The Lone Star Baseball Federation

Ragtime Willie · 06-20-2007, 05:54 PM

All these leagues for states and not a one for the best. Well that's coming to an end right now. No free agents because we Texans value loyalty. Starting in 1945. Two leagues, top two teams in each go to the playoffs. Which of these 16 teams will win the Sam Houston Trophy?

Caprock (Western) League:

Amarillo Cattlemen: The Cattlemen have a very solid pitching staff led by Jeff "The Entertainer" Spencer, who often leads the singing of Take Me Out To The Ball Game on days when he is not starting. His showmanship, however, cannot put a shine on the offense, which is mediocre at best. Predicted Finish: 5th

Del Rio Eagles The small border town of Del Rio expects to draw fans from both sides of the border this year with star corner outfielders Arlen Thompson and Brian Parker. However, two players a title doth not make, especially when neither of them pitch. Predicted Finish: 8th

El Paso Sun Kings Playing at Dudley Field (affectionately referred to as the Dudley Dome by its patrons), The Sun Kings look to be the overwhelming favorites, as once in a lifetime star third baseman Jose Silva leads them into battle. Predicted Finish: 1st

Fort Stockton Rangers fresh-faced 19 year old Zander Simpson is set to start at second base, but he, just like the rest of the Rangers, is a couple years away from being a force. Predicted finish: 6th

Lubbock Red Raiders Harry "Chump" Daniels, so named for his tendency to be the victim of teammate pranks, certainly can't be fooled on the baseball diamond. He expects to lead this team into a playoff spot, and there is no doubt that they'll contend. Predicted Finish: 3rd

Midland Drillers Catcher Dave Jones has nothing mysterious in his locker, but his Midland team are looking to capsize El Paso for the title. Predicted finish: 2nd

Odessa Truckers Ken Parker and Pablo Ortiz form the best double-play combo in the league, but these men are not gunning for anything other than the complete embarassment of their archrivals Midland. Predicted finish: 4th

San Angelo Colts Bob MacIntyre looks around from his vantage point at second base and sees nothing but mediocrity, and the pundits are by and large forced to agree. Predicted finish: 7th

Bluebonnet (east) League

Austin Rockers If you go down to Texas, Bob Wills is still the king. However a new musical sound is emerging, and Austin is one of the hippest southern towns to this new "race music", or rhythm and blues as some call it. Leftfielder Jim Benson is down with this new sound, and some say he makes sweet music with his bat. It's hard to argue, although for Austin to dominate they will need to get some pitchers who were not "Born Under A Bad Sign." Predicted Finish: 4th

Corpus Christi Sharks A strong pitching staff led by Rob Mueller may not be enough, but even if they can't cut it on the field they can always hit the beaches. Predicted Finish: 5th

Dallas Desperadoes An all-star outfield of Chad Barnes, John Brown, and Emilio Cruz might just propel the pitching-challenged Desperadoes into the playoffs. Predicted Finish: 1st

Fort Worth Sherriffs The rivalry with Dallas is built right into the nicknames, and Fort Worth will be no pushover for Dallas. Shortstop Clancy Watson is fast enough that any ball hit into the outfield practically assures a double. Predicted Finish: 2nd

Houston Hurricanes Catcher Don Larson looks like the kind of piece you can build around for a long time, but the rest of the team has yet to come into their own. Predicted Finish: 6th

Laredo Jalapenos It looks like the team named after the annual Jalapeno Festival in Laredo will fail to draw fans away from gouging themselves on peppers. It's a shame that Raul Martinez will be displaying his talents to an empty stadium.

San Antonio Missions These players from the Alamo City are certainly on a mission (as opposed to in one), and first baseman Stanley Dickey and pitcher Terry "Whirlwind" Thomas are determined to bring this city the Sam Houston Trophy. predicted finish: 3rd

Tyler Roughnecks Catcher Benett Ward and centerfielder Randy Martin will not be enough to overcome the worst bullpen in the state, which considering the amount of ranches in Texas is really saying something. Predicted Finish: 8th

I'm no good with logos, but if any of you lovely wonderful awesome people have something you'd like to contribute I'd be only too happy to accept.

Ragtime Willie · 06-20-2007, 06:37 PM

5-01-45 This April has certainly been one that might prove that baseball writers are completely superfluous. After being expected to dominate the Caprock League soundly, the El Paso Sun Kings have gotten off to a 9-16 start. Jose Silva, hyped as a huge talent pre-season, has turned in a lackluster .250//.371/.344 split this year, not the numbers El Paso was looking for. Meanwhile tiny little Del Rio is tied for the league with Lubbock. Arlen THompson is currently batting .440. Here are the standings in the Caprock League through 25 games.

Code:

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10
Del Rio Eagles 15 9 .625 - 15-9 0 6-3 9-6 0-1 4-4 117 W1 8-2
Lubbock Red Raiders 15 9 .625 - 13-11 2 9-5 6-4 0-1 3-4 117 L1 6-4
Fort Stockton Rangers 13 11 .542 2.0 13-11 0 6-6 7-5 2-1 6-4 W2 5-5
Odessa Truckers 12 12 .500 3.0 12-12 0 3-7 9-5 1-0 5-3 W1 5-5
Midland Drillers 12 13 .480 3.5 12-13 0 9-7 3-6 1-1 5-8 L2 4-6
Amarillo Cattlemen 11 13 .458 4.0 12-12 -1 4-8 7-5 1-1 3-4 W2 5-5
San Angelo Colts 10 14 .417 5.0 10-14 0 6-8 4-6 1-2 5-3 L2 5-5
El Paso Sun Kings 9 16 .360 6.5 10-15 -1 4-6 5-10 1-0 5-6 L1 2-8

CL Batter of the Month: RF Bob Clifton of the Amarillo Cattlemen got off to a hot start. Here is his line for the first month of this league: .425/.500/.701, 3 HR, 17 RsBI

CL Pitcher of the Month: Teammate Chump Daniels got all the preseason ink, but Tim "Gold Mine" MacNeil just might be the leader of this team. Named Gold Mine by the press impressed by his never-ending barrage of quotable quotes, MacNeil is 5-0 with a .295 ERA. When asked if he was bothered by his lack of pre-season coverage, Macneil was his usual self: "Not a bit, son. See, there are some things that are just easier to do when no one's looking. Ask my wife for the lurid details on that." MacNeil is a character who should make the Lubbock press box a place of revelry for years to come.

CL Rookie of the Month: One of the reasons Gold Mine MacNeil might have gotten overlooked: this is the 26 year old's first year of professional baseball. As a young boy in La Mesa, California, he dreamed of being a stand-up comic, but was black-balled from the history after what he describes as "a complete misunderstanding. You see, I thought Bob Hope wasn't an asshole. And as it turns out, I was mistaken. Totally my fault." Thank goodness that Mr. Hope is so disagreeable, for the LSBF's sake.

Ragtime Willie · 06-20-2007, 07:10 PM

5-01-45 Once again, the scribes of the Texas league should hang their heads in shame, as the Tyler Roughnecks, percieved as woeful because of their bullpen issues, have smashed their way through the Bluebonnet League to a 16-8 record. While their bullpen is bad as expeted-- a 5.68 ERA--the starters have more than carried the load, with a 3.38 ERA. Overall, the Tyler staff ends up being the best in the BL, with the great rotation trumping the bad bullpen. They aren't out of the woods yet, as the San Antonio Missions are riding a seven game win streak into a tie for second place. Here are the full standings for the Bluebonnet League through April:

Code:

Tyler Roughnecks 16 8 .667 - 13-11 3 9-5 7-3 4-3 7-1 115 W3 5-5 
Austin Rockers 14 10 .583 2.0 13-11 1 7-5 7-5 1-0 3-4  L2 5-5 
Dallas Desperadoes 14 10 .583 2.0 13-11 1 5-4 9-6 1-3 4-2  W2 6-4 
San Antonio Missions 14 10 .583 2.0 14-10 0 7-3 7-7 3-0 4-2  W7 8-2 
Fort Worth Sherriffs 13 12 .520 3.5 14-11 -1 3-7 10-5 0-1 2-2  L3 4-6 
Corpus Christi Sharks 10 14 .417 6.0 12-12 -2 6-6 4-8 2-1 3-8  L3 5-5 
Houston Hurricanes 10 14 .417 6.0 9-15 1 6-8 4-6 3-2 5-4  W1 5-5 
Laredo Jalapenos 6 19 .240 10.5 9-16 -3 4-12 2-7 0-4 2-7  L1 2-8

BL Batter of the Month: The story in Tyler isn't all about pitching. Catcher Bennet Ward is putting up an amazing campaign, going .462/.541/.746 with a LSBF-pacing six home runs and 24 RsBI. Asked if he was affected by the negative pre-season predictions he said "I really see no need to get bothered by any of that. If they say we'll be good, it's my job to prove them right, and if they say we will be terrible, it's my job to prove them wrong. I can't control what they write, but I can control what happens between those chalk lines."

