ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times
Monday, May 21st, 2001

TBU Player of the Week Awarded
The marquee name in the Tycobbian Union this week is Maury Smith of the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers.
The hot-hitting 29-year-old first baseman put up a .394 average and .444 on-base percentage, piling up 13 hits in 33 at-bats, 3 home runs, 10 RBIs and 4 runs scored. That kind of hitting got him the TBU Player of the Week honors.

This year Smith has hit 4 home runs and posted a .364 batting average.

Swift Wins RBU Player of the Week

When it came to hitting the baseball, Nicky Swift had few peers in the Ruthlandian Union this past week. The talented left fielder for Belair Beach tagged opposing pitchers for a .500 average and was voted the Player of the Week Award. Included in his stats were 13 hits in 26 at-bats, 5 homers, 9 runs scored and 8 RBIs.

In the 2001 campaign Swift has hit at a .345 clip with 24 RBIs, 13 home runs and 26 runs scored. Swift is the home run leader in the RBU.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, May 21, 2001

Around the IPA

Islandia's first pro baseball league had made it through the first month of the inaugural season and had done it in fine style. It looks like the Islandian Pro Alliance is here to stay. It's time to peruse the four divisions and tell you who's hot and who's not.

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

The Colfax Blasters (18-12) have taken a 2.5 games lead in the first month of the season. The Blasters are managed by Clem Rogers and he has them playing quite well, especially his pitching rotation. The old fireballin' righthander has motivated his staff in the right direction. Colfax is tied with Glasco with an outstanding 2.92 ERA. Rogers' starting foursome are Flash Guidry (4-3 2.48), Harry Manning (4-2 3.27), Alex Castille (4-2 3.51) and Greg Forest (3-1 3.83).

It gets even better in the bullpen with Walt Sellers (1-0 0.92), Jim Dreyer (0-0 1.96) and Robbie Smith (1-1 1.17). Only closer Pat Langlais (0-2 4.22) has struggled at times. One of the other guys may move into that slot soon.

The Blasters have not been blasting the ball much. They are fourth in the division with a .259 average and 17 homers (6th), but are second in scoring with 148 runs. First baseman Dennis Cole (.313) is the big gun with 9 homers and 26 RBIs. Left fielder Pat Lott (.266) has 19 RBIs. Second baseman Tucker Hill (.319) has sparkled at bat and in the field (.993 FA). Center fielder Blinky Brandon (.309) and catcher Howie Peterson (.284) have hit well, too.

Rogers' biggest need is to get some bat production in the outfield positions. 38-year-old shortstop Warren O'Reilly (.217) needs to step it up with the bat and with the glove (.957 FA). His closer Pat Langlais has disappointed so far.

Fielding-wise Colfax is third in the division with a .980 FA. Valmara (.985) and Volusia (.981) are ahead of them.

The Glasco Athletics (15-14) are in second place and are skippered by McDuffie Hughes. The A's are a very similar team to Colfax. Excellent pitching and average hitting, but with some power.

Glasco is even with Colfax with a division-best 2.92 ERA, but not as deep in starters. Charles Darby (4-2 1.95), Ernie McCain (2-2 2.56) and Jesse Balfour (2-3 2.74) have done well for Hughes. And the bullpen may be the best in the IPA. Bill Darby (1-0 1.50), Duncan McFalls (0-0 2.74), Jeremiah McDonald (1-0 2.91) and closer Ray Cook (0-2 1.20) have been standouts.

In the hitting department the A's have compiled a .258 mark (5th), but top the division with 31 homers. However, Glasco is last in runs (129). Hughes just doesn't have enough good hitters. His left fielder Ox Beauvais (.411), center fielder Chet Reynolds (.299) and second sacker Barry McCord (.254) have pretty much carried the offensive load. Beauvais leads the league in average, has 8 home runs and 18 RBIs, Reynolds has 3 homers and 14 RBIs and McCord 5 roundtrippers and 15 RBIs. Right fielder Jose Valenzuela (.337) is the top A's batter average-wise and has driven in 10 runs.

The Athletics are fifth in fielding with a .975 average and could use some improvement here, especially at shortstop, where Zach Byorvik is fielding only .917 this year.

If Glasco can find another productive starter and get some offensive help from the other four position players, they could give Colfax a run for the RU crown. Improved defensive play would be a plus, too.

The Valmara Vipers (16-15) started off like a ball of fire, but have cooled off lately with five losses in a row. The Vipers are third, 2.5 games off the pace. J. Jackson Samuel is the manager. His club is second in batting with a .265 average and a distance fourth with a 3.92 ERA, but Valmara is number one with a .985 fielding average.

The Vipers are third in runs with 145 and fourth in homers with 21. Left fielder Louis Sharp (.366) is one of the top hitters in the league, has scored 19 times and driven in 11 from the lead-off spot, second baseman Fred Vinson (.333) has scored 10 and has 13 RBIs and center fielder Jan Szymanski (.266) and third baseman Ricky O'Reilly (.263) have been the run producers. Szymanski has 5 homers, 24 RBIs and has scored 21 runs and O'Reilly has 3 homers, 20 RBIs and scored 12 times.

On the hill talent has been pretty scarce except for starters Zarek Zalewski (5-2 1.41) and Todd Turner (3-2 3.80). Danny Blauser (3-0 0.99) has been brilliant in relief. The rest of the staff is only average to mediocre.

More pitching is vital to Valmara's success this season. They can hold their own in the batter's box, but Samuel has to improve his hill corps to challenge in the RU North Division.

In fourth place in the RU North are the Far Mountain Redbirds (16-16). They trail by three games in the standings. Old-time pitching ace, Alex Groveland is manager and GM and pitching has been their strong point thus far. The Redhawks are a distance third behind Colfax (2.92) and Glasco (2.92) with a 3.80 ERA. Groveland's mound staff is headed by starters Sonny Elliott (4-3 2.62) and John Luzzatti (2-2 2.91). Vic Vaux (2-1 3.71) has also been effective. But it has been the bullpen that has played a big role in the club's success. Closer Doc Rutledge (4-1 2.38) and Mike McCabe (1-1 1.17) have stood out in relief.

Far Mountain is last with a .246 batting average and last in runs with 118. They are lucky to be playing .500 ball with such a poor offense. However, the Redhawks are third with 28 roundtrippers. Third baseman Johnny Strickland (.233) is the team leader with 8 homers and 17 RBIs. Other contributors are first baseman Royce Benson (.309) with 18 runs and 9 stolen bases, second baseman Shirai Kobayashi (.300), left fielder Gerald Davis (.295) with 4 home runs and 10 RBIs and catcher Dave Davis (.292) with 3 homers and 14 RBIs.

Defensively Far Mountain is last in the division with a very poor .971 fielding average.

To climb in the standings, Groveland needs improvement from half of his mound corps, better hitting and stronger defense.

Pulling up the rear in the RU North are Elnora and Volusia. They are tied for last place.

Zoggy White is at the helm of the Elnora All-Stars (14-18). His ballclub has plenty of firepower with a .270 batting average and 151 runs scored, both lead the division. The All-Stars are also second with 29 homers.

White has six quality hitters: second baseman Gil Foster (.390) with 5 home runs, 20 RBIs and 21 runs, right fielder Art Atkins (.348), 3 homers, 10 RBIs and 19 runs, shortstop Johnny Zumwalt (.342) with 5 RBIs and 10 runs in just 15 starts, left fielder Quincy Peterson (.282) with 4 roundtrippers, 19 RBIs and 20 runs, third baseman Richie Franklin (.274) with 3 homers, 17 RBIs and 13 runs and catcher Todd Simons (.270) 14 RBIs and 22 runs.

On the mound the All-Stars are in the fifth spot with a 4.22 ERA. They have a good nucleus with starters Carl Costas (1-5 3.14), Ted Gray (1-2 3.40), Sean Sykes (5-1 4.05) and Troy Hudson (3-1 4.08). Bullpen specialist Wally Tidwell (0-2 2.55) has done a fine job for White. It is the other four on the staff that have to pick up the slack. So far they have been pitiful with over 5.00 ERAs.

Elnora is only average on defense with a .979 fielding average.

Better pitching would do wonders for the Elnora All-Stars.

The last place Volusia Vigilantes (14-18) are managed by Alfonso Feliz. The V's have decent hitting and fine fielding. They have put up a .262 team batting average, second in the division, and are second with a .981 fielding average. But pitching is almost nonexistent with a 4.50 ERA and last in the division.

Feliz's best batters are shortstop Scooter Perez (.356) with 22 runs and 12 stolen bases from the lead-off spot, catcher Jo-Jo Nunez (.333) with 12 RBIs and 10 runs, center fielder Alex Luna (.306) with 13 RBIs, 16 runs and 5 stolen bases, left fielder Jesus Arroyo (.272) with 13 RBIs and 16 runs and first baseman Alejandro Salazar (.230) with 5 homers, 19 RBIs and 19 runs scored.

The Vigilante pitching corps has four quality pitchers in relief ace, Ricky Moreno (3-0 1.84) and starters Raul Sandoval (4-3 2.58), Hank Massey (2-4 3.13) and Lenny Collins (2-2 4.28).

Pitching seems to be the name of the game in the Ruthlandian Union North Division. And that is what Alfonso Feliz and Volusia desparately need.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, May 21, 2001

Around the IPA

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

It is quite a race so far in the RU South Division with five teams within two games of each other. The Sugar Valley Rattlers (17-13) are in the driver's seat, but not by much. Manager Gibson Bobkins' ballclub has two teams breathing down their necks just a half-game behind.

In the hit-happy division, the Rattlers (.274) are third in batting average, tied for first in runs with Forest City, each with 155, but tied for last in homers with Marston, each with 26.

Bobkins' line-up is chocked full of fine hitters: second baseman Rudi Oliver (.383), catcher Shotgun McFall (.382), third baseman Jorge Vargas (.330), center fielder Freddie Vaux (.303) with 18 RBIs and 18 runs scored, right fielder Karl Dietz (.293) with 4 homers, 17 RBIs and 13 runs, left fielder Cy Bartz (.293) with 15 RBIs and 14 runs, shortstop Flipper Bird (.283) with 12 RBIs and 16 runs and first baseman Ken Arnold (.278) 4 homers, 12 RBIs, 17 runs.

