World of Baseball: South Africa

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Miami rolls over punchless Dynamos in series sweep



Zimbabwe has seemingly run out of gas in this magical season. They finished the league season 5-12 and it carried over to international play as they couldn't muster a single run. The fans still unveiled their League Champions banner which covered the entire right field wall after the game and cheered their players off the field. Tomorrow they find out where and who they will play in the Global Cup, which they drop into due to losing in the Champions League Playoff stage, but it seems hard to get anyone around the club bothered right now. A win or two might change that, but for now the Dynamos seem satisfied taking their title and heading to the offseason.

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Global Cup Matchups Set
Steve Graves, WOB.com


Anything can happen in the Global Cup, at least that's what we at the WOB offices want you to think. Actually a NABL team has won it all four seasons, but you won't see that in the commercials. And you probably won't see that in this article (don't edit it out Dean, please?). But anyway, the early rounds is where lots of the anything-can-happen vibe comes from. Tanzania and Addis Ababa will certainly be looking to pull upsets. Both take on global powers.

Addis Ababa travel to the US capital to take on the 2057 Champions League winners Washington Senators. The Senators went 45-35 in the NABL this season after a 2nd place finish last year. Addis Ababa will be looking to get last years 11-0 thumping by Miami in the opening round of this competition out of their mouths with a win. The team arrived in Washington DC 3 days ago and have been seeing the sights. Berihun Baraka and Ukessun Luzige's picture by the Lincoln Memorial spread like wildfire through social networks in Ethiopia.

Tanzania will host Northern Europe's 3rd place team in Liverpool. The Reds won 3 straight league titles from '55-'57 and made the Champions League semifinals in 2057. This is their 3rd Global Cup appearance and will be like Tanzania, looking to win for the first time after losing the opener twice. The Taifa Stars are looking to make a deep run in the Global Cup to keep this season from feeling like a disappointment. They have established they can win plenty of regular season games and make it far in the African Cup but no titles and no international wins have many wondering if they lack a big-game mentality.

Zimbabwe got the best draw, they do have to leave Harare and travel to Portugal and but they get the weakest team of the three in Southeast Europe's 4th place Benfica Eagles. Benfica will be making their international debut in Harare.

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Winless year for South Africa on the international stage
Steve Graves, WOB.com


The internationally-accomplished Walia Antelopes walked into a cauldron in the US capital yesterday, playing in front of 52,668 at JFK Park. Addis Ababa held their own through 5 innings behind recently crowned Outstanding Pitcher Jaleel Muti. In the top of the 6th they scored to make it 5-2 and seemed on the verge of a famous victory before it all went wrong. 4 Senators homered as Washington scored 8 runs over the next two innings and cruised to a 10-5 victory. Muti gave up 4 of the runs before Fabio Ferraris and Delecha Lelel both gave up 2 runs without recording an out.


Liverpool also pulled away in the middle innings, breaking a tie with a 3-run 5th and riding strong pitching to a 6-1 victory over Tanzania. Tanzania has now averaged 44 wins a season over the last four years, which is brilliant for any team especially a team in such a moderate market, but the four trips to a African Cup semifinal without a trophy, no league title, and now no wins in three tries in international play have local media getting anxious about the team's direction. The fans and front office staff remain calm and committed: “No team in the league has been over .500 each of the last 4 seasons except for us. We continue to attract players who want to play in the great environment we have produced. Titles have a lot of luck but they mainly come from a winning environment and we continue to have that and provide tons of chances for big wins. Before long, we will start getting those, I promise.” was the statement from GM Metin Ergin delivered to great applause at the postseason banquet.



Zimbabwe ended their season in wild fashion, taking a 6-2 lead in extra innings only for Akorakor Jaramogi and Habimama Jaafar to allow 5 runs in the bottom half of the 10th sending 52,805 at the Estadio da Luz into absolute ecstasy as the franchise won their first international game in dream-like fashion. Zimbabwe's first foray into international play ends 0-3 and a stunning loss that none of their fans will ever forget.

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2061 Season Awards
Outstanding Batter

Berihun Baraka, Addis Ababa. A 300/369/597 slash line with 24 HR's and 61 RBI gave him the 22-year old first baseman the nod running away.

#2: Defige Marsal, Johannesburg. The catcher who moved big-money signing Ron Richardson out of the lineup had the best per-AB stats of anyone. A 330/402/619 slash with 16 HR's and 35 RBI is MVP-worthy for anyone, especially a catcher. Playing for the last-place Springboks hurt him, so did only playing in 58 games.

#3: Kisabaka Durojaiye, Kenya. The shortstop led the league in OBP (.408) and made a charge at catching Larbi Taki for the batting title before settling for 2nd at .324. Durojaiye also slugged .455 on his way to a .863 OPS.

Honorable Mentions: Kenan Jaja and Zagwe Akimi (both of Zimbabwe) were in the mix until injury knocked them out and Alemayyehu Funga gets a mention as well for a 840 OPS and 12 HR for the title-winners.

Outstanding Pitcher

Jaleel Muti, Addis Ababa. The Walia Antelopes sweep the major awards behind the Egyptian who was worth every penny of his big contract signed last offseason. 11-4, 1.88 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and a league-leading 153 K's made this a no-doubt decision.

#2: Horacio Minau, Tanzania. The 38-year old Portuguese hurler has lost velocity but not quality as he ended his 3-year contract with his best season as a Taifa Star. 14-6, 2.76 and almost set the league record for innings.

#3: Fouad Mboya, Kaizer Chiefs. He began the year as the closer, moved to the rotation in midseason and then wound up back as the stopper at the end of the season. During that time, the Ethiopian managed to go 16-9, save 5 games, and post a 2.82 ERA, 1.15 WHIP over 127.2 IP. He almost threw as many innings this year as he did in 5 seasons with Toronto.

