United Leagues of Braeland

[Dark Horse]

i can see the headline:

Downie Dominant!

[reds1]

Originally Posted by Dark Horse

i can see the headline:

Downie Dominant!

That they are! I'm so used to seeing them lose season after season, that it's hard getting used to them being a powerhouse. I can hardly wait for this year's United Cup!

[reds1]

Wolseley Unions (101-53) vs. Fort Richmond Generals (87-67)
Season Matchup: 10-5 in favor of Wolseley

Wolseley: Runs scored – 813 (1st in West); runs against – 537 (1st)
Fort Richmond: Runs scored – 653 (5th); runs against – 574 (2nd)

For the third straight season, the Wolseley Unions and Fort Richmond Generals will face each other for the Western League Pennant. After three consecutive 2nd place finishes, the Unions captured top spot for the first time with a dominating performance in the regular season (their expected record was 105-49). Last season, the Unions upended a 103-51 Generals club in the Western final and went on to win the United Cup. Fort Richmond is not the powerhouse they were last season but are still a dangerous unit. But as good as they are Wolseley just seemed to be better in all facets, particularly on offense.

To make matters worse, the Generals will be playing without one of their top position players. 25-year old 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.301/.345/.441, 9 HR, 71 RBI, 38 BB, 7 SB, 5.0 WAR) was injured while running the bases in a game against the Cambria Cannons back on March 23. He strained an abdominal muscle and is gone for 5 weeks. In addition to his offensive ability, he was also an outstanding fielder (.980 PCT, 5.73 RNG, +14.5 ZR, 1.058 EFF). Taking his place in the lineup is 26-year old IF/OF Brad Richards (.270/.341/.324, 2-2B, 1 RBI, 4 BB, 0.2 WAR). Richards has seen limited playing time in his major league career but is a sturdy defender at 2B and has blinding speed. He will bat in the No. 8 spot.

With the two most recent United Cup Champions once again battling for the Western League Pennant, playoff fever could not be higher on the Island than in these two cities. Bragging rights for who’s the true champion of the West is on the line. Play ball!

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Game 1 – March 28

Satchel Paige Park in Wolseley is the setting for Game 1 of the series. 30,598 vocal fans have packed the place to cheer on the home team. It’s partly cloudy (70F) with a moderate breeze (16 mph) blowing in from centerfield.

Wolseley’s ace, 26-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (18-12, 2.74 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) takes the hill, while Fort Richmond counters with their No. 2 starter, 27-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (21-8, 2.90 ERA, 1.04 WHIP). Albury is 5-2, 2.18 ERA in 9 playoff starts, all with Wolseley. Li meanwhile, is 3-1, 2 SV, 2.66 ERA in the playoffs over the past two seasons. This will be his third career playoff start.

Top of the 1st:
Fort Richmond strikes first when SS Ninfa Puzon leads off with a walk. With one out, 1B Daniel Paterson singles Puzon to 3B. After CF Dylan Moyne hits into a fielder’s choice at 2B, Jeremy Albury throws a wild pitch, allowing Puzon to score the game’s first run and Moyne to move up to 2B.
RF Brandon Robinson then singles into right-centerfield. Moyne blows past 3B and beats out the throw from CF Owen Claridge for the second run.
Fort Richmond 2 - Wolseley 0

Bottom of the 3rd:
RF Howard Ockey lines a first-pitch single just past the shortstop with one out, then advances to 2B when LF Carlton Hawking draws a walk. A wild pitch by Li then moves up the runners 90 ft.
On the next pitch, C Éric Denis flies out to leftfield. Ockey tags up and beats the throw home from LF Jake Stunt putting the Unions on the board.
Fort Richmond 2 - Wolseley 1

Top of the 6th:
Jake Stunt leads off with a first-pitch single but is thrown out at 2B when Daniel Paterson hits into a fielder’s choice.
Dylan Moyne then pushes a single into shallow rightfield. Paterson tries for two but is cut down at 3B thanks to RF Howard Ockey’s mighty throw.
But Brandon Robinson triples into right centerfield to score Moyne. 3B Belarmino Barbedo follows with a single, scoring Robinson and putting the Generals up by three.
Fort Richmond 4 - Wolseley 1

Bottom of the 6th:
With two out, 1B Wen-huan Liu slams a solo home run, 355 ft. into the rightfield bleachers, cutting into Fort Richmond’s lead.
Fort Richmond 4 - Wolseley 2

Top of the 7th:
The Generals get that run right back, when 2B Brad Richards leads off with a first-pitch solo home run that lands 330 ft. into the leftfield stands.
Fort Richmond 5 - Wolseley 2

Bottom of the 7th:
PH Lance Dulihanty draws a four-pitch walk to lead off. With one out, Howard Ockey reaches safely on error (E4), while Carlton Hawking follows him with a single just past 2B to load the bases. Next up is Éric Denis, who flies out to dead centerfield. Dulihanty tags up at 3B and easily beats out the throw home.
SS George Kimpton then triples all the way to the wall in right centerfield. That scores both Ockey and Hawking, tying up the game.
Fort Richmond 5 - Wolseley 5

Top of the 8th:
RHP John Palm takes over from Jeremy Albury and immediately runs into trouble. Daniel Paterson and Dylan Moyne lead off with back-to-back singles. Brandon Robinson and Belarmino Barbedo follow with back-to-back walks, scoring Paterson.
During C Louis Wearne’s subsequent at-bat, Palm commits a wild pitch, scoring Moyne to give Fort Richmond a two-run lead.

In the bottom the 9th, RHP José Rodriquez, who took over from Li in the 8th inning, gives up a one-out single to Éric Denis. But George Kimpton hits into a 5-4 fielder’s choice and Wen-huan Liu strikes out swinging to the end the game. The Generals pull out a gutsy win to take Game 1.
FINAL: Fort Richmond 7 - Wolseley 5



Player of the Game: RF Brandon Robinson went 2 for 3, 2 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB with a triple.

Dylan Moyne went 2 for 3, 3 R, 1 BB.

Ch’ang-chieh Li goes 7.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 132 PI (0-0, 2.57 ERA; Game Score: 49).

For Wolseley:

Jeremy Albury went 7.0 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 101 PI (0-0, 6.43 ERA; GS: 43).

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Game 2 – March 29

The day is nearly a carbon copy of the day before, as 30,180 take in Game 2 under partly cloudy skies (72F), with just a slight breeze blowing in from left (11 mph). While Wolseley looks to get the split before the Series heads to Fort Richmond, the Generals are looking to take both games on the road.

A pair of No. 3 starters will face each other. For Wolseley, 30-year old RHP Kai Tosh (13-13, 3.11 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) makes his 10th career playoff start (3-6, 4.57 ERA), which have been all with the Unions. 27-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (15-13, 3.28 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) takes the ball for Fort Richmond. This will be his 6th start in the playoffs (4-1, 3.41 ERA).

Top of the 1st:
SS Ninfa Puzon leads the game off with a double. LF Jake Stunt then singles into rightfield. Puzon rounds 3B and beats out the throw to home plate from RF Howard Ockey to open the scoring.
Fort Richmond 1 - Wolseley 0

Bottom of the 2nd:
C Éric Denis, SS George Kimpton and 1B Wen-huan Liu lead off with three consecutive singles to load the bases. A fielder’s choice by CF Owen Claridge and a sac fly to rightfield by 3B Burt Willey scores two runs, giving the Unions the lead.
Fort Richmond 1 - Wolseley 2

Bottom of the 5th:
Kai Tosh and 2B Make-Make Kamaka draw back-to-back walks with two outs before Howard Ockey singles to load the bases. A wild pitch by Nicky Sherlock allows Tosh to score the Unions third run. Although LF Carlton Hawking draws another walk, Sherlock induces a 5-4 fielder’s choice from Éric Denis to limit the damage.
Fort Richmond 1 - Wolseley 3

Top of the 8th:
A couple of miscues cost the Unions dearly. LF Jake Stunt reaches safely on an error (E9) and takes 2B with one out. 1B Daniel Paterson then singles in Stunt as Stunt beats the throw home from RF Howard Ockey, getting Fort Richmond to within one.
With two out, a RF Brandon Robinson single and an error (E6) on 3B Belarmino Barbedo’s infield pop-up loads the bases.
C Louis Wearne punches a single into shallow rightfield. Paterson comes home to tie the game. Barbedo is waved home on the play and scores the go-ahead run as RF Howard Ockey’s throw home is off the mark.

In the bottom of the 9th, Nicky Sherlock gets PH Blair Toman to fly out to centerfield, induces a 4-3 ground out from Make-Make Kamaka and a pop fly (F9) from Howard Ockey to end the game and the get the win. The Generals take the first two right in Wolseley’s own backyard and head home for at least the next two games.
FINAL: Fort Richmond 4 - Wolseley 3



Player of the Game: Nicky Sherlock got the outs he needed to pull out the victory. He went 9.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 133 PI (1-0, 3.00 ERA; GS: 57).

For Wolseley:

Kai Tosh was done in by some costly errors. He pitched 8.0 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 118 PI (0-1, 1.13 ERA; GS: 59).

George Kimpton went 3 for 3, 1 R, 1 BB.

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Game 3 – March 31

The Series heads up to Fort Richmond with the Unions looking to get on track and the Generals looking to get a stranglehold. Generals Stadium will play host with 24,192 packing the house and with the Amethyst Mountains visible just off in the distance. It’s a hot day in ‘The Fort’: 81F with clear skies and only a moderate breeze (15 mph) blowing in from center providing any relief.

