It took 7 games, but in the end the Portland Wild Things were the team of destiny in the WPK in 1981, as they defeat the reigning WPK champion San Antonio Keys to get their first ever championship. They were led by 26-year old rookie third baseman (and relief pitcher) Tom Jansing, who is already a fan favorite and should have a good future ahead of him.
For long-time Denver Brewer superstar Ryan Rodgers, who was signed by Portland in the off-season, it was a way to go out in glory, earning his 4th championship ring (2 with Denver, 1 with his original team, the Washington Night Train, and now the final with the Wild Things), and he even started every single game of the KCS, including having 2 for 4 performances in games 3 and 5. For the 43 year old Rodgers it was pretty much the perfect ending to a fantastic career, and shortly after he announced his retirement the Denver Brewers announced that they would be retiring his uniform number 15. He is just the second player to be so honored by the club, joining #16, Cheol-han Lee. Next stop for Ryan, the WPK Hall of Fame, which he is bound to be inducted into once he becomes eligible.
(Note: the totals listed above are just for his time in Denver, his actual career totals are much higher than this.)
Speaking of retirement, after one last short stint with his original team, Ruben "Streak" Souffront, also announced that he was stepping away from the game he loves (though many expect him to show up in the coaching ranks at some point before too long.)
Although Ruben won't be a viable Hall of Fame candidate, there are a few others who join Ryan Rodgers in retiring this year who surely will, including Jesus Hernandez (whose uniform number the Los Angeles Spinners will be retiring), and Travis Johnson, and some others like Jesse Hartong, Mike Robinette, and David Beane should certainly get some votes and possibly last on the ballot for years, even if they are less likely to eventually earn induction.