[Jazzmosis]

And now for the WWBACS!

Game 1: Determined to make up for his lackluster NACS performance, William "Clutch" Delp Fired a commanding 8 innings, giving up only 1 earned run en-route to a 3-1 victory. With (for some reason) the series starting in Vancouver, this would give them the boost they would need for...

...Game 2: Niemann locked horns against Figueroa, with Tijuana striking in the 1st inning with an RBI double. That was it, however, as Niemann turned around and lowered his postseason ERA to 0.55 and watched as Figueroa lapsed in the final two innings, giving up 3 runs in the 7th and 8th (highlighted by Ralph McKeever's 3rd postseason bomb in the 8th), and Vancouver sprinted out an early 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: The series headed back to Tijuana, where the rowdy Mexican fans (much like in Guadalajara) rioted on the field during the opening ceremonies. Nobody was hurt, as the Mexicans were only celebrating their team rather than booing the Heroes. The Mexicana Festiva paid off as in the ninth the Diablos Rojos snapped off 3 runs to tie the ballgame up at 4, and sent it into extra innings. This game lasted 4 more innings before Kevin Heidenreich blasted a solo bomb in the top of the 13th, and S. Vierra held on for the win, giving Vancouver an unpresenidented 3-0 series lead.

Game 4: William Delp marched out for the Heroes, hoping to make up for a tough NACS by sealing the sweep, but he was latched against Leyte (again). These two studs tossed the gooseggs around for 6 solid innings before finally, William "Choke" Delp finally alluded two runs in the 7th. Vancouver responded off Leyte in the 8th with a run of their own, but Tijuana held on to the lead to give themselves a fighting chance. With a 2-1 victory, they trailed 3-1 in the series.

Game 5: Niemann vs. Figueroa, take two. Both of these pitchers were not going to let up, but Tijuana seemed to have Niemann's number, racking 11 hits off of him in 8 innings. This time, however, they also plated 6 runs, including a 5 run second inning, and Figueroa cruised to a CG, giving up only 1 unearned run. The series headed back to Vancouver, as Tijuana was pushing for a comeback.

Game 6: Back in Vancouver, Antone Lowe was matched against Dudley Henton. You may remember Henton as the NACS game 6 pitcher. But Lowe was no easy competition, as he pitched a complete game 3 hitter. However, Henton was two better, giving up only 1 single and four walks and also pitching a CG. The difference in this game? The 4th inning: With one out, ice-cold Doc Watson rapped a double. Then, Heidenreich brought him home with a bomb of his own, and that was Lowe's only mistake. Irony fell, as this was the second WWBACS in a row ended in a 2-0 score, but this time the Heroes had taken the crown, mobbing each other after "Clutch" Henton's final out. The celebration went on for hours in Vancouver, as this time they were not denied the trophy they deserved.

Playoff OOTP players report!!

Alan Liao played in the 23 inning marathon, pinch running. He swiped second in the ordeal, but this was his only playing time in the postseason. He never took the field or swung the bat, but the important thing was that he was there.

X-Man turned 26 during the playoffs, but his results were not desired. He lost two postseason games despite K's 18 over 17 innings (2 walks), and was saddled with an 0-2, 1.57 ERA, 2041 postseason record. No worries, though. His team was strong and there's no reason to think Ocean City won't return next year.

Peter Kahle had an abismal postseason, playing in 5 games and totalling: 1 hit in 21 AB. Ronin did walk once and put the ball in play all but 3 times (3K's), but his commanding presence wasn't felt and probably had something to do with Sapporo's early exit from the postseason.

Doc Watson was a mixed bag of adventure during his championship run, as he remained the only OOTP player to go to the WWBACS, and was bestowed with the honour of being the first winner. This postseason was far different than his last. He hit better, but his OBP was only .241 (.405 last year), meaning his eye wasn't as sharp. In 48 AB, he knocked 7 hits, but only 1 came in the CS. At least it was a clutch one, right? His .146 average was disappointing but he more than made up for it with the glove. He K'd 6 times (4 last year) and walked 6 times (14 last year). But it all comes down to the ring he now adorens on his finger...

The awards!

I was surprised to find that only one OOTP player won an award, although I wasn't surprised in what category (Defensive Gem). The player may surprise you, although I was touting him all year long.

Tim Moungey. The only OOTP award winner (except Doc Watson, of course), took home the Defensive Gem at 3B, and it was well deserved. He only made 10 errors in 142 games (.977) while boasting solid range (3.18), although I'm convinced range has alot to do with pitchers rather than skill of the fielder (Considering Moungey's range is 36 and his FP is .957). Congratulations regardless, though!

The blurb for anyone interested.. seems Kyoto, despite their suckiness, cleaned up in the Defence...

North American League WWB Top Rookie:
Randy Lovette (QCI)!
He batted .201 in 447 AB, with 9 homers and 33 RBI.

International League WWB Top Rookie:
Mark Goddard (MEX)!
He batted .249 in 433 AB, with 17 homers and 47 RBI.

North American League Master Pitcher:
Brandon Latta (OCH)!
He had a record of 19-9 with an ERA of 1.24 and 8 shutouts.
In 32 games started, he pitched 276 innings, fanning 244 and walking 70 batters.

North American League Incredible Batter:
Herme Delgado (VAN)!
He batted .224 in 568 AB, with 9 homers and 39 RBI.

International League Master Pitcher:
Leslie Blackburn (FKS)!
He had a record of 21-8 with an ERA of 1.33 and 7 shutouts.
In 33 games started, he pitched 271 innings, fanning 257 and walking 45 batters.

International League Incredible Batter:
Mark Goddard (MEX)!
He batted .249 in 433 AB, with 17 homers and 47 RBI.

North American League Defensive Gem Winners:
Pitcher: Peter Kendall (SAC)
Catcher: Wayne Blanchard (VAN)
First Base: Clarence Sebring (LON)
Second Base: Kasey Biron (EDH)
Third Base: Robert Sifuentes (ARL)
Shortstop: William Burton (QCI)
Leftfield: Robert Ingram (EDH)
Centerfield: James Jett (BIS)
Rightfield: Seve Fresquez (STJ)

International League Defensive Gem Winners:
Pitcher: Ricky Jaimes (KYO)
Catcher: Benjamin Gomez (MEX)
First Base: Eloy Prados (KYO)
Second Base: Dominick Ton (KYO)
Third Base: Tim Moungey (KYO)
Shortstop: Fernando Codobes (MEX)
Leftfield: Donald Boe (SSF)
Centerfield: Horacio Lomas (GDL)
Rightfield: George Gonzalez (SDT)