The Outpost League - Page 2

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 06:39 AM

Bay League Opens Its First Season
Outpost News Service

The Bay League welcomed fans in three cities to its inaugural opening day contests. While there remain many questions about whether this venture will prove successful, on the first day of the season fans appeared to enjoy having the diversion of a ballgame available to them. Despite simple diamonds in city parks quickly pressed into action for the festivities, residents of Tifton, Deepvale and Allison filled the stands to watch their local ballclubs take the field.

"Sure, it's just a game, but it's a good way to spend a couple hours and it reminds me of home. I think it's a great idea," said Allison resident Charlie Fox as he left Hillside Park for the Spelunkers' first game against the visiting Lorris Greens. The Allison home crowd left disappointed in the final outcome, as the Greens took a 7-3 decision, but most of the departing observers seemed to have a good time.

Deepvale's Two Rivers Park hosted the most exciting of the three opening contests, with an extra-inning affair that was knotted at 2 runs apiece going into the twelfth inning. Silver Beach's Hawkeye Odle and Deepvale's Clayton Howard matched each other for 8 innings, with both pitchers bending but never breaking. It wasn't until the third extra frame that the batters finally got going, as the Whales worked Deepvale reliever Chris Henderson for 4 hits and a walk and capitalized on Ferrymen shortstop Orlando Stone's error to push five runs across in the top half. The Ferrymen didn't go quietly, getting a 2-run homer from left fielder Mario Goodwin in a 3-run inning, but the home team couldn't quite make it all the way back.

The Tifton Generals played host to the Elliott Springs Tornadoes in the third game of the day, and knocked Tornadoes starter Eddie Hope around for 10 runs in his 7 innings of work, including a 7th-inning grand slam by Moses Nabors. Bay League and Generals founder John Baxter was pleased at the end of the day with the turnout. "It's really more than we could expect. There wasn't a lot of time to do a lot of publicity for the league, but fans showed up in terrific numbers anyway," Baxter said. "We're not declaring success yet by any means, as there's still a long way to go in the season, but this was a big first hurdle to get over."

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 06:40 AM

May 1, 2014

Bay League Standings

Code:

Team              W   L   Pct   GB   Stk   L10
Lorris            4   2  .667    -    L1   4-2
Silver Beach      4   2  .667    -    W1   4-2
Gentry Hills      3   2  .600   .5    L1   3-2
Tifton            3   2  .600   .5    W2   3-2
Deepvale          3   3  .500  1.0    L1   3-3
Allison           3   4  .429  1.5    W2   3-4
Elliott Springs   2   4  .333  2.0    L1   2-4
Marsein           1   4  .200  2.5    L3   1-4

League News

Shutouts weren't uncommon in the first month. Isaac Hicks (MAR) tossed a 2-hit shutout in his first start, locking down the Gentry Hills Scouts on 108 pitches. Hawkeye Odle (SIL) shut down the Tifton Generals in a 1-hit shutout, striking out 9 and walking 3. Broderick Earl (GEN) joined the club with a 3-hit, 9-strikeout gem and was named the first Bay League pitcher of the month for his efforts, allowing just 2 earned runs in 3 starts and striking out 28.

The budding debate over the top first baseman in the Bay League had plenty of fodder in the first month, as both Ace Gervin (DPV) and Riyad Gomes (ESP) hit 2 homers in a game. After going hitless in his first game, Gervin is hitting .619, while Gomes is struggling a bit more but still hitting .300 with 5 walks and slugging .650.

League Leaders

Code:

Batting Average                Stolen Bases
H. Gervin (DPV)       .619     A. Strong (ALL)          2
J. Whitmore (LOR)     .423     C. Rock (LOR)            2
R. Harrington (GEN)   .353     R. Isenhour (MAR)        2

OPS                            ERA
H. Gervin (DPV)      1.751     B. Earl (GEN)         0.73
M. Copeland (TIF)    1.165     D. Phillips (LOR)     2.08
J. Brown (ESP)       1.137     D. Odle (SIL)         2.16
 
Home Runs                      Wins
J. Brown (ESP)           3     D. Phillips (LOR)        3
6 Tied With              2     4 Tied With              2

RBI                            Strikeouts
R. Lockwood (DPV)        8     B. Earl (GEN)           28
J. Whitmore (LOR)        7     C. Howard (DPV)         27
R. Gomes (ESP)           7     M. Hawkins (TIF)        26

Runs Scored
H. Gervin (DPV)          6
T. Smith (LOR)           6
J. Walton (SIL)          6

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 06:41 AM

A Conversation Between Colleagues

"They're already talking about kicking us out of the league, John. I know we're only here because you pulled strings for me, but the others still aren't happy about having to travel all the way out here for games. They're just looking for an excuse to give a team to someone closer in."

"Carroll, it's been a week. Have patience." John Baxter leaned back in his chair. The reception on the videophone was spotty at best, and Marsein was indeed a long way away for a telecommunications system that was held together, figuratively, by duct tape and twine, but he still kept his annoyance from his face. He needed Eichhorn on board if the Bay League was going to get anywhere someday.

The screen filled with static, and only the voice transmission came through. "If we play .200 ball all season, I can't say that I won't agree with the others. It's a lot of expense for us as well. The other teams only come here a couple of times. We have to travel every time we leave Marsein."

Baxter ran his hands through his thinning black hair. "Am I not giving you enough to make your travel expenses palatable, Carroll? If you want out, get out now. It's costing me money to keep you around, but if you're having second thoughts, then we need to come up with a different plan."

The video transmission cleared for a moment, showing Eichhorn quickly shaking his head. "No, no, John. It's going to be fine, you're right. DeGray and Isenhour are going to start hitting and we'll win some ballgames. Forget I said anything."

Baxter had to keep from laughing. He needed Eichhorn, but the chances of Eichhorn growing a spine any time in the next five years were miniscule. And that meant Eichhorn needed him, and his money. It was all much too easy.

"I've already forgotten, Carroll. My best to Marie and your kids."

"I'll be sure and pass that on to her, John."

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 06:41 AM

May 16, 2014

Bay League Standings

Code:

Team              W   L   Pct   GB   Stk   L10
Lorris            9   2  .818    -    W5   9-2
Silver Beach      7   3  .700  1.5    W1   7-3
Gentry Hills      6   5  .545  3.0    L2   5-5
Allison           5   6  .455  4.0    L2   5-5
Deepvale          5   6  .455  4.0    W1   5-5
Elliott Springs   5   6  .455  4.0    W3   5-5
Tifton            4   6  .400  4.5    W1   4-6
Marsein           2   9  .182  7.0    L3   2-8

League News

The Lorris Greens are the early leaders in the Bay League standings. With only 70 games on the schedule, there's not a lot of time to make up large deficits in the standings and a 7-game win streak covers a tenth of the season. The Greens are partway there, with a 5-game stretch to their credit. Ace pitcher Dennis Phillips is proving to be the star of the team so far, going 5-0, 1.98 with more than a strikeout an inning to his credit. With so many off-days, a team's top pitchers get a lot of rest and can start more often, putting the teams with lesser lights atop the rotation at something of a disadvantage. The last place Marsein Knights are finding that out, to their dismay. Of course, the Knights aren't hitting either, so they're doubly at a disadvantage.

Ace Gervin is still the hitting star of the league, holding his own against the top pitchers with his dominating brand of offensive ball: he's hitting .500, he's drawn 9 walks in 45 plate appearances, and he hits just about everything hard. Maybe the biggest reason the Lorris Greens are in first? They managed to hold Gervin hitless in 7 at-bats in their recent 2-game meeting.

League Leaders

Code:

Batting Average                Stolen Bases
H. Gervin (DPV)       .500     A. Strong (ALL)          4
T. King (LOR)         .353     C. Rock (LOR)            3
J. Walton (SIL)       .348     T. Smith (LOR)           3
                               R. Isenhour (MAR)        3

OPS                            ERA
H. Gervin (DPV)      1.478     H. Turner (GEN)       1.32
J. Brown (ESP)       1.189     D. Odle (SIL)         1.88
C. Rock (LOR)        1.012     D. Phillips (LOR)     1.98
 
Home Runs                      Wins
J. Brown (ESP)           6     D. Phillips (LOR)        5
A. Strong (ALL)          3     D. Odle (SIL)            4
H. Gervin (DPV)          3     4 Tied With              3
C. Chadwick (SIL)        3
                               Strikeouts
RBI                            B. Earl (GEN)           54
J. Brown (ESP)          13     D. Phillips (LOR)       54
R. Gomes (ESP)          11     M. Hawkins (TIF)        49
J. Whitmore (LOR)        9     
R. Lockwood (DPV)        9

Runs Scored
T. Smith (LOR)          11
H. Gervin (DPV)         10
J. Walton (SIL)         10

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 07:24 AM

Linda Hooks sat at the kitchen table. The local substitute for coffee grew cold in the hand-thrown clay mug at her hand. She'd been here in the Outposts nearly since the beginning, nearly 15 years. And every day of those 15 years, she choked down a cup of this stuff, and every day she craved a cup of real coffee. Especially today. Of all days.

"Why, Darrell? I don't care if it's Silver Beach or the damn Sisters, we need you here. The boys and I... we're doing everything we can to keep the house standing, and now you're going to be gone for a month?"

Darrell Hooks put his face in his hands. "Linda... we met at a ballgame. You know how hard it was for me to leave the game. After I stopped playing, you kept trying to get me to just start watching games again."

"That was back home, Darrell. That was 15 years ago. You're 38 years old now. Don't you think the time to play baseball is past?" Linda wrapped both her hands around the mug, though by now it had gone cold. The stove was acting up again, so you could only get things so hot before you started worrying about the house burning down. Everything acted up around here. If you had any skill at repairing machinery, you were treated like royalty in the Outposts.

"It's my last chance, Linda. It's just one year. Even if this whole thing lasts to a second season, I'm not coming back. And they're paying me on top of what I'm earning at home. We'll end up better off."

Linda stood up and walked to the window. "I hope we make it there," she murmured.

"What did you say?"

