ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS) - Page 69

Eugene Church · 11-30-2009, 10:54 PM

The Islandian Times

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Golden Gloves Announced by IPA

RU Golden Glove Award Winners Named
"Flashing the leather" and "good with the glove" are ways to describe players who help their teams by playing great defense. Today the most dependable glovemen in the Ruthlandian Union for 2006 were announced. There were no repeat winners this year. Golden Glove Awards will be presented to these top-notch defenders:

Pitcher: Dave Webb (Middlefield Roosters)
Catcher: Erich Adamczyk (Valmara Vipers)
First Baseman: Phil Gravelli (Belair Beach Sunbirds)
Second Baseman: Sammy Ragsdale (Middlefield Roosters)
Third Baseman: Jimmy Holman (Marston Nine)
Shortstop: Flipper Bird (Sugar Valley Rattlers)
Left Fielder: Stan Czerwinski (Valmara Vipers)
Center Fielder: Ryan Raines (Volusia Vigilantes)
Right Fielder: Jackie Allemand (Claxton Diamonds)

Year's Best Gloves Selected by Tycobbian Union
Making the play is the mark of great defenders. Spearing a liner, diving in the hole or crashing headlong into the wall makes no difference to these awe-inspiring fielders. Magicians they sometimes appear to be, showing up out of nowhere to rob a batter of a hit and to turn a hit into an out. Pitchers love 'em, batters curse 'em... and fans are sometimes speechless. Catcher Jim Mitchell of the Ginza Ninjas was the only repeat winner this year. He won for the second year in a row. All of the other recipients are first time selections this season.These defensive wizards will collect their 2006 Tycobbian Union Golden Glove Awards tonight:

Pitcher: Peter Brenneman (Rolling Hills Reds)
Catcher: Jim Mitchell (Ginza Ninjas)
First Baseman: Chancey Quibedeaux (Bayview Vikings)
Second Baseman: Dusty Eaton (Mahaska Haymakers)
Third Baseman: Benny Rotella (East Point Panthers)
Shortstop: Trevor Tomlinson (Denton City Redbirds)
Left Fielder: Vic Weinstein (Ozarka Naturals)
Center Fielder: Skeeter Hall (Bay St. Clair Buccaneers)
Right Fielder: Lonnie Jacobson (Ginza Ninjas)

Eugene Church · 12-01-2009, 12:15 AM

The Islandian Times

Monday, October 16, 2006

Pitchers Win MVP In Both Leagues
Pitchers have won the Most Valuable Player Award in the IPA, but never in both leagues in the same year. This year's winners are Ernie Watkins of the Rocky Rapids Snappers in the Ruthlandian Union and Titus Bristow of the Tuckanarra Blue Jays in the Tycobbian Union. Watkins had a fastastic season by setting a new IPA mark for most victories with 28. The old record was 26 held by Flint Battle of South Fork and Jimmy Simmons of Colchester. Battle was 26-11 in 2002 and Simmons notched a 26-8 mark in 2005.

Bristow established a new Tycobbian Union record for victories with a 27-7 mark this year. He broke the old record held by Battle and Simmons. Burg sparked the Blue Jays to their best record ever and a runner-up spot in the TU East this season. Watkins was 28-11 with a 2.52 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 285 innings, leading Rocky Rapids to a second-place finish in the RU West, the highest the Snappers have ever finished. Bristow snapped Cody Burg's ERA record with a terrific 1.73 ERA. Cape Coral's Burg had a 1.87 ERA in 2003. Bristow was outstanding with 22 complete games and 6 shutouts.

Watkins and Bristow now join Ginza's Kojiro Matsumoto and Hartsdale's Gus Kostro as the only hurlers who have won the MVP trophies. Matsumoto was 19-11 in 2001 with a 3.00 ERA, while Kostro was 25-6 with a 2.39 ERA in 2003.

Previous Ruthlandian Union MVP winners were Volusia SS Scooter Perez (2001), Valmara LF Jet Kazmarek (2002-2003), Sugar Valley SS Flipper Bird (2004) and San Dimas 1B Johnny Carducci (2005).

Former Tycobbian Union MVP honorees were Ginza pitcher Kojiro Matsumoto (2001), East Point 2B Karol Zodoka (2002), Hartsdale pitcher Gus Kostro (2003), Oxford CF Ike Plunkett (2004) and High Mesa LF Adam Zitek (2005).

Eugene Church · 12-01-2009, 01:11 PM

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, October 16, 2006

Turon's Spiegel Captures 2006 Pro Cup MVP
The outstanding player in the 2006 IPA Pro Cup playoffs was Turon's terrific 23-year-old righthander Freddi Spiegel, who won two crucial games in the Pro Cup finals and led the Typhoons to their second Pro Cup title. He tossed a splendid 1-hitter in the 3-0 victory in game three and then closed out the series in game six with a 3-2 victory. Overall during the postseason Spiegel was 4-1 with a 2.34 ERA. Teams only hit .156 against him in the playoffs.

Teammate James Longstreet was second in the voting. He chalked up a 5-2 mark in the postseason with a sparkling 1.47 ERA. A 5-4 loss in game two probably cost him his second MVP trophy. The 34-year-old Longstreet won the 2003 MVP honors in the Typhoons first title run.

Third in the balloting was Turon's Scotty Boswell, who compiled a 3-1 record in the playoffs with a 2.34 ERA.

Others receiving votes were three Turon players and two Volusia players. RF Andy Porter (.325 BA/3 HR/15 RBI/11 R), CF Mac McCurnan (.305 BA/2 HR/12 RBI/13 R) and C Todd Somerset (.299 BA/4 HR/11 RBI/14 R), all of Turon, and Volusia's Carl Schmitz (5-2 2.59) and C Armando Villa (.328 BA/4 HR/13 RBI/11 R).

Spiegel joins five previous IPA Pro Cup MVPs: Volusia 2B Francisco Abreu (2001), High Mesa SS Rolf Kellgren (2002), Turon pitcher James Longstreet (2003), Red Bluff pitcher Mila Mohoski (2004) and Middlefield CF Bailey Norcross (2005).

Eugene Church · 12-01-2009, 02:01 PM

I will now get ready for IPA season 7.

In order to speed up the process, I will just give a year summary at the end of the season, post the league leaderboards and cover the playoffs game-by-game.

I want to play about 20 seasons and then perhaps convert the league to OOTP10. This will give me a good league history. At that time I may change the league structure to one major league with 16 teams with three minor leagues. I would play out each game each day of the major league (actually the last three innings of each game). Each major league team would have three minor league affiliates to supply them players.

Eugene Church · 12-01-2009, 03:50 PM

The Islandian Times

Monday, October 23, 2006

Engel and Louis Managers of the Year in IPA
BNN writers and broadcasters have made their picks for the IPA Managers of the Year. Claxton manager Stacy Engel guided the Diamonds rise from fifth to second in the RU South and was chosen the Ruthlandian Union's top manager and Arlon's skipper Gary Louis will receive the Tycobbian Union award.

"The Old Perfesser" Engel led Claxton to a second-place finish with a 96-59 record. Elnora's Zoggy White was number two in the poll and Taranto's Tommaso Lazzorda was third. White directed the All-Stars recovery from seventh place in 2005 to the second spot this year. Lazzorda won the RU North with a 91-63 mark.

Louis of the Arlon Champions steered them to remarkable turnaround. The Champs climbed from sixth place to the TU West title. Arlon had the best record in the IPA with a 99-55 record. Ranked second in the poll was Oxford's Campy Roy, who piloted the Red Caps back to the top of the TU North with a 93-61 mark. They were fourth in 2005. Carlton "Lefty" Stevens finished third in the balloting for the Tuckanarra Blue Jays comeback season. They moved up in the TU East standings from fifth to second place with a record of 87-67.

