ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Elite 8 Series

Ruthlandian Union

Rattlers Rattle Rovers, McConnell Blanks 'Em
The Sugar Valley Rattlers knocked off Sligo 4-0 behind the strong shutout pitching of Benny McConnell in game one of the Ruthlandian Union Elite 8 Series, played in Sligo at Silver Mountain Park... 26-game winner McConnell halted the Rovers on 5 hits, fanned 5 and walked 2, going all the way to beat Les Patterson, the IPA ERA leader... the Rattlers rattled Patterson 90-1) for 12 hits and 4 runs in 8 innings... he struck out 8, but walked 5 in a lackluster outing... SS Jack Sanderson and 2B Glenn Christian paced Sugar Valley with 3 hits each... 1B Ralph Cole doubled in 2 runs... 3B Eddie Newman tripled in one and CF Randall Hawson singled in the other one for the winners.

Ancona Slips By Cybercats 4-3 In Opener
At home at Jay Loman Park, the Ancona Red Elephants fought back from 2-0 and and 3-2 deficits to slip past Grand City 4-3 in the opening game of the RU Elite 8 Series... Ancona won it in the last of the eight on a passed ball by C Woodrow Mason... two singles by LF Kenny Willard and 1B Aleksos Kotas put runners on second and third... Willard scored the winning run from third on the miscue... Clete Dukas (1-0) gritted out 8 innings for the win, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits... in the ninth Lynwood Marshall retired the side in order for the save... Jimbo Stearns (0-1) went the distance, giving up 3 earned runs on 10 hits... he totaled 4 Ks and walked one... 3B Jug Slavin gave Grand City the lead in the third on a two-run clout... only to be matched by Kotas in the bottom of the frame... LF Lee Barrett gave the Cybercats the lead again in the seventh with an RBI single... 3B Dave Hoover's triple and Dukas' sac fly knotted it up again in the last of the seventh... Kotas paced the Red Elephants with 3-4 and 2 RBIs and Willard went 2-3 and scored twice... Slavin led Grand City with a pair of hits and 2 runs batted in.

Tycobbian Union

Rascals Nip Suns 3-2 In 10 Innings
The underdog White River Rascals stole a 3-2 game from the highly-favored Arroyo Grande Suns at Capet Stadium in the first game of the Tycobbian Union Elite 8 Series... the Rascals only got 2 hits in the game... In the decisive tenth 2B Vinny Ulrich worked a walk off Sun closer and loser Jason Patrick (0-1) to lead off the frame... pinchrunner Doug Patterson was sacrificed to second and then stole third and rode home with winning run when SS Andy Pearson booted a groundball... White River starter Ron Hendrix (1-0) hurled a fine game, holding the hard-hitting Suns to 2 runs on 6 hits in 9 innings with 7 strikeouts and 3 walks... Arnie Montel saved the win for Hendrix with a scoreless tenth... Arroyo Grande's starter Sixto Zamora was also outstanding, yielding only 2 hits and 2 runs, while working 9 innings... Zamora struck out 10 and issued 3 walks.

1B Amos Dunston's homer gave the Rascals a 2-0 edge in the second inning and it held up until the Suns finally scored on a Zamora sacrifice fly in the seventh frame, cutting the lead to one run... Arroyo Grande evened it up in the last of the eight 2-2 on a double by Pearson and a triple by CF Johnny Whittier... Pearson led the losers with 3 hits in 5 appearances, 2 of them doubles.

Bucs Stun Nats On Fraser's Grand Slam
Uh Oh! The arch-nemesis Bay St. Clair Buccaneers are at it again, giving the Pro Cup favorites a hard time... in game one of the TU Elite 8, the Bucs stunned the Ozarka Naturals on the road at Ellie Ewing Stadium 6-1... Bobby Joe Belvin's strong pitching and C Teddy Fraser's 4-run blast in the top of the eighth sent the Nats down to defeat... Belvin went all the way and held powerful Ozarka to just one run on 7 hits... Belvin walked only one and fanned 4... the Bucs tagged losing pitcher Benny Osterman (0-1) for 6 runs and 10 hits in his 7+ innings... Bay St. Clair only held a precarious 2-1 lead going into the fateful inning... Fraser's grand slam gave Belvin plenty of breathing room.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Around the Town in the IPA

SLIGO ROVERS

Owner: Myron Dalrymple, CEO of the Silver Mountain Ski Resort

GM/Manager: Eddie Keys

Sligo is located in the slopes of the Silver Mountains in northern Ruthlandia. Because of its remote location, the area was largely uninhabited until 1872 when silver was discovered in the hills surrounding the town. The name of the town comes from Theodore Sligo, one of the men who originally discovered the silver. Sligo laid out the roads and a tent city popped up shortly after the discovery. By the turn of the century, the mines had produced more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the nation. Many fine examples of Victorian architecture that were built during the era are well-preserved today.

When the mines stopped producing in the late 1940s, the town lost almost half of its population and fell upon hard times. It survived mainly on its timber industry until the 1970s when environmental concerns caused the town to form a commission that would seek alternative industries that could sustain the economy. The commission findings led to a rebirth of the once-beautiful city. Through various tax breaks, the town was able to attract several builders to construct ski resorts just outside of town. The town also refurbished many of the historic buildings that had fallen into disrepair and decided to place its economic emphasis on tourism.

With a population of only 38,000, Sligo is the smallest town to own a team in the Islandian Pro Alliance and has at various times struggled to meet ends meet despite having very loyal fans. The 1973 commission made it clear in its report that the town should figure out a way to provide long term stability to the local nine as it would be a devastating blow to civic pride if the Rovers were to leave town. As a result, the ballpark was part of the downtown refurbishment and the team signed a long-term lease that makes it difficult for the Rovers to leave. In the 80s, the team was sold to Myron Dalrymple, owner of the highly successful Silver Mountain Ski Resort. Dalrymple is respected among long-time Sligo residents for settling in town and helping to revive its economy.

The Rovers play at Silver Mountain Park which seats 5,678 spectators and was originally built in 1912. The ballpark’s mid-seventies facelift did a good job of preserving its historic nature and the town funded yet another update in 1998 when four sky suites were added along with expanding the clubhouses. SM Park sports a brick façade and is tucked among historic Main Street’s shopping district. There is no parking here, but the sight of fans walking to the ballpark on a balmy summer afternoon fits in well with the town’s quaint ambiance. The team plays to that ambiance by having a barber shop quartet stationed outside the main ticket booth to greet approaching fans.

Speaking of music, you won’t find loud rock and roll music blaring from a state of the art sound system here. Like Hillsboro, Kenwood, Ozarka and Marston, the team employs an organist who serenades fans with classic tunes and is quite adept at finding songs that have something to do with the batter’s last name. Food here is among the most affordable in all of the IPA, and while you will find classic ballpark fare like peanuts, hot dogs, and crackerjacks, the most popular item on the menu may well be the roasted corn on the cob that is slathered with mayonnaise.