BL Pitcher of the Month: In San Antonio, all the talk centers on 24-year-old phenom Ramon Martinez, who is undefeated with a league-leading 2.08 ERA after five starts. Martinez says "Awards are nice, but this is only one month. I need to prove I can do it over a whole year, and then hopefully over several years." You have to admire a young player with a sense of perspective like that.

BL Rookie of the Month: Bill Smith is two years removed from his biggest worries being pimples and girls, and now he is the LSBF's Rookie of the Month. Our reporters tracked down the 19-year-old, who was, fitting with Austin's style and nickname, at a Johnny Mercer concert. "The award? Um, it's cool, I guess. Yeah. It's hip. I think. PLAY MOON RIVER!" Our reporters then left him to enjoy the fine music.

Ragtime Willie · 06-20-2007, 07:52 PM

5-04-45Gold Mine MacNeil pitches a three-hit shutout against the Odessa Truckers. Said the former stand-up: "Honestly, baseball players have it easy. We do what we're supposed to do and you guys throw a [gosh darn] parade. I hope I'm always able to play this game, a game of impossibly low standards."

In other news today, Arlen Thompson of the CL-leading Del Rio Eagles broke his finger, he is expected to go on the disabled list for two weeks.

5-07-45 Bernard Livingston of Fort Stockton socks six hits against El Paso. Teammate Pat Myers gets five hits. El Paso Starting Pitcher Haden Hubbard breaks down in tears during the post-game press conference, having only lasted an inning in the 18-13 loss.

5-11-45 Bill Smith of Austin becomes the first player to reach ten home runs on the season. SISA sent our very own interviewer, Chesty LaRue, to get some words from the youngster, but all she got were blushes, nervous smiles, and stammering. The next evening, Austin manager Casey Brady approached Ms. LaRue, rolling his eyes and clutching a note which read "I like you, do you want to see a music concert some time maybe?" Ms. LaRue was tempted, but decided that professionalism would win out. "As flattered as I am, I just can't get over how juvenile the whole note thing is. I wish Bill luck with the other women who will no doubt come into his life as he continues to tear up the league."

5-17-45 The Laredo Jalapenos, in the midst of a thirteen game losing streak that has dropped them to a league worst 7-34, have fired manager Jose Garcia today. No word on his replacement yet.

5-19-45 John Barnes was dissuaded by team officials, but the Houston pitcher could not be dissauded from entering the Mesquite Rodeo, and now he will pay for his decision by spending a month on the DL. "I've been raising bulls all my life, I can't stop now just because some folks is paying me to throw a little white ball. This is my real passion." It certainly shows, as Barnes is 1-7 with a 5.25 ERA.

5-31-45 SInce our own Ms. LaRue rejected his labored over love letter, Austin's Bill Smith has not hit a single home run. Manager Casey Blake says "Oh fer chrissakes this kid, he gets hung up on one gal like this, I don't remember ever being like this when I was a young feller. He's just in a real funk. He's lettin' the other stuff mess with the on the field junk, which is never a good thing." Ms. LaRue reacted to this news with an exasperated sigh. "He's a kid. He'll get over it. I'm just horrified by the possibility that my not going out with him has derailed a potentially wonderful career. I looked forward to seeing him on the field for many years to come."

Ragtime Willie · 06-20-2007, 10:28 PM

Caprock Report: June

Code:

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Del Rio Eagles 34 20 .630 - 33-21 1 16-7 18-13 2-1 11-8 85 W4 7-3 
Lubbock Red Raiders 32 22 .593 2.0 28-26 4 18-12 14-10 1-1 10-5  W4 7-3 
Amarillo Cattlemen 30 24 .556 4.0 32-22 -2 14-14 16-10 2-1 10-7  L1 4-6 
Fort Stockton Rangers 28 26 .519 6.0 28-26 0 14-17 14-9 2-2 9-8  W1 4-6 
Odessa Truckers 28 26 .519 6.0 30-24 -2 12-15 16-11 1-2 9-9  W1 6-4 
San Angelo Colts 23 31 .426 11.0 22-32 1 11-16 12-15 4-3 11-9  L1 6-4 
Midland Drillers 21 33 .389 13.0 23-31 -2 11-15 10-18 1-4 6-15  L3 2-8 
El Paso Sun Kings 20 34 .370 14.0 22-32 -2 7-17 13-17 2-1 7-12  L4 3-7

CL Player of the Month: The San Angelo Colts have not had an ideal season, but one bright spot so far has been leftfielder Steven Shelton. For May he batted .393 with four home runs. Asked about San Angelo's struggles thus far, Shelton had this to say: "There's eight other guys on that field and they all have to do their jobs too. I'm doing my part, that's all I can control, and to be honest that's all I'm concerned with." San Angelo fans were non too happy with that comment.

CL Pitcher of the Month: Harry "Chump" Daniels of the Lubbock Red Raiders had a hard time believing the news when he picked up the phone. NOt out of any sense of modesty, but because he thought it was another prank by Tim "Gold Mine" MacNeil. "I've learned to take everything I hear with a few pounds of salt." Said MacNeil: "Hey, Chump deserves it. He might not be first to get the joke, but on the field he gets the last laugh. Those two are probably related now that I think about it."

CL Rookie of the Month: In the pre-season Zander Simpson was declared the anchor of this Fort Stockton team, a lot of pressure for a nineteen year old. but he took it in stride. Being a leader is nothing young for this young man. "My father was lynched by a mob of renegade Mormons. I was raising my siblings from the time I was eight. Baseball? It's no sweat." A refreshing attitude from this youngster, I hope we'll hear from him for years to come.

Ragtime Willie · 06-20-2007, 10:48 PM

Bluebonnet Report: June

Code:

 
 
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Austin Rockers 35 19 .648 - 30-24 5 17-11 18-8 7-1 9-5 87 L2 6-4 
Dallas Desperadoes 35 19 .648 - 32-22 3 14-9 21-10 2-3 8-5 87 W1 6-4 
San Antonio Missions 31 23 .574 4.0 31-23 0 17-10 14-13 3-2 7-9  W2 5-5 
Tyler Roughnecks 27 27 .500 8.0 26-28 1 12-15 15-12 5-5 11-5  L1 3-7 
Corpus Christi Sharks 26 28 .481 9.0 28-26 -2 15-16 11-12 5-4 9-12  W2 5-5 
Houston Hurricanes 26 28 .481 9.0 24-30 2 13-17 13-11 4-2 8-4  W1 7-3 
Fort Worth Sherriffs 25 29 .463 10.0 28-26 -3 8-16 17-13 1-4 6-8  L1 3-7 
Laredo Jalapenos 11 43 .204 24.0 16-38 -5 6-20 5-23 2-8 5-15  L2 4-6

BL Player of the Month: You can't tell by looking at his mopey face, but Bill Smith is the hottest player in the LSBF right now. Manager Casey Blake says "Prime example right here of why they shouldn't let the women in the locker room. He's just learnin what women are about. We can't have that goin' on while this is goin' on." Smith himself is distracted as a (male) reporter talks to him outside of a music store selling this "race music", saying "Yeah, it's okay I guess. These trophies, they're all kinda hip, but...I don't know." The reporter was heard to remark that if he just opened his eyes he'd see the Austin lovelies lining up around the block for a glimpse of him. For the month, Smith has hit six home runs with 30 RsBI.