Eugene Church · 12-02-2009, 10:10 PM

The Islandian Times

Monday, March 1, 2007

IPA Commissioner Announces New Playoff System
John Banford, the commissioner of the Islandian Pro Alliance, announced today the league will put into effect this season a new playoff system. Only divisions winners will qualify for the Pro Cup playoffs. Each round will be best-of-seven.

The IPA has had several prior postseason plans. In the first season in 2001 when there were only 24 teams, only the division champion from each division qualified for the playoffs with best-of-seven series. The 8-team system was shelved in 2002 when the league expanded to 64 teams. The top four teams in each division qualified with each series a best-of-three series. In 2004 a new system was adopted whereby the top two clubs in each division would make the postseason with each series a best-of-five series, except for the Pro Cup finals, which be a best-of-seven series.

At the press conference Commissioner Banford told the press, "Many teams have complained over the past three years that it wasn't fair to the pennant winners to play short series. Many times they were beaten by second place teams in short best-of-three or best-of-five series. Many clubs thought that they should get an advantage for winning over the long 154-game season and only the division winners should make the playoffs. They also wanted all series to be best-of-seven. This would give the better team a better chance to win. The best team doesn't always win a short series. The thinking is that the longer a series goes, the advantage will be to the best team. This new playoff method would also mean a team would only have to win three series to win the Pro Cup. In the past there were as many as four and five rounds."

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 12:42 AM

The Islandian Times

IPA Announces 2007 All-Stars

Nothing is for certain about the 2007 Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star Game. It may be dominated by top-notch pitching performances. Or it could turn into a home run derby. Who knows? Pitch by pitch, inning by inning, the game could feature a little of both -- six strikeouts in a row by a nasty southpaw -- or a 3-homer day for some superstar slugger -- plus great catches, thrills, chills and spills -- all the great and the unexpected things that can happen in a baseball game. One thing is for certain - with all of the fine performers - the fans will really enjoy the ball game.

Only one rookie was selected for the 2007 All-Star Game. That was RF Stan Cuccinello of the Eastshore Elegants. C Hank Bethel of the Bayview Vikings was named for the fifth time. Belair Beach 1B Phil Gravelli, Valmara 3B Joe Courtney, Stoner SS Karol Zodoka, Arroyo Grande LF Jet Kazmarek all are four-time All-Stars.

This year, the Ruthlandian Union will be represented by these All-Star performers:
SP Stanley Ross (RAN) 9-5 2.94
SP Wilson Whitmore (WLK) 9-3 2.24
SP Jasper LaForge (CFX) 12-3 3.00
SP Ilya Szabo (CFX) 13-1 2.18 -
SP Warren Paul (ELN) 8-6 2.41 - All-Star 2006-2007
SP Wayne Baxley (BEE) 8-4 2.83
SP Ted Chambers (STO) 8-4 2.59
SP Zippy Hodge (MAR) 8-4 2.82
SP Charlie Murphy (CLX) 8-3 2.76
SP Todd Wolfe (VOL) 8-5 2.66
C Benny Stern (STO) .315 BA/15 HR/57 RBI
C Otto Kronvath (LAG) .276 BA/20 HR/63 RBI
C T. Leonetti (CFX) .337 BA/2 HR/29 RBI
1B Phil Gravelli (BB) .362 BA/21 HR/65 RBI - All-Star 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007
1B Mike Luzzatti (CLX) .315 BA/16 HR/44 RBI
2B Jesse Goodwin (RAN) .341 BA/10 HR/45 RBI
2B Duane Parsons (FM) .322 BA/13 HR/42 RBI
3B Jimmy Holman (MAR) .294 BA/7 HR/35 RBI - All-Star 2005, 2007
3B Joe Courtney (VLM) .278 BA/11 HR/43 RBI - All-Star 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007
SS Karol Zodoka (STO) .291 BA/12 HR/42 RBI - All-Star 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007
SS Russ Russell (CCR) .316 BA/6 HR/32 RBI
LF Darrel Alston (ETS) .344 BA/16 HR/42 RBI - All-Star 2005, 2007
LF Jimmy Tremayne (VLK) .380 BA/3 HR/23 RBI
LF Scott Camden (RR) .297 BA/17 HR/51 RBI
LF Quincy Peterson (BP) .325 BA/15 HR/54 RBI - All-Star 2006, 2007
CF Dalton Leeds (WYN) .326 BA/8 HR/31 RBI - All-Star 2005, 2007
CF Billy Martz (BB) .336 BA/6 HR/38 RBI
CF Karl Perret (LAG) .341 BA/5 HR/29 RBI
RF Fred Collins (SLI) .301 BA/10 HR/39 RBI - All-Star 2004, 2007
RF Stan Cuccinello (ETS) .311 BA/14 HR/56 RBI *

* = Rookie

While the Tycobbian Union best will be these stars:
SP Cody Burg (CC) 7-6 1.82 - All-Star 2006, 2007
SP Ed Dupard (HIL) 8-4 2.30
SP Tommy Ruffin (TUC) 10-1 2.90
SP Alex DiMaggio (OZK) 9-6 2.28
SP Jimmy Simmons (CCH) 9-4 2.54 - All-Star 2005, 2007
SP Titus Bristow (TUC) 9-2 1.57 - All-Star 2006, 2007
SP Johnny Spears (MAH) 11-3 1.75 - All-Star 2006, 2007
SP Frank Payne (CCH) 12-4 2.06
SP Anthony Nardone (TUR) 9-6 1.80 - All-Star 2003, 2004, 2007
SP Dan Phillips (OXF) 10-5 2.37 - All-Star 2003, 2007
C Geronimo Paytah (MDW) .295 BA/2 HR/35 RBI
C Juanito Luque (ARL) .302 BA/4 Hr/27 RBI
C Hank Bethel (BAY) .284 BA/11 HR/27 RBI - All-Star 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
1B Harlan Roscoe (CCH) .289 BA/20 HR/59 RBI - All-Star 2003, 2007
1B Don Piper (MDW) .345 BA/11 HR/48 RBI
1B Chancey Quibedeaux (BAY) .346 BA/14 HR/43 RBI - All-Star 2003, 2006, 2007
1B Miles Shufford (SA) .329 BA/19 HR/46 RBI
2B Jim Helwig (EP) .313 BA/15 HR/46 RBI
2B John Asbury (HM) .322 BA/17 HR/59 RBI
3B Karl Benson (BAY) .348 BA/16 HR/50 RBI
3B Nathan Ferrell (OZK) .317 BA/13 HR/47 RBI - All-Star 2005, 2007
SS Scooter Perez (MAH) .326 BA/1 HR/22 RBI - All-Star 2001, 2007
SS Jose Aguilar (RB) .290 BA/9 HR/30 RBI - 2005, 2006, 2007
LF Jet Kazmarek (AG) .332 BA/6 HR/37 RBI - All-Star 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007
LF Zeppy Deshotel (LC) .309 BA/12 HR/48 RBI - All-Star 2006, 2007
LF Rocco Belasario (ARL) .330 BA/10 HR/35 RBI - All-Star 2006, 2007
CF Douglas Tilford (CCH) .375 BA/9 HR/48 RBI
CF Wayne McDonald (OXF) .353 BA/14 HR/36 RBI
RF Tad Kirklin (BL) .349 BA/21 HR/75 RBI - All-Star 2006, 2007
RF Teddy Blanton (CCH) .376 BA/20 HR/59 RBI - All-Star 2006, 2007
RF H. Graczyk (MDW) .324 BA/16 HR/55 RBI