Honorable Mention: Meddur Njama (Johannesburg) was strangely overlooked, maybe an anti-Springbok bias? 8-7, 2.38, 1.16 stand on their own. Surely should have finished in the top 3...Axel Lemoine (Johannesburg) had a case as well, going 7-8, 2.74, 1.03...Assi Imarika (Tanzania) went 8-4, 2.37, 0.92 but didn't rack up the innings total needed

Least Valuable Player
Hector Limon, Johannesburg. Signed to be the Springbok closer after having posted good ERAs in the two largest leagues on the planet, Limon totally lost it in Johannesburg. In just 21.1 IP he managed to go 0-7, walk 22 batters and post a 10.13 ERA. He allowed runs in 14 of his first 17 appearances.

Runner-up: Yami Niamoja, Kampala. His teammates had a secret clubhouse wager on when the man would earn his first walk. He went 122 plate appearances and we are still waiting. Niamoja posted a .274 OPS when pressed into duty. He may never get a chance to earn that walk, Kampala released him near seasons end.

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2061 Wrapup


On today's Baseball Roundtable:
Lukwonga Juta, former player and South African Sporting Press contributor
Steve Graves, WOB.com
Nicholas Goode, South African Sporting Press
making his debut, Geressu Faraji, former Zimbabwe Dynamos bench coach

and as always, your faceless, nameless moderator.

Mod: Gentlemen, welcome. Before we send you off on your off-seasons full of luxury and relaxation, we are here to provide the baseball fans worldwide the best recap of the season that was the South African League 2061. When you think back on this season, what will you remember?

Geressu Faraji: I'll lead off, no better way to get comfortable than jumping right in. It has to be Zimbabwe winning the title and doing it with astounding consistency. They have almost always been ignored and really disrespected by media outlets, like this highly-regarded one I'm now so privileged to contribute to.

Mod: Tell us where to find these people who regard us highly please.

Faraji: They are out there somewhere. Anyway the consistency was incredible. They lost only 1 of their first 17 series when the title was in doubt and they were .500 or better against every team in the league. I credit Alemayyehu Funga for a lot of the atmosphere around that squad. He did things like take some of the young guys out to lunch, worked with Neilon Nzibo on his swing, and kept things light when key players started getting injured. For a guy on a one-year contract, he led that team like a true captain.

Steve Graves: For me it will be the total collapse of Johannesburg. They had the biggest payroll in the league, two of the best pitchers, one of the best hitters and they still finish in last place. The first team Lusaka has ever finished ahead of in 6 years is the Springboks. The GM and manager are almost certainly on their way out as they are already way over budget for next season and probably won't be able to buy any new players unless their owner sells a lot and I mean a lot more Kino drinks. I will say, watching a game from their press box is incredible. They have massage chairs and take food requests. I recommend asking for the grilled ostrich, it's exquisite with a nice red wine. However, it's deplorable with that orange Kino flavor, which I was forced to drink one time.

Nicolas Goode: The cherry flavor is good stuff, though, I have some right here. The title race was a bore and no one won a game internationally so for me the thing to remember about 2061 will be implementation of this new transfer system. The rumors are Degife Marsal is going to be posted, which makes sense after what Steve just said as Johannesburg might need the money. He has a large salary and you'd think he'd command a huge fee. It will be fascinating to see how that plays out.

Lukwonga Juta: For me, it's the official shift away from the center of the league being Johannesburg. It's been 4 years now without either team from that city finishing within 6 games of first place. They had the top two payrolls and ginned up a lot of excitement at the start of the year, but the league went on without them quite fine. Kenya, Addis Ababa, Tanzania, and Kampala are all objectively better franchises and Zimbabwe's season makes it look like they are as well. I think we are in the era where South Africa is home to poor franchises.

Mod: Is the league falling behind internationally? The three teams were 0-5 in international play this season.

Goode: I'm not sure. In 2060, we had our best year ever with Kenya winning 2 in the Champions League Group Stage and Kampala making the Quarterfinals in the Global Cup. Kenya's success didn't mean the league was getting way better and I'm not sure this year means it's falling behind. We need more data.

Juta: Don't think so. Zimbabwe was lacking several key players and the other two got very tough draws. Just a bad luck season.

Graves: I actually think it is a little bit. Zimbabwe didn't belong on the same field as Miami. Also, I watched the pre-draft showcase this season, and those prospects were the worst I've seen in 12 years of this league.

Faraji: Yes it is. There are too many teams whose coaching, training, and management methods are outdated compared to Europe, America, and East Asia. After being away for a few years, it just seems as if the constant drive to improve is lacking at some clubs here. I mean an owner who can call down into the dugout? That always seemed somewhat normal while I was here, but coming back I realize how outrageous that was. Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, those are the clubs who are setting a good example. Everyone else needs to follow them.

Mod: Thanks boys. What are your offseason plans?

Faraji: Touring some of the Pacific ocean floor in one of those submersible tours.

Graves: We see which one of us is the high-earning coach here. I'm on soccer duty soon.

Goode: Free agency and transfers, I can't wait to get the story on this Marsal posting fee stuff.

Juta: Training for a marathon.

Mod: Until next season, this was Baseball Roundtable.

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Nicholas Goode, South African Sporting Press
Angara cleans house as Springboks fire GM and manager



No one is surprised by these moves at all. As Audley says, owner Kalule Angara had been closely scrutinizing every decision he has made, but that's nothing new for the Springboks. Angara has been seen sending messages down to the dugout many times over the years. The new GM and manager will come into a situtation where they need to do good work to avoid a disaster. The Springboks are coming off a last-place finish with the top payroll in the league and will have no room to sign players. Long-time America GM Gilberto Hidalgo, who has led the Eagles to 3 Latin American title is rumored to be the #1 candidate.

Audley managed 3 seasons for the Springboks after being a bench coach for the 3 years before that. Mortimer was the GM for 3 seasons.

[dynaboyj]

I'm really loving this, and looking forward to the next season. Great write-ups, great charts, and most of all a great universe.

