ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

I created all of the new free agents... also fixed all of the weird ethnic name combinations... Up next --- preseason predictions....

and then...

and then...

ALONG COMES JONES!

Nope! That's an old Ray Stevens from my heyday.

Up Next!

2092 Islandian Pro Alliance season.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, April 2, 2092

SAME OLD SAME OLD IN IPA IN SEASON 92
The Hot Stove League has come and gone, so has Spring Training. It's time to down to business and play baseball for real. Having said that, we will now delve into the hypothetical --- the IPA Preseason Predictions --- once we get the preseason previews out of the way we will really have baseball for real.

If the 2092 IPA season plays out as per the pundits, 7 of the reigning pennant winners will be back making a run for the IPA Pro Cup, emblematic of baseball supremacy in the Islands. Top picks to battle for the Pro Cup in October will be Ruthlandian Union champ Forest City and Tycobbian Union champ Summerland. The Firebirds are favored to defeat the Sunsets in the Pro Cup Series. Better offense is the difference.

Around the IPA: 2092 Season Preview

Ruthlandian Union

GATORS WILL WIN RU NORTH 5TH TIME IN 12 YEARS
According to The Islandian Times Preseason Poll, the LaGrange Gators will devour all comers in the Ruthlandian North this season for the 5th time in the last 12 seasons. The Gators are forecast to repeat as division champion in a two-team race with the up-and-coming Far Mountain Redhawks, who have not grace the postseason since 2083. LaGrange had a very fine year last year, going all the way to the Pro Cup Finals before succumbing to 2091 Pro Cup titlist La Claire in six games... Valmara and Ranford will come in a distant third and fourth.
Over time the Vipers are far and away the most successful playoff team in the RU North and one of the best franchises in the IPA with 33 postseason appearances and 5 Pro Cups. The Redhawks possess 3 Pro Cups and have appeared 18 times in the playoffs. The Gators have made the postseason 15 times with no Pro Cups in their 90-year IPA history. The Bulls have been to the playoffs 11 times and possess one Pro Cup. They last won the pennant in 2087.

Quick review of the also-rans in the RU North... poor Kilkenny has made the playoffs just 3 times in its history, the last times were '27 and '28... the Cats have never won a Pro Cup... Arcona is not much better than the Cats... only 6 appearances in the postseason for the Jumbos with not a nary Pro Cup... however, they did make it recently in 2086... it's also been a while since the Taranto Tars were a playoff team... 2074 was the most recent time... overall the Tars have been there on 10 occasions with one Pro Cup, in 2015... and lastly, the Glasco Foxhounds has been in the IPA postseason just 4 times with no Pro Cups.

DEFENDING CHAMP CLAXTON AND VALKA WILL WAGE WAR FOR RU SOUTH FLAG
Just like last year three clubs will clash in the Ruthlandian South this season. First and foremost it will be last year's winner Claxton trying to fend off the Valka Blackhawks in a torrid race... it's an even race according to the diamond experts. Look for the Crystal Lake Skippers to be in the race, too. No one else is expected to challenge. It's been 9 years since the Skippers were in the postseason playoffs. The Blackhawks are long overdue and have not made the playoffs since 2077. The Diamonds have appeared in two of the previous three seasons. Last year was a sensational pennant race. Claxton won by just one scant game over runners-up Valka and Crystal Lake. The Diamonds and Blackhawks have better pitching than the Skippers. Claxton has made the playoffs 23 times with one Pro Cup, while Crystal Lake has won the IPA crown 4 times and made the postseason 17 times, but not lately... however the Skippers a good run from 2079 to 2082... nothing since... Valka has never won the Pro Cup and has appeared only 10 times in the playoffs. The most recent year was in 2077.

A quick review of the RU South also-rans: sadly, it's been over 3 decades since the Waleska Westerners had a postseason appearance... 2056 was the last time. however, the Cowboys have rode off into the sunset with 3 Pro Cups ('28, '37, '39) and made the playoffs 11 times... in recent seasons Belair Beach has been a perennial power in the RU South with 6 appearances and 2 Pro Cups since 2083... overall the Sunbirds have won 16 pennants and 3 Pro Cups ('71, '84, '86)... Grand City has not done well in its IPA history, just 5 division flags in its 90 years with not one Pro Cup... the Cybercats did appear in the postseason in 2087 for the first time in 33 seasons... San Dimas has not been to the playoffs for the last 52 years... the last pennant came 2041... the Firebrands have graced the postseason just 4 times with no Pro Cups... this season's cellar dweller in the RU South, the St. John Crusaders have made the playoffs 13 time, but they have not ever won a Pro Cup... 2078 was the Holy Men's last playoff.

MARSTON WILL REPEAT IN TIGHT RU EAST RACE WITH MACS AND COLD CREEK
It will be the same threesome doing battle in the Ruthlandian East again this season. Last year the Marston Nine edged second place Wynnamac by 2 games with third place Cold Creek trailing by 8 games. The Raccoons may make it a little tighter this year. Marston's superior mound staff will be the difference. The Sundowners haven't been to the postseason since 2083. That is a very long drought for the Macs, who were a perennial playoff club over the years with 24 playoff appearances and 4 Pro Cups ('08, '55, '70, '76). Cold Creek hasn't been to the playoffs since 2081. Both Marston and Cold Creek are still seeking their first Pro Cup trophy. The Nine have made the playoffs on 14 occasions, while the Raccoons have only made it 9 times in its history.

