ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, January 3, 2091

IPA WELCOMES BELAIR BEACH 2B MURDOCH TO HALL OF FAME
How do you get to the Islandian Pro Alliance Hall of Fame?
Just hit 400 homers, get 2500 hits, win 200 games or perhaps just save 250 games. Not an easy task, is it? But occasionally it does happen -- it happened to the gifted second baseman Evan Murdock, who retired at the age of 38. All of his 19 seasons were with the Belair Beach Sunbirds from 2069 to 2087. He was on 3 Pro Cup winners (2071,2084,2086), was ranked 7th all-time with 1949 walks and 10th in stolen bases with 671. Murdoch stood out defensively, too. He was a 5-time Gold Glover.

Evan Murdock was recently inducted into the coveted shrine of hardball heroes by the Baseball Writers Association. Murdock was always a favorite of the beat writers -- always quick with a quip and always willing to talk about the game -- but that's not why he got elected to the Hall of Fame. Murdock played a good brand of baseball, too. He played in 2567 games, had 2642 hits, 62 home runs, 894 RBIs and scored 1771 runs while batting .282 in his career.

Reminiscing about his life in baseball, Murdock said it all began by hitting grand slam homers in the last of the ninth in his backyard and ended up in the Hall of Fame. "It was quite a trip. I can't believe they pay us money to play a kid's game. Thank goodness I was good at it. I only got a high school education and I had to cheat to get that. Who knows what I would have done without baseball. I was just a poor old country boy. For the longest time I even thought the last words of the national anthem were 'play ball".






19-YEAR VET HURLER KAMINSKI NOW AMONG IPA HALL OF FAME GREATS
There is a new statue in the Islandian Pro Alliance Hall of Fame.
It belongs Jaromir Kaminski. The star pitcher was inducted this past weekend. All it took to get there was 280 wins. Kaminski played 19 seasons for four teams, Valmara 13 seasons, Marston 2 years, White River 1 season and his last 3 years with Middlefield. He retired at age 39, still a quality pitcher. Kaminski was 14-14 his last year with a pretty fair 4.16 ERA for a 6th place club, way under the .500 mark. His career ran from 2069 to 2087, the same as the other inductee Evan Murdoch..

"I always dreamed of being a Islandian Pro Alliance player, but I never dreamed of being in the Hall of Fame," Kaminski said, "I could have never envisioned myself standing next to my childhood idols and yet here I am. And to the Hall of Famers sitting behind me, I am truly humbled and in awe of standing here in front of you."

In his career Kaminski posted a record of 280-192 and fanned 3173 batters in 4345 innings with a 3.43 ERA. Kaminski was voted the 2069 Ruthlandian Union Rookie of the Year and he also nabbed the 2071 Ruthlandian Union Golden Arm Award.

At times Jaromir Kaminski fought back tears as he thanked his family and close friends for sticking by him when he had to overcome some difficult personal problems.

Summing up his years on the diamond, Kaminski offered a hopeful message to the large induction crowd.

"I care for this game with my heart and soul. I dedicated my life to being the best pitcher I could be. You leave me humbled and grateful for this honor. I'd like to leave an offering of a message of hope. That is, with the grace of God, you can change your life, whoever you are."

[Eugene Church]

And away we go for another glorious Islandian Pro Alliance season!

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, April 4, 2091

AND AWAY THEY GO - 91ST SEASON IN IPA - THE BOYS ARE BACK!
Spring has sprung!
Baseball is back in the Islands. Our world will soon be filled with runs, hits and errors. Season 91 will get underway this Friday afternoon at 32 glorious green mansions. The baseball prognosticators are busy trying to figure out who is who in the diamond world. Will the La Claire Lynx be able to repeat as Pro Cup champion? In a word --- Nope. The last time it happened was many moons ago, back in 2065 and 2066 when the Southport Sun Sox accomplished this difficult task. Back-to-back IPA titles have occurred only 7 times in the league's history. 5 of last year's division winners are forecast to win again including the title-winning Lynx. Will last year's Pro Cup finalist Valmara win their second Pro Cup in the last three years. Once again, in a word --- Nope. That only happens about as often as teams repeating as Pro Cup champion.

PRO CUP POSSIBLES --- FOREST CITY VS SOUTH FORK
The outlook is for Forest City to reign supreme again in the Ruthlandian Union, while South Fork gets the nod in the Tycobbian Union. On paper the Firebirds are the best ballclub in the Islands with the Stallions a close second. Valmara and La Claire figure to be their biggest challengers for the overall IPA crown.

Let take a quick perusal of what the prognosticators are predicting will come to pass in this brand-spanking new season.

RUTHLANDIAN UNION PREDICTIONS

IN A CLOSE 3-TEAM RACE VIPERS THE TEAM-TO-BEAT IN RU NORTH AGAIN
Last year's Ruthlandian North flag winner Valmara will do it again for the third consecutive season in a pretty close race with up-and-rising Kilkenny and Far Mountain. The Cats were well down the list last season in 6th place, 21 GB. The Redhawks ran a great race last year, beaten out by just 3 games by the Vipers. Neither club has made the playoffs lately. Kilkenny last won the RU North in 2077 and 2078. Far Mountain's last division crown came in 2083. Rookie pitchers just might make a serious title contender out of the Kilkenny Cats.