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Originally Posted by dynaboyj

I'm really loving this, and looking forward to the next season. Great write-ups, great charts, and most of all a great universe.

appreciate the kind words, this is my favorite OOTP save I've ever had for sure

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Top Stories of the Offseason
Nicholas Goode, South African Sporting Press

1. Marsal transfer goes nowhere
The big story of the offseason was a non-story. The cash-strapped Johannesburg Springboks put Degife Marsal up for transfer hoping to get somewhere north of $15,000,000 for last years Outstanding Player runner-up. They wound up getting nothing. Marsal returns and the Springboks will continue to spend $12 million on the catcher position with Ron Richardson making $8.2 million to play in around half of the games. The Springboks lose a lot of their middle relief corps to free agency, but that might be a good thing after their bullpen posted a 6.42 ERA last year. It will have to be their youngsters or the 3 minor league free agents they signed to fix their woeful relief problems.

2. Lusaka makes moves
The most active team was the Green Buffaloes of Lusaka. Coming off their first non-last place finish they totally revamped their anemic offense, which scored the least runs in the league. The opening day lineup contains 5 new signees, with the major signings being CF Tewase Wakil (652 OPS in 14 seasons mainly in Africa), 2B Olivier Simon (701 OPS in 16 years mainly in the NABL) and the return of Alemayyehu Funga. Funga played for Lusaka in 2060 before moving to Zimbabwe and leading the title-winning side last season. $2.3 million was enough to bring the soon-to-be 38 year old back for a second stint, “I want to do with Lusaka this year the same thing I did with the Dynamos last season, which is bring a title to a nation that has never been close. It will be a harder task but I think we have the pieces to challenge.” were Funga's words at his signing. Those 5 signings will help offset the loss of Minyar Olafemi to Dakar. Olafemi and Edward Cook tied for the all-time single-season Green Buffaloes VORP record at a measly 13.8 last year.

3. Harambee Stars successfully woo Wu
The biggest single signing went to Kenya. The Harambee Stars brought in 28-year old CF Xue-Liang Wu for a 3-year, $19 million deal with pricey vesting options for 2 more seasons. Wu is coming off a 286/356/479/835 year in the mighty East Asian league and carries a streak of 5 straight seasons of 1+ WAR in that league.

4. Dyanomos build rotation after bidding adieu to Alemayyehu
The reigning champs lose their talisman in Alemayyehu Funga along with their ageless closer in Akorakor Jaramogi, who has signed with Accra at the age of 44! They lost half of their platoon at catcher and SS as well. A 19-year old American was signed at SS, but he looks like one for the future. The main work went into improving the rotation, which showed structural weaknesses last season as it wobbled but held up just long enough. Thomas Suarez returns from injury to the rotation, which is “like a new signing” in the words of GM Miguel Cervantes. They look to fill another rotation spot with a trade. Roberto Gonzales (4.57 ERA over past 5 seasons in SAM) was acquired from the Lara Cardenales.


13-game winner Bereket Trommler is going to be tried as a closer, at least to start the season. Speedy Dutchman Remke de Coster (597 OPS) was signed from Gladbach to try and replace Funga in the lineup, though replacing his example in the clubhouse is an equally pressing concern.

5. Cranes nab the King of South African Baseball
Kampala losses were minimal this offseason and added a South African legend in Denzel Edney. Edney has played in every World Cup for the South African national team and will now play in his local league for the first time in his career. The 2057 South American MVP is 37 and on the downside of his career and can only play 1B and DH, but we expect him to see lots of AB's off the bench at the very least. He is also a great clubhouse guy, and is brought in as a tutor to the young guys and to provide some of that Alemayyehu Funga effect hopefully.

A hard 37 years for Denzel Edney

His best seasons have come after 30

6. Tanzania taps trades to quench trophy drought
Tanzania made a trade at last years deadline brining in Da-Xia Yao trading away their long-term Russian 2B Zakhar Jivutsky. This was not a popular move in Dar es Salaam as Yao went 0-3, 4.95 down the stretch. He remains a big part of their plans this season, penciled in at the #2 rotation spot. They made another trade to pick up a new starting right fielder:


Strangely, Lara was involved in both offseason trades in South Africa. Tanzania lost last years Outstanding Pitcher runner up Horacio Minau, who signed a contract with Charlotte in the NABL. They acted quickly, signing the biggest name pitcher of the off-season bringing in Jason Danior for $2.5 million. Danior has a 4.12 ERA in his 12 year career across the globe. When I asked GM Metin Ergin why their strategy worked out the way it did, he was prepared: “We didn't see any value on the free agent market. There were fewer players asking for more money after the arbitration rules changed, so we knew the trade market was the best way to improve our team.”

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In discussion with Kalule Angara: Springbok owner wants to end “lazy media narrative”

Mishago Kudumu, Kenyan Life magazine

Everyone knows the narrative by now: Kalule Angara, Kino Cola president and one of the richest men in Africa, is out of touch with the common man. His baseball team, the Johannesburg Springboks, only appeal to those making huge amounts of money a year, a small sliver of the South African population. They are his plaything to boost his ego and impress other rich contacts in the world of big business. Pulling into Kalule Angara's home in Sandton, arguably the richest area of Africa, it's very easy to buy into these narratives. There is his copter, which he famously flies into his personal landing spot at Johannesburg Stadium a few minutes before first pitch. There are two Lamborghini’s in the garage and a pool shaped like a Springbok with a waterfall coming out of a giant replica Kino cola can. However after sitting down and talking with the man, the selfish millionaire stereotype does not contain the complexities of this man. He revealed himself to be a far more interesting character. Here are the highlights:

Kudumu: How do you view this baseball team? Many commentators have said you use it like it's your personal toy, is that a fair assessment?

Angara: No, certainly not. I realize that the players, coaches, and staff have their livelihoods on the line and I want to give them everything they need to succeed. I want this organization to succeed of course but not solely for personal glory, I want everyone involved in it to succeed and to do that, I provide what I think will help. If that makes people call it my toy, so be it, but I am very much in the business of helping people involved in the Springboks accomplish great things.

You say you provide things you think will help the team win, but do you see how private copter pads, having a thousand fans sit in luxury boxes, offering grilled ostrich, and paying for drivers for every player can seem to people like you are showing off?

Maybe so, but it's not my job to please all those who criticize. I want coming to a Springbok game to be a top class experience for the fans. Everything is clean, tastes great, and is comfortable. As far as drivers for the players, again, I provide that because living in a new city can often be confusing and stressful, and to deal with Johannesburg traffic would add to that. Drivers allow players to focus on playing and advancing their career.