A quick look at the RU East also-rans' playoff history: the Belle Plaine Musketeers only won one division crown (2009) in its first 8 decades in the IPA, but they have made up for lost time in recent seasons with 4 pennants since 2084... the Muskies also were victorious in '87, '88 and '90, copping the whole shebang in 2088... the Eastshore Cotton Kings have been to the playoffs 12 times and claimed 2 Pro Cups in back-to-back years, 2016 and 2017... their most recent postseason appearances were 2085 and 2089... Beechwood has had the blues --- pun intended --- for over 90 years now with a pathetic total of just 3 pennants and no Pro Cups... the last time the Blues captured the RU East title was in 2027... The Elnora Clippers have triumphed 15 times in the RU East race with one Pro Cup (2033) to show for it... the last division flags came in 2079 and 2082... for their first 51 seasons in the IPA, the Sugar Valley Rattlers has a sweet time with 18 postseason playoffs appearances... the Rattlers also won the Pro Cup in 2045 --- but absolutely nothing since --- zilch.

FC FIREBIRDS WILL FLY SKYHIGH AGAIN IN THE RU WEST AND WIN 5TH PENNANT IN A ROW
The Forest City Firebirds just may be the best team in the entire IPA. The have won 100 or more games in three of the last four seasons --- they won 99 games in the "off" year ('91). Many baseball experts are predicting the Firebirds will finally win another Pro Cup (2068), their second one. Many pundits think they should have won 2, 3 or 4 Pro Cups in recent seasons. It's a foregone conclusion they will win the RU West. Forest City has won the pennant by double digits in three of the last four years and they are expected to run away with the RU West again this year. Colfax, Volusia, Sligo and Rocky Rapids may give them tacit opposition for half the season, but that's about all. The Black Sox and Vigilantes can swing with the Firebirds, but can't sling with them. They lack the pitching to beat them. Only Rocky Rapids can match the Forest City mound staff, but the Snappers can't score.

Perusing the RU West playoff history: Forest City has won 11 pennants and one Pro Cup (2068)... the Firebirds have been scorching hot with 4 flags in a row and they are getting ready to rack up their 5th straight division title, with a good shot at the Pro Cup Trophy... 16 times Colfax has made the IPA playoffs with 2 Pro Cups to their credit (2010, 2085)... no playoff spots since '85... Volusia has won 16 pennants and one Pro Cup... that was long ago and far away in 2001, the very first year of the Islandian Pro Alliance... '83 was the most recent playoff appearance... the Sligo Rovers have had good success in the RU West, making 18 postseason appearances, but not in recent seasons... the last time was in 2080... the Rovers were the IPA champion in 2021... that's Sligo only Pro Cup... Rocky Rapids has hoisted 8 division flags in its 90-year existence... the Snappers have also raised the Pro Cup pennant one time in 2019... the Stoner Silver Sox have had a dismal IPA history with only 6 playoff spots and no Pro Cups... and its been 17 long seasons since they won the pennant... the Middlefield Roosters crowed loudly and celebrated often with 20 pennants in its first 56 seasons, coupled with 3 Pro Cup trophies ('05, '52, '56) --- since then --- silence --- nothing to cock-a-doodle-do about... the Fort Benton Cannons have not made a lot of noise in the RU West in its history... they have made the playoffs just 6 times overall with no Pro Cups... the Cannons only glory years came from 2077 to 2084 when they chalked up 4 division titles... no playoffs the last 7 seasons.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, April 2, 2092

SAME OLD SAME OLD IN IPA IN SEASON 92
The Hot Stove League has come and gone, so has Spring Training. It's time to down to business and play baseball for real. Having said that, we will now delve into the hypothetical --- the IPA Preseason Predictions --- once we get the preseason previews out of the way we will really have baseball for real.

If the 2092 IPA season plays out as per the pundits, 7 of the reigning pennant winners will be back making a run for the IPA Pro Cup, emblematic of baseball supremacy in the Islands. Top picks to battle for the Pro Cup in October will be Ruthlandian Union champ Forest City and Tycobbian Union champ Summerland. The Firebirds are favored to defeat the Sunsets in the Pro Cup Series. Better offense is the difference.

Around the IPA: 2092 Season Preview

Tycobbian Union

WR RASCALS RATED TOPS IN TU NORTH WITH SUPERIOR PITCHING AND HR POWER
Teams that put runs on the scoreboard, hit with HR power and possess fairly good pitching can do well in the Islandian Pro Alliance. Last year's Tycobbian North champion Hartsdale won it using that formula. The White River Rascals never really fell out of contention. They won two years ago and just missed out by one game last season to the Hellcats. The Rascals are favored this year over the Hellcats because of better power and much better pitching. White River is forecast to win the division in a pretty close race with Hartsdale (5 GB) and Oxford (6 GB). The Mahaska Haymakers are picked a distant fourth place, 10 games behind the leaders.