Despite its nod to the traditional, the team has added one of those big fuzzy mascots in recent years. “Rover”, a giant red dog, roams the stands entertaining children and adults alike. When fans catch a foul ball, the public address announcer will announce to “give that fan a contract,” and Rover will indeed present the fan with a “contract” and a "doggy bag" filled with club gifts. Another Silver Mountain park tradition traces its roots back to the team’s current manager Eddie Keys. During his playing days for the Rovers, fans would jingle their keys whenever he came to bat. The tradition continues to this day whenever a rally is in order.

Silver Mountain Park (1912)

Capacity: 5,678

Dimensions:
Left Field Line - 328
Left Field - 350
Left Center - 382
Center Field - 387
Right Center - 382
Right Field - 366
Right Field Line - 342

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Wednesday, September 22, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Elite 8 Series

Ruthlandian Union

Rattlers Whip Rovers Again, Up 2-0 In Series
Sugar Valley starter Nick Moore shut out Sligo for 7 innings and the Rattlers put up a 3-0 lead, enabling them to whip the Rovers 5-2 in game two of the RU Elite 8 Series and go up two games to none in the best-of-seven series... Moore (1-0) stopped Sligo on 6 hits for the win... three relievers finished the Rovers off, but did give up single runs in the eighth and ninth... both teams picked up 7 hits apiece... CF Randall Hawson opened up the scoring for Sugar Valley with a 2-run shot in the fourth frame and RF Terry Goudeau made it 3-0 with a solo homer in the sixth... 1B Ralph Cole drove in the final Rattler runs in the ninth with a 2-run single... Sligo got its first run scored on a wild pitch in the eighth and SS Vic Carlin's ninth-inning home run... Ralph Odakota (0-1) suffered the loss, going the distance and permitting 5 runs and 7 hits.

Cybercats Bomb Ancona 7-4, Series Even
Grand City CF Lee Barrett was a one-man wrecking crew with 2 homers and 4 RBIs in the Cybercaps 7-4 thrashing of Ancona in the second game of the RU Elite 8 Series... the two clubs are now tied at one game each... the Cybercats had to come back from a 4-1 deficit after the first three innings... starter Clint Brewer (1-0) notched the victory by working 5 innings... he was tagged for 4 runs on 6 hits... Paul McBride and Ralph Teague both hurled two scoreless frames to protect the win... Teague got the save... Ancona starter Bud Garner was the losing pitcher... he was hit hard for 6 runs and 8 hits in his 7 innings... Grand City got 11 hits and were led by Barrett and RF Nick Baldini with 2 hits each... Baldini also went deep in the fourth... the Red Elephants were paced by 1B Alekos Kotas and CF Terry Thorsen... they each slammed a solo home run.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Around the Town In the IPA

WHITE RIVER RASCALS

Owner: Tycalco,
President and CEO: Hugh Howard
GM/Manager: Mick Cronyn

The city of White River, with 66,000 inhabitants, is situated in northwestern Tycobbia in the Appian Mountain foothills on the banks of the White River. Most of the time the river flows serenely, but there are occasional whitewater rapids. The river ends at Bayview on the western coast where it empties into the Kelnyck Ocean.

Prior to the mining business, this area was just wilderness. White River owes its existence and development to Tycalco. It is totally a company town. Its economy is dominated by the Tycobbian Aluminum Company, which was established in 1890. Bauxite, alumina and chemicals, found in abundance in the nearby Appian Mountains, are processed into a wide range of aluminum products and shipped to Bayview by water and Fairfax on Blue Lake to the south by rail for distribution. Tycalco’s towering corporate skyscraper can be seen from White River Park across the river in downtown White River. Architecture in the area is modernistic. However, the White River Rascals play at one of the lovely vintage and nostalgic ballparks in Tycobbia. It was built in 1924.

White River Park is a lovely old-time ball park circa 1924 with a scenic and wonderful view of its river namesake just beyond the centerfield fence. The 18-foot high aluminum wire fences down the left and right field lines make it a little more difficult for hitters to hit the ball into the stands, which are only 310 feet away. Tycalco originated company amateur leagues to provide the community and its employees and their families with recreational activities. When the Islandian Pro Alliance was established, the company purchased a franchise. The White River Rascals play in the Tycobbian Union North Division.

A trip to White River Park is something really special. Not only is it a baseball park, it is also a state-of-the-art amusement park. Before and after games amusement rides can be enjoyed by young and old, complete with good food, fun rides, fireworks and music concerts of all genres, all subsidized and underwritten in part by Tycalco,

The Rascals are administered and managed by former pitcher Mick Cronyn. He was 196-201 with a 3.76 ERA in his 15 seasons with White River.

White River Park (1924)

Capacity: 5,685

Dimensions:
Left Field Line - 310
Left Field - 340
Left Center - 370
Center Field - 410
Right Center - 370
Right Field - 340
Right Field Line - 310

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Wednesday, September 22, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Elite 8 Series

Tycobbian Union

O'Reilly Shackles Rascals 3-0, Suns Knot Series
On a warm and rainy day in Arroyo Grande, Earl O'Reilly and two relievers blanked White River 3-0 on 3 hits to knot the TU Elite 8 at a game each... O'Reilly went 7 innings, whiffed 8 batters, walked 3 and gave up the 3 hits... Jason Patrick and Steve Sampson each worked a perfect inning to close it out... Sampson got the save... the loss went to Joe Hudson (0-1), who surrendered 3 runs and 5 hits in 6+ frames... LF Eduardo Villanueva plated the first Sun run with a single in the bottom of the third... Arroyo Grande added to it with 2 runs in the sixth on RF Buddy Bechtel's solo homer and SS Andy Pearson's bunt single and 1B Sherm Miles triple.

Ozarka Outslugs BSC 10-7, Evens Series
The Ozarka Naturals unleashed a 15-hit barrage and outslugged Bay St. Clair 10-7 in game two of the TU Elite 8... the Nats busted up a 7-7 tie with 3 runs in the last of the eighth on RF Ken Mayberry's RBI single and CF Ryoma Nakayama's 2-run hit... Mayberry led Ozarka with 4 hits, while Nakayama, 3B Andre Dumas and C Frank Kiffin drove in 3 runs apiece... Nakayama, Dumas and Kiffin each homered... CF Bill Howell went 3-5 and scored twice to top the Bucs... LF Florent Schoonmaker drove in a pair of runs... Nats reliever Wayne Gates (1-0) got the win with the defeat going to Buccaneer reliever Steve Richt (0-1)... Gates, Al Chylak and Dennis Purcell were the only effective pitchers for Ozarka... they blanked Bay St. Clair the last two innings.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Thursday, September 23, 2021

Around the Town in the IPA

GRAND CITY CYBERCATS

Owner: Gates Billington, Synergy Technologies
GM/Manager: Wynn Joslin

Grand City is a town of 128,000 and the largest population-wise in the Islands. It has a very special and very short history. It was the brainchild of multi-millionaire Gates Billington, computer and financial genius. It was his vision to build the "perfectly planned" town. Originally Grand City was called Emerald and was just a small fishing village on the southern coast of Ruthlandia near the Valerian Ocean. It was settled by the Scotch-Irish and English in the early 1800's, who came to get away from religious intolerance in the British Isles.