She turned back around. "I know, Darrell. Just... please be careful. A month is a long time."

Darrell crossed the kitchen and put his arms around his wife's waist. "Of course. As careful as I possibly can, you know that."

Linda leaned her head against his chest. "I know."

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 07:25 AM

May 16, 2014

Bay League Standings

Code:

Team              W   L   Pct   GB   Stk   L10
Lorris           12   6  .667    -    L3   6-4
Silver Beach     11   6  .647  0.5    W1   6-4
Gentry Hills      9   8  .529  2.5    L2   5-5
Tifton            9   8  .529  2.5    W2   6-4
Elliott Springs   8  10  .444  4.0    L1   6-4
Allison           7  10  .412  4.5    L1   4-6
Deepvale          7  11  .389  5.0    W1   3-7
Marsein           7  11  .389  5.0    W4   5-5

League News

The Bay League standings have tightened up, with Lorris finally hitting a stumbling block at home versus an unlikely opponent: the bottom-dwelling Marsein Knights. The first two games of the series were classics, 1-run extra-inning affairs. Both games were won by the Knights on the first career homers for Drew Long and Sterling Caldbeck. The Knights now own a 4-game win streak to climb back into respectability, while the Greens' 3-game skid has them just a half-game up on the Silver Beach Whales.

The Greens, however, have the consensus top pitcher in the league in Dennis Phillips. He's 7-0 this season with a 1.66 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 76 innings. Ace Gervin is still the man at the plate, leading the Bay League with a .443 average. There doesn't seem to be any stopping him, unless you're the Greens: he's just 1-15 against Lorris pitching. Maybe good pitching really does beat good hitting? We shouldn't discount Elliott Springs rightfielder Jared Brown, though. One of the most unlikely power hitters you'll ever see, the 6'6", 190 lb. Brown leads the league in homers with 7 and RBI with 15. If he were hitting a little better than .270, he'd be annihilating the league.

Deepvale's Clayton Howard became an unfortunate footnote to Bay League history on May 20th when he left his start against Lorris in the 3rd inning complaining of shoulder pain. Later examinations showed that he'd suffered a torn rotator cuff. Howard, 29, will miss the rest of the season. His future is somewhat in doubt, unless a trip back through the gateway to Earth can be arranged or a competent surgeon can be located.

League Leaders

Code:

Batting Average                Stolen Bases
H. Gervin (DPV)       .443     T. Smith (LOR)           6
C. Johnson (GEN)      .348     R. Isenhour (MAR)        6
J. Sowder (SIL)       .321     C. Rock (LOR)            6
                               
OPS                            ERA
H. Gervin (DPV)      1.323     Q. Stallworth (MAR)   1.00
J. Brown (ESP)       1.068     D. Phillips (LOR)     1.66
C. Johnson (GEN)     1.024     J. Grant (DPV)        2.63
 
Home Runs                      Wins
J. Brown (ESP)           7     D. Phillips (LOR)        7
T. Ellis (GEN)           6     D. Odle (SIL)            5
H. Gervin (DPV)          5     5 Tied With              4
R. Lockwood (DPV)        5
                               Strikeouts
RBI                            M. Hawkins (TIF)        94
J. Brown (ESP)          15     D. Phillips (LOR)       80
5 Tied with             13     B. Earl (GEN)           79     

Runs Scored
H. Gervin (DPV)         15
T. Smith (LOR)          14
J. Brown (ESP)          13

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 07:26 AM

Allison Hills Earthquake Collapses Mine Shaft; 18 Trapped Inside
Outpost News Service

June 9, 2014

An earthquake centered 70 miles southwest of the city of Allison struck the mining community and vicinity just after midday today. A mine shaft owned and maintained by the Hernandez Mining Consortium, whose Outpost headquarters are located in Silver Beach, collapsed as a result of the quake and trapped eighteen men and women behind an impenetrable wall of dirt and rock. Rescue operations are underway to extract the miners, and rescue workers are encouraged by communications with the trapped men and women that indicate all eighteen have thus far suffered only minor injuries. It is not known how difficult or time-consuming the process will be, but Consortium president Michael Hernandez has pledged to spare no expense or effort to save his employees.

This is the third quake in the past year and the most severe, felt as far away as Tifton and Silver Beach, and the mine collapse in the Allison Hills has once more raised questions about safety and the commitment of the mining corporations to protecting their workers. "There have been concerns about the Hernandez operations for months," said local labor leader Tina Omorede. "For a disaster of these proportions to have to occur in order to prove our allegations, it's just tragic." Hernandez Consortium spokesman Adam Richardson said as part of a prepared statement, "The Hernandez Mining Consortium believes very strongly in the safety of its employees. No concerns were registered with our offices prior to the incident, or they would have been acted upon. We are nothing without our employees."

The disaster comes as the town prepares to welcome home its fledgling baseball team, which has been travelling for nearly a month. The Allison Spelunkers have announced that all gate proceeds from their upcoming games against the Marsein Knights will be donated to the rescue effort and the families affected by the quake, and the visiting Knights have pledged to assist in the rebuilding of damaged homes and buildings in the city of Allison. Michael Hernandez, the president of Hernandez Mining Consortium, is currently in Elliott Springs with the Silver Beach Whales, the team he owns in the Bay League, and is collecting donations there as well.

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 07:27 AM

"Whatcha got, Cliffy? Letter from home?"

Cliff Rock plopped down on the visitor's bench at Gentry Field. "Looks like it. Not sure how it found me in Gentry Hills, but there you go."

Andre Jenkins, the backup outfielder for the Lorris Greens, scooted closer on the bench. "From the wife?"

Rock swung his arm and whacked Jenkins in the chest. "And if it is, you're sure as hell not reading a word of it," the star left fielder said with a grin. He turned the envelope over, front to back and back again. "But I don't think it is. Don't recognize the handwriting." He slipped a finger inside the seal and tore it open.

"Jenkins! Get your ass and the rest of you back out here!" That was Jerry Lee, the player-manager and backup backup outfielder.

Jenkins went to the front of the dugout. "What about Rock, skip? Doesn't he have to get back out there too?"

Lee hit a fungo a few feet past Jenkins' ear. The ball hit the back of the dugout and ricocheted back on to the field. Jenkins covered his head and ducked out of the way. "You slug .679 and lead the league in steals, Jenkins, and you can sit on the dugout during practice too. Now get out here!" the manager yelled back.

As Jenkins grabbed his glove from the bench and trotted back out to the field, Cliff took the neatly folded sheet of paper out and opened it up.

Quote:

Mr. Rock,

Just a note of congratulations from your home town on your fine performance in these early months of the season. The Silver Beach community is proud to claim you as one of our own. Should you ever decide that you wish to spend more time in our fine town, please do let one of my people know. Things can be arranged to ensure you spend 35 games a season sleeping in your own bed instead of a kind stranger's.

Very Truly Yours,
Michael Hernandez

He read and re-read the letter, eyebrows furrowed down in confusion. Certainly he knew who Michael Hernandez was. Anyone who lived in Silver Beach more than a couple of weeks knew him. The man as much as owned the whole town, him and his mining and shipping company. And he owned the Silver Beach Whales as well. The Whales, who'd just fallen behind Hernandez's archrivals from Tifton in the standings.

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 07:28 AM

July 1, 2014

Bay League Standings

Code:

Team              W   L   Pct   GB   Stk   L10
Deepvale         17  13  .567    -    W5   8-2
Gentry Hills     17  13  .567    -    W1   6-4
Lorris           17  13  .567    -    L1   5-5
Elliott Springs  16  14  .533  1.0    L2   6-4
Tifton           14  14  .500  2.0    W1   4-6
Silver Beach     14  16  .467  3.0    L4   3-7
Marsein          13  18  .419  4.5    L1   5-5
Allison          11  18  .379  5.5    W2   4-6

League News

In a 70-game season, a 5-game win streak changes your fortunes quickly. When you've got the hottest hitter in the league supporting the month's top pitcher, you can pretty much punch your ticket to the front of the standings. That's what the Deepvale Ferrymen did as the month of June came to a close. Only two hitters in the league are averaging over .300, so you can appreciate even more what Ace Gervin (.433) is doing. The Ferrymen also boast the pitcher of the month in 24-year old Jason Grant, the new league leader in ERA at 1.83, as well as Isaac Black, 6th in the league in ERA at 2.94.

But they have plenty of competition at the top. The Gentry Hills Scouts can thank the superb play of late from Chris Johnson, who has rocketed onto the leaderboards in average, OPS and RBI. The Scouts boast the league's best offense behind Johnson, doing everything but stealing bases. Lorris's Greens are still tied atop the standings, but Cliff Rock's bat has cooled off and Tega Smith, expected to be one of the top hitters in the league, is still hitting just .248. The Greens will need to step up their offensive production to keep their lofty perch.

Let's pause here a moment to give our sympathies to Allison ace Kyle Richardson. The 21-year old phenom has made 13 starts, pitching nearly 90 innings and striking out 98 batters, walking just 29. Opponents hit just .211 off the right-hander, and yet thanks to the anemic 2.3 runs per game the Spelunker bats score for him, Richardson's record is just 2-6. In his last start, he went 8, allowing 4 hits and a walk, striking out 7, but ran up against Elliott Springs ace Eddie Hope, who went him one better. Hope tossed a 3-hit, no-walk, 9 strikeout shutout at the Spelunkers, who then scored 4 runs in their next game, and 8 the game after that. If it weren't for bad luck, Richardson wouldn't have any luck at all.