Fort Richmond’s ace, 31-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (14-16, 3.22 ERA, 1.36 WHIP), gets the call. Taváres pitched in one playoff game (0-1, 5.63 ERA) back in 1945-46 when he was with the Sherburn Tigers. Wolseley’s No. 2 man, 31-year old RHP Bill Blair (21-4, 2.87 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) is tasked with getting the Unions back in the win column. Blair has previously pitched in the playoffs for both the Unions and Stratford Barons, going 4-1, 2.57 ERA in six starts.

Top of the 1st:
Wolseley gets on the board early. RF Howard Ockey doubles with one out. LF Carlton Hawking then line drives a full-count single into leftfield. Ockey speeds past 3B and beats LF Jake Stunt’s throw home to open the scoring.
Wolseley 1 – Fort Richmond 0

Bottom of the 6th:
Bill Blair keeps the Generals’ hitters off the board, until Jake Stunt leads off the bottom half of the 6th. Stunt jumps all over Blair’s first offering, crushing it 401 ft. into the left centerfield stands for a solo home run, tying things up and getting the fans back in the game.
Wolseley 1 – Fort Richmond 1

Bottom of the 8th:
Blair gets two quick outs before Jake Stunt lines a single into centerfield. 1B Daniel Paterson comes up to the plate next and smashes a triple into the gap in left centerfield, scoring Stunt and giving the Generals the lead.

In the top of the 9th, Carlton Hawking battles Taváres to a full count, but flies out to the shortstop. C Éric Denis fouls off four pitches before flying out rightfield. Lastly, Taváres gets SS George Kimpton to ground out to 3B to end the game. With blank stares on their faces, the Unions look on from their dugout as the Generals and their raucous fans celebrate, needing just one more win to advance to the United Cup.
FINAL: Wolseley 1 – Fort Richmond 2



Player of the Game: Roberto Taváres earns his first playoff win, going 9.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 135 PI. (1-0, 1.00 ERA; GS: 74).

In what was largely a pitcher’s duel, Jake Stunt was a thorn in Bill Blair’s side, going 2 for 4, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R.

For Wolseley:

Bill Blair pitched a great game, but Taváres was just a little bit better. Blair’s line was 8.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 97 PI (0-1, 2.25 ERA; GS: 63).

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Game 4 – April 1

The Wolseley Unions look to regroup with their season on the line. Things have cooled down just a little compared to the day before: partly cloudy, 70F and with the wind now blowing from right to left (12 mph). Many of the 24,019 fans on hand have come with brooms, anticipating a sweep for their Generals.

The two teams’ No. 4 starters are set to face each other. 24-year LHP Gavin Flatt (11-7, 3.40 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) takes the mound for Fort Richmond, while Wolseley taps 25-year old LHP Axel MacKay (12-1, 3 SV, 2.31 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) for his first playoff appearance to see what he can do. Flatt has little playoff experience as well. He pitched 3.2 IP (0-0, 7.36 ERA) for Fort Richmond back in 1947-48. This will also be his first playoff start.

Bottom of the 3rd:
Fort Richmond gets on the board first. LF Jake Stunt hits a first-pitch line drive double into right centerfield with one out. After reaching 3B on a RF Brandon Robinson ground out, Stunt scores when CF Dylan Moyne follows with a single.
Wolseley 0 – Fort Richmond 1

Bottom of the 4th:
C Louis Wearne draws a one-out walk and reaches 2B on a wild pitch. A single by 2B Brad Richards puts runners on the corners. SP Gavin Flatt then helps his cause with a first pitch single, scoring Wearne for the Generals’ second run. But SP MacKay is able to get out of the jam and limit the damage.
Wolseley 0 – Fort Richmond 2

Top of the 5th:
Wolseley gets something going in the 5th. SS George Kimpton punches a first-pitch, one-out single into shallow leftfield. Back-to-back walks by LF Carlton Hawking and C Éric Denis load the bases with two out.
Next up is 1B Wen-huan Liu. Liu jumps all over Flatt’s first offering, sending it 365 ft. into the leftfield bleachers for a GRAND SLAM home run.
Wolseley 4 – Fort Richmond 2

Top of the 6th:
3B Burt Willey leads off and reaches safely on an error (E3). After CF Owen Claridge draws a walk, SP Axel MacKay lays down a sac bunt. However, C Louis Wearne throws to 3B Belarmino Barbedo for the force out and Barbedo’s throw to 1B Daniel Paterson completes the double play, leaving Claridge on 2B.
But after George Kimpton is intentionally walked, 2B Make-Make Kamaka singles down the 3B line. Claridge bolts for home from 2B and scores without a throw.
Wolseley 5 – Fort Richmond 2

Bottom of the 6th:
Belarmino Barbedo leads off with a double followed by Louis Wearne, who draws a walk.
After Gavin Flatt lays down a sac bunt to advance the runners with one out, SS Ninfa Puzon singles home both Barbedo and Wearne, who beats out the throw from CF Howard Ockey.
Wolseley 5 – Fort Richmond 4

Top of the 7th:
Wen-huan Liu takes a walk with one out, while 3B Burt Willey is given a free pass with two out. PH Ramón Tavira then singles into shallow left centerfield. Liu reached 3B and breaks for home, beating out the throw from LF Jake Stunt.
Wolseley 6 – Fort Richmond 4

Top of the 8th:
George Kimpton leads off with a first-pitch single, then moves up to 2B on a Make-Make Kamaka sac bunt. After Carlton Hawking is intentionally walked, RHP José Rodriquez comes in to relief Gavin Flatt.
But Éric Denis doubles home Kimpton to extend Wolseley’s lead.

In the bottom of the 9th, RHP John Palm gives up a one-out single to Brandon Robinson. But Dylan Moyne and Daniel Paterson fly out to right and left field respectively to end the game. The Unions stave off elimination to live another day.
FINAL: Wolseley 7 – Fort Richmond 4



Player of the Game: Wen-huan Liu went 1 for 3, but that lone hit was a big one. In all, he went 1-3, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB.

Axel MacKay picks up his first career playoff victory under enormous pressure. He went 7.2 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 126 PI (1-0, 4.70 ERA; GS: 46).

For Fort Richmond:

Gavin Flatt struggled with his control, setting a Western League playoff record with 10 walks. He went 7.1 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 10 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 123 PI (0-1, 7.36 ERA; GS: 30).

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Game 5 – April 2

The two teams converge on Generals Stadium with the Unions having avoided the sweep and looking for more. Fort Richmond would like to wrap things up this afternoon without having to return to Wolseley for a Game 6. The heat has returned (77F) with clear skies and moderate breeze blowing in from right (18mph). 24,304 fans have packed the stadium hoping that their team can taste victory against the Unions just one more time.

The pitchers from Game 1 get the start. Fort Richmond’s 27-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (0-0, 2.57 ERA) will square off against Wolseley’s 26-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (0-0, 6.43 ERA).

Top of the 3rd:
3B Burt Willey leads off with a double, then reaches 3B on a sac bunt by Jeremy Albury. RF Howard Ockey then doubles with two out, scoring Willey for the Unions’ first run.
Wolseley 1 – Fort Richmond 0

Top of the 6th:
Howard Ockey leads off with a first-pitch single. With two out, SS George Kimpton doubles into right centerfield. Ockey is waved home and scores without a throw.
Wolseley 2 – Fort Richmond 0

Top of the 8th:
LF Carlton Hawking draws a full-count walk with two out. C Éric Denis follows with a single to put runners on the corners. George Kimpton then laces a single into shallow rightfield, scoring Hawking for Wolseley’s third run.

In the bottom of the 9th, Jeremy Albury makes quick work of Fort Richmond’s last three batters, inducing a 3-1 groundout from CF Dylan Moyne and back-to-back flyballs to centerfield from RF Brandon Robinson and C Louis Wearne. The Series heads back to Wolseley with the Unions breathing new life.
FINAL: Wolseley 3 – Fort Richmond 0



Player of the Game: Jeremy Albury was simply outstanding, shutting down the Generals on three hits. His line was 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 88 PI (1-0, 2.81 ERA; GS: 81).

Howard Ockey went 3 for 4, 1 RBI, 1 R.

For Fort Richmond:

Ch’ang-chieh Li just could not match Albury’s brilliance and the offense wasn’t there for him either. He went 8.0 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 134 PI (1-1, 3.00 ERA; GS: 52).

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Game 6 – April 4

The two teams return to Wolseley on the west coast and are greeted to wet, soggy conditions. By game time, the heavier rain of the morning had eased but continues to fall intermittently. Its still warm (75F) with a slight breeze (11 mph) blowing from right to left, as 30,275 fans brave the elements to see if their Unions can keep their momentum going and force a game 7.

The starters of Game 2 meet up once again: 30-year old RHP Kai Tosh (0-1, 1.13 ERA) gets the call for Wolseley, while Fort Richmond tasks 27-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (1-0, 3.00 ERA) to get the Generals back on track.