It remained a sleepy little fishing village until 1990, when Billington bought up all of the real estate and decided to make his dream city come true. He and his entrepreneurial cohorts pooled their money, ideas and plans and made it come to fruition in 5 short years. Grand City went up overnight and soon became the most populous town/city in the Islands and one of the most prosperous.

Billington created a financial and high tech industrial complex. These ambitious business and civic leaders have boosted Grand City into a sophisticated, fastlane cultural metropolis. It is a town of skyscrapers, beautiful boulevards, condos, high rise apartments, all arranged in perfect symmetry. Autos are not permitted in Grand City. Residents must use it highly-advanced public transportation system, walk or ride bicycles. Only service vehicles are permitted on the streets of the city. And in keeping with the town's high tech, modernistic motif, the Grand City Cybercats of the Islandian Pro Alliance play in a brand new state-of-the-art stadium, Syntergy Park.

Billington is a big-time baseball fan and is the owner of the club. He has more money than he knows what to do with. No expense was spared at this ballpark. Everything is computerized. When you get your order at the concession stands, all the hot food items are hot, all the cold items are cold and you get them served quickly without standing in line very long.

The highly-paid technocrats are really pampered with the best of everything. You don't miss any of the ball game at Syntergy Park. Since the Grand City Cybercats have just come into being in 2002, they have no amateur and industrial league history, so they have no established traditions.

To insure success on the diamond, Billington hired one of the best baseball minds in the Islands, Tory Joseph. He is the general manager of the Cybercats. Joseph was a solid hitter and fair catcher in his playing days, who became one of the best industrial league managers. Joseph recently stepped down in favor of Wynn Joslin, a journeyman shortstop in his playing days with Grand City. Joslin batted .263 in a 5-year career.

Syntergy Park (2001)

Capacity: 15,000

Dimensions:
LF Line 340
LF 360
LCF 375
CF 400
RCF 375
RF 360
RF Line 340

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Thursday, September 23, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Elite 8 Series

Ruthlandian Union

Rovers Rap Rattlers 7-5 In 12 Innings
After being held to 2 runs in the first two games of the Ruthlandian Elite 8, the Sligo finally snapped out of its slumber with a hard-earned 7-5 scary ten-inning victory over Sugar Valley in game 3... it was a must-win game for the Rovers, another loss would have been a death sentence... Sligo cut the Rattlers series lead to two games to one in the best-of-seven series... LF Biff Blauer doubled in the winning runs... Sligo was shut out 1-0 the first five innings by Harry Diefendorf, then they erupted for 5 runs in the next three innings to take a 5-1 lead into the last of the eighth... however Sugar Valley pounced back with 4 runs to tie it up and send the game into extra innings... Sligo had 12 hits and were sparked by 1B Johnny Lee Harder (.500) with 4 hits and 2 RBIs, including a home run... Blauer (.143) and RF Clell Renshaw (.167) also drove in a pair of runs each and CF Chris Michel (.385) had 2 hits and scored twice... the third Rover pitcher Vance Coleman (1-0) notched the win with two scoreless innings... the Rattlers outhit the Rovers... they got 13 and were led by RF Randall Hawson (.538) with 4 hits and 2 RBIs... Hawson got his 2nd homer of the series, a 2-run shot in the eighth... Fernando Vargas (0-1) didn't get anybody out in the 12th and suffered the loss.

Maragos Blanks 'Cats, Ancona Takes Lead
In game three of the RU Elite 8 Series at Syntergy Park in Grand City, Nikon Maragos (1-0) used his magic on the mound to spin a 3-0 shutout, stopping Grand City on just 5 hits to gain a 2-1 lead in the RU Elite 8... Brent Sturgis (0-1) lost it, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits, while going the route... C Adonis Drakos (.250) singled in the first run of the game in the fifth frame to give the Red Elephants an early lead... they got two more in the top of the ninth when 3B Todd Nasso (.250) tripled in a run and scored on PH Terry Thorsen's (.286) sac fly.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Thursday, September 23, 2021

Around the Town in the IPA

Bay St. Clair Buccaneers

Owner: Louis "Sugar Lips" Charles
GM/Manager: Guy Rondre (pronounced "Gee Ron-dray")

Bay St. Clair is a major port, tourist destination and petroleum and railroad center, located in southwestern Tycobbia on its namesake, Bay St. Clair, a great natural harbor. It is a town of 117,000 resting on the Appian River, which empties into the Kelnyck Ocean. The town was established in the 1850s by a group of American abolitionists from the North and the South, who saw the coming Civil War. They wanted to set up a country free from slavery and religious intolerance.

Offshore oil rigs in the Southern Sea provide a great boost to the local economy and a thriving petroleum business. Noxxe Oil Corporation is one of the nation's biggest and its home office is in Bay St. Clair.

Breathtakingly beautiful white beaches and luxurious hotels dot the coastline. Bay St. Clair has a multicultural heritage with French and Creole backgrounds. It is known for great music, exquisite cuisine and good times. Bon Temps ("Good Times" in French) is a lenten carnival, famous for parades, costumed balls and frivolity. Jazz funerals are a noted part of the town's culture.

Another important annual event and tourist lure is the Bay St. Clair Jazz and Music Heritage Foundation's "Razzmajazz". This is ten days of jazz, blues, gospel and rock greats.

Bay St. Clair is also home of the Buccaneers baseball team of the Islandian Pro Alliance. The Bucs are in the Tycobbian Union's West Division. They are owned by jazz immortal, Louis "Sugar Lips" Charles. This Creole singer and trumpeteer loves his baseball just about as much as his music. He was one of the league creators along with Jock Ewing of Waleska, rock star Conway Birdie of Cape Coral, Rob Jackson of Forest City and IPA Commissioner John Banson.

The club plays at Shoreline Stadium, which looks out on the beautiful white beaches and blue-watered bay. A brass band, often led by "Sugar Lips", entertains the fans at all Buccaneers' games. At the seventh-inning stretch, the band plays "When the Bucs Go Marching In". And when the opposing teams have to go to the bullpen for a relief pitcher, the band welcomes him with a funeral dirge, a sad and mournful song. When the game is decided in favor of the Bucs, they begin playing a lively Dixieland victory tune and parade around the stadium.