League Leaders

Code:

Batting Average                Stolen Bases
H. Gervin (DPV)       .433     T. Smith (LOR)          11
C. Johnson (GEN)      .326     R. Isenhour (MAR)        8
R. Isenhour (MAR)     .296     C. Rock (LOR)            8

OPS                            ERA
H. Gervin (DPV)      1.311     J. Grant (DPV)        1.83
J. Brown (ESP)       1.018     Q. Stallworth (MAR)   2.17
C. Johnson (GEN)      .934     C. Bonner (TIF)       2.61
 
Home Runs                      Wins
J. Brown (ESP)          10     D. Phillips (LOR)        8
H. Gervin (DPV)          8     E. Hope (ESP)            7
L. Nielsen (ALL)         7     C. Bonner (TIF)          7
R. Lockwood (DPV)        7     B. Earl (GEN)            7
                               
RBI                            Strikeouts
J. Brown (ESP)          22     M. Hawkins (TIF)       148
L. Nielsen (ALL)        22     B. Earl (GEN)          120
R. Gomes (ESP)          20     D. Odle (SIL)          119
C. Johnson (GEN)        20     D. Phillips (LOR)      116

Runs Scored
H. Gervin (DPV)         24
J. Brown (ESP)          22
T. Smith (LOR)          21

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 07:29 AM

First Annual Midseason Meetings of the Bay League
City of Tifton, The Outposts

John Baxter surveyed the room as the clock struck ten. Each of the team owners had brought entourages, save for Carroll Eichhorn. The man would never learn. He already projected servile weakness, and showing up all by himself to the first gathering of the league since its inception wasn't the way to overcome his image. "Is everyone comfortable? More coffee before we get started?" said Baxter. He had to lift his voice above the general din to be heard.

Benjamin Chin, the Deepvale owner, snorted. "Not if my life depended on it, John. How you can stomach that vile concoction is beyond me."

A chuckle rolled through the room. The poor quality of Outpost coffee was almost cliche by now. "Point taken, Ben. Then let's get started." Baxter settled into his chair at the head of the table. The other seven owners sat at the table as well, while the hangers-on orbited the eight primary figures.

"The health of the league appears strong. We have competition for the top spots, we have good attendance in most towns, and there are extenuating circumstances in those towns that are lagging behind," said Baxter, his hands folded calmly atop the table. The Allison Spelunkers owner, Timothy Martin, inclined his head in recognition of his own team's extenuating circumstances. The Spelunkers closed half their seating for a time due to earthquake damage. "Furthermore," said Baxter, "we have other towns asking whether their local teams can join the league, the best indication yet that all seems well in the Bay League."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," said David DiStefano, the Elliott Springs owner. "What happens when the novelty wears off and interest wanes? It'll cost us all a lot more money, and some of us are already having problems in that direction."

Michael Hernandez from Silver Beach shook his head, "Capitalize on the popularity. Maybe we don't bring them into the league as full-fledged members just yet, but perhaps we should sponsor some of the smaller, local leagues with an eye toward the future."

There was a great deal of nodding and murmuring over this idea, around the table and the secondary layers of attendees both. "Fine for you, Hernandez," grunted Gentry Hills' Martin Greenberg. "You've got plenty of cash lying around."

Hernandez frowned just slightly. "I suggested the idea for the league as a whole, Martin."

A laugh burst from Patrick Murphy, the Lorris Greens' founder. "And since when have you been interested in anything but your own benefit, Michael? Even if we undertake this... sponsorship as a league, no one here doubts you'll be doing everything in your power to turn it to your advantage."

Hernandez stood up from his chair. "I will not sit here and be insulted!"

John Baxter cleared his throat. "Spare us, Michael. You're the most competitive man among eight very competitive men. Don't pretend otherwise. It's a worthwhile idea. I suggest we explore it further. Martin, Michael and Benjamin will lead the committee to gauge interest and feasibility."

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 07:29 AM

July 16, 2014

Bay League Standings

Code:

Team              W   L   Pct   GB   Stk   L10
Gentry Hills     23  15  .605    -    W5   7-3
Deepvale         22  16  .579  1.0    L1   7-3
Lorris           21  17  .553  2.0    W1   5-5
Elliott Springs  20  18  .526  3.0    L3   4-6
Allison          16  20  .444  6.0    W3   7-3
Tifton           16  20  .444  6.0    W2   3-7
Marsein          16  22  .421  7.0    L2   4-6
Silver Beach     16  22  .421  7.0    L2   2-8

League News

At two points over the last two weeks of play, there was a four-way tie atop the Bay League standings, but Gentry Hills turned it on coming into the midpoint of the month with a 5-game win streak, good enough to give them first place all by themselves. Deepvale, Lorris and Elliott Springs all look as though they'll remain competitive. The Ferrymen in particular are just as hot as the Scouts, but a loss in their most recent game to the Lorris Greens has them a game off the pace.

As close a race as the top half of the standings is turning out to be, the bottom four teams might be even more interesting. The Allison Spelunkers have turned things around a bit, climbing out of the cellar after struggling through June. A 3-game win streak coincided, unsurprisingly, with some run support for Kyle Richardson has done the trick for the miners from the south. But as encouraging as Allison's resurgence has been, the sinking fortunes of the Silver Beach Whales are what have the league talking. The Whales have gone 2-8 in their last 10 and owner Michael Hernandez is reportedly rampaging through Bayview Park and sending everyone in his path into hiding. Hernandez is not known to be a fan of losing, so it will prove interesting to see if any changes are made in Silver Beach.

Apparently the midseason meetings started some teams talking about trades, as the Bay League saw its very first player swap on July 8th. The Deepvale Ferrymen welcomed 32-year old second sacker Brian Brown from the Lorris Greens, and sent 28-year old reliever Brandon Watkins and two young relief prospects in return. Brown takes over in the leadoff spot for the Ferrymen, despite an on-base percentage of just .320. The Greens welcome Watkins to a bullpen and pitching staff that's already tops in the league. Lorris will hand second base duties to Blane Carr, who has a .340 average in limited duty so far this season. Now that the first trade has been made and the ice broken, many people will be watching to see if more deals come down the chute by the end of the month -- the trading deadline.

League Leaders

Code:

Batting Average                Stolen Bases
H. Gervin (DPV)       .391     T. Smith (LOR)          15
M. Richardson (ESP)   .328     R. Isenhour (MAR)        9
R. Gomes (ESP)        .314     C. Rock (LOR)            9

OPS                            ERA
H. Gervin (DPV)      1.277     Q. Stallworth (MAR)   2.44
J. Brown (ESP)       1.006     B. Earl (GEN)         2.58
M. DeGray (MAR)       .933     M. Boykin (LOR)       2.61
 
Home Runs                      Wins
J. Brown (ESP)          12     B. Earl (GEN)           10
H. Gervin (DPV)         10     E. Hope (ESP)            9
L. Nielsen (ALL)         9     4 Tied With              8
                               
RBI                            Strikeouts
J. Brown (ESP           28     M. Hawkins (TIF)       183
R. Harrington (GEN)     26     D. Odle (SIL)          149
L. Nielsen (ALL)        26     B. Earl (GEN)          145
                               
Runs Scored                   
H. Gervin (DPV)         29
T. Smith (LOR)          29
J. Brown (ESP)          28

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 07:30 AM

Settlement of Land's Edge, The Outposts

If you need reacquainting with the landscape, the map of the Outposts can be found here.

Ivar Josefsson sat contentedly on the rocks. Maybe an ordinary man wouldn't be out fishing on a day like this, with the fog so thick you could hardly see past the end of your fishing pole and a damp chill in the air entirely unlike the midsummer day it should be. But Ivar Josefsson was hardly an ordinary man. Even before he'd come to the Outposts, this was his favorite sort of day. A man could be alone with his thoughts on a day like this, if he braved the weather. The opportunity to be alone with his thoughts was what had brought him first to the Outposts and later to the end of Outpost civilization here in Land's Edge. Let other people live in Silver Beach or Deepvale. Pretty enough places, no question, but already there were too many people for Ivar's tastes.

He'd worked on a fishing boat for a time, spent some time as a dockhand and made a few acquaintances, just enough to satisfy his solitary instincts. But this life was plenty for him. Take care of yourself and let others do the same, that was Ivar's motto, and it worked very well for him. It was simple, really. He didn't like to be bothered.

He felt, rather than saw, the tip of his pole dip in response to a bite. With no sign of excitement or panic, he came to his feet and started the process of hauling in his catch. He felt an incredibly strong resistance on the other end of the line, and his eyebrows knotted in curiosity. You didn't usually hook anything too big through here, though every once in a while, you could nab one of those big green ugly bastards with the little tentacles around their mouths. Must be what he had on.

His line suddenly went slack. He muttered a curse under his breath and started reeling in. As the next wave crashed on the beach, something washed ashore out of the fog a few feet away. Something fairly big. Setting his pole down, Ivar went to check it out.

"Holy mother of..." whispered Ivar.

A human corpse lay on the rocky shore at Ivar Josefsson's feet. Or at least it seemed human. It had been brutally mauled by something, its features so torn as to make it unclear whether it was man or woman, limbs broken and lying at unpleasant angles. Ivar had seen drowned men before, and this unfortunate soul probably hadn't been in the water very long. He turned away and had to force himself to keep his lunch down.

So much for not being bothered.

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 07:31 AM

August 1, 2014

Bay League Standings

Code:

Team              W   L   Pct   GB   Stk   L10
Gentry Hills     26  19  .578    -    L1   6-4
Deepvale         25  21  .543  1.5    L1   4-6
Lorris           25  21  .543  1.5    W1   5-5
Elliott Springs  24  21  .533  2.0    L1   4-6
Marsein          22  25  .468  5.0    W3   6-4
Allison          20  24  .455  5.5    W1   6-4
Tifton           20  25  .444  6.0    L2   5-5
Silver Beach     20  26  .435  6.5    W1   4-6

League News

There wasn't much buildup to the trading deadline, and it's probably a good thing. People would have been disappointed. Only two minor trades occurred, between Silver Beach and Elliott Springs and Gentry Hills and Tifton, with no significant talent changing hands. Far more people are talking about Allison ace Kyle Richardson. Remember when we were feeling sorry for him? You can stop now. In a home start against Deepvale, Richardson came within one out of throwing the first no-hitter in Bay League history -- and remember that the league's best hitter, Ace Gervin, plays for the Ferrymen. In fact, it was Gervin who finally got to Richardson, knocking a solo homer with 2 down in the top of the ninth to end the shutout and the no-hitter. Richardson left one batter later, after walking Roy Lockwood, but you can't find fault with his final line: 8.2 IP, 1 hit, 1 earned run, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts. A hit batsman and two errors by his defense had already ended the perfect game bid well before the 9th inning, but Richardson was definitely at the very top of his game.