However, Sugar Valley falls quite short in the mound department. Only closer Gregg Neal (2-2 1.66) and starters Ron Benson (5-2 2.14) and Harvey Hines (3-2 2.91) have been effective. The Rattlers have a team ERA at 4.14, fourth in the division.

Sugar Valley is tied with Marston for the best fielding average at .981 this season.

So far, so good. But Bobkins has to find more pitching to stay at the top of the heap in the South Division.

The Belair Beach Sunbirds (17-14) and Marston Nine are in the runner-up spot. Manager Marty Pedrosa is depending on his pitching. This season the Sunbirds are second to Forest City (3.41) in team ERA with 3.63. In the batting department, Belair Beach (.255) is rated fifth in the division. They are last in scoring with 142 runs, but not by much in the tightly-bunched race. As far as power, the Sunbirds are fourth with 31.

For offense Pedrosa has depended on left fielder Nicky Swift (.345) with 13 homers, tops in the RU, 24 RBIs, 26 runs and 4 stolen bases, right fielder Matty McDermott (.323) with 5 home runs, 17 RBIs, 29 runs and 6 stolen bases, third baseman Rick Sullivan (.311) with 17 RBIs and 13 runs scored, shortstop Danny Church (.299) with 4 homers, 18 RBIs, 22 runs and 3 stolen bases and catcher Denny Everhart (.270) with 5 roundtrippers and 18 RBIs.

The top arms in the Sunbirds pitching rotation are closer Lou Zanelli (4-0 0.48) and starters Carl Thompson (5-2 1.65), Ken Frey (1-0 2.95) and Troy Wilson (2-3 3.88).

Belair Beach has an average defensive club with a .977 fielding average, good enough to tie for third with South Fork in this category.

Pedrosa's biggest need is some pitching help. He has to get another decent starter and at least one quality middle reliever. If the Sunbirds can do that, they will be able to compete in the upper echelon of the division.

The Marston Nine (17-14) are also just a half-game behind the division leader and are headed by former pitching great, manager/GM Johnny Walters. His club is hitting a robust .286 and has scored 158 runs, both figures are number one in the division. The Nine are third with a 3.76 ERA.

Marston has an abundance of fine hitters, paced by center fielder Ronnie Lee (.469), who in 12 starts has 2 home runs, 10 RBIs, 9 runs and 5 stolen bases, second baseman Ken Green (.375) with 3 home runs, 18 RBIs and 20 runs, catcher Mo Chappell (.327) with 12 RBIs, right fielder Chris Deangelo (.305) with 3 homers, 12 RBIs and 14 runs scored, third baseman Roland Thomas (.296) with 17 runs, shortstop Lenny Torricelli (.292) with 3 homers, 12 RBIs and 17 runs, center fielder Tommy Reinhold (.278) with 17 RBIs, 15 runs and 11 stolen bases, left fielder Ronnie Horn (.277) with 11 RBIs, 14 runs and 4 stolen bases and first baseman Johnny Berthold (.238) with 5 roundtrippers, 22 RBIs and 18 runs scored.

The Nine has a good number of solid and dependable hurlers, such as starters Phil Azard (2-0 0.66), Casey Ledbetter (5-1 3.69), Nick Pace (5-4 4.31) and the injured Bob Lowe (1-2 3.27). Relievers Vince Gardner (0-1 1.17), Ken Bagby (0-0 2.81) and Milt Wilson (0-2 3.38) have done good bullpen work.

Marston is tied with Sugar Valley for the best fielding percentage. Both are at the .981 mark this year.

Skipper Johnny Walters has a well-balanced team. When he gets starter Bob Lowe back in five weeks, he will be set to give battle to the top clubs in the Ruthlandian Union South.

Forest City and Waleska are deadlocked for the fourth spot in the Ruthlandian Union South Division. They are all even at 16-16 and trail first place Sugar Valley by only two games.

The Forest City Lumberjacks (16-16) GM and manager is Rob Jackson. His club has the best ERA (3.41) in the division, the most home runs (45) and is number three in batting (.272 BA). It would seem the Lumberjacks have most everything going for them. Beating the Belair Beach Sunbirds is the problem. The 'Jacks are only 2-8 against them. Jackson said, "We have to turn that around and we'll be fine."

Jackson has a solid staff with starters Glenn Moore (3-0 2.41), Herm Bahr (3-3 2.48), Vince Edelman (0-2 3.23), Buddy Hutchinson (2-5 3.79) and Gene Stuart (3-1 4.13). As good as the starters have been, the bullpen has been better. Closer Timmy Brooks (1-2 1.72), Jim DiGregorio (0-0 0.00) and Nick Marceau (0-1 3.12) have been excellent so far. The Lumberjacks may have the best staff man-for-man than any team in the IPA.

The Forest City attack is sparked by center fielder and lead-off man, Ryan Morse (.368) with 4 homers, 15 RBIs, 31 runs scored and 6 stolen bases, left fielder Chuck Hill (.364) with 10 home runs, 32 RBIs and 26 runs and second baseman Jesse Wolf (.307) with 10 roundtrippers, 32 RBIs and 18 runs. Also in the potent line-up are two more powerhitters, right fielder Benny Davis (.236) with 7 homers, 17 RBIs and 16 runs, and third baseman Ricky Mitchell (.227) with 6 homers, 15 RBIs and 10 runs scored in 18 games since being put in the line-up.

In the field, the Lumberjacks are tied for third in the rankings with a .977 fielding average.

With such a well-balanced ballclub in batting and pitching, you can expect Forest City to be in the thick of the pennant race.

Looking at the team's stats, the Waleska Westerners (16-16) are doing much better record-wise than you would think. It's a wonder that McGraw Johnson's club is playing .500 ball with an atrocious 4.64 ERA, which is fifth in the division. Only last place Claxton is worse with a 4.75 ERA. Add in the mix that Waleska is hitting only .248, which is dead last in the division, and you would think they would be far down in the standings. The Westerners are less than average in fielding, too. They are fifth with a .975 fielding average. However, they have hit 35 homers and rank third in the division.

Right fielder Big Hoss Burkhalter (.306) has been a big plus with 9 home runs, 32 RBIs and 16 runs scored. First baseman Fred Shelton (.295) has been reliable with 4 homers, 16 RBIs and 18 scores. Third baseman Yoshihide Nishida (.260) has provided punch and speed to the line-up with 7 roundtrippers, 17 RBIs and 27 runs. Other contributors are left fielder Charley Williamson (.289) with 6 home runs, 14 RBIs and 14 runs scored and center fielder Rick Vaughn (.278) with 10 RBIs and 15 runs.

The Westerners pitching corps has few standouts. Smokey Joe Carter (4-4 3.00), Gary Hill (3-0 3.73) are Johnson's most dependable starters. In the bullpen his long man Andrei Marsiske (2-0 3.06) has been reliable and impressive.

If a couple of pitchers step it up, Waleska could be in the thick of the battle for the division flag. It wouldn't take much.

All alone and far away in the RU South basement are the Claxton Diamonds (11-21). Skipper Stacy Engel's crew is already seven games out of first place. The always jovial and congenial Engel was asked by reporters what was the toughest part of being a manager. He grinned and replied, "The toughest thing is to keep the guys that hate you away from the ones that are undecided."

The Old Perfesser hasn't had much to smile about on the field this season except for his hitters, who are number two in the division with a .277 team batting average. But that wonderful smile is dampened a bit when the subject gets around to his pitching corps. Engel's rotation has put up a 4.75 ERA and is last in that category. And to make matters worse, Claxton is last in fielding with a very poor .969 fielding average. Engel said he is toying with the idea to lean a little more toward defense and try to get by with a little less offense.

The Diamonds really shine in the batter's box, paced by second baseman Donny McCoy (.373) with 3 homers, 19 RBIs and 24 runs scored, shortstop Bobby Ritter (.336) with 3 homers, 14 RBIs and 19 runs, right fielder Dixie Baker (.324) with 10 home runs, 23 RBIs and 20 runs, third baseman Keith Olsen (.311) with 4 roundtrippers, 22 RBIs and 23 runs and left fielder Winky Rush (.292) 4 home runs, 17 RBIs and 13 runs.

On the hill Tetsunori Nakashima (6-2 4.10) has benefited from the high run support and leads the IPA in victories. In the bullpen Earl Weber (0-1 2.19) has been the only plus mark.

It looks like a long and dismal first season for the Claxton Diamonds.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, May 21, 2001

Around the IPA

Tycobbian Union - East Division

In the first month of the IPA season, pitching has been dominant in the Tycobbian Union East Division, but the club on top got there by hitting. The Ozarka Naturals (19-12) are two games up thus far and are doing it with home run power. Manager Joe Mac Carney's club has hit 43 out of the park and scored 152 runs to rank first in the division in both categories. The Nats are third in batting with a .250 average. When it comes to pitching, they are last with a 3.88 ERA. Ozarka is fourth in fielding with a mediocre .971 mark.

Top Hitters:
center fielder Teddy Braun (.313) with 3 HR, 13 RBI, 25 R... second baseman Duane Starr (.311) with 4 HR, 17 RBI, 18 R...third baseman Doug Cunningham (.261) 13 HR, 33 RBI, 22 R...first baseman Floyd Snow (.255) 6 HR, 20 RBI, 12 R.

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Yasuyuki Nakagawa (4-1 1.23)...Luther Hatch (5-2 2.84)...Ted Didriksen (4-2 3.62).
Relievers: Alec DiMaggio (3-0 1.50)

Skipper Carney is blessed with two very fine starters in Nakagawa and Hatch. As long as they stay healthy and the hitters keep banging homers, Ozarka should contend for the TU East flag.

Holding down the runner-up position are the Luxora Zorros (16-13), who are two games back of the Naturals. The two clubs are now playing a series against one another. The Z's took the opener.

Luxora is managed by Rodrigo Alejandro, the greatest home run hitter and shortstop ever in the industrial leagues. The Zorros could certainly use his power at the plate - they are currently hitting only .239 (5th) with only 22 home runs (5th). But his pitching staff is doing a fine job with a division-leading 3.15 ERA.