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 01:48 PM

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

2007 IPA Mid-Season Standings

2007 Ruthlandian Union North Division Mid-Season Standings

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 01:49 PM

2007 Ruthlandian Union South Division Mid-Season Standings

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 01:51 PM

2007 Ruthlandian Union East Division Mid-Season Standings

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 01:53 PM

2007 Ruthlandian Union West Division Mid-Season Standings

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 01:56 PM

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

2007 IPA Mid-Season Standings

2007 Tycobbian Union North Division Mid-Season Standings

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 01:58 PM

2007 Tycobbian Union South Division Mid-Season Standings

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 01:59 PM

2007 Tycobbian Union East Division Mid-Season Standings

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 02:00 PM

2007 Ruthlandian Union West Division Mid-Season Standings

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 03:48 PM

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

2007 IPA All-Star Game at Typhoon Stadium in Turon

TU Stars Win Again, Edge RU Stars 3-2, Graczyk Hero
At Typhoon Stadium in Turon, the Tycobbian All-Stars continued to dominate the Ruthlandian All-Stars by rallying in the bottom of the ninth for two runs and a 3-2 victory. The TU Stars have now won six of the seven All-Star Games between the two leagues. Stanley Ross (Ranford) forced in the tying run when he walked C Juanito Luque (Arlon) with the bases full. SS Scooter Perez (Mahaska) then won the game with a deep drive to center over everybody's head to score RF Helmut Gracyzk (Midway) from third base with the winning run. Ross took the loss, while Alec DiMaggio (Ozarka) got the win with a 1-2-3 ninth.

Ruthlandia took a 1-0 lead in the opening inning when RF Stan Cuccinello (Eastshore) singled with two away and was doubled in by 1B Phil Gravelli (Belair Beach). The RU Stars scored again in the second frame on a solo homer by 3B Jimmy Holman (Marston) to go in front 2-0. The TU Stars finally got on the scoreboard in the sixth when CF Wayne McDonald (Oxford) singled and scored on Gracyzk's triple. Graczyk of the Midway Wolves was voted the game's outstanding player. He was the only player with two hits in the game. Tycobbia outhit Ruthlandia 6 to 5. The TU hurlers fanned five and walked one in the game, while Ruthlandia pitchers had nine strikeouts and issued four walks, two of them very costly. Both runs in the ninth were unearned. SS Russ Russell (Cold Creek) misplayed a ground ball with two outs and prolonged the inning and gave Tycobbia its chance to win.

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 10:43 PM

The Islandian Times

Monday, September 17, 2007

2007 Ruthlandian North Division Final Standings

Eugene Church · 12-03-2009, 10:45 PM

The Islandian Times

Monday, September 17, 2007

Big Surprise, Ancona Wins RU North Crown

Best Team BA - Ranford .275
Most HR - Taranto 225
Most Runs - Taranto 828
Best Team ERA - Far Mountain 3.17 ERA
Best Defense - Valmara .977 FA

Worst Team BA - Far Mountain .250
Fewest HR - Far Mountain 127
Fewest Runs - Far Mountain 648
Worst Team ERA - Taranto 4.46 ERA
Worst Defense - Far Mountain .969 FA

What a year it has been for Ancona manager Manny Mickens. His Red Elephants rose up from sixth place last year and won the RU North pennant this year. They finished 7 games up on second place Ranford, 11 games ahead of the defending division champs, the Taranto Tars and 16 in front of the fourth place Valmara Vipers. Ancona won the flag with an amazing second half run. The Red Elephants were 54-18 over the final three months of the season.

Ancona (94-60) did it with several key free agents and a well-rounded team with a good blend of hitting and pitching. Heading up Mickens' strong mound corps were All-Star Vern Vidmar (20-9 2.32), Sean Stone (18-12 3.37), Dave Webb (17-12 3.23) and Yannis Vardakis (10-6 3.77). At the plate the Red Elephants depended on CF Tavi Vakros (.327/19 HR/64 RBI/120 R), LF Louie DiMucci (.290/26 HR/95 RBI) and 1B Johnny Lee Harder (.295/20 HR/81 R).

Page Satcher at Ranford (87-67) didn't have the pitching to compete with the Red Elephants, but he did have the hitters. The Bulls had the best team batting average in the division, spearheaded by All-Star 2B Jesse Goodwin (.320/29 HR/117 RBI/95 R) and 1B Billy Massengale (.352/30 HR/104 RBI/105 R). On the hill Satcher had a good group of starters in Chris Bernhoffer (17-15 3.50), All-Star Stanley Ross (19-14 2.88) and Charley Aston (17-11 3.90).

In Taranto (83-71), it was the same old story for Tommaso Lazzorda's Tars - not enough pitching. His club had the worst pitching in the division, but they packed a lot of power in their bats. Taranto's best run producers were 2B Ed Miles (.323/28 HR/90 RBI/107 R) and LF Tommy Lee Hendley (.289/37 HR/110 RBI/82 R). Pitching-wise Sal Pascioni (17-9 3.34) had a great year considering he has to pitch in the Palazzo di Sport, one of the smallest ballparks in the IPA. Angelo Zinacola (22-12 4.31) won 20 games, but he was helped by the Tars bats quite a few times in the season. Give Lazzorda another quality pitcher and he would have won the title again this year.

J. Jackson Samuel in Valmara (78-76) suffered the same fate as Lazzorda in Taranto, not enough quality arms. New free agent signee Darryl Vannoy (13-16 4.02) had his first off-year and did not perform as expected. In 2006, he was 19-11 with a 3.40 ERA at Valka and led them to the TU South crown. Russell Greene (16-14 3.80) and Vanya Vasylenko (13-13 4.23) were the Vipers biggest winners. But like Taranto, the Vipers could smack the ball. 1B Masaichi Okawa (.301/28 HR/119 RBI/110 R) had an excellent year. Veteran 2B Floyd Vinson (.294/5 HR/45 RBI/97 R) still handles the bat pretty well, but while newcomer 3B Joe Courtney (.277/24 HR/92 RBI/89 R) did not put up the numbers he did in Oxford, he was a solid hitter and made the All-Star team.

The Glasco Athletics (77-77) guided by McDuffie Hughes to the fifth spot in the RU North 17 games off the pace. Hughes only has average talent in Glasco. Off-season pickup CF Ike Plunkett (.304/27 HR/85 RBI/88 R) did well, but might be showing his age at 34. Another expensive free agent acquisition RF Bailey Norcross missed half of the season due to injury and batted only .238 with 12 homers and 35 RBIs. SS George Ferguson (.279/29 HR/97 RBI) chipped in some offense, too. Hard-luck Mike Larsen (14-16 2.61) pitched very well, but suffered from little run support. Danny Stewart (14-16 3.86) also did well at times.

The sixth place Far Mountain Redhawks (73-81) had the best pitching in the division, but conversely, the worst hitting, too. Not a good formula for success. Skipper Alex Groveland got a lot of mileage out of starters Leroy Hill (17-17 2.85), Robby Kelly (14-13 3.32) and free agent from Turon, James Longstreet (12-19 3.30). They were his workhorses, but they all needed more offense. All-Star 2B Duane Parsons (.305/29 HR/86 RBI/87 R) was Groveland's only dependable bat with some help from SS Keith Wasik (.299/9 HR/74 RBI/69 R).

In LaGrange (71-83) Foxy Jimison has two All-Stars, but not much else. C Otto Kronvath (.255/33 HR/111 RBI/82 R) and CF Karl Perret (.307/16 HR/69 RBI/111 R) both had good years as did SS Bill Nilsen (.288/21 HR/82 RBI/88 R). Hank Laccaseigne (11-13 3.81) was the ace of the staff, Hunk Sweitzer (11-15 4.21) was inconsistent, but had his moments and free agent Charles Darby (8-16 4.49) made a dismal first impression.