BL Pitcher of the Month: Dallas Desperadoes fans know that there is one day a week they can rest assured of a victory. That's the day that Rich Anderson takes the mound, and he did not lose a single start in May, going six and 0 with one no-decision that also turned into a win for Dallas. Anderson is a key reason the Desperadoes are tied for first.

BL Rookie of the Month: Bill Smith gets to double-dip in the trophies this week, as he was also the best rookie to be found in the Bluebonnet league. The youngster batted .382 for the month of May. Hopefully he can but his lady troubles behind him and get back on track.

Ragtime Willie · 06-20-2007, 11:58 PM

6-02-45. Skipper Alex Cole has learned the danger of high expectations, being fired by the El Paso Sun Kings.

6-10-45 Most Austin talk has centered on phenom Bill Smith, but today the news was made by a player more than twice Bill's age. Antonio "Balls" Valenzuela, 41 years young, pitched a four hit shutout against the Dallas Desperadoes. Said Balls after, "I'm a pitcher. I pitch. S'what I do." It's hard to argue.

The first Amatuer draft in LSBF history was held June 15. Laredo had the first pick and picked starter Bobby Manning. Word of this exciting league has travelled fast, as players came from as far away as Argentina and Japan!

6-15-45 Ralph Mathhews of the San Angelo Colts retired today. The 38-year old cited homesickness. "I really miss New Hampshire, especially now that I've experienced a Texas Summer. But still I'll always look back on this fondly, and have enough memories in this year to last a lifetime."

6-26-45 The Bluebonnet League won the first ever LSBF all-star game, beating the Caprock League 7-6. on a sacrifice fly by Dallas Centerfielder John Smith.

Ragtime Willie · 06-21-2007, 12:19 AM

Caprock Report July 1

The surprise team of the Caprock league, Del Rio, remain firmly in charge. Arlen Thompson paces the league with a .383 batting average. Lubbock has managed to keep in second place despite losing their shortstop Juan Martinez for 8 weeks. This could spell trouble, as even less stands between the twin aces of Chump and Gold Mine and the rushing Oddessa Truckers, led by the killer double play combo of Ken Parker and Juan Ortiz. Amarillo looked to be a contender but after losing John Heron for the season, they have faded back to fourth.

Code:

 
 
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Del Rio Eagles 50 29 .633 - 48-31 2 27-12 23-17 3-1 15-12 58 W2 7-3 
Lubbock Red Raiders 46 33 .582 4.0 40-39 6 23-17 23-16 2-4 14-9  L2 6-4 
Odessa Truckers 45 34 .570 5.0 47-32 -2 16-17 29-17 2-2 10-10  L1 6-4 
Amarillo Cattlemen 42 37 .532 8.0 45-34 -3 20-20 22-17 3-2 16-11  L7 2-8 
Fort Stockton Rangers 38 41 .481 12.0 38-41 0 16-24 22-17 3-2 13-11  W2 4-6 
San Angelo Colts 33 46 .418 17.0 33-46 0 17-26 16-20 4-3 12-14  W1 6-4 
El Paso Sun Kings 31 48 .392 19.0 33-46 -2 12-27 19-21 2-2 11-14  L2 4-6 
Midland Drillers 31 48 .392 19.0 32-47 -1 19-23 12-25 2-5 9-19  W3 5-5

CL Player of the Month: Odessa announced their arrival in the pennant race, and taking the mike was shortstop Ken Parker, who batted .352 with a couple of home runs. Said Parker, "I work as hard at this game as I can, and I'm glad that I'm able to see it pay off this way. Hopefully the next time I talk to you, we'll be raising the Sam Houston trophy."

CL Pitcher of the Month: Sergio Tobias has a thankless job, pitching for the worst offense in the CL. But he takes it in stride. "It's not like I do much better at the plate. All I can do is pitch the best I can." That's exactly what he did, going 5-0 with a 1.94 ERA for the month of June.

CL Rookie of the Month: Gold Mine MacNeil once again had a captive audience at the press room. "This is the leagues first year. Aren't we all rookies? Gee, maybe I shouldn't say that, you guys will come and take this from me. And I hate to have to murder you all, but you take this from me, you die. Fair warning." The 26-year-old motormouth rookie was undefeated for the month of June, raising his record to 13-1.

Ragtime Willie · 06-21-2007, 12:58 AM

Bluebonnet Report July 1

This league is really heating up. While April darlings Tyler has faded, there is an intense battle at the top between the Austin Rockers, led by an alliance of old and young, nineteen year old Bill Smith, who is threatening to put up a triple-crown performance, and gruff 41 year-old Balls Venezuela, who is currently 11-4. Meanwhile, the Dallas Desperadoes with their outfield continue to pile on the runs. They are currently tied atop the standings, with San Antonio four games back.

Code:

Streak Last10 
Austin Rockers 49 30 .620 - 43-36 6 23-17 26-13 9-1 13-9 62 W1 7-3 
Dallas Desperadoes 49 30 .620 - 46-33 3 24-15 25-15 3-5 12-8 62 W2 3-7 
San Antonio Missions 45 34 .570 4.0 44-35 1 19-14 26-20 4-4 8-13  W5 8-2 
Corpus Christi Sharks 43 36 .544 6.0 43-36 0 20-20 23-16 8-4 16-14  L1 7-3 
Fort Worth Sherriffs 38 41 .481 11.0 38-41 0 17-22 21-19 3-6 11-12  W1 5-5 
Tyler Roughnecks 38 41 .481 11.0 38-41 0 20-23 18-18 6-7 18-8  L3 3-7 
Houston Hurricanes 36 43 .456 13.0 37-42 -1 16-24 20-19 4-4 11-12  L2 5-5 
Laredo Jalapenos 18 61 .228 31.0 25-54 -7 12-30 6-31 4-10 8-21  L1 2-8

BL Player of the Month: Emilio Cruz is part of a team without a star. "We all just do our jobs, keep our heads down, and smile to the fans." This democratic approach is what has Dallas tied for the BL Pennant, but Mr. Cruz might want to perk his head up for just a little bit, as he is June's player of the month. For June he put up a .520 on-base percentage and three dingers. Asked about the honor, Cruz said "It's nice, it's a good conversation piece at home, but tomorrow I gotta put my head back down and get to work."

SL Pitcher of the Month: Relief pitchers are not talked about often in this league, but sometimes you just have to recognize when someone goes above the beyond the call of duty, as Corpus Christi Sharks fireman Xiao-gang Chuko did. He posted a 1.17 ERA across his 14 appearances, with five wins and two saves thrown in. "I do not mind having a lower profile, so long as I am doing well."

BL Rookie of the Month: The Tyler Roughnecks have faded from their hot start, but rookie Alfredo Fernandez is still going strong. The leftfielder from Washington DC hit to all fields, going .324 for the month.

Ragtime Willie · 06-21-2007, 01:26 AM

7-08-45 Del Rio right fielder Brian Parker has suffered a broken rib. Del Rio fans are obviously concerned about losing his .327 for three weeks. Said Parker, "I will be back the second I can. This is very frustrating, but better this happen now than in August or Spetember."

7-10-45 The Dallas Desperadoes have traded catcher Alejandro Archuleta to Laredo for two minor leaguers. The highly competitive Archuleta is said to be incensed at going from one of the best teams to the absolute dregs.

7-21-45 In an important Caprock showdown between Lubbock and Del Rio, Harry "Chump" Daniels shuts the Eagles down on four hits. "Everything just came together. After a day like that, you feel invincible." Lubbock fans hope he isn't in a hurry to test this invincibility. With that victory, Lubbock has now taken the lead in the Caprock League.

7-23-45 Lubbock lose their lead on a shutout to the Amarillo Cattlemen. Chirped Gold Mine MacNeil, "we looked like we were swinging a wet noodle out there. I take responsibility, I grabbed the wrong bag while making spaghetti in the clubhouse."

7-24-45 Joe Woods and Miguel Martinez of Lubbock blast five hits each in a 12-5 win over Amarillo. The win keeps them a game back of Del Rio.

7-29-45 Jose "Rottweiler" Alvarado shuts El Paso out on two hits, leading Lubbock back into a tie for first. "We have strong rotation depth, and I feel that's our stongest advantage," said manager Michael Northam. "Everyone knows Chump and Gold Mine, but as Jose proved out there today, we can get it done any day."

