Atlantic Baseball League (Canada) - Shediac Golden Sails dynasty!

[rleb]

I present to you, something a bit different!

This is my dynasty report for the Shediac Golden Sails, my team in the Atlantic Baseball League - day-by-day coverage of what pro baseball would look like in Atlantic Canada!



I decided to do a different kind of dynasty report; From May to September, I will post the games as they arrive, HERE, in real time, via YouTube (everything will be found in one convenient place here in this thread!). Instead of only writing articles about the exploits of my team, I decided to also RECORD my team's games, in full, and with added graphics to include lineups, standings, league news, results and more. You can join me here in following my Golden Sails team for the summer as we try to make the post-season!

I've already poured tons of hours into this little project, and I'm excited to share it with you all


What is the Atlantic Baseball League?
---
The league itself has been an OOTP baby of mine for the last 7 years (after finally finding the PERFECT game to bring my baseball dreams to life!). The region of Atlantic Canada doesn't have any actual pro baseball. Therefore, I created a fictional (but hopefully semi-realistic) look at what a pro baseball league could look in the region, if a pro league had formed in 1977.

The league started with 10 teams, and eventually grew to 24 by the early-2000s. Since Atlantic Canada lacks a centralized major city, but instead has a scattering of medium-to-large towns, it was more logical to create a small, self-contained pro league with relatively cheap finances, so cities and regions could battle against each other.

In my baseball universe, baseball became the biggest show in town, and is a thriving self-contained baseball system with 3 (amateur) levels of minor leagues, and a network of 62 real-life high schools (click here for logo set) that feed players into it.

Here is the overall structure :

- 24 teams, separated into the Continental and Ocean Leagues
- The Continental League contains the 12 teams in the provinces of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island
- The Ocean League contains the 12 teams from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland
- Each league has a 6-team West/East Division
- Top 2 teams of each division make the post-season, and play each other in the Division Series (best of 5)
- Then, OL/CL Championship Series (best of 7), and each League's winners face each other for Atlantic Final Series! (best of 7)
- The season is 96 games, and runs from Victoria Day weekend (3rd weekend in May) to early-September.
- Spring Training consists of 10 games, spread over 2 weeks in early-May
- 25-player rosters
- Universal DH
- All-Star Game on second Saturday of July
- 3 minor league levels; AAA, AA, A, and all are amateur (no compensation).
- Minimum wage is $20k/year, average player makes ~$42k, stars generally make $75-100k.
- No salary cap, but teams generally run on a budget of $1.5-2.5 million/year, and player salaries are 800k-1.5 million.
- A big focus on revenue sharing to keep the different-sized cities on even footing and ensure the health of the league.
- Arbitration after 3 years, free agency after 6.
- Maximum 2 import players per team, to keep the high school leagues competitive, and ensure the health of minor/little league baseball.
- Game tickets are ~$15
- Parks have a cozy seating capacity of 2200 to 6500 seats, and games average ~1600 fans/game.

Game Schedule
Here, you can find a schedule of the games in your time zone this summer, if you want to watch (schedules in other time zones will be added as soon as I have a chance)

Alaska / Pacific / Mountain / Central / Eastern / Atlantic / Newfoundland / UTC / Central Europe / Japan/Korea

Minor League Schedules (all are Atlantic Time, UTC-4)
AAA Cap-Pelé Cubs Schedule (coming soon)
Lakeburn "AA" Aeros Schedule (coming soon)
Lakeburn "A" Aeros Schedule (coming soon)


YouTube playlist for the 2022 Season - In chronological order


SPRING TRAINING SCHEDULE

** ALL TIMES ARE IN EASTERN TIME ** CLICK ON LINK TO SKIP TO SPECIFIC GAME POST **

Fri May 6th - 12:05 PM - at Saint John Alpines
Sat May 7th - 6:05 PM - vs Dieppe Aces
Sun May 8th - 12:05 PM - at Summerside Stars
Mon May 9th - 12:05 PM - at Charlottetown Lions
Tue May 10th - 6:05 PM - at Moncton Express
Thu May 12th - 6:05 PM - at Campbellton Tigers
Fri May 13th - 12:05 PM - vs Miramichi Ironmen
Sat May 14th - 12:05 PM - vs Fredericton Royals
Sun May 15th - 12:05 PM - vs Bathurst Pirates
Mon May 16th - 12:05 PM - vs St. Stephen Bluebirds