BLACKHAWKS AND SKIPPERS PRIME TEAMS IN RU SOUTH
Most of the baseball media think it will be just a two-team affair in the Ruthlandian South between the Valka Blackhawks and the Crystal Lake Skippers with the Grand City Cybercats and the Claxton Diamonds distant dark-horse possibilities. The baseball experts forecast gloom and doom this year for powerhouse Belair Beach. The Sunbirds are picked to finish 6th this season in the RU South. Belair Beach has won the division 6 times in the last 9 years. They are the defending champion. Claxton won it in 2089, Grand City in 2087 and Valka's last title came in 2077.

MACS AND NINE TO FIGHT IT OUT IN RU EAST
This year the Islands' baseball crystal ballers foresee just two challengers in the Ruthlandian East pennant hunt. The Wynnamac Sundowners and the Marston Nine seem to be the best of the lot with Eastshore Cotton Kings and the current division flag holder Belle Plaine trailing in the shadows. The Sundowners have been recent also-rans and last made the playoffs in 2083. The Nine has contended the previous three seasons and won the division title in 2086. The Cotton Kings won in 2089 and made a pretty good run last year, losing out to Belle Plaine by 7 games. The Musketeers are not aging and look like they are as good as ever, maybe a little improved, however, the pundits are predicting they will wind up a distant 4th in the RU East standings. Belle Plaine has won the division crown 3 times in the last 4 seasons. The Muskies won the Pro Cup in 2088.

FC FIREBIRDS EASY PICK IN RU WEST, JUST A ONE-TEAM RACE
It the "same old, same old" in the Ruthlandian West. The Forest City Firebirds will torch all comers again this season and easily claim its fourth successive division flag. Once again they will be the choice to win the Pro Cup Trophy. Once again the Firebirds will win the division crown with only token competition. The Colfax Black Sox will again do their best and wind up in second place, way ahead of the other 6 RU West also-rans. Do you think Forest City just plays in a weak division? Is that the reason for their great regular-season domination? The Firebirds always do well in the first round of the Pro Cup playoffs and then get eliminated in the RU Title Series. But to be fair, Forest City lost to IPA Pro Cup champion Belle Plaine in 2088, to Pro Cup champion Valmara in 2089 and last year to Pro Cup finalist Valmara. So it is quite possible they are a pretty fair ballclub.



TYCOBBIAN UNION PREDICTIONS

HELLCATS HEADED FOR HEAVEN ATOP TU NORTH
According to the Islands' top baseball analysts Hartsdale will continue to do well in Tycobbian North circles. The Hellcats have captured the pennant in 5 of the last 9 years and they have the best chance to do it again. They are the class of the division with the best offense. No one, not even last season's champion White River, will rival the Hellcats. Blue Lake, Oxford and White River will battling it out for second place. The Blue Caps only have a good team once every decade. Blue Lake last made the playoffs in 2069. It is not obvious why the press is so big on them this year. The Red Caps have had winning ballclub for the last four years, even winning 101 games and the pennant in 2089. The Rascals were the top team last year and finished third in the standings in 2088. White River still has good pitching and is still a good ballclub. It's their less-than-average offense that holds them back.

DEFENDING TU SOUTH CHAMP SUMMERLAND WILL STAVE OFF SOUTHPORT AGAIN
The two clubs with the best mound corps will again stand out in the Tycobbian South pennant race. The Summerland Sunsets are set to win their fourth straight flag, but they will still have the Southport Sun Sox putting a lot of pressure on them again. The homer-hitting Arroyo Grande Suns may get into the fracas and come in third. The Suns have been a winning club for the last decade. However, their last postseason appearance was in 2080. The other five teams will end up far behind the front three in the TU South this season.

DOMINANT SOUTH FORK FAVORED AGAIN IN TU EAST
For the fourth time in the last six seasons the South Fork Stallions will win the Tycobbian East division title and do it in dominating fashion. The Stallions are by far the best team in the division. One and all, the sportswriters and scribblers are picking them to win a third straight pennant. No one can really compare to them. The Ozarka Naturals will try and keep it fairly close. The Nats won the pennant in 2088 and have played well in each of the last three seasons. When it comes to talent, compared to South Fork, Ozarka is not in the ballpark. Forget about the remaining teams. None of them will rival South Fork and Ozarka this season.

LA CLAIRE SHOOTING FOR 3RD PRO CUP IN 5 YEARS
Strong pitching and solid bats will spark the La Clair Lynx to a fifth consecutive Tycobbian West crown and could possibly lead the reigning Pro Cup champion to a third Pro Cup title. The Lynx also won it in 2090 and in 2087. The Kenwood Wildcats are the best bet to slow down the La Claire pennant express, but it is not likely. Neither the Rolling Hills Racers, nor the Chicopee Braves can do it either. All three teams can match the Lynx at the plate, but not on the hill. The Wildcats last made the playoffs in 2082, winning the Pro Cup, but have been pathetic since. The Racers always have a competitive ball team, but they have not won the pennant since 2086. The Braves made the playoffs in 2085, but have been mediocre ever since.

[Eugene Church]

2091 Ruthlandian Union Division Preseason Favorites

[Eugene Church]

2091 Tycobbian Union Division Preseason Favorites

[Eugene Church]

I have done the midseason recap for the Ruthlandian Union.
I will do the Tycobbian Union midseason recap Wednesday.
Been busy doing radio shows.
It a two-hour show... I record hour one each Monday... hour two on Tuesdays.