Concessions are great with wonderful Creole soul food, gumbo (seafood/okra soup), red beans and rice, jambalaya (seafood casserole), hot beignets (pronounced "ben-yays"), hot out-of-the-grease doughnuts, covered in powdered sugar, cafe au lait (chicory coffee with hot milk), pecan pralines (candy), snowballs, topped with sweet condensed milk, and the traditional hamburgers and hot dogs.

Bay St. Clair's GM and Manager is hometown boy, Guy Rondre, a fine southpaw in his industrial league days. He was known for a great fastball and was nickname "Lightning".

Shoreline Stadium (1940)

Capacity: 11,900

Dimensions:
LF Line 332
LF 360
LCF 388
CF 400
RCF 381
RF 350
RF Line 325

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Thursday, September 23, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Elite 8 Series

Tycobbian Union

Bucs Zaps Ozarka 6-4, Up 2-1 In Series
The Bay St. Clair Buccaneers continue to be a postseason thorn-in-the-side to the mighty Ozarka Naturals... the Bucs beat them 6-4 with the aid of 3 homers and a gutsy hill performance by winning pitcher Marty Elenbaas to go up in the TU Elite 8 two games to one... Bay St. Clair cracked 11 hits and got solo homers from LF Florent Schoonmaker (.364), RF Don Smithers (.250) and 1B Jerry Todd (.400)... Elenbaas (1-0) worked 8 innings and threw over 150 pitches for the win... Elenbaas gave up 4 runs on 6 hits in his 8 innings, while Eddie Roberts (0-1) took the loss for the Nats... Roberts was gone after 6 innings after being raked for 5 runs and 9 hits... Benson O'Brian closed out the victory with a 1-2-3 ninth for the save... in a seesaw affair the Ozarka took a 2-0 lead in the first frame... the Buccaneers shaved it to one run in their opening at-bat, then went up 3-1 in the last of the fourth... the Nats tied it at 3-all in the fifth, only to have Ozarka snatch back the lead 4-3 in the bottom of the inning and added to it with another score in the sixth, making it 5-3... the Nats pick up a run in the seventh, but the Bucs got an insurance run to finish off the scoring in the bottom of the inning... leading the way to the win were Bucs LF Schoonmaker with 3 hits and 2 RBIs, Todd with 2 hits and 2 RBIs and CF Bill Howell (.538) with 2 hits and 2 runs scored... Tony Genassi (.500) paced Ozarka with 2 doubles, 3B Andre Dumas (.077) batted across 2 runs and RF Ken Mayberry (.545) scored twice.

Rascals Sock It To Suns 10-3 in Game 3

The lightly-regarded White River Rascals went berserk and roared by the Ancona Red Elephants 10-3 to cop game three of the TU Elite 8 and a 2-1 series lead... White River socked 18 hits with SS Kenny Young (.250), 1B Marty Blake (.417), RF Hal Littleton (.273) and LF Amos Dunston (.364) collecting 3 hits apiece... C Tom Hewlett (.125) batted in 3 runs for the Rascals, Dunston had 2 runs batted in and Young scored 3 times... manager Mick Cronyn also got a solid outing out of Del Brewer (1-0), who held the Suns to just one earned run and 6 hits in a complete game... in a ragged start losing pitchers Ernie Matthews (0-1) was raked over the coals for 6 runs and 10 hits in just 3+ innings.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Friday, September 24, 2021

Around the Town in the IPA

Ancona Red Elephants

Owner: Golden Hill Insurance Company
President of the Board: Dimitrios Vakros
GM: Nick Yakis
Manager: Manny Mickens

Ancona, a town of 68,000 is situated on the west coast of Valdar Island, on the banks of Valdar Bay in the nation of Ruthlandia. In terms of topography, it is an area of mostly flat land with rocky soil, coupled with occasional stony bluffs and hills. It is a chilly, rainy and foggy climate, especially in the winter. Founded by Greek settlers in the late 1870s, who set up the town as a supply port for whaling and cargo ships. They named the town Ancona, because the harbor was shaped like an elbow. "Ancona" is similar in meaning to the Greek word "ankon" for elbow. Ancona still has a thriving Greek community and they make up about a fourth of the town's residents.

When whaling began to decline around 1910, the town sought other revenue streams. The Ancona Whaling Cooperative expanded into maritime insurance and started the Golden Hill Insurance Company. By the late 1940s it had become the largest insurance company in Ruthlandia. The company motto stated, "Golden Hill For Life".

The company also owns a IPA baseball franchise, the Ancona Red Elephants, who have an interesting history of their own. Originally founded by Jay Loman, an American emigre stock trader during the Roaring '20s. He was an alumnus of the University of Alabama and was a big fan of the Red Elephants athletic teams. So he named his company team the Red Elephants. Loman spent a fortune on his expensive hobby, building a new ballpark and going to the mainland to sign up the best players he could get, illegally paying his "amateurs" exorbitant salaries. Valdar Island was bypassed by many early immigrants because of its inhospitable topography. No one wanted to live there. Big salaries were the only way he could get the best players to come and play in the Valdar Island league. The Ancona Red Elephants were a very dominant team for a decade and were huge fan favorites in the local industrial league. They won the coveted Silver Whale Cup nine years in a row, which is given annually to the Valdar Island League Champion. Like many speculators, Loman lost everything in the Black Monday crash of 1929, including the Red Elephants, who were sold at auction and purchased by the Golden Hill Insurance Company.

Jay Loman Park still stands today and is considered a timeless classic, with its high-arching bleachers in left and right field offering excellent sightlines. Out beyond center field, the immense gold building that houses Golden Hill can be seen, along with some of the old historical buildings of the town, many of which date back to Ancona's whaling days.

The chief food attraction at the stadium is the Catch of the Day Special, a succulent fish and chips meal whose seafood component is never the same thing for two home games in a row. A hot cup of delicious seafood chowder goes good on a chilly Anconan afternoon at Jay Loman Park. Traditional ballpark fare is also available. You will also be entertained by Eddie and Ellie Elephant, the team's mascots. They lead the fans in dances, songs and cheers at each game. You will hear "The Elephant Trumpet" regularly at Elephant games and especially whenever Ancona hits a home run or wins a game.

Ree Ree Ree!
Elephants on parade!
Elephants on parade!

You think you can beat the best
But you're just like the rest
When pachyderm power strikes!
When pachyderm power strikes!

So goodbye ball! (if a homer)
So goodbye (opponent name)! (if a win)
Three cheers for the Elephants!
Three cheers for the Elephants!

Ree! Ree! Ree!

After the game, fans often go to The Mudbath, the unofficial Red Elephants sports bar to talk about the game, knock off a cold brew or two and listen to live music from a local band.

Speaking of local bands, there's a thriving music scene in Ancona and none is more popular than the world-famous Manatees, a best-selling musical group who sings sea chanties and other traditional songs that hearken back to the city's initial whaling days. They, along with the rest of the local groups, are often found playing in the town's equally popular taverns, especially on cold winter nights.