For the fourth consecutive season the Kilkenny Cats (68-86) wallowed in the cellar and completed the year 26 games out of first place. Manager Kieran McKenna has never finished higher than sixth in the standings. Poor hitting and so-so pitching won't get you far in the IPA or anywhere else. The Cats pitching corps did fairly well with Roger Davidson (20-16 3.83) winning 20 games. Free agent Gregg Neal (15-16 3.39) had a decent season considering the bad run support. Like-wise for Steve Ohlinger (14-12 3.85). Free agent second sacker Francisco Abreu (.282/22 HR/79 RBI/75 R) was the best man in the batting order. CF Happy Janish (.279/11 HR/38 RBI/90 R) also helped out a little bit.

Eugene Church · 12-04-2009, 02:14 PM

The Islandian Times

Monday, September 17, 2007

2007 Ruthlandian South Division Final Standings

Eugene Church · 12-04-2009, 02:21 PM

The Islandian Times

Monday, September 17, 2007

Ruthlandian Union South Division

St. John Back On Top, Wins RU South Flag
Longtime powers Belair Beach and Claxton stumbled a little and Valka fell into free agent oblivion in the 2007 Ruthlandian Union South race. That made way for division doormats St. John and Grand City to rise up and past them. The Crusaders, managed by Dickie Billings, won the pennant by 4 games over Grand City. Claxton dipped to third place, 6 games behind, Belair Beach was fourth and 7 games out, while vaunted Valka plunged to the basement, 26 games off the pace. St. John won the division in 2003. Since then they have been relegated to the division's lower rungs.

Best Team BA - Claxton .274
Most HR - Claxton 188
Most Runs - Claxton 800
Best Team ERA - Grand City 3.07
Best Team Defense - Belair Beach .978 FA

Worst Team BA - San Dimas .251
Fewest HR - Waleska 80
Fewest Runs - Valka 570
Worst Team ERA - Claxton 4.27
Worst Team Defense - Valka .967

1st - St. John Crusaders (89-65)
Dickie Billings, Manager
Good balance... hitting, scoring, pitching, fielding... top pitchers: Johnny Cole (16-11 3.08), Sterling Eccles (15-9 3.75), Teddy Garson (16-15 3.59), closer Ken Wheeler (6-2 1.83) with 35 saves, tops in IPA... top batters: CF Champ Grayson (.306/21 HR/72 RBI), 1B Abe Worthy (.309/12 HR/77 RBI), RF Clayton Luck (.304/9 HR/55 RBI/89 R).

2nd - Grand City Cybercats (85-69)
Torry Joseph, Manager
Outstanding pitching (3.07 ERA), first in the IPA... best pitchers: brilliant rookie Emmitt Yates (19-6 2.09), free agents Paul Felkner (22-12 3.40) from Summerland and Russ Courtney (13-13 2.96) from Blue Lake, closer Gerry Fisher (4-2 1.75)... poor hitting (.255)... best hitter free agent from Valka 1B Marlin Kiefer (.303/13 HR/65 RBI/77 R)... good defense (.976 FA).

3rd - Claxton Diamonds (83-71)
Stacy Engel, Manager
Fine hitting and power, tops in division... last in pitching (4.27 ERA), but has fair starters... good defense (.976 FA)... top bats: CF Dixie Baker (.273/37 HR/124 RBI/90 R), All-Star 1B Mike Luzzatti (.316/39 HR/106 RBI/112 R), RF Jackie Allemand (.276/22 HR/86 RBI)... best pitchers: All-Star Charlie Murphy (14-11 3.27), but faltered in second half, Paul Grange (16-15 3.98), Doug Torvik (13-12 3.91).

4th - Belair Beach Sunbirds (82-72)
Marty Pedroza, Manager
Lost 19-game winner Johnny Spears in free agency... great pitching dipped to below average this year (4.19 ERA)... Slim Mosley and Tiny Lindgren had down years... not much in hitting except in All-Star Phil Gravelli (.350/49 HR/146 RBI/112 R), who topped RU in homers and RBIs, All-Star Billy Martz (.324/16 HR/84 RBI/89 R) and C Little Jake Bungarooba (.281/18 HR/67 RBI/106 R)... top pitchers: Joe Schmidt (22-7 3.55), Slim Mosley (12-11 4.06) and Tiny Lindgren (14-13 4.47)... excellent defense (.978 FA), best in RU South.

5th - Waleska Westerners (78-76)
McGraw Johnson, Manager
Good pitching (3.50 ERA)... fair hitting, no power with only 80 home runs (32nd in RU)... just average defensively (.973 FA)... top hurlers: All-Star Wilson Whitmore (19-13 2.88), Nico Ravanelli (21-11 3.20), rookie Von Pearce (14-17 3.44)... best bat: SS Grant Betzer (.299/9 HR/76 RBI/72 R).

6th - Crystal Lake Crushers (73-81)
Herman "Baby" George, Manager
Little above average pitching (3.75 ERA)... fair hitting (.259 BA)... fair power (138 HR)... poor defense (.969 FA)... best pitchers: Pablo Orantes (17-13 3.56), Phil Varnado (12-19 3.69) and rookie closer Jeff Jernigan (6-7 2.73) with 26 saves... top batters: 2B Nelson Tolliver (.289/23 HR/73 RBI), CF Johnny Northern (.285/8 HR/45 RBI/97 R), free agent from East Point RF Jerry Lee Presley (.274/21 HR/88 RBI/88 R).

7th - San Dimas Rancheros (72-82)
Paco Banderos, Manager
Excellent pitching staff (3.28 ERA), 4th best ERA in RU... mediocre hitting (.251 BA) and power (102 HR)... average defense (.973 FA)... spent heavy in free agency... top pitchers: free agents Carl Schmitz (13-15 2.67) from Volusia and Ray Watson (10-15 3.38) from Belair Beach, Bobby Prince (14-15 3.21)... all suffered from poor run support... top batter: free agent 1B Ron Armstrong (.296/18 HR/66 RBI/76 R), a poor season for the ex-Sugar Valley Rattler.

8th - Valka Blackhawks (63-91)
Jaan Kurus, Manager
Valka was decimated by free agency... lost pitchers Daryl Vannoy (13-16 4.02) to Valmara, Bobby Karu (22-13 2.98) to South Fork and Tommy Ruffin (19-7 3.09) to Tuckanarra... combined they were 54-36 with their new clubs... pitching now only average (3.84 ERA)... hitting and power very poor with .254 BA and 87 homers... the Blackhawks could only score 570 runs, totally last in the entire IPA... defensively worst in the RU with a very poor .967 fielding average... best pitchers: Erke Tonisson (12-14 3.19), Aato Neetar (14-20 4.17) and free agent from East Point Jared Robillard (16-18 3.81)... best bats: All-Star RF Jimmy Tremayne (.305/8 HR/48 RBI/65 R), who was leading the league at mid-season with a .380 mark and dropped off the map in the second half... 2B Mike Ellefsen (.272/19 HR/63 RBI/62 R) was the team batting leader.