[Eugene Church]

Monday, July 2, 2091

IPA REACHES MIDPOINT IN SEASON
In the Islandian Pro Alliance standings first place in July is a good spot to be in. However, it's where you are in October that determine success or failure. First place in the IPA standings on October 3 is an even greater spot to be in. So far the season has been a good one for the division leaders. Ruthlandian Union leaders are Kilkenny and LaGrange in the RU North, Crystal Lake in the RU South, Marston in the RU East and Forest City in the RU West. Tycobbian Union leaders are White River in TU North, Summerland in the TU South, South Fork in the TU East and defending Pro Cup champion La Claire in the TU West.

RUTHLANDIAN UNION MIDSEASON REVIEW

6-TEAM SUPER-DUPER RACE IN RU NORTH
What a topsy-turvy race in the Ruthlandian North! It's a fans' delight! Would you believe from first to sixth place is just a three and a half-game difference. Today Kilkenny and LaGrange are tied for the top spot. Who knows where they will be next week? The Cats and Gators are 2 games up on third place Far Mountain. Last year's division champ and this year's favorite Valmara is in fourth place, followed closely by Taranto and Ancona. 6 clubs are above the .500 mark. No way to tell if someone will break out of the pack. All 6 contenders are pretty equal. It's looking like a fight to the photo finish with no clear favorite.

CL SKIPPERS RIDING THE WAVE OF SUCCESS IN RU SOUTH
For the first time in almost a decade the Crystal Lake Skippers are riding high in the Ruthlandian South standings. 2082 was their last postseason appearance. The Skippers are having a jolly good time, scoring lots of runs and doing well on the mound, too. The Skippers seem to have it all going their way. They possess a solid 5-game lead at midseason, but they still have 3 clubs in close pursuit. There is still a lot of fight in the Claxton Diamonds, last year's pennant winning Belair Beach and this year's preseason pick Valka. The outlook among most baseball observers is the Skippers will go full speed ahead and capture their first division crown in 9 seasons and who knows? Maybe Crystal Lake just might contend for their first Pro Cup since 2074. But beware the Valka Blackhawks. They have been slump-ridden in the first half of the season and still have stayed in the race with dynamite pitching. Look out if their bats and offense perk up.

4-CLUB PENNANT CHASE IN RU EAST
At the halfway mark in the season 4 clubs are making a run for the pennant in the Ruthlandian East. Magnificent pitching has kept the Marston Nine on top of the standings. At midyear the team ERA is an astounding 2.54. A solid club Wynnamac is doing well, clinging close by, just 2 games behind. The Macs are in it for the long run. It just might end up a two-team affair. Third place Cold Creek and last year's winner fourth place Belair Beach just don't have the pitching to be in the pennant hunt. Wynnamac was the preseason pick to win the division flag.

FIREBIRDS MIGHT SOAR TO A 4TH STRAIGHT 100 VICTORIES
Pro Cup favorite Forest City is flying high in the Ruthlandian West and just might be soaring to 100 or more wins for the fourth straight season. They are seeking their 4th pennant in a row. Rolling Hills copped 12 consecutive division flags. Most teams in the IPA have not ever posted 100 victories in a season. Over 30 of them have never won the Pro Cup. The best ever was the Rolling Hills Racers with 100 wins 7 times in 9 years from 2062 to 2070. The Racers and Valmara also have done it 4 successive seasons. The Racers accomplished it from 2065 to 2068 and the Vipers did it from 2048 to 2051.

Forest City tops the Ruthlandian West by 2 and a half games over runner-up Fort Benton. The Firebirds have a first-class team in all respects. No one is likely to catch them or even pressure them. Their main rivals, third place Rocky Rapids and fourth place Colfax are 7 and 9 and a half games out. Baseball experts do not expect the Cannons to keep up their pace in the second half, leaving the Firebirds to dominate the division again this year. Fort Benton has been near the bottom of the division the last three seasons. An influx of top-notch rookie hurlers have fashioned this surge to the top of the standings. The big question: Will it last? In a word: Nope. Not likely. Along with South Fork, Summerland and Valmara, the Firebirds will be one of the favored teams once again in the running for the IPA Pro Cup Trophy.

2091 Ruthlandian Union Midseason Standings

[Eugene Church]

2091 Ruthlandian Union Midseason Leaderboards

[Eugene Church]

TYCOBBIAN UNION MIDSEASON REVIEW

WITH SECOND-HALF SURGE 6 TEAMS CAN STILL WIN THE TIGHT TU NORTH
The White River Rascals apparently were not a flash in the pan like year when they captured the Tycobbian North. At midyear they are thriving and still atop of the standings. The preseason poll placed the Rascals the fourth-best club, despite last year's division title. Currently White River is 3 and a half games ahead of runner-up North Hills, 4 better than Oxford and 6 games up on Blue Lake. The preseason choice Hartsdale has slumbered in 5th place so far, trailing by 6 and a half games. Subpar offense has hampered them this season. Strong pitching, fairly good home-run power and a very good defense are keeping the Rascals ahead of the pack. The North Hills Hawks look like their toughest rival because of their solid pitching. It's a pretty good pennant race. 6th place Mahaska is just 7 games off the pace. White River is no lead pipe cinch in the TU North.

