.”

“It’s the least I could do. Besides, this just might be step that’s needed to get that manager’s job back in the States.”

Ruth looked up at William, who had a knowing smile on his face. Ruth smiled as well, and returned to looking out over the waves in silence.

“Here, I have something for you.” William pulled a couple of cigars out of his coat pocket and gave one to the Babe. “I didn’t know you smoked, kid”, replied a surprised Ruth.

“Just on very special occasions; and this is a very special occasion.” William pulled out a lighter and lit the Babe’s cigar, before doing the same for himself. “Just don’t tell Lily, OK?”

Ruth looked at his friend with a wide grin on his face and took a puff from his cigar.

“You’ve got my word, kid; you’ve got my word.”

[Eugene Church]

The Send Off
April 1942

The manager stepped inside his office, for the last time he thought, and gazed upon the empty desk and shelves. Only yesterday it had been filled with cigar smoke, champagne bottles and other remnants of the Legends’ United Cup victory party. A surge of satisfaction welled over him as he reflected on the achievement his players had accomplished; a scrappy team that overcame adversity to win it all. But the feeling quickly dissipated as he remembered why he was leaving: how could he remain thousands of miles away from home while young Americans were dying in the defense of their country – his country. At 47 years of age, he knew he could not have a direct share, but he was sure there was something he could do to help raise money for the war effort. And what better time to return home he figured, than right then – fresh off a championship. Besides, his wife Claire was homesick and if he was completely honest with himself, so was he. It was time to leave.

But he also had misgivings. Since the start of the playoffs, he had not seen or spoken to William and was worried how his friend would feel upon learning about his sudden decision to leave Braeland. Especially after what the King had done to secure him his dream job: manager of a professional baseball team. He wanted the opportunity to speak to him and explain his decision, but forces beyond his control prevented it until his very departure scheduled for that afternoon. He wondered how he could reach him, never mind just trying to explain it.

Just then, members of the team staff passed by his office.

“Hey, look who`s still here. If I didn`t know any better Mr. Kelloway, I`d think he wanted his old job back!” joked Gary Gott, the Legends pitching coach.

Ruth laughed as he accepted Gott’s outreached hand.

“And who could blame me? It’s the best job in the entire league! And I appreciate everything you did for me, Mr. Kelloway”, replied Ruth, as he turned to shake Legends owner’s hand.

“Babe, you’re sure you wouldn’t reconsider?” asked Brendan Kelloway, with a teasing smile his face.

Ruth smiled back and sighed. “No, but thank you just the same. All things considered, it’s time to go back home.”

“I understand completely, Babe. What do you say we go up to my office and have a drink? Claire and your luggage won’t be arriving for another half hour. I’ll make a highball just for you!”

“Now that’s an offer I can’t pass up!” smiled Ruth, rubbing his hands.

Ruth and Kelloway made their way to the Owner’s office, passing through the Legends club house. As they did so, the few remaining players who were cleaning out their lockers stood up out of respect.

“Take care, skipper”, offered Harry Chatwin, the Legends star rookie centerfielder as he stepped forward to shake Babe’s hand. “All the best and thanks for everything you taught me.”

The other players stepped up as well to get one last chance to thank their idol.

“Well thank you, boys”, replied Ruth, who relished his role as a mentor. “Just remember – if you continue to play as hard as you did this season, the Cup will stay here in Brunswick for a very long time. It was a real privilege to have been your manager, men. God bless you all.”

The two men made their way up the Owner’s office. Ruth sat down in one of the lush leather chairs and watched as Kelloway pulled back the doors to the wet bar.

“Scotch and seltzer fine with you, Ruth?” asked the owner as he dropped ice cubes into the glasses.

“Oh, that’ll be just dandy”, replied Ruth, as he loosened his tie and collar.

“So, I hear you’ll be flying out on one those newfangled C-54s the U.S. armed forces is employing now”, remarked Kelloway as he handed Ruth his drink.

“Yes – too dangerous to head out by ship now”, responded Ruth, as he took a gulp from his drink. “Ah, that hits the spot. The U.S. Navy has kindly given my wife and me clearance to leave on one of their transport planes that’s heading stateside this afternoon. I just feel bad that we have to leave in a rush and all. There are so many people we would like to say goodbye too, y’know?”

“Well, you got to go when opportunity affords itself. It’s the navy after all. But I wouldn’t worry too much. Despite the secrecy, there’ll be a waiting entourage to see you off at the tarmac.”

“You think so?” asked a hopeful Ruth as he took another gulp of his highball.

Just then, Kelloway’s secretary knocked on the door and poked her head into his office. “Excuse me, Mr. Kelloway, but there’s someone here to see Mr. Ruth. They’re waiting in his office.”

“My office?” exclaimed Ruth. “Well, I guess is it until you officially hire someone else! Must be my wife.”

Ruth looked at his watch. “I suppose it’s that time. Thanks for the drink, Mr. Kelloway; I should be heading down now and not keep Claire waiting.”

“I’ll join you, if you don’t mind, Babe”, replied Kelloway. “I’ll be heading out to see you off as well. Oh, and please, call me Brendan, Babe. No need for any formality now, is there?”

“No, I suppose not”, laughed Ruth as Kelloway patted him on the back.

The men made their way back to Ruth’s old office. As Ruth opened the door, he was greeted by his wife only to realize that she was not alone.

Ruth noticed someone was seated in his old swivel chair but had his back to him. As the young man swiveled around, Ruth instantly recognized a familiar face. “William!”