The Ancona Red Elephants GM is Nick Yakis. He has been a player and manager for over 30 years in the Valdar Island League. And keeping everything in the family, Yakis hired his son-in-law, Manny Mickens, as manager. Mickens was a 16-year old phenom in his playing days in the company league. He was a centerfielder who could do it all on the diamond. After retiring as a player, Mickens was quite successful running the baseball program at Ancona University.

Jay Loman Park (1922)

Capacity: 8,899

LF Line 332
LF Line 352
LCF 375
CF 415
RCF 375
RF 352
RF Line 332

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Friday, September 24, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Elite 8 Series

Ruthlandian Union

Abromowitz Blitzes Rattlers, Sligo Evens Series
It's all even at two games apiece in the RU Elite 8 between Sligo and Sugar Valley... the Rovers rode Luka Abromowitz's 3-hit pitching to a 2-0 victory over the Rattlers at Farmers Memorial Park in Sugar Valley... Abromowitz fanned 6 batters and issued 3 walks... it was a scoreless duel until Sligo broke the ice with single runs in the final two frames... 3B Manny Alou (.235) homered in the eighth and CF Chris Michel's (.353) sacrfice fly accounted for the other one in the ninth... Benny McConnell (1-1 0.50) went the distance in defeat, allowing only 2 runs on 10 hits with 6 Ks and a walk.

Stearns Stops Ancona, Cybercats Tie Series
Grand City's 38-year-old lefty Jimbo Stearns won the most important game of his career with a 4-2 triumph over Ancona at home at Syntergy Park to tie up the RU Elite 8 Series at two games each... a 16-year veteran, Stearns fired a 3-hitter, struck out 6 and walked 2 and beat Ancona's ace Clete Dukas... the Cybercats got to Dukas (1-1 3.57) for 12 hits, but stranded 12 baserunners... Dukas walked 5 and fanned 5 in the loss... Cybercat CF Lee Barrett (.375) led the way with 3 hits and 2 RBIs... Barrett homered in the second frame, where Grand City went up 4-1... it was Barrett's third homer in the series... the Red Elephants only runs came on solo homers by 3B Todd Nasso (.267) in the second and 1B Alekos Kotas (.333) in the seventh.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Friday, September 24, 2021

Around the Town in the IPA

Arroyo Grande Suns

Owner: Capet Manor Vineyards, Abelard Capet, President and CEO

GM: Jean-Luc Marchand
Manager: Cyclone Cobb

Arroyo Grande is a coastal town of 72,000 located on Arvonian Island, which is south of the main island that composes Tycobbia and Ruthlandia. Arvonian Island is politically part of Tycobbia.

When the first Portuguese sailors and settlers arrived to the region, they discovered a native people already there, who called themselves the Islans (Iz-lons) and spoke their own language, Islandean (Iz-lon-dee-an). The name of the town is from the Portuguese language and translates into English as "Magnificient Spring".

As you might expect from the name, there is a stunning hot spring located in the town, with several tributaries appearing on the outskirts that provide the fountain for the many bath houses that are a major component of the town's tourism industry. Indeed, as the famous Tycobbian author Nicholas Appleby wrote upon visiting the main spring, "I stepped into those steaming, blissful waters and knew then that heaven exists not in the remote sky, but in the town of Arroyo Grande."

Another critical component to the economy is Capet Manor, a massive fruit farm and vineyard operation on the outskirts of town. Makers of the famed Capet Manor wines and juices, the estate has been owned by the Capet family since the early 1900s. They claim to be able to trace their lineage all the way back to the Capet dynasty of French kings. Abelard Capet is the current owner of both the Manor and the Arroyo Grande Suns.

It is almost a requirement that residents be multi-lingual. English, Islandean, French and Portugese are heard on the busy streets of Arroyo Grande. Arroyo Grande University, a private four-year college of 4,500 students, further affirms this, with their specialities in languages, literature, history, drama, and dance.

This lovely coastal town has more to offer than just academia, hot springs and something to drink. The white sand beaches are a delight to sunbathe on with the wonderful Southern Sea just a few steps away for swimming and boating. In the town itself, theatres and moviehouses abound, offering plays, ballets and movies ranging from the latest blockbuster hits to one of the fine independent films from Arroyo Grande's small, but high quality cadre of independent filmmakers.

And of course there are the Arroyo Grande Suns. The team plays in Capet Park, a grass field stadium that has one of the most beautiful backdrops in all of the Islands. In the distance are the sky-blue waters of the Southern Sea. Multitudes of gorgeous palm trees line the pretty boulevards and streets of the town.

An upper deck level that sits out in center field directly beneath the scoreboard is nicknamed the Sunspot and it's home to the most diehard Suns fans, who paint their faces orange and yellow, the team's colors, roaring and beating on their drums in celebration whenever there's a home team home run or rally.

The food at the stadium is a mixture of traditional ballpark fare and food unique to Arroyo Grande, such as native Islan dishes that include the popular rissora, a curry rice that washes down well with your favorite Capet Manor drink.

The Arroyo Grande Suns are skippered by Cyclone Cobb, who was quite a speedster in his 15 seasons in the IPA... Cobb stole 689 bases and batted a respectable .278, while playing for San Dimas, Bay St. Clair, Arroyo Grande and Glasco. The general manager Jean-Luc Marchand was jouneyman catcher in the Arvonian industrial leagues, who became an outstanding manager after his playing days. Marchand also ran the Arroyo Grande University sports program as the athletic director and baseball coach.

Capet Stadium

Capacity: 9,849

Dimensions:

LF Line 340
LF 355
LCF 375
CF 400
RCF 375
RF 355
RF Line 340

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Friday, September 24, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Elite 8 Series

Tycobbian Union

Rascals Shock Suns, Up 3-1 In Series
The Arroyo Grande Suns are rated one of the favorites to win the Pro Cup this season, while the White River Rascals are supposed to just roll and and play dead for them - but it ain't happening... Arroyo Grande is seeded number two in the Pro Cup playoffs and White River is the eighth seed... in game five at White River Stadium, the Rascals polished the Suns off 4-2 to take a huge three games to one lead in the best-of-seven TU Elite 8 Series... one more win and the unheralded Rascals will advance to the TU Final 4 and Arroyo Grande will go home for the winter in a big surprise... Ron Hendrix, the first game winner, did it again, hurling another fine game... Hendrix (2-0 2.12) worked 8 innings, permitted only 2 runs and 7 hits with 4 walks and 7 strikeouts... Arnie Montel saved it for Hendrix with a runless ninth... it was Montel's second save in the postseason... Trailing 2-1 in the last of the eighth, White River smacked Sixto Zamora for 3 runs to win it... PH Clive Farnham tied the score with a single and RF Hal Littleton won it with a two-run triple... C Gary Troxell (.333) had given the Suns a 2-0 lead in the opening frame with a homer... but Zamora couldn't stave off the Rascals... Zamora (0-1 2.65) surrendered 4 runs on 9 hits, struck out 4 and walked 2 in a complete-game outing.