SUNSETS OWN TU SOUTH AGAIN, CRUISING FOR 4TH DIVISION CROWN IN A ROW
3 years ago the Summerland Sunsets just barely won the Tycobbian South by one solitary game over the Southport Sun Sox. 2 years ago they bested the Turon Typhoons by only 2 games. Lo and behold, last season the Sunsets cranked it up and dominated by 12 games over the Sun Sox. They just might do it again. Halfway through the season Summerland already has a whopping 9-game edge over second place Southport and Arroyo Grande with no let up in sight. Great pitching and great hitting is a great formula for success in the IPA. Will there be a miracle team in the TU North this year? In a word: Nope! The Summerland Sunsets are better-than-ever and look like a surefire Pro Cup winner this year. They will cruise to their 4th division title in a row and may also crown the season with a Pro Cup Trophy. Of course, Forest City, South Fork and La Claire may question that thought.

SF STALLIONS RUNNING STRONG RACE IN TU EAST, SEEKING 3RD CONSECUTIVE TU EAST TITLE
The South Fork Stallions have copped the Tycobbian East for the last two seasons. This year they appear to be a powerhouse -- great offense and strong pitching. Thus far, at midseason the Stallions have run roughshod over the other clubs, chalking up a 7-game lead over second place Tuckanarra. Nobody else is in sight. Third place Ozarka is already behind by 15 games. The Tucks are a pretty good club, but not in the class of the Stallions. Nope, the Blue Jays are not going to catch the Stallions this year. South Fork is a much-improved team over the last two years. Those teams lost to IPA champion La Claire in the TU Title Series and to Pro Cup winner Valmara in the Pro Cup Finals two seasons ago. The South Fork Stallions definitely look like a huge threat to win the whole shebang this year. They are a darn good ballclub.

3-TEAM TUSSLE IN TU WEST, LA CLAIRE TIED FOR FIRST WITH ROLLING HILLS, BAYVIEW CLOSE BEHIND
The lackluster reigning Pro Cup champion La Claire Lynx just quietly go about their business winning the Tycobbian West with great regularity. The Lynx have won it four successive seasons and look like a winner again this year. They have even won 2 -- yes, I repeat, 2 Pro Cups. Hard-to-believe La Claire excels with fine pitching and just enough offense to win. All of their pennant rivals, Rolling Hills and Bayview, can outhit them and outscore them, but they can't outpitch them. And so far in the last few seasons, they have not been able to beat the Lynx. It won't be easy, but La Claire will still triumph in the TU West this season. Great pitching beats good hitting. With a little bit of luck, the Lynx just might win their 5th pennant in a row and just may end up with its third Pro Cup. Could happen. Great pitching can beat good hitting in the postseason, too.

[Eugene Church]

2091 Tycobbian Union Midseason Leaderboards

[Eugene Church]

Monday, July 16, 2091

IPA BATTLE OF THE SUPERSTARS TOMORROW IN LA CLAIRE
It's All-Star Game time -- time for the superstars to shine! Every year Islandian Pro Alliance takes a break in the schedule to play the annual All-Star Game. This is the 91st All-Star Classic. It's a battle of the superstars -- the Ruthlandian Union All-Stars versus the Tycobbian Union All-Stars. The All-Star Game will spotlight the best hitters, the best pitchers and the best fielders, all doing battle against one another, all trying to prove their league is best. Overall the TU Stars have ruled the Midsummer Classic with a 53-37 edge in the series. The Superstar Showdown is slated for Capitol Park Stadium Wednesday afternoon in La Claire. The current IPA champion plays host to the Dream Game each year. La Claire skipper Johnny Bacon will be in charge of the Tycobbian All-Stars, while Valmara's rookie manager Andre Zajac will be at the helm of the Ruthlandian All-Stars. He replaced the retiring Primo Sirak, who led the Vipers to a runner-up spot in the Pro Cup Series last season.

Forest City and Crystal Lake had the most All-Star honorees in the Ruthlandian Union lineup with 4 players each. Far Mountain had 3. Heading up their squad will be 7-time winner Gavin Foxton of La Grange, 5-time pick Lee Drummond of Rocky Rapids and 4-time All-Stars Thomas Tate and Jim Raver, both Forest City Firebirds. Only one rookie made the RU Stars. That was Evon Layton of LaGrange.

La Claire and South Fork had the most chosen on the Tycobbian All-Stars with 4 apiece, followed by Rolling Hills with 3. The TU Stars will be sparked by 7-time honoree Yank Yankovich of South Fork and 3-time selections Shuggie Garsett of La Claire and Byron Bennigan of Mahaska. 5 rookies made the team: Giancarlo Palombo of South Fork, Arlon O'Shea of Midway, Errol Sheehan of Rolling Hills, Jeff Baturin of Bayview and Raylan Stegenga of South Fork.

The Ruthlandian Union roster will feature these outstanding players:

SP Shura Azarin (VLM) - 9-4, 2.45 ERA, 121.1 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, 3.4 WAR
SP Murry Carmichal (WYN) - 10-5, 2.49 ERA, 126.1 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 6.8 K/9, 3.8 WAR
SP Barron Garr (BB) - 11-2, 1.86 ERA, 125.2 IP, 1.01 WHIP, 6.6 K/9, 4.2 WAR
SP Ric Kenney (VLK) - 12-4, 1.91 ERA, 136.1 IP, 0.98 WHIP, 4.8 K/9, 4.5 WAR
SP Matty O'Mara (FC) - 10-2, 2.12 ERA, 135.2 IP, 0.97 WHIP, 4.7 K/9, 2.8 WAR
SP Donnie Sherman (CL) - 10-4, 2.33 ERA, 123.2 IP, 1.26 WHIP, 5.0 K/9, 3.4 WAR
SP Jayzy Stecko (MAR) - 9-4, 2.07 ERA, 135.0 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 5.9 K/9, 4.3 WAR
SP Thomas Tate (FC) - 9-2, 2.76 ERA, 140.1 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 7.8 K/9, 4.2 WAR
CL Marco Molina (VOL) - 5-2, 14 SV, 2.05 ERA, 66.0 IP, 1.27 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, 2.2 WAR
C Jan Dijkman (CLX) - .318/.413/.438, 258 AB, 6 HR, 1 SB, 144 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
C Gavin Foxton (CFX) - .308/.383/.542, 273 AB, 18 HR, 1 SB, 162 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
C Matt Schweiger (FM) - .298/.342/.451, 255 AB, 10 HR, 122 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
1B Lee Drummond (RR) - .271/.349/.555, 310 AB, 27 HR, 152 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
1B Evon Layton (LAG) - .322/.365/.500, 286 AB, 12 HR, 144 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
2B Lenny Lang (LAG) - .312/.377/.484, 320 AB, 12 HR, 1 SB, 145 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
2B Pokie McBryde (CLX) - .349/.427/.529, 312 AB, 8 HR, 12 SB, 172 wRC+, 4.2 WAR
3B Dylan Delk (CL) - .350/.391/.478, 320 AB, 5 HR, 1 SB, 143 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
3B Jim Raver (FC) - .308/.398/.444, 302 AB, 8 HR, 141 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
SS Zeke Bednard (CL) - .371/.478/.560, 307 AB, 11 HR, 7 SB, 190 wRC+, 5.1 WAR
SS Tony Benedetti (FC) - .300/.366/.450, 320 AB, 10 HR, 12 SB, 132 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
LF Rutger Linderlof (CCR) - .291/.365/.450, 320 AB, 9 HR, 130 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
LF Harald Skovgaard (STO) - .290/.350/.490, 310 AB, 12 HR, 10 SB, 135 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
CF Chet Marler (CL) - .292/.346/.389, 342 AB, 5 HR, 23 SB, 106 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
CF Rolf Zirner (FM) - .308/.420/.540, 289 AB, 15 HR, 2 SB, 171 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
RF Maurice Descoreaux (FM) - .293/.356/.529, 276 AB, 13 HR, 6 SB, 148 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
RF Geoff Winstead (KIL) - .294/.380/.494, 320 AB, 14 HR, 148 wRC+, 3.0 WAR


And the Tycobbian Union roster will have these elite performers:

SP Don Bartels (LC) - 10-3, 2.27 ERA, 134.2 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 5.5 K/9, 4.6 WAR
SP Dandy DeBusshere (HAR) - 10-4, 2.55 ERA, 130.1 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 4.4 K/9, 3.2 WAR
SP Shuggie Garsett (LC) - 11-2, 2.78 ERA, 116.2 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 5.9 K/9, 3.0 WAR
SP Gary Glanville (SUM) - 13-2, 1.95 ERA, 129.0 IP, 1.05 WHIP, 4.1 K/9, 3.4 WAR
SP Giancarlo Palombo (SF) - 10-0, 2.86 ERA, 116.1 IP, 1.32 WHIP, 4.9 K/9, 1.7 WAR
SP Jandamara Spencer (TUC) - 10-1, 2.56 ERA, 119.1 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 5.4 K/9, 3.1 WAR
SP Mike Stanford (WR) - 11-3, 2.23 ERA, 129.0 IP, 0.94 WHIP, 7.5 K/9, 3.7 WAR
SP Moe Zane (OXF) - 10-5, 2.48 ERA, 123.1 IP, 1.22 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, 3.3 WAR
CL Charley Corrigan (NH) - 7-4, 14 SV, 1.21 ERA, 81.2 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 4.0 K/9, 2.1 WAR
C Satchell Bush (TUC) - .325/.421/.407, 243 AB, 1 SB, 141 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
C Gino Manda (LC) - .283/.324/.460, 265 AB, 11 HR, 18 SB, 119 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
C Billy Simms (AG) - .291/.363/.394, 254 AB, 5 HR, 119 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
1B Byron Bennigan (MAH) - .297/.412/.652, 310 AB, 34 HR, 13 SB, 184 wRC+, 4.9 WAR
1B Wesley Ellis (BL) - .318/.469/.547, 274 AB, 13 HR, 1 SB, 190 wRC+, 4.7 WAR
2B Arlon O'Shea (MDW) - .321/.374/.532, 293 AB, 14 HR, 154 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
2B Tai Okazaki (OXF) - .302/.372/.469, 324 AB, 8 HR, 1 SB, 138 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
2B Errol Sheehan (RH) - .313/.361/.481, 310 AB, 12 HR, 5 SB, 135 wRC+, 2.4 WAR (Injured)
3B Shawnee Shaman (CHI) - .314/.349/.478, 312 AB, 13 HR, 1 SB, 132 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
3B Koh Yoshino (GIN) - .282/.360/.552, 308 AB, 25 HR, 1 SB, 157 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
SS Jeff Baturin (BAY) - .297/.361/.459, 303 AB, 10 HR, 131 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
SS Silas Leeuwenhoek (SF) - .322/.403/.527, 311 AB, 12 HR, 23 SB, 162 wRC+, 6.0 WAR
LF Riki De Groot (RH) - .308/.420/.557, 305 AB, 14 HR, 165 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
LF David Glascock (LC) - .298/.424/.593, 275 AB, 20 HR, 12 SB, 183 wRC+, 4.3 WAR
CF Sam Smiley (SPT) - .358/.437/.557, 307 AB, 8 HR, 7 SB, 182 wRC+, 5.3 WAR
CF Raylan Stegenga (SF) - .329/.381/.463, 356 AB, 11 HR, 15 SB, 139 wRC+, 3.9 WAR
RF Justin McHugh (RH) - .331/.417/.579, 323 AB, 16 HR, 4 SB, 177 wRC+, 5.3 WAR
RF Yank Yankovich (SF) - .305/.376/.571, 308 AB, 21 HR, 13 SB, 165 wRC+, 2.7 WAR