The Gentry Hills Scouts continue to lead the pack of eight teams, though the usual suspects in Deepvale, Lorris and Elliott Springs are still well within shouting distance with about 35 games left to play in the season. The Scouts lead the Bay League in runs scored but beyond ace Broderick Earl, they could really use some more pitching. As people start taking more notice of the Bay League and interest grows, they're starting to talk about whether the Scouts can hold on to that game and a half lead without someone giving Earl some help. Others are quick to point out that no one team appears to have the upper hand -- most teams have obvious weaknesses that keep them from being prohibitive favorites as we head down the stretch.

League Leaders

Code:

Batting Average                Stolen Bases
H. Gervin (DPV)       .380     T. Smith (LOR)          18
R. Wright (TIF)       .320     R. Isenhour (MAR)       11
M. Richardson (ESP)   .320     C. Rock (LOR)            9

OPS                            ERA
H. Gervin (DPV)      1.222     M. Boykin (LOR)       2.42
J. Brown (ESP)       1.016     B. Earl (GEN)         2.58
M. DeGray (MAR)       .973     Q. Stallworth (MAR)   2.70
 
Home Runs                      Wins
J. Brown (ESP)          16     B. Earl (GEN)           11
H. Gervin (DPV)         14     C. Bonner (TIF)         11
4 Tied with             10     3 Tied With             10
                               
RBI                            Strikeouts
J. Brown (ESP           36     M. Hawkins (TIF)       210
L. Nielsen (ALL)        33     B. Earl (GEN)          174
C. Rock (LOR)           30     D. Odle (SIL)          171
                               
Runs Scored                   
J. Brown (ESP)          33	
H. Gervin (DPV)         33
T. Smith (LOR)          32

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 07:32 AM

Bay League Player Profiles

Right-handed pitcher Mike "Juggie" Hawkins, Tifton Generals

Age 26
Statistics:
8-12, 3.29 ERA. 191.1 IP, 152 HA, 82 BB, 227 K. .216 OAvg, 1.22 WHIP

Juggie Hawkins hails from the town of Marsein on the far northwest coast of the main island of the Outposts. Born and raised on a ranch in rural central Oregon, he learned to "pitch" by throwing rocks at trees across the river that bordered his family's land. After coming to the Outposts with his family some ten years ago, Hawkins continued to throw, but this time he was pitching for city league teams and holding his own despite being just a teenager. It was here that he earned the nickname he's known by, always bringing a beat-up water jug with him to games. The jug came with the family from their former home back on Earth, and he'd carried it with him wherever he went there as well. With all his experience and his mental makeup, it was no surprise when the Tifton Generals picked him with their first choice in the inaugural Bay League draft. They haven't been disappointed with his performance, though they might be disappointed with how they've supported him, ranking 4th in the league in worst run support at 3.1 runs per game.

Hawkins leads the Bay League in strikeouts, despite not throwing particularly hard. The years of learning how to make rocks spin and curve back on the ranch paid off in that regard, as he has good command of a host of offspeed pitches to go with a well-placed fastball. Hawkins was the first Bay League pitcher to strike out 15 batters in a game, performing the feat on May 20th in a 5-hit shutout against Elliott Springs. That game remains one of the top pitching performances of the year. His delivery hides the ball well and he's particularly tough on right-handers, holding them to a miniscule .171 average. He is prone to giving up the base on balls, 4th in the league in walks per 9 innings, but that's all part of his pitching philosophy. "I'm never going to give in to a hitter. If I've got a three-ball count, I'm not going to toss up a dead fish and let the guy whack away at it," Hawkins has said. "He has to hit my pitch. If that pitch misses the strike zone, that's just how it is. I'd rather have a guy on first with a walk than have him circle the bases because I grooved one. I'll just strike the next guy out anyway."

Still just 26 years old, Hawkins looks to have a bright future as the ace of the Generals. If they can track down some more hitters to boost one of the Bay League's worst offenses, 8-12 records should be a thing of the past and Juggie ought to be in contention for consideration as the top pitcher in the league.

goroyals · 09-30-2005, 08:27 AM

Thanks for saving everything Jeff...I would have missed this.

ifspuds · 09-30-2005, 08:55 AM

Thank you for reading, Zack. I'm lucky in that I'm paranoid and kept my stuff offline. My only disappointment for my dynasty, now, is the fact that I lost a post-to-view ratio (over 1:10! Woo!) I was pretty happy with. Now how will Yoda rank this year's top 100 dynasties?!? Because it's all about the awards you win, right?

ifspuds · 10-03-2005, 05:02 PM

August 16, 2014

Bay League Standings

Code:

Team              W   L   Pct   GB   Stk   L10
Deepvale         31  23  .574    -    W4   7-3
Gentry Hills     29  24  .547  1.5    L1   4-6
Lorris           29  24  .547  1.5    L1   5-5
Elliott Springs  27  26  .509  3.5    W1   4-6
Tifton           25  27  .481  5.0    W3   6-4
Silver Beach     25  28  .472  5.5    W1   6-4
Marsein          24  29  .453  6.5    L3   5-5
Allison          22  31  .415  8.5    L4   3-7

League News

For a team languishing at the bottom of the Bay League standings, there's certainly a lot of talk about the Allison Spelunkers lately, thanks to outstanding performances from their pitchers. In the last installment of Bay League news, we talked about Kyle Richardson's near no-hitter. This time, it's Bobby Edwards that's getting the press, thanks to a 2-hit shutout against the Deepvale Ferrymen. You may remember that Richardson also twirled his gem against the Ferrymen, who sit atop the league standings. All the more impressive was the fact that Edwards faced just 3 batters over the minimum, walking none and striking out ten, just one off his career high mark of 11. This pair of outings from Spelunker hurlers ranks as the top pitching performances of the Bay League's first season.

As mentioned above, the Deepvale Ferrymen now occupy the top spot in the standings, thanks to a 4-game win streak and uneven play from the Gentry Hills nine. That win streak includes a 16-8 pasting of the Marsein Knights in which the Ferrymen scored in 7 of the 9 innings, as well as a 6-hit, 1-walk shutout against the Knights turned in by Jason Grant. The Ferrymen are hosting the Allison Spelunkers right now, and if past history is any indication, this battle of first vs. last isn't as lopsided as it looks on paper.

League Leaders

Code:

Batting Average                Stolen Bases
H. Gervin (DPV)       .366     T. Smith (LOR)          19
J. Anderson (ALL)     .340     R. Isenhour (MAR)       12
R. Gomes (ESP)        .330     C. Rock (LOR)           11

OPS                            ERA
H. Gervin (DPV)      1.156     M. Woollum (TIF)      2.55
J. Brown (ESP)       1.013     Q. Stallworth (MAR)   2.65
M. DeGray (MAR)       .957     M. Boykin (LOR)       2.75
 
Home Runs                      Wins
J. Brown (ESP)          19     I. Black (DPV)          13
H. Gervin (DPV)         14     C. Bonner (TIF)         12
T. Ellis (GEN)          13     D. Phillips (LOR)       12
C. Rock (LOR)           13
                               Strikeouts
RBI                            M. Hawkins (TIF)       227
J. Brown (ESP)          44     B. Earl (GEN)          195
L. Nielsen (ALL)        38     D. Odle (SIL)          194
C. Rock (LOR)           36     
                               
Runs Scored                   
T. Ellis (GEN)          38	
J. Brown (ESP)          37
H. Gervin (DPV)         37
T. Smith (LOR)          36

ifspuds · 10-04-2005, 04:11 PM

Blane Carr shouldered his equipment bag and headed for the transport that would take the Lorris Greens to Elliott Springs for their next game. He let out a sigh, stopping just outside the ballpark gate to consider the panoramic view of the mouth of Tifton Bay. Not that Elliott Springs was a bad place to be going, necessarily, but it wasn't the relative paradise of Silver Beach. The sunset over the water, the warm summer air... and his teammate Cliff Rock some distance away talking to a man Carr didn't recognize, but anyone wearing a suit in the Outposts was either too important to be hanging around a ballpark or was crazy. Either way, it was certainly odd.

"What's going on over there?" Carr asked his teammate, first baseman LeDarion Crawford, who was passing by.

Crawford let his bag slide to the ground and rolled his neck. LeDarion had been fighting a bad shoulder for a couple weeks, but he still had to carry his own bags. No one else around to do it for him. "What, Cliffy over there? Don't know. That's Michael Hernandez, though, the guy he's talking to. My brother works for him here in town. Mining company, I think."

Carr turned to his teammate with a frown. "THE Michael Hernandez? The guy that owns the Whales?"

"He does?"

"Yeah, he does. You gotta pay more attention, man. Hernandez owns the whole town, pretty much. Some people say he wants to own the whole league, if he can outmaneuver Baxter," said Carr.

"Huh. Wonder why he's talking to Cliffy."

In the distance, Rock and Hernandez shook hands and went their separate ways. To Carr's eye, Hernandez looked pretty tickled about whatever it was they'd discussed.

"You and me both, LD."

"Come on, Blane. Let's get in the transport. I've got a couple hours sleep in there with my name written all over it."

Carr lifted his bag, and reached over to pick up Crawford's as well. "Hell, LD... you slept on the bench the whole game!"