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE - MAY

Fri May 20th - 6:05 PM - at Miramichi Ironmen
Sat May 21st - 6:05 PM - at Miramichi Ironmen
Sun May 22nd - 6:05 PM - vs Dieppe Aces
Mon May 23rd - 12:05 PM - vs Dieppe Aces
Tue May 24th - 6:05 PM - at Moncton Express
Wed May 25th - 6:05 PM - at Moncton Express
Thu May 26th - 6:05 PM - vs Miramichi Ironmen
Fri May 27th - 6:05 PM - vs Miramichi Ironmen
Sat May 28th - 6:05 PM - vs Charlottetown Lions
Sun May 29th - 6:05 PM - vs Charlottetown Lions
Tue May 31st - 6:05 PM - vs Annapolis Valley Thunderbirds

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE - JUNE (PARTIAL)

Wed June 1st - 6:05 PM - vs Annapolis Valley Thunderbirds
Thu June 2nd - 5:35 PM - at Gander Giants
Sat June 4th - 6:05 PM - at Halifax Schooners
Sun June 5th - 6:05 PM - at Halifax Schooners
Tue June 7th - 6:05 PM - at Dieppe Aces
Wed June 8th - 6:05 PM - at Dieppe Aces
Thu June 9th - 6:05 PM - at Charlottetown Lions
Fri June 10th - 6:05 PM - at Charlottetown Lions
Sat June 11th - 6:05 PM - at Saint John Alpines
Sun June 12th - 2:05 PM - at Saint John Alpines
Mon June 13th - 6:05 PM - vs Fredericton Royals
Tue June 14th - 6:05 PM - vs Fredericton Royals

Sat July 9th - 2022 ABL All-Star Game
Sat Sep 10th - Regular Season Ends / Playoffs arrive!

** Expect daily updates with full games as we navigate the ups and downs of the season!










--- CURRENT VIDEO ---
Regular Season Game #10 - May 29th - vs Charlottetown Lions
The game starts at 7pm local / 6pm Eastern!

(click on the image below for the video)

Pitching
ANA - John Legault (0-1, 3.97 ERA)
SHE - Austin Hart (0-2, 18.00 ERA)

[rleb]

Episode 1 - What exactly is, the Atlantic Baseball League ???


This video gives an overview of what the ABL is, how it formed, and a bit of history.

The second part of the video is a look at the ABL's Record Book, with some key records, to get up to speed.


(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 2 - An Introduction to the Continental League teams!


This video reviews the Continental League teams, which represent the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

The teams are the following :

WEST DIVISION
Bathurst Pirates
Campbellton Tigers
Edmundston Impact
Fredericton Royals
Saint John Alpines
St. Stephen Bluebirds

EAST DIVISION
Charlottetown Lions
Dieppe Aces
Miramichi Ironmen
Moncton Express
Shediac Golden Sails <--- Our team!
Summerside Stars

(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 3 - An Introduction to the Ocean League teams!


This video reviews the Ocean League teams, which represent the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

The teams are the following :

WEST DIVISION
Annapolis Valley Thunderbirds
Bridgewater Bulldogs
Dartmouth Mariners
Halifax Schooners
Pictou County Clippers
Truro Bears

EAST DIVISION
Cape Breton Highlanders
Conception Bay Knights
Corner Brook Admirals
Gander Giants
Grand Falls-Windsor Broncos
Newfoundland Reds

(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episodes 4 / 5 / 6 - It's a big night in the ABL!

Spring training is finally here. For the next two weeks, teams will meet up in two cities: Moncton (Continental League) and Halifax (Ocean League) to play 10 warmup games.

