ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, November 7, 2093

IPA GOLDEN DEFENDERS ACCLAIMED IN IPA
The highlight reels were full of plays from these Islandian Pro Alliance standouts this year. The Ruthlandian Union Golden Glove Award for 2093 has been awarded to the following players:
Pitcher
Jaan Veerpalu (Valka Blackhawks) (40 G/1.000 FA/21 PO/39 A/2 DP) - (20-8/2.42 ERA)

Catcher
Gruffy McGriff (Waleska Westerners) (127 G/.996 FA/87 A/4 DP/3 PB/52.2% RTO) - (.244 BA/4 HR/47 RBI/41 R)

First Baseman
Daiji Kawahara (Beechwood Blues) (145 G/.994 FA/103 A) - (147 G/.305 BA/16 HR/87 RBI/76 R)

Second Baseman
Gil Kirchberg (Ranford Bulls) (144 G/.984 FA/404 A) - (149 G/.269 BA/9 HR/67 RBI/68 R/12 SB)

Third Baseman
Jim Raver (Forest City Firebirds) (148 G/.979 FA/340 A/31 DP) - (154 G/.305 BA/13 HR/71 RBI/90 R) - 2 Golden Gloves

Shortstop
Carlton Carroll (Wynnamac Sundowners) (149 G/.975 FA/539 A) - (152 G/.257 BA/32 HR/102 RBI/85 R/12 SB) - 2 Golden Gloves

Left Fielder
Cade Frizzelle (Kilkenny Cats) (143 G/.996 FA/257 PO/6 A) - (151 G/.257 BA/14 HR/51 RBI/60 R)

Center Fielder
Ben Atcheson (Marston Nine) (139 G/.993 FA/374 PO/30 A) - (143 G/.276 BA/21 HR/85 RBI/90 R/4 SB) - 3 Golden Gloves

Right Fielder
Julien Concepcion (Eastshore Cotton Kings) (147 G/.997 FA/303 PO/16 A) - (149 G/.269 BA/5 HR/58 R/75 R/7 SB)

Today the most best glovemen in the Tycobbian Union for 2093 were announced. Golden Glove Awards will be presented to these top-notch defenders:
Pitcher
Russell Hayden (Ozarka Naturals) (35 G/1.000 FA/20 PO/30 A/4 DP) - (15-12/3.85 ERA)

Catcher
Billy Simms (Arroyo Grande Suns) (131 G/.999 FA/70 A/6 DP/.47.1% RTO) - (137 G/.291 BA/20 HR/77 RBI/60 R) - 2 Golden Gloves

First Baseman
Joe Leaphorn (Chicopee Braves) (139 G/.997 FA/93 A) - (142 G/.317 BA/15 HR/78 RBI/81 R)

Second Baseman
Arlon O'Shea (Midway Wolves) (146 G/.985 FA/467 A) - (152 G/.292 BA/20 HR/90 RBI/77 R)

Third Baseman
Hernando Salazar (Midway Wolves) (140 G/.977 FA/293 A/23 DP) - (.179 BA/9 HR/41 RBI/47 R/8 SB)

Shortstop
Greg Bretton (High Mesa Buckaroos) (147 G/463 A/.973 FA) - (152 G/.287 BA/18 HR/75 RBI/91 R/3 SB)

Left Fielder
Roy Whitwell (Mahaska Haymakers) (148 G/.993 FA/276 PO/6 A) - (151 G/9 HR/63 RBI/73 R/6 SB)

Center Fielder
Shaun Musgrove (White River Rascals) (120 G/.994 FA/307 PO/19 A) - (148 G/10 HR/40 RBI/79 R/12 SB)

Right Fielder
Arlie Doerr (Kenwood Wildcats) (149 G/.986 FA/345 PO/18 A) - (151 G/21 HR/88 RBI/79 R/3 SB)

[Eugene Church]

Hip, Hip Hooray!
IPA season 2093 is fini.

Good Lord willin' and those two creeks don't rise, get ready for the 94th year of Islandian Pro Alliance baseball coming to a ballpark near you real soon!

EC is hoping to live long enough to get to 100 years --- NOPE, not me --- the IPA.
7 seasons to go.

The Good Lord has given me 86 years so far.
Thank you, Jesus.
Hope I will be around long enough to complete the 100th IPA season.

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, November 8, 2093

SURPRISE AGAIN - CLOSERS FERRELL AND SNIJDER WIN IPA MVP AWARDS
Those fantastic closers, Claxton's Dingo Ferrell and Summerland's Duke Snijder, have done the almost-impossible twice in the same season --- first, they won the 2093 IPA Golden Arm Awards --- and now the 2093 IPA Most Valuable Players Awards. Never ever happened before.

Farrell nudged out another closer Dax Brimfield of the Beechwood Blues and outfielder Domingo Braceras of the Volusia Vigilantes, while Snijder outpolled two starters, Javon Harbin of the Hartsdale Hellcats and Geoff Tomczik of the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers.

FARRELL CHOSEN RU MVP OVER BRIMFIELD AND BRACERAS
Dingo Farrell saved an IPA-leading 36 games and was 10-9 in 91 games with a 2.58 ERA. He paced Claxton to second place in the Ruthlandian South. The Diamonds were beaten out by the Valka Blackhawks, finalists in the Pro Cup Series.

Beechwood closer Dax Brinfield stood out with 33 saves and a strong 2.27 ERA in 91 relief appearances. He posted a 10-8 record. The Blues ran a good race against the RU East champion Cold Creek, losing out by 5 games.

Volusia left fielder Domingo Barcenas had a sensational season, winning the RU Golden Bat and Rookie Of The Year honor. He batted .328 in 150 games with 42 doubles, 14 triples, 18 homers, 101 RBIs, scored 95 times and stole 9 bases, helping the Vigilantes wind up a close third in the RU West race, just 3 and a half games behind Forest City and Colfax.

TU MVP TIGHT VOTE GOES TO SUMMERLAND'S SNIJDER OVER HARTSDALE'S HARBIN AND BSC'S TOMCZIK
Three twirlers battled for the 2093 Tycobbian Union Most Valuable Player Award. It went to this year's Golden Arm winner, Duke Snijder of the Summerland Sunsets, champion of the TU South. Snijder had an astounding season with a 19-10 mark, 33 saves in 96 games with a solid 2.61 ERA. The Sunsets ran away with the TU South by 15 games. Summerland wrapped up a superb season by winning the IPA Pro Cup.

Javon Harbin sparked the Hartsdale Hellcats to the TU North division title with a sparkling 25-3 record and 3.00 ERA. The Hellcats handily won the pennant with ease, romping by 17 games.

Bay St. Clair workhorse Geoff Tomczik stood out for the 5th-place Buccaneers with an 18-14 record and outstanding 2.52 ERA in 38 starts. He came in third in the TU Most Valuable Player voting.