Do you feel jealous when Kaizer Chiefs is painted as the team of the people?

I think that is a misconception. I am not against Kaizer Chiefs, they do a lot of great things. But we are not exclusively for the wealthy. Our outfield tickets cost the same as theirs while we provide a much better game-day experience. We have many fans from all across the social spectrum, if you buy an outfield season ticket you get access to a luxury box and the full experience for one game a season. We are not looking down our noses at anyone, it's a lazy media narrative that needs to end.

What about people who say you meddle too much in the on-field operations? The images of you tapping out messages and your manager receiving them are always shown on every wrap up show.

Yes I understand that, but that is something I make very clear up front to my managers. I say that at times I will send you messages asking for some information during the game, if you don't like that this is not a job you should consider. I never tell him what to do, I simply ask about how pitchers are feeling, injury status of players, things like that. It's like the mid-game interviews announcers do for the online streams, I just have the option to do it at any time. I usually do it only once or twice a series. As far as meddling elsewhere, I put people in place and trust them to do their jobs, but I do like to be informed. Sometimes I have contacts on players elsewhere that can help and I think the GM and manager understand that and welcome it.

Tell us about the cleaning house and the hiring of new guys this offseason.

Yes, it's unfortunate but when results were so poor and our roster situation the way it is, I felt we had to part ways with Shane and Charles. Gilberto Hidalgo has had great success in Mexico as a GM, he is a very loyal guy he stayed at America for 19 years so he is in this project for the long haul. Rafi Velez is a fresh face, this is his first managing job, but when I interviewed him his personality, knowledge, and demeanor won me over.

What are your expectations for the future?

This year we have a tough haul but we still have some of the best players in the league under contract for several seasons. Degife Marsal, Kisabaka Matiku, Meddur Njama, and Axel Lemoine will be here for at least 2 more seasons. With stars like that a great season is always possible.

Thank you for your time.

My pleasure.

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Baseball Roundtable: 2062 Preseason
WOB Predictions


Positional Rankings



The wonks behind the scenes at WOB.com have come out with their projections and that means it's time to come back for another season of Baseball Roundtable. Today I am joined by former Taifa Star player and current journalist Lukwonga Juta, forever journalist Nicholas Goode, and former bright-eyed youngster and current curmudgeon Steve Graves. Gentlemen, how was your offseason?

Lukwonga: Refreshing.

Nicholas: Busy and fascinating.

Steve: Great, if covering a women's soccer match between Mozambique and Comoros in front of 250 people is your kind of thing.

Living up to my intro Steve, thank you. Let's get to the yearly question, is this the year that the WOB wonks are finally right and Tanzania will live up to their projection and win the title?

Lukwonga: I believe this is now 4 seasons we have been projected to win the title which shows how impressive an organization it is. I do believe this is our year. Masmud Hadji is in much better shape this season, he was a little slow last year. He is going into free agency after this season and that's a great motivator. He will rebound from last years .685 OPS and be back near 2060's 916 OPS. Several other offensive stars had down seasons also last year which I expect will turn around. We still scored the 2nd most runs despite all that. Add in Rafael Herrera and this should be the best offense in the league.


Better shape through marathon training, will it transfer to baseball? Luwkonga says yes.

Nicholas: They also tried to fix that nagging fourth starter problem with a trade to bring in Yao and replaced Minau with a big-money free agent signing in Jason Danior but I'm not totally sold on the pitching staff behind Imarika. I do tip him for the Outstanding Pitcher award. Because of that pitching worry, I think I will call Tanzania and Zimbabwe my co-favorites. I disagree with Lukwonga on best offense, as full seasons of Kenan Jaja and Zagwe Akimi mean the Dynamos will lead the league in hitting again. We've built Thomas Suarez up to be this great arm while he's been out injured, and if he lives up to it the Dynamos can go back-to-back.

Steve: Projections don't tell you anything about how good an organization is Lukwonga, wins and losses do. They say Tanzania is a good organization, not a great one. I was the only one who called Zimbabwe last season and I'm going to try again to cover myself in glory by calling the Cranes to take it.

Is that it? No analysis, just a statement saying you are picking Kampala because no one else did?

Steve: Yep.

That's why you make the big bucks. Anyway, your thoughts on the two opposites this free agency season, Lusaka who turned over their lineup with 5 new faces and Johannesburg who wasn't able to sign anyone to major league deals.


Nicholas: Johannesburg is fascinating right now. New GM, new manager, owner giving interviews, the failed Degife Marsal transfer, and no money for free agents. They still have the highest payroll in the league and 3 of the best players from last season in Marsal behind the dish and Njama and Lemoine in the rotation but the bullpen is still awful and there are 4 or 5 spots in the lineup that are possibly the worst in the league. It's just so unbalanced, I think it reflects the owner a little. He gets obsessed getting the best in one category but then neglects other important things. The luxury suites are amazing but the atmosphere is flat, the top 2 starters are amazing but the bullpen is weak, the cherry-flavored Kino is amazing-

Steve: And grape is utter crap. As far as Lusaka is concerned, they still have the lowest payroll in the league but adding a veteran leader like Alemayyehu Funga should take some pressure off Kizito to lead the team. I think they can jump up a spot or three higher, maybe push for a Global Cup spot.


The two Johannesburg teams at least finish at the top of something

Lukwonga: For Lusaka it depends on how these hitters adjust to the league. We've seen some guys come down from the NABL or East Asia where they were mediocre and tear it up here, and others struggle. If the newbies can put up above-average numbers, I back them to be around .500. The Springboks, on the other hand, are in the midst of a long build back. I don't see good things this season.

Last thoughts on the other teams.

Lukwonga: Kenya has the pieces to make a run. Will Wu settle in quickly is the big question because that offense needs a jolt.

Steve: Addis Ababa will find a way to finish in the mix, they always do.

Nicholas: Kaizer Chiefs are clearly the worst of those three teams. They haven't finished top 5 since 2057 now. The pitching staff still has the same holes it did last year, under .500 for me.