Top of the 2nd:
Fort Richmond strikes first. C Louis Wearne and LF Jake Stunt lead off with back-to-back full count walks. 2B Brad Richards singles into shallow rightfield, but a throwing error by RF Howard Ockey to 2B allows Wearne to score and Stunt to reach 3B.
With two out, 3B Belarmino Barbedo lines a single into deep rightfield. That scores Stunt. Richards is waved home on the play and beats out the throw to home plate by Howard Ockey.
Fort Richmond 3 - Wolseley 0

Bottom of the 2nd:
Wolseley responds right back with the help of some Fort Richmond miscues. 1B Wen-huan Liu leads off with a double to left centerfield and reaches 3B when CF Owen Claridge singles into left centerfield as well. Liu then comes into score on a 6-4 fielder’s choice by 3B Burt Willey.
After Kai Tosh sac bunts Willey over to second base, 2B Make-Make Kamaka reaches 2B safely on an error (E6). That allows Willey to come home for the Unions’ second run.
Nicky Sherlock then wild pitches Kamaka to 3B. Howard Ockey steps up to the plate and he too reaches safely on an error (E5). Kamaka comes home on the play to tie the game.
Fort Richmond 3 - Wolseley 3

Top of the 3rd:
C Louis Wearne gives the lead back to Fort Richmond when he slams a one-out solo home run, 413 ft. into the left-centerfield stands. Although Brad Richards later drives a first-pitch triple into deep centerfield with two out, Tosh gets Nicky Sherlock to fly out to centerfield to end the inning.
Fort Richmond 4 - Wolseley 3

Bottom of the 8th:
Nicky Sherlock keeps the Unions at bay until the 8th. Wen-huan Liu singles into right centerfield with two out. Owen Claridge then hits a first-pitch double into left centerfield. Liu is waved home and beats the throw by CF Dylan Moyne, tying the game up once again.

In the bottom the 9th, RHP José Rodriquez takes over from Nicky Sherlock and gets the Unions to go down 1-2-3, sending the game into extras.
Fort Richmond 4 - Wolseley 4

Bottom of the 10th:
Carlton Hawking leads off and reaches safely on an error (E6). Éric Denis then singles into shallow right field. Hawking tries for 3B but his cut down by RF Brandon Robinson.
With two out, Wen-huan Liu singles into shallow centerfield putting runners on the corners. But Owen Claridge flies out to rightfield to end the inning.
Fort Richmond 4 - Wolseley 4

Bottom of the 11th:
RHP Shinzo Okamoto takes over for José Rodriquez in the bottom of the 11th.
Burt Willey leads off with a line drive double that gets past 1B Daniel Paterson down the rightfield line. PH César Morales hits into a 4-3 ground out, moving Willey to 3B.
After Make-Make Kamaka is intentionally walked, Howard Ockey slaps the ball towards 2B Brad Richards. Richards throws the ball back to C Louis Wearne, but the throw is not in time as Willey slips beneath the tag and scores the winning run. The Unions fight back to tie the series, as the fans and Willey’s teammates celebrate in the gray mist.
FINAL: Fort Richmond 4 - Wolseley 5





Player of the Game: Nicky Sherlock gets game honors despite his team coming up short. Sherlock went 8.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 134 PI (1-0, 2.65 ERA; GS: 54).

Louis Wearne goes 1 for 3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB.

For Wolseley:

Kai Tosh goes 7.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 103 PI (0-1, 3.00 ERA; GS: 47).

Wen-huan Liu went 3 for 5, 2 R.

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Game 7 – April 5

The dreary conditions from the day before are gone, and 30,674 fans have packed Satchel Paige Park to witness what they hope will be an unprecedented comeback by their Unions.

No team in the ULB has come back from being down three games to none to win a series. Two teams have come close though: in 1942-43, the Balmoral Giants were down 0-3 to the Kingston Pelicans in the Western League Pennant Series before storming back to tie it. But Kingston pulled out the victory in game 7 to clinch the Pennant. Then, in the 1943-44 United Cup, Kingston was up 3 games to none over the Brunswick Legends. Brunswick came back to tie the Series before the Pelicans trounced them 17-1 in the final game to win the Cup.

So with the Eastern League Pennant already awarded to the Downie Chiefs, all of Braeland has turned its attention to the final game of the Western League Pennant Series, with the Braeland Radio Network carrying the game from coast-to-coast.

The conditions will not be a factor: its partly cloudy (72F) with just a light breeze (10 mph) blowing from left to right.

The Game 3 starters will meet again in the final showdown. 31-year old RHP Bill Blair (0-1, 2.25 ERA) will battle against Fort Richmond’s 31-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (1-0, 1.00 ERA). Taváres took game honors in that matchup against Blair.

Top of the 1st:
Fort Richmond gets on the board first when SS Ninfa Puzon leads off with a single to left centerfield and advances to 3B when 1B Daniel Paterson reaches safely on an error (E7).
CF Dylan Moyne sends a deep fly ball to rightfield. Puzon tags up and scores without a throw.
Fort Richmond 1 - Wolseley 0

Bottom of the 2nd:
The Unions get to Taváres in the 2nd. 3B George Kimpton and 1B Wen-huan Liu lead off with back-to-back doubles to tie the game.
With one out, 3B Burt Willey reaches safely on an error (E5). Liu scores from 2B on the play as Wolseley takes the lead.
Bill Blair then pushes a single into shallow right centerfield. Willey reaches 3B and is waved home as he scores without a throw.
Fort Richmond 1 - Wolseley 3

Top of the 5th:
3B Belarmino Barbedo leads off with a walk and reaches 3B when Dylan Moyne doubles with one out. On the next pitch, RF Brandon Robinson singles to leftfield, scoring Barbedo and moving Moyne to 3B. But Blair is able to get out of the inning without further damage.
Fort Richmond 2 - Wolseley 3

Bottom of the 6th:
Wolseley starts hitting Taváres hard. George Kimpton leads off with a double and reaches 3B when Wen-huan Liu grounds out to the pitcher. CF Owen Claridge then lines a first-pitch double into rightfield, scoring Kimpton.
Burt Willey then smacks a first-pitch single into left centerfield. Claridge rounds 3B and beats out the throw home from LF Jake Stunt.
After 2B Make-Make Kamaka is given a free pass with two out, Howard Ockey slams a 2-0 pitch into deep centerfield for a double. Both Willey and Kamaka score on the play, putting the Unions up by five.
Fort Richmond 2 - Wolseley 7

Top of the 8th:
Jake Stunt leads off with single, ending Bill Blair’s day. RHP John Palm comes on in relief and immediately gives up a first-pitch single to 2B Brad Richards. After PH Jesús Rodriguez hits into a 3-6 fielder’s choice, putting runners on the corners, Belarmino Barbedo singles with two out, scoring Stunt.
Fort Richmond 3 - Wolseley 7

Top of the 9th:
RHP Shou -xin Chin starts the top of the 9th tasked with getting the final three outs. But Dylan Moyne leads off with a single down the rightfield line and reaches 2B when C Louis Wearne reaches safely on an error (E6) with one out. Jakes Stunt then singles to load the bases.
PH Brian Earle is sent in and he hits to 3B. Jake Stunt is thown out at 2B, but Earle beats out the throw at 1B to avoid the double play as Moyne scores from 3B.
PH Miguel Sánchez then hits a groundball to SS George Kimpton. Kimpton takes it to 2B himself to get the force out and end the game. The comeback is complete, as the Wolseley Unions repeat as Western League Pennant Champions in unprecedented fashion and will face the Downie Chiefs in the United Cup to defend their title.
FINAL: Fort Richmond 4 - Wolseley 7



Player of the Game: SP Bill Blair gets his revenge for his Game 3 loss. He goes 7.0 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 116 PI (1-1, 2.40 ERA; GS: 49).

Burt Willey went 2 for 4, 1 RBI, 2 R.

George Kimpton went 2 for 4, 2 R and won MVP honors in the Pennant Series for the second consecutive year.

For Fort Richmond:

Roberto Taváres could not keep the Unions’ bats quiet this time. He went 7.0 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 111 PI (1-1, 3.38 ERA; GS: 33).

Belarmino Barbedo went 2 for 4, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB.

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[Dark Horse]

WOW! What a series!

Just out of curiosity, what were Brad Richards final stats for the series? He seemed to be in the middle of a lot rallies.

[reds1]

Here are the batting results for both Fort Richmond and Wolseley in the Series.

Richards (24/26) did very well stepping in for Yoshida (71/72), collecting 7 hits in 21 AB, with two extra-base hits: the home run in game 1 and a triple in game 6.

[reds1]

Wolseley Unions (101-53) vs. Downie Chiefs (96-58)
Season Matchup: 4-2 in favor of Downie

Wolseley: Runs scored – 813 (1st in WL); runs against – 537 (1st)
Downie: Runs scored – 796 (2nd in EL); runs against – 623 (1st)

For the first time since the 1945-46 season, two first place teams will face each other for the United Cup. The 87-68 Stratford Barons met the 104-50 Kingston Pelicans that year and defeated the Pelicans 4 games to 2. It also marks the first time since 1941-42 that two teams with 90 or more regular season wins will square off. That was when the 93-61 Brunswick Legends downed the 94-60 Cambria Cannons 4 games to 2 to win their first cup.

The Downie Chiefs were known more for losing year in and year out, but that changed last season when they finished in the first division in the East for the first time with a 79-75 record. This year they broke through with a 96-58 record, taking first place and sweeping the Braeland City Monarchs for the Eastern League Pennant.

The Wolseley Unions are making their fourth consecutive appearance in the playoffs and are the defending United Cup Champions. After three consecutive 2nd place finishes, the Unions soared above the competition in the West with 101 victories. They then won the Western League Pennant in dramatic fashion, storming back from a three games to none deficit to take the next four to defeat the Fort Richmond Generals.