11-30-2009, 10:54 PM	#1361
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Sunday, October 15, 2006 Golden Gloves Announced by IPA RU Golden Glove Award Winners Named "Flashing the leather" and "good with the glove" are ways to describe players who help their teams by playing great defense. Today the most dependable glovemen in the Ruthlandian Union for 2006 were announced. There were no repeat winners this year. Golden Glove Awards will be presented to these top-notch defenders: Pitcher: Dave Webb (Middlefield Roosters) Catcher: Erich Adamczyk (Valmara Vipers) First Baseman: Phil Gravelli (Belair Beach Sunbirds) Second Baseman: Sammy Ragsdale (Middlefield Roosters) Third Baseman: Jimmy Holman (Marston Nine) Shortstop: Flipper Bird (Sugar Valley Rattlers) Left Fielder: Stan Czerwinski (Valmara Vipers) Center Fielder: Ryan Raines (Volusia Vigilantes) Right Fielder: Jackie Allemand (Claxton Diamonds) Year's Best Gloves Selected by Tycobbian Union Making the play is the mark of great defenders. Spearing a liner, diving in the hole or crashing headlong into the wall makes no difference to these awe-inspiring fielders. Magicians they sometimes appear to be, showing up out of nowhere to rob a batter of a hit and to turn a hit into an out. Pitchers love 'em, batters curse 'em... and fans are sometimes speechless. Catcher Jim Mitchell of the Ginza Ninjas was the only repeat winner this year. He won for the second year in a row. All of the other recipients are first time selections this season.These defensive wizards will collect their 2006 Tycobbian Union Golden Glove Awards tonight: Pitcher: Peter Brenneman (Rolling Hills Reds) Catcher: Jim Mitchell (Ginza Ninjas) First Baseman: Chancey Quibedeaux (Bayview Vikings) Second Baseman: Dusty Eaton (Mahaska Haymakers) Third Baseman: Benny Rotella (East Point Panthers) Shortstop: Trevor Tomlinson (Denton City Redbirds) Left Fielder: Vic Weinstein (Ozarka Naturals) Center Fielder: Skeeter Hall (Bay St. Clair Buccaneers) Right Fielder: Lonnie Jacobson (Ginza Ninjas) Last edited by Eugene Church; 11-30-2009 at 11:02 PM.

12-01-2009, 12:15 AM	#1362
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Monday, October 16, 2006 Pitchers Win MVP In Both Leagues Pitchers have won the Most Valuable Player Award in the IPA, but never in both leagues in the same year. This year's winners are Ernie Watkins of the Rocky Rapids Snappers in the Ruthlandian Union and Titus Bristow of the Tuckanarra Blue Jays in the Tycobbian Union. Watkins had a fastastic season by setting a new IPA mark for most victories with 28. The old record was 26 held by Flint Battle of South Fork and Jimmy Simmons of Colchester. Battle was 26-11 in 2002 and Simmons notched a 26-8 mark in 2005. Bristow established a new Tycobbian Union record for victories with a 27-7 mark this year. He broke the old record held by Battle and Simmons. Burg sparked the Blue Jays to their best record ever and a runner-up spot in the TU East this season. Watkins was 28-11 with a 2.52 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 285 innings, leading Rocky Rapids to a second-place finish in the RU West, the highest the Snappers have ever finished. Bristow snapped Cody Burg's ERA record with a terrific 1.73 ERA. Cape Coral's Burg had a 1.87 ERA in 2003. Bristow was outstanding with 22 complete games and 6 shutouts. Watkins and Bristow now join Ginza's Kojiro Matsumoto and Hartsdale's Gus Kostro as the only hurlers who have won the MVP trophies. Matsumoto was 19-11 in 2001 with a 3.00 ERA, while Kostro was 25-6 with a 2.39 ERA in 2003. Previous Ruthlandian Union MVP winners were Volusia SS Scooter Perez (2001), Valmara LF Jet Kazmarek (2002-2003), Sugar Valley SS Flipper Bird (2004) and San Dimas 1B Johnny Carducci (2005). Former Tycobbian Union MVP honorees were Ginza pitcher Kojiro Matsumoto (2001), East Point 2B Karol Zodoka (2002), Hartsdale pitcher Gus Kostro (2003), Oxford CF Ike Plunkett (2004) and High Mesa LF Adam Zitek (2005). Last edited by Eugene Church; 12-01-2009 at 01:53 PM.

12-01-2009, 01:11 PM	#1363
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Tuesday, October 16, 2006 Turon's Spiegel Captures 2006 Pro Cup MVP The outstanding player in the 2006 IPA Pro Cup playoffs was Turon's terrific 23-year-old righthander Freddi Spiegel, who won two crucial games in the Pro Cup finals and led the Typhoons to their second Pro Cup title. He tossed a splendid 1-hitter in the 3-0 victory in game three and then closed out the series in game six with a 3-2 victory. Overall during the postseason Spiegel was 4-1 with a 2.34 ERA. Teams only hit .156 against him in the playoffs. Teammate James Longstreet was second in the voting. He chalked up a 5-2 mark in the postseason with a sparkling 1.47 ERA. A 5-4 loss in game two probably cost him his second MVP trophy. The 34-year-old Longstreet won the 2003 MVP honors in the Typhoons first title run. Third in the balloting was Turon's Scotty Boswell, who compiled a 3-1 record in the playoffs with a 2.34 ERA. Others receiving votes were three Turon players and two Volusia players. RF Andy Porter (.325 BA/3 HR/15 RBI/11 R), CF Mac McCurnan (.305 BA/2 HR/12 RBI/13 R) and C Todd Somerset (.299 BA/4 HR/11 RBI/14 R), all of Turon, and Volusia's Carl Schmitz (5-2 2.59) and C Armando Villa (.328 BA/4 HR/13 RBI/11 R). Spiegel joins five previous IPA Pro Cup MVPs: Volusia 2B Francisco Abreu (2001), High Mesa SS Rolf Kellgren (2002), Turon pitcher James Longstreet (2003), Red Bluff pitcher Mila Mohoski (2004) and Middlefield CF Bailey Norcross (2005). Last edited by Eugene Church; 03-07-2022 at 02:37 PM.

12-01-2009, 02:01 PM	#1364
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	I will now get ready for IPA season 7. In order to speed up the process, I will just give a year summary at the end of the season, post the league leaderboards and cover the playoffs game-by-game. I want to play about 20 seasons and then perhaps convert the league to OOTP10. This will give me a good league history. At that time I may change the league structure to one major league with 16 teams with three minor leagues. I would play out each game each day of the major league (actually the last three innings of each game). Each major league team would have three minor league affiliates to supply them players. Last edited by Eugene Church; 12-01-2009 at 02:03 PM.

12-03-2009, 01:48 PM	#1368
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Wednesday, June 20, 2007 2007 IPA Mid-Season Standings 2007 Ruthlandian Union North Division Mid-Season Standings Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 12-03-2009 at 01:54 PM.

12-01-2009, 03:50 PM	#1365
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Monday, October 23, 2006 Engel and Louis Managers of the Year in IPA BNN writers and broadcasters have made their picks for the IPA Managers of the Year. Claxton manager Stacy Engel guided the Diamonds rise from fifth to second in the RU South and was chosen the Ruthlandian Union's top manager and Arlon's skipper Gary Louis will receive the Tycobbian Union award. "The Old Perfesser" Engel led Claxton to a second-place finish with a 96-59 record. Elnora's Zoggy White was number two in the poll and Taranto's Tommaso Lazzorda was third. White directed the All-Stars recovery from seventh place in 2005 to the second spot this year. Lazzorda won the RU North with a 91-63 mark. Louis of the Arlon Champions steered them to remarkable turnaround. The Champs climbed from sixth place to the TU West title. Arlon had the best record in the IPA with a 99-55 record. Ranked second in the poll was Oxford's Campy Roy, who piloted the Red Caps back to the top of the TU North with a 93-61 mark. They were fourth in 2005. Carlton "Lefty" Stevens finished third in the balloting for the Tuckanarra Blue Jays comeback season. They moved up in the TU East standings from fifth to second place with a record of 87-67.