Nats Power Past Bucs 6-3 in Game 4
3 homers, 15 hits and fine pitching gave Ozarka a 6-3 triumph over Bay St. Clair in game four of the Tycobbian Elite 8 Series... both clubs now have won 2 games each... on the road at Shoreline Park, the powerful Naturals got a strong complete-game performance from 37-year-old Yuka Nawajuk (1-0 2.00), who yielded only 3 runs on 9 hits, struck out 7 and allowed only 2 bases on balls... Bobby Joe Belvin (1-1 3.38) didn't have his good stuff today... Belvin was tagged for 5 runs and 11 hits... he fanned 6 and walked one in his 7 innings... 3B Andre Dumas (.222) clubbed 2 out of the park, scored twice, had 3 hits and 3 runs batted in to led the winners... it was his 3rd roundtripper and 8th RBI in the series...CF Ryoma Nakayama (.417) also homered, had 2 hits and scored twice... Ozarka jumped off to a 3-1 lead after 3 innings and built it up to 6-1 in the top of the eighth... the top Buccaneer bat was C Teddy Fraser (.308) with 2 hits and 2 RBIs, including a solo homer.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Saturday, September 25, 2021

Around the Town in the IPA

OZARKA NATURALS

Owner: J. R. Ewing
GM/Manager: Joe Mac Carney

Ozarka, a Silver Mountains resort town of 73,000, is located in south central Tycobbia and near the Caledonia River, which flows southward through Hillsboro, then westward and comes to an end at Turon on the southwest coast. Nestled among scenic forests and outdoor hot springs, Ozarka is host to tourists who come for snow skiing during the winter and boating, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking and hunting the rest of the year. Big time developers have made this a mecca for the rich and famous with luxury hotels and nightclubs that attend to every possible need: hot spring spas and bathhouses, superstar entertainers, magnificent golf courses, gourmet food, art galleries and gift shops. Ozarka is a retirement center, too.

It is also home to the Ozarka Naturals. J. R. Ewing’s father, Jock Ewing, got tired of the incessant sibling quarrels over the operation of the family-owned Waleska Westerners in the Ruthlandian Amateur Association, so he bought the battling brothers and club vice-presidents, J. R. and Bobby, their own teams in the IPA. Bobby owns the South Fork Stallions and J. R. has Ozarka, where he is a prime real estate developer. Bobby named his brand new stadium after his dad. Not to be outdone, J. R. named his brand new stadium after his mom, Miss Ellie. So the sibling rivalry continues on and off the field. Ellie Ewing Stadium is one of the few parks in baseball that still has a live organ player at each game, which adds a nice nostalgic touch, especially during the seventh inning stretch. Marston, Kenwood and Hillsboro are the other teams that feature a live organist. And at the concessions stands is a succulent gourmet buffet fit for the rich and famous. You will also find all of the traditional baseball fare at a Naturals game.

J. R. Ewing spares no expense when it comes to impressing people and paying his ballplayers. He likes to get his way. He even got the all-time winningest manager in company league history to come out of retirement and take over his team. Joe Mac Carney is now the GM and Manager of the Naturals. And he is very well paid, too.

Ellie Ewing Stadium (2001)

Capacity: 11,750

Dimensions:
LF Line 350
LF 370
LCF 390
CF 375
RCF 390
RF 370
RF Line 350

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Saturday, September 25, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Elite 8 Series

Ruthlandian Union

Rovers Tame Rattlers 7-5, Up By Game
The Sligo Rovers were outhit, but not outscored... they tamed the Sugar Valley Rattlers 7-5 in game five of the RU Elite 8 to take a 3-2 edge in games... the Rattlers lashed out 12 hits to 9 for Sligo, but the Rovers got them when it counted... they leaped out to a 5-0 lead in the second inning and then fought off the Rattlers for the victory... light-hitting 2B Akihiro Kato (.167) had the game of a lifetime with 6 RBIs... Kato clubbed a grand slam in the second frame, had a sac fly in the sixth and an RBI single in the eighth... Sligo built up a 6-1 margin after 6 innings and managed to hold off Sugar Valley, but the Rattlers made it close with 3 in the seventh and one in the ninth... 2B Glenn Christian (.304) paced Sugar Valley with a double and a home rum, while 1B Ralph Cole rapped 3 hits and batted in a run... Les Patterson (1-1 3.38) was the winning pitcher with help from closer Lenny Ciaccio... Patterson allowed 9 hits and 4 runs, but only 2 were earned... Patterson struck out 7 and gave up 2 bases on balls... Ciaccio got a shaky save and was peppered for 3 hits and a run in the ninth... Rattler starter Nick Moore (1-1 3.12) exited early and took the loss... Moore was ripped for 5 runs in the second.

Cybercats Trim Ancona 3-2, Lead Series
Grand City won the battle of the home runs at Syntergy Park to trim favored Ancona 3-2 in game five, giving the Cybercats a one-game lead over the Red Elephants in the Ruthlandian Union Elite 8 Series... all the scoring came early with CF Lee Barrett (.368) and 3B Jug Slavin (.316) going deep in the opening frame to put Grand City up 2-0... 2B Jim Mellencamp (.190) made it 3-0 in the second with an RBI single... Ancona got all of its runs in the third on LF Kenny Willard's (.222) roundtripper... Barrett now has 4 home runs in the series, while it was Slavin's second... Clint Brewer (2-0 4.15) registered the victory as he allowed only 2 runs and 6 hits in 6 strong innings with 3 walks and 6 Ks... Bud Garner went all the way in the loss, permitting 9 hits and 3 runs... Ralph Teague closed it out with a scoreless ninth for his second save of the playoffs... the Cyberbats has 9 hits to 7 for the Red Elephants.

Tycobbian Union

Rascals Upset Suns, Advance To TU Final 4
8th-seeded White River apparently didn't pay much attention to the Arroyo Grande Suns press clippings... the underdog Rascals got tremendous pitching and eliminated the 4th-seeded Suns in five games, holding them to 3 runs or less in each game... Joe Hudson and two relievers did away with Arroyo Grande today at White River Stadium... Hudson sparkled with 7 good innings, where he stopped the Suns on 2 runs and 8 hits with 3 strikeouts and no walks... Scott Little retired all 3 batters in the eighth and Arnie Montel got his third save of the series with a perfect ninth... Earl O'Reilly (1-1 2.08) suffered the defeat, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits in 6 innings... the Rascals got all three runs on homers by CF Jake Doerr (.250) in the first, 1B Marty Blake (.350) in the third and 2B Vinny Uhrich (.294) in the fourth... C Gary Troxell (.316) blasted one for the Suns in the 4th... Arroyo Grande got it final score in the seventh, when LF Eduardo Villanueva (.300) hit into a double play and scored 2B Phil Alston (.188) from third... both clubs managed 8 hits each... upstart White River will now advance to Tycobbian Union championship in the Final 4, playing the Ozarka-Bay St. Clair winner.