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, April 1, 2094

SUMMERLAND BEST IN TU AGAIN, VALKA BEST IN RU AGAIN
The Islandian baseball scribes have labeled defending Pro Cup champion, the Summerland Sunsets, a repeat winner in the Islandian Pro Alliance this season. Last year's Pro Cup finalist, the Valka Blackhawks, are forecast to battle the Sunsets again for the overall IPA crown. Summerland was victorious over Valka in six games last year.

This year's favorites in the 8 IPA divisions are Valmara in the RU North, Valka in the RU South, Marston in the RU East and Volusia in the RU West, Hartsdale in the TU North, Summerland in the TU South, South Fork in the TU East and La Claire in the TU West. Five of them are repeat winners.

Around the Ruthlandian Union

The Valmara Vipers are the pick of the litter again in the Ruthlandian North. It looks like a tight two-team affair with the Far Mountain Redhawks. Last season the Vipers bested the Taranto Tars by 5 games and the Redhawks by 7.

Valka is rated the best team in the Ruthlandian Union. The Blackhawks are favored to rule the roost in the RU South handling last year's runner-up rival by 7 games. They whipped the Diamonds by 5 games last season. Grand City came in third, 6 GB. A two-team race is predicted this season.

Ditto in the Ruthlandian East chase. Only two clubs have a chance at the division flag. The Marston Nine gets the nod over the Elnora Clippers by 3 games. Defending champ Cold Creek will wind up in third place in the standings, 10 GB. Marston won it in 2091 and 2092.

Only two teams are given a shot at the Ruthlandian West title this year. Volusia and Colfax will battle it out in a close race with the Vigilantes slipping past the Black Sox by 3 games. Last year's champion Forest City and fourth place Fort Benton will wind up 9 games off the pace. The Firebirds have dominated the RU West for the last six seasons, winning the pennant every year. The V's came in third last year, losing out by just 3 and a half games. Forest City just barely beat Colfax last year. The Firebirds won a sudden-death playoff for the division crown.

Around the Tycobbian Union

The Hartsdale Hellcats will have their own way again in the Tycobbian North, romping by 11 games over Mahaska, 13 games better than Fairfax and 15 games ahead of North Hills. The Hellcats will triumph for the 4th consecutive season and will likely contend for the Pro Cup crown.

The Summerland Sunsets are seeking to repeat as Pro Cup champion, but they are also trying to win their 7th Tycobbian South title in a row. Most years they easily prevailed, but not this year, according to the soothsayers and crystal ballers around the Islands. Three teams will be in the pennant hunt with the Sunsets. Arroyo Grande and Southport will put up the biggest fight before succumbing by 4 games. Cape Coral will come in a fairly close fourth, 7 GB.

The Ozarka Naturals nabbed the Tycobbian East last year in a torrid race with East Point (2 GB), Tuckanarra (4 GB) and South Fork (6 GB). This season only three clubs will likely contend. The South Fork Stallions are favored by 3 games over the Tuckanarra Blue Jays with the Nats winding up third and 5 games off the pace. The Stallions won the TU East 4 straight seasons, 2089 to 2092.

The La Claire Lynx been a powerhouse in the IPA with 3 Pro Cups (2089, 2090, 2091) in the last 7 seasons and 7 Tycobbian West pennants in that same timeframe. They were pushed hard by the Denton City Redbirds last year. The Lynx squeezed past the Redbirds by just a single solitary game. The rest of the division teams were far back in the race. The same scenario is forecast. Just two teams will tangle for the pennant with La Claire winning by 7 games over Denton City.

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, January 7, 2094

IPA IMMORTALS SWINNERTON, STANSBURY AND MCCANLISH GET THE CALL TO THE HALL
The Islandian Pro Alliance Hall of Fame, a bastion for the very best baseball player in the Islands, swelled by 3 recently to 152. Their numbers were enhanced by Tory Swinnerton, Dayton Stansbury and Scotty McCandlish, all elected their first year on the ballot.

Swinnerton starred for 17 seasons for the LaGrange Gators, blasting 753 balls out of the Islandian baseball parks. He was 4th all-time on the homer list, trailing only Jerry Culpepper (878 HR), Roy Roberts (872 HR) and Jack Elliott (848 HR). The Gator first baseman played for 18 seasons, all in LaGrange, leading them to 7 pennants from 2073 to 2090. He topped the Ruthlandian Union in homers 13 times, made 10 All-Star teams, copped 2 Golden Gloves and led in RBIs on 3 occasions. Swinnerton was honored with 5 Most Valuable Player Awards and 4 Golden Bats. An artisan with a bat whose daily pursuit of excellence produced a .297 lifetime batting average, 2904 hits, 1932 ribbies and 753 home runs. Swinnerton was 14th all-time in RBIs.

Dayton Stansbury, a portsider, toiled on the hill for 17 years for a lackluster ballclub most of the time, the Ranford Bulls,. He paced them to 3 pennants from 2074 to 2090, winning the RU Rookie of the Year his first season. Stansbury was a 4-time All-Star, Golden Glove and the 2080 RU Golden Arm winner. He was a workhorse for a so-so team, compiling a 254-159 mark with a 3.07 ERA. In the postseason Stansbury really stood out with a 6-0 record and 1.76 ERA in 7 starts and 9 appearances. He worked 61 postseason innings. In his overall career in 563 game appearances he fanned 2721 batters in 3969 innings and held opposing hitters to a .239 average. He retired at 38. His final season Stansbury was 8-4 with a 4.16 ERA in 59 games. He worked mainly in relief.

A slugging first sacker, most of his career Scotty McCandlish played in anonymity. His first 10 seasons were in Arlon. He finished up in Waleska the final 4 years. Sadly, he never made the playoffs. Neither the Champions, nor the Westerners were postseason participants. Both were just mediocre to average in his seasons there. However, McCandlish hammered the old horsehide. He played in 2064 games with a .277 lifetime batting average. Among his 2083 hits were 349 doubles, 17 triples and 504 home runs. He also scored 1248 runs and drove in 1477 runs. McCandlish was 37 when he retired. He made the All-Star team on 4 occasions, won the TU Rookie of the Year in 2077 and the TU Golden Bat in 2080. McCandlish led the league 3 times in homers and an RBIs.

Tory Swinnerton, Dayton Stansbury and Scotty McCandlish were inducted into the Hall of Fame today after being elected by the Islandian Baseball Writers Association.

The full voting results are included here. Players require 75% of ballots cast to be elected to the Hall, may stay on the ballot for up to 10 years if they receive at least 5% of the votes. Players must be retired for 3 years before they are eligible for induction to the Hall of Fame.

