Fallout: New Vegas' Mojave Baseball League

[StLee]

Series Preview

The first Mojave Series had a good balance in the the two teams playing, the New California Republic Bears and Lucky 38. NCR won the season series 5-3, which also helped to make up the difference in the two teams' records in the battle for regular season first place. The Bears finished 68-32, while Lucky 38 was 66-34.

The two teams first played a two-game set on April 21 and 22 with the teams splitting in Goodsprings. Lucky 38 took the first game 8-2 behind solid pitching and batting from David Bennett, who went 7 1/3 innings giving up only one unearned run. He also homered and drove in four runs in the game. In the second game of the series, Donnell Dugood pitched six strong innings, giving up only one run, to earn the win and game MVP honors. The Bears only had four hits in the game, but they made them count in scoring four runs.

The second series was another two game set, this time on May 11 and 12 at the Hoover Dam. Again, the teams split with NCR taking the first game 8-7 and Lucky 38 winning the second game 7-4. The first game was a back and forth affair, with NCR winning thanks to a solo home run by game MVP Clyde Martin, his second of the game, in the seventh inning. Lucky 38 won the second game by overcoming a 4-2 ninth-inning deficit to score five runs in the final inning and win it. The rally came with two outs in the inning thanks to a two-run home run by Jimmy LaRue to tie it and a three-run dinger by Dennis Shaft to prove to be the game-winning hit.

The teams did not meet again until June 30 and July 1. Earl Robinson pitched eight innings for Lucky 38 in the first game, leading to a 4-2 victory in the first game. Alex Carney was the only bright spot for the Bears in the game by doubling and homering and driving in the only two runs for the NCR. In the second game of the series, the NCR won 7-5 on a walkoff three-run home run by Jay Gardner. Gardner was the backup catcher for the Bears, and was in as a replacement player in the game when he hit the game winner.

With the season series tied 3-3, NCR got a much-needed late-season sweep of Lucky 38 to take the advantage in the season series and the race for first place. At the start of the series, Lucky 38 was 60-24 and the NCR was 58-26. Following the series, both teams were 60-26 and the Bears had the tie breaker for first place. NCR won the first game 5-3 thanks to Clyde Martin’s fifth-inning grand slam. In the final game of the series, the Bears won 4-0 behind 7 2/3 shutout innings from Miguel Rosa.

Analyzing the teams, both were quite equal and the series was expected to go the distance with Lucky 38 getting the nod in seven games. Lucky 38 ace Earl Robinson was expected to make the difference in the series.

[StLee]

Jim Ford Pitches Eight Shutout Innings, NCR wins 3-0.

Jim