Games are played at three parks around town, with minimal fans.
Because of the shorter spring training, teams invite 30 players and will trim the roster down to 25 for opening day on Friday May 20th!
Here is an overview of Shediac's spring schedule :

** ALL TIMES ARE IN EASTERN TIME **

Fri May 6th - 12:05 PM - at Saint John Alpines
Sat May 7th - 6:05 PM - vs Dieppe Aces
Sun May 8th - 12:05 PM - at Summerside Stars
Mon May 9th - 12:05 PM - at Charlottetown Lions
Tue May 10th - 6:05 PM - at Moncton Express
Thu May 12th - 6:05 PM - at Campbellton Tigers
Fri May 13th - 12:05 PM - vs Miramichi Ironmen
Sat May 14th - 12:05 PM - vs Fredericton Royals
Sun May 15th - 12:05 PM - vs Bathurst Pirates
Mon May 16th - 12:05 PM - vs St. Stephen Bluebirds




There are three videos available today.



First, we finally meet the 15 position players that were selected to go to Spring Training!

(click on the image below for the video)





Next, we meet the 15 pitchers that were also invited to Spring Training!

(click on the image below for the video)




Today is also GAME DAY!

The very first game of the Golden Sails season is here!
The Golden Sails will face the Saint John Alpines in Game 1 of Spring Training.

Austin Hart will pitch for Shediac.
Matt Hillman will be on the mound for Saint John.


(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 7 - GAME DAY - May 7th - Spring Training #2 - vs Dieppe Aces


Tonight, the Shediac Golden Sails will face off against the Dieppe Aces, in their second Spring Training game of the year.

Pitching for the Golden Sails is hard-throwing right hander Remi Poirier.



The pitcher for the Aces today will be another fastballer, Greg Wiley.





(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 8 - GAME DAY - May 8th - Spring Training #3 - at Summerside Stars


Today, the Shediac Golden Sails will face off against the winless Summerside Stars.

Pitching for the Golden Sails is the submariner Reg LeBlanc.



The pitcher for the Stars today is the young star Lewis Matte.






(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 9 - GAME DAY - May 9th - Spring Training #4 - at Charlottetown Lions


Spring Training continues, as the Golden Sails will now face off with the other squad from P.E.I. : the Charlottetown Lions.

Pitching for the Golden Sails is the young sinkerballer Joe Febbo.



The pitcher for the Lions today is Bobby Gibson.






(click on the image below for the video)

[Halifaxman50]

I like your concept here.

Any interest in a new team owner for either the Dartmouth Mariners or the
Halifax Schooners?

Let me know.

I am also from Atlantic Canada.

[rleb]

Episode 10 - GAME DAY - May 10th - Spring Training #5 - at Moncton Express


It's been a decent spring so far, and the rust is starting to shake itself off.


Pitching for the Golden Sails is the veteran lefty Davis Blackwell.



The pitcher for the Express today is 33-year-old Chris Gunther.





(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Originally Posted by Halifaxman50

I like your concept here.

Any interest in a new team owner for either the Dartmouth Mariners or the
Halifax Schooners?

Let me know.

I am also from Atlantic Canada.

Hi, fellow Atlantic Canadian!
I'm glad you found the league interesting.

This thread is essentially me documenting and telling the story of my solo league.

However, you can download and play it yourself if you want! The OOTP 22 version of it is available HERE. It is set in May 2021.

I don't have OOTP 23 yet, but once I do I will likely do another quickstart file. You can keep an eye on the thread for updates.

[rleb]

Episode 11 - GAME DAY - May 12th - Spring Training #6 - at Campbellton Tigers


As we enter the second half of spring training, the Golden Sails will face off against a powerful Campbellton Tigers team.

Both teams' star pitchers will start the game on the mound today, as the battles to make the roster starts to get clearer for many players.

Pitching for the Golden Sails is Austin Hart.



The pitcher for Campbellton today is superstar lefty Roy Schunk.






(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 12 - GAME DAY - May 13th - Spring Training #7 - vs Miramichi Ironmen


The Golden Sails will face upper-tier competition for a second straight day, as they play the division rivals, Miramichi Ironmen!


Pitching for the Golden Sails is the hard-throwing Remi Poirier.



The pitcher for the Ironmen today is their star; sinkerballer James Holwell.






(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 13 - GAME DAY - May 14th - Spring Training #8 - vs Fredericton Royals


The Golden Sails are now nearing the end of their Spring Training. With three games to go, battles to make it on the 25-man roster is heating up!
Here is a quick look at some player stats, before this game :




Pitching for the Golden Sails is the submarine knuckleballer Reg LeBlanc.