12-02-2009, 10:10 PM	#1366
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Monday, March 1, 2007 IPA Commissioner Announces New Playoff System John Banford, the commissioner of the Islandian Pro Alliance, announced today the league will put into effect this season a new playoff system. Only divisions winners will qualify for the Pro Cup playoffs. Each round will be best-of-seven. The IPA has had several prior postseason plans. In the first season in 2001 when there were only 24 teams, only the division champion from each division qualified for the playoffs with best-of-seven series. The 8-team system was shelved in 2002 when the league expanded to 64 teams. The top four teams in each division qualified with each series a best-of-three series. In 2004 a new system was adopted whereby the top two clubs in each division would make the postseason with each series a best-of-five series, except for the Pro Cup finals, which be a best-of-seven series. At the press conference Commissioner Banford told the press, "Many teams have complained over the past three years that it wasn't fair to the pennant winners to play short series. Many times they were beaten by second place teams in short best-of-three or best-of-five series. Many clubs thought that they should get an advantage for winning over the long 154-game season and only the division winners should make the playoffs. They also wanted all series to be best-of-seven. This would give the better team a better chance to win. The best team doesn't always win a short series. The thinking is that the longer a series goes, the advantage will be to the best team. This new playoff method would also mean a team would only have to win three series to win the Pro Cup. In the past there were as many as four and five rounds."

12-03-2009, 12:42 AM	#1367
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times IPA Announces 2007 All-Stars Nothing is for certain about the 2007 Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star Game. It may be dominated by top-notch pitching performances. Or it could turn into a home run derby. Who knows? Pitch by pitch, inning by inning, the game could feature a little of both -- six strikeouts in a row by a nasty southpaw -- or a 3-homer day for some superstar slugger -- plus great catches, thrills, chills and spills -- all the great and the unexpected things that can happen in a baseball game. One thing is for certain - with all of the fine performers - the fans will really enjoy the ball game. Only one rookie was selected for the 2007 All-Star Game. That was RF Stan Cuccinello of the Eastshore Elegants. C Hank Bethel of the Bayview Vikings was named for the fifth time. Belair Beach 1B Phil Gravelli, Valmara 3B Joe Courtney, Stoner SS Karol Zodoka, Arroyo Grande LF Jet Kazmarek all are four-time All-Stars. This year, the Ruthlandian Union will be represented by these All-Star performers: SP Stanley Ross (RAN) 9-5 2.94 SP Wilson Whitmore (WLK) 9-3 2.24 SP Jasper LaForge (CFX) 12-3 3.00 SP Ilya Szabo (CFX) 13-1 2.18 - SP Warren Paul (ELN) 8-6 2.41 - All-Star 2006-2007 SP Wayne Baxley (BEE) 8-4 2.83 SP Ted Chambers (STO) 8-4 2.59 SP Zippy Hodge (MAR) 8-4 2.82 SP Charlie Murphy (CLX) 8-3 2.76 SP Todd Wolfe (VOL) 8-5 2.66 C Benny Stern (STO) .315 BA/15 HR/57 RBI C Otto Kronvath (LAG) .276 BA/20 HR/63 RBI C T. Leonetti (CFX) .337 BA/2 HR/29 RBI 1B Phil Gravelli (BB) .362 BA/21 HR/65 RBI - All-Star 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 1B Mike Luzzatti (CLX) .315 BA/16 HR/44 RBI 2B Jesse Goodwin (RAN) .341 BA/10 HR/45 RBI 2B Duane Parsons (FM) .322 BA/13 HR/42 RBI 3B Jimmy Holman (MAR) .294 BA/7 HR/35 RBI - All-Star 2005, 2007 3B Joe Courtney (VLM) .278 BA/11 HR/43 RBI - All-Star 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007 SS Karol Zodoka (STO) .291 BA/12 HR/42 RBI - All-Star 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007 SS Russ Russell (CCR) .316 BA/6 HR/32 RBI LF Darrel Alston (ETS) .344 BA/16 HR/42 RBI - All-Star 2005, 2007 LF Jimmy Tremayne (VLK) .380 BA/3 HR/23 RBI LF Scott Camden (RR) .297 BA/17 HR/51 RBI LF Quincy Peterson (BP) .325 BA/15 HR/54 RBI - All-Star 2006, 2007 CF Dalton Leeds (WYN) .326 BA/8 HR/31 RBI - All-Star 2005, 2007 CF Billy Martz (BB) .336 BA/6 HR/38 RBI CF Karl Perret (LAG) .341 BA/5 HR/29 RBI RF Fred Collins (SLI) .301 BA/10 HR/39 RBI - All-Star 2004, 2007 RF Stan Cuccinello (ETS) .311 BA/14 HR/56 RBI * * = Rookie While the Tycobbian Union best will be these stars: SP Cody Burg (CC) 7-6 1.82 - All-Star 2006, 2007 SP Ed Dupard (HIL) 8-4 2.30 SP Tommy Ruffin (TUC) 10-1 2.90 SP Alex DiMaggio (OZK) 9-6 2.28 SP Jimmy Simmons (CCH) 9-4 2.54 - All-Star 2005, 2007 SP Titus Bristow (TUC) 9-2 1.57 - All-Star 2006, 2007 SP Johnny Spears (MAH) 11-3 1.75 - All-Star 2006, 2007 SP Frank Payne (CCH) 12-4 2.06 SP Anthony Nardone (TUR) 9-6 1.80 - All-Star 2003, 2004, 2007 SP Dan Phillips (OXF) 10-5 2.37 - All-Star 2003, 2007 C Geronimo Paytah (MDW) .295 BA/2 HR/35 RBI C Juanito Luque (ARL) .302 BA/4 Hr/27 RBI C Hank Bethel (BAY) .284 BA/11 HR/27 RBI - All-Star 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 1B Harlan Roscoe (CCH) .289 BA/20 HR/59 RBI - All-Star 2003, 2007 1B Don Piper (MDW) .345 BA/11 HR/48 RBI 1B Chancey Quibedeaux (BAY) .346 BA/14 HR/43 RBI - All-Star 2003, 2006, 2007 1B Miles Shufford (SA) .329 BA/19 HR/46 RBI 2B Jim Helwig (EP) .313 BA/15 HR/46 RBI 2B John Asbury (HM) .322 BA/17 HR/59 RBI 3B Karl Benson (BAY) .348 BA/16 HR/50 RBI 3B Nathan Ferrell (OZK) .317 BA/13 HR/47 RBI - All-Star 2005, 2007 SS Scooter Perez (MAH) .326 BA/1 HR/22 RBI - All-Star 2001, 2007 SS Jose Aguilar (RB) .290 BA/9 HR/30 RBI - 2005, 2006, 2007 LF Jet Kazmarek (AG) .332 BA/6 HR/37 RBI - All-Star 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007 LF Zeppy Deshotel (LC) .309 BA/12 HR/48 RBI - All-Star 2006, 2007 LF Rocco Belasario (ARL) .330 BA/10 HR/35 RBI - All-Star 2006, 2007 CF Douglas Tilford (CCH) .375 BA/9 HR/48 RBI CF Wayne McDonald (OXF) .353 BA/14 HR/36 RBI RF Tad Kirklin (BL) .349 BA/21 HR/75 RBI - All-Star 2006, 2007 RF Teddy Blanton (CCH) .376 BA/20 HR/59 RBI - All-Star 2006, 2007 RF H. Graczyk (MDW) .324 BA/16 HR/55 RBI

12-03-2009, 01:49 PM	#1369
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	2007 Ruthlandian Union South Division Mid-Season Standings Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 12-03-2009 at 01:54 PM.