7-30-45 Don't look now, but the Corpus Christi Sharks are in second place, and they just got stronger, trading spare arms to San Antonio for centerfielder Jake Cowell. Said Cowell in his thick Aussie brouge, "S'abit of a jammer, just got settle 'ere and suddenly I ave to pack up me things and go."

Ragtime Willie · 06-21-2007, 01:58 AM

Caprock Report August 1

With just a little over a month to play in the ignaugural LSBF season, the Caprock league is having a beautiful battle for supremacy between the Del Rio Eagles and Lubbock Red Raiders. The two traded the lead all through July and now things stand with Eagles in front by a mere two games. Odessa is still lurking about in third, only four games back from Lubbock.

Code:

 
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Del Rio Eagles 68 40 .630 - 67-41 1 36-18 32-22 4-3 20-15 31 W5 8-2 
Lubbock Red Raiders 66 42 .611 2.0 61-47 5 36-19 30-23 4-4 19-13  W1 5-5 
Odessa Truckers 62 46 .574 6.0 63-45 -1 27-22 35-24 3-3 16-13  W7 8-2 
Amarillo Cattlemen 56 52 .519 12.0 59-49 -3 28-26 28-26 5-3 21-15  L8 1-9 
Fort Stockton Rangers 53 55 .491 15.0 53-55 0 24-31 29-24 4-3 18-15  L2 5-5 
El Paso Sun Kings 47 61 .435 21.0 47-61 0 21-33 26-28 2-2 17-19  W2 8-2 
Midland Drillers 42 66 .389 26.0 44-64 -2 24-32 18-34 3-7 13-25  L1 4-6 
San Angelo Colts 38 70 .352 30.0 40-68 -2 19-36 19-34 4-4 12-21  L5 1-9

CL Player of the Month: No one thinks of Lubbock's offense first, and Joe Woods is out to change all that. "I know you guys love talking about the pitchers, but consider this month a notification that the rest of us are quite good at baseball too." Woods has the right to be a smart-aleck after hitting six home runs through the month of July.

CL Pitcher of the Month: El Paso has definitely failed to live up to the hype, as the Sun Kings turned into the court jesters of the CL. However, there was a bright spot to this month in the form of pitcher Wayne Davis, who went 6-0 with a 1.76 ERA for the month. "I realize we've been a major dissapointment to our fans, but I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel." El Paso has managed to climb to sixth in the CL since firing their manager in early June.

CL Rookie of the Month: Zander Simpson of Fort Stockton earned another Rookie of the month trophy this month. Simpson hit .339 with two homers in July. He has really taken to Fort Stockton. "It's really nice. I love the small town mentality. Everyone says hello, everyone knows each other, it's a real nice place. I hope to start a family here if I find the right girl." Slow down there, Zander. You're only 19.

Ragtime Willie · 06-21-2007, 02:23 AM

Bluebonnet Report August 1

When we last checked in, Austin and Dallas were in an incredibly tight race. Well say goodbye to that, as the Rockers ran away and hid from the Desperadoes this month and now hold an eight game lead over second place. The Desperadoes now have a whole new field of contenders to fight off for the second spot, as the Corpus Christi Sharks went hot all through July and are currently tied with Dallas. Meanwhile, San Antonio continues to lurk behind, only one game back from the Sharks and Desperadoes. So many things to watch for in this league.

Code:

 
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Austin Rockers 69 39 .639 - 61-47 8 32-22 37-17 14-3 19-12 25 W1 7-3 
Corpus Christi Sharks 61 47 .565 8.0 58-50 3 29-26 32-21 11-7 23-18  L1 8-2 
Dallas Desperadoes 61 47 .565 8.0 59-49 2 31-23 30-24 6-6 17-12  W1 3-7 
San Antonio Missions 60 48 .556 9.0 60-48 0 28-21 32-27 5-7 12-19  W2 4-6 
Houston Hurricanes 51 57 .472 18.0 52-56 -1 26-29 25-28 4-4 15-14  L1 6-4 
Tyler Roughnecks 50 58 .463 19.0 54-54 -4 25-30 25-28 6-9 19-15  L2 3-7 
Fort Worth Sherriffs 47 61 .435 22.0 49-59 -2 22-32 25-29 4-8 12-17  L1 4-6 
Laredo Jalapenos 33 75 .306 36.0 38-70 -5 19-37 14-38 6-12 15-25  W1 5-5

BL Player of the Month: A huge part of Corpus Christi's surge has been John Bass. The second baseman, who is flirting with .400 on the season, was on an absolute tear all through July. "I don't know what it was, maybe it's the weather heating up, maybe it's the fans coming out every day, maybe it's the beach being open every day, but everything just clicked this month and I hope it keeps clicking."

BL Pitcher of the Month: Corpus Christi also had a phenomenal mound performance, and one most unexpected from the clubhouse's elder statesman, Robert White. The 37-year-old contributed five wins against no losses for the month. "It is beyond exciting to be involved in a pennant race. I never dreamed this would happen, especially considering my age."

BL Rookie of the Month: Poor Bill Smith. For hist 20th birthday, the team all got together and got him a birthday cake with a special surprise, one that he wasn't quite sure what to do with. Manager Casey Blake laughs just recalling it. "Boy looked like a dog that'd been shown a magic trick. Just this helpless look of 'what do I do next?' Never seen anything that funny." Smith finds it more worthy of a blush than a giggle, but he still remembers the girl fondly. "She was pretty. We got to talking, and she's into jazz and all this cool stuff, I might call her. If she wants me to. I guess." Smith knows that no pitcher will call him, not after he put the hurt on them in July to the tune of a .347 average with 20 RsBI. He is pushing for the leagues first Triple Crown, which would be, in his words, "pretty hip. I guess."

Ragtime Willie · 06-21-2007, 04:27 PM

8-02-45 Lubbock Rightfielder Tim Rowland is out for a week with a broken finger.

8-02-45 A grudge match between Dallas and Fort Worth ends in a shutout. Dallas pitcher Reggie von Poppel scattered six hits among nine innings. "This is very big, not just personally, but for the team. We need to fire on all cylinders this last month."

8-06-45 Two crucial series begin in the Bluebonnet today. Corpus Christi and San Antonio, tied for third, will face off, as will first-place Austin and second place Dallas. The Corpus Christi sharks lost the game, but they may have lost more. Star centerfielder John Bass broke his finger in a home plate collision during the course of the 8-3 loss. "This sucks. This is terrible. I can't imagine a day getting worse. Despite the win, San Antonio does not gain any ground on the Deperadoes, who topped the Rockers in extra innings.

8-07-45 Jim "Gold Mine" MacNeil scatters six hits and five Ks across nine innings against the Midland Drillers. "Boy, I can't wait to get back to Midland. Because then I can leave Midland again."

8-08-45 Dallas completes a crucial sweep of Austin with a six-five victory. All-star Centerfielder John Brown hits a solo home run. Said Brown, "This feeling, I'd like to bottle it and sell it. There's nothing like winning, and just like that we're back in the race for first."

8-10-45Reeling after thier series loss to the San Antonio Missions, Corpus Christi continues to fall, getting shut out by the Houston Hurricanes.

8-13-45 Here is how the playoff picture looks in Caprock with 22 games to go.

Code:

 
Del Rio Eagles 75 44 .630 - 74-45 1 40-21 35-23 4-5 21-18 21 L1 6-4 
Lubbock Red Raiders 74 45 .622 1.0 69-50 5 39-20 35-25 4-4 21-14  W3 8-2 
Odessa Truckers 69 50 .580 6.0 70-49 -1 34-26 35-24 4-3 19-14  L1 7-3 
Amarillo Cattlemen 60 59 .504 15.0 64-55 -4 29-29 31-30 6-4 23-16  L2 4-6

And here is the same for the Bluebonnet League:

Code:

 
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 
Austin Rockers 74 45 .622 - 67-52 7 34-24 40-21 14-4 19-14 18 W2 5-5 
Dallas Desperadoes 70 49 .588 4.0 65-54 5 37-24 33-25 10-6 21-12  W1 8-2 
San Antonio Missions 69 50 .580 5.0 69-50 0 37-23 32-27 5-7 14-19  W4 8-2 
Corpus Christi Sharks 66 53 .555 8.0 63-56 3 31-28 35-25 11-7 24-19  W2 5-5

Ragtime Willie · 06-21-2007, 05:58 PM

8-17-45 Jesus Encarnacion has quietly having a good season, as are most people on the San Antonio Missions. Don't expect it to be as quiet now. Behind eight solid innings by Encarnacion, the Missions defeated the Tyler Roughnecks 7-3 and now have leapfrogged over Dallas to take second place. "We've always known we had the talent to do this," said manager Alfonso Gonzalez. "It's just a matter of things falling our way."