[Eugene Church]

Ruthlandian Union All-Stars versus Tycobbian Union All-Stars
91st IPA All-Star Classic at Capitol Park Stadium in La Claire.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, July 18, 2091

RU STARS HOLD OFF TU STARS IN 91ST IPA DREAM GAME FOR 3RD WIN IN LAST 4 GAMES


RU STARS TOP TU STARS IN IPA MIDSUMMER CLASSIC
For the third time in the last four seasons the Ruthlandian Union top stars prevailed over the Tycobbian Union top stars 6-4 in the IPA All-Star Classic played at Capitol Park Stadium in La Claire. Forest City's Thomas Tate came to the rescue of the RU Stars by putting the TU Stars away in the last two innings when they threaten to come back and win it. Tycobbia had cut the Ruthlandia lead to 5-4 in the 8th inning with a 3-run rally off of Marco Molina (Volusia). With tying and winning runs on first and second, Tate induced Koh Yoshino (Ginza) to hit into a rally-killing double play. The TU All-Stars meekly were retired 1-2-3 in the last of the 9th. It was only the 34th victory in 91 tries for the Ruthlandian All-Stars. The Tycobbian All-Stars have posted 57 victories in the series. Tate was voted the game's Most Valuable Player with 2 scoreless innings.

Ruthlandia drew first blood in the top of the 5th on Maurice Descoreaux's (Far Mountain) 2-run two-bagger off Don Bartels (La Claine) that scored Rolf Zirner (Far Mountain) and Gavin Foxton (Colfax). Tycobbia put their first run on the scoreboard in the last half of the frame when Satchell Bush (Tuckanarra) doubled and came around to score on an RBI ground out by Riki De Groot (Rolling Hills). In the 8th the RU Stars tore into Charley Corrigan (North Hills) for 3 more scores on Evon Layton's (LaGrange) 2-run double and a run-scoring single by Chet Marler (Crystal Lake). The TU Stars made it close with 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th on a solo swat from Jeff Batunin (Bayview) and a 2-run base hit by pitcher Dandy DeBusshere (Hartsdale).

The Ruthlandian Union Stars collected 13 hits. The Tycobbian Union Stars were held to 7 by the 9 RU hurlers. La Grange second baseman Lenny Lane and Forest City shortstop Tony Benedetti were the only players to have 2 hits in the game. Jayzy Stecko (Marston) notched the victory with a perfect frame in the 4th inning. Don Bartels (La Claire) lost it.

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, September 1, 2091

"SURGE AND SOAR" OR" SLUMP AND SWOON" IN SEPTEMBER
September is the "do or die" time in the Islandian Pro Alliance. The "Surge and Soar" teams are Ancona, Far Mountain and Valmara in the Ruthlandian North, Crystal Lake and Claxton in the Ruthlandian South, Wynnamac in the Ruthlandian East and Fort Benton in the Ruthlandian West. The clubs in the "Slump and Swoon" category are the division leaders, LaGrange, Valka, Marston and Forest City.

Over in the Tycobbian Union only two of the four divisions are in question. South Fork and Summerland pretty much won their races a month or so back at midseason. However, the TU North still has a race between first place Hartsdale and runner-up and defending champion White River. The TU West is still in question. Pro Cup champion La Claire is being hard-pressed by second place Rolling Hills.

CRUISING AND PERUSING THE ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE

RUTHLANDIAN UNION SEPTEMBER OUTLOOK

GATORS GOING VERY WELL ATOP RU NORTH
The LaGrange Gators have taken command in the RU North with two solid months of play. The Gators (31-21) are playing very well and should be able to hold off three challengers who are playing good baseball, the Ancona Jumbos (30-23), Far Mountain Redhawks (28-24) and the defending division champion Valmara Vipers (28-24). Valmara was the preseason choice to prevail in the RU North and to three-peat. LaGrange is looking good, but they may feel some pressure before the race is over.

PRESEASON PICK VALKA PLAYING VERY WELL IN RU SOUTH
Three teams are in the chase in the RU South. Preseason pick Valka has a slight lead over second place Crystal Lake (26-26). Third place Claxton (28-24) will have to "surge and soar" to win it. The Blackhawks (34-19) have surged in recent months and look to be the best team down-the-stretch. Last year's RU South winner Belair Beach (24-28) has slumbered recently and fallen out of contention.

MARSTON COMFORTABLY AHEAD IN RU EAST
No one is expecting the Marston Nine to nosedive in September and give away the Ruthlandian East flag to runner-up and preseason choice Wynnamac. The Nine have rolled up a 34-19 in recent months and solidified their spot in the standings. The Macs have tried hard to keep up with Marston, posting a pretty good 28-24 mark, including 18-10 in August, but that is just not good enough to catch the Nine, much less overtake them. Marston was red-hot last month with a super 20-8 record.