Outstanding Hitter and Pitcher picks before we let the people get back to their lives

Lukwonga: You will call me a homer as I go with 2 Taifa Stars but Masmud Hadji (916 OPS in 2060, then 685 in 2061) and Assi Imarika (coming off a 2.37 ERA, 0.92 WHIP season).

Steve: Berihun Baraka (Addis Ababa) to go back-to-back as hitter and Axamuk Kinoro (Zimbabwe) on the mound.

Nicholas: Ifni Ngumi (Kaizer Chiefs). Last year was just a very good season, I think he gets back to great with 15+ HR's and a .330+ AVG. On the mound, I like Imarika but for 2nd I'll take Majid Fakhry (Kampala), he had a sub-1 WHIP last year and I think drops the ERA to a sub-3 level.



The top preseason choice for Outstanding Pitcher

Thank you gentlemen and enjoy the baseball, we will talk to you again soon.

[RMc]

What does this entire universe look like? Who are the teams, and how did it evolve from the present day?

[dward1]

Originally Posted by RMc

What does this entire universe look like? Who are the teams, and how did it evolve from the present day?

The present day MLB lost major revenue streams when America switched to pay-as-you-like streaming services instead of cable plans. Baseball's ability to fill up huge chunks of programming time was no longer as valuable and the money went down big time. this led to squabbling among players and owners, a strike, a lockout, and the MLB as we know it dying in the early 2020s. during this time, many players spread to current leagues in the Caribbean, Japan, Korea, Australia and mainland Europe which helped baseball spread in those regions, especially as a draw for the youth. a few of the very rich also sponsored traveling teams of pro players to go to places like South Africa, India, the UK, and Brazil and play games for a month or so. this way baseball slowly permeated the globe. with the death of football due to head injuries and basketballs ridiculous scheduling and poor atmospheres relegating it to a niche sport, baseball had more room to grow. by 2033 baseball was the 2nd most popular sport among children across the world. by 2040, the WOB (World of Baseball) had been created to provide some organization to this new global sport. it herded many of the teams playing across the world in leagues (such as the one that had re-spawned in America) under one organization like FIFA did for soccer. in 2043 the WOB officially launched play with 9 leagues and 64 teams under it's umbrella and the first World Cup was played in 2048. currently (2062) there are 12 leagues and 154 teams.

as far as what the universe and teams look like the largest leagues are in US/Canada and East Asia, 24 teams each. Northern and Southern Europe, South America, and South Asia are on the 2nd tier of leagues. Latin America, North Africa, South Africa, and Oceania are the weakest leagues going. US/Canada have 2 more leagues underneath the main league that don't qualify for international play.

here are some of the teams from outside South Africa:

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Opening Three Series Signal Tight Race
Steve Graves, WOB.com

Through 12 games


Five things from the opening 15% of the season:

1. This seasons title race has the makings of a real sizzler. Last years contained essentially no drama after the opening month so we are due one. 6 teams within 2 games early is a journalists dream, we pray this will keep up all year.

2. The Kampala Cranes have pulled out to a early lead as your faithful scribe looks to beat the bookies for the 2nd straight year by calling a long-shot to win the title in preseason. Many people are pointing to the fact they have been outscored as a sign they will quickly fade but I don't buy it. The offense has been weak, yes, but the pitching has basically two bad eggs making the whole batch look bad. 4th starter Juan Carlos Mendoza has allowed 6 ER in each start while failing to complete 4 innings in any and mop-up man Balthazar Zetterburg has allowed 11 runs in 6.2 IP, combining for a 18.25 ERA in 14.1 IP. Everyone else on the staff combined has allowed 17 runs in 92.2 IP (1.46 ERA), which bodes well for them to stay in the race.

A Kampala columnist mentioned Mendoza's "ERA is more crooked than his facial hair" after his last start

3. Tanzania has the best run differential in the league and would be better than 7-5 if closer Shenouda Pili hadn't completely imploded so far. 15 runs allowed in 5 innings for the reliever who had never had a ERA above 4 in any season before this one.

The carnage of Pili's game log
Could last years whipping boy Roberto Penino be the answer at closer? He is 3-0, 0.00 ERA in 10 IP so far.

4. The reigning champs Zimbabwe struggled out of the gate, starting the season 1-6 and losing their first two series. They didn't lose their second series until Series #18 last year. They have roared back into the mix with 5 straight wins to get to 6-6. Kenan Jaja is showing he's recovered from injury (.364, 2 HR, 11 RBI) picking up some slack for Zagwe Akimi's slow start (.602 OPS). Bereket Trommler somehow has a 0.87 ERA at closer despite walking 9 in 10.1 IP.

5. The Johannesburg teams can swing the bat. Kaizer Chiefs and the Springboks are tied for 2nd in runs behind Tanzania and are both showing more fight and life than expected preseason. The pitching isn't strong enough at either place for a title challenge, but that offensive firepower could make for some very entertaining Derbies.

Player nuggets

It's tied for the fourth longest streak in league history, Fernando Aguila's 32-gamer is the league record.

Tewase Dukuzumuremyi's (Kenya) shutout on opening day made it 3 straight shutouts going back to last season, the Harambee Stars picked up a $6.8 million option on the 36 year old this offseason and are happy with the results so far (1-1, 1.96). Best two players: Fariq bin Qaraja (Tanzania) who is hitting .469 and Kifle Muugi (Kampala) who is 3-0, 0.83.

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Series Report: Rift Valley Rivalry?
by Mishago Kudumu for Kenyan Life Magazine


The matchup between Kenya and Addis Ababa seemed like it was a natural rivalry. The fierce distance running rivalry, geographical proximity (75 minute flight) and fact that they were the “other two” teams outside of Johannesburg at the founding of the league were all factors ready-made for a rivalry but it never really came off. For 16 years it was just another game when the two teams in Africa's Great Rift Valley faced each other. Things began to change a little after Addis Ababa defeated Kenya at home in the final series of the season to win the 2058 title over the Harambee Stars, and things have continued to trend toward a legitimate rivalry. With the teams both 6-6 and expecting a title challenge, I was in Nairobi to cover their first meetings this season.