And fall they have. The turning point for the season may have been a risky trade with the besieged Amarillo Cattlemen. All-star left-fielder was shipped out for struggling starter Stan Valentine and two prospects. Fans were enraged, interpreting the move as throwing in the towel.

But Valentine struggles no more. Working under legendary pitching coach Maurice Gaines, who tells tall tales of training praying mantises to throw a screwball, Valentine worked out some kinks in his delivery. "I don't really know why no one in Amarillo noticed these mistakes, but I was throwing maybe ten pitches before Coach Gaines was in making adjustments to my motion. He's brilliant. I hope I get half of his knowledge."

Since coming to San Antonio, Valentin has not lost a start and his ERA on the season has dropped almost a full point. Valentine is quick to credit both his coach and the San Antonio fans. "To come here from Amarillo is like night and day. I used to spend time between innings counting the empty seats, but now there's not a one. This town has a real passion for baseball and hopefully we can repay them with the Sam Houston trophy.

06-20-2007, 05:54 PM	#1
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	The Lone Star Baseball Federation All these leagues for states and not a one for the best. Well that's coming to an end right now. No free agents because we Texans value loyalty. Starting in 1945. Two leagues, top two teams in each go to the playoffs. Which of these 16 teams will win the Sam Houston Trophy? Caprock (Western) League: Amarillo Cattlemen: The Cattlemen have a very solid pitching staff led by Jeff "The Entertainer" Spencer, who often leads the singing of Take Me Out To The Ball Game on days when he is not starting. His showmanship, however, cannot put a shine on the offense, which is mediocre at best. Predicted Finish: 5th Del Rio Eagles The small border town of Del Rio expects to draw fans from both sides of the border this year with star corner outfielders Arlen Thompson and Brian Parker. However, two players a title doth not make, especially when neither of them pitch. Predicted Finish: 8th El Paso Sun Kings Playing at Dudley Field (affectionately referred to as the Dudley Dome by its patrons), The Sun Kings look to be the overwhelming favorites, as once in a lifetime star third baseman Jose Silva leads them into battle. Predicted Finish: 1st Fort Stockton Rangers fresh-faced 19 year old Zander Simpson is set to start at second base, but he, just like the rest of the Rangers, is a couple years away from being a force. Predicted finish: 6th Lubbock Red Raiders Harry "Chump" Daniels, so named for his tendency to be the victim of teammate pranks, certainly can't be fooled on the baseball diamond. He expects to lead this team into a playoff spot, and there is no doubt that they'll contend. Predicted Finish: 3rd Midland Drillers Catcher Dave Jones has nothing mysterious in his locker, but his Midland team are looking to capsize El Paso for the title. Predicted finish: 2nd Odessa Truckers Ken Parker and Pablo Ortiz form the best double-play combo in the league, but these men are not gunning for anything other than the complete embarassment of their archrivals Midland. Predicted finish: 4th San Angelo Colts Bob MacIntyre looks around from his vantage point at second base and sees nothing but mediocrity, and the pundits are by and large forced to agree. Predicted finish: 7th Bluebonnet (east) League Austin Rockers If you go down to Texas, Bob Wills is still the king. However a new musical sound is emerging, and Austin is one of the hippest southern towns to this new "race music", or rhythm and blues as some call it. Leftfielder Jim Benson is down with this new sound, and some say he makes sweet music with his bat. It's hard to argue, although for Austin to dominate they will need to get some pitchers who were not "Born Under A Bad Sign." Predicted Finish: 4th Corpus Christi Sharks A strong pitching staff led by Rob Mueller may not be enough, but even if they can't cut it on the field they can always hit the beaches. Predicted Finish: 5th Dallas Desperadoes An all-star outfield of Chad Barnes, John Brown, and Emilio Cruz might just propel the pitching-challenged Desperadoes into the playoffs. Predicted Finish: 1st Fort Worth Sherriffs The rivalry with Dallas is built right into the nicknames, and Fort Worth will be no pushover for Dallas. Shortstop Clancy Watson is fast enough that any ball hit into the outfield practically assures a double. Predicted Finish: 2nd Houston Hurricanes Catcher Don Larson looks like the kind of piece you can build around for a long time, but the rest of the team has yet to come into their own. Predicted Finish: 6th Laredo Jalapenos It looks like the team named after the annual Jalapeno Festival in Laredo will fail to draw fans away from gouging themselves on peppers. It's a shame that Raul Martinez will be displaying his talents to an empty stadium. San Antonio Missions These players from the Alamo City are certainly on a mission (as opposed to in one), and first baseman Stanley Dickey and pitcher Terry "Whirlwind" Thomas are determined to bring this city the Sam Houston Trophy. predicted finish: 3rd Tyler Roughnecks Catcher Benett Ward and centerfielder Randy Martin will not be enough to overcome the worst bullpen in the state, which considering the amount of ranches in Texas is really saying something. Predicted Finish: 8th I'm no good with logos, but if any of you lovely wonderful awesome people have something you'd like to contribute I'd be only too happy to accept.

06-20-2007, 07:10 PM	#3
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	5-01-45 Once again, the scribes of the Texas league should hang their heads in shame, as the Tyler Roughnecks, percieved as woeful because of their bullpen issues, have smashed their way through the Bluebonnet League to a 16-8 record. While their bullpen is bad as expeted-- a 5.68 ERA--the starters have more than carried the load, with a 3.38 ERA. Overall, the Tyler staff ends up being the best in the BL, with the great rotation trumping the bad bullpen. They aren't out of the woods yet, as the San Antonio Missions are riding a seven game win streak into a tie for second place. Here are the full standings for the Bluebonnet League through April: Code: Tyler Roughnecks 16 8 .667 - 13-11 3 9-5 7-3 4-3 7-1 115 W3 5-5 Austin Rockers 14 10 .583 2.0 13-11 1 7-5 7-5 1-0 3-4 L2 5-5 Dallas Desperadoes 14 10 .583 2.0 13-11 1 5-4 9-6 1-3 4-2 W2 6-4 San Antonio Missions 14 10 .583 2.0 14-10 0 7-3 7-7 3-0 4-2 W7 8-2 Fort Worth Sherriffs 13 12 .520 3.5 14-11 -1 3-7 10-5 0-1 2-2 L3 4-6 Corpus Christi Sharks 10 14 .417 6.0 12-12 -2 6-6 4-8 2-1 3-8 L3 5-5 Houston Hurricanes 10 14 .417 6.0 9-15 1 6-8 4-6 3-2 5-4 W1 5-5 Laredo Jalapenos 6 19 .240 10.5 9-16 -3 4-12 2-7 0-4 2-7 L1 2-8 BL Batter of the Month: The story in Tyler isn't all about pitching. Catcher Bennet Ward is putting up an amazing campaign, going .462/.541/.746 with a LSBF-pacing six home runs and 24 RsBI. Asked if he was affected by the negative pre-season predictions he said "I really see no need to get bothered by any of that. If they say we'll be good, it's my job to prove them right, and if they say we will be terrible, it's my job to prove them wrong. I can't control what they write, but I can control what happens between those chalk lines." BL Pitcher of the Month: In San Antonio, all the talk centers on 24-year-old phenom Ramon Martinez, who is undefeated with a league-leading 2.08 ERA after five starts. Martinez says "Awards are nice, but this is only one month. I need to prove I can do it over a whole year, and then hopefully over several years." You have to admire a young player with a sense of perspective like that. BL Rookie of the Month: Bill Smith is two years removed from his biggest worries being pimples and girls, and now he is the LSBF's Rookie of the Month. Our reporters tracked down the 19-year-old, who was, fitting with Austin's style and nickname, at a Johnny Mercer concert. "The award? Um, it's cool, I guess. Yeah. It's hip. I think. PLAY MOON RIVER!" Our reporters then left him to enjoy the fine music.