FORMIDABLE FIREBIRDS CAN'T SHAKE CLINGING CANNONS
Forest City is a powerhouse. The preseason-favored Firebirds are on their way to a 3rd RU West title in a row, but they have not been able to shake off the scrappy Fort Benton Cannons, who are still staying within striking distance. Both clubs have avoided a bad month this season. In the last few months the Firebirds have been blazing hot at 32-21 --- still the Cannons are clinging fairly close, 5 games behind. Fort Benton is playing well, too, with a 29-23 mark in July and August. No other clubs are in the hunt. Colfax and Rocky Rapids had their seasons killed with one bad month each. Both of them have done well recently with 33-20 and 29-23 respectively. A September surge would not help either team win the RU West. They would have to really soar and Forest City would have to really slumped for the Black Sox or Snappers to have any chance. Nope --- t'aint gonna happen. Fort Benton has really been surprising this year. Still --- they are not going to catch and overtake the powerful Firebirds either.

[Eugene Church]

TYCOBBIAN UNION SEPTEMBER OUTLOOK

PRESEASON CHOICE HARTSDALE SLUMBERED EARLY, NOW SOARING HIGH IN TOP SPOT IN TU NORTH
It was a very slow start for the preseason favorite Hartsdale (23-25) in the Tycobbian North. But the Hellcats soon turned it around and by September first, they are in the top spot with a 2-game edge over rock-solid White River. Hartsdale really caught fire in July and August, putting up a sizzling 39-14 record to overtake the Rascals (30-22), who played very well, too. There are no other contenders in the TU North. It will be a photo finish between the Hellcats and the Rascals. Hartsdale will win it because the have the better attack. White River loses too many low-scoring games. They have the pitching to win, but not the bats.

SUNSETS REALLY SET IN TU SOUTH, HEADED FOR 4TH PENNANT IN A ROW --- AND JUST MAYBE --- THEIR FIRST-EVER PRO CUP TROPHY
Yes, indeed! Summerland is having a good time in the Tycobbian South. The Sunsets have won the division for the last three years in a row and they are a lead-pipe cinch to be headed for another one. Summerland cinched the pennant at the halfway mark, running up a 10-game margin over their biggest competitors, Southport and Arroyo Grande. Now the Sunsets are really set for September with an even bigger edge. Summerland is really set for the postseason playoffs. They will be one of the favorites to take the Pro Cup crown. The reason --- suddenly Summerland has a pretty darn good offense --- that was the culprit that cost them in the playoffs on recent years. In 2088 they fell in the Pro Cup Finals. In 2089 and 2090 the Sunsets lost to the eventual Pro Cup titlists in the TU Title Series. Yeah, buddy! This could be the Year of the Sunsets in the IPA. They won the pennant by a resounding 12 games last year and they just might do it again this year. It's all the way to the Pro Cup Trophy this year --- THEIR FIRST EVER!

SF STALLIONS RUNNING AWAY WITH TU EAST, SECOND STRAIGHT SEASON BY DOUBLE DIGITS
The South Fork Stallions are really on a roll. They won the 2088 TU East pennant by a comfortable 7 games, they won the 2089 pennant by 12 games and they are on track to do even better this year, soaring into September with a gaudy 17-game lead. In the preseason poll the baseball experts touted the Stallions as the odds-on favorite to win the TU title and a Pro Cup finalist along with the formidable Forest City Firebirds. Yes indeed, South Fork is better than ever with a good shot at the IPA Pro Cup Trophy. The 2091 postseason is shaping up as one of the best ever with likes of Forest City, South Fork, Summerland and La Claire.

PRO CUP CHAMP LA CLAIRE IN TIGHT BATTLE WITH ROLLING HILLS IN TU WEST
Who's the best in the Tycobbian West Division? Defending Pro Cup holder La Claire or perennial pennant-winning and Pro Cup-winning power Rolling Hills? The Racers have won 30 pennants and 10 Pro Cups. It's been almost 4 decades since they had a losing season (2054). Yeah, I know you don't win a pennant on tradition. It's what have you done lately --- mainly this season! It's been a seesaw battle between the Lynx and the Racers all season long. Both contenders left the rest of the division behind at midseason. Now it's just them heading for the homestretch. La Claire has been very consistent with no losing months. The Lynx have been 30-23 in July and August, while Rolling Hills has been 26-26. Here's the call --- in a photo finish --- La Claire wins by a nose! --- actually by 5 and a half lengths --- The Lynx have really fine pitching --- much better than the Racers. In addition, La Claire has enough offense to win a Pro Cup like they did last year --- the Lynx just might do it again this year. They are a good all-round ballclub.

[Eugene Church]

Just finished the 2091 regular season.
I will begin recapping it and preparing for the Pro Cup playoffs.
But first, I have to record my gospel radio program for the 9 stations I'm on.
Give me a few days or three to do them.

Jesus takes precedence over OOTP.
Jesus takes precedence over the MLB playoffs, too.
Thank goodness that I can record the MLB postseason games and play them back later.

[Eugene Church]

I started work on reviewing the season tonight. Should do it in a couple of days. Hang with me... I haven't forgotten the IPA.

[Eugene Church]

Finished recapping the Ruthlandian Union... will try to do the Tycobbian recap in a day or so. I should post it by Monday or Tuesday.