Playoff History Review

White River:
18 postseason appearances... only Pro Cup in '80... last division title 2090

Hartsdale:
22 playoff appearances... 2 Pro Cups in '43 and '63... last division title in 2091

Oxford:
16 pennants... 2 Pro Cups in '07 and '61... last division crown 2089

Mahaska:
Only 8 postseason appearances... no Pro Cups... last made the playoffs in 2086

Luxora:
12 times in the playoffs.. no Pro Cups... last postseason appearance in 2058

North Hills:
13 division crowns... 4 Pro Cups in '34, '36, '38 and '41... last playoffs in 2045

Blue Lake:
Made playoffs only 4 times... one Pro Cup in 2030... last postseason was 2069

Fairfax:
9 postseasons... no Pro Cups... last playoffs in 2087

NO CONTEST AGAIN IN TU SOUTH, SUMMERLAND TO DOMINATE AGAIN
Yes indeed, the Tycobbian South has been the personal domain of the Summerland Sunsets for the last four seasons, three of which they won by double-digit games. Yes indeed the Sunsets are the team to beat and by a wide margin again. No one is close to them on the hill or at the plate. Summerland will take the division flag for the 5th straight year and they have a good chance at winning the first Pro Cup in the team's history. Arroyo Grande (17 GB), Southport (19 GB) and Cape Coral (20 GB) will tussle for second place, along with Ginza (20 GB).

Playoff History Review

Summerland:
10 TU South titles... no Pro Cups... won the division 4 times in a row, '88 through '91... favorite this season

Arroyo Grande:
5 postseason appearances... no Pro Cups... last pennant in 2080

Southport:
17 playoffs... 4 Pro Cups in '44, '47, '65 and '66... most recent pennant in 2066

Cape Coral:
10 division flags... no Pro Cups... made postseason in '81 and '82

Ginza:
11 pennants... one Pro Cup in '59... made playoffs in 2086 and 2087...

Turon:
made playoffs 30 times... 6 Pro Cups in '03, '06, '09, '18, '72 and '78... most recent postseason was in 2084

Colchester:
5 postseason appearances... no Pro Cups... last playoff appearance in 2083

San Alejo:
appeared in playoffs 12 times... one Pro Cup in '32... last division pennant in 2085

FOUR-TEAM FRACAS IN TU EAST BETWEEN SOUTH FORK, OZARKA, RED BLUFF AND TUCKS
Look for a close race in the Tycobbian East this season between reigning champ South Fork, Ozarka, Red Bluff and Tuckanarra. The Stallions have prevailed 4 times in the last 6 seasons and are looking to win a 4th consecutive pennant, but it won't be easy. Still South Fork looks to be a good bet to win. The Stallions have the best offense, home-run power and the best mound corps --- not by a lot --- but still have the edge in both categories over the other rivals.

South Fork:
16 playoffs appearances... 4 Pro Cups in '25, '42, '73 and '77... have won the division the last 3 seasons, '89 through '91, also in '86.

Ozarka:
18 postseason appearances... no Pro Cups, but played in 5 Pro Cup Series from 2011 to 2020... most recent division title in 2088.

Red Bluff:
made the playoffs on 14 occasions... 2 Pro Cups in '04 and '57... last pennant came in 2079

Tuckanarra:
25 times in the postseason... 3 Pro Cups in '23, '24 and '35... last TU East pennant was in 2087

High Mesa:
6 pennants... one Pro Cup in '02... division champion in '85

Midway:
9 division titles... 2 Pro Cups in '53 and '54... no postseason appearances since 2061

Hillsboro:
only 2 playoffs appearances... no Pro Cups... last pennant came way back in 2067

East Point:
10 pennants... one Pro Cup in 2083... last postseason was the same year in 2083

PRO CUP CHAMP LC LYNX PICKED BEST IN THE TU WEST AGAIN --- BUT WILL BE CHALLENGED BY ROLLING HILLS AND BAYVIEW
The La Claire Lynx are the current kings of the IPA with two consecutive Pro Cup titles and 5 straight Tycobbian West titles. The Lynx also have won 3 Pro Cups in just 5 years, which is amazing. La Claire is the preseason favorite this year, yet they will have to earn it according to the baseball prognosticators. The Rolling Hills Racers and the Bayview Vikings will be barking at their heels. The Racers are always in the pennant chase. All three contenders have excellent pitching --- offense will make the difference. None of the three are very prolific at the plate.

La Claire:
11 postseason playoffs... 3 Pro Cups in 5 years ('87, '90 and '91)... the Lynx have nabbed the TU West 5 consecutives seasons from '87 to '91... La Claire is an IPA dynasty in recent years, joining Far Mountain (2009-2013 with 3 Pro Cups), North Hills (2034-2043 with 4 Pro Cups) and Rolling Hills (2060-2069 with 4 Pro Cups)

Rolling Hills:
30 playoffs... an amazing 10 Pro Cups in '29, '31, '48, '60, '62,
'67, '69, '75, '79 and '81... the last playoff appearance was in 2086

Bayview:
Just 6 postseason appearances... no Pro Cups... sadly, the last pennant came long ago in 2016

Kenwood:
14 TU division flags... 2 Pro Cups in '14 and '82... last playoff appearance was that same season as the Pro Cup in 2082

Denton City:
13 times in the playoffs... no Pro Cups... 2059 was the last pennant-winning season

Chicopee:
5 pennants... no Pro Cups... last playoff appearance was in 2085

Arlon:
9 division crowns... one Pro Cup in '51... most recent postseason appearance was years ago in '58.