Game 1:
I approach Nyayo National Stadium from the south with a group of Harambee Star fans who are making the trip to the stadium parking lot to cook and eat before the game. The amount of Harambee Stars paraphernalia in the area around the stadium is quite impressive. Four hours before the game we set up and my hosts cooked some chicken and a peas and potatoes mix. To my surprise, several Harambee Star players stopped by, including Massin Alami and Wolashe Owiti. The pregame festivities all lived up to the title of best fans in the league.




On to the actual game play, which was everything you'd want. On-form, high-salaried aces started for both teams in Jaleel Muti (1.88 ERA) for Addis Ababa and Tewase Dukuzumuremyi (1.96 ERA) for Kenya and both dealt early. The Walia Antelopes stranded two runners in the 5th and the 7th but that was about it for scoring chances as the game flew by. In the bottom of the 7th, the all-time South African HR leader and the man who was eating potatoes and peas with the fans 5 hours earlier, Massin Alami, hit the first pitch of the AB just over the outstretched glove of LF Abay Eberegulam and into the bleachers for his 116th career HR. Dukuzumuremyi needed no more and finished the game stronger than he started retiring the final seven hitters to finish with his 8th career shutout (all with Kenya) while striking out 12.

Game 2
After a lack of away fans in the opening game on Friday night, Saturday brought a whole heap of them and with them a little more tension in the crowd. They serenaded reigning Outstanding Hitter Berihun Baraka during lineup announcements, only to be drowned out by the “Harambee” chants. Baraka had been scuffling all season (.235 AVG, 0 HR) but maybe he simply needed the away fans support to wake up. He was 3-3 and had already hit his first HR of the season when he faced Wolashe Owiti in the top of the 8th in a 4-4 game and bashed a 2nd HR to provide the winning margin and even the series. As he rounded the bases, the Walia Antelopes fans were the only ones to be heard. Oswald Weidner, the venerable German starter, struggled through 6.1 IP for Addis Ababa, allowing 10 baserunners and 2 home runs. It's sad to see the final days of a legend but Weidner's velocity is long gone and is now struggling to command his pitches.

Game 3
A rare event greeted the teams when they arrived for the third game on Sunday morning: the wind was blowing out. Berihun Baraka's first inning HR would have gone out anywhere, any weather. The wind played a helping hand in Sharafat Khattak's fifth-inning blast, the first home run for the Bangladeshi catcher who leapt in the air and fist-pumped when he saw it clear the fence. It was 2-2 bottom 6th when Massin Alami broke the tie late in the game with a home run for the second time in the series. A towering 3-run blast into the left field bleachers was enough to clinch the series split and delight the season high of 15,166. Well at least 13,500 of them as the sizable Addis Ababa contingent certainly didn't leave delighted. 5-3, Kenya.

Game 4
Just before the opening pitch, Harambee Stars fans down the first base line unveiled a banner highlighting their edge in league titles (4-3) over Addis Ababa as they looked to clinch a series victory. Berihun Baraka continued to hammer Kenya pitching, hitting his 4th home run of the series off of Wafeeq bin Amr in the first. Neither 4th starter made it into the 7th inning, with Sahlu Stima legging out a go-ahead RBI infield single in the 6th off Zihni Temiz to saddle the Walia Antelopes man with his 3rd loss. Yusef Fung, the former rotation stalwart for Kenya, picked up his first win out of the bullpen with 3.1 shutout innings.


Series Standouts

Berihun Baraka was 7-16, 4 HR


Massin Alami: 6-15, 3 HR, 8 RBI


Tewase Dukuzumuremyi: 5-hit shutout, 12 K

A very competitive series between two teams who should challenge for the international spots this season went the way of the Harambee Stars. It's early but it was an important series for Kenya, who moves into 3rd place after a season spent in the bottom half of the standings. A few more series like this one and no one will feel uncomfortable calling this matchup a rivalry.


Standings update after series

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6th Series Update: Addis Ababa fades while Kampala remains top
Nicholas Goode, South African Sporting Press

24 games played:


We are 30% of the way done with the season. With the African Cup Round of 16 tomorrow, it's a good time to break down what we have seen over the past couple weeks.

1. Kampala has extended their lead to 2 games by playing excellent defense (.724 DEFEFF) and getting incredible pitching from their top 3 starters. Kifle Muugi (6-0, 1.82), Majid Fakhry (4-1, 2.27) and Chiang-hui Bo (4-1, 1.41) have been stunning. Juan Carlos Mendoza is still hanging on as the 4th starter with his 10.88 ERA but showed signs of life recently with 1 ER and 15 K over his past 13 IP.

2. Addis Ababa's aspirations took a huge blow over the past 12 games, they went 3-9 and fell 7 games back into last place. The bats are to blame, last in the league in AVG, OBP, and SLG. Recently it's reached the bottom of the barrel: over their last 3 games (vs Kampala) they registered a shocking 5 total hits and 2 runs.

3. Tanzania continues to put up impressive run differential numbers and certainly pass the eye test, they look like a title-winning club. It seems most of us are just waiting for them to make a move on Kampala but they recently split back-to-back series against .500 teams Kaizer and Kenya. Closer Shenouda Pili has gotten back on track (1 R in last 7.1 IP) after early season nightmarish outings. The middle of the Taifa Star order is terrifying: Paskar Matari, Ighlaf Shabana, Fariq bin Qaraka, and Rafael Herrera all have .900+ OPSes. The next series they will host Kampala in Dar es Salaam, it could be telling in the title race.

4. Lusaka's much hyped offseason revamp of it's lineup looks like they got rid of a Pinto and replaced it with a Yugo. They sit last in runs again. They may have signed Alemayyehu Funga hoping for one more solid season his body doesn't have. The recently turned 38 year old hit 2 HR in the 3rd game of the season but has seen his OPS fall to .578 since. He is sporting an outrageous friendly mutton chop look which he claims to be doing for charity.