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Keith Callahan (4-2 2.05)...Chris Pierce (3-1 2.12)...Francisco Fernandes (2-2 3.17)...Johnny Montel (3-3 3.64)
Relievers: Roberto Martinez (2-1 3.47)...Andy Stevens (1-0 3.38)

Top Hitters:
catcher Eric Richter (.352) 16 RBI, 12 R...third baseman Rico Vina (.280) 6 HR, 16 RBI, 13 R...first baseman Paul Hallenbeck (.272) 4 HR, 15 RBI, 11 R...center fielder Tom Fortunato (.266) 4 HR, 16 RBI, 18 R, 9 SB

On the defensive side the Z's are fifth in the division with a poor .970 fielding average.

As long as Luxora's pitching holds up, the Zorros should be in the hunt in the TU East race.

2.5 games off the pace and in the third spot in the division standings are the Cape Coral Hurricanes (16-14), led by manager Huggy Miller. The Hurricanes have kept their heads above water with good pitching and adequate hitting. Miller's pitching staff has compiled a solid 3.26 ERA, second to Luxora. With the bats the 'Canes are hitting .254 with 33 homers and rank second in both categories. Defensively Cape Coral is abysmal with a .969 fielding average.

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Wally Robinson (6-2 2.78)...Gary Fountain (4-1 2.44)...Owen Pruitt (2-1 2.40)...Katsuyuki Nagashima (3-3 3.95)
Relievers: Scotty Lohmeyer (0-1 2.16)...Cody Burg (0-1 3.00)

Good starters should keep Cape Coral in the upper half of the division. Improvement in fielding could help their pitchers. Miller indicated he is going to make several defensive changes even it means hurting his offense.

The man in charge of the Ginza Ninjas (16-15) is the renowned player and manager, Huroko Uchiyama. He had much success in the industrial leagues in both capacities. Now Uchiyama is trying to carry that skill and experience to the first pro league in the Islands. He has his Ninjas in fourth place within three games of the top spot after the first month of the season. Ginza's strong point has been its pitching with a 3.39 team ERA, which is third in the division. The Ninjas (.256) have the best batting average in a pitcher-dominated division. They have very little power with 24 roundtrippers (4th) and only 118 runs (3rd-tied). But Ginza tops the division with a .980 fielding average.

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Kojiro Matsumoto (5-0 2.44)...Kazuhiro Nakayama (3-4 2.87)...Vic Rousakis (3-4 3.35)
Relievers: Ken Watkins (2-1 2.70)...Alec Sasek (1-0 3.72)...Cody Moore (0-1 3.77)

Ginza's has tough competition in the TU East, especially the teams that have good pitching and can score runs like Cape Coral. And all of the teams have trouble with Ozarka, who can outhit everybody and still win despite average pitching. It looks like a close race between four clubs with Ozarka having the advantage.

The fifth spot in the division belongs to Zim Donner's Hartsdale Hellcats (14-17), who are five games back. Hartsdale is rated fifth with a 3.82 ERA, fourth with a .246 team batting average, fourth in runs scored with only 118, third in homers with 32 and third with a .975 fielding average.

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Phil Reed (4-1 2.51)...Danny Griffin (4-4 2.58)...Jim Sears (2-3 3.43)...Glenn Mann (2-5 3.47)
Relievers: Gene Young (1-0 2.61)...Jackie Bond (0-1 3.32)

Top Hitters: Shortstop Mike Burke (.356) 2 HR, 12 RBIs, 8 R, (20 games)...left fielder Jay Luna (.304) 6 RBI, 9 R, 6 SB...third baseman Whiz Weaver (.274) 7 HR, 18 RBI, 13 R...second baseman Francisco Abreu (.237) 10 HR, 25 RBI, 22 R

Donner and the Hartsdale Hellcats need a lot of improvements in a lot of areas. They may have to wait until next year.

Deroche "Lips" Leon is the manager of the last place South Fork Stallions (11-21). Lips is normally never at a loss for words, but he has been speechless after many of his games in his first pro season. There is not much you can say about the Stallions other than they are pathetic with the bats. They are hitting a microscopic .224 with only 21 home runs and 114 runs scored. South Fork is last all of those categories. Leon's club is fourth in pitching with a decent 3.81 ERA and defensively they are number two with a .979 fielding average.

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Ken Olson (1-3 2.42)...Flint Battle (3-4 3.34)
Relievers: Glenn Turnbull (3-1 4.20)...Billy Joe Gordon (0-2 3.57)...Ken Conner (1-1 3.72)

Top Hitters:
right fielder Paul Giles (.259) 9 HR, 21 RBI, 20 R...second baseman Bob Jones (.313) 7 RBI, 11 R...center fielder Mike Yastrzemski (.283) 1 RBI, 7 R (13 games started)

The outlook for the season is not very good for the South Fork Stallions. Tough guy Lips Leon may not have much good to say about this season. It looks like "nice guys don't always finish last". Sometimes it's the bad guys.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, May 21, 2001

Around the IPA

Tycobbian Union - West Division

The West Division will probably go down to the wire with quite a few evenly-matched ballclubs. The first month certainly has been a tight race with three teams within a game of each other. Fourth and fifth place are only three and four games off the pace respectively.

At the head of the class are the Fairfax Frogs (18-13) of manager Harry Buckley. They are second in hitting with a lofty .282 batting average and in scoring with 172 runs. The hard-hitting Frogs are number one in homers by far with 45. With hitting like that, they haven't needed much pitching. Fairfax is fourth in the division with a 4.06 ERA. And they are an average team with a .975 fielding percentage.

Top Hitters: third baseman Stan Cobb (.370) 6 HR, 26 RBI, 26 R...right fielder Gregg Vincent (.308) 18 HR, 40 RBI, 26 R...first baseman Ernie Hutchinson (.308) 14 RBI, 17 R...left fielder Gator Brown (.293) 6 HR, 19 RBI, 14 R...second baseman Greg Inman (.281) 16 RBI, 11 R...shortstop Warren Lee (.260) 4 HR, 14 RBI, 24 R

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Robby Meredith (4-0 2.85)...Jimmy Dalton (2-3 3.65)...Jack Leslie (5-2 4.31)
Relievers: Takehide Takahashi (2-1 2.18)...Gerry Fisher (2-1 3.86)

Like Ozarka in the RU South, Fairfax is showing that you can hit your way to the top. The only club to have a season advantage over them is the best hitting team in the division, the Bayview Vikings. The Frogs lost three of five to them in the first series of season between them. Look for both clubs to be in the running at the end of the year.

Second place belongs to a lousy-hitting team, the La Claire Lynx (18-14). They trail by only a scant half-game. The Lynx are hitting a paltry .246 (5th) with only 24 home runs (5th) and are a distant fourth in runs with 142. But Skipper Rip Calkin has a great bullpen bunch and an adequate starting rotation. They have chalked up a 3.72 ERA and ranked second to the Arlon Champions in that category. The Champs have compiled a 3.40 mark so far. And on defense, La Claire is third with a .978 mark.

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Pat Daniels (3-2 3.96)...Jerry Smith (4-3 4.30)
Relievers: Frank Lamoreaux (4-0 0.81)...Monoto Kishata (1-1 1.38)...Andy Murray (1-0 2.40)...Tony Nygaard (0-0 2.01)

Top Hitters: center fielder Lucky Collins (.294) 4 RBI, 19 R, 9 SB...third baseman Luis Marquez (.293) 3 HR, 14 RBI, 15 R...left fielder Rich Hart (.284) 8 HR, 29 RBI, 23 R

Calkin has to get some hitting help for Collins, Marquez and Hart. If he can, La Claire will provide some better competition for Fairfax, who took seven of ten games from them in the early going. He could use another quality starter, too. Look for the Lynx to be in the pennant chase this year.

Manager Walter Johanssen has the Bayview Vikings (18-15) up close in the TU West race. They are in the third spot, but only one game out of the top spot. The Viks are the highest-scoring team in the IPA with 179 runs. The club is batting .275 (3rd) with 28 roundtrippers (4th). On the hill Bayview is the worst in the division with a sky-high 4.84 ERA. They would be far ahead of the pack with a little pitching. And the Vikings can play defense, ranking first in the division with a .981 fielding percentage.

Top Hitters: second baseman Alan Hansen (.408) 16 RBI, 30 R, 11 SB...left fielder Glenn Burns (.311) 2 HR, 27 RBI, 17 R...center fielder Phil Kanaan (.307) 4 HR, 16 RBI, 20 R, 4 SB...first baseman Doug Cunningham (.274) 12 HR, 33 RBI, 26 R...shortstop Shorty Richards (.252) 3 HR, 16 RBI, 24 R, 6 SB

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Jesus Carvajal (3-1 3.24)...Fred Snow (2-0 3.38)...Frank Wells (4-1 3.51)
Relievers: Buzzy Lewis (0-1 4.37 8 SV)...Paul Hood (1-1 4.09)

To remain in the running, Johanssen will need to find a couple of good relievers to fill the big hole in his ballclub. Lewis has 8 saves as a closer, tops in the IPA, but he has a high ERA. If Johnson comes up with them, Bayview could leap ahead of everyone in the division.

The Blue Lake Blue Sox (15-16) are hovering close to the leaders and are only three games back, still well within striking distance, if fiery manager Cobb Tyson can get his pitching corps to hold up their end of the bargain. The Sox staff are fourth in the division with a 4.42 ERA. Cobb's club is adequate with the bats with a .262 team average (3rd) and 30 home runs (3rd), but last in scoring runs with 133. Blue Lake's defense is only average with a .976 fielding percentage.

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Bennie West (5-3 1.90)...Jay Clay (2-2 3.06)
Relievers: Derek Manetti (3-0 4.08)...Russ Courtney (0-1 4.26)

Top Hitters: center fielder Donnie Frazier (.346) 6 HR 18 RBI, 20 R...first baseman Fred Taranto (.316) 4 HR, 15 RBI, 12 R...left fielder Greg Boone (.299) 2 HR, 12 RBI, 18 R...shortstop Cy Orgeron (.286) 3 HR, 11 RBI, 17 R

Cobb can rant and rave at the players and argue with the umps all the time, but it won't move his team up in the standings. It will take two quality starters, two quality relievers and two to three quality hitters to accomplish that. It probably won't happen this season. Let's just hope Cobb doesn't hurt anybody. Right now he is not a happy camper.