12-03-2009, 01:51 PM	#1370
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	2007 Ruthlandian Union East Division Mid-Season Standings Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 12-03-2009 at 01:54 PM.

12-03-2009, 01:53 PM	#1371
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	2007 Ruthlandian Union West Division Mid-Season Standings Attached Images

12-03-2009, 01:56 PM	#1372
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Wednesday, June 20, 2007 2007 IPA Mid-Season Standings 2007 Tycobbian Union North Division Mid-Season Standings Attached Images

12-03-2009, 01:58 PM	#1373
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	2007 Tycobbian Union South Division Mid-Season Standings Attached Images

12-03-2009, 01:59 PM	#1374
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	2007 Tycobbian Union East Division Mid-Season Standings Attached Images

12-03-2009, 02:00 PM	#1375
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	2007 Ruthlandian Union West Division Mid-Season Standings Attached Images

12-03-2009, 03:48 PM	#1376
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Wednesday, June 20, 2007 2007 IPA All-Star Game at Typhoon Stadium in Turon TU Stars Win Again, Edge RU Stars 3-2, Graczyk Hero At Typhoon Stadium in Turon, the Tycobbian All-Stars continued to dominate the Ruthlandian All-Stars by rallying in the bottom of the ninth for two runs and a 3-2 victory. The TU Stars have now won six of the seven All-Star Games between the two leagues. Stanley Ross (Ranford) forced in the tying run when he walked C Juanito Luque (Arlon) with the bases full. SS Scooter Perez (Mahaska) then won the game with a deep drive to center over everybody's head to score RF Helmut Gracyzk (Midway) from third base with the winning run. Ross took the loss, while Alec DiMaggio (Ozarka) got the win with a 1-2-3 ninth. Ruthlandia took a 1-0 lead in the opening inning when RF Stan Cuccinello (Eastshore) singled with two away and was doubled in by 1B Phil Gravelli (Belair Beach). The RU Stars scored again in the second frame on a solo homer by 3B Jimmy Holman (Marston) to go in front 2-0. The TU Stars finally got on the scoreboard in the sixth when CF Wayne McDonald (Oxford) singled and scored on Gracyzk's triple. Graczyk of the Midway Wolves was voted the game's outstanding player. He was the only player with two hits in the game. Tycobbia outhit Ruthlandia 6 to 5. The TU hurlers fanned five and walked one in the game, while Ruthlandia pitchers had nine strikeouts and issued four walks, two of them very costly. Both runs in the ninth were unearned. SS Russ Russell (Cold Creek) misplayed a ground ball with two outs and prolonged the inning and gave Tycobbia its chance to win. Last edited by Eugene Church; 12-03-2009 at 08:26 PM.

12-03-2009, 10:43 PM	#1377
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Monday, September 17, 2007 2007 Ruthlandian North Division Final Standings Attached Images

12-03-2009, 10:45 PM	#1378
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Monday, September 17, 2007 Big Surprise, Ancona Wins RU North Crown Best Team BA - Ranford .275 Most HR - Taranto 225 Most Runs - Taranto 828 Best Team ERA - Far Mountain 3.17 ERA Best Defense - Valmara .977 FA Worst Team BA - Far Mountain .250 Fewest HR - Far Mountain 127 Fewest Runs - Far Mountain 648 Worst Team ERA - Taranto 4.46 ERA Worst Defense - Far Mountain .969 FA What a year it has been for Ancona manager Manny Mickens. His Red Elephants rose up from sixth place last year and won the RU North pennant this year. They finished 7 games up on second place Ranford, 11 games ahead of the defending division champs, the Taranto Tars and 16 in front of the fourth place Valmara Vipers. Ancona won the flag with an amazing second half run. The Red Elephants were 54-18 over the final three months of the season. Ancona (94-60) did it with several key free agents and a well-rounded team with a good blend of hitting and pitching. Heading up Mickens' strong mound corps were All-Star Vern Vidmar (20-9 2.32), Sean Stone (18-12 3.37), Dave Webb (17-12 3.23) and Yannis Vardakis (10-6 3.77). At the plate the Red Elephants depended on CF Tavi Vakros (.327/19 HR/64 RBI/120 R), LF Louie DiMucci (.290/26 HR/95 RBI) and 1B Johnny Lee Harder (.295/20 HR/81 R). Page Satcher at Ranford (87-67) didn't have the pitching to compete with the Red Elephants, but he did have the hitters. The Bulls had the best team batting average in the division, spearheaded by All-Star 2B Jesse Goodwin (.320/29 HR/117 RBI/95 R) and 1B Billy Massengale (.352/30 HR/104 RBI/105 R). On the hill Satcher had a good group of starters in Chris Bernhoffer (17-15 3.50), All-Star Stanley Ross (19-14 2.88) and Charley Aston (17-11 3.90). In Taranto (83-71), it was the same old story for Tommaso Lazzorda's Tars - not enough pitching. His club had the worst pitching in the division, but they packed a lot of power in their bats. Taranto's best run producers were 2B Ed Miles (.323/28 HR/90 RBI/107 R) and LF Tommy Lee Hendley (.289/37 HR/110 RBI/82 R). Pitching-wise Sal Pascioni (17-9 3.34) had a great year considering he has to pitch in the Palazzo di Sport, one of the smallest ballparks in the IPA. Angelo Zinacola (22-12 4.31) won 20 games, but he was helped by the Tars bats quite a few times in the season. Give Lazzorda another quality pitcher and he would have won the title again this year. J. Jackson Samuel in Valmara (78-76) suffered the same fate as Lazzorda in Taranto, not enough quality arms. New free agent signee Darryl Vannoy (13-16 4.02) had his first off-year and did not perform as expected. In 2006, he was 19-11 with a 3.40 ERA at Valka and led them to the TU South crown. Russell Greene (16-14 3.80) and Vanya Vasylenko (13-13 4.23) were the Vipers biggest winners. But like Taranto, the Vipers could smack the ball. 1B Masaichi Okawa (.301/28 HR/119 RBI/110 R) had an excellent year. Veteran 2B Floyd Vinson (.294/5 HR/45 RBI/97 R) still handles the bat pretty well, but while newcomer 3B Joe Courtney (.277/24 HR/92 RBI/89 R) did not put up the numbers he did in Oxford, he was a solid hitter and made the All-Star team. The Glasco Athletics (77-77) guided by McDuffie Hughes to the fifth spot in the RU North 17 games off the pace. Hughes only has average talent in Glasco. Off-season pickup CF Ike Plunkett (.304/27 HR/85 RBI/88 R) did well, but might be showing his age at 34. Another expensive free agent acquisition RF Bailey Norcross missed half of the season due to injury and batted only .238 with 12 homers and 35 RBIs. SS George Ferguson (.279/29 HR/97 RBI) chipped in some offense, too. Hard-luck Mike Larsen (14-16 2.61) pitched very well, but suffered from little run support. Danny Stewart (14-16 3.86) also did well at times. The sixth place Far Mountain Redhawks (73-81) had the best pitching in the division, but conversely, the worst hitting, too. Not a good formula for success. Skipper Alex Groveland got a lot of mileage out of starters Leroy Hill (17-17 2.85), Robby Kelly (14-13 3.32) and free agent from Turon, James Longstreet (12-19 3.30). They were his workhorses, but they all needed more offense. All-Star 2B Duane Parsons (.305/29 HR/86 RBI/87 R) was Groveland's only dependable bat with some help from SS Keith Wasik (.299/9 HR/74 RBI/69 R). In LaGrange (71-83) Foxy Jimison has two All-Stars, but not much else. C Otto Kronvath (.255/33 HR/111 RBI/82 R) and CF Karl Perret (.307/16 HR/69 RBI/111 R) both had good years as did SS Bill Nilsen (.288/21 HR/82 RBI/88 R). Hank Laccaseigne (11-13 3.81) was the ace of the staff, Hunk Sweitzer (11-15 4.21) was inconsistent, but had his moments and free agent Charles Darby (8-16 4.49) made a dismal first impression. For the fourth consecutive season the Kilkenny Cats (68-86) wallowed in the cellar and completed the year 26 games out of first place. Manager Kieran McKenna has never finished higher than sixth in the standings. Poor hitting and so-so pitching won't get you far in the IPA or anywhere else. The Cats pitching corps did fairly well with Roger Davidson (20-16 3.83) winning 20 games. Free agent Gregg Neal (15-16 3.39) had a decent season considering the bad run support. Like-wise for Steve Ohlinger (14-12 3.85). Free agent second sacker Francisco Abreu (.282/22 HR/79 RBI/75 R) was the best man in the batting order. CF Happy Janish (.279/11 HR/38 RBI/90 R) also helped out a little bit. Last edited by Eugene Church; 12-04-2009 at 03:30 PM.