Dark Horse · 10-04-2005, 08:29 PM

ifspuds · 10-05-2005, 03:18 PM

September 1, 2014

Bay League Standings

Code:

Team              W   L   Pct   GB   Stk  Magic#
Lorris           35  27  .565    -    L1    9
Deepvale         34  27  .557  0.5    L1    -
Silver Beach     32  29  .525  2.5    W2    -
Elliott Springs  32  30  .516  3.0    W1    -
Gentry Hills     31  31  .500  4.0    W1    -
Tifton           29  32  .475  5.5    W1    -
Marsein          27  35  .435  8.0    L1    -
Allison          26  35  .426  8.5    L1    -

League News

There isn't much time left in the inaugural Bay League season. With just a 70-game schedule, the season is nearly to a close, with just 8 or 9 games remaining for all teams. What are we looking at down the stretch? The Lorris Greens have once more taken hold of the top spot they owned early in the season. A rough stretch by Gentry Hills has taken them nearly out of the running, while Deepvale isn't far out at just a half-game. The big surprise is the surge of the Silver Beach Whales, riding a 12-3 record in August to pull in just 2.5 games out of the lead. What does the schedule look like in the final month?

Lorris has one game remaining vs. the Tifton Generals at home, followed by a pair against Marsein in Lorris and a home-and-away split of 5 games against Gentry Hills to finish it out. Deepvale has one remaining in Silver Beach, and then a pair in Elliott Springs before finishing out the season with 6 back at Two Rivers Field against the two bottom teams, Marsein and Allison. Silver Beach faces the Ferrymen as already mentioned for one, followed by 3 at home against the Allison Spelunkers, and 5 straight against Elliott Springs. The Tornadoes have the roughest road, facing two teams ahead of them in the standings for 7 of their final 8 games, but by the same token, with a hot streak, they could make a big leap forward. The Gentry Hills Scouts' only real hope at this point is to put together a sweep of Lorris in the final five games of the season. The schedule appears to favor Deepvale at this point.

Finally, in non-league news, there are reports out of the northlands -- the area around Land's Edge and North Reach -- that ships setting out for fishing expeditions toward The Sisters, the two mountainous islands on the northwest coast, have been disappearing, even when the weather is perfectly calm. The Sisters are known to be forbidding and the seas around them and through the straits difficult to pass, but nothing of this magnitude has been seen before.

League Leaders

Code:

Batting Average                Stolen Bases
H. Gervin (DPV)       .374     T. Smith (LOR)          19
R. Wright (TIF)       .356     R. Isenhour (MAR)       16
J. Anderson (ALL)     .335     A. Strong (ALL)         14

OPS                            ERA
H. Gervin (DPV)      1.175     C. Redd (SIL)         2.11
J. Brown (ESP)        .963     M. Boykin (LOR)       2.42
C. Rock (LOR)         .941     M. Woollum (TIF)      2.45
 
Home Runs                      Wins
J. Brown (ESP)          19     D. Phillips (LOR)       14
H. Gervin (DPV)         16     C. Bonner (TIF)         13
T. Ellis (GEN)          15     D. Odle (SIL)           13
                               E. Hope (ESP)           13
                               I. Black (DPV)          13

RBI                            Strikeouts
J. Brown (ESP)          47     M. Hawkins (TIF)       255
L. Nielsen (ALL)        44     D. Odle (SIL)          218
C. Rock (LOR)           41     B. Earl (GEN)          200    
                               
Runs Scored                   
T. Smith (LOR)          44	
J. Brown (ESP)          43
H. Gervin (DPV)         41