Downie has regained the services of 34-year old veteran RHP Harley Bracher (18-9, 4.69 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 85 ERA+) after he sat out the Eastern League Pennant Series due to mild shoulder inflammation, but the Chiefs hardly missed him. He returns for the United Cup and will pitch out of the bullpen if needed.

The Wolseley Unions organization has accomplished a unique trifecta this season: they and their two farm clubs all reached their respective championship series. But it has not gone well so far. In the Amethyst Leagues, the Pulberry Trolleys’ AAA team, the Rutledge Red Caps, defeated Wolseley’s Caledonia Jets to win the Kings Cup 3 games to 1. And down in the AA Heritage Leagues, Downie’s Minto Tribe upended Wolseley’s Waterloo Whips to win the Governors Cup, 3 games to 2.

So will the Unions make it 0-3 in the championship series this year? Or will they buck the trend and successfully defend their title against these ‘Eastern upstarts’? One thing is certain: both teams are legitimate powerhouses and proved that in their respective Pennant Series. Anticipation is running high to get things underway. Play ball!

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Game 1 – April 7

Just like last year, the United Cup gets underway at Satchel Paige Park in Wolseley, with 30,519 exuberant fans on hand millions more nationwide listening in via radio. It party cloudy, warm (74F) and just a light breeze blowing from left to right (10 mph).

Wolseley’s ace 26-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (1-0, 2.81 ERA against Fort Richmond) gets the start, while Downie counters with their No. 1 starter, 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekilina (1-0, 1.00 against Braeland City).

Top of the 1st:
Albury gets two quick outs to start the game, but CF Alfonso León then lights him up with a first-pitch solo home run that lands 368 ft. into the leftfield stands to open the scoring.
Downie 1 – Wolseley 0

Top of the 5th:
Kelii Pelanekilina shows everyone that he is no slouch at the plate, as he slams a first pitch double deep into centerfield with one out. Speedy leadoff hitter SS Mac Medley then slaps an infield hit on the very next pitch and beats out Albury’s throw to 1B as Pelanekilina moves up to 3B.
1B Robin Duerden battles Albury to a full count before hitting a ground ball to 2B. Medley is thrown out at second but Duerden beats out the double play attempt as Pelanekilina comes home to score.
Downie 2 – Wolseley 0

Bottom of the 5th:
Wolseley gets something going thanks to a couple of Downie miscues. Pelanekilina gets two quick outs before 2B Make-Make Kamaka reaches safely on an error (E4).
Immediately after Kamaka steals 2B, RF Howard Ockey reaches safely when Pelanekilina’s throw to 1B is off the mark. Kamaka rounds 3B and scores on the play to get the Unions on the board.
Downie 2 – Wolseley 1

Top of the 7th:
As he did in the 5th inning, Pelanekilina doubles with one out, sending it down the 3B line. Two pitches later, a wild pitch by Albury allows Pelanekilina reach 3B.
Mac Medley then singles into shallow centerfield scoring Pelanekilina for the Chiefs’ third run.

In the bottom of the 9th, 1B Wen-huan Liu leads off, battling Pelanekilina to a full count before doubling into centerfield. Liu reaches 3B when CF Owen Claridge grounds out to 2B.
But 3B Burt Willey pops up to 1B Robin Duerden and PH Blair Toman strikes out swinging to end the game. The Chiefs take Game 1 in an impressive performance on the road.
FINAL: Downie 3 – Wolseley 1



Player of the Game: Kelii Pelanekilina was a force both on the mound and at the plate. Offensively, he went 2 for 4, 2-2B, 2 R, 1 K. On the pitching side of things, he went 9.0 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 133 PI (2-0, 0.50 ERA; Game Score: 76).

Alfonso León went 1 for 3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB.

For Wolseley:

Jeremy Albury was no slouch either but could not match ‘zeros’ with Pelanekilina. Albury went 9.0 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 108 PI (1-1, 2.88 ERA; GS: 60).

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Game 2 – April 8

The beautiful weather continues for a second day in Wolseley, as partly cloudy skies, 72F temperatures and a 12 mph breeze blowing in from left to right greet the players and the 30,645 fans on hand. The Unions look to try and get the split before the Series switches to Downie, while the Chiefs are intent on keeping their momentum going and win their 6th playoff game in a row.

No. 3 starter 30-year old RHP Kai Tosh (0-1, 3.00 ERA) gets the call for Wolseley, while Downie goes with their No. 2 starter, 30-year old RHP Joong Ling (1-0, 2.25 ERA).

Bottom of the 2nd:
SS George Kimpton gets the Unions on the board first when he slams a first-pitch, one out solo home run 408 ft. into the joyous left centerfield stands.
Downie 0 – Wolseley 1

Bottom of the 4th:
C Éric Denis leads off with a first-pitch double that gets past Robin Duerden and down the 1B line. Joong Ling then gets two quick outs before CF Owen Claridge singles into shallow centerfield. Denis reaches 3B and is waved home on the play. CF Alfonso León’s throw to home plate is not in time as Denis scores Wolseley’s second run.
Downie 0 – Wolseley 2

Top of the 5th:
2B Francis Burrow leads off with a double. Joong Ling then lays down a sac bunt down the 1B line, but 1B Wen-huan Liu tracks it down and throws Burrow out at 3B. SS Mac Medley reaches on an error (E6), moving Ling up to 2B.
Next up is 1B Robin Duerden, who doubles into rightfield on the first pitch. Both Ling and Medley score without a throw to tie up the game.
Downie 2 – Wolseley 2

Bottom of the 5th:
2B Make-Make Kamaka leads off with a full-count walk. RF Howard Ockey attempts to lay down a sac bunt, but C Jilenko Batiles pounces on the ball and throws Kamaka out at 2B for the first out.
LF Carlton Hawking then steps up and drives a double into deep rightfield, moving Ockey to 3B. C Éric Denis follows and smacks a deep fly ball to centerfield. Ockey tags up on the play and scores without a throw.
Downie 2 – Wolseley 3

Top of the 6th:
Kai Tosh gets two quick fly outs to start the inning before RF Nathan Ashman line drives a single into right centerfield. Francis Burrow then connects for his third hit of the day, a full-count double down the 1B line. Ashman reaches 3B and is waved home as Downie ties things up again.
Downie 3 – Wolseley 3

Top of the 9th:
Francis Burrow leads off with his fourth hit of the day, a line drive single into left centerfield. PH Connor Buswell attempts a sac bunt, but 1B Wen-huan Liu again negates it when he throws out Burrow at 2B.
Mac Medley immediately singles into shallow leftfield, moving Buswell to 2B. That ends Tosh’s day, as RHP John Palm comes on in relief on a double switch.
Robin Duerden grounds out to 3B as the runners move up 90 ft. Alfonso León then hits a fly ball out to LF Carlton Hawking, but Hawking loses the ball in the sun. That allows Buswell and Medley to both score without a throw.

In the bottom of the 9th, RHP Carl Luscombe comes on in relief of Joong Ling.
3B Burt Willey flies out to centerfield but CF Lance Dulihanty (who entered the game earlier on the double switch) draws a walk.
Make-Make Kamaka follows and hits it to 2B Francis Burrow, who makes the 4-6 force-out. Kamaka beats out the throw at 1B to avoid the double play and keeps the inning alive. But Howard Ockey’s deep fly ball is just short of the centerfield wall and CF Alfonso León snags it to end the game. The Chiefs go up 2 games to none as the Series now heads to Downie.
FINAL: Downie 5 – Wolseley 3



Player of the Game: Francis Burrow was hot at the plate today, going 4 for 4, with 2-2B, 1 RBI.

Joong Ling picks up his second playoff victory, going 8.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K, 1 HR, 99 PI (2-0, 2.81 ERA; GS: 53).

Robin Duerden went 2-5 with 1-2B, 2 RBI.

For Wolseley:

There’s an argument to be made that Kai Tosh was the true Player of the Game, as he was done in by some unfortunate errors. He went 8.1 IP, with 9 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 119 PI (0-2, 2.70 ERA; GS: 54).

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Game 3 – April 10

The United Cup moves to the south-east coast as Downie’s Gibson Ballpark gets set to host the two combatants for at least the next two games. The Chiefs return home with all the momentum, but Wolseley has shown that they can be quite resilient when they need to be. It’s a beautiful day (74F) without a cloud in the sky, but the wind has picked up a little (20 mph). 30,035 have packed the park to witness Downie’s first United Cup home game.

29-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (1-0, 4.00 ERA), Downie’s No. 3 starter, gets the start, while the Unions go with their No. 2 man, 31-year old RHP Bill Blair (0-1, 2.25 ERA).