There are better ways to raise money, Alemayyehu

5. In the worst news of the young season, Thomas Suarez has suffered his second season ending injury in as many years.

Suarez was off to a great start as he had a 0.88 WHIP and 26 K's in his first 24 IP but this is now two serious injuries in two seasons: to his shoulder and back. You have to wonder about his career long-term now. Just heartbreaking for the youngster who worked so hard to come back strong.

The Namibian contingent is helping the Dynamos overcome the Suarez injury and still be the #1 pitching staff in the league. Only 5 Namibians are currently signed to pro contracts and 3 have big roles pitching for the Zimbabwe Dynamos. Bereket Trommler moved from closer to the rotation after the injury and is 2-1, 2.16 in 25 IP. Habimama Jaafar replaced him as the closer and is 2-1, 2.25 in 16 IP. Tamirat Abboud has allowed 1 run in 5.1 IP. The streets of Windhoek are flush with Dynamo gear as the sales staff was quick to put shirts of the three players for sale in their online shop, with special shipping rates and sales in Namibia.

Best pitching performances so far
Axel Lemoine (Johannesburg) 9 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K vs Kenya
Majid Fakhry (Kampala) 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K vs Addis Ababa
Tewase Dukuzumuremyi (Kenya) 9 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K vs Zimbabwe
Tewase Dukuzumuremyi (Kenya) 9 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 12 K vs Addis Ababa
Roberto Gonzales (Zimbabwe) 9 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K vs Lusaka

Best hitting performances
Mamoun Jamali (Kampala) 3-4, 2 HR, 5 RBI vs Lusaka
Kenan Jaja (Zimbabwe) 2-2, 3 BB, 2 HR, 5 RBI vs Tanzania
Alemayyehu Funga (Lusaka) 3-4, 2 HR, 5 RBI vs Kaizer
Kisabaka Durojaiye (Kenya) 5-5, 2 BB, HR, 2 RBI vs Tanzania
Berihun Baraka (Addis Ababa) 4-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI vs Kenya

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African Cup Round of 16
Nicholas Goode, South African Sporting Press


Zimbabwe 8, Kenya 5
There were fireworks early at Rufaro Stadium as Badrak Rono was ejected for an especially heated protest after striking out to open Zimbabwe's first inning swings. Rono earned a 2-game suspension by coming back out of the dugout and screaming at the umpire for a further 5 minutes. The game itself wasn't as exciting as Zimbabwe jumped all over Tewase Dukuzumuremyi to win the game 8-5. After a hot start, Dukuzumuremyi has allowed 7 runs in each of his last two starts.

Addis Ababa 8, Kano 5
The quest for a third African Cup has begun as Addis Ababa delighted their home fans with a 16-hit barrage and a 8-5 win over Kano. Usama Mubarak doubled three times for the Walia Antelopes.

Johannesburg 4, Angola 2
After beating Lusaka in the opening round, the Springboks eased past aging former English international Kyle Larking to reach the Quarterfinals for only the second time.

Accra 4, Kampala 0
The Kampala fans in Mandela National Stadium welcomed the Hearts of Oak with “New year, new result” signs referring to last years thrilling Cup final won by Accra but only this first half of the sign was true. Nimulodi Moyo fired a 4-hit shutout as Accra ended Kampala's Cup run before it started this season.

Cameroon 4, Tanzania 2
11 K's from Aubert Rosolino delighted 30,000+ at Ahidjo Stadium as Tanzania's trip up north knocked them out of the Cup shy of the semifinals for the second straight season after making the first four. The search for the first trophy now will shift to the league title, where the pressure will continue to build.

Dakar 6, Kaizer 0
When you face Tullu Chippo, you are facing arguably the best pitcher in the world. There is no shame in going down hard like Kaizer Chiefs did in Senegal. Almost 5/1 underdogs in a single game is almost unheard of but that's what Kaizer Chiefs were before the game, due to a game log like this from the opposing starter:

Chippo, the 3-times running North African Outstanding Pitcher, will go to the free-agent market this season after surprisingly signing an extension last year. His contract will be one to behold.


Addis Ababa, Zimbabwe, and Johannesburg advance to the round of eight.

Top Players of the Round

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Series Report: Tanzania v Kampala
Mishago Kudumu, Kenyan Life

The league's top two teams have a lot of similarities. They've always been viewed as expansion teams made good and a neutral's favorite when battling the Original Four. However, last year might have signaled the start of a shift. Tanzania has four straight .500+ seasons and Kampala a league-leading six but neither was the first to break the Original Four's stranglehold on league titles, it was the surprising Dynamos. Now both find themselves in slightly different, more pressurized, positions. Tanzania, the preseason favorite, and Kampala, the league leader, know that their league campaigns this season have added importance, especially after both lost in the Cup earlier this week. This series even has added pressure because if the other side wins the title, the loser will be left behind with Lusaka as the only title-less team in the league. No offense to the Green Buffaloes, but you don't want to be grouped in with them for anything. I was in Dar es Salaam as the Cranes dominant pitching staff faced the league-leading offense of the Taifa Stars.


Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium's trademark white ridges greeted me as I took in some baseball on the Indian Ocean. The rumor from a local reporter was for the first title the Taifa Stars win, a ridge will be painted blue. The next ridge will be painted black and the third green when the second and third titles come.

Game 1: Kampala continued their absurd pitching streak, making it 4 straight games in the league allowing 2 hits or less. Majid Fakhry fired his second consecutive shutout as the Cranes won 2-0 and expanded their lead to 3 games. “We pitchers like coming here, it seems the ball doesn't travel at all.” said Fakhry post-game.



Game 2: A fifth consecutive game allowing 2 hits or less! Chiang-hui Bo and Dilgassa Missaoui combine on the shutout, and Nsen Zouabri's 2nd inning HR was all the scoring needed. 1-0, Cranes. The rain storm that began immediately after the final out summed up the general mood among the fans.