09-30-2005, 06:39 AM	#21
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	Bay League Opens Its First Season Outpost News Service The Bay League welcomed fans in three cities to its inaugural opening day contests. While there remain many questions about whether this venture will prove successful, on the first day of the season fans appeared to enjoy having the diversion of a ballgame available to them. Despite simple diamonds in city parks quickly pressed into action for the festivities, residents of Tifton, Deepvale and Allison filled the stands to watch their local ballclubs take the field. "Sure, it's just a game, but it's a good way to spend a couple hours and it reminds me of home. I think it's a great idea," said Allison resident Charlie Fox as he left Hillside Park for the Spelunkers' first game against the visiting Lorris Greens. The Allison home crowd left disappointed in the final outcome, as the Greens took a 7-3 decision, but most of the departing observers seemed to have a good time. Deepvale's Two Rivers Park hosted the most exciting of the three opening contests, with an extra-inning affair that was knotted at 2 runs apiece going into the twelfth inning. Silver Beach's Hawkeye Odle and Deepvale's Clayton Howard matched each other for 8 innings, with both pitchers bending but never breaking. It wasn't until the third extra frame that the batters finally got going, as the Whales worked Deepvale reliever Chris Henderson for 4 hits and a walk and capitalized on Ferrymen shortstop Orlando Stone's error to push five runs across in the top half. The Ferrymen didn't go quietly, getting a 2-run homer from left fielder Mario Goodwin in a 3-run inning, but the home team couldn't quite make it all the way back. The Tifton Generals played host to the Elliott Springs Tornadoes in the third game of the day, and knocked Tornadoes starter Eddie Hope around for 10 runs in his 7 innings of work, including a 7th-inning grand slam by Moses Nabors. Bay League and Generals founder John Baxter was pleased at the end of the day with the turnout. "It's really more than we could expect. There wasn't a lot of time to do a lot of publicity for the league, but fans showed up in terrific numbers anyway," Baxter said. "We're not declaring success yet by any means, as there's still a long way to go in the season, but this was a big first hurdle to get over." __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 06:40 AM	#22
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	May 1, 2014 Bay League Standings Code: Team W L Pct GB Stk L10 Lorris 4 2 .667 - L1 4-2 Silver Beach 4 2 .667 - W1 4-2 Gentry Hills 3 2 .600 .5 L1 3-2 Tifton 3 2 .600 .5 W2 3-2 Deepvale 3 3 .500 1.0 L1 3-3 Allison 3 4 .429 1.5 W2 3-4 Elliott Springs 2 4 .333 2.0 L1 2-4 Marsein 1 4 .200 2.5 L3 1-4 League News Shutouts weren't uncommon in the first month. Isaac Hicks (MAR) tossed a 2-hit shutout in his first start, locking down the Gentry Hills Scouts on 108 pitches. Hawkeye Odle (SIL) shut down the Tifton Generals in a 1-hit shutout, striking out 9 and walking 3. Broderick Earl (GEN) joined the club with a 3-hit, 9-strikeout gem and was named the first Bay League pitcher of the month for his efforts, allowing just 2 earned runs in 3 starts and striking out 28. The budding debate over the top first baseman in the Bay League had plenty of fodder in the first month, as both Ace Gervin (DPV) and Riyad Gomes (ESP) hit 2 homers in a game. After going hitless in his first game, Gervin is hitting .619, while Gomes is struggling a bit more but still hitting .300 with 5 walks and slugging .650. League Leaders Code: Batting Average Stolen Bases H. Gervin (DPV) .619 A. Strong (ALL) 2 J. Whitmore (LOR) .423 C. Rock (LOR) 2 R. Harrington (GEN) .353 R. Isenhour (MAR) 2 OPS ERA H. Gervin (DPV) 1.751 B. Earl (GEN) 0.73 M. Copeland (TIF) 1.165 D. Phillips (LOR) 2.08 J. Brown (ESP) 1.137 D. Odle (SIL) 2.16 Home Runs Wins J. Brown (ESP) 3 D. Phillips (LOR) 3 6 Tied With 2 4 Tied With 2 RBI Strikeouts R. Lockwood (DPV) 8 B. Earl (GEN) 28 J. Whitmore (LOR) 7 C. Howard (DPV) 27 R. Gomes (ESP) 7 M. Hawkins (TIF) 26 Runs Scored H. Gervin (DPV) 6 T. Smith (LOR) 6 J. Walton (SIL) 6 __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 06:41 AM	#23
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	A Conversation Between Colleagues "They're already talking about kicking us out of the league, John. I know we're only here because you pulled strings for me, but the others still aren't happy about having to travel all the way out here for games. They're just looking for an excuse to give a team to someone closer in." "Carroll, it's been a week. Have patience." John Baxter leaned back in his chair. The reception on the videophone was spotty at best, and Marsein was indeed a long way away for a telecommunications system that was held together, figuratively, by duct tape and twine, but he still kept his annoyance from his face. He needed Eichhorn on board if the Bay League was going to get anywhere someday. The screen filled with static, and only the voice transmission came through. "If we play .200 ball all season, I can't say that I won't agree with the others. It's a lot of expense for us as well. The other teams only come here a couple of times. We have to travel every time we leave Marsein." Baxter ran his hands through his thinning black hair. "Am I not giving you enough to make your travel expenses palatable, Carroll? If you want out, get out now. It's costing me money to keep you around, but if you're having second thoughts, then we need to come up with a different plan." The video transmission cleared for a moment, showing Eichhorn quickly shaking his head. "No, no, John. It's going to be fine, you're right. DeGray and Isenhour are going to start hitting and we'll win some ballgames. Forget I said anything." Baxter had to keep from laughing. He needed Eichhorn, but the chances of Eichhorn growing a spine any time in the next five years were miniscule. And that meant Eichhorn needed him, and his money. It was all much too easy. "I've already forgotten, Carroll. My best to Marie and your kids." "I'll be sure and pass that on to her, John." __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 06:41 AM	#24
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	May 16, 2014 Bay League Standings Code: Team W L Pct GB Stk L10 Lorris 9 2 .818 - W5 9-2 Silver Beach 7 3 .700 1.5 W1 7-3 Gentry Hills 6 5 .545 3.0 L2 5-5 Allison 5 6 .455 4.0 L2 5-5 Deepvale 5 6 .455 4.0 W1 5-5 Elliott Springs 5 6 .455 4.0 W3 5-5 Tifton 4 6 .400 4.5 W1 4-6 Marsein 2 9 .182 7.0 L3 2-8 League News The Lorris Greens are the early leaders in the Bay League standings. With only 70 games on the schedule, there's not a lot of time to make up large deficits in the standings and a 7-game win streak covers a tenth of the season. The Greens are partway there, with a 5-game stretch to their credit. Ace pitcher Dennis Phillips is proving to be the star of the team so far, going 5-0, 1.98 with more than a strikeout an inning to his credit. With so many off-days, a team's top pitchers get a lot of rest and can start more often, putting the teams with lesser lights atop the rotation at something of a disadvantage. The last place Marsein Knights are finding that out, to their dismay. Of course, the Knights aren't hitting either, so they're doubly at a disadvantage. Ace Gervin is still the hitting star of the league, holding his own against the top pitchers with his dominating brand of offensive ball: he's hitting .500, he's drawn 9 walks in 45 plate appearances, and he hits just about everything hard. Maybe the biggest reason the Lorris Greens are in first? They managed to hold Gervin hitless in 7 at-bats in their recent 2-game meeting. League Leaders Code: Batting Average Stolen Bases H. Gervin (DPV) .500 A. Strong (ALL) 4 T. King (LOR) .353 C. Rock (LOR) 3 J. Walton (SIL) .348 T. Smith (LOR) 3 R. Isenhour (MAR) 3 OPS ERA H. Gervin (DPV) 1.478 H. Turner (GEN) 1.32 J. Brown (ESP) 1.189 D. Odle (SIL) 1.88 C. Rock (LOR) 1.012 D. Phillips (LOR) 1.98 Home Runs Wins J. Brown (ESP) 6 D. Phillips (LOR) 5 A. Strong (ALL) 3 D. Odle (SIL) 4 H. Gervin (DPV) 3 4 Tied With 3 C. Chadwick (SIL) 3 Strikeouts RBI B. Earl (GEN) 54 J. Brown (ESP) 13 D. Phillips (LOR) 54 R. Gomes (ESP) 11 M. Hawkins (TIF) 49 J. Whitmore (LOR) 9 R. Lockwood (DPV) 9 Runs Scored T. Smith (LOR) 11 H. Gervin (DPV) 10 J. Walton (SIL) 10 __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 07:24 AM	#25
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	Linda Hooks sat at the kitchen table. The local substitute for coffee grew cold in the hand-thrown clay mug at her hand. She'd been here in the Outposts nearly since the beginning, nearly 15 years. And every day of those 15 years, she choked down a cup of this stuff, and every day she craved a cup of real coffee. Especially today. Of all days. "Why, Darrell? I don't care if it's Silver Beach or the damn Sisters, we need you here. The boys and I... we're doing everything we can to keep the house standing, and now you're going to be gone for a month?" Darrell Hooks put his face in his hands. "Linda... we met at a ballgame. You know how hard it was for me to leave the game. After I stopped playing, you kept trying to get me to just start watching games again." "That was back home, Darrell. That was 15 years ago. You're 38 years old now. Don't you think the time to play baseball is past?" Linda wrapped both her hands around the mug, though by now it had gone cold. The stove was acting up again, so you could only get things so hot before you started worrying about the house burning down. Everything acted up around here. If you had any skill at repairing machinery, you were treated like royalty in the Outposts. "It's my last chance, Linda. It's just one year. Even if this whole thing lasts to a second season, I'm not coming back. And they're paying me on top of what I'm earning at home. We'll end up better off." Linda stood up and walked to the window. "I hope we make it there," she murmured. "What did you say?" She turned back around. "I know, Darrell. Just... please be careful. A month is a long time." Darrell crossed the kitchen and put his arms around his wife's waist. "Of course. As careful as I possibly can, you know that." Linda leaned her head against his chest. "I know." __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 07:25 AM	#26
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	May 16, 2014 Bay League Standings Code: Team W L Pct GB Stk L10 Lorris 12 6 .667 - L3 6-4 Silver Beach 11 6 .647 0.5 W1 6-4 Gentry Hills 9 8 .529 2.5 L2 5-5 Tifton 9 8 .529 2.5 W2 6-4 Elliott Springs 8 10 .444 4.0 L1 6-4 Allison 7 10 .412 4.5 L1 4-6 Deepvale 7 11 .389 5.0 W1 3-7 Marsein 7 11 .389 5.0 W4 5-5 League News The Bay League standings have tightened up, with Lorris finally hitting a stumbling block at home versus an unlikely opponent: the bottom-dwelling Marsein Knights. The first two games of the series were classics, 1-run extra-inning affairs. Both games were won by the Knights on the first career homers for Drew Long and Sterling Caldbeck. The Knights now own a 4-game win streak to climb back into respectability, while the Greens' 3-game skid has them just a half-game up on the Silver Beach Whales. The Greens, however, have the consensus top pitcher in the league in Dennis Phillips. He's 7-0 this season with a 1.66 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 76 innings. Ace Gervin is still the man at the plate, leading the Bay League with a .443 average. There doesn't seem to be any stopping him, unless you're the Greens: he's just 1-15 against Lorris pitching. Maybe good pitching really does beat good hitting? We shouldn't discount Elliott Springs rightfielder Jared Brown, though. One of the most unlikely power hitters you'll ever see, the 6'6", 190 lb. Brown leads the league in homers with 7 and RBI with 15. If he were hitting a little better than .270, he'd be annihilating the league. Deepvale's Clayton Howard became an unfortunate footnote to Bay League history on May 20th when he left his start against Lorris in the 3rd inning complaining of shoulder pain. Later examinations showed that he'd suffered a torn rotator cuff. Howard, 29, will miss the rest of the season. His future is somewhat in doubt, unless a trip back through the gateway to Earth can be arranged or a competent surgeon can be located. League Leaders Code: Batting Average Stolen Bases H. Gervin (DPV) .443 T. Smith (LOR) 6 C. Johnson (GEN) .348 R. Isenhour (MAR) 6 J. Sowder (SIL) .321 C. Rock (LOR) 6 OPS ERA H. Gervin (DPV) 1.323 Q. Stallworth (MAR) 1.00 J. Brown (ESP) 1.068 D. Phillips (LOR) 1.66 C. Johnson (GEN) 1.024 J. Grant (DPV) 2.63 Home Runs Wins J. Brown (ESP) 7 D. Phillips (LOR) 7 T. Ellis (GEN) 6 D. Odle (SIL) 5 H. Gervin (DPV) 5 5 Tied With 4 R. Lockwood (DPV) 5 Strikeouts RBI M. Hawkins (TIF) 94 J. Brown (ESP) 15 D. Phillips (LOR) 80 5 Tied with 13 B. Earl (GEN) 79 Runs Scored H. Gervin (DPV) 15 T. Smith (LOR) 14 J. Brown (ESP) 13 __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 07:26 AM	#27
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	Allison Hills Earthquake Collapses Mine Shaft; 18 Trapped Inside Outpost News Service June 9, 2014 An earthquake centered 70 miles southwest of the city of Allison struck the mining community and vicinity just after midday today. A mine shaft owned and maintained by the Hernandez Mining Consortium, whose Outpost headquarters are located in Silver Beach, collapsed as a result of the quake and trapped eighteen men and women behind an impenetrable wall of dirt and rock. Rescue operations are underway to extract the miners, and rescue workers are encouraged by communications with the trapped men and women that indicate all eighteen have thus far suffered only minor injuries. It is not known how difficult or time-consuming the process will be, but Consortium president Michael Hernandez has pledged to spare no expense or effort to save his employees. This is the third quake in the past year and the most severe, felt as far away as Tifton and Silver Beach, and the mine collapse in the Allison Hills has once more raised questions about safety and the commitment of the mining corporations to protecting their workers. "There have been concerns about the Hernandez operations for months," said local labor leader Tina Omorede. "For a disaster of these proportions to have to occur in order to prove our allegations, it's just tragic." Hernandez Consortium spokesman Adam Richardson said as part of a prepared statement, "The Hernandez Mining Consortium believes very strongly in the safety of its employees. No concerns were registered with our offices prior to the incident, or they would have been acted upon. We are nothing without our employees." The disaster comes as the town prepares to welcome home its fledgling baseball team, which has been travelling for nearly a month. The Allison Spelunkers have announced that all gate proceeds from their upcoming games against the Marsein Knights will be donated to the rescue effort and the families affected by the quake, and the visiting Knights have pledged to assist in the rebuilding of damaged homes and buildings in the city of Allison. Michael Hernandez, the president of Hernandez Mining Consortium, is currently in Elliott Springs with the Silver Beach Whales, the team he owns in the Bay League, and is collecting donations there as well. __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 07:28 AM	#29