The Arlon Champions (14-17) are in fifth place in the Tycobbian Union West and piloted by one of the nicest and most popular baseball people in Islandia, the legendary Gary Louis, the great slugging first baseman, noted for almost never missing a game in his playing days. The Champs are still within hailing distance of the first place Fairfax Frogs, only four games out. Arlon can hold their own with everyone in the division except the Frogs, who took four out of five from them in the first series of the season.

Louis has some strong starters and excellent relievers. Arlon is ranked first with a fine 3.40 ERA, but the Champions are hampered by a lack of hitting. They are last with a dismal .243 team batting average and near the bottom with 139 runs (5th). However, Arlon is number two in fielding with a .980 fielding percentage.

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Ace Howe (3-3 2.61)...Ray Hunt (3-4 2.66)...Craig Smith (4-2 2.78)...Sean Dudek (0-2 3.71)
Relievers: Jeff Nieman (3-0 1.33)...Rod Kelley (1-1 2.74)

Top Hitters: center fielder Jerry Keller (.369) 9 HR, 34 RBI, 25 R, 4 SB...second baseman Karl Detwiler (.305) 2 HR, 11 RBI, 21 R, 2 SB...left fielder Matt Merrill (.298) 6 HR, 17 RBI, 23 R, 5 SB...first baseman George Lyons (.243) 4 HR, 18 RBI, 21 R

Louis has to energize the Arlon hitters to compete at a higher level in the division. Four hitters are just not enough. The Champs have to come up with at least two more quality hitters. That could really make contenders out of them.

One thing you can say about the cellar-dwelling Bay St. Claire Buccaneers (12-20) - they are a fun team to watch. Manager Guy Rondre's club hits the ball all over the ballpark and tops the TU West with a whopping .292 mark. But they give up more than they score. Buccaneer pitchers are next-to-last with a 4.46 ERA and the defense is not that great, either. Bay St. Clair is last in that category with a .971 fielding average.

Top Hitters: second baseman Tony Mann (.374) 2 HR, 15 RBI, 28 R, 3 SB...shortstop Chuck Hankins (.369) 3 HR, 14 RBI, 10 R, 5 SB...first baseman Maury Smith (.364) 4 HR, 22 RBI, 20 R...catcher Jake Singleton (.360) 1 HR 16 RBI 15 R...left fielder Charley Moon (.317) 2 HR, 14 RBI, 16 R, 2 SB...third baseman Bubba Tate (.313) 3 HR, 13 RBI, 7 R...third baseman Bobby Tracy (.295) 7 RBI, 7 R...right fielder Nickie Friedrich (.288) 7 RBI, 16 R

Top Pitchers:
Starters: Gary Robinson (2-4 3.74)...Ben Crowley (2-2 3.86)...Norm Gross (5-3 3.97)
Relievers: Adam Lundgren (0-0 2.70)...Johnny Nikolsky (1-1 3.06)

Pitching...pitching...and more pitching. That will perk up the Bay St. Louis Buccaneers. Without it they can still entertain their fans by rattling the fences, but with it, they could challenge the division leaders. But it will not happen this season. The forecast looks gloomy for the Bucs.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, May 21, 2001

Ruthlandian Union

Batting Statistics

Batting Average:
1. Ox Beauvais (Glasco ) .411
2. Gil Foster (Elnora) .390
3. Ken Green (Marston) .375
4. Donny McCoy (Claxton) .373
5. Ryan Morse (Forest City) .368

Hits:
1. Scooter Perez (Volusia) 48
2. Donny McCoy (Claxton) 47
3. Gil Foster (Elnora) 46
3. Ryan Morse (Forest City) 46
5. Ken Green (Marston 45)
5. Bobby Ritter (Claxton) 45

Doubles:
1. Donny McCoy (Claxton) 15
1. Scooter Perez (Volusia) 15
3. Cy Bartz (Colfax) 11
3. Tucker Hill (Colfax) 11
3. Scotty McPherson (Glasco) 11
3. Yoshihide Nishata (Waleska) 11

Triples:
1. Royce Benson (Far Mountain) 4
1. Flipper Bird (Sugar Valley) 4
1. Jet Kazmarek (Valmara) 4
4. Pat Lott (Colfax) 3
4. Yoshi Motsuzuki (Valmara) 3
4. Quincy Peterson (Elnora) 3

Home Runs:
1. Nicky Swift (Belair Beach) 13
2. Dixie Baker (Claxton) 10
2. Chuck Hill (Forest City) 10
2. Jesse Wolf (Forest City) 10
5. Big Hoss Burkhalter (Waleska) 9
5. Dennis Cole (Colfax) 9

RBIs
1. Big Hoss Burkhalter (Waleska) 32.
1. Chuck Hill (Forest City) 32
1. Jesse Wolf (Forest City) 32
4. Dennis Cole (Colfax) 26
5. Nicky Swift (Belair Beach) 24
5. Jan Szymanski (Valmara) 24

Runs:
1. Ryan Morse (Forest City) 31
2. Matty McDermott (Belair Beach) 29
3. Dennis Cole (Colfax) 27
3. Yoshihide Nishata (Waleska) 27
5. Chuck Hill (Forest City) 26
5. Nicky Swift (Belair Beach) 26

Stolen Bases:
1. Jet Kazmarek (Valmara) 13
2. Gerald Davis (Far Mountain) 12
2. Scooter Perez (Volusia) 12
4. Tommy Reinhold (Marston) 11
5. Chet Reynolds (Glasco) 10

Bases on Balls
1. Dennis Cole (Colfax) 34
2. Gil Foster (Elnora) 27
3. Roland Thomas (Marston) 26
4. Warren O'Reilly (Colfax) 24
5. Art Atkins (Elnora) 23
5. Nicky Swift (Belair Beach) 23

Pitching Statistics

ERA
1. Zarek Zalewski (Valmara) 5-2 1.41
2. Carl Thompson (Belair Beach) 5-2 1.65
3. Charles Darby (Glasco) 4-2 1.95
4. Ron Benson (Sugar Valley) 5-2 2.14
5. Glenn Moore (Forest City) 3-0 2.41

Wins
1. Tetsunori Nakashima (Claxton) 6-2 4.10
2. Ron Benson (Sugar Valley) 5-2 2.14
2. Casey Ledbetter (Marston) 5-1 3.69
2. Nick Pace (Marston) 5-4 4.31
2. Sean Sykes (Elnora) 5-1 4.05
2. Carl Thompson (Belair Beach) 5-2 1.65
2. Zarek Zalewski (Valmara) 5-2 1.41

Saves:
1. Gregg Neal (Sugar Valley) 5 (2-2 1.66)
2. Ricky Moreno (Volusia) 4 (3-0 1.84)
2. Lou Zanelli (Belair Beach) 4 (4-0 0.48)
4. Pat Langlais (Colfax) 3 (0-2 4.22)
4. Doc Rutledge (Far Mountain) 3 (4-1 2.38)


Shutouts:
1. Charles Darby (Glasco) 3
1. Zarek Zalewski (Valmara) 3
3. Carl Thompson (Belair Beach) 2

Strikeouts:
1. Flash Guidry (Colfax) 60
2. Ron Benson (Sugar Valley) 55
3. Carl Thompson (Belair Beach) 53
4. Tyrone Gray (Elnora) 46
5. Carl Costas (Elnora) 41

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, May 21, 2001

Tycobbian Union

Batting Statistics

Batting Average:
1. Alan Hansen (Bayview) .408
2. Tony Mann (Bay St. Clair) .374
3. Stan Cobb (Fairfax) .370
4. Jerry Keller (Arlon) .369
5. Maury Smith (Bay St. Clair) .364

Hits:
1. Alan Hansen (Bayview) 49
1. Tony Mann (Bay St. Clair) 49
3. Jerry Keller (Arlon) 45
4. Stan Cobb (Fairfax) 44
4. Maury Smith (Bay St. Clair) 44

Doubles:
1. Alan Hansen (Bayview) 11
1. Phil Kanaan (Bayview) 11
3. Stan Cobb (Fairfax) 10
3. Charley Moon (Bay St. Clair) 10
3. Fred Taranto (Blue Lake) 10

Triples:
1. Shinjiro Aoki (Ginza) 4
2. Takashi Fujimoto (Ginza) 3
2. Rich Hart (La Claire) 3
2. Ernie Hutchinson (Fairfax) 3
2. Matt Merrill (Arlon) 3
2. Timmy Smith (Blue Lake) 3

Home Runs:
1. Gregg Vincent (Fairfax) 18
2. Doug Cunningham (Ozarka) 13
3. Dwayne Coleman (Bayview) 12
4. Francisco Abreu (Hartsdale) 10
5. Paul Giles (South Fork) 9
5. Jerry Keller (Arlon) 9

RBIs:
1. Gregg Vincent (Fairfax) 40
2. Jerry Keller (Arlon) 34
3. Dwayne Coleman (Bayview) 33
3. Doug Cunningham (Ozarka) 33
5. Rich Hart (La Claire) 29

Runs:
1. Alan Hansen (Bayview) 30
2. Tony Mann (Bay St. Clair) 28
3. Stan Cobb (Fairfax) 26
4. Dwayne Coleman (Bayview) 26
4. Ronnie Patterson (Ozarka) 26
4. Gregg Vincent (Fairfax) 26

Stolen Bases:
1. Alan Hansen (Bayview) 11
2. Lucky Collins (La Claire) 9
2. Tom Fortunato (Luxora) 9
2. Ronnie Patterson (Ozarka) 9
5. Shinjiro Aoki (Ginza) 8
5. Greg Reynolds (Bayview) 8

Bases on Balls:
1. Paul Giles (South Fork) 29
2. Alan Hansen (Bayview) 28
3. Pedro Vizquel (Luxora) 27
4. Billy Abbott (Cape Coral) 23
4. Glenn Burns (Bayview) 23

Pitching Statistics

ERA:
1. Yasuyuki Nakagawa (Ozarka) 4-1 1.23
2. Bennie West (Blue Lake) 5-3 1.96
3. Keith Callahan (Luxora) 4-2 2.05
4. Chris Pierce (Luxora) 3-1 2.12
5. Owen Pruitt (Cape Coral) 2-1 2.40

Wins:
1. Wally Robinson (Cape Coral) 6-2 2.78
2. Norm Gross (Bay St. Clair) 5-3 3.97
2. Luther Hatch (Ozarka) 5-2 2.84
2. Jackie Leslie (Fairfax) 5-2 4.31
2. Bennie West (Blue Lake) 5-3 1.96
2. Kojiro Matsumoto (Ginza) 5-0 2.44