Bay St. Clair:
11 playoff appearances... no Pro Cups... no pennants since 2049 and 2050

[Eugene Church]

2092 Tycobbian Union Division Champions Forecast

[Eugene Church]

Just to let you know, I rebranded one team --- the Glasco Foxhounds are now the Glasco Celtics... CD told me I should rebrand the perennial losers that never win. It would change their luck.... Let's see if it works for Glasco.

Sadly, I can't get the new jerseys for the Celtics to work in OOTP26.

Here's the new logos and jerseys.

EDiT: I got them to work... I did not hit the right SELECT button on the Unis team screen.

[Eugene Church]

Glasco Celtics... sorry, these are the best graphics I can do.
Maybe i can get txranger to do me a really good set of logos, jerseys and caps.

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, July 2, 2092

IPA PRESEASON PICKS DOING WELL AT MIDSEASON
The rich always seem to get richer. That's what it seems like in the Islandian Pro Alliance at the midseason mark. 6 of the preseason pennant favorites are in the top spot in the standings and the other two are running near to the top.

And away we go around the IPA, checking out all the pennant races midpoint in the season.

Ruthlandian Union

GATORS WINNING GALORE IN RU NORTH ROUT AND RUNAWAY
Last year the LaGrange Gators went all the way to the Pro Cup Finals and lost to the La Claire Lynx in 6 games. This year they are determined to get back there and win it all this time. The Gators are certainly playing great baseball with a .697 winning percentage halfway through the season. LaGrange already has a gigantic 12 and a half-game margin over runner-up Kilkenny. No one is going to catch the Gators this year. LaGrange has much-improved pitching this season. They will be one of the Pro Cup favorites at playoff time.

BLACKHAWKS UP AT MIDYEAR OVER LAST YEAR'S RU SOUTH CHAMP CLAXTON
The Claxton Diamonds, the defending Ruthlandian South flag winner, and the Valka Blackhawks were forecast to duke it out for the division crown this year. So far it is playing out like that, but it's the Blackhawks flying high in the standings right now with a 5-game edge over the Diamonds. Crystal Lake (7 GB) and Grand City (8 GB) are still in the postseason picture and are still to be reckoned with. Claxton has won the pennant in two of the last three years. Valka hasn't been to the playoffs since 2077. The Diamonds and the Blackhawks are very similar ballclubs. Valka seem to be just a little better on the mound than Claxton. Head-to-head this season the Blackhawks are 8-5 over the Diamonds. That's why they have fairly good lead at midseason. Valka has not had a bad month so far, while Claxton has been lukewarm in April, red-hot in May, but lousy in June. It looks like the Blackhawks are going to fly high this year in the Ruthlandian South and hoist the victory pennant for the first time in 15 years. Valka is one of the 30 or so IPA clubs without a Pro Cup Trophy. They may make the postseason, but they are not Pro Cup contenders. Nope, not likely, not this year. Valka simply doesn't have the offense or the pitching to compete with the powerhouses Forest City and LaGrange in the Ruthlandian Union.

MARSTON AND EASTSHORE ALL ALONE ON TOP OF RU EAST
After 77 games and half a season, it's a red-hot race in the Ruthlandian East. Last year's champ, the Marston Nine jumped out to a solid 6 games lead at the end of May, but the Eastshore Cotton Kings had a sizzling 20-6 month and chopped it down to just one and a half games by July first. Nobody else is really in the chase. Belle Plaine is third, trailing by 9 games with Beechwood and Wynnamac tied for the fourth spot 9 and a half games and 10 games behind. The Nine were ranked number one in the Preseason poll with the Cotton Kings far down the list in fifth place, double-digits behind with a losing record. Marston wins with really good pitching and an average offense. Eastshore is a little better at the plate, but not as good on the hill. In the long run Marston will win its second straight RU East flag, but not do well in the Pro Cup playoffs because of its woeful bats.The Cotton Kings have not been in high cotton since the '85 and '89 seasons when they made the postseason playoff.

FC FIREBIRDS SOARING, SCORING AND SIZZLING AGAIN THIS YEAR IN THE RU WEST
Yeah buddy, times are still good in Forest City. They are again the best in the Ruthlandian West Division, already with a huge double-digit lead at midseason. The Firebirds are on pace to win 106 games this season. Over the last four years they have racked an average of 103 victories. Forest City in on pace to win 106 games this year for the second time in recent seasons. The Firebirds are ranked second in scoring and ERA, fourth in batting average and sixth in homers. They are great in the regular season, but haven't won a Pro Cup in recent years, even though they are always one of the favorites. To their credit, in three of the last four years they have lost in the RU Title Series, all in 7-game series, to the eventual Pro Cup champions: In '88 (Belle Plaine), '89 (Valmara) and '91 (LaGrange). In the other season Valmara eliminated them in the '91 RU Title Series. It is looking like another rematch between the Firebirds and the Gators this season for the RU title.