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	July 1, 2014 Bay League Standings Code: Team W L Pct GB Stk L10 Deepvale 17 13 .567 - W5 8-2 Gentry Hills 17 13 .567 - W1 6-4 Lorris 17 13 .567 - L1 5-5 Elliott Springs 16 14 .533 1.0 L2 6-4 Tifton 14 14 .500 2.0 W1 4-6 Silver Beach 14 16 .467 3.0 L4 3-7 Marsein 13 18 .419 4.5 L1 5-5 Allison 11 18 .379 5.5 W2 4-6 League News In a 70-game season, a 5-game win streak changes your fortunes quickly. When you've got the hottest hitter in the league supporting the month's top pitcher, you can pretty much punch your ticket to the front of the standings. That's what the Deepvale Ferrymen did as the month of June came to a close. Only two hitters in the league are averaging over .300, so you can appreciate even more what Ace Gervin (.433) is doing. The Ferrymen also boast the pitcher of the month in 24-year old Jason Grant, the new league leader in ERA at 1.83, as well as Isaac Black, 6th in the league in ERA at 2.94. But they have plenty of competition at the top. The Gentry Hills Scouts can thank the superb play of late from Chris Johnson, who has rocketed onto the leaderboards in average, OPS and RBI. The Scouts boast the league's best offense behind Johnson, doing everything but stealing bases. Lorris's Greens are still tied atop the standings, but Cliff Rock's bat has cooled off and Tega Smith, expected to be one of the top hitters in the league, is still hitting just .248. The Greens will need to step up their offensive production to keep their lofty perch. Let's pause here a moment to give our sympathies to Allison ace Kyle Richardson. The 21-year old phenom has made 13 starts, pitching nearly 90 innings and striking out 98 batters, walking just 29. Opponents hit just .211 off the right-hander, and yet thanks to the anemic 2.3 runs per game the Spelunker bats score for him, Richardson's record is just 2-6. In his last start, he went 8, allowing 4 hits and a walk, striking out 7, but ran up against Elliott Springs ace Eddie Hope, who went him one better. Hope tossed a 3-hit, no-walk, 9 strikeout shutout at the Spelunkers, who then scored 4 runs in their next game, and 8 the game after that. If it weren't for bad luck, Richardson wouldn't have any luck at all. League Leaders Code: Batting Average Stolen Bases H. Gervin (DPV) .433 T. Smith (LOR) 11 C. Johnson (GEN) .326 R. Isenhour (MAR) 8 R. Isenhour (MAR) .296 C. Rock (LOR) 8 OPS ERA H. Gervin (DPV) 1.311 J. Grant (DPV) 1.83 J. Brown (ESP) 1.018 Q. Stallworth (MAR) 2.17 C. Johnson (GEN) .934 C. Bonner (TIF) 2.61 Home Runs Wins J. Brown (ESP) 10 D. Phillips (LOR) 8 H. Gervin (DPV) 8 E. Hope (ESP) 7 L. Nielsen (ALL) 7 C. Bonner (TIF) 7 R. Lockwood (DPV) 7 B. Earl (GEN) 7 RBI Strikeouts J. Brown (ESP) 22 M. Hawkins (TIF) 148 L. Nielsen (ALL) 22 B. Earl (GEN) 120 R. Gomes (ESP) 20 D. Odle (SIL) 119 C. Johnson (GEN) 20 D. Phillips (LOR) 116 Runs Scored H. Gervin (DPV) 24 J. Brown (ESP) 22 T. Smith (LOR) 21 __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 07:29 AM	#30
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	First Annual Midseason Meetings of the Bay League City of Tifton, The Outposts John Baxter surveyed the room as the clock struck ten. Each of the team owners had brought entourages, save for Carroll Eichhorn. The man would never learn. He already projected servile weakness, and showing up all by himself to the first gathering of the league since its inception wasn't the way to overcome his image. "Is everyone comfortable? More coffee before we get started?" said Baxter. He had to lift his voice above the general din to be heard. Benjamin Chin, the Deepvale owner, snorted. "Not if my life depended on it, John. How you can stomach that vile concoction is beyond me." A chuckle rolled through the room. The poor quality of Outpost coffee was almost cliche by now. "Point taken, Ben. Then let's get started." Baxter settled into his chair at the head of the table. The other seven owners sat at the table as well, while the hangers-on orbited the eight primary figures. "The health of the league appears strong. We have competition for the top spots, we have good attendance in most towns, and there are extenuating circumstances in those towns that are lagging behind," said Baxter, his hands folded calmly atop the table. The Allison Spelunkers owner, Timothy Martin, inclined his head in recognition of his own team's extenuating circumstances. The Spelunkers closed half their seating for a time due to earthquake damage. "Furthermore," said Baxter, "we have other towns asking whether their local teams can join the league, the best indication yet that all seems well in the Bay League." "I'm not sure that's a good idea," said David DiStefano, the Elliott Springs owner. "What happens when the novelty wears off and interest wanes? It'll cost us all a lot more money, and some of us are already having problems in that direction." Michael Hernandez from Silver Beach shook his head, "Capitalize on the popularity. Maybe we don't bring them into the league as full-fledged members just yet, but perhaps we should sponsor some of the smaller, local leagues with an eye toward the future." There was a great deal of nodding and murmuring over this idea, around the table and the secondary layers of attendees both. "Fine for you, Hernandez," grunted Gentry Hills' Martin Greenberg. "You've got plenty of cash lying around." Hernandez frowned just slightly. "I suggested the idea for the league as a whole, Martin." A laugh burst from Patrick Murphy, the Lorris Greens' founder. "And since when have you been interested in anything but your own benefit, Michael? Even if we undertake this... sponsorship as a league, no one here doubts you'll be doing everything in your power to turn it to your advantage." Hernandez stood up from his chair. "I will not sit here and be insulted!" John Baxter cleared his throat. "Spare us, Michael. You're the most competitive man among eight very competitive men. Don't pretend otherwise. It's a worthwhile idea. I suggest we explore it further. Martin, Michael and Benjamin will lead the committee to gauge interest and feasibility." __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 07:30 AM	#32
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	Settlement of Land's Edge, The Outposts If you need reacquainting with the landscape, the map of the Outposts can be found here. Ivar Josefsson sat contentedly on the rocks. Maybe an ordinary man wouldn't be out fishing on a day like this, with the fog so thick you could hardly see past the end of your fishing pole and a damp chill in the air entirely unlike the midsummer day it should be. But Ivar Josefsson was hardly an ordinary man. Even before he'd come to the Outposts, this was his favorite sort of day. A man could be alone with his thoughts on a day like this, if he braved the weather. The opportunity to be alone with his thoughts was what had brought him first to the Outposts and later to the end of Outpost civilization here in Land's Edge. Let other people live in Silver Beach or Deepvale. Pretty enough places, no question, but already there were too many people for Ivar's tastes. He'd worked on a fishing boat for a time, spent some time as a dockhand and made a few acquaintances, just enough to satisfy his solitary instincts. But this life was plenty for him. Take care of yourself and let others do the same, that was Ivar's motto, and it worked very well for him. It was simple, really. He didn't like to be bothered. He felt, rather than saw, the tip of his pole dip in response to a bite. With no sign of excitement or panic, he came to his feet and started the process of hauling in his catch. He felt an incredibly strong resistance on the other end of the line, and his eyebrows knotted in curiosity. You didn't usually hook anything too big through here, though every once in a while, you could nab one of those big green ugly bastards with the little tentacles around their mouths. Must be what he had on. His line suddenly went slack. He muttered a curse under his breath and started reeling in. As the next wave crashed on the beach, something washed ashore out of the fog a few feet away. Something fairly big. Setting his pole down, Ivar went to check it out. "Holy mother of..." whispered Ivar. A human corpse lay on the rocky shore at Ivar Josefsson's feet. Or at least it seemed human. It had been brutally mauled by something, its features so torn as to make it unclear whether it was man or woman, limbs broken and lying at unpleasant angles. Ivar had seen drowned men before, and this unfortunate soul probably hadn't been in the water very long. He turned away and had to force himself to keep his lunch down. So much for not being bothered. __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 07:31 AM	#33
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	August 1, 2014 Bay League Standings Code: Team W L Pct GB Stk L10 Gentry Hills 26 19 .578 - L1 6-4 Deepvale 25 21 .543 1.5 L1 4-6 Lorris 25 21 .543 1.5 W1 5-5 Elliott Springs 24 21 .533 2.0 L1 4-6 Marsein 22 25 .468 5.0 W3 6-4 Allison 20 24 .455 5.5 W1 6-4 Tifton 20 25 .444 6.0 L2 5-5 Silver Beach 20 26 .435 6.5 W1 4-6 League News There wasn't much buildup to the trading deadline, and it's probably a good thing. People would have been disappointed. Only two minor trades occurred, between Silver Beach and Elliott Springs and Gentry Hills and Tifton, with no significant talent changing hands. Far more people are talking about Allison ace Kyle Richardson. Remember when we were feeling sorry for him? You can stop now. In a home start against Deepvale, Richardson came within one out of throwing the first no-hitter in Bay League history -- and remember that the league's best hitter, Ace Gervin, plays for the Ferrymen. In fact, it was Gervin who finally got to Richardson, knocking a solo homer with 2 down in the top of the ninth to end the shutout and the no-hitter. Richardson left one batter later, after walking Roy Lockwood, but you can't find fault with his final line: 8.2 IP, 1 hit, 1 earned run, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts. A hit batsman and two errors by his defense had already ended the perfect game bid well before the 9th inning, but Richardson was definitely at the very top of his game. The Gentry Hills Scouts continue to lead the pack of eight teams, though the usual suspects in Deepvale, Lorris and Elliott Springs are still well within shouting distance with about 35 games left to play in the season. The Scouts lead the Bay League in runs scored but beyond ace Broderick Earl, they could really use some more pitching. As people start taking more notice of the Bay League and interest grows, they're starting to talk about whether the Scouts can hold on to that game and a half lead without someone giving Earl some help. Others are quick to point out that no one team appears to have the upper hand -- most teams have obvious weaknesses that keep them from being prohibitive favorites as we head down the stretch. League Leaders Code: Batting Average Stolen Bases H. Gervin (DPV) .380 T. Smith (LOR) 18 R. Wright (TIF) .320 R. Isenhour (MAR) 11 M. Richardson (ESP) .320 C. Rock (LOR) 9 OPS ERA H. Gervin (DPV) 1.222 M. Boykin (LOR) 2.42 J. Brown (ESP) 1.016 B. Earl (GEN) 2.58 M. DeGray (MAR) .973 Q. Stallworth (MAR) 2.70 Home Runs Wins J. Brown (ESP) 16 B. Earl (GEN) 11 H. Gervin (DPV) 14 C. Bonner (TIF) 11 4 Tied with 10 3 Tied With 10 RBI Strikeouts J. Brown (ESP 36 M. Hawkins (TIF) 210 L. Nielsen (ALL) 33 B. Earl (GEN) 174 C. Rock (LOR) 30 D. Odle (SIL) 171 Runs Scored J. Brown (ESP) 33 H. Gervin (DPV) 33 T. Smith (LOR) 32 __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 07:32 AM	#34
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	Bay League Player Profiles Right-handed pitcher Mike "Juggie" Hawkins, Tifton Generals Age 26 Statistics: 8-12, 3.29 ERA. 191.1 IP, 152 HA, 82 BB, 227 K. .216 OAvg, 1.22 WHIP Juggie Hawkins hails from the town of Marsein on the far northwest coast of the main island of the Outposts. Born and raised on a ranch in rural central Oregon, he learned to "pitch" by throwing rocks at trees across the river that bordered his family's land. After coming to the Outposts with his family some ten years ago, Hawkins continued to throw, but this time he was pitching for city league teams and holding his own despite being just a teenager. It was here that he earned the nickname he's known by, always bringing a beat-up water jug with him to games. The jug came with the family from their former home back on Earth, and he'd carried it with him wherever he went there as well. With all his experience and his mental makeup, it was no surprise when the Tifton Generals picked him with their first choice in the inaugural Bay League draft. They haven't been disappointed with his performance, though they might be disappointed with how they've supported him, ranking 4th in the league in worst run support at 3.1 runs per game. Hawkins leads the Bay League in strikeouts, despite not throwing particularly hard. The years of learning how to make rocks spin and curve back on the ranch paid off in that regard, as he has good command of a host of offspeed pitches to go with a well-placed fastball. Hawkins was the first Bay League pitcher to strike out 15 batters in a game, performing the feat on May 20th in a 5-hit shutout against Elliott Springs. That game remains one of the top pitching performances of the year. His delivery hides the ball well and he's particularly tough on right-handers, holding them to a miniscule .171 average. He is prone to giving up the base on balls, 4th in the league in walks per 9 innings, but that's all part of his pitching philosophy. "I'm never going to give in to a hitter. If I've got a three-ball count, I'm not going to toss up a dead fish and let the guy whack away at it," Hawkins has said. "He has to hit my pitch. If that pitch misses the strike zone, that's just how it is. I'd rather have a guy on first with a walk than have him circle the bases because I grooved one. I'll just strike the next guy out anyway." Still just 26 years old, Hawkins looks to have a bright future as the ace of the Generals. If they can track down some more hitters to boost one of the Bay League's worst offenses, 8-12 records should be a thing of the past and Juggie ought to be in contention for consideration as the top pitcher in the league. __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