Saves:
1. Buzzy Lewis (Bayview) 8 (0-1 4.37)
2. Monoto Kishata (La Claire) 6 (1-1 1.38)
3. Gene Young (Hartsdale) 5 (1-0 2.61)
4. Russ Courtney (Blue Lake) 3 (0-1 4.26)
4. Katsuyuki Nagashima (Cape Coral) 3 (0-3 5.73)
4. Ken Watkins (Ginza) 3 (2-1 2.70)

Shutouts:
(18 tied with one each)

Strikeouts:
1. Wally Robinson (Cape Coral) 56
2. Vic Rousakis (Ginza) 51
3. Ken Olson (South Fork) 50
4. Gary Fountain (Cape Coral) 49
5. Keith Callahan (Luxora) 48

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, May 21, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

V's Szwak Whiffs 12
New signee, Johnny Szwak, certainly made a great impression in his first outing for Volusia. The 36-year-old righty shut down the first place Colfax Blasters in grand style. Szwak (1-0 1.00) struck out 12 in the 6-1 Vigilante victory. He allowed them only six hits and walked four in a fine performance. His club backed him up with a solid 13-hit attack and dealt Alex Castille (4-2 3.77) the loss. Castille was shelled for 10 hits and four runs in six innings. Catcher Jo-Jo Nunez (.350) cracked out 3-for-4, including a two-run homer. Shortstop Scooter Perez (.364) also added in three hits for the V's.

Last place Volusia made some wholesale changes by signing several new pitchers. GM Juan-Carlos De la Hoya announced he had added five new pitchers to the roster. In addition to Szwak, four other righthanders joined the staff: Augie Giertych, Kit Kivitt, Brian King and Ike Moore. The Vigilantes released Gil Armand (0-1 6.17), Pee Wee Cruz (1-4 7.79), Leo Flores (0-4 4.98), Carlos Romero (0-0 6.30) and Carl Schmitz (2-0 6.33).

The RU North Division just tightened up quite a bit. Volusia (15-18) climbed up out of the cellar into fifth place and is now only 4 games behind the division-leading Blasters (18-13). Colfax leads second place Valmara (17-15) by 1.5 games.

Vipers Finally Win After 5 Losses
The Valmara Vipers snapped a five-game losing streak with a hard-earned 11-7 ten-inning win over the Glasco Athletics. The Vipers tied it 6-all in the ninth, then exploded for four runs in the tenth to overwhelm the A's. They victimized losing pitcher Jeremiah McDonald (1-1 3.47) via two walks, two errors and a double. Center fielder Jan Szymanski (.268) hit a sac fly with the bases loaded for the winning run. Third baseman Rickey O'Reilly (.280) doubled in two more and the final tally came in on an infield error. O'Reilly had three hits and four RBIs for Valmara with Szymanski and second baseman Fred Vinson (.327) driving in a pair each. The victory went to Paul Schoenfeld (3-3), who retired all six batters he faced.

The Vipers (17-15) moved to within 1.5 games of the first place Colfax Blasters (18-13) in the RU North race. Glasco dipped to 15-15, 2.5 games off the pace. The A's are in fourth place.

Redhawks Slip by All-Stars 6-5
Far Mountain built up a 6-2 lead after three innings and held on to edge Elnora 6-5 today at Sky High Stadium for their fourth straight triumph. Newcomer Stan Lamoreaux (1-0 2.57) got credit for the victory with relief help from Doc Rutledge (4-1 2.55), who notched his fourth save. Lamoreaux surrendered five hits and four runs in seven innings. He fanned six, walked none and allowed only two earned runs. Rutledge gave up a run in his two innings of work. Starter Sean Sykes (5-2 4.50) was chased in the third, after giving up six runs and four hits. Right fielder Tommy Sonnier (.258) delivered the big blow of the game, a three-run roundtripper in the first. Second baseman Shirai Kobayashi (.310) had two hits and two RBIs for the Redhawks. Shortstop Johnny Zumwalt (.351) paced Elnora with 2-for-4, including his first homer this season. It was a two-run shot in the opening frame. Each club had seven hits in the game.

Lamoreaux is the older brother of Frank Lamoreaux, who pitches for the La Claire Lynx in the TU West. Stan is 28, while Frank is 25. Both were born and raised in La Claire.

Far Mountain (17-16) is third in the RU North standings, while Elnora (14-19) dropped into the basement with their fourth consecutive loss.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, May 21, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Marston Slides by Rattlers 4-2
In a head-to-head battle between contenders, first place Marston's Paul Azard and Ken Bagby combined to derail second place Sugar Valley 4-2. Azard (3-0 1.08), recently promoted to a starting role by manager Johnny Walters, stopped the Rattlers on two runs and eight hits over the first six innings for the win with Bagby (0-0 2.37) finishing it up with three scoreless innings for his second save. The Nine's home run power was decisive with first baseman Johnny Berthold (.248) powering two out and driving in three runs and left fielder Ronnie Horn (.287) hitting another. Paul Haines (0-1 3.38), a recent addition by Sugar Valley, took the loss, but only allowed three hits and three runs in eight innings. Haines struck out eight and walked only one in his first game for the Rattlers. First sacker Ken Arnold (.280) batted in both Rattler runs. Sugar Valley outhit Marston 9 to 4.

This evened the series at one game apiece. Marston (18-14) took over the top spot in the RBU South, while Sugar Valley (17-14) slipped to second.

Carter Smokes Sunbirds
Waleska's Smokey Joe Carter lived up to his name today at Bayside Park in Belair Beach as he blanked them 2-0 on a seven-hitter and stopped the Sunbirds wins at four in a row. Smokey Joe (5-4 2.63) fired third strikes past seven Sunbird batters and issued only one base on balls. Westerner backup first baseman Timmy Ballard (.286) delivered the game-winner with a two-run blast in the seventh to breakup a scoreless duel. Ken Frey (1-1 2.76) lost it, but gave up only four hits and fanned six in eight innings in a fine performance.

Belair Beach (17-15) missed a chance to move up to first place in the South Division with the loss. The Sunbirds are third, but just a game behind leading Marston (18-14). Waleska (17-16) is a very close fourth, 1.5 games out.

Diamonds Tops FC in 14 Innings
Claxton's right fielder Dixie Baker (.328) rapped an RBI single to rally the Diamonds to a come-from-behind 6-5 triumph in 14 innings over Forest City. The Lumberjacks had just gone ahead 5-4 in the the top of the inning on left fielder Chuck Hill's (.368) solo smash, but losing pitcher Brian Charles (2-2 4.75) couldn't put Claxton away. Picking up the victory was Earl Weber (1-1 2.28). He worked the last three innings and gave up one run. The Diamonds drilled 11 hits in the marathon, while Forest City collected 13. Center fielder Ryan Morse (.382) had four hits for the 'Jacks. The clubs set a new IPA mark for doubles with 10 in the game, 6 by Forest City and 4 by Claxton. The old record was 9 by Volusia (6) and Elnora (3) set on May 8th.

Last place Claxton (12-21) cut short a three-game losing stretch. Forest City (16-17) dipped below the .500 mark with the setback and fell back to fifth place in the RU South standings.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, May 21, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Zorros Outlast Nats in Extra Innings
Luxora and Ozarka battled for 11 innings and the game was decided on a passed ball. The Zorros won 2-1 when catcher Billy Gibson couldn't handle a pitch by losing pitcher Alec DiMaggio and allowed Claudio Ordonez (.227) to score from third base. The starting hurlers hooked up in a good pitching duel. Johnny Montel for the Z's and Donnie Young for the Nats. Both left after nine innings with a 1-1 tie. Montel struck out 10 and gave up 4 hits, while Young fanned 7 and permitted only 3 hits. Andy Stevens (2-0 3.09) recorded the victory with a runless inning, while DiMaggio (3-1 1.33) suffered his first loss of the season. DiMaggio was touched for one run in two innings.

Ozarka (19-13) has now dropped their last three contests. Luxora (17-13) is now just a game behind in second place in the TU East.

'Canes Takes 16-Inning Thriller 10-8
Huggy Miller was one happy manager. His Cape Coral Hurricanes fought back with a huge six-run ninth to tie the game at 8-8 with the South Fork Stallions and then they won it 10-8 in 16 innings. Second baseman Andy Anderson (.281) singled in the winning run with a two-out single. Pitcher Katsuyuki Nagashima (.250) added an insurance run with another RBI single. Nagashima (1-3 4.30) notched the win with three scoreless innings. He fanned five Stallions. The loser was Billy Joe Gordon (0-3 2.91), who hurled four innings, gave up three hits and no earned runs with four Ks. South Fork pitchers struck out 17 Hurricanes and set a new IPA mark for an extra-inning game. The two-team total of 28 Ks was also a new record. Glasco (14) and Colfax (10) set the old mark of 24 on May 14 in an 18-inning contest.

The single-team strikeout record for a regulation game is 14 by Colfax against Glasco on May 12th with the two-team mark being 19 and`held jointly by Blue Lake (13) and Arlon (6) on May 8th and Ozarka (13) and Ginza (6) on May 4th.

Both teams made 3 doubles plays each and established a new mark for an extra-ing game with 6.

Both clubs racked up 13 hits each. Offensively, the Hurricanes were led by third baseman Jose Quinones (.167) and pinchhitter Rod Kelly (.330), each with critical two-run doubles in the ninth inning. In defeat, right fielder Paul Giles (.276) and third baseman Glenn Holliday (.242) starred with two homers and three RBIs apiece. Giles has hit 11 this season and Holliday has 6.

Cape Coral (17-14) is in the third spot in the standings and just 1.5 games out of first place. The Stallions (11-22) are last in the division.

Abreu's 3-Run HR Wins It for Hellcats in 12th
Second baseman Francisco Abreu was the man of the hour at Pioneer Park in Hartdale. He cracked a three-run roundtripper in the last of the twelfth to make the homestanding Hellcats a 6-3 winner over the Ginza Ninjas and halt his club's four-game losing streak. This was after third baseman Whiz Weaver (.279) had dramatically tied it with his 8th homer in the bottom of the ninth. Weaver's was a two-run shot. Abreu (.250) was 3-for-6 in the game and now has 11 home runs and 28 RBIs this season. Ginza was led by third baseman Todd Connolly (.265) with a pair of hits and three RBIs.