[Eugene Church]

Glory Hallelujah !!

The viewer numbers are by far the best the IPA has ever been over the year... I had 1027 views Monday and 1376 so far today.

THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
A VERY SPECIAL AND GRATEFUL THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY LITTLE PEA-PICKING HEART!

[Eugene Church]

Tycobbian Union

WIDE-OPEN RACE IN TU NORTH WITH 7 CLUBS IN THE HUNT
No telling whose going to end up claiming the Tycobbian North division crown this year. No one is really standing out. 7 clubs are in the hunt. Only last place Fairfax is out of the running. Thus far, the low-rated Blue Lake Blue Caps have blossomed into a contender. Blue Lake is surprisingly in the top spot with a 4-game margin over defending champ Hartsdale at midyear, 4 and a half games up on preseason favorite White River and 6 games better than fourth place Mahaska. It is a very tight race, Oxford and North Hills are lurking just 7 games out in 5th place. And even lightly-regarded Luxora is hanging in at 8 and a half games. The Zorros played poorly the first two months with marks of 12-12 and 8-19, but sizzled in June (17-9). If they keep playing well they will be a real challenger in the race. They have plenty of time to move up in the standings in the second half of the season. The first place Blue Caps started slowly (11-12), but really picked up the pace in May (17-11) and June (17-9). the runner-up Hellcats had two good months, April (16-7) and May (17-10), but they slumped badly in June (8-19). Last year's division winner, the third place Rascals got out of the starting gate in the opening month poorly (11-12), did not do well in May (12-15), but burned it up in June (17-9) and played like a true champ. The fourth place Haymakers scorched up the standings the first month (16-9), but have been mediocre since, going 10-16 and 13-13 the last two months. Mahaska does not appear to be a pennant contender. Neither does Red Bluff. The Red Sox had losing records in two of the three months so far. It's the teams playing well now that will be in the chase in the second half and make a run for the pennant. North Hills only had a good May (15-11), but countered that with losing months early in the season. It's going to be another long also-ran season for the Hawks. And it looks like a really good race down-to-wire -- a diamond fan's delight. There's nothing better than a photo-finish involving three or four teams. It don't no better than that.

TU SOUTH 2-TEAM AFFAIR BETWEEN FAVORED SUNSETS AND PERENNIAL RIVAL SUNS
For the last five seasons the Arroyo Grande Suns have been a proverbial thorn in the side of the Tycobbian South powerhouse, the Summerland Sunsets. This year the Suns are being a real pain. This season the Sunsets were given carte blanche by the baseball prognosticators to capture their fifth consecutive division crown by double-digit figures. Whoa! Hold on! Not so fast says their recent perennial rival, the rising Suns. At the halfway point in the season it is still a very tight race. Summerland has only a half-game edge over Arroyo Grande. The Suns leaped out to a 5-game lead in the first month over the Sunsets, but Summerland has slowly edged back into the top spot in the standings. The Sunsets went 13-12 in April, improving to 17-9 in May and even better in June to 19-8, while the Suns have chalked up a record of 18-7, 15-11 and 15-11 over the first three months of the season. Both clubs are playing well and there are no signs that Arroyo Grande is going to fade off into the sunset (yep, pun intended). They have had three good months of baseball, too. The Suns are hungry --- the last postseason appearance was in 1980. None of the other teams are likely contenders, but third place Ginza is just 7 games off the pace and fourth place Cape Coral is 7 and a half-game out. They both are within striking distance to make a run with a standout second half -- but that is not likely. The Ninjas and Hurricanes just simply don't have the pitching to make the playoffs --- they don't have the bats to do it, too. Forget the rest of the TU South. Colchester, Turon, Southport and San Alejo will battle to see who can stay out of the division cellar. Comparing Summerland and Arroyo Grande. Both of them are solid clubs. The Suns have better pitching this season, something they have lacked in the last few seasons. That is why they are really pushing the Sunsets this year. For the first time in years Summerland has a serious rival for the TU South title. It should be a great race. Sunsets beware! --- if the Suns' hurlers hold up in the second half --- Summerland string of pennants is in jeopardy and may come to an end. Whoever is victorious will be serious contender for the 2092 Pro Cup Trophy. Both teams have what it takes to win. It may come down to who is the best head-to-head. If it means anything --- The Sunsets are 7-5 with the Suns. So far, even the season series is close, too.