The pitcher for the Royals today is Adrian Dennis, who can throw upwards of 100 mph.






(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 14 - GAME DAY - May 15th - Spring Training #9 - vs Bathurst Pirates


Golden Sails Announce 22 of 25 Players for their Opening Day Roster



John Clark
ABL Times
May 15th 2022

As Spring Training nears it's conclusion, the Shediac Golden Sails GM Jacques Vienneau announced the 'initial list' of 22 players that will be playing for the Golden Sails on opening day.

Most of the list was unsurprising, but there were a few eyebrow-raising inclusions (and omissions). The team opted for five starters during spring training instead of the traditional six. Today, all five starting pitchers from Spring Training were named, which solidified the idea that the team had planned to stick with Hart, Poirier, LeBlanc, Febbo and Blackwell as the team's starting rotation all along. Most of the big names in the bullpen also made it through, such as van Domelen, Thomsen and Goguen. However, many were surprised by the early inclusion of pitching prospect Pat Brown, who turns 22 today. If Brown does play, he becomes the youngest Golden Sail player since 2013, and the third-youngest in team history.


Pat Brown

With only two catchers on the spring roster, it was an almost foregone conclusion that both Mathieu Cormier and David Calhoun would make the squad. Will Kendall was also included on the list as the team's DH.

Meanwhile, lots of fans had asked on social media whether popular local veteran Jacques Wade would make the cut. To their relief, Wade was included in the list. For position players, it appears the main battle is now for the final infield and outfield positions.

In the infield, the battle will be between 3B Sam Conder and 2B Troy Straka. Conder is the more versatile player, able to play 2B, 3B and SS and most agree is better defensively, but he has struggled mightily at the plate over the last two seasons. He batted only .153 in 2020 and .170 in 2021. Even so far in spring training, he has only achieved a .158 average. Meanwhile, Straka is primarily a second-baseman and is expected to be the better player offensively, but he has been a worrying 0-for-17 with 2 walks in spring training, to give him a .000 average. We will have to see whether Conder or Straka gets the nod in the upcoming days.

The final outfielder spot is between the veteran Kevin Gramm, and rookie Jason Martin. Unlike the slightly more even fight in the infield, most fans and media expect 28-year-old Gramm to get the nod. Kevin Gramm is a speedy outfielder that can leg out doubles all day long, and has a decent outfield arm. His slow start to spring training is the likely cause of his omission, but the spot likely has his name on it. Meanwhile, Jason Martin is much younger, being only 23 years old, and has played in only 2 ABL games in his career so far. He does have potential and is reasonably matched with Gramm at the plate, but his .188 average in Spring ball, his lack of experience and lack of running speed means he is expected to start his summer with AAA Cap-Pelé.

As for the battle to make the bullpen, four pitchers will likely fight for one open spot. Many were surprised that veteran Colin Lohmeier didn't make the cut yet, but the general consensus is that this is a way for GM Vienneau to give Lohmeier a bit of a kick in the pants to give him an extra bit of motivation (whether it's wanted or not). Given he has a $77,000 contract, and signed until 2024, it's unlikely they will demote him. This means that for George Crabbe, Jay Leclerc and Gilles Valentin, this is their 'unofficial' notice that they will start their season with the AAA Cap-Pelé Cubs as well, but are able to gain a bit more experience in the final two Spring games.


Colin Lohmeier

Here is the full list of confirmed players :
--
C Mathieu Cormier
C David Calhoun
1B Ronnie Capello
1B Jacques Wade
DH Will Kendall
2B Jay Dillow
3B Garth Liston
SS Nathan Lallement
LF John Perry
CF Trent Hall
RF Dennis Buratti
SP Austin Hart
SP Remi Poirier
SP Reg LeBlanc
SP Joe Febbo
SP Davis Blackwell
RP Pat Brown
RP Jonathan Kragh
RP Christian Goguen
RP Sandy Grass
CL Billy Thomsen
CL Ken van Domelen

Players not yet included :
--
2B Troy Straka
3B Sam Conder
LF Kevin Gramm
RF Jason Martin
RP Jay Leclerc
RP George Crabbe
RP Colin Lohmeier
RP Gilles Valentin



Pitching for the Golden Sails today is sinkerballer Joe Febbo.