06-20-2007, 10:28 PM	#5
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	Caprock Report: June Code: Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Del Rio Eagles 34 20 .630 - 33-21 1 16-7 18-13 2-1 11-8 85 W4 7-3 Lubbock Red Raiders 32 22 .593 2.0 28-26 4 18-12 14-10 1-1 10-5 W4 7-3 Amarillo Cattlemen 30 24 .556 4.0 32-22 -2 14-14 16-10 2-1 10-7 L1 4-6 Fort Stockton Rangers 28 26 .519 6.0 28-26 0 14-17 14-9 2-2 9-8 W1 4-6 Odessa Truckers 28 26 .519 6.0 30-24 -2 12-15 16-11 1-2 9-9 W1 6-4 San Angelo Colts 23 31 .426 11.0 22-32 1 11-16 12-15 4-3 11-9 L1 6-4 Midland Drillers 21 33 .389 13.0 23-31 -2 11-15 10-18 1-4 6-15 L3 2-8 El Paso Sun Kings 20 34 .370 14.0 22-32 -2 7-17 13-17 2-1 7-12 L4 3-7 CL Player of the Month: The San Angelo Colts have not had an ideal season, but one bright spot so far has been leftfielder Steven Shelton. For May he batted .393 with four home runs. Asked about San Angelo's struggles thus far, Shelton had this to say: "There's eight other guys on that field and they all have to do their jobs too. I'm doing my part, that's all I can control, and to be honest that's all I'm concerned with." San Angelo fans were non too happy with that comment. CL Pitcher of the Month: Harry "Chump" Daniels of the Lubbock Red Raiders had a hard time believing the news when he picked up the phone. NOt out of any sense of modesty, but because he thought it was another prank by Tim "Gold Mine" MacNeil. "I've learned to take everything I hear with a few pounds of salt." Said MacNeil: "Hey, Chump deserves it. He might not be first to get the joke, but on the field he gets the last laugh. Those two are probably related now that I think about it." CL Rookie of the Month: In the pre-season Zander Simpson was declared the anchor of this Fort Stockton team, a lot of pressure for a nineteen year old. but he took it in stride. Being a leader is nothing young for this young man. "My father was lynched by a mob of renegade Mormons. I was raising my siblings from the time I was eight. Baseball? It's no sweat." A refreshing attitude from this youngster, I hope we'll hear from him for years to come. Last edited by Ragtime Willie; 06-21-2007 at 12:22 AM.

06-20-2007, 10:48 PM	#6
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	Bluebonnet Report: June Code: Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Austin Rockers 35 19 .648 - 30-24 5 17-11 18-8 7-1 9-5 87 L2 6-4 Dallas Desperadoes 35 19 .648 - 32-22 3 14-9 21-10 2-3 8-5 87 W1 6-4 San Antonio Missions 31 23 .574 4.0 31-23 0 17-10 14-13 3-2 7-9 W2 5-5 Tyler Roughnecks 27 27 .500 8.0 26-28 1 12-15 15-12 5-5 11-5 L1 3-7 Corpus Christi Sharks 26 28 .481 9.0 28-26 -2 15-16 11-12 5-4 9-12 W2 5-5 Houston Hurricanes 26 28 .481 9.0 24-30 2 13-17 13-11 4-2 8-4 W1 7-3 Fort Worth Sherriffs 25 29 .463 10.0 28-26 -3 8-16 17-13 1-4 6-8 L1 3-7 Laredo Jalapenos 11 43 .204 24.0 16-38 -5 6-20 5-23 2-8 5-15 L2 4-6 BL Player of the Month: You can't tell by looking at his mopey face, but Bill Smith is the hottest player in the LSBF right now. Manager Casey Blake says "Prime example right here of why they shouldn't let the women in the locker room. He's just learnin what women are about. We can't have that goin' on while this is goin' on." Smith himself is distracted as a (male) reporter talks to him outside of a music store selling this "race music", saying "Yeah, it's okay I guess. These trophies, they're all kinda hip, but...I don't know." The reporter was heard to remark that if he just opened his eyes he'd see the Austin lovelies lining up around the block for a glimpse of him. For the month, Smith has hit six home runs with 30 RsBI. BL Pitcher of the Month: Dallas Desperadoes fans know that there is one day a week they can rest assured of a victory. That's the day that Rich Anderson takes the mound, and he did not lose a single start in May, going six and 0 with one no-decision that also turned into a win for Dallas. Anderson is a key reason the Desperadoes are tied for first. BL Rookie of the Month: Bill Smith gets to double-dip in the trophies this week, as he was also the best rookie to be found in the Bluebonnet league. The youngster batted .382 for the month of May. Hopefully he can but his lady troubles behind him and get back on track. Last edited by Ragtime Willie; 06-21-2007 at 12:23 AM.

06-21-2007, 12:19 AM	#8
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	Caprock Report July 1 The surprise team of the Caprock league, Del Rio, remain firmly in charge. Arlen Thompson paces the league with a .383 batting average. Lubbock has managed to keep in second place despite losing their shortstop Juan Martinez for 8 weeks. This could spell trouble, as even less stands between the twin aces of Chump and Gold Mine and the rushing Oddessa Truckers, led by the killer double play combo of Ken Parker and Juan Ortiz. Amarillo looked to be a contender but after losing John Heron for the season, they have faded back to fourth. Code: Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Del Rio Eagles 50 29 .633 - 48-31 2 27-12 23-17 3-1 15-12 58 W2 7-3 Lubbock Red Raiders 46 33 .582 4.0 40-39 6 23-17 23-16 2-4 14-9 L2 6-4 Odessa Truckers 45 34 .570 5.0 47-32 -2 16-17 29-17 2-2 10-10 L1 6-4 Amarillo Cattlemen 42 37 .532 8.0 45-34 -3 20-20 22-17 3-2 16-11 L7 2-8 Fort Stockton Rangers 38 41 .481 12.0 38-41 0 16-24 22-17 3-2 13-11 W2 4-6 San Angelo Colts 33 46 .418 17.0 33-46 0 17-26 16-20 4-3 12-14 W1 6-4 El Paso Sun Kings 31 48 .392 19.0 33-46 -2 12-27 19-21 2-2 11-14 L2 4-6 Midland Drillers 31 48 .392 19.0 32-47 -1 19-23 12-25 2-5 9-19 W3 5-5 CL Player of the Month: Odessa announced their arrival in the pennant race, and taking the mike was shortstop Ken Parker, who batted .352 with a couple of home runs. Said Parker, "I work as hard at this game as I can, and I'm glad that I'm able to see it pay off this way. Hopefully the next time I talk to you, we'll be raising the Sam Houston trophy." CL Pitcher of the Month: Sergio Tobias has a thankless job, pitching for the worst offense in the CL. But he takes it in stride. "It's not like I do much better at the plate. All I can do is pitch the best I can." That's exactly what he did, going 5-0 with a 1.94 ERA for the month of June. CL Rookie of the Month: Gold Mine MacNeil once again had a captive audience at the press room. "This is the leagues first year. Aren't we all rookies? Gee, maybe I shouldn't say that, you guys will come and take this from me. And I hate to have to murder you all, but you take this from me, you die. Fair warning." The 26-year-old motormouth rookie was undefeated for the month of June, raising his record to 13-1. Last edited by Ragtime Willie; 06-21-2007 at 12:24 AM.