But William was in no mood for pleasantries.

“What’s this I hear of you leaving without saying goodbye?” a stern looking William asked. For a moment, tension filled the air as Alexander Louden, the King’s personal secretary and Dr. David Westfall, the Commissioner stood in silence with the others at the King’s unexpected outburst.

But the King couldn’t keep the act going any longer, and broke out in a wide grin. “Gotcha!” William shouted as he playfully pointed to his much relieved friend.

Ruth could only smile as William gleefully got up and slid over the desktop to embrace him, as the crowd of onlookers in the tiny room breathed a sigh of relief as well.

“You had me going there, kid”, exclaimed Ruth. “Truth is I wouldn’t blame you if you were angry at me. I wanted to talk to you before we departed, but I didn’t know how in the short time we had left.”

“Angry at you? That’s not even possible, is it?” asked an incredulous William. “I knew this day was coming sooner or later, what – with the war breaking out and all.” Then William paused. “I just didn’t think it would be ‘sooner’.”

William then turned to acknowledge Ruth’s wife Claire and his own wife, Lily, who was holding their three month old daughter, Hannah. “Besides, you don’t owe me anything, Babe. There’s nothing more important than family and home.”

A silence then fell upon the subdued crowd, as no one was prepared to spoil the moment for William and the Babe. Finally, it was William himself who broke it. “Well, we can’t put it off any longer. It‘s time to take you and Claire home safe and sound. Alex, if you’d be so kind as to lead us out to the motorcade; we mustn’t keep the navy waiting.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Fifteen minutes later, the motorcade arrived onto the tarmac at Lune Military Airfield just outside of Brunswick, where the U.S. Navy’s Douglas R5D was waiting for them.

Getting out of the car, the King covered his eyes from the bright afternoon sun and whistled as he gawked at the gleaming transport.

“She’s a beauty, alright,” concurred Ruth.

“I’ll see to it that you’re luggage and passage is taken of, Mr. Ruth”, informed Louden as he turned to meet the approaching military personnel.

Unsure whether he would be able to keep his emotions in check, William stayed back with his wife and daughter as United League Commissioner David Westfall and Legends owner Brendan Kelloway spoke in turn and presented, among other things, the Legends’ United Cup trophy to a surprised Ruth as a keepsake.

Ruth called out to Louden who was returning from the transport. “Hey Alex, got some more for ya!”

Laughter erupted as Ruth handed off the keepsakes to the deluged Secretary. Then, Ruth approached William, who had remained subdued.

“I’ve got something for you, your Majesty.” Ruth pulled out a baseball from the pocket of his sports jacket and gently tossed it to William. “It’s the home run ball that won us the United Cup.”

Now it was William’s turn to be surprised. “Are you sure, Babe?”

“I’m positive, kid. A little token of my appreciation. Something to share with Hannah when she’s old enough.”

William laughed. “I will, Babe. I’ll make sure she knows all about it.”

Just then Louden approached them once again. “You’re baggage is all loaded up Mr. Ruth; Mrs. Ruth. They’re requesting that you board immediately.”

“Well, take care of yourself, Babe. Goodbye, Claire”, offered William as he shook their hands in turn. Then, as the realization of their leaving finally sank in, William struggled to get the words he wanted to say out. “I’ll never forget the times we spent together, Babe. Thank you for everything.”

“So long, kid; it’s been a swell ride, and I’m grateful for all you’ve done for me. See ya when the war’s over.”

“I’d like that, Babe”, replied William. The two men stood motionless, facing each other, not wanting to leave each other’s company, but both recognized there was no point in delaying the inevitable.

After a final wave of goodbye, the Ruths turned and walked across the tarmac to the transport, up the stairs and disappeared inside. As the doors closed and the plane taxied to the runway, William turned away, unable to watch any longer. He had something in his eye.

William closed his eyes and listened as the transport took off. Within a matter of minutes it was out of view. Then a subdued Louden approached the King, who still had his back to the runway. “You’re Majesty?”

“Yes, Alex; we should go now.” The entourage withdrew and headed back to the waiting motorcade. As the others piled in, William asked Louden a favour. “Take my family home would you, Alex? I want to head back to the ballpark – alone.”

Louden didn’t have to ask why. “Yes, sire.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Arriving back at the ballpark, William gently tapped his chauffer on the shoulder. “Wait for me here, Albert. I’ll be but a few minutes.”

As William emerged from the motorcar, he paused to glance up at the ‘Babe Ruth Park’ marquee as its neon lighting fought back the threatening shadows. Entering through the side door that was opened for him, William took his time walking down the dark, lonely tunnel that led to the field behind home plate. Emerging from the home dugout, William walked up to the top step and leaned against the railing. He contemplated the rays from the late afternoon sun that streamed across the green grass and thought back to the time when he first met the Babe at Yankee Stadium all those years ago. He thought of the present as well, the brief moment in time it seemed; of witnessing the Babe manage his club to glory from those very steps. Just then, he remembered the ball Ruth had given him and pulled it out of the pocket of his sports jacket. Looking at it more closely, he noticed the inscription for the first time: “To William – Thanks for everything, kid. Your friend, Babe.”

William immediately looked around through increasingly glistening eyes, making sure he wasn’t being observed. Returning his attention to the ball, William stared at it, lost in thought, and allowed himself a faint smile. He wasn’t sure of a lot of things in life. Like the outcome of a senseless war or whether he would ever see his friend again. But he was sure of one thing.

Baseball would continue to thrive in Braeland – it just won’t be the same without the Babe.