19-year-old Jackie Bond (1-1 3.18) won in relief. He pitched a perfect twelfth for the victory. Cody Moore (0-2 5.17) was tagged for the walk-off homer. He came on in relief in the tenth.

Hartsdale (15-17) is fifth in the division, while Ginza (16-16) is in the fourth spot. The Ninjas are three games behind the TU East Division leader, the Ozarka Naturals (19-13).

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, May 21, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Hold on to Top Spot in TU West
It's a battle royal going on in the TU West Division with Fairfax, La Claire and Bayview all in contention. So far, the Frogs are holding a very slight edge in a very tight race. Today at the Frog Pond, Fairfax narrowly beat Blue Lake 4-3 behind righthander Mel Murray (3-3 4.66), who allowed 11 hits, but only three runs. He fanned six and walked only one in a good performance.
Manager Harry Buckley told reporters, "Mel did a fine job. He bent, but he didn't break. He got 'em out when he had to."

Pacing the Frog attack was second baseman Greg Inman (.280) with a two-run single in the second and catcher Rich Kelly (.220) had a two-run blast in the sixth. Donnie Bullock (3-4 5.92) allowed four runs and nine hits in six innings and absorbed the loss. Center fielder Donnie Frazier (.355) got his 7th homer of the season and second baseman Dandy Wilson (.241) got number two to account for all of the Blue Sox scores.

Fairfax (19-13) leads the division by a half-game over second place La Claire (19-14) and third place Bayview (20-15). The Lynx are just a few percentage points ahead of the Vikings in the battle for the runner-up position.

The Blue Lake Blue Sox (15-17) are in fourth place and are four games out of first.

Lynx Win Close One, Beat Champs 8-7
La Claire started on a roll and ran up an 8-1 lead over Arlon, but the Champs quickly made it a ballgame with a six-run fourth to make it an 8-7 game. That is how it ended as Arlon failed to score another run. Third sacker Luis Marquez (.308) topped the Lynx at bat with three hits and four RBIs, along with second baseman Darrell Boyce (.268), who batted in a pair of runs. Left fielder Matt Merrill (.313) was the Champions best producer with three hits and three RBIs. including his 7th roundtripper. Third baseman Nicky Sweet (.235) also homered.

Tony Nygaard (1-0) got the win in his first start this season, but it was tough going. Nygaard was rapped for nine hits and seven runs in six innings with three of them unearned. Skipper Rip Calkin has a tired bullpen and needed the innings from Nygaard. Nick Baumgartner (2-5 4.56) recently demoted from the starting rotation, stood out in his first relief appearance. He picked up the save with three scoreless innings and struck out five.

"Nick saved us today in more ways than one. We really needed some innings out of the starter and bullpen. Our staff is bushed right now," Calkin told the press in the clubhouse after the game. "Baumgartner and Nygaard gave the pen some vital rest today. They should be ready to go tomorrow."

Sean Dudek (0-3) was ripped for five hits and five runs before being chased in the second and took the loss for Arlon. It was the Champs third in a row.

The Lynx (19-14) are in second place in the TU West, trailing Fairfax (19-13) by just a half-game. Arlon (14-18) is fifth, four games back.

Viks End Bucs 3-Game Win Streak
Bayview put an end to Bay St. Clair's three-game winning streak with a three-run eighth to captured an 8-7 victory. The Vikings firepower was three homers, two by first baseman Dwayne Coleman (.281) and one by catcher Tommy Harrell (.272). Coleman has hammered 14 into the seats this season, while Harrell has hit two. Right fielder Dean Howell (.368) socked three hits and scored twice for Bayview. Leading the attack for the Bucs was center fielder Nickie Friedrich (.290) with a double, sac fly and three RBIs and third baseman Bubba Tate (.333) with 2-for-2, including a triple and two RBIs.

Both clubs swatted a dozen hits apiece as it was not a good day for the twirlers. Charley Andrews (4-3 5.23) gained the win in relief, while starter Ben Crowley (2-3 4.25) lost it. The Vikings hit him hard for eight runs and eleven hits before he took a shower in the three-run eighth.

Bayview (19-15) is in the third spot in the close TU West race and Bay St. Clair (12-22) is comfortably sitting in last place in the division.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, May 22, 2001

Around the Town in the IPA

WALESKA WESTERNERS

Owner: Ewing Enterprises, Jock Ewing, President

GM/Manager: McGraw Johnson

Waleska is in the southwest part of Ruthlandia near the Silver Mountains and has about 113,000 inhabitants. The town name comes from the Waleska Indian phrase meaning "I don't understand", which was the reply given by the Indians, when the White Man first encountered them and asked them who they were. The Whites mistakenly took the phrase to mean their name.

The High Plains area was settled originally by ranchers to raise purebred Hereford cattle. After the ranchers came the railroad workers to build the railroad for easy transportation of the cattle to market. This attracted many wealthy men from the eastern United States and Europe, who brought with them their impeccable social amenities, culture and high society. Many cattle barons spent their summers in Waleska and winters in Europe. They created the Waleska Social Club, a lavish club furnished on a scale equal to the finest gentleman's clubs in England.

Residents enjoyed a social life, which was unique in the western part of Ruthlandia and on par with more cultured Ruthlandian towns in the east and south. Among the earliest settlers were the ancestors of the Jock Ewing family, the owners of the Waleska Westerners of the Ruthlandian Union. The club plays in the South Division. Oil was soon discovered on the ranch lands and the rich got richer, creating a financial empire that also expanded to railroad, meat packing and processing, banking and finance.

The Ewing Family is a powerful force in the history of the Islands and its baseball development. They have three franchises in the league in Waleska, South Fork and Ozarka.

The Westerners play their games at historic Westerner Stadium (circa 1902), the oldest ballpark in the Islands. The Ewings renovated it in 1980, but kept the beautiful old brick wall that runs around the entire ballpark. It was named in honor of the tough men and woman, who braved the harsh and hostile frontier environment to establish a thriving and prosperous town. One of the big events of the year is the Frontier Days celebration, a week long event that features a world class rodeo, country music concerts and a spotlight on the good things of western life. A country band entertains the crowds at Westerner Stadium during the games, complete with steel guitar, bass fiddle and twin fiddles. What a treat to hear twin Texas fiddles play "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and see the buckaroos and their little darlings do line dances and boot-scooting boogies during the game. One of the very special treats at Westerner Stadium is the mouthwatering steak sandwiches that are grilled right in front of your eyes and noses on a huge charcoal grill. And of course, an ice cold bottle of imported Lone Star beer ("Brewed in the Heart of Texas") comes with it, too.

Westerner owner, Jock Ewing, was very instrumental in the IPA's coming to be. He and several other multi-millionaire cohorts,like shipbuilder Brent Steiner of Bayiew, Jorge Trujillo (former dictator, now exiled) of Belair Beach, and wealthy entertainers Louis "Sugar Lips" Charles of Bay St. Clair and Conway Birdie of Cape Coral, conceived, financed and tried to contrive the league in their image and control.

But with the "help and guidance" of talented baseball owners like Manny Earl of Sugar Valley, Rob Jackson of Forest City and Rip Calkin of La Claire, the latter more than held their own in the smoke-filled rooms of debate and won a great concession: they got John Banson installed as commissioner with almost absolute control of the IBA, a necessity considering the history and practices of the power mongers. Charles and Birdie love baseball more than money and they acted a mediators to bring the IPA into fruition.

Waleska's club operations are run by the legendary McGraw Johnson, a baseball pioneer and innovator. He was the first manager to platoon players and to use a closer.

Westerner Stadium (1902)

Capacity: 12,850

LF Line 330
LF 375
LCF 410
CF 390
RCF 410
RF 375
RF Line 330

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, May 22, 2001

Around the Town in the IPA

Cape Coral Hurricanes

Owner: Conway Birdie

GM/Manager: Huggy Miller

Cape Coral is a town of 112,000 on the northshore of Arvonian Island, jutting out into Belair Bay. Arvonian Island is bordered on three sides by the Southern Sea.

It is a resort area famous for great weather year round in idyllic tropical surroundings. Serene sky blue waters with magnificent sunsets, white, glistening beaches, luxury hotels, night clubs, legendary entertainers and retirement communities. It is a place to be pampered.

It is also known for an occasional tropical storm or hurricane spawned out of the warm tropical currents of the Southern Sea. Hence, the Cape Coral baseball team in the IPA's Tycobbian Union is nicknamed the Hurricanes. They play at Seaside Stadium, which has an eyecatching view of Belair Bay. Some of the myriad of magnificent hotels and casinos can also be seen rising up in grandeur over the island landscape.

Seaside Stadium is known for its exotic beverages and gourmet fare fit for a king. Every fan treasures the house speciality, "The Hurricane", a fantastic blend of tropical flavors and liqueurs, served up in a beautiful souvenir glass.

The buffet foods make every game very special for the fans and resort visitors. Hot dogs and cokes are available, too, along with the best grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich outside of Memphis, Tennessee.

Music is provided by the Beachcomber Boys, a rock 'n' roll combo. Their version of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" really reverberates, rocks and rolls. One of the Beachcomber Boys, Conway Birdie (old rock 'n' roll star and connoisseur of grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches) is the proud owner of the Hurricanes. Birdie was instrumental (pun intended) in the creation of the Islandian Pro Alliance along with Jock Ewing of Waleska, John Banson (former amateur and industrial league czar) and Jorge Trujillo of Belair Beach. The old rock 'n' roller was a pretty fair ballplayer in his day, too.

Huggy Miller is the GM and Manager of Cape Coral. He was a journeyman second baseman in the industrial leagues, but a truly gifted manager and baseball tactician.