12-04-2009, 02:14 PM	#1379
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Monday, September 17, 2007 2007 Ruthlandian South Division Final Standings Attached Images

12-04-2009, 02:21 PM	#1380
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,690 Blog Entries: 1	The Islandian Times Monday, September 17, 2007 Ruthlandian Union South Division St. John Back On Top, Wins RU South Flag Longtime powers Belair Beach and Claxton stumbled a little and Valka fell into free agent oblivion in the 2007 Ruthlandian Union South race. That made way for division doormats St. John and Grand City to rise up and past them. The Crusaders, managed by Dickie Billings, won the pennant by 4 games over Grand City. Claxton dipped to third place, 6 games behind, Belair Beach was fourth and 7 games out, while vaunted Valka plunged to the basement, 26 games off the pace. St. John won the division in 2003. Since then they have been relegated to the division's lower rungs. Best Team BA - Claxton .274 Most HR - Claxton 188 Most Runs - Claxton 800 Best Team ERA - Grand City 3.07 Best Team Defense - Belair Beach .978 FA Worst Team BA - San Dimas .251 Fewest HR - Waleska 80 Fewest Runs - Valka 570 Worst Team ERA - Claxton 4.27 Worst Team Defense - Valka .967 1st - St. John Crusaders (89-65) Dickie Billings, Manager Good balance... hitting, scoring, pitching, fielding... top pitchers: Johnny Cole (16-11 3.08), Sterling Eccles (15-9 3.75), Teddy Garson (16-15 3.59), closer Ken Wheeler (6-2 1.83) with 35 saves, tops in IPA... top batters: CF Champ Grayson (.306/21 HR/72 RBI), 1B Abe Worthy (.309/12 HR/77 RBI), RF Clayton Luck (.304/9 HR/55 RBI/89 R). 2nd - Grand City Cybercats (85-69) Torry Joseph, Manager Outstanding pitching (3.07 ERA), first in the IPA... best pitchers: brilliant rookie Emmitt Yates (19-6 2.09), free agents Paul Felkner (22-12 3.40) from Summerland and Russ Courtney (13-13 2.96) from Blue Lake, closer Gerry Fisher (4-2 1.75)... poor hitting (.255)... best hitter free agent from Valka 1B Marlin Kiefer (.303/13 HR/65 RBI/77 R)... good defense (.976 FA). 3rd - Claxton Diamonds (83-71) Stacy Engel, Manager Fine hitting and power, tops in division... last in pitching (4.27 ERA), but has fair starters... good defense (.976 FA)... top bats: CF Dixie Baker (.273/37 HR/124 RBI/90 R), All-Star 1B Mike Luzzatti (.316/39 HR/106 RBI/112 R), RF Jackie Allemand (.276/22 HR/86 RBI)... best pitchers: All-Star Charlie Murphy (14-11 3.27), but faltered in second half, Paul Grange (16-15 3.98), Doug Torvik (13-12 3.91). 4th - Belair Beach Sunbirds (82-72) Marty Pedroza, Manager Lost 19-game winner Johnny Spears in free agency... great pitching dipped to below average this year (4.19 ERA)... Slim Mosley and Tiny Lindgren had down years... not much in hitting except in All-Star Phil Gravelli (.350/49 HR/146 RBI/112 R), who topped RU in homers and RBIs, All-Star Billy Martz (.324/16 HR/84 RBI/89 R) and C Little Jake Bungarooba (.281/18 HR/67 RBI/106 R)... top pitchers: Joe Schmidt (22-7 3.55), Slim Mosley (12-11 4.06) and Tiny Lindgren (14-13 4.47)... excellent defense (.978 FA), best in RU South. 5th - Waleska Westerners (78-76) McGraw Johnson, Manager Good pitching (3.50 ERA)... fair hitting, no power with only 80 home runs (32nd in RU)... just average defensively (.973 FA)... top hurlers: All-Star Wilson Whitmore (19-13 2.88), Nico Ravanelli (21-11 3.20), rookie Von Pearce (14-17 3.44)... best bat: SS Grant Betzer (.299/9 HR/76 RBI/72 R). 6th - Crystal Lake Crushers (73-81) Herman "Baby" George, Manager Little above average pitching (3.75 ERA)... fair hitting (.259 BA)... fair power (138 HR)... poor defense (.969 FA)... best pitchers: Pablo Orantes (17-13 3.56), Phil Varnado (12-19 3.69) and rookie closer Jeff Jernigan (6-7 2.73) with 26 saves... top batters: 2B Nelson Tolliver (.289/23 HR/73 RBI), CF Johnny Northern (.285/8 HR/45 RBI/97 R), free agent from East Point RF Jerry Lee Presley (.274/21 HR/88 RBI/88 R). 7th - San Dimas Rancheros (72-82) Paco Banderos, Manager Excellent pitching staff (3.28 ERA), 4th best ERA in RU... mediocre hitting (.251 BA) and power (102 HR)... average defense (.973 FA)... spent heavy in free agency... top pitchers: free agents Carl Schmitz (13-15 2.67) from Volusia and Ray Watson (10-15 3.38) from Belair Beach, Bobby Prince (14-15 3.21)... all suffered from poor run support... top batter: free agent 1B Ron Armstrong (.296/18 HR/66 RBI/76 R), a poor season for the ex-Sugar Valley Rattler. 8th - Valka Blackhawks (63-91) Jaan Kurus, Manager Valka was decimated by free agency... lost pitchers Daryl Vannoy (13-16 4.02) to Valmara, Bobby Karu (22-13 2.98) to South Fork and Tommy Ruffin (19-7 3.09) to Tuckanarra... combined they were 54-36 with their new clubs... pitching now only average (3.84 ERA)... hitting and power very poor with .254 BA and 87 homers... the Blackhawks could only score 570 runs, totally last in the entire IPA... defensively worst in the RU with a very poor .967 fielding average... best pitchers: Erke Tonisson (12-14 3.19), Aato Neetar (14-20 4.17) and free agent from East Point Jared Robillard (16-18 3.81)... best bats: All-Star RF Jimmy Tremayne (.305/8 HR/48 RBI/65 R), who was leading the league at mid-season with a .380 mark and dropped off the map in the second half... 2B Mike Ellefsen (.272/19 HR/63 RBI/62 R) was the team batting leader. Last edited by Eugene Church; 12-04-2009 at 03:30 PM.