[Eugene Church]

Monday, October 1, 2091

IPA WRAPS UP REGULAR SEASON -- SOUTH FORK AND FOREST CITY STAND OUT -- HEADED FOR SHOWDOWN IN PRO CUP SERIES
The South Fork Stallions and the Forest City Firebirds had great seasons and are forecast to meet for the overall Islandian Pro Alliance crown in the Pro Cup Finals. The LaGrange Gators and Summerland Sunsets also won their divisions easily. Reigning IPA kingpin La Claire won by a fairly good margin, while the other three divisions all went down to the wire before Claxton, Marston and Hartsdale could claim a postseason spot. Preseason favorites Valmara, Valka and Wynnamac failed to meet expectations and will miss out on postseason festivities.

South Fork had a marvelous season piling up one of the all-time highest win totals in IPA history. The Stallions chalked up 106 victories, the third-highest number ever. Only Rolling Hills (111 wins), and Colfax (107 wins) and Midway (107 wins) ever did better. The Racers accomplished this great feat in 2066, the Black Sox, then the Blasters, did it in 2010 and the Wolves in 2054.

Let take a quick spin around the Islands and review the final results in the regular season in the Ruthlandian Union and the Tycobbian Union.

2091 RUTHLANDIAN UNION FINAL REVIEW

Ruthlandian North Division

GATORS FEAST ON RU NORTH RIVALS AND WIN GOING AWAY
Five teams harassed Ruthlandian North pennant winner LaGrange for the first four months, but the Gators (37-17) feasted on them in the final two months and won going away by 9 games over preseason pick and defending champion Valmara (33-21). Taranto (29-24) followed in the third spot in the standings, 14 GB with Ancona (23-30) a very distant fourth, 17 GB. Kilkenny (24-29) and Far Mountain (20-33) ran good races in the first half of the season, then faltered badly in the latter half of the year. LaGrange possessed the best hitting, scoring, HR power and defense in the RU North with better-than-average pitching. The Gators were easily the class of the division. LaGrange has never won the Pro Cup Trophy. They last made the playoffs in 2088. This will be their 15th postseason appearance.

Ruthlandian South Division

DIAMONDS SPARKLE IN RU SOUTH WITH SEPTEMBER SURGE
Talk about a torrid pennant race, yes indeed there was one in the Ruthlandian South that wasn't decided until the absolute last day of the season. Three challengers were involved --- Claxton, Crystal Lake and Valka. The Skippers and Blackhawks traded first and second place from April to September. The Diamonds lingered in third place most of the year, 5 games off the pace. Claxton won it with a soaring late-season surge to skim past Valka and Crystal Lake by just one scant solitary game. The Diamonds went 19-7 in September to overcome both rivals. Crystal Lake was 15-11 and Valka slipped to 13-13 to lose out in the last week of the season. The Diamonds moved into first place on September 20 and held on the rest of the way.

Valka was the preseason favorite with Crystal Lake (4 GB) forecast to be their only competition. Grand City was picked third (12 GB) and Claxton (14 GB) was rated the fourth-best team, but neither club was expected to really be in the hunt. Last year's RU South champion was the Belair Beach Sunbirds. They slipped to 5th place this year, 16 GB .

All three ballclubs were rated just about equal in the regular season. Claxton may have won because it had the better defense. There wasn't much difference in all the other statistical categories. The Diamonds won the RU South for the second time in three seasons. This will be their 23rd time to make the playoffs. They will be seeking their second Pro Cup. Claxton won its only IPA crown in 2064.

Ruthlandian East Division

TWO-TEAM SEESAW BATTLE GOES TO MARSTON IN THE RU EAST
According to the preseason pundits, it was supposed to be a two-team race between Wynnamac and second choice Marston (5 GB) in the Ruthlandian East. Eastshore was rated a distant third (11 GB) and defending champion Belle Plaine was ranked fourth (13 GB). It did end up a two-team affair with the Marston Nine winning a tense struggle with the Macs. The two rivals seesawed until August when Marston surged in front. The Nine entered September with a 6 and a half-game edge on the Sundowners. As late as September 15 Marston was still ahead by the same total. Wynnamac closed the season with a flourish (12-1) and almost caught the Nine, falling 2 games short. Marston had to win 5 of its last 6 games to hold off the red-hot Macs. Both clubs depended on very good pitching and just average offenses with decent home-run power. They were very similar teams. This will be Marston 14th postseason appearance. They made the playoffs last in 2086. The Nine has never won a Pro Cup.

Eastshore and Belle Plaine never really contended. The Cotton Kings finished fourth, 16 GB, and the Musketeers wound up in fifth place, 18 GB. Underrated Cold Creek had a good season running third most of the time. The Raccoons were chosen 6th in the preseason poll and were forecast to end up 24 games behind.

Ruthlandian West Division

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, FIREBIRDS THE VERY BEST IN THE RU WEST
The Fort Benton Cannons and the Colfax Black Sox harassed Forest City off and on until September, then the Firebirds took off and put them away, winning by 10 games. Forest City has it all -- hitting, scoring, power, pitching and defense. The Cannons could match the Firebirds on the mound and the Black Sox could put runs on the scored like them, but neither club was good all-around. Forest City won the Ruthlandian West for the fourth consecutive season. But this is only the 11th time they have made the postseason playoffs. The Firebirds will be seeking just their second Pro Cup Trophy. They won it back in 2068. Forest City is poised to make a determined run at the overall IPA crown this year. The Firebirds have flirted with it for the last three years. They were eliminated by three very good teams in recent years --- two Pro Cup champions (Belle Plaine, Valmara) and one Pro Cup runner-up (Valmara).

2091 Ruthlandian Union Final Standings and Team Statistics

[Eugene Church]

2091 Final Ruthlaindian Union Batting and Pitching Leaderboards