Nats Rout Bucs 7-1 On Rousseau 2 HRs
Going into game 5 at Shoreline Park in Bay St. Clair, the Ozarka Naturals and the hometown Buccaneers were deadlocked with two wins each... this time around Ozarka used its firepower to prevail 7-1 in a romp and go ahead three games to two in the TU Elite 8... the Nats gifted 1B Benny Rousseau (.300) slammed two 3-run homers to spark the win and pitcher Benny Osterman (1-1 3.86) tossed a fine game, too... Osterman stopped the Bucs on 6 hits and 1 run with 4 strikeouts and 3 walks... the Naturals racked up 11 hits off three pitchers with the defeat going to starter Don Yaden (0-1 12.19).

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Sunday, September 26, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Elite 8 Series

Ruthlandian Union

Sligo Stuns Rattlers, Wins Series
In a stunning comeback, Sligo rallied to defeat Sugar Valley 7-6 in game six of the RU Elite 8 Series and knocked the Rattlers out of the Pro Cup playoffs... back-to-back eighth-inning homers by CF Chris Michel (.333) and RF Clell Renshaw (.280) put the Rovers over the top and into the Ruthlandian Union Final 4 against the victor between the Grand City Cybercats and the Ancona Red Elephants.

Sugar Valley started off like a ball of fire in game six, running up a 6-0 lead after 6 innings behind Harry Diefendorf, who had a no-hitter up to that point, but the Rattlers soon flamed out and the Rovers put 5 big ones on the scoreboard in the last of the seventh, highlighted by C Sherman Albert's 3-run blast and 3B Matty Alou 2-run shot... two more solo clouts in the decisive eighth eliminated Sugar Valley from the playoffs... 3 Rover relievers shut down the Rattlers on no runs and 1 hit over the last 4 and two-thirds innings with the win going to Lenny Ciaccio (1-0 2.25) and the save to Joey Kasat... the Rattlers had the advantage in hits 9 to 8 and were led by 2B Glenn Christian (.346) with 2 hits and 3 RBIs... 1B Ralph Cole (.364) chipped in a home run for the losers... Diefendorf (0-1 7.24) caught the loss, yielding 7 runs in 7 innings, but striking out 8 and walking one.

Ancona Powers By Cybercats 6-2, Series Tied
Ancona walloped four out of the park in the first two innings to power past Grand City and tie up the RU Elite 8 Series at three games apiece... in game six the Red Elephants dumped the Cybercats 6-2... CF Ken Rutledge (.273) smashed a 3-run homer, 1B Alekos Kotas (.435) drilled 2 solo shots and 3B Todd Nasso (.227) belted another one-run blast... Kotas has slammed 5 roundtrippers in the series... Grand City only hit one homer... that was by SS Jimmy Swain (.667)... in all Ancona collected 11 hits today... Nikon Maragos (2-0 1.00) came up with a big effort, stopping the Cybercats on six hits with 3 Ks and a walk... Maragos also won game three with a shutout.... Brent Sturgis (0-2 6.55) was the losing pitcher, surrendering 6 hits and all 4 runs in two innings... game seven is set for tomorrow afternoon at Jay Loman Park in Ancona.

Tycobbian Union

Bucs Nip Nats 3-2 In 11, Force Game 7
It don't get any better than this... two talented teams going toe-to-toe for 11 magnificent innings in a Pro Cup playoff game... but sadly only one of them could win... Bay St. Clair prevailed 3-2 over Ozarka in game six and evened the best-of-seven series at three games each. Starters Marty Elenbaas for the Buccaneers and Howard Hutch for the Nats both worked 10 innings... Hutch fanned 12 and gave up 6 hits, while the winner Elenbaas (2-0 2.00) allowed just 5 hits, struck out 3 and walked 3... Benton O'Brian came on in relief in the 12th and sealed the victory for Elenbaas by retiring 3 straight batters... Bay St. Clair got the winning run off of losing pitcher Josh Carpenter (0-1 4.50), who took a hard-luck loss on an unearned run... PH Thomas Knowles walked to lead off the 12th and was replaced with a pinchrunner Ben North, who moved up on a sacrifice... a ground-out put North on third, where he easily came home on a passed ball by catcher T. C. Baranski.

The clubs will battle again in game 7 tomorrow afternoon at Ellie Ewing Stadium in Ozarka... the winner will move on to the TU Final 4 against White River, who surprisingly upset the favored Arroyo Grande Suns in 5 games.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Monday, September 27, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Elite 8 Series

Ruthlandian Union

GC Cybercats Crush Ancona 12-3, In RU Final
The Grand City Cybercats played a marvelous game and crushed the favored Ancona Red Elephants 12-3 with a 14-hit barrage and a solid outing by Jimbo Stearns on the mound to take the RU Elite 8 Series in seven games... in the crucial finale, Stearns humbled Ancona on 8 hits and 3 runs, only one of them earned... Stearns had plenty of run support, led by CF Lee Barrett (.393) with 4-for-5, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored and 3B Jug Slavin (.276) with a pair of hits, 4 runs batted in and 2 runs... Grand City quickly put the Red Elephants away with a 5-run fourth... that made it 8-2... the Cybercats cinched it with 4 more scores in the seventh... Ancona ace Clete Dukas took it on the chin and was ripped for 8 runs in 3+ innings, 4 of them unearned... Grand City now takes on mighty Sligo Rovers in the Ruthlandian Final 4 beginning on Wednesday... the Rovers won 100 games in the regular season and are the favorite to win the league crown and possibly even the IPA Pro Cup... Sligo is seeded second in the Pro Cup playoffs, while the Cybercats were rated seventh in the rankings.

Tycobbian Union

Roberts Hurls Nats Into TU Final 4
Not much of a contest in the Tycobbian Elite 8, either... 32-year-old Eddie Roberts made sure of that with a brilliant 7-0 shutout... Roberts shackled Bay St. Clair on 3 hits, fanned 7 and walked none in a splendid performance... Roberts is usually at his best in the postseason and has posted an impressive 18-6 record lifetime in Pro Cup action... 1B Benny Rousseau (.276) and 2B Teddy Tate (.286) topped the offense with homers... both Rousseau and Tate had 2 hits, 2 RBIs and scored twice... it was Rousseau's 3rd homer in the series... LF Jose Ordonez (.238) also batted in 2 runs for the winners... Bobby Joe Belvin (1-2 3.91) was the loser... he tossed 7 innings and was touched for 4 runs and 8 hits with 5 strikeouts and a walk... Top-seeded Ozarka will contend with heavy underdog White River in the Tycobbian Final 4... the Rascals were ranked the least likely to win the Pro Cup... they were seeded 8th in the ratings... The Final 4 will start Wednesday.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

RU And TU Final 4 Start Tomorrow
The IPA Pro Cup playoffs are now down to four teams with Sligo and Grand City tangling for the Ruthlandian crown and Ozarka and White River meeting to decide the Tycobbian title. Both Final 4 Series get underway tomorrow afternoon in Sligo and Ozarka. The winners will meet for the Islands championship. The Sligo Rovers and the Ozarka Naturals are heavily favored to take its respective league. Ozarka was seeded first when the Pro Cup playoffs began with Sligo ranked number two. Neither Grand City, nor White River were expected to get past the Elite 8 round. The Cybercats were the seventh seed and the Rascals were rated the eighth seed. Last year's IPA Pro Cup champion Crystal Lake did not make the playoffs this year as they wound up third in the division. Grand City won the pennant in that division this season.