TU EAST PRESEASON CHOICES SOUTH FORK AND OZARKA LIVING UP TO THEIR BILLINGS
It's just a two-team race in the Tycobbian East. The preseason pundits said the South Fork Stallions or the Ozarka Naturals could take the flag this season. The Stallions have won the last three pennants and four in the previous six years, dominating the division. The Nats' last playoff appearance was 2088. They came in fifth place last year --- a whopping 34 games behind. Apparently, the baseball analysts and SABR soothsayers, scribes and scribblers sense a decline in the Stallions' mound corps and a great improvement on the part of the Naturals. On paper South Fork is still the supreme team in the division because of their potent offense. Whatever the case may be, both clubs are playing well and consistently over the first three months. The Stallions have posted monthly totals of 16-9, 18-8 and 14-13, while the Nats put up marks of 16-7, 13-15 and 16-11. The series season is tied at 6 wins apiece. At midyear the Stallions have a 3-game edge on the Naturals. However, South Fork's starting rotation has really declined from previous seasons, dropping from 3.23 last year to 3.85 this year. This has given Ozarka a chance to compete at least for half the season. Let's see what happens in the second half. The rest of the TU East look like also-rans. East Point is in third place, 7 and a half game behind. Midway is in the fourth spot, 9 and a half out. Neither are likely to contend. Red Bluff and Tuckanarra were expected to be contenders, but both have flopped and fallen far behind. The forecast is for South Fork to prevail in the TU East, but not like last year when they ran away with the pennant by 21 games over the second place Tucks. Whoever wins the TU East, they will probably not get past the first round in the playoffs.

IPA DYNASTY TEAM LA CLAIRE HEADED FOR 6TH STRAIGHT TU WEST TITLE AND 3RD STRAIGHT PRO CUP
The current king of IPA baseball is the La Claire Lynx. They are on the verge of becoming a dynasty team should they do a three-peat, winning their third straight Pro Cup. So far, so good in 2092 halfway through the season with a pretty fair 5 and a half-game lead over the second place Kenwood Wildcats, 6 and a half better than the third place Rolling Hills Racers and 8 and a half games up on the fourth place Denton City Redbirds. The Lynx began slowly with a 12-13 mark in the opening month, soared like a champ to 22-5 in May and posted a solid 17-9 last month. The runner-up Wildcats have been consistent going 14-11 and 17-10 the first two months, but they cooled down a little bit to 14-13 in June. In the third spot in the standings is Rolling Hills, perennial pennant contenders with 10 Pro Cups. The Racers have gone 12-10, 16-12 and 16-12 this season. The Redbirds are running fourth. They have been hot-and-cold with a slow start at 13-11 and 11-16 in April and May, then shooting up to 18-9 in June. La Claire's great strength is its starting pitching, by far the best in the IPA with a 2.40 ERA. Their three rivals have better than average pitching, but they give up more than a run per game more than the Lynx. La Claire and Kenwood have much better HR power than Rolling Hills and Denton City. The Wildcats, Racers and Redbirds hit better than the Lynx, but La Claire still scores well with timely hitting and homers. When all is said and done the Lynx will win the Tycobbian West by a comfortable margin, proceed to the postseason playoffs with a good shot at their record-tying third Pro Cup, equaling the all-time great feat of the Far Mountain team of 2010-2012. Nobody in the TU West is going to beat a team as good as La Claire this season. Nope, ain't gonna happen... no way that's gonna happen!

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, July 13, 2092

92ND IPA ALL-STAR CLASSIC COMING UP WEDNESDAY IN LA CLAIRE
It's the midsummer diamond classic --- the IPA All-Star Game --- time for the superstars to strut their stuff! Every year the Islandian Pro Alliance takes a break in the schedule to play the annual All-Star Game. It's a battle of the superstars -- the Ruthlandian Union All-Stars versus the Tycobbian Union All-Stars. The All-Star Game will spotlight the best hitters, the best pitchers and the best fielders, all doing battle against one another, all trying to prove their league is best. This year's dream game is slated for this Wednesday afternoon at Capitol Park Stadium in La Claire, the home of the current Pro Cup champion. The Ruthlandian Union stars have won three of the last four games, but the Tycobbian Union boasts a huge lead in the overall competition, dominating the series with a dazzling 57-34 record.

The powerful Forest City Firebirds provided 7 of the RU All-Stars this year. That is the most ever by one team. The Claxton Diamonds are well represented with 4 honorees, while 3 players from the LaGrange Gators made the star squad. Thomas Tate (FC), Jim Raver (FC) and Jean-Paul Lacombe (BP) will be making their 5th appearance in the All-Star Classic. Kieran Lange (FM) made it for the 4th time. No rookies were chosen on the RU Stars.

The reigning Pro Cup king La Claire placed 4 on the TU All-Stars and 3 South Fork stars were selected. Davy Mannington (SF) has been honored 5 times in his career and Shuggie Garnett (LC) has been chosen 4 times. The Tycobbian Stars will have 4 rookies on the team: Enos Elliott (LC), Javis Williamson (NH), Dan Brockman (CCH) and Shaun Musgrove (WR).

The oldest performer in this year's All-Star Game is second baseman Mel Martin (TUC) at age 30. The youngest player is 20-year-old shortstop Lee Pennock (RH).