1B Tory Swinnerton 100.0 (1st year) Inducted HOF
SP Dayton Stansbury 94.5 (1st year) Inducted HOF
1B Scotty McCandlish 87.7 (1st year) Inducted HOF
RF Ernie Friedricks 64.8 (9th year)
SS Carroll Ezzell 58.1 (6th year)
SP Chuck Chelkowski 53.8 (1st year)
1B Wiilie Nelson 44.3 (1st year)
SP Clete Engstrom 41.9 (1st year)
2B Johnny Davidson 39.9 (2nd year)
3B Ronald Bayless 32.4 (4th year)
1B Matt Hazelton 31.6 (3rd year)
SP Sid Humphrey 29.2 (1st year)
CF Robert Hazle 28.1 (3rd year)
LF Olev Kotli 26.5 (2nd year)
C Conn Donaldson 23.7 (1st year)
1B Matty Cardoso 20.2 (1st year)
LF Bruno Lutz 17.8 (1st year)
C Jaron Shufford 16.2 (3rd year)
CF Luc Likovich 15.0 (2nd year)
RF Joe Willard 12.6 (2nd year)
SP Frankie Tate 9.9 (1st year)
C Liam McWhirter 8.3 (1st year)
SP Skeets Kazlauskas 8.3 (4th year)
SS Emmett Spangler 7.9 (3rd year)
SP Hawk Templeton 7.9 (5th year)
3B Ben Watkins 6.3 (1st year)
SP Mitch Hynes 6.3 (2nd year)
SP Mick Flanders 6.3 (9th year)
CF Donald Wilhelm 5.9 (3rd year)
RP Elizar Belasario 5.1 (2nd year)
SP Clifton Branch 5.1 (2nd year)
RF Harland Schiffman 4.3 (2nd year) Dropped
SP Davis Hickerson 4.3 (4th year) Dropped
C Raul Bernardo 4.3 (5th year) Dropped
SP Andrew Saul 4.0 (2nd year) Dropped
2B Sonny Zambello 4.0 (1st year) Dropped
SP Hamilton Burger 2.8 (2nd year) Dropped
SP Dex Antoon 2.8 (1st year) Dropped
SP Felix Poirot 2.4 (2nd year) Dropped
2B Ethan Youngman 2.4 (3rd year) Dropped
CF Lucky Hayden 2.4 (1st year) Dropped
SP Wayne Wolfe 2.4 (2nd year) Dropped
C Armand Rochet 2.0 (1st year) Dropped
2B Nat Kenner 2.0 (9th year) Dropped
SP Greg Hammerstein 1.2 (3rd year) Dropped
C Michel Colbert 1.2 (3rd year) Dropped
1B Beauregard Berthelot 1.2 (1st year) Dropped
CL Philip Reiser 1.2 (1st year) Dropped
3B Eli Kulacz 0.8 (1st year) Dropped
SP Jim Brockington 0.8 (3rd year) Dropped
RP Marcello Rossi 0.8 (3rd year) Dropped
1B Miggy Montalvo 0.4 (1st year) Dropped
SS Buddy Ball 0.4 (1st year) Dropped
SP Jorgy Neal 0.4 (1st year) Dropped
C Mike Mantle 0.4 (3rd year) Dropped
LF Sid Barton 0.4 (3rd year) Dropped
No other players received a vote, and have been dropped from the ballot.

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, July 1, 2094

AROUND THE IPA AT MIDYEAR

BIG BOYS BEING CHALLENGED BY PERENNIAL ALSO-RANS
There are some new names making sports headlines in the Islandian Pro Alliance. The perennial also-rans are challenging the traditional powerhouses this year. At midseason, only Marston, Hartsdale and Summerland are living up to their reputations. 11 clubs are in the pennant chase that have not been to the postseason lately. North Hills has missed the playoffs since '45, Blue Lake and Southport since '69. It's been anywhere from a decade or two for the other challengers this season. Rolling Hills is the most recent, last winning a pennant in '86. East Point, Crystal Lake and Far Mountain haven't been since '83, Elnora '82, Arroyo Grande '80 and Red Bluff '79.

At midyear, Far Mountain has the top spot in the Ruthlandian North, Crystal Lake in the Ruthlandian South, Marston in the Ruthlandian East and Volusia in the Ruthlandian West. Every-year contenders Hartsdale and Summerland are atop the standing in the Tycobbian North and South races with Red Bluff running first in the TU East and Rolling Hills in the lead in the TU West.

FM REDHAWKS FLYING HIGH IN RU NORTH
Around the IPA, here's what's happening. The Far Mountain Redhawks are battling the lightly-regarded Glasco Celtics in the RU North. The Redhawks are up by one and a half games at midseason. Preseason favorite Valmara is under .500 and in 4th place, trailing by 7 and a half games. The Vipers won the division crown last season. LaGrange, Valmara and Taranto are still within striking distance of the halfway leaders. Far Mountain looks to be the best overall team. LaGrange and Valmara may end up to be the toughest rivals. It will end up a three-team affair. Glasco has no pitching. Not likely to stay in the race. Taranto has no bullpen.

HOT-HITTING CL SKIPPERS SAILING SMOOTHLY IN RU SOUTH, INJURY-PRONE VALKA FALTERS SLIGHTLY
Last year's Pro Cup finalists, the Valka Blackhawks, were forecast to fly by everyone in the Ruthlandian South this year and even contend for the Pro Cup again, but so far it hasn't happened. 3 regulars, shortstop Kolya Baturin, right fielder Bulldog Byers and first baseman Raphael Paquet, have been missing from the lineup. That is the main reason for the drop in the standings. The Blackhawks staff will have to win the pennant by themselves this year. That may be hard to do. Last year's rookie pitching sensation Jaan Veerpalu is suffering from sophomoritis with a 5-5 mark so far and a 3.31 ERA. Nowhere close to his numbers last season. Thus far Crystal Lake has hit it way to first place and has a 4 and a half-game edge on another offensive juggernaut, the Claxton Diamonds. Valka is struggling 5 games to the rear in the third spot. Grand City is in 4th place, 7 GB, but not likely to really challenge in the pennant chase. The Cybercats have neither the arms, nor the bats to be a pennant contender.

MARSTON FAVORED TO WIN OUT IN 4-TEAM RACE IN RU EAST
It appears the Marston Nine are back in the Ruthlandian East after falling down to a disappointing 5th last season, 17 games behind the pennant-winning Cold Creek Raccoons. The Nine won the division in 2091 and 2092. But it is shaping up as a very close race. The Elnora Clippers are just one and a half-game back, the Eastshore Cotton Kings are third, 4 and a half games out with Cold Creek 6 GB in the 4th spot in the standings. The outlook is for Marston to nab the pennant in a tight three-team test with Elnora, who possess good hitting and good pitching and Eastshore. The Cotton Kings are dangerous because of their offense, but they lack the bullpen to win the pennant. The Raccoons lack of a bullpen will hurt their chances to make it a foursome in the hunt for the flag.