Game 3: The streak ends, but Cranes fans aren't too devastated as it ends in a shutout. Much-maligned 4th starter Juan Carlos Mendoza continued his recent hot streak with 7.1 shutout innings. He allowed 5 hits to end a stretch of 5 games where Kampala allowed only 9 hits total, and never more than 2 in a game. Jason Danior, the Taifa Stars expensive free agent signing, allowed 8+ hits for the 5th straight game and saw his ERA rise above 6. The Cranes are on the verge of a sweep to open up some space between them and the field. In social media news, a picture of Mendoza being toasted at a Zanzibar night-club after the game spread through the internet quickly. Zanzibar's failed bid to host the team in 2052 and the historically strained relationship between the island and the rest of Tanzania ensure there will always be a pocket of fans rooting against the Taifa Stars every night and a chance to toast the man who just sent the mainland team 5 games back will never be passed up.



Game 4: The offense finally arrived. After being shutout for the first 28 innings of the series, Tanzania finally got on the board thanks to an error in the bottom of the 2nd. That was met with a mock standing ovation before the real cheers started later as the Taifa Stars scored 6 runs in the final two innings to salvage a game from this set, 8-5.




The Cranes extended their lead at the top from two to four games and have emphatically claimed the title favorites role from the perennial preseason kings. For Tanzania, they are in trouble of failing to reach the next level of success for yet another season. The fans have begun to grumble about GM Metin Ergin, the man who brought them from the cellar their first four seasons to consistent international play. You set new and higher standards and you will eventually be judged by them. Ergin still has 52 games left this season, but he can't let the Cranes pull away.

Standings after series

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Halfway home update: Tanzania in trouble
through 40 games



Lukwonga Juta, former Taifa Star player
Nothing has been this bad for us since the 2055 season where we won only 25 games. Only 4 wins in the past 17 league games and losing in the Cup in the same stretch. The offense has slowed up while the pitching staff has it's worst ERA since 2056. The blame has to go to the worst bullpen in the league, and Shenouda Pili at closer who has 4 losses, 4 blown saves, and a 9 ERA at closer. I understand the coaching staff there are talking about sample size, soft contact velocity, and an softly hit balls finding holes at an unsustainable rate against Pili but they are missing the forest for the trees. He can't get anyone out and they keep putting him out there. I think they have outthought themselves here. Put Modesto Torricho in as much as you can, he's pitched 19 IP without a run. These fancy metrics they are talking about don't seem to help us win the title.

I will say there is not really panic going on in the clubhouse. The atmosphere there is so prepared and meticulous that results don't really change the players and coaches attitudes too much, it's a very impressive accomplishment to have such an isolated and some say sterile environment. The players tell me it's almost like going to class everyday. That helps in some ways and hurts in others but it certainly means the reaction to this slump in there is nothing like the firestorm in the media or in the stands.

Mishago Kudumu
There were 203 fans who would come from Zanzibar to cheer on the Taifa Star opponents from the home fan section who were banned from coming to the stadium for the rest of the season by Taifa Star management. This obviously went over horribly in Zanzibar and poorly on the mainland as fans see it as a totalitarian move. The end result is now the away fans section is close to full every night with people coming over on the ferry from Zanzibar to revel in this huge mess the Taifa Stars are in.

I will also say that Johannesburg has been the team that has surprised me the most. If you told me Meddur Njama would be 2-7, 5.45 ERA at the midway point I'd have put money the Springboks would be last. The bullpen is bad, but not historically bad like last season and Degife Marsal is showing he deserved that big transfer fee with another brilliant season (981 OPS, good defense at catcher).

Nicholas Goode
The Tanzania situation shows how tough it is to win a title in this league. Kampala is doing it on hard mode, by playing with the next to last offense in the league. They are giving up 3.1 runs per game and if you take out Mendoza (who is actually pitching well now) the rest of the current staff has a sub-2 ERA. The defense behind them should get a ton of the credit also, 4 of the top 8 in Zone Rating play for the Cranes and the team BABIP is .254, first in the league by 20 points.

Sad to see two legends fading, but Oswald Weidner (20/40 K/BB ratio and 1.82 WHIP) and Alemayyehu Funga (.500 OPS) don't seem to have what it takes anymore.

Steve Graves
Zimbabwe is right there at the top again. Since they lost those two series to open the year, they have gone back to the level they were at last season. The offense is powerful and the pitching staff is 2nd in the league. Kenan Jaja (791 OPS after last seasons 1039) and Zagwe Akimi (651 OPS after 900 OPS the previous two seasons) have lots of room for improvement, which should scare the rest of the league.



Game of the first half

Yet another addition to the continents best rivalry. Ambo Kefentse, a weak-hitting shortstop, cemented himself in Kaizer Chief history by hitting for the cycle and blasting a 3-run HR in the bottom of the ninth that helped force extra innings. After six and a half scoreless in extra time Ellis Ushindi, of the .163 average and 0-7 for the day, ended the game with a 2-out, 2-strike line drive single. The Johannesburg Derby delivers over and over.

Players of the first half

Masmud Hadji (909 OPS while moving to the infield and playing third and second), Degife Marsal (mentioned above) and Fariq bin Qaraja (league leading .349 AVG).



Pitchers of the first half

Chiang-hui Bo (8-1, 1.31) and Majid Fakhry (2.33 ERA, 0.88 WHIP) have fueled Kampala's run to the top of the league. Axamuk Kinoro leads the league in IP and has a 1.81 ERA.


Marsal, bin Qaraja and Fakhry are always reminders of how far their countries have come. For a South Sudanese and two Somalians to be at the top of their sport would have been unimaginable just 25 years ago.

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African Cup Quarterfinal Mini-Recap
Steve Graves, WOB.com



-Kamau Jalil built on his great league season (8-1, 2.79) with his first Cup win as Johannesburg qualified for the semis for the first time in franchise history.

-The other two South African teams fell short in their travels: Addis Ababa to the North African league leaders Dakar and Zimbabwe in Abidjan to the Elephants. For the Dynamos it allows them to focus on their league title chase, so it won't be a crushing blow.

-Accra's bid for back-to-back Cups went down in 14 innings and it was last years Zimbabwe closer, the ageless wonder Akorakor Jaramogi that took the loss. The 44-year old pitched 3 scoreless before allowing a walkoff hit to former Kaizer, Kenya, and most recently Tanzania man Sammar Wamwara. Lagos reaches their 2nd semifinal.