06-20-2007, 07:52 PM	#4
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	5-04-45Gold Mine MacNeil pitches a three-hit shutout against the Odessa Truckers. Said the former stand-up: "Honestly, baseball players have it easy. We do what we're supposed to do and you guys throw a [gosh darn] parade. I hope I'm always able to play this game, a game of impossibly low standards." In other news today, Arlen Thompson of the CL-leading Del Rio Eagles broke his finger, he is expected to go on the disabled list for two weeks. 5-07-45 Bernard Livingston of Fort Stockton socks six hits against El Paso. Teammate Pat Myers gets five hits. El Paso Starting Pitcher Haden Hubbard breaks down in tears during the post-game press conference, having only lasted an inning in the 18-13 loss. 5-11-45 Bill Smith of Austin becomes the first player to reach ten home runs on the season. SISA sent our very own interviewer, Chesty LaRue, to get some words from the youngster, but all she got were blushes, nervous smiles, and stammering. The next evening, Austin manager Casey Brady approached Ms. LaRue, rolling his eyes and clutching a note which read "I like you, do you want to see a music concert some time maybe?" Ms. LaRue was tempted, but decided that professionalism would win out. "As flattered as I am, I just can't get over how juvenile the whole note thing is. I wish Bill luck with the other women who will no doubt come into his life as he continues to tear up the league." 5-17-45 The Laredo Jalapenos, in the midst of a thirteen game losing streak that has dropped them to a league worst 7-34, have fired manager Jose Garcia today. No word on his replacement yet. 5-19-45 John Barnes was dissuaded by team officials, but the Houston pitcher could not be dissauded from entering the Mesquite Rodeo, and now he will pay for his decision by spending a month on the DL. "I've been raising bulls all my life, I can't stop now just because some folks is paying me to throw a little white ball. This is my real passion." It certainly shows, as Barnes is 1-7 with a 5.25 ERA. 5-31-45 SInce our own Ms. LaRue rejected his labored over love letter, Austin's Bill Smith has not hit a single home run. Manager Casey Blake says "Oh fer chrissakes this kid, he gets hung up on one gal like this, I don't remember ever being like this when I was a young feller. He's just in a real funk. He's lettin' the other stuff mess with the on the field junk, which is never a good thing." Ms. LaRue reacted to this news with an exasperated sigh. "He's a kid. He'll get over it. I'm just horrified by the possibility that my not going out with him has derailed a potentially wonderful career. I looked forward to seeing him on the field for many years to come."

06-20-2007, 11:58 PM	#7
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	6-02-45. Skipper Alex Cole has learned the danger of high expectations, being fired by the El Paso Sun Kings. 6-10-45 Most Austin talk has centered on phenom Bill Smith, but today the news was made by a player more than twice Bill's age. Antonio "Balls" Valenzuela, 41 years young, pitched a four hit shutout against the Dallas Desperadoes. Said Balls after, "I'm a pitcher. I pitch. S'what I do." It's hard to argue. The first Amatuer draft in LSBF history was held June 15. Laredo had the first pick and picked starter Bobby Manning. Word of this exciting league has travelled fast, as players came from as far away as Argentina and Japan! 6-15-45 Ralph Mathhews of the San Angelo Colts retired today. The 38-year old cited homesickness. "I really miss New Hampshire, especially now that I've experienced a Texas Summer. But still I'll always look back on this fondly, and have enough memories in this year to last a lifetime." 6-26-45 The Bluebonnet League won the first ever LSBF all-star game, beating the Caprock League 7-6. on a sacrifice fly by Dallas Centerfielder John Smith.

06-21-2007, 12:58 AM	#9
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	Bluebonnet Report July 1 This league is really heating up. While April darlings Tyler has faded, there is an intense battle at the top between the Austin Rockers, led by an alliance of old and young, nineteen year old Bill Smith, who is threatening to put up a triple-crown performance, and gruff 41 year-old Balls Venezuela, who is currently 11-4. Meanwhile, the Dallas Desperadoes with their outfield continue to pile on the runs. They are currently tied atop the standings, with San Antonio four games back. Code: Streak Last10 Austin Rockers 49 30 .620 - 43-36 6 23-17 26-13 9-1 13-9 62 W1 7-3 Dallas Desperadoes 49 30 .620 - 46-33 3 24-15 25-15 3-5 12-8 62 W2 3-7 San Antonio Missions 45 34 .570 4.0 44-35 1 19-14 26-20 4-4 8-13 W5 8-2 Corpus Christi Sharks 43 36 .544 6.0 43-36 0 20-20 23-16 8-4 16-14 L1 7-3 Fort Worth Sherriffs 38 41 .481 11.0 38-41 0 17-22 21-19 3-6 11-12 W1 5-5 Tyler Roughnecks 38 41 .481 11.0 38-41 0 20-23 18-18 6-7 18-8 L3 3-7 Houston Hurricanes 36 43 .456 13.0 37-42 -1 16-24 20-19 4-4 11-12 L2 5-5 Laredo Jalapenos 18 61 .228 31.0 25-54 -7 12-30 6-31 4-10 8-21 L1 2-8 BL Player of the Month: Emilio Cruz is part of a team without a star. "We all just do our jobs, keep our heads down, and smile to the fans." This democratic approach is what has Dallas tied for the BL Pennant, but Mr. Cruz might want to perk his head up for just a little bit, as he is June's player of the month. For June he put up a .520 on-base percentage and three dingers. Asked about the honor, Cruz said "It's nice, it's a good conversation piece at home, but tomorrow I gotta put my head back down and get to work." SL Pitcher of the Month: Relief pitchers are not talked about often in this league, but sometimes you just have to recognize when someone goes above the beyond the call of duty, as Corpus Christi Sharks fireman Xiao-gang Chuko did. He posted a 1.17 ERA across his 14 appearances, with five wins and two saves thrown in. "I do not mind having a lower profile, so long as I am doing well." BL Rookie of the Month: The Tyler Roughnecks have faded from their hot start, but rookie Alfredo Fernandez is still going strong. The leftfielder from Washington DC hit to all fields, going .324 for the month.

06-21-2007, 01:26 AM	#10
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	7-08-45 Del Rio right fielder Brian Parker has suffered a broken rib. Del Rio fans are obviously concerned about losing his .327 for three weeks. Said Parker, "I will be back the second I can. This is very frustrating, but better this happen now than in August or Spetember." 7-10-45 The Dallas Desperadoes have traded catcher Alejandro Archuleta to Laredo for two minor leaguers. The highly competitive Archuleta is said to be incensed at going from one of the best teams to the absolute dregs. 7-21-45 In an important Caprock showdown between Lubbock and Del Rio, Harry "Chump" Daniels shuts the Eagles down on four hits. "Everything just came together. After a day like that, you feel invincible." Lubbock fans hope he isn't in a hurry to test this invincibility. With that victory, Lubbock has now taken the lead in the Caprock League. 7-23-45 Lubbock lose their lead on a shutout to the Amarillo Cattlemen. Chirped Gold Mine MacNeil, "we looked like we were swinging a wet noodle out there. I take responsibility, I grabbed the wrong bag while making spaghetti in the clubhouse." 7-24-45 Joe Woods and Miguel Martinez of Lubbock blast five hits each in a 12-5 win over Amarillo. The win keeps them a game back of Del Rio. 7-29-45 Jose "Rottweiler" Alvarado shuts El Paso out on two hits, leading Lubbock back into a tie for first. "We have strong rotation depth, and I feel that's our stongest advantage," said manager Michael Northam. "Everyone knows Chump and Gold Mine, but as Jose proved out there today, we can get it done any day." 7-30-45 Don't look now, but the Corpus Christi Sharks are in second place, and they just got stronger, trading spare arms to San Antonio for centerfielder Jake Cowell. Said Cowell in his thick Aussie brouge, "S'abit of a jammer, just got settle 'ere and suddenly I ave to pack up me things and go." Last edited by Ragtime Willie; 06-21-2007 at 01:40 AM.