PHOTO FINISH IN RU WEST BETWEEN FOREST CITY AND VOLUSIA
After 7 years of dominance in the Ruthlandian West by the powerful Forest City Firebirds, Volusia and Colfax were picked to dispose of the perennial pennant-winning Firebirds and by a handy margin. According to the pollsters the Vigilantes would win out over the Black Sox by a thin 3 games with Forest City far back 9 games behind, along with the Fort Benton Cannons. No so, at midseason. The V's have the lead by the narrowest of margins -- just a half-game. The Black Sox are malingering a distant 8 games off the pace. Volusia and Forest City are the class of the RU West. Don't count out the Firebirds. They still possess rock-solid starters, Big Boy Walker, Thomas Tate and Matty O'Mara. Volusia suffered a tough loss. They lost a fine starter, Lars Henriksson for 7 weeks in April. He was 18-13 last year with a 3.42 ERA. He began 2-1 with a strong 2.55 ERA in 4 starts. It will probably wind up a photo finish between the Vigilantes and the Firebirds. Personally, EC thinks it will be Firebirds, yeah buddy. They know how to win.

2094 Ruthlandian Union Midseason Standings

[Eugene Church]

2094 Ruthlandian Union Midseason Batting and Pitching Leaderboards

[Eugene Church]

Friday, July 2, 2094

AROUND THE IPA AT MIDYEAR

SUNSETS AND HELLCATS STILL STRONG --- SOMETHING NEW --- ALSO-RANS ALSO IN THE RUNNING
Like precision clockworks, Summerland is right on time and headed for its 7th straight Tycobbian South Division crown. Hartsdale is in first place and should nab its 4th consecutive TU North flag, but so far, it has not been easy. The Hellcats have a fight on their hands from at least 4 clubs, most of which have not been in the playoffs for at least a decade.

Something new is in the air. There are two teams seldom seen in the postseason that are running atop their divisions. The Red Bluff Red Sox haven't won the TU East since 2079 and Rolling Hills Racers last won the TU West in 2086.

HELLCATS HAVE PRECARIOUS LEAD IN TU NORTH AT MIDSEASON
Hartsdale was strongly favored to rout the Tycobbian North again by double digits. So far the also-rans have not played ball. Halfway through the season it's a heck of a race with four other teams. North Hills is just one and a half-game behind in 2nd place, Blue Lake is only 2 and a half games back in 3rd, Oxford and Fairfax are deadlocked for the 4th spot in the standings, 5 GB. Even 6th place Mahaska and 7th place Luxora still have a reasonable shot at the pennant. Why is this happening? Simple --- the Hellcats are not hitting like the usually do --- but they are still pitching --- maybe better than ever. Bennie Frye, Javon Harbin, Dandy DeBusshere and Teddy Rozanski all have ERAs under 3.00 --- that why the Hellcats have the lead. If the bats don't perk up in the second half, Hartsdale can still win, but it will not be easy. Good defense also give the Hellcats an edge in the race. The North Hills Hawks and Blue Lake Blue Caps look like the mostly likely serious rivals. Hartsdale hit a solid .273 last year. It's way down to just .249 this season. That is their primary problem.

SUMMERLAND SUNSETS SITTIN' PRETTY IN TU SOUTH AGAIN
Yeah buddy, life is good today --- life is good for the Summerland Sunsets. It's midyear and already they have built up a strong 9 and a half-game margin in the Tycobbian South. Nobody is on the horizon to challenge the Sunsets. In its division Summerland is just about the best team with the bats, best on the hill by far and just about the best defensively. Yes indeed, the Sunsets are set to win its 7th successive TU South pennant and just might possibly win a second straight Pro Cup trophy. They are much more talented than their division rivals. The Arroyo Grande Suns, the Southport Sun Sox and the Cape Coral Hurricanes were forecast to put up a fair fight, but so far, no one has. The Suns, Sun Sox and Turon Typhoons are tied in the runner-up spot, 9 and a half games out. The 'Canes are 10 games behind. All of them can handles the bats pretty well, but none come close to Summerland's mound corps.

6-TEAM TANGLE IN TU EAST AT HALFWAY POINT
The preseason poll called for a 3-team tangle, but halfway through the season, as many as 6 clubs could have a shot at winning the Tycobbian East. According to the pundits the South Fork Stallions would win a close race with the Tuckanarra Blue Jays and last year's division champion, the Ozarka Naturals. To the surprise of many, the unheralded Red Bluff Red Sox and East Point Panthers are running 1-2 in the standings with the Tucks clinging close by. The Stallions, Naturals and Hillsboro Blazers could be in the hunt with good second halves. Good pitching favors the Panthers and the Blue Jays in the long run. All of the challengers can score runs. Red Bluff has hit their way to the top, but they probably don't have the pitching to win it. Ozarka is in the same boat --- good hit, no pitch. East Point plays really good defense, much better than the other clubs. The Panthers will outpace the Tucks in a very tight stretch drive.

IN TU WEST LA CLAIRE SHOO-IN FOR 8TH YEAR IN A ROW
The La Claire Lynx have quietly and without a lot of fanfare been the best team in the Islandian Pro Alliance since 2087. All the Lynx have done is win 3 Pro Cups ('87, '90, '91) and 8 Tycobbian West division titles in a row. They had a chance at all of the Pro Cups in that glorious run. This year the Island baseball experts again ranked them as the team to beat and by a goodly margin. Only the Denton City Redbirds were given any chance at the pennant. La Claire was favored to fend off the Redbirds by a comfortable 7 games. Lo and behold, no one foresaw the rollickin' and rollin' Rolling Hills Racers. They were rated the 5th-best team, very likely to finished way out of the running and below the .500 mark. OOPS! Nobody told the Racers. At midyear they are playing sound baseball and have a 5-game lead over La Claire, 8 games better than the Kenwood Wildcats and 10 up on the Bayview Vikings. Denton City is 5th and trails by 10 and a half games. It's a long season. Rolling Hills has the edge in home-run power and defense over La Claire, but the Lynx counter that with rock-solid starters and a much better bullpen. Look for La Claire to do it again and win their 8th straight TU West pennant. However, it's not likely the Lynx will rack up their 4th Pro Cup Trophy in the last decade, in spite of being a dynastic team --- they just can't put enough runs on the scoreboard in the playoffs.

2094 IPA PRO CUP CRYSTAL BALL VIEW
The Summerland Sunsets are really shining this season. It is so, so hard to win just one Pro Cup, to repeat is really, really tough. But the Sunsets have fairly good odds to do it. Most likely opponent --- the Forest City Firebirds.

Here is what the Firebirds have done in the postseason in recent years: lost to Pro Cup champion Belle Plaine in 2088, lost to Pro Cup champion Valmara in 2089, lost to Pro Cup Finalist Valmara in 2090, defeated by Pro Cup Finalist LaGrange in 2091, however, Forest City finally captured the Pro Cup in 2092. But keep in mind, the Firebirds are not the same team. Aging has set in. They did not do well last year postseason playoffs. Forest City was eliminated in the first round. They don't have the offense they used to have, nor the pitching.