Top of the 2nd:
Wolseley loads the bases to start the inning, when C Éric Denis, SS George Kimpton and 1B Wen-huan Liu all single with nobody out. Then the Chiefs break down defensively.
CF Owen Claridge hits an innocent looking ball down towards 3B, but Dominic Dudding loses control of the ball, allowing Claridge to get on base and Denis to score.
Still with nobody out, 3B Burt Willey smacks one out to the shortstop, but Mac Medley’s throw to 1B is low and in the dirt, allowing Willey to reach safely and Kimpton to score the game’s second run.
Knowles then gets the next three batters to down in order to end the inning.
Wolseley 2 – Downie 0

Bottom of the 3rd:
RF Nathan Ashman leads off with a single into shallow rightfield. Two pitches later, Bill Blair attempts to pick off Ashman at 1B, but his throw sails wide and Ashman takes 2B.
2B Francis Burrow then grounds out to the SS, moving Ashman to 3B.
Bernie Knowles then steps up to the plate and knocks a double into left centerfield, scoring Ashman for the Chiefs’ first run.
Wolseley 2 – Downie 1

Top of the 4th:
With one out, Burt Willey and Bill Blair bang out back-to-back doubles, putting the Unions back up by two.
2B Make-Make Kamaka then singles, moving Blair up to 3B. RF Howard Ockey smacks one to 2B. Kamaka is thrown out, but Ockey beats out the throw to 1B, breaking up the double play and allowing Blair to score Wolseley’s fourth run.
Wolseley 4 – Downie 1

Bottom of the 6th:
With one out, 1B Robin Duerden battles Blair to a full count, then crushes a solo home run 414 ft. to the left centerfield bleachers.
3B Dominic Dudding then steps up to the plate with two out and sends Blair’s second offering 346 ft. into the leftfield stands for a solo home run, getting Downie back to within one.
Wolseley 4 – Downie 3

Bottom of the 9th:
Down to their final out, LF Howard Dumbrill singles into the leftfield corner. Nathan Ashman then follows with a double into the rightfield corner. Dumbrill reaches 3B and is waved home. Howard Ockey throws home but Dumbrill beats out the throw to tie the game up.
Francis Burrow then flies out to shallow leftfield to end the inning, sending the game into extras.
Wolseley 4 – Downie 4

Bottom of the 11th:
Dominic Dudding leads off with a first-pitch double off RHP John Palm and reaches 3B when C Jilenko Batiles grounds out to the pitcher. But Howard Dumbrill and Nathan Ashman fly out to leftfield and left centerfield respectively to end the threat.
Wolseley 4 – Downie 4

Top of the 14th:
Make-Make Kamaka doubles off RHP Norberto Ortíz with one out and Howard Ockey draws a walk, but PH César Morales flies out to centerfield and Éric Denis hits into a 6-4 fielder’s choice to snuff out the threat.
Wolseley 4 – Downie 4

Top of the 15th:
With RHP Harley Bracher taking over from Norberto Ortíz, George Kimpton leads off with a walk. Wen-huan Liu then battles Bracher to a full-count before crushing a 2-run home run, 425 ft. into the right centerfield stands.
Next up is Owen Claridge, who triples down the rightfield line. Burt Willey then smacks a first-pitch single into shallow leftfield to score Claridge. That ends Bracher’s day after just 17 pitches and no outs. LHP Jeff Routh takes over and after giving up a single to Lance Dulihanty, gets the next three batters to go down on ground outs.
Wolseley 7 – Downie 4

Bottom of the 15th:
RHP Hun Park starts the 15th, and he immediately gives up a shallow centerfield single to Mac Medley. Medley steals 2B just as Robin Duerden strikes out, but a bad throw from C Éric Denis sails into the outfield, allowing Medley to reach 3B.
Alfonso León grounds out to 2B as Medley scores. But Dominc Dudding flies out to rightfield to end the game. Wolseley finally prevails and ends Downie’s 6-game winning streak in the playoffs.
FINAL: Wolseley 7 – Downie 5



Player of the Game: Bill Blair got the honors, going 9.0 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 HR, 114 PI (0-1, 3.00 ERA; GS: 53).

Burt Willey went 2 for 6, 1-2B, 2 RBI, 1 BB.

Wen-huan Liu went 2 for 6, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R.

For Downie:

Bernie Knowles put up a valiant effort as well, going 8.0 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 134 PI (1-0, 3.71 ERA; GS: 51).

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Game 4 – April 11

30,062 fans have returned to Gibson Ballpark looking to see if their Chiefs can put yesterday’s heartbreaking loss behind them and become the first team in the Series to win a home game. The weather is perfect for an afternoon of playoff baseball: partly cloudy, 71F with just a gentle breeze (11 mph) blowing from left to right off nearby Pearl Sound.

Downie goes with their No. 4 starter, 30-year old RHP Don Griffin (0-0, 2.57), while Wolseley taps their No. 4 as well: 25-year old LHP Axel MacKay (1-0, 4.70 ERA).

Top of the 2nd:
SS George Kimpton leads off and smacks one to SS Mac Medley, but Medley’s throw sails into the dugout, allowing Kimpton to reach 2B safely. With one out, 3B Burt Willey lofts a fly ball to deep centerfield. Kimpton tags up and reaches 3B without a throw. CF Owen Claridge then singles home Kimpton for the games’ first run.
Wolseley 1 – Downie 0

Bottom of the 2nd:
With one out, LF Howard Dumbrill singles into rightfield. Next up is C Whatahui Inoke, who smashes MacKay’s second offering 420 ft. into the right centerfield stands for a 2-run home run.
Wolseley 1 – Downie 2

Bottom of the 6th:
Wolseley’s pitching and defense falls off the rails. CF Alfonso León leads off with a walk and reaches 2B on a wild pitch two pitches later. 3B Dominic Dudding then singles into shallow rightfield. León rounds 3B and breaks for home, sliding head first to beat the throw from RF Howard Ockey. Robin Duerden then hits right to 1B Wen-huan Lui. Lui steps on the bag for the first out, but Dudding slides into 2B safely ahead of the throw.
Howard Dumbrill battles MacKay for 15 pitches (including 9 foul balls) before drawing a walk. Whatahui Inoke then singles into left centerfield. LF Carlton Hawking’s throw back to the catcher is off the mark, allowing Dudding to score and for Dumbrill and Inoke to reach 3B and 2B respectively.
After Francis Burrow is given a free pass, Donn Griffin reaches 1B safely when LF Carlton Hawking commits his second error of the inning when he drops the ball. Both Dumbrill and Inoke score on the play and Burrow advances to 3B.
That ends Axel MacKay’s afternoon, as he is replaced by LHP Shane Gledhill.
But Mac Medley singles into leftfield to score both Burrow and Griffin without a throw.
Next up is PH Manuel Castaneda, who watches as Medley is thrown out trying to steal 2B. On the next pitch, Castaneda slams a solo home run 390 ft. into the delirious leftfield stands to put an exclamation mark on a wild inning.
Wolseley 1 – Downie 9

Bottom of the 7th:
PH Robert Pybus pads the Chiefs’ lead with a lead off solo home run, 424 ft. to left centerfield.

In the top of the 9th, C Éric Denis leads off with a single. PH Mack Kaminski slaps the ball towards 1B. Inoke throws to 2B to get the first out, but Denis’ hard slide breaks up a potential double play. Griffin then gets PH Westin Woollams to fly out to leftfield before being replaced with RHP Harley Bracher. Bracher only throws one pitch, as PH Steve Laurence pops out to 1B to end the game.
FINAL: Wolseley 1 – Downie 10



Player of the Game: Donn Griffin was solid, going 8.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 108 PI (1-0, 1.15 ERA; GS: 74).

Whatahui Inoke went 2 for 4, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R.

Howard Dumbrill went 2 for 3, 2 R, 1 BB.

For Wolseley:

There was no magic this time for Axel Mackay, as he only went 5.1 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 97 PI (2-1, 4.80 ERA; GS: 27).

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Game 5 – April 12

With the trouncing of the Unions in Game 4, the Downie Chiefs have regained the momentum right back and look to take the Series in their final home game of the season. Gibson Ballpark is packed with 30,023 fans along with standing patrons to witness what they hope will be the pinnacle of their Cinderella season. The heat is on the Wolseley Unions in more ways than one. The temperature has shot up (79F) with a cloudless sky and just a light breeze blowing left to right (12 mph).

The Game 1 starters get the call again: 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekilina (2-0, 0.50 ERA) faces Wolseley’s 26-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (1-1, 2.88 ERA). Both are their teams’ aces.

Bottom of the 1st:
SS Mac Medley leads off and battles Albury for a full-count double into centerfield. Medley advances to 3B when 1B Robin Duerden grounds out to the pitcher.
Next up is Alfonso León, who drives a deep fly ball to centerfield. Medley tags up on the play and scores without a throw.
Wolseley 0 – Downie 1

Top of the 6th:
Pelanekilina keeps the Unions off the board, limiting them to just three singles until the 6th. After getting two quick ground outs, Pelanekilina gives up a first-pitch solo home run to LF Carlton Hawking, who crushes it 411 ft. into the left-centerfield stands.
Wolseley 1 – Downie 1

Bottom of the 9th:
Through eight innings, Albury has given up just one measly hit, a double by Mac Medley back in the first inning. Medley gets Downie’s second hit when leads off the bottom of the 9th with a first-pitch single that just gets past 2B Make-Make Kamaka. Back-to-back ground outs by Robin Duerden and Alfonso León move Medley up to 3B. Dominic Dudding is then given a free pass.
Up next is C Jilenko Batiles, who bangs out a first-pitch single that gets by 1B Wen-huan Liu down the rightfield line. Medley comes home to score the winning run. The players, fans and all of Downie erupt in jubilation as the Chiefs win their first United Cup in their first playoff appearance!
FINAL: Wolseley 1 – Downie 2



Player of the Game: Kelii Pelanekilina wins not only his second PotG honor in the Series but the United Cup MVP Award as well. It was an easy choice, as he was just incredible throughout the playoffs, surrendering just 10 hits in 18 IP. His line was 9.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 138 PI (3-0, 0.67 ERA; GS: 74).