Seaside Stadium (1987)

Capacity: 13,100

Dimensions:
LF Line 365
LF 375
LCF 400
CF 390
RCF 375
RF 360
RF Line 350

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, May 22, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Blasters Outscore Vigilantes 10-7
Colfax didn't get as many hits as Volusia, but they made better use of them in a 10-7 hitfest at Silver River Stadium. The Blasters only got 11 hits to 16 for the V's, but that was enough. First baseman Dennis Cole (.302) rapped in three runs with his 10th homer, while center fielder Blinky Brandon (.320) went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, second baseman Tucker Hill (.322) was 2-for-5 with two RBIs and third baseman Russ Ferrell (.261) was 2-for-5 and batted in two runs. Volusia was paced by first baseman Alejandro Salazar (.244), third baseman Bennie Anderson (.282) and right fielder Lonnie Howard (.210). They each had three hits.
Although he wasn't around at the finish, Greg Forest (4-1 4.39) chalked up the victory. He gave up ten hits and six runs and departed in the seventh leading 7-6. A three-run eighth solidified the game for him. Starter Hank Massey (2-5 3.51) was the loser. He was belted for five runs and five hits and left in the third inning down 5-0.

Colfax (19-13) is on top of the RU North, while Volusia (15-19) is in the cellar, five games behind.

Redhawks Win Fifth Straight
Things are getting better and better for the Far Mountain Redhawks and worse and worse for the Elnora All-Stars. The Redhawks routed the All-Stars 13-1 for their fifth successive win and Elnora's fifth straight defeat. Far Mountain is now in second place in the RU North.

Spearheading the Far Mountain 15-hit onslaught were second baseman Shirai Kobayashi (.307), left fielder Terry Mancuso (.133) and center fielder Hawk Gallagher (.264) with three RBIs each. Catcher Dave Davis (.321) and third baseman Johnny Strickland (.236) scored three times each in the runaway.

33-year-old righthander Vic Vaux (3-1) tossed a six-hitter, fanned four and walked only one in a fine outing. Troy Hudson (3-2 3.30) exited early in the sixth frame and caught the loss. The Redhawks banged him around for five runs and eight hits.

Far Mountain's (18-16) win streak has lifted them into second place in the RU North, two games behind leading Colfax (19-13). Elnora (14-20) is in the division basement and trail by six games.

A's Edge Vipers in 17 Innings
The Glasco Athletics edged the Valmarar Vipers 5-4 in 17 innings. Right fielder Jose Valenzuela and second baseman Barry McCord were the heroes for Glasco. Valenzuela (.333) tripled to lead off the seventeenth and scored on McCord's (.246) singled to end the marathon struggle. Both managers had to delve into their starting rotations to find enough pitchers in the late innings. McDuffie Hughes called on Charles Darby (5-2 1.88) in the sixteenth and he got the win with two scoreless innings. J. Jackson Samuel used two of his starters in relief, Paul Schoenfeld for four innings and Chuck Kowalcyzk. The loss went to Kowalcyzk (1-3 5.11), who didn't get anyone out in the last inning.

Glasco had 16 hits in the game with center fielder Chet Reynolds collecting four of them and Valenzuela three. Third baseman Rick Atkins (.262) belted a three-run homer. Valmara slapped 17 hits and were led by left fielder Louis Sharp (.363), third baseman Rickey O'Reilly (.288) and second baseman Scott Kaminski (.406), all with three hits apiece. Viper center fielder Jan Szymanski and shortstop Mike Ellefsen each had roundtrippers.

The Athletics (16-15) jumped ahead of the Vipers (17-16) in the standings and are now in third place in the RU North. Valmara falls to the fourth spot.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, May 22, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Marston Mauls Rattlers 9-1
The Marston Nine mauled the Spring Valley Rattlers 9-1 with a 13-hit barrage, highlighted by three home runs. Manager Johnny Walters got a solid effort from his big 6'5" righthander Casey Ledbetter, too. Ledbetter (6-1 3.30) easily went the distance and scattered eight hits and had nine Ks and only one walk. Third baseman Roland Thomas (.306) went 4-for-5 with 4 RBIs. Thomas, first baseman Johnny Berthold (.246) and shortstop Lenny Torricelli (.281) all powered homers. Harvey Hines (3-3 3.46) was stuck with the defeat, yielding four runs and five hits in just two innings of work.

Marston (19-14) retains its lead in the RU North Division. Sugar Valley (17-15) is in the third spot in the standings and trails the Nine by 1.5 games.

Thompson Tames Westerners on 3-Hits
Southpaw Carl Thompson of Belair Beach struck out ten Westerners as he fired a splendid three-hitter to beat Waleska 5-1 at Bayside Park. But Thompson (6-2 1.45) needed some ninth-inning help from bullpen ace, Lou Zanelli (4-0 0.47), who converted his 5th save of the season. Leading the Sunbirds at bat were new third baseman Mike Janocko (.143), who socked a two-run roundtripper and drove in three runs in all, center fielder Pat Gilbert (.268) and recently-signed first baseman Phil Gravelli (.286), both with two hits and an RBI.

The triumph put Belair Beach (18-15) past Sugar Valley (17-15) for the runner-up spot in the division. The Sunbirds are now one game back of first place Marston (19-14). Waleska (17-17) saw their record drop to .500 on the year. The Westerners are fourth.

'Jacks Edelman Spins Win Over Diamonds
Forest City's Vinny Edelman threw a lot of pitches, but he walked off the mound with a 5-2 victory over the Claxton Diamonds. Edelman (1-2 2.95) won for the first time this year by stopping Claxton on six hits, while fanning six and walking five. He beat Zach Nuxhall (1-3 4.80), who was racked for 11 hits and 4 runs in six innings. The Lumberjacks whacked a dozen hits and were paced by homers by left fielder Chuck Hill (.372), his 12th, and right fielder Benny Davis (.233), who clouted his 8th.

Forest City (17-17) is back up to .500 and shares fourth place with the Waleska Westerners (17-17). They are 2.5 games out of first in the RU South race. Claxton (12-22) is last.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, May 22, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Zorros Take Top Spot from Ozarka
Luxora made it look easy and manhandled Ozarka 7-1 to take over first place in the TU East. It was the third straight triumph for the Z's and the Naturals fourth defeat in a row. The Zorros lead by percentage points. Francisco Fernandes (3-2 2.71) worked a strong game, stopping Ozarka on six hits with seven strikeouts and three walks. Luxora smacked 12 hits and were led by catcher Eric Richter (.381) with a perfect 4-for-4 day and three RBIs, first baseman Paul Hallenbeck (.286) with 3-for-4 and two RBIs, including a homer and left fielder Tom Fortunato (.265) with a two-run roundtripper. Yasuyuki Nakagawa (4-2 2.42) was knocked out in the fifth and allowed seven runs and nine hits.

The Zorros (18-13) are now the number one team in the TU East Division, while Ozarka (19-14) slipped to the runner-up slot.

Stallions Race by Hurricanes 9-5
South Fork broke a two-game losing skein with a 9-5 victory over Cape Coral at Jock Ewing Stadium. The Stallions poked 13 hits off three Hurricane hurlers and belted three home runs. Leading the parade were right fielder Paul Giles (.283) with two hits and three RBIs, left fielder Gene Woodruff (.253) with two hits and two RBIs and Alex Kesler (.200) with two hits and two RBIs. Giles cracked his 12th homer of the year, while Woodruff and Mike Yastrzemski (.273) got their first of the season. Enjoying the run support was the winning pitcher, Ken Olson (2-3 2.74), who went all the way, allowed ten hits, fanned seven and only issued one walk. Cape Coral never threatened South Fork. It took a three-run ninth to keep it from being a runaway. Taking the loss was Owen Pruitt (2-2 2.76), who surrendered four runs and five hits over the first four frames.

The Stallions (12-22) still are in last place in the TU East, while Cape Coral (17-16) is third, two games behind first place Luxora (18-13). The Hurricanes share third with the Ginza Ninjas (17-16).

Ninjas Knock Off Hellcats 7-3
Homers by Charlie Campbell and Scoop McDonald paved the way to a Ginza 7-3 win over Hartsdale today at Pioneer Park. Left fielder Campbell (.299) hit a three-run shot in the first and second baseman McDonald (.282) gave the Ninjas a little breathing room in the ninth with a two-run salvo. Little Koshiro Matsumoto (6-0 2.62) was roughed up in the three-run seventh that cut his lead to 5-3, but Alec Sasek (1-0 3.00) saved it for him. Matsumoto permitted three runs and six hits and got his sixth win of the season. It was Sasek's first save. Danny Griffin (4-5 3.10) sustained the loss, allowing five runs and seven hits before being taken out in the sixth.

Ginza (17-16) moved into a tie with Cape Coral (17-16) for third place. Hartsdale (15-18) is fifth in the TU East standings.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, May 22, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Fairfax Noses Out Sox
First place Fairfax had a narrow escape from the last place Blue Lake Blue Sox. Third baseman Stan Cobb's ten-inning single plated center fielder Billy Echevarria (.264) with the winning score in the 2-1 win. First baseman Earl Hutchinson's (.301) fourth-inning home run put the other run on the scoreboard. Skipper Harry Buckley got good efforts on the mound by Johnny Schuessler and closer Takehide Takahashi. Schuessler (1-3 3.55) pitched into the tenth and gave up eight hits, struck out five and walked two. Takahashi (3-1 2.08) picked up the victory with an impressive performance. After Schuessler gave up a lead-off single, Takahashi came in and was promptly tagged for another single to put runners on second and third. He proceeded to strike out Blue Lake's best hitters, Donnie Frazier (.351) and Fred Taranto (.325), and got the last out when Ken Bennett (.216) grounded out. Starter Jay Clay sparkled in his seven innings, permitting seven hits and one run with five strikeouts and a walk. Russ Courtney worked a 1-2-3 eighth with two Ks and Derek Manetti (3-1 4.19) was pinned with the loss. He pitched the last two innings.

The Frogs (20-13) hold the top spot in the close TU West and Blue Lake (15-18) is in the fourth position, four games off the pace. The Blue Sox are tied with Arlon (15-18).

Champs Clip La Claire
Arlon's Craig Smith racked up 10 Ks in his 7-4 decision over the La Claire Lynx at Derby Downs. Smith (5-2 2.90) was touched for eight hits, walked four and gave up three runs in seven innings. He tired and ran into trouble in the eighth and needed help from Rod Kelley. Unherealded third baseman Archie Berry (.236) supplied a three-run homer to sparked the Champions. Shortstop Bama Hartley (.252) drove in a pair of runs with two hits and center fielder Jerry Keller (.369) chipped in his 10th roundtripper. The Lynx were led by catcher Dennis Weiss (.289), who had three hits and two RBIs, including his 3rd homer this season. Starter Nick Pilsner (1-3 5.06) was saddled with the loss. Arlon got to him for seven hits and four runs in just four innings.