2094 Tycobbian Union Midseason Standings

[Eugene Church]

2094 Tycobbian Union Midseason Batting and Pitching Leaderboards

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, July 11, 2094

IPA DREAM GAME #94 COMING TO SUMMERLAND TUESDAY AFTERNOON
Once a year in the Islandian Pro Alliance there is a game that features nothing but talented and gifted players. It is the IPA All-Star Game Classic. 52 of the Islands' best diamond stars will congregate on one field for one game. It is a showcase of superstars. The 94th edition of the IPA All-Star Game is slated for Sunset Stadium, the home of Pro Cup champion Summerland. Nothing but pride will be on display. Pride in one's baseball skills and a chance to show your stuff. Divisional pride is also up at stake. Over the years the Tycobbian Union has totally dominated in the All-Star Game, holding a massive 57-36 lead. However, not so lately. The Ruthlandian Union has triumphed 5 times in the last 6 years.

Leading the RU All-Stars this season will be 5-time All-Star catcher Dooky Craig of the Valka Blackhawks. Also aiding and abetting Craig will 3-time honorees, pitcher Big Boy Walker of Forest City, shortstop Charley Gray of LaGrange and left fielder Chet Marler of Crystal Lake. Only one rookie made the RU Stars this year. That was Russell Hayford, center fielder for the Glasco Celtics.

In the Tycobbian Union dugout there will be 5-time All-Stars Hennie Hendriks, catcher for the Summerland Sunsets and center fielder Sam Smiley of the Southport Sun Sox. The TU Stars also boast second baseman Ronald Brooks of South Fork, shortstop Jeff Baturin of Ozarka and left fielder Norris Chance of Summerland, all appearing in their 3rd All-Star Classic. Tycobbia has two rookies on the roster, pitcher Toulouse Chavanel of Bayview and third baseman James Brandini of Rolling Hills.

It is not an easy task to pick the best players for the Islands' annual baseball classic -- the IPA All-Star Game. The rosters for this year's Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star Game have been announced.

For the Ruthlandian Union, the roster includes:

SP Mylon Easterly (ELN) - 12-3, 2.21 ERA, 166.2 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 3.1 K/9, 4.3 WAR
SP Emile Masson (BEE) - 12-7, 2.52 ERA, 161.0 IP, 1.34 WHIP, 4.2 K/9, 3.8 WAR
SP Johnny Richter (FM) - 13-2, 2.27 ERA, 154.2 IP, 1.14 WHIP, 4.7 K/9, 4.4 WAR
SP Juan Serna (VLK) - 12-4, 2.06 ERA, 165.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 4.7 K/9, 5.0 WAR
SP Dale Southard (STO) - 9-4, 1.89 ERA, 152.1 IP, 1.23 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 3.6 WAR
SP Gerald Trimble (VOL) - 11-5, 2.17 ERA, 169.2 IP, 1.14 WHIP, 5.5 K/9, 6.8 WAR
SP Big Boy Walker (FC) - 13-5, 2.74 ERA, 160.2 IP, 1.25 WHIP, 5.5 K/9, 4.3 WAR
CL Pee Wee Warrick (VOL) - 6-4, 17 SV, 1.76 ERA, 71.2 IP, 0.99 WHIP, 4.8 K/9, 1.8 WAR
C Coco Cobo (VOL) - .307/.407/.504, 244 AB, 11 HR, 159 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
C Dooky Craig (VLK) - .297/.349/.495, 273 AB, 12 HR, 131 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
C Glynn Gladewater (CCR) - .307/.387/.454, 251 AB, 5 HR, 138 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
1B Callum Friday (CL) - .334/.426/.495, 317 AB, 12 HR, 159 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
1B Ivan Nosek (CCR) - .312/.390/.486, 327 AB, 12 HR, 147 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
2B Charlie Carrier (BB) - .338/.400/.503, 314 AB, 11 HR, 155 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
2B Pokie McBryde (CLX) - .358/.441/.570, 316 AB, 12 HR, 7 SB, 185 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
3B Billy Joe Dwyer (VLK) - .332/.428/.498, 307 AB, 11 HR, 163 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
3B Kees Molenaar (CLX) - .353/.405/.537, 300 AB, 12 HR, 5 SB, 163 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
SS Charley Gray (LAG) - .288/.357/.460, 302 AB, 11 HR, 128 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
SS Freddie Kinkaid (FC) - .314/.399/.477, 306 AB, 11 HR, 2 SB, 152 wRC+, 5.1 WAR
LF C.J. Bagwell (GC ) - .315/.387/.549, 308 AB, 16 HR, 7 SB, 158 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
LF Chet Marler (CL) - .327/.382/.488, 336 AB, 7 HR, 5 SB, 138 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
LF Boom Boom Watts (ETS) - .308/.387/.515, 295 AB, 13 HR, 3 SB, 148 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
CF Russell Hayford (GLS) - .277/.333/.466, 307 AB, 14 HR, 1 SB, 123 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
CF Cletis Woodson (ETS) - .294/.356/.546, 313 AB, 20 HR, 15 SB, 147 wRC+, 4.7 WAR
RF Daryl Bicknell (CL) - .293/.364/.501, 335 AB, 11 HR, 8 SB, 135 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
RF Jon Larker (VOL) - .307/.375/.376, 335 AB, 7 SB, 121 wRC+, 2.1 WAR

For the Tycobbian Union these players have been selected:

SP Bubba Byars (SUM) - 12-3, 2.75 ERA, 140.2 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 2.4 WAR
SP Damario Carruthers (EP) - 11-4, 2.63 ERA, 160.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 8.1 K/9, 5.7 WAR
SP Toulouse Chavanel (BAY) - 10-4, 2.04 ERA, 141.1 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 3.6 K/9, 3.1 WAR
SP Dandy DeBusshere (HAR) - 11-7, 2.96 ERA, 134.0 IP, 1.29 WHIP, 3.6 K/9, 1.9 WAR
SP Bennie Frye (HAR) - 10-6, 2.32 ERA, 136.0 IP, 1.07 WHIP, 3.9 K/9, 3.4 WAR
SP Boyd Hebner (CHI) - 14-2, 2.40 ERA, 164.2 IP, 0.95 WHIP, 9.2 K/9, 7.1 WAR
SP Teddy Rozanski (HAR) - 11-6, 2.67 ERA, 135.0 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 4.3 K/9, 2.4 WAR
CL Chazzy Chestnut (BL) - 5-6, 13 SV, 2.88 ERA, 90.2 IP, 1.38 WHIP, 4.7 K/9, 0.5 WAR
C Hennie Hendriks (SUM) - .283/.362/.455, 244 AB, 8 HR, 140 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
C Jason Medwick (RB) - .261/.327/.487, 261 AB, 18 HR, 123 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
C Catfish Ogletree (BL) - .255/.313/.333, 267 AB, 5 HR, 5 SB, 88 wRC+, 1.0 WAR (Injured)
1B Allen Brand (BSC) - .319/.383/.549, 335 AB, 18 HR, 159 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
1B Tashiaki Krizan (CC) - .320/.445/.594, 278 AB, 19 HR, 179 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
2B Ronald Brooks (SF) - .308/.400/.480, 302 AB, 12 HR, 11 SB, 157 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
2B Rick Wall (LC) - .292/.347/.492, 319 AB, 13 HR, 134 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
3B James Brandini (RH) - .302/.363/.467, 315 AB, 10 HR, 124 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
3B Skip McCorvey (BL) - .299/.409/.565, 308 AB, 17 HR, 173 wRC+, 4.5 WAR
SS Jeff Baturin (BAY) - .314/.399/.572, 306 AB, 19 HR, 153 wRC+, 4.3 WAR
SS Tyrone Chavarría (OZK) - .309/.446/.541, 233 AB, 10 HR, 173 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
LF Billy Booth (EP) - .327/.393/.527, 300 AB, 13 HR, 151 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
LF Norris Chance (SUM) - .332/.390/.482, 334 AB, 10 HR, 159 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
CF Vinny Morosi (RB) - .274/.326/.555, 292 AB, 21 HR, 141 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
CF Sam Smiley (SPT) - .325/.421/.516, 314 AB, 13 HR, 3 SB, 161 wRC+, 4.8 WAR
CF Junior Starr (TUC) - .310/.393/.477, 306 AB, 7 HR, 4 SB, 146 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
RF Gerrit Maas (SUM) - .288/.359/.505, 333 AB, 16 HR, 2 SB, 151 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
RF Judah Pickens (LC) - .299/.383/.477, 308 AB, 13 HR, 3 SB, 136 wRC+, 2.4 WAR