Mac Medley went 2 for 4, 2 R.

For Wolseley:

On any other day, Jeremy Albury’s performance would be hailed as the key to an impressive win, but unfortunately for Albury and the rest of the Unions, he faced a pitcher that just could not be beat. Albury went 8.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 126 PI (1-2, 2.67 ERA; GS: 71).

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[reds1]

[thirdsaint]

Whatever happened to this? I had to search for it to find it. I hope you still plan on continuing!

[Bottom Of The Sixth]

Originally Posted by thirdsaint

Whatever happened to this?!

It's the off season!

[reds1]

Originally Posted by Bottom Of The Sixth

It's the off season!

It will be 'on' again - sooner rather than later.

[thirdsaint]

Originally Posted by reds1

It will be 'on' again - sooner rather than later.

Ok good! I was worried and had to do a search for the thread because all of the dynasty reports fell off and I can't see anything beyond the first page.

[reds1]

[reds1]

1949-50 United Leagues of Braeland Awards

Eastern League



Babe Ruth Award

For the second year in a row, a first-overall pick has won the Eastern League Babe Ruth Award. This time its Cobourg’s CF Raymond Williams (.353/.421/.618, 31-2B, 29 HR, 112 RBI, 8.4 WAR), who blossomed into a superstar in his third full season. Williams is rated the No. 1 centerfielder in the United Leagues and second only Cambria’s SS César Ruíz as the top-rated position player overall.

Williams led the Eastern League in SLG (.618), OPS (1.039), WAR (8.4), triples (18), total bases (359), extra base hits (78), isolated power (.265), OPS+ (171) and weighted OBA (.452). He finished in the Top 5 in six other offensive categories (runner-up four times).

This year’s runners-up were:

2nd: Downie’s CF Alfonso León (.328/.386/.506, 30-2B, 17 HR, 106 RBI, 7.0 WAR)
3rd: Brunswick’s 1B Stuart Bentham (.356/.434/.570, 39-2B, 30 HR, 111 RBI, 6.5 WAR)

León finished in the Top 5 in six categories (runner-up twice).

Bentham led the circuit in AVG (.356), HR (30), hits (218) and Win Prob. Added (7.21). He finished in the Top 5 in twelve other offensive categories (runner-up six times).

Voting Results:



Previous Winners:

1937-38: Katsunan Chikafuji, Queensland Eagles
1938-39: Paul Hooks, Embro Suns
1939-40: Terence Durney, Embro Suns
1940-41: Jim Friend, Embro Suns
1941-42: Jim Friend, Embro Suns
1942-43: Mark Elston, Brunswick Legends
1943-44: Dean Bishop, Braeland City Monarchs
1944-45: Stuart Bentham, Brunswick Legends
1945-46: Jim Friend, Embro Suns
1946-47: Elijah Sheppard, Queensland Eagles
1947-48: Roberto Ríos, Stratford Barons
1948-49: Aaron Skidmore, Stratford Barons

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Satchel Paige Award

After finishing last season as runner-up (and in third place the season before), LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (22-8, 2.76 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 2.80 FIP, 148 ERA+) breaks through to win his third Satchel Paige Award; his first in seven years. In addition to his three wins, he has finished runner-up three times and in third place twice.

Rodríguez led the East in wins (22), WAR (8.6), K/BB (1.7), FIP (2.80), rWAR (8.6) and tied for most quality starts (25). He finished in the Top 5 (runner-up) in six other categories.

Rodríguez’s win marks the 10th straight season and 11th overall that a left-handed pitcher has won the Eastern League Satchel Paige Award. Colm Soper and Lenny Freke are the only RH pitchers on the list.

Two Chiefs were in the running this season:

2nd: Downie's RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (19-11, 2.82 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 3.54 FIP, 141 ERA+)
3rd: Downie’s RHP Joong Ling (18-5, 2.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 3.64 FIP, 139 ERA+)

Pelanekelina tied for most quality starts (25) and shutouts (4). He finished in the Top 5 in eleven other pitching categories (runner-up five times).

Ling led in WHIP (1.05), BABIP (.211), OPP AVG (.208) and WIN % (.783). He finished in the Top 5 in four other categories.

Voting Results:



Previous Winners:

1937-38: Colm Soper, Embro Suns
1938-39: Justin Hayhurst, Stratford Barons
1939-40: Lenny Freke, Braeland City Monarchs
1940-41: David Cooling, Braeland City Monarchs
1941-42: Anastasio Rodríguez, Brunswick Legends
1942-43: Anastasio Rodríguez, Brunswick Legends
1943-44: Ryan Borden, Stratford Barons
1944-45: Matthew Monroe, Brunswick Legends
1945-46: Joel Fearn, Stratford Barons
1946-47: Arthur Bence, Wellington Athletics
1947-48: Ryan Borden, Stratford Barons
1948-49: Nicholas Grimes, Braeland City Monarchs

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Rookie of the Year Award

Wellington’s 22-year old OF Matthew Floyd (.289/.343/.463, 41-2B, 14 HR, 69 RBI, 3.5 WAR) took Rookie of the Year honors, the first Athletic to win it in 10 seasons.

Here were the runners-up:

2nd: Brunswick's 25-year old OF Cameron Osmotherley (.293/.331/.434, 17-2B, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 3.3 WAR)
3rd: Queensland’s 22-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (11-12, 3.64 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 110 ERA+)

Voting Results:



Previous Winners:

1938-39: Adam Ashley, Braeland City Monarchs
1939-40: Soren Heinke, Wellington Athletics
1940-41: Dean Bishop, Queensland Eagles
1941-42: Harry Chatwin, Brunswick Legends
1942-43: Geoff Lemoine, Stratford Barons
1943-44: Elijah Sheppard, Queensland Eagles
1944-45: Kyle Pryor, Braeland City Monarchs
1945-46: Jilenko Batiles, Cobourg Red Stockings
1946-47: Ron Gavin, Queensland Eagles
1947-48: Christopher Dainty, Braeland City Monarchs
1948-49: Patrick Lidgate, Braeland City Monarchs

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Western League



Babe Ruth Award

After second place finishes in 1946 and 1948, as well as a third-place finish in 1947, Wolseley’s LF Carlton Hawking (.350/.480/.519, 44-2B, 14 HR, 89 RBI, 6.7 WAR) finally finishes on top to win his first Babe Ruth Award. But it wasn’t a runaway, as rookie sensation César Ruíz actually tied him in points and first place votes (tie goes to the veteran, I guess).

Hawking led the Western League in AVG (.350), OPS (.999), Runs (109), Walks (138), OPS+ (162) and WOBA (.438). He also tied for first in Hits (195). He finished in the Top 5 in six other offensive categories (runner-up once).

This year’s runners-up were no slouches either:

2nd: Cambria’s SS César Ruíz (.310/.414/.541, 29-2B, 31 HR, 116 RBI, 7.2 WAR)
3rd: Kingston's 1B Dean Bishop (.268/.405/.572, 34-2B, 39 HR, 144 RBI, 6.8 WAR)

Ruíz led in WAR (7.2) and TB (309). He finished in the Top 5 in twelve other categories (runner-up 6 times).

Bishop led in HR (39), RBI (144), SLG (.572), ISO (.304) Sac flies (9) and EBH (78). He finished in the Top 5 in ten other categories (runner-up 5 times).

Voting Results:



Previous Winners:

1937-38: Fergus Chitty, Kingston Pelicans
1938-39: Fergus Chitty, Kingston Pelicans
1939-40: Jayden Tennant, Kingston Pelicans
1940-41: Steven Winstanley, Hespeler Stars
1941-42: Jayden Tennant, Kingston Pelicans
1942-43: Ron Westmacott, Cambria Cannons
1943-44: Carlton Broadbent, Balmoral Giants
1944-45: Carlton Broadbent, Balmoral Giants
1945-46: Danny Trowbridge, Kingston Pelicans
1946-47: Danny Trowbridge, Kingston Pelicans
1947-48: Danny Trowbridge, Kingston Pelicans
1948-49: Dylan Moyne, Fort Richmond Generals

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Satchel Paige Award

After suffering a debilitating back injury back in 1947-48 that put him out of commission for nine months, 31-year old RHP Bill Blair (21-4, 2.87 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 3.06 FIP, 143 ERA+) enjoyed a renaissance in his first full season with his new team, the Wolseley Unions. The nine-year veteran picked up his first Satchel Paige Award. It was the first time he finished in the Top 3 for the Award.

Blair led the West in Wins (21 – tie), K/BB (2.1), BB/9 IP (2.0), FIP (3.06 – tie) and Win % (.840). He also finished in the Top 5 in twelve other pitching categories (runner-up seven times).

Finishing behind Blair in voting this year were:

2nd: Fort Richmond's RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (21-8, 2.90 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 3.40 FIP, 137 ERA+)
3rd: Wolseley's RHP Jeremy Albury (18-12, 2.74 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 3.06 FIP, 150 ERA+)

Li led the Western League in Wins (21 – tie), shutouts (6), WHIP (1.04), BABIP (.225) and OPP AVG (.217). He finished in the Top 5 in nine other categories (runner-up three times).

Albury led in ERA (2.74), WAR (7.7), ERA+ (150), rWAR (8.8) and quality starts (24 – tie). He finished in the Top 5 in ten other categories (runner-up three times).