On the mound for the Bathurst Pirates today is the "Quiet Killer", 26-year-old Bryan Rainville. He is not flashy or the life of the party, but his curveball and slider is getting harder to hit every year.





The game starts at 1pm local / 12pm Eastern!

(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 15 - GAME DAY - May 16th - Final Spring Training Game - vs St. Stephen Bluebirds


The final day of spring training is here!


Pitching for the Golden Sails is the veteran lefty Davis Blackwell.



The pitcher for the Bluebirds today is 28-year-old Pat Pope.






The game starts at 1pm local / 12pm Eastern!

(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 16 - OPENING DAY! - May 20th - #1 - at Miramichi Ironmen

AT

STATS / STANDINGS PRIOR TO GAME

The Golden Sails faces stiff competition as soon as the season kicks off, as they visit the division-favorites Miramichi Ironmen!

As spring Training drew to a close, the final spots on the Shediac roster was decided :

Made the 25-player roster
2B Troy Straka
LF Kevin Gramm
RP Colin Lohmeier

Sent to AAA Cap-Pelé
3B Sam Conder
RF Jason Martin
RP Jay Leclerc
RP George Crabbe
RP Gilles Valentin

The start of the 2022 season brings a big challenge right away: the Miramichi Ironmen. The team has fantastic bats, and decent pitching.

Over the winter, the team lured superstar 2B Kyle Hall to the team via free agency, with a 4-year contract worth roughly $80,000 per season.

This gives the Ironmen a devastating lineup in the first five spots. The speedy home town favorite Dan Strelioff leads off, then another quick runner Mitch Roemer bats second, Kyle Hall hits third, slugger Gary Voeller batting cleanup, and the DH Matt Laybolt.

However, Shediac might have a secret weapon.

At the end of 2021, superstar closer Ken van Domelen left the Ironmen after 6 years on the team. He was this winter's big free agent catch; he pitched in 48 games, saved 20, had a 2.22 ERA, and struck out 172 in only 97.1 innings. Clearly this was the real deal. Shediac signed him in January to a 5-year contract worth $80,000 per season.

The former Ironmen will now be sitting in the opposite dugout on opening day, as he faces his former teammates.

Shediac has had stellar pitching for nearly the entire existence of the team. However, bats have been sorely lacking. The only players with respectable batting averages last season were Mathieu Cormier (.267) and Ronnie Capello (.262). If this is to succeed, they need to generate runs.

As mentioned earlier, pitching is at the opposite end of the spectrum. The team has always been extremely strong. However, the core of the team is starting to age, and it will be interesting to see how the team evolves. With the addition of Ken van Domelen to further strengthen the bullpen, all eyes will be on the team's bats, to see if they can turn things around and generate some runs.

If Golden Sail bats wake up and get going, look out! They could become a big contender.



Austin Hart will take the mound on opening day for the Golden Sails.



The pitcher for the Ironmen today is 27-year-old fireballer Billy Denis.






The game starts at 7pm local / 6pm Eastern!

(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 17 - GAME DAY - May 21st - #2 - at Miramichi Ironmen

AT

STATS / STANDINGS PRIOR TO GAME

The second game of the season is tonight, against the Miramichi Ironmen!

Pitching today for the Golden Sails is fastballer Remi Poirier.



The pitcher for the Ironmen today is James Holwell.






The game starts at 7pm local / 6pm Eastern!

(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 18 - HOME OPENER - May 22nd - #3 - vs Dieppe Aces

AT

STATS / STANDINGS PRIOR TO GAME

Pitching today for the Golden Sails is knuckleballer Reg LeBlanc.



The pitcher for the Dieppe Aces today is the team's newest free agent signing, Gene Ivanov.






The game starts at 7pm local / 6pm Eastern!

(click on the image below for the video)

[rleb]

Episode 19 - GAME DAY - May 23rd - #4 - vs Dieppe Aces

AT

STATS / STANDINGS PRIOR TO GAME

Pitching today for the Golden Sails is Joe Febbo.



The pitcher for the Dieppe Aces today is Chris Johnson.






The game starts at 1pm local / 12pm Eastern!

(click on the image below for the video)