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, July 14, 2094

RU STARS DRUB TU STARS 6TH TIME IN 7 YEARS
The Ruthlandian Union All-Stars may be way behind in the overall All-Star Series (57-37), but certainly not in recent years. The RU Stars drubbed the TU Stars 9-0 for their 6th victory in the last 7 games. Ruthlandia poured it on in the last 3 frames, finishing up with a 5-run 9th. The RU All-Stars outhit the TU All-Stars 12 to 5, sparked by MVP Charley Gray (LaGrange) with 2 hits and 3 RBIs and Ivan Nosek (Cold Creek) with 2 hits and 2 ribbies. Charlie Carrier (Belair Beach) had the only roundtripper in the game, a solo shot in the 7th. The win went to Dale Southard (Stoner) and the defeat to starter Boyd Hebner (Chicopee).

A pair of walks in the first frame got the RU All-Stars off and running. Chet Marler (Crystal Lake) plated the first run with a base hit. Run number two came in on an RBI groundout by Kees Molenaar (Claxton). Things settled down with nothing but zeros being put on the scoreboard until the Carrier (Belair Beach) clout in the 7th. Gray singled in a run in the 8th. Then the RU Stars exploded for 5 runs in the 9th. Boom Boom Watts (Eastshore) singled in the first run, Ivan Nosek (Cold Creek) knocked in a pair with a single and Charley Gray (LaGrange) doubled in two more scores. The winning skipper was Olev Kotli of the Valka Blackhawks, who wound up the bridesmaid in the Pro Cup Finals last season. Pro Cup champ Summerland's Jayson Hallstrom was on the losing side this time.

[Eugene Church]

MY OH MY! (Dave Niehaus' pet phrase broadcasting Seattle Mariners games)
You folks are really wonderful. --- 937 views Sunday, 1841 yesterday and a whopping 2223 today.
HOW ABOUT THAT! (Mel Allen's pet phrase coving the New York Yankees)

Who knows?
Actually God only knows.
EC is 86 years old.
If the Good Lord's willin' and the Amite and Comite Rivers don't rise, the Islandian Pro Alliance just might make 2 million views.

Life is good today.... yeah buddy, EC's life is good today.
My life is just a tire swing. Remember those days of yore when you spent the summer at your aunt's and uncle's house?

Here's Jimmy Buffett singing all about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTdA8YXbdWc

[Eugene Church]

Monday, September 27, 2094

ONLY 3 IPA FAVORITES QUALIFIED FOR THE PRO CUP PLAYOFFS
There were quite a few Cinderella stories in the Islandian Pro Alliance this season. Only three tried-and-true teams lived up to preseason expectations. Marston and Volusia in the Ruthlandian Union and defending Pro Cup champion Summerland in the Tycobbian Union. There are five young guns in the playoffs. Far Mountain returns for the first time since '83, ditto for Volusia in the Ruthlandian Union, while in the Tycobbian Union North Hills made it for the first time since 1946, East Point last qualified in 1983 and Rolling Hills last made the playoffs in 1986. Claxton has made it 4 times in the last 6 seasons, Marston 3 times in the last 4 years and Summerland the last 7 seasons. The Sunsets are set to repeat as Pro Cup champion and just might do it. Summerland was far and away the supreme team in the IPA with a 100-54 mark. The other division winners only won between 89 and 91 games.

Around the IPA, recapping the regular season. Away we go!

FM REDHAWKS ROMP IN RU NORTH
The Far Mountain Redhawks only had one rival this year, the Glasco Celtics and they faded in August. The Celts started fast going 18-7 in April, but then cooled off and became a .500 team the rest of the year. The Redhawks didn't have a bad month the entire season. The Taranto Tars began poorly (31-35), but finished well (31-19). They wound up second in the Ruthlandian North, trailing by 9 games. The Celtics finished in the third spot, 10 GB. The Redhawks possessed the best offense and best pitching. Far Mountain's strength lies in two of its starters, Johnny Richter (20-9/2.49 ERA) and Adrian Radcliffe (19-11/2.89 ERA). Center fielder Guus Valdma (121 games/.279 BA/14 HR/52 RBI/78 R) is just a modest threat in the batting order and he is their best bat. Offense just might be a big problem in the playoffs, but Richter and Radcliffe will give a shot at winning a short series. The Far Mountain bullpen with Cy Atwood (15-14/3.94 ERA) and Andy Carnegie (6-5/2.32 ERA/14 saves/ 45 RA) playing key roles. Atwood was in the starting foursome in the regular season.

DIAMONDS SHINE AGAIN IN RU SOUTH, 4TH FLAG IN 6 YEARS -- CLAXTON EDGES OUT CRYSTAL LAKE
Three teams gave chase to the Claxton Diamonds until August. Only runner-up Crystal Lake contended the entire season before losing out by 3 games. Preseason favorite Valka and Grand City dropped out in September. The Blackhawks and Cybercats wound up 10 games behind. The Diamonds and Skippers both had high-powered attacks and modest to mediocre pitching at best. Claxton's Pokie McBryde (.352 BA/21 HR/122 RBI), Kees Molenaar (.325 BA/21 HR/112 RBI) and Gip Gennusa (.307 BA/22 HR/102 RBI) all had strong seasons and drove in over 100 runs apiece. The only real pitching Claxton had were starter Donny Pascioni (16-8/2.81 ERA) and closer Dingo Ferrell (14-14/3.25 ERA/27 saves/103 RA). Ferrell won the RU MVP and Golden Arm last year. A poor bullpen probably was the deciding factor in the race. The Skippers could score lots of runs, but they also gave up a bunch of runs, too.