Voting Results:



Previous Winners:

1937-38: Neil Guerin, Cambria Cannons
1938-39: Brady Murdy, Kingston Pelicans
1939-40: Brady Murdy, Kingston Pelicans
1940-41: Brady Murdy, Kingston Pelicans
1941-42: Francis Slocock, Kingston Pelicans
1942-43: Joey Cumberledge, Kingston Pelicans
1943-44: Francis Slocock, Kingston Pelicans
1944-45: Roberto Taváres, Sherburn Tigers
1945-46: Patrick Denman, Kingston Pelicans
1946-47: Jesús Chapa, Sherburn Tigers
1947-48: Jesús Chapa, Sherburn Tigers
1948-49: Nicky Sherlock, Fort Richmond Generals

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Rookie of the Year Award

Cambria’s SS César Ruíz (.310/.414/.541, 29-2B, 31 HR, 116 RBI, 7.2 WAR) entered the United Leagues as a 29-year old rookie from Columbia this past season and immediately took his place as the top-rated position player. His performance certainly backed that up, as he won this year’s Rookie of the Year Award and nearly won the Babe Ruth Award as well.

The runners-up for the Rookie Award were:

2nd: Wolseley’s RP Shou-xin Chin (10-2, 7 SV, 1.23 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 2.23 FIP, 334 ERA+)
3rd: Pulberry’s LF Ellis Dibble (.268/.323/.427, 33-2B, 12 HR, 83 RBI, 2.2 WAR)

Dibble finished second to Dean Bishop in sac flies (8).

Voting Results:



Previous Winners:

1938-39: Aaron Flanagan, Wolseley Unions
1939-40: Francisco Rodríguez, Balmoral Giants
1940-41: Leon Hankey, Cambria Cannons
1941-42: Brian Pittman, Balmoral Giants
1942-43: Freddie Duran, Kingston Pelicans
1943-44: Rizalino Ringor, Wolseley Unions
1944-45: Hao Wang, Cambria Cannons
1945-46: Ben Currall, Kingston Pelicans
1946-47: Éric Denis, Wolseley Unions
1947-48: Dominic Pipard, Balmoral Giants
1948-49: Gavin Flatt, Fort Richmond Generals.

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Manager of the Year Award



The Downie Chiefs endured some tough times but through it all, they stood by their manager, Bill Bouchet (933-1069, .466). That confidence was rewarded this season when the 54-year old native of Toronto, Canada guided the club to a 96-58 record and a first place finish. The Chiefs then went 8-1 in the playoffs to capture their first United Cup Championship in their first playoff appearance. Bouchet is the only manager the team has ever known – and it doesn’t appear they will be making a change in that department anytime soon.

Wolseley Unions manager Tony Fay (1000-1002, .500) won his second consecutive Manager of the Year Award, leading the Unions to a 101-53 regular season record and their first first-place finish. Although Wolseley was denied a successful defense of their United Cup Championship by the Downie Chiefs, they remain formidable club that won’t be going away anytime soon. While the 51-year old manager has one year left on his contract, it won’t surprise anyone should the Unions extend it sooner rather than later. Like Bouchet in Downie, Fay has been Wolseley’s manager since Day 1 – something that doesn’t figure to change anytime soon as well.

Previous Winners:

1937-38: Bradley Balmforth, Wellington Athletics; Rouke Barclay, Sherburn Tigers
1938-39: Vic Windle, Embro Suns; John Permenter, Kingston Pelicans
1939-40: Warren Paulino, Braeland City Monarchs; Eddie Frierson, Cambria Cannons
1940-41: Bill Quinn, Stratford Barons; John Permenter, Kingston Pelicans
1941-42: Babe Ruth, Brunswick Legends; Eddie Frierson, Cambria Cannons
1942-43: Wesley Leseberg, Brunswick Legends; Ben Houchens, Kingston Pelican
1943-44: Bill Quinn, Stratford Barons; Ben Houchens, Kingston Pelicans
1944-45: Wesley Leseberg, Brunswick Legends; Ben Houchens, Kingston Pelicans
1945-46: Bill Quinn, Stratford Barons; Bradley Balmforth, Sherburn Tigers
1946-47: Reid Saxby, Queensland Eagles; Ben Houchens, Kingston Pelicans
1947-48: Toby Reakes, Braeland City Monarchs; Morrigan O’Lonergan, Balmoral Giants
1948-49: Toby Reakes, Braeland City Monarchs; Tony Fay, Wolseley Unions

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New Records Set

Both the home run and walk records fell this season. Kingston’s 1B Dean Bishop set the new home run record of 39, surpassing the old mark of 36, shared by Embro’s Jim Friend (1940) and Kingston’s Hall of Famer Jayden Tennant (1941).

For the second season in a row, a new mark was set in walks. Stratford’s LF Roberto Ríos drew 163 bases on ball, surpassing the old mark of 160, set by teammate C Aaron Skidmore just a year ago.

Not surprisingly, walks surrendered were also up. Since LHP Ah-cy Yao gave up 149 walks in 1945-46, eleven pitchers have since passed him. Last season saw Balmoral’s RHP Quintiliano Galeo and RHP Cris Herrera set the new mark of 162. But this past season witnessed four pitchers break the 170 plane: Hespeler’s Paul Woodruff (180), Brunswick’s Kent Dundun (173), Hespeler’s Larry Kovnats (172) and Queensland’s Logan Belsey (171).

A new mark in saves was also set, as Embro’s 33-year old RHP Yin-ti Shih recorded 28 saves, surpassing former teammate Colm Soper’s old record of 24, which he achieved both in 1946 and 1947.

[thirdsaint]

Hooray! Glad to see this back in business! It's pretty amazing how Jim Friend is the only one who has won the EL Babe Ruth award more than once.

[reds1]

Notes on 1949-50 All-Braeland Team

Starting Pitcher

Few pitchers have been as consistently excellent as has LHP Anastasio Rodríguez. He entered the United Leagues as a 20-year old in 1937, when he was selected 4th overall by the Brunswick Legends. Remarkably, Rodríguez leads the Leagues in only one career category – WAR (88.4). But that could soon change, as the 10-time all-star is just 33 years old and continues to pitch at a high level. This past season, he won his third Satchel Paige Award and was the clear choice for the All-Braeland Team in my view. It marks his 3rd selection overall and his first since 1942-43. But that’s not to say there weren’t other worthy candidates. Below is a comparison of Rodríguez with a couple of his (as it turns out) new teammates (league leading stats in bold):

• Anastasio Rodríguez – 22-8, 2.76 ERA, 33 GS, 274.0 IP, 116 K, 1.20 WHIP, 2.23 BB/9, 3.81 K/9, .272 BABIP, 2.80 FIP, 148 ERA+, 8.6 WAR.
• Bill Blair – 21-4, 2.87 ERA, 34 GS, 273.0 IP, 125 K, 1.05 WHIP, 1.98 BB/9, 4.12 K/9, .239 BABIP, 3.06 FIP, 143 ERA+, 7.5 WAR
• Jeremy Albury – 18-12, 2.74 ERA, 33 GS, 279.1 IP, 111K, 1.11 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9, 3.6 K/9, .245 BABIP, 3.06 FIP, 150 ERA+, 7.7 WAR

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Catcher

The competition was tough once again among catchers, all three candidates performed at a high level this season. But I went with 30-year old Aaron Skidmore (.310/.478/.454, 16-2B, 14 HR, 79 RBI, 141 BB, .931 OPS, 7.7 WAR, 1.059 EFF). The 9-time all-star won his second Top Fielder Award for his outstanding defense. That made the difference for me. This year, he was followed by two seasoned veterans:

• Kingston’s 31-year old Danny Trowbridge (.344/.447/.519, 34-2B, 15 HR, 74 RBI, 92 BB, .965 OPS, 7.0 WAR, .877 EFF)
• Cambria’s 32-year old Heung-su Park (.325/.412/.460, 30-2B, 12 HR, 58 RBI, 68 BB, .872 OPS, 6.0 WAR, .926 EFF)

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First Base

Veterans dominated the top candidates for first base as well. But this year, it was a rather easy choice. Kingston’s 35-year old Dean Bishop (.268/.405/.572, 34-2B, 39 HR, 144 RBI, 126 BB, .976 OPS, 6.8 WAR, 1.028 EFF) led the entire United Leagues in home runs (setting a new record in the process) and RBIs. He also won his 7th Top Fielder Award, more than any other player.

A couple of perineal all-stars were also in the running:

• Brunswick's 33-year old Stuart Bentham (.356/.434/.570, 39-2B, 30 HR, 111 RBI, 83 BB, 1.004 OPS, 6.5 WAR, .920 EFF)
• Embro’s 35-year old Jim Friend (.306/.428/.543, 33-2B, 24 HR, 117 RBI, 106 BB, .972 OPS, 5.8 WAR, 1.003 EFF)

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Second Base

New faces dominated the top performances at second base. Braeland City’s 24-year old Patrick Lidgate (.297/.410/.517, 33-2B, 21 HR, 74 RBI, 107 BB, .927 OPS, 7.0 WAR, 1.001 EFF) moved to 2B from CF this past season and didn’t miss a beat, building on his rookie performance and winning his first Top Fielder Award.