The Ozarka Naturals (106-48) had the best record in the IPA this season, while Sligo (100-54) had the second-best mark. Grand City (90-64) and White River (81-73) won the fewest number of games among the division winners. The Nats and Rovers appear to be big favorites in the Final 4 Series, but that is not the way it always plays out. Crystal Lake was only ranked sixth last season in the playoffs, but they surprised everyone and took the Pro Cup trophy anyway, topping Ozarka in the finals.

Best Team Record: Ozarka (106-78)
Best Team BA: Ozarka (.285)
Most HR: White River (163)
Most Runs: Ozarka (815)
Best Team ERA: Sligo (2.90)
Best Starters ERA: Sligo (2.86)
Best Bullpen ERA: Sligo (3.33)
Best Team Defense: Grand City and Ozarka (.976 FA)

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Final 4 Series

Ruthlandian Union

Cybercats Rock Rovers 10-6 In Opener
The heavily-favored Sligo Rovers erupted for 4 runs in the fourth inning at Silver Mountain Park and looked well on the way to a victory in game one of the Ruthlandian Union Final 4 Series, but it didn't end that way, Grand City exploded for 9 runs in the top of the fifth and went on to whip the Rovers 10-6... the Cybercats piled up 14 hits and were paced by pitcher Jimbo Stearns (.273) with 2 hits and 3 RBIs, RF Nick Baldini (.367) with 2 hits and 2 RBIs and 1B Steve Reese (.118) with 2 RBIs... SS Jimmy Swain (.522) also had 2 hits and scored twice, 3B Jug Slavin (.313) collected 2 hits, scored 2 runs and drove in one and LF Gene Bridges (.310) smacked 3 hits and scored a run... Stearns (3-1 3.00) chalked up the victory, but he was hit hard... Stearns worked 7 frames, allowed 7 hits and 6 runs... relievers Paul McBride and Ralph Teague finished up for him and blanked Sligo over the last two innings... This was Teague's 3rd save in the playoffs... Les Patterson (1-2 3.05) suffered the loss and was knocked out in the fourth after yielding 8 runs, but only one was earned... the Rovers showed some offense with 4 homers, 2 by C Sherman Albert (.250) and one each by 1B Johnny Lee Harder (.345) and SS Vic Carlin (.407)... Carlin led the Rovers with 3 hits.

Tycobbian Union

Rascals Rip Nats 7-3 In Game 1
It was the day of the underdogs in the Pro Cup playoffs... playing out-of-town White River got the best of mighty Ozarka 7-3 at Ellie Ewing Stadium and got one leg up in the best-of-seven Tycobbian Union Final 4... the Rascals ripped 10 hits and a pair of roundtrippers and were sparked by 1B Marty Blake (.360) with a homer, a double and 3 RBIs and by SS Kenny Young (.250) with a homer, a single, 2 runs and an RBI... 3B Ken Mathers (.333) also chipped in with 2 runs batted in... Ron Hendrix (3-0 2.42) continued on a great postseason roll with his 3rd win... Hendrix held powerful Ozarka to 3 runs on 9 hits, fanned 4 and walked 3... Nats super ace Benny Osterman (1-2 5.11) was pounded hard for 7 runs and 10 hits before calling it a day in the ninth... Osterman managed to keep it close until the Rascals expanded the lead from 5-3 to 7-3 in the top of the ninth... Nats SS James Couch (.375) laced 3 hits in defeat and RF Ken Mayberry (.375) and CF Ryoma Nakayama (.346) added 2 hits apiece.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Thursday, September 30, 2021

2021 IPA Pro Cup Playoffs - Final 4 Series

Ruthlandian Union

GC Grabs Game 2, Edges Sligo 7-6 in 11
Same song, verse two... for the second day in a row, Sligo jumped off to a 4-0 lead after 3 innings, but then Grand City busted loose with a 5-run fourth en route to a 7-6 eleven-inning triumph over the Rovers... the extra-inning win gave the surprising Cybercats a 2-0 lead in the RU Final 4... CF Lee Barrett (.333) was again the hero for Grand City when he boomed a double to drive in the winning run... Barrett has 12 RBIs in postseason play... earlier in the game Barrett hit his 5th playoff homer in the fourth inning... RF Nick Baldini (.371) and C Woodrow Mason (.324) also had solo homers... Sligo 3B Manny Alou (.273) led his team with a home run and 3 RBIs... it was Alou's 3rd playoff blast... LF Biff Blauer (.200) also hit one out, had 3 hits, drove in 2 and scored 2... Ralph Teague (1-0 0.00) got credit for the win, although he failed to protect a 6-5 lead in the ninth... Teague worked 2 inning and gave up one unearned run... Paul McBride got his first playoff save this year with a scoreless eleventh... Rover closer Lenny Ciaccio (1-1 3.00) caught the loss... he came on in the 10th inning.

Tycobbian Union

WR Topples Ozarka Again 8-6
Not much is going according to form in this year's Final 4s... White River was not expected to pose much of a threat to Pro Cup favorite Ozarka in the TU Final 4, however the aroused Rascals have bolted to a 2-0 lead in the first two games of the series... White River's pitcher Joe Hudson (.333) had a day he will never forget... Hudson had 3 hits and 5 RBIs, including a bases-clearing game-winning double in the sixth that snapped a 5-5 tie... Hudson also picked up the win, going a rocky 8 and two-thirds innings, allowing 6 runs on 12 hits... Arnie Montel claimed his 4th save of the postseason when he came in to get the final out of the game after Hudson struggled in the ninth... 1B Marty Blake (.367) of the Rascals had 2 hits and drove in 2 runs with a double... top bats for the Nats were 3B Andre Dumas (.225), who got his 4th homer in the postseason and drove in runs 11 and 12... RF Ken Mayberry (.405) rapped 3 hits, scored twice and drove in a run... 1B Benny Rousseau (.270) batted in a pair of runs with 2 hits... Ozarka had the edge in hits with 12... White River cracked 11... reliever Wayne Gates (1-1 3.38) suffered the loss... he was victimized by the sixth-inning uprising... Gates permitted 3 runs and 4 hits in 4 innings with 4 Ks.