MARSTON STAVED OFF 4 RU EAST RIVALS IN A FAIRLY CLOSE RACE
It was a season-long pennant chase in the Ruthlandian East between 5 clubs. The Marston Nine copped the division title for the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons. They staved off the Eastshore Cotton Kings by 3 games, Elnora Clippers by 6, last year's champ Cold Creek Raccoons by 7 and the fourth place Belle Plaine Musketeers by 9 games. The Nine were just a tad better offensively and a little better on the hill than their challengers. Glen Chatsworth (.304 BA/24 HR/98 RBI), Tarmo Juczyk (.253 BA/21 HR/82 RBI) and Ben Atcheson (.279 BA/18 HR/80 RBI) provided the runs, while Merle Dubbins (15-15/3.31 ERA), D. D. Springs (14-7/3.50 ERA) and Wiz Mulloy (19-12/3.92 ERA) were adequate on the mound. Closer Andrew Michaels (17-14/3.14 ERA/26 saves/98 RA) played a big role in their title run. Marston was picked to win a close race with Elnora and they did. However, it was Eastshore who put the most pressure on the Nine this year. Don't expect Marston to stick around long in the playoffs. They have neither the bats, nor the pitching to contend seriously for the Pro Cup.

VOLUSIA PUTS AN END TO FOREST CITY'S 6-YEAR REIGN IN TU WEST
The Volusia Vigilantes won the Ruthlandian West pennant in April. The V's started off like a ball of fire with a 19-7 record, while its biggest rival Forest City slumbered at the start, posting a pathetic 10-15 mark. However by June, the Firebirds had shaved the V's lead down to just a half-game. Forest City slumped again (11-15) in July and dropped 5 and a half games back of Volusia. The Vigilantes went 15-11 for the month. That settled it. Volusia won out by 4 games over Forest City. Stronger pitching made the difference. Gerald Trimble (19-11/2.93 ERA) and Lorenzo Alarde (19-10/2.66 ERA) were a rock-solid set of starters. Lars Henriksson (8-4/2.87 ERA) came off the injured list and joined them in August. They could be a formidable force in the playoffs, along with the best closer in the IPA Pee Wee Warrick (11-7/1.83 ERA/31 saves/90 RA). Putting runs on the scoreboard might be a problem in the postseason. However, the V's are a spunky bunch with a pretty good bat at each spot in the lineup. They don't stand out with the sticks, but they can still beat you with timely hitting. Far Mountain, Claxton and Marston are much better at the plate than Volusia. Better by far in batting average and home-run power.

2094 Ruthlandian Union Final Standings

[Eugene Church]

2094 Ruthlandian Union Final Batting and Pitching Leaderboards

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, September 28, 2094

2094 Tycobbian Union Season Recap

SUPER SHAKEUP IN TU PENNANT RACES
What a shakeup in the Tycobbian Union!
La Claire didn't win for the first time in 7 years, Hartsdale didn't win for the first time in 4 years and South Fork didn't win for the first time in 3 seasons. Instead North Hills captured its first flag since 2046, East Point, its first since 2083 and Rolling Hills won its first crown since 2086. Only perennial power Summerland survived the upheaval. The Sunsets won its 7th consecutive Tycobbian South title in easy fashion and will get the opportunity to repeat as IPA Pro Cup champion.

NH HAWKS UPSET HARTSDALE IN GOOD STRETCH DRIVE RUN
The Tycobbian North was a heated 5-team affair for most of the season through July, then it developed into just a 2-team battle between defending champ Hartsdale and upstart North Hills. Preseason favorite Hartsdale fell to the wayside with a disastrous September (7-14), while the Hawks flew sky-high down-the-stretch (14-8) and snared the division crown by a 5-game margin. Blue Lake and Oxford came in third in the standings, 6 GB. A poor June and July (24-29) doomed the Blue Caps. A bad August (10-17) sunk the Red Caps. Mahaska faded badly (21-28) in the stretch drive and wound up 10 games off the pace. The Hellcats had won the TU North the last 3 seasons. It just wasn't their season. The offense plummeted and the pitching declined. It's a wonder Hartsdale stayed in the race at all. They were simply not the same ballclub of the past few years. North Hills won the pennant with its hitting, led by Hank Kingsberry (.274 BA/16 HR/97 RBI) and Tommy Leduc (.287 BA/16 HR/80 RBI). Javis Williamson (.309 BA/12 HR/64 RBI/85 R/11 SB) contributed to the cause, too. It had just enough pitching to do the job. The Hawks' most reliable starter is Clyde Cawthorne (18-9/3.27 ERA). Richie Clemons (20-11/3.87 ERA) is a workhorse and pretty fair #2. Nick Wayman (7-7/3.18 ERA) is also a quality arm. In the bullpen Kenny Amigo (14-13/3.98 ERA/15 saves/71 RA) and Nolan Scoville (10-11/3.95 ERA/12 saves/82 RA) are just fairly average. Hartsdale hit only .249 this season as a team. Teddy Rozanski (15-13/2.79 ERA), Bennie Frye (12-15/3.37 ERA) and Javon Harbin (12-12/3.79 ERA) needed more run support. Chances are the North Hills Hawks will end their great season, the best one since 2046, in a quick departure from the playoffs. They can hit and score, but don't have enough pitching.

SUMMERLAND SCORCHED TU SOUTH --- WINS 7TH STRAIGHT CROWN BY 14 GAMES OVER CAPE CORAL
The Summerland Sunsets didn't just scorch the Tycobbian Union --- they burned it to ashes. Start-to-finish it was the Sunsets' year. By midseason they built up a huge 9 and a half-game edge and never looked back. It was extended to 14 games by season's end. It was brutal --- Cape Coral was a very distant second, 14 games behind, Southport in third, 18 GB and Ginza in the fourth spot, 25 GB. Summerland wound up 100-54, by far, the best record this year in the Islandian Pro Alliance.

Summerland was favored to win the TU South again this year and would likely go on and make a good run at their second Pro Cup in a row, but they were not picked to run away with the division. Arroyo Grande, Southport and Cape Coral were supposed to make them earn the pennant this year. Nope, didn't happen. The Sunsets ravaged the division, sparked by splendid pitching by Bubba Byers (20-9/2.57 ERA), Paul Pegram (23-9/2.95 ERA), Joren Vanderzee (15-3/2.18 ERA) and Rog Atherton (17-7/3.06 ERA). Once again Duke Snijder (11-9/3.34 ERA/22 saves/78 RA) stood out in the bullpen. He won the TU MVP trophy last year. Can you believe the worst stats in the starting lineup belonged to cleanup hitter Lex Van Delden (.253 BA/14 HR/54 RBI). Everyone else hit .263 to .324 and drove in from 70 to 97 runs, headed up by the Tycobbian top hitter, Norris Chance (.324 BA/20 HR/87 RBI), Rik De Groot (.285 BA/15 HR/93 RBI), Boogie Bonham (.268 BA/15 HR/97 RBI) and Gerrit Maas (.269 BA/21 HR/86 RBI).. Yeah buddy, Summerland has some solid threats in the batting order. No team in the playoffs looks like they can defeat the Sunsets. The Sunsets seem to have it all and a bunch more this year.