Two other players were considered:

• Stratford’s 37-year old Jake Walker (.345/.453/.466, 33-2B, 8 HR, 86 RBI, 110 BB, .919 OPS, 5.7 WAR, .927 EFF). This was Walker’s first season where 2B was his primary position, after 12 seasons at shortstop. He continued his outstanding performance at the plate, but struggled defensively, even though 2B is his strongest position.
• Fort Richmond’s 25-year old Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.301/.345/.441, 37-2B, 9 HR, 71 RBI, 38 BB, .786 OPS, 5.0 WAR, 1.058 EFF)

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Third Base

Here was the first real debate in this exercise so far. Ultimately, I went with Brunswick’s 28-year old Jorge Arredondo (.333/.418/.506, 31-2B, 18 HR, 98 RBI, 87 BB, .924 OPS, 6.6 WAR, 1.026 EFF). Arredondo enjoyed the best season thus far of his 8-year career and his steady defense gave him the edge over Dominic Dudding. Arredondo was primarily a shortstop until this past season.

Here are the other two possibilities:

• Downie’s 24-year old Dominic Dudding (.324/.395/.520, 37-2B, 19 HR, 105 RBI, 74 BB, .915 OPS, 6.1 WAR, .994 EFF)
• Embro's 24-year old Keon-chae Cho (.293/.347/.474, 21-2B, 19 HR, 87 RBI, 42 BB, 4.2 WAR, 1.016 EFF)

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Shortstop

New faces made up the candidates, but this really wasn’t a difficult choice. Cambria’s 30-year old César Ruíz (.310/.414/.541, 29-2B, 31 HR, 116 RBI, 97 BB, .955 OPS, 7.2 WAR, .963 EFF) came as advertised and was the top shortstop in the United Leagues. Only his defense was below average (as were the other candidates).

Here are the other two players considered:

• Pulberry's 24-year old Francis Jones (.331/.430/.502, 21-2B, 17 HR, 72 RBI, 88 BB, .932 OPS, 5.6 WAR, .947 EFF)
• Wolseley's 28-year old George Kimpton (.305/.385/.439, 32-2B, 13 HR, 101 RBI, 80 BB, .824 OPS, 5.1 WAR, .960 EFF)

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Leftfield

After a one-year absence, Wolseley’s 28-year old Carlton Hawking (.350/.480/.519, 44-2B, 14 HR, 89 RBI, 138 BB, .999 OPS, 6.7 WAR, .957 EFF) returns to the All-Braeland Team on the strength of his Award-winning offensive performance. It’s his fourth selection overall.

Two other players were considered as well:

• Stratford's 26-year old Roberto Ríos (.264/.431/.413, 24-2B, 14 HR, 56 RBI, 163 BB, .844 OPS, 5.8 WAR, 1.026 EFF)
• Sherburn’s 23-year old Noah Teale (.313/.395/.507, 36-2B, 16 HR, 97 RBI, 78 BB, 18 SB, .902 OPS, 4.4 WAR, 1.006 EFF)

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Centerfield

This was another straight-forward choice, as Coburg’s 24-year old Raymond Williams (.353/.421/.618, 31-2B, 29 HR, 112 RBI, 68 BB, 18 SB, 1.039 OPS, 8.4 WAR, 1.007 EFF) was easily the top player in the Eastern League this past season and is the top centerfielder overall.

His closest competitors were no slouches either:

• Downie's 24-year old Alfonso León (.328/.386/.506, 30-2B, 17 HR, 106 RBI, 62 BB, 8 SB, .892 OPS, 7.0 WAR, 1.020 EFF)
• Braeland City's 30-year old Ricardo Castellanos (.282/.374/.444, 21-2B, 12 HR, 60 RBI, 61 BB, .818 OPS, 3.5 WAR, 1.007 EFF)

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Rightfield

Some new faces were under consideration, but overall it was bit of a down year for rightfielders. These are the three players I looked at:

• Stratford’s 33-year old Nicky Willis (.296/.433/.467, 31-2B, 17 HR, 77 RBI, 130 BB, .900 OPS, 5.3 WAR, .964 EFF)
• Wolseley's 27-year old Howard Ockey (.307/.400/.426, 19-2B, 6 HR, 64 RBI, 69 BB, .826 OPS, 4.5 WAR, 1.066 EFF)
• Embro’s 23-year old Jose Maldonado (.300/.410/.476, 22-2B, 16 HR, 63 RBI, 90 BB, .886 OPS, 4.3 WAR, 1.015 EFF)

Willis is currently the top-rated rightfielder in the Leagues, although his defense leaves something to be desired. Ockey won his first Top Fielder Award and Maldonado is very good defensively as well. But ultimately, I went with 11-year veteran Willis. He makes his first appearance on the All-Braeland Team since 1944-45, when he was a leftfielder.

[DreamTeams]

Any word on how Cooper Tyson is doing for the Trolleys down on the farm?

[reds1]

OF Copper Tyson was eventually promoted to AAA and helped his team, the Rutledge Red Caps, win the Kings Cup. In fact, he won MVP honors in the championship series.

For spring training, Pulberry has promoted him to the big league roster and it appears he will be starting regularly in centerfield. Although he won't be included in the prospect rankings until the opening day rankings are published, he is starting ahead of Pulberry's current top-rated prospect, 22-year OF John Oldknow.

So there's a good chance he could be making his major legaue debut this season.

[reds1]

Originally Posted by thirdsaint

Hooray! Glad to see this back in business! It's pretty amazing how Jim Friend is the only one who has won the EL Babe Ruth award more than once.

Ha! I've never really noticed that until you mentioned it. I'm surprised Brunswick's Stuart Bentham has won it only once. He always seems to be in the Top 3 year after year.

[reds1]

August 14, 1950

Braeland City Monarchs Take a ‘Paige’ From History
Ballclub Lures Legendary Hurler, Satchel Paige, to United Leagues

Pitcher Satchel Paige – coming to a ballpark near you

Braeland City, August 14 (BP) – Baseball fans in Braeland will soon see a familiar face gracing pitcher’s mounds throughout the United Leagues this coming season. Leroy Robert ‘Satchel’ Paige, the legendary American pitcher, was introduced to reporters and other onlookers by the Braeland City Monarchs at this morning’s press conference held at Kings Park. Monarchs General Manager Adam Trelawny presented the 44-year old Paige with a new jersey bearing the number ‘29’ on the back, the same number he wore last season with the Cleveland Indians and spoke about their most recent free agent signing.

“This is truly an exciting and momentous day”, declared the beaming GM. “Not only have we signed one of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game – if the not the greatest - but we have also signed a player that has already contributed so much to the history of Braeland baseball.”

Indeed, Satchel Paige is no stranger to Braeland, having played a prominent role in the popularity of baseball in this country when his All-Stars played a six-game exhibition series against the Babe Ruth All-Stars in both Brunswick and Wolseley back in the 1935. The resounding success of that tournament paved the way for the creation of the United Leagues in 1937. Now, 15 years later, the fabled Negro and Major League ballplayer returns to the South Pacific to continue his career.

After donning his new jersey and shaking hands with Trelawny and club owner Liam Redelius Jr., Satchel Paige took his turn at the rostrum.

“I’d like to thank Mr. Trelawny for that fine introduction and the welcome I have received from the Monarchs. After being released by Cleveland, it’s nice to know I’m still wanted by somebody. I’ve played in a lot of places outside of America - Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic. But this is certainly the farthest place yet. I look forward to the opportunity of getting back onto the ballfield and helping the Monarchs win a championship.”

Paige finally made his major league debut in July 1948 with the Cleveland Indians of the American League at the age of 42. But at the end of the American League regular season last year he was given his unconditional release after Indians’ owner Bill Veeck was forced to sell the team. The Monarchs, sensing an opportunity to strengthen their pitching staff, tracked down Paige in the United States and began wooing him with a lucrative contract and a guaranteed spot in the Monarch’s rotation if he would agree to come to Braeland and pitch in the United Leagues. After assurances that he would be a free agent following the upcoming season, as well as further incentives, such as an all-star bonus and a ‘Satchel Paige’ Award bonus should he earn them, Paige finally agreed and signed with the Monarchs this morning, exactly two weeks before the Coconut Leagues officially open.

When asked by a reporter what spot in the rotation he expected to occupy, Mr. Paige merely replied, “Well, wherever they want me to pitch.” General Manager Adam Trelawny then spoke up and clarified that Paige would be heading into the Coconut Leagues as the Monarchs’ ace and that the No. 1 spot would be ‘his to lose’.

“There you go”, replied a smiling Paige, soliciting laughter from the assembled crowd.

Despite his age, it is expected that Paige will provide a much-needed boost to the Monarchs’ rotation, at least in the short-term. Although the team has won 90 or more games over the past three seasons and qualified for the playoffs each time, the Monarchs have yet to win a championship. Most alarmingly, they finished last season with a team ERA of 3.98, good for just fourth in the Eastern League and their worst effort since the 1938-39 season (4.13 ERA). With 40-year old LHP David Cooling (16-11, 3.67 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) showing signs of regression (1-4, 5.06 ERA last March) and the rest of the staff quickly approaching their 30’s, management decided to do something bold to try and keep their playoff window open.

Signing the legendary and colorful Satchel Paige certainly qualifies as bold. And while Mr. Trelawny has directed all eyes to the Monarchs in the process, it remains to be seen whether he has successfully routed the road to the United Cup through Braeland City as well.

[thirdsaint]

Wow! Didn’t see that coming! That should make for some excitement. Hope he succeeds!