The Ruthlandian Union roster will feature these outstanding players:

SP Merle Dubbins (MAR) - 11-4, 2.86 ERA, 132.1 IP, 1.31 WHIP, 7.8 K/9, 2.6 WAR
SP Joe Guttuso (FTB) - 10-6, 2.32 ERA, 120.1 IP, 1.30 WHIP, 7.3 K/9, 2.9 WAR
SP Jules Le Royer (LAG) - 9-0, 1.31 ERA, 130.2 IP, 0.96 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, 4.3 WAR
SP Monty Maples (CLX) - 11-3, 2.83 ERA, 146.1 IP, 1.11 WHIP, 5.6 K/9, 3.2 WAR
SP Matty O'Mara (FC) - 12-2, 2.69 ERA, 134.0 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 6.6 K/9, 4.3 WAR
SP Dick Sharpe (ETS) - 12-5, 2.58 ERA, 132.1 IP, 1.24 WHIP, 6.2 K/9, 3.5 WAR
SP Thomas Tate (FC) - 13-3, 2.95 ERA, 146.2 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, 3.5 WAR
SP Big Boy Walker (FC) - 10-5, 2.14 ERA, 134.1 IP, 1.30 WHIP, 8.1 K/9, 4.1 WAR
RP Jimmy Alger (BEE) - 6-2, 2.53 ERA, 85.1 IP, 1.30 WHIP, 5.2 K/9, 0.3 WAR
C Jurgen Borgmann (FC) - .302/.347/.455, 255 AB, 9 HR, 125 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
C Dooky Craig (VLK) - .298/.356/.430, 272 AB, 7 HR, 125 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
C Jan Dijkman (CLX) - .305/.384/.496, 262 AB, 12 HR, 1 SB, 155 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
1B Arnfried Beckenbauer (CLX) - .295/.326/.460, 346 AB, 12 HR, 15 SB, 125 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
1B Callum Friday (CL) - .296/.364/.392, 291 AB, 5 HR, 1 SB, 114 wRC+, 1.0 WAR
1B Lonnie Sheldon (GLS) - .289/.340/.447, 329 AB, 14 HR, 134 wRC+, 1.2 WAR
2B Louie Hinton (FTB) - .307/.386/.497, 306 AB, 11 HR, 9 SB, 147 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
2B Kees Molenaar (CLX) - .334/.399/.481, 308 AB, 9 HR, 2 SB, 149 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
2B Milt Moncriffe (FC) - .309/.352/.474, 304 AB, 11 HR, 3 SB, 136 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
3B L. J. Crutchfield (STJ) - .339/.384/.510, 245 AB, 6 HR, 159 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
3B Tarmo Juczyk (MAR) - .301/.355/.457, 326 AB, 9 HR, 2 SB, 140 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
3B Jim Raver (FC) - .288/.375/.478, 299 AB, 13 HR, 145 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
SS Yank Garnett (WLK) - .279/.333/.461, 330 AB, 12 HR, 4 SB, 134 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
SS Charley Gray (LAG) - .307/.363/.523, 329 AB, 17 HR, 158 wRC+, 4.7 WAR
SS Jean-Paul Lacombe (BP) - .320/.400/.492, 319 AB, 13 HR, 9 SB, 149 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
LF Bucky Damaskos (LAG) - .315/.374/.491, 324 AB, 15 HR, 2 SB, 146 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
LF Chet Marler (CL) - .360/.394/.568, 333 AB, 11 HR, 16 SB, 176 wRC+, 4.5 WAR
LF James Walsh (RAN) - .296/.341/.488, 328 AB, 16 HR, 7 SB, 140 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
CF Nate Goldsberry (BP) - .294/.361/.421, 337 AB, 6 HR, 12 SB, 121 wRC+, 1.3 WAR
CF Kieran Lange (FM) - .286/.326/.453, 329 AB, 11 HR, 10 SB, 121 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
RF Daryl Bicknell (CCR) - .348/.392/.486, 296 AB, 5 HR, 5 SB, 151 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
RF Bryant Stubbs (FC) - .303/.361/.465, 241 AB, 10 HR, 1 SB, 142 wRC+, 1.4 WAR


And the Tycobbian Union roster will have these elite performers:

SP Elian Almora (BL) - 10-3, 2.43 ERA, 118.2 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 5.8 K/9, 3.2 WAR
SP Don Bartels (LC) - 12-2, 1.27 ERA, 127.2 IP, 0.96 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 4.3 WAR
SP Shuggie Garsett (LC) - 11-2, 2.67 ERA, 118.0 IP, 0.94 WHIP, 6.8 K/9, 2.5 WAR
SP Jaxx Hopman (OZK) - 11-4, 2.98 ERA, 132.2 IP, 1.15 WHIP, 5.8 K/9, 2.7 WAR
SP Satchell Pike (WR) - 12-4, 1.83 ERA, 147.1 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 5.8 K/9, 4.7 WAR
SP Saul Solomon (DC) - 11-5, 2.09 ERA, 124.2 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 3.8 K/9, 3.2 WAR
SP Jandamara Spencer (TUC) - 9-5, 1.88 ERA, 129.1 IP, 0.97 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, 4.0 WAR
SP Sammy Wyche (RH) - 13-2, 2.32 ERA, 124.1 IP, 1.03 WHIP, 5.4 K/9, 1.8 WAR
SP Moe Zane (OXF) - 11-3, 2.22 ERA, 134.0 IP, 1.01 WHIP, 6.2 K/9, 3.9 WAR
CL Enos Elliott (LC) - 8-2, 17 SV, 2.71 ERA, 93.0 IP, 1.29 WHIP, 5.7 K/9, 1.1 WAR
C Biggy MacLemore (SF) - .272/.336/.467, 257 AB, 12 HR, 133 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
C Gino Manda (LC) - .257/.326/.422, 249 AB, 6 HR, 20 SB, 115 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
C Jason Medwick (RB) - .301/.362/.387, 279 AB, 6 HR, 1 SB, 109 wRC+, 1.8 WAR
1B Barry Cranmore (CC) - .332/.378/.446, 334 AB, 3 HR, 127 wRC+, 1.8 WAR
1B Davy Mannington (SF) - .270/.335/.472, 322 AB, 16 HR, 3 SB, 139 wRC+, 1.6 WAR
1B Herm Plaisance (AG) - .340/.402/.514, 253 AB, 7 HR, 161 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
2B Mel Martin (TUC) - .289/.352/.466, 311 AB, 13 HR, 5 SB, 140 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
2B Liam Trawick (DC) - .301/.388/.492, 299 AB, 11 HR, 1 SB, 149 wRC+, 4.2 WAR
3B Jean Favrot (AG) - .302/.355/.477, 331 AB, 14 HR, 1 SB, 135 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
3B Cubby Sherman (BL) - .293/.357/.424, 311 AB, 6 HR, 124 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
SS Angelo Cosentino (EP) - .309/.367/.454, 317 AB, 11 HR, 133 wRC+, 1.3 WAR
SS Silas Leeuwenhoek (SF) - .301/.391/.538, 312 AB, 15 HR, 10 SB, 173 wRC+, 6.0 WAR
SS Lee Pennock (RH) - .308/.399/.457, 315 AB, 8 HR, 148 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
LF Vincent Bartelli (DC) - .332/.381/.522, 322 AB, 11 HR, 3 SB, 163 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
LF Marty Mixon (BL) - .314/.382/.398, 322 AB, 1 HR, 2 SB, 123 wRC+, 1.8 WAR
LF Javis Willamson (NH) - .310/.355/.527, 294 AB, 9 HR, 4 SB, 154 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
CF Dobie Hartnett (BL) - .302/.369/.460, 324 AB, 8 HR, 19 SB, 142 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
CF Brendan Lydell (CC) - .298/.344/.448, 346 AB, 8 HR, 7 SB, 123 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
CF Sam Smiley (SPT) - .323/.398/.478, 316 AB, 4 HR, 4 SB, 153 wRC+, 4.3 WAR
RF Milt Ashcraft (SPT) - .300/.355/.468, 340 AB, 13 HR, 11 SB, 141 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
RF Dan Brockman (CCH) - .294/.351/.508, 303 AB, 12 HR, 7 SB, 142 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
RF Shaun Musgrove (WR) - .341/.410/.549, 308 AB, 12 HR, 21 SB, 174 wRC+, 5.0 WAR

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

OPPS !

I forgot that I have to select "zoom out" on the player profile picture so the team name show each year when I convert.

It really looks plain and bare without the team name.

Wish they would make "zoom out" the default.

Even though you set the global setting for unis zoom our on the player profile, you still might need to create team picture again for each individual team picture.

[Eugene Church]

Wonders never cease.

Views yesterday were outrageous --- 6467 views... it broke the old record by a 1000..

There's got to be something wrong.... this is unheard of.
My record stood at 3000 for many years.
It had been 800 for most of years... it has increased drastically
in the last few months.

[Eugene Church]

I got great news yesterday.

txranger did me two new Glasco Celtics logos.

He is also going to new uniforms for the team.

My life is good today... yeah buddy, life is good.

I did the Secondary Logo.

[Eugene Church]

Trek2300 also did me some great new uniforms for the Glasco Celtics.

We have a wonderful OOTP Community... yes indeed, we do.

Love y'all a bunch... love you all the way to center field and back... my wife has a teeshirt with that written on it.

[Eugene Church]

Sorry, been real busy doing my Gospel/Country radio show.

I will try to play the IPA All-Star Game tomorrow and post it... then complete the second half of the 2092 season.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, July 16, 2092

RUTHLANDIAN UNION SOCKS IT TO TYCOBBIAN UNION AGAIN IN DREAM ALL-STAR CLASSIC
The Ruthlandian All-Stars smacked the Tycobbian All-Stars 6-2 in the 92nd Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star Game Classic for their fourth victory in the last five games, but they still trail 57-35 overall in the series. The RU Stars outhit and outpitched the TU Stars. They cracked 13 hits while the Tycobbian Union was held to just 4 hits. Jean-Paul Lacombe (Belle Plaine) with 3 hits was chosen the game's Most Valuable Player. Daryl Bicknell (Cold Creek) and Nate Goldsberry both had 2 hits each for the winners.

Both clubs played everybody on their rosters, all 64 players. Standouts on the hill for Ruthlandia were Thomas Tate (Forest City), he struck out all three batters he faced. Jules Le Royer (LaGrange) tossed 2 scoreless innings and Joe Guttusa (Fort Benton)had a perfect 1-2-3 inning.

LaGrange's Antoine Robicheaux was the winning skipper, while Jonny Bacon of La Claire the was losing manager. The dream game was hosted at Capitol Park Stadium in La Claire, the home of the Pro Cup champion Lynx.

[Eugene Church]