Second place La Claire (19-15) fell 1.5 games in back of first place Fairfax (20-13) and the Champions (15-18) snapped a three-game losing streak. Arlon is tied for fourth in the division standings with the Blue Lake Blue Sox (15-18).

Bucs Hang On, Beat Viks 6-5
Reliever Johnny Nikolsky fanned clean-up hitter Dwayne Coleman with the bases-loaded and only one out in the ninth to protect Bay St. Clair's 6-5 victory over the Bayview Vikings. Nikolsky then closed it out by retiring the dangerous Phil Kanaan (.299) on a grounder. It was Nikolsky's (1-1 2.89) second save. First baseman Maury Smith (.373) rapped three hits and batted in two runs for the Bucs. Third sacker Bubba Tate (.333) also drove in two runs. Coleman (.301) slammed his 15th homer among his four hits for the day. Viks right fielder Dean Howell (.391) was 2-for-4 with three RBIs and shortstop Shorty Richards (.252) had a solo roundtripper. Ted Jorgerson (1-4 5.83) finally got a win this season. He lasted until the seventh and surrendered nine hits and three runs. Starter Mike Jardoin (2-3 6.56) was rocked for four runs and six hits in six innings and took the loss for Bayview.

The Buccaneers (12-22) are sixth and last in the TU West Division, while the Vikings (19-17) are third and trail the division leader, Fairfax, by 2.5 games.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, May 22, 2001

Around the Town in the IPA

Ginza Ninjas

Owner: OmniSea, Ltd.

GM/Manager: Huroko Uchiyama

Ginza began as a little fishing village in southeastern Tycobbia, settled by seafaring Japanese immigrants, who came in the 1860s during the Meiji Dynasty, a period of westernization. Today Ginza is a prosperous town of 88,000 with about half of its citizens being Japanese. Both Japanese and English are official languages here.

The name Ginza comes from “silver mint”, which Japanese authorities built in 1612. The modern day Ginza is a fabulous shopping area in Tokyo. The Tycobbian Ginza emulates it namesake, but on a much smaller scale. It is a free trade port and has many importers and exporters at the International Bazaar. Great bargains are in abundance in Ginza. The town also has a thriving fishing fleet and seafood processing industry.

Baseball got a late start in Ginza. The town inhabitants began playing amateur baseball in the 1930s, but soon began to challenge other towns in the sport. OmniSea Marine Processors, the largest employer in town, began sponsoring leagues and invested heavily in the game's development. OmniSea eventually expanded to industrial leagues and now to the Islandian Pro Alliance. They own the Ginza Ninjas of the Tycobbian Union West Division.

Ginza plays at Ninja Stadium, a modern ballpark built in 1998. A game at Ninja Stadium is really special. Most of the fans are quite reserve and quiet, typical Japanese social demeanor. However, in the left field bleachers it is another world...a wild and noisy place. There, the Ninjas have an official cheering section called “oendan” (pronounced “oh-en-dan”), that plays songs, beats drums and gongs, blows trumpets and waves flags. They stand up the entire time, when the Ninjas are at bat and sit down, when the opposition is batting. Fans clap plastic megaphones along with the oendan and sing chants to each Ginza player. Many fans carry umbrellas to the ballgame. Whenever the Ninjas score a run, they also open up all of the umbrellas, their way of telling the opposing pitcher, he is headed for the showers.

In the Lucky Seventh, the traditional seventh inning stretch, they sing the Ninja fight song and then release hundreds of rocket balloons (jetto fusen). Other unique things about Ninja baseball is the public address announcer is female, the only one in the Islands. You will also see the pitcher bow in reverence to fielders, who make good plays.

At the Ninja Stadium concessions you will find not only traditional baseball fare, but Japanese as well. Ginza fans can enjoy yakisoba (fried noodles), yaketori (BBQ chicken on skewers), takoyaki (fried octopus dumplings) and bento (cold lunch in a wooden box). For the sweet tooth, kakigori (snowballs with flavored syrup and condensed milk), green tea ice cream, sweet potato ice cream, anmitsu (cold fruit dessert) and anpan (sweet bun).

The GM and Manager of the Ginza Ninjas is one of the alltime great players and managers in the Tycobbian amateur and industrial leagues, Huroko Uchiyama. They call him “Mr. Baseball” in Ginza.

Ninja Stadium (1998)

Capacity: 10,667

Dimensions:

LF Line 330
LF 355
LCF 377
CF 400
RCF 372
RF 360
RF Line 335

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, May 22, 2001

Around the Town in the IPA

Hartsdale Hellcats

Owner: Pioneer Brewing Company

GM/Manager: Zim Donner

Hartsdale, with population of about 74,OOO, is situated on the slopes of the Appian Mountains of Northern Tycobbia. It is a blue-collar, working class town, functional and old-fashioned in architecture. Primary industries are coal and iron ore mining, timber, glassware and beer. The vital Appian River begins in the Appian Mountains near North Hills, travels most of the country from north to south, past Hartsdale to the Capital city, La Claire, then finally culminates at Bay St. Clair, a seaport town on the west central coast. The river provides an inexpensive source of transportation and is crucial to Hartsdale’s and Tycobbia’s economies.

Hartsdale is also the home of the Hellcats baseball team of the Islandian Pro Alliance in the Tycobbian Union West Division, who plays at Pioneer Park. The Pioneer Brewing Company owns the club and is the maker of Tycobbia’s favorite brew, Pioneer Premium Beer. The brewery can be seen just beyond the center and right field fences of Pioneer Park. In fact, the brick walls of the factory form part of the right field bleachers. Company bigwigs can watch the ballgame from their offices.

Hellcats fans take their baseball very seriously and are serious students of the game. It’s baseball, beer and hot dogs in the hearts of the fans -- and the last two are a very distant second. When they go to a game, their eyes stay glued to the action on the field. They are hardcore Hellcats fans, too, and give no breaks or quarter to the opposing team or their fans. Very few visiting fans have the courage to display their loyalties very much in front of the rough and rowdy Hellcats. They get some very hard stares if they do. The Hartsdalians are tough and demanding on the Hellcats players, too. At the traditional seventh inning stretch each adult is gifted with a small sample of Pioneer Beer and it is used to toast their cherished baseball team as they sing a few bars of “99 bottles of beer on the wall”, followed by “Take me out to the ballgame”. And you can get the best burgers and dogs in Tycobbia, grilled to perfection on the concessions concourse.

The Hellcats are corporately owned. Zim Donner, a 50-year veteran in amateur and professional baseball, is the GM and Manager. He was a fine up-and-coming shortstop until he suffered a couple of beanballs that turned him into just a journeyman infielder. But he is one fine manager and baseball teacher. He has been known to charge the mound occasionally. The fiery Hellcats fans love him.

Pioneer Park (1954)

Capacity: 10,000

Dimensions:
LF Line 322
LF 345
LCF 375
CF 415
RCT 375
RF 345
RF Line 322

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, May 23, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Blasters KO's Vigilantes 7-3
Dennis Cole (.306) powered first place Colfax past Volusia 7-3 with four RBIs. The Blasters hot-hitting first baseman slugged a two-run homer and a two-run double. It was his 11th roundtripper this season. Left fielder Blinky Brandon (.316) also contributed a two-run triple. Harry Manning (5-2 3.40) garnered the win. He worked into the seventh when he needed help from closer Walt Sellers. Manning yielded three runs and eight hits in the game. It was Sellers third save. He didn't allow a run and struck out three in his stint. Volusia newcomer Augie Giertych (0-1 0.00) was the losing pitcher, but he didn't give up an earned run. He permitted five runs and seven hits in his six innings and had five strikeouts. Two errors led to five runs in the fifth inning and wiped out a 3-0 Vigilante lead.

Colfax (20-13) is the top team in the RU North, while Volusia (15-20) is in fifth place, six games behind.

FM Wins 6th Straight, Elnora Loses 6th
The Redhawks are red-hot -- just ask the Elnora All-Stars. Far Mountain took their sixth straight with a 3-1 triumph over Elnora at Sky High Stadium behind some fine pitching by Sonny Elliott (5-3 2.27). The Redhawk righthander stopped the All-Stars on a 5-hitter, all singles, struck out six and allowed no walks in an impressive performance. It was Elnora's sixth loss in a row. First baseman Royce Benson (.308) gave Elliot all the runs he needed with a two-run homer in the opening frame. Catcher Dave Davis (.328) drove in the other score and had two hits in the game. Portsider John Tinker (3-5 4.29) took the loss, but pitched well, too. He went seven innings, surrendered only two runs and five hits. The Redhawks outhit the All-Stars seven to five.

Manager Alex Groveland has guided Far Mountain to a 19-16 mark this season, while Elnora's Zoggy White has piloted his club to a dismal 14-21 record. The Redhawks are in the second spot, 2 games off the pace of the top team, Colfax (20-13). The All-Stars losing skein has dropped them into the division cellar.

Valmara Bombards A's 10-4
A four-run seventh busted up a close game and gave Valmara an easy 10-4 win over the Glasco Athletics. The big blow belonged to first baseman Yank Jankowski (.244), who swatted a three-run homer in the inning. Second baseman Floyd Vinson (.336) and right fielder Jet Kazmarek (.259) both drilled three hits in the Viper 12-hit barrage. Center fielder Jan Szymanski (.270) had two hits, two RBIs and scored twice. He also homered. Shortstop Mike Ellefsen (.311) chipped in with two more RBIs. Leading the way for the A's were first baseman Francisco Robles (.288) with 3-for-5 and two RBIs and second baseman Barry McCord (.264) with 3-for-3 and an RBI. Glasco had 12 hits all total.

Zarek Zalewski (6-2 1.70) picked up his sixth victory, but he wasn't around at the end. He exited early and tossed only five innings and was hit hard, yielding nine hits and three runs. New Viper pitcher Mickey Webb had a sharp outing. He held the A's scoreless in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. Starter Jesse Balfour (2-4 3.33) bit the dust as he was shelled for five runs and eight hits in six innings.

The Vipers (18-16) are third in the RU North Division and trail first place Colfax (20-13) by 2.5 games. Glasco (16-16) fell back to .500 and are 3.5 games out.