EP PANTHERS PREVAIL IN TIGHT TU EAST
Yes indeed, there was a pennant race in the Tycobbian East this year. It was a 6-team dogfight until midseason and ended up a purr-fect season for the East Point Panthers. They fought off the runner-up Tuckanarra Blue Jays by 5 games and the third place Red Bluff Red Sox by 7 games. The Panthers didn't have a bad month and won the flag by going 44-32 in the second half, while its main rivals, the Tucks and Red Bluff slipped some. The Blue Jays posted a 39-35 mark in the second half and the Red Sox dipped to 35-39.

The baseball pundits overlooked East Point completely in their preseason prognostications, picking them to wind a distant fifth (20 GB). The forecast was for South Fork to take a close race from Tuckanarra (3 GB) and Ozarka (5 GB). How did the Panthers do it? They didn't beat themselves. East Point had the best defense (.983 FA) in the IPA. Couple that with very good starting pitching (3.40 ERA) and average bats (.259 BA/142 HR/709 R) and you have a good all-around team. The Tucks were the best by far on the mound (3.15 ERA) and average at the plate (. 266 BA/146 HR/697 R). Red Bluff were heavy hitters with 182 homers, but had poor pitching (4.33 ERA). The Red Sox batted .260 and scored 713 runs. But the Blue Jays (.976 FA) and Red Sox (.976 FA) did not play good defense.

East Point had four quality starters and a lousy bullpen (4.60 ERA). The Panthers rotation consisted of Damario Carruthers (16-9/2.32 ERA), Steve Smitherman (18-2/3.34 ERA) and Lefty Mays (16-8/3.48 ERA/20 saves/59 RA). Mays started off in the bullpen, but was moved to starter in July. That move helped them win the pennant. He went 8-3 in 14 starts in the last 3 months of the season. East Point had four productive bats in the lineup: Billy Booth (.279 BA/25 HR/100 RBI), Angelo Cosentino (.287 BA/14 HR/76 RBI), Ricky Ramaker (.291 BA/15 HR/74 RBI) and Dante Di Vinci (.279 BA/18 HR/87 RBI). How well the Panthers do in the playoffs depends on their bullpen. Mays may go back to the bullpen in the postseason.

RH RACERS NUDGE PAST LC LYNX ON FINAL DAY OF SEASON IN THE TU WEST
In a frantic finish the Rolling Hills Racers went 3-3 the last 6 games of the season and overcame the La Claire Lynx, who lost all 6 games to blow a 2-game lead in the final week of the season. It came down to the 154th game of the year. The Racers won their game -- and the Lynx lost theirs.

What a season-long battle it was between Rolling Hills and La Claire. At midyear, Kenwood, Bayview, Bay St. Clair, Chicopee and Denton City all faded out of contention, leaving the race to the Racers and the Lynx. Rolling Hills kept a modest 2-3 games edge until September. On September 5th the Racers led by 4 games. The Lynx went on a 10-2 run and grabbed a surprising 2-game lead as the floundering Racers dipped to 4-8. At this point La Claire went into a deadly season-killing tailspin and lost the pennant in stunning fashion.

The Rolling Hills Racers won the Tycobbian West with its hefty hitting (.278 BA/158 HR/812 R), solid defense (.979 FA) and adequate pitching (3.90 ERA). Longtime power La Claire only had better pitching (3.40 ERA), nothing else (.260 BA/88 HR/712 R). The Lynx were predicted to win their 8th straight division flag in a two-team fight with Denton City (7 GB). The Racers were forecast to finish way out of the running in fifth place (14 GB). What a lineup! Standouts were Duke Watson (.281 BA/29 HR/111 RBI), James Brandini (.308 BA/18 HR/92 R), Justin McHugh (.262 BA/20 HR/92 R), Lee Pennock (.296 BA/13 HR/86 RBI) and Deke Obador (.302 BA/17 HR/83 RBI). The other three regulars were no slouches: Riki De Groot (.281 BA/15 HR/77 RBI), Errol Sheehan (.293 BA/8 HR/62 RBI) and Dylan Westerfield (.260 BA/5 HR/45 RBI). The Rolling Hills Racers look like the dominating Racers of old from the 2060s to the 2080s, when they copped 7 Pro Cups and 19 pennants. If the Racers get some good starts from Barry Ferguson (18-9/3.22 ERA), Gus Kanikaris (17-8/3.22 ERA) and Kazzy Kazlauskas (18-12/4.05 ERA) in the playoffs, Rolling Hills will make some noise. The Racers' big dilemma will be in the questionable bullpen. Back in the good old days Rolling Hills hit their way to the Pro Cup title. It could happen again this year.

2094 Tycobbian Union Final Standings

[Eugene Church]

2094 Tycobbian Union Batting and Pitching Leaderboards

[Eugene Church]

2094 Ruthlandian Union Division Champions

[Eugene Church]

2094 Tycobbian Union Division Champions

[Eugene Church]

I can never thank the wonderful OOTP Graphics and Mods Community enough for the great logos and jerseys they created in magnficent fashion for the Islandian Pro Alliance.

The wonderful graphics really enhance this dynasty report. I think the great graphics are 50% of the reason people view it.

Special thanks to txranger and knuckler --- they did about 60% of them.
There were about 10 others who furnished some beautiful jerseys and logos, too. No Pepper, reds1, hurricanekevin, Hankyu Braves, Pepe, Iseldelyod, rocknfire7, justafan and silvam14.
Sincere apology to anyone I left out.

Big thanks, too, to cephasjames and his great logo thread on the OOTP Mods Forum. I found many, many images there that were used to create graphics for the IPA.

And a humongous thanks to justafan for his great software used to create logos, jerseys and caps.

And a very special thanks to StLee. He posted that I needed to create logos and jerseys to enhance the dynasty report. That was great advice. Viewership doubled once I began using logos and jerseys in my dynasty reports.

[Eugene Church]

Here is post #4222 in this dynasty report from May 30, 2014 .

Old 05-30-2014, 09:13 AM #4222
StLee
Hall Of Famer

StLee's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 5,170
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eugene Church View Post
I need and would appreciate your feedback on this dynasty.

What could I do to improve it?

What is it lacking?

What are elements you don't like?

No offense will be taken for constructive criticism. Feel free to be candid.

Here is StLee's post:
I know this is not what you are looking for in your questions up top, but I'll chime in to say this: after 46 years and 212 pages, I would say you're doing it right!

From a preference standpoint, a few more graphics could go a long way towards helping us remember key teams, games, players, etc. Otherwise, I think your dynasty is fantastic and doesn't really need improvement.
__________________
Fan of LSU sports (especially baseball and football), New Orleans Saints, New Orleans Pelicans, and Atlanta Braves (Dale Murphy for the HOF!).

Current dynasties: Fallout 4's Commonwealth Baseball Organization

Completed dynasty: Fallout: New Vegas' Mojave Baseball League

Uniforms: My custom uniforms