06-21-2007, 01:58 AM	#11
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	Caprock Report August 1 With just a little over a month to play in the ignaugural LSBF season, the Caprock league is having a beautiful battle for supremacy between the Del Rio Eagles and Lubbock Red Raiders. The two traded the lead all through July and now things stand with Eagles in front by a mere two games. Odessa is still lurking about in third, only four games back from Lubbock. Code: Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Del Rio Eagles 68 40 .630 - 67-41 1 36-18 32-22 4-3 20-15 31 W5 8-2 Lubbock Red Raiders 66 42 .611 2.0 61-47 5 36-19 30-23 4-4 19-13 W1 5-5 Odessa Truckers 62 46 .574 6.0 63-45 -1 27-22 35-24 3-3 16-13 W7 8-2 Amarillo Cattlemen 56 52 .519 12.0 59-49 -3 28-26 28-26 5-3 21-15 L8 1-9 Fort Stockton Rangers 53 55 .491 15.0 53-55 0 24-31 29-24 4-3 18-15 L2 5-5 El Paso Sun Kings 47 61 .435 21.0 47-61 0 21-33 26-28 2-2 17-19 W2 8-2 Midland Drillers 42 66 .389 26.0 44-64 -2 24-32 18-34 3-7 13-25 L1 4-6 San Angelo Colts 38 70 .352 30.0 40-68 -2 19-36 19-34 4-4 12-21 L5 1-9 CL Player of the Month: No one thinks of Lubbock's offense first, and Joe Woods is out to change all that. "I know you guys love talking about the pitchers, but consider this month a notification that the rest of us are quite good at baseball too." Woods has the right to be a smart-aleck after hitting six home runs through the month of July. CL Pitcher of the Month: El Paso has definitely failed to live up to the hype, as the Sun Kings turned into the court jesters of the CL. However, there was a bright spot to this month in the form of pitcher Wayne Davis, who went 6-0 with a 1.76 ERA for the month. "I realize we've been a major dissapointment to our fans, but I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel." El Paso has managed to climb to sixth in the CL since firing their manager in early June. CL Rookie of the Month: Zander Simpson of Fort Stockton earned another Rookie of the month trophy this month. Simpson hit .339 with two homers in July. He has really taken to Fort Stockton. "It's really nice. I love the small town mentality. Everyone says hello, everyone knows each other, it's a real nice place. I hope to start a family here if I find the right girl." Slow down there, Zander. You're only 19.

06-21-2007, 02:23 AM	#12
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	Bluebonnet Report August 1 When we last checked in, Austin and Dallas were in an incredibly tight race. Well say goodbye to that, as the Rockers ran away and hid from the Desperadoes this month and now hold an eight game lead over second place. The Desperadoes now have a whole new field of contenders to fight off for the second spot, as the Corpus Christi Sharks went hot all through July and are currently tied with Dallas. Meanwhile, San Antonio continues to lurk behind, only one game back from the Sharks and Desperadoes. So many things to watch for in this league. Code: Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Austin Rockers 69 39 .639 - 61-47 8 32-22 37-17 14-3 19-12 25 W1 7-3 Corpus Christi Sharks 61 47 .565 8.0 58-50 3 29-26 32-21 11-7 23-18 L1 8-2 Dallas Desperadoes 61 47 .565 8.0 59-49 2 31-23 30-24 6-6 17-12 W1 3-7 San Antonio Missions 60 48 .556 9.0 60-48 0 28-21 32-27 5-7 12-19 W2 4-6 Houston Hurricanes 51 57 .472 18.0 52-56 -1 26-29 25-28 4-4 15-14 L1 6-4 Tyler Roughnecks 50 58 .463 19.0 54-54 -4 25-30 25-28 6-9 19-15 L2 3-7 Fort Worth Sherriffs 47 61 .435 22.0 49-59 -2 22-32 25-29 4-8 12-17 L1 4-6 Laredo Jalapenos 33 75 .306 36.0 38-70 -5 19-37 14-38 6-12 15-25 W1 5-5 BL Player of the Month: A huge part of Corpus Christi's surge has been John Bass. The second baseman, who is flirting with .400 on the season, was on an absolute tear all through July. "I don't know what it was, maybe it's the weather heating up, maybe it's the fans coming out every day, maybe it's the beach being open every day, but everything just clicked this month and I hope it keeps clicking." BL Pitcher of the Month: Corpus Christi also had a phenomenal mound performance, and one most unexpected from the clubhouse's elder statesman, Robert White. The 37-year-old contributed five wins against no losses for the month. "It is beyond exciting to be involved in a pennant race. I never dreamed this would happen, especially considering my age." BL Rookie of the Month: Poor Bill Smith. For hist 20th birthday, the team all got together and got him a birthday cake with a special surprise, one that he wasn't quite sure what to do with. Manager Casey Blake laughs just recalling it. "Boy looked like a dog that'd been shown a magic trick. Just this helpless look of 'what do I do next?' Never seen anything that funny." Smith finds it more worthy of a blush than a giggle, but he still remembers the girl fondly. "She was pretty. We got to talking, and she's into jazz and all this cool stuff, I might call her. If she wants me to. I guess." Smith knows that no pitcher will call him, not after he put the hurt on them in July to the tune of a .347 average with 20 RsBI. He is pushing for the leagues first Triple Crown, which would be, in his words, "pretty hip. I guess."

06-21-2007, 04:27 PM	#13
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	8-02-45 Lubbock Rightfielder Tim Rowland is out for a week with a broken finger. 8-02-45 A grudge match between Dallas and Fort Worth ends in a shutout. Dallas pitcher Reggie von Poppel scattered six hits among nine innings. "This is very big, not just personally, but for the team. We need to fire on all cylinders this last month." 8-06-45 Two crucial series begin in the Bluebonnet today. Corpus Christi and San Antonio, tied for third, will face off, as will first-place Austin and second place Dallas. The Corpus Christi sharks lost the game, but they may have lost more. Star centerfielder John Bass broke his finger in a home plate collision during the course of the 8-3 loss. "This sucks. This is terrible. I can't imagine a day getting worse. Despite the win, San Antonio does not gain any ground on the Deperadoes, who topped the Rockers in extra innings. 8-07-45 Jim "Gold Mine" MacNeil scatters six hits and five Ks across nine innings against the Midland Drillers. "Boy, I can't wait to get back to Midland. Because then I can leave Midland again." 8-08-45 Dallas completes a crucial sweep of Austin with a six-five victory. All-star Centerfielder John Brown hits a solo home run. Said Brown, "This feeling, I'd like to bottle it and sell it. There's nothing like winning, and just like that we're back in the race for first." 8-10-45Reeling after thier series loss to the San Antonio Missions, Corpus Christi continues to fall, getting shut out by the Houston Hurricanes. 8-13-45 Here is how the playoff picture looks in Caprock with 22 games to go. Code: Del Rio Eagles 75 44 .630 - 74-45 1 40-21 35-23 4-5 21-18 21 L1 6-4 Lubbock Red Raiders 74 45 .622 1.0 69-50 5 39-20 35-25 4-4 21-14 W3 8-2 Odessa Truckers 69 50 .580 6.0 70-49 -1 34-26 35-24 4-3 19-14 L1 7-3 Amarillo Cattlemen 60 59 .504 15.0 64-55 -4 29-29 31-30 6-4 23-16 L2 4-6 And here is the same for the Bluebonnet League: Code: Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Austin Rockers 74 45 .622 - 67-52 7 34-24 40-21 14-4 19-14 18 W2 5-5 Dallas Desperadoes 70 49 .588 4.0 65-54 5 37-24 33-25 10-6 21-12 W1 8-2 San Antonio Missions 69 50 .580 5.0 69-50 0 37-23 32-27 5-7 14-19 W4 8-2 Corpus Christi Sharks 66 53 .555 8.0 63-56 3 31-28 35-25 11-7 24-19 W2 5-5

06-21-2007, 05:58 PM	#14
Ragtime Willie Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 21	8-17-45 Jesus Encarnacion has quietly having a good season, as are most people on the San Antonio Missions. Don't expect it to be as quiet now. Behind eight solid innings by Encarnacion, the Missions defeated the Tyler Roughnecks 7-3 and now have leapfrogged over Dallas to take second place. "We've always known we had the talent to do this," said manager Alfonso Gonzalez. "It's just a matter of things falling our way." And fall they have. The turning point for the season may have been a risky trade with the besieged Amarillo Cattlemen. All-star left-fielder was shipped out for struggling starter Stan Valentine and two prospects. Fans were enraged, interpreting the move as throwing in the towel. But Valentine struggles no more. Working under legendary pitching coach Maurice Gaines, who tells tall tales of training praying mantises to throw a screwball, Valentine worked out some kinks in his delivery. "I don't really know why no one in Amarillo noticed these mistakes, but I was throwing maybe ten pitches before Coach Gaines was in making adjustments to my motion. He's brilliant. I hope I get half of his knowledge." Since coming to San Antonio, Valentin has not lost a start and his ERA on the season has dropped almost a full point. Valentine is quick to credit both his coach and the San Antonio fans. "To come here from Amarillo is like night and day. I used to spend time between innings counting the empty seats, but now there's not a one. This town has a real passion for baseball and hopefully we can repay them with the Sam Houston trophy.