09-30-2005, 08:27 AM	#35
goroyals All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kentucky Posts: 930	Thanks for saving everything Jeff...I would have missed this.

09-30-2005, 08:55 AM	#36
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	Thank you for reading, Zack. I'm lucky in that I'm paranoid and kept my stuff offline. My only disappointment for my dynasty, now, is the fact that I lost a post-to-view ratio (over 1:10! Woo!) I was pretty happy with. Now how will Yoda rank this year's top 100 dynasties?!? Because it's all about the awards you win, right? __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

10-03-2005, 05:02 PM	#37
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	August 16, 2014 Bay League Standings Code: Team W L Pct GB Stk L10 Deepvale 31 23 .574 - W4 7-3 Gentry Hills 29 24 .547 1.5 L1 4-6 Lorris 29 24 .547 1.5 L1 5-5 Elliott Springs 27 26 .509 3.5 W1 4-6 Tifton 25 27 .481 5.0 W3 6-4 Silver Beach 25 28 .472 5.5 W1 6-4 Marsein 24 29 .453 6.5 L3 5-5 Allison 22 31 .415 8.5 L4 3-7 League News For a team languishing at the bottom of the Bay League standings, there's certainly a lot of talk about the Allison Spelunkers lately, thanks to outstanding performances from their pitchers. In the last installment of Bay League news, we talked about Kyle Richardson's near no-hitter. This time, it's Bobby Edwards that's getting the press, thanks to a 2-hit shutout against the Deepvale Ferrymen. You may remember that Richardson also twirled his gem against the Ferrymen, who sit atop the league standings. All the more impressive was the fact that Edwards faced just 3 batters over the minimum, walking none and striking out ten, just one off his career high mark of 11. This pair of outings from Spelunker hurlers ranks as the top pitching performances of the Bay League's first season. As mentioned above, the Deepvale Ferrymen now occupy the top spot in the standings, thanks to a 4-game win streak and uneven play from the Gentry Hills nine. That win streak includes a 16-8 pasting of the Marsein Knights in which the Ferrymen scored in 7 of the 9 innings, as well as a 6-hit, 1-walk shutout against the Knights turned in by Jason Grant. The Ferrymen are hosting the Allison Spelunkers right now, and if past history is any indication, this battle of first vs. last isn't as lopsided as it looks on paper. League Leaders Code: Batting Average Stolen Bases H. Gervin (DPV) .366 T. Smith (LOR) 19 J. Anderson (ALL) .340 R. Isenhour (MAR) 12 R. Gomes (ESP) .330 C. Rock (LOR) 11 OPS ERA H. Gervin (DPV) 1.156 M. Woollum (TIF) 2.55 J. Brown (ESP) 1.013 Q. Stallworth (MAR) 2.65 M. DeGray (MAR) .957 M. Boykin (LOR) 2.75 Home Runs Wins J. Brown (ESP) 19 I. Black (DPV) 13 H. Gervin (DPV) 14 C. Bonner (TIF) 12 T. Ellis (GEN) 13 D. Phillips (LOR) 12 C. Rock (LOR) 13 Strikeouts RBI M. Hawkins (TIF) 227 J. Brown (ESP) 44 B. Earl (GEN) 195 L. Nielsen (ALL) 38 D. Odle (SIL) 194 C. Rock (LOR) 36 Runs Scored T. Ellis (GEN) 38 J. Brown (ESP) 37 H. Gervin (DPV) 37 T. Smith (LOR) 36 __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

10-04-2005, 04:11 PM	#38
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	Blane Carr shouldered his equipment bag and headed for the transport that would take the Lorris Greens to Elliott Springs for their next game. He let out a sigh, stopping just outside the ballpark gate to consider the panoramic view of the mouth of Tifton Bay. Not that Elliott Springs was a bad place to be going, necessarily, but it wasn't the relative paradise of Silver Beach. The sunset over the water, the warm summer air... and his teammate Cliff Rock some distance away talking to a man Carr didn't recognize, but anyone wearing a suit in the Outposts was either too important to be hanging around a ballpark or was crazy. Either way, it was certainly odd. "What's going on over there?" Carr asked his teammate, first baseman LeDarion Crawford, who was passing by. Crawford let his bag slide to the ground and rolled his neck. LeDarion had been fighting a bad shoulder for a couple weeks, but he still had to carry his own bags. No one else around to do it for him. "What, Cliffy over there? Don't know. That's Michael Hernandez, though, the guy he's talking to. My brother works for him here in town. Mining company, I think." Carr turned to his teammate with a frown. "THE Michael Hernandez? The guy that owns the Whales?" "He does?" "Yeah, he does. You gotta pay more attention, man. Hernandez owns the whole town, pretty much. Some people say he wants to own the whole league, if he can outmaneuver Baxter," said Carr. "Huh. Wonder why he's talking to Cliffy." In the distance, Rock and Hernandez shook hands and went their separate ways. To Carr's eye, Hernandez looked pretty tickled about whatever it was they'd discussed. "You and me both, LD." "Come on, Blane. Let's get in the transport. I've got a couple hours sleep in there with my name written all over it." Carr lifted his bag, and reached over to pick up Crawford's as well. "Hell, LD... you slept on the bench the whole game!" __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired

10-04-2005, 08:29 PM	#39
Dark Horse Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Texas! Posts: 2,633	__________________ A Justafan Fan LBA Geo Bahn Rock Hounds fan of the ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE

10-05-2005, 03:18 PM	#40
ifspuds Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 2,117	September 1, 2014 Bay League Standings Code: Team W L Pct GB Stk Magic# Lorris 35 27 .565 - L1 9 Deepvale 34 27 .557 0.5 L1 - Silver Beach 32 29 .525 2.5 W2 - Elliott Springs 32 30 .516 3.0 W1 - Gentry Hills 31 31 .500 4.0 W1 - Tifton 29 32 .475 5.5 W1 - Marsein 27 35 .435 8.0 L1 - Allison 26 35 .426 8.5 L1 - League News There isn't much time left in the inaugural Bay League season. With just a 70-game schedule, the season is nearly to a close, with just 8 or 9 games remaining for all teams. What are we looking at down the stretch? The Lorris Greens have once more taken hold of the top spot they owned early in the season. A rough stretch by Gentry Hills has taken them nearly out of the running, while Deepvale isn't far out at just a half-game. The big surprise is the surge of the Silver Beach Whales, riding a 12-3 record in August to pull in just 2.5 games out of the lead. What does the schedule look like in the final month? Lorris has one game remaining vs. the Tifton Generals at home, followed by a pair against Marsein in Lorris and a home-and-away split of 5 games against Gentry Hills to finish it out. Deepvale has one remaining in Silver Beach, and then a pair in Elliott Springs before finishing out the season with 6 back at Two Rivers Field against the two bottom teams, Marsein and Allison. Silver Beach faces the Ferrymen as already mentioned for one, followed by 3 at home against the Allison Spelunkers, and 5 straight against Elliott Springs. The Tornadoes have the roughest road, facing two teams ahead of them in the standings for 7 of their final 8 games, but by the same token, with a hot streak, they could make a big leap forward. The Gentry Hills Scouts' only real hope at this point is to put together a sweep of Lorris in the final five games of the season. The schedule appears to favor Deepvale at this point. Finally, in non-league news, there are reports out of the northlands -- the area around Land's Edge and North Reach -- that ships setting out for fishing expeditions toward The Sisters, the two mountainous islands on the northwest coast, have been disappearing, even when the weather is perfectly calm. The Sisters are known to be forbidding and the seas around them and through the straits difficult to pass, but nothing of this magnitude has been seen before. League Leaders Code: Batting Average Stolen Bases H. Gervin (DPV) .374 T. Smith (LOR) 19 R. Wright (TIF) .356 R. Isenhour (MAR) 16 J. Anderson (ALL) .335 A. Strong (ALL) 14 OPS ERA H. Gervin (DPV) 1.175 C. Redd (SIL) 2.11 J. Brown (ESP) .963 M. Boykin (LOR) 2.42 C. Rock (LOR) .941 M. Woollum (TIF) 2.45 Home Runs Wins J. Brown (ESP) 19 D. Phillips (LOR) 14 H. Gervin (DPV) 16 C. Bonner (TIF) 13 T. Ellis (GEN) 15 D. Odle (SIL) 13 E. Hope (ESP) 13 I. Black (DPV) 13 RBI Strikeouts J. Brown (ESP) 47 M. Hawkins (TIF) 255 L. Nielsen (ALL) 44 D. Odle (SIL) 218 C. Rock (LOR) 41 B. Earl (GEN) 200 Runs Scored T. Smith (LOR) 44 J. Brown (ESP) 43 H. Gervin (DPV) 41 __________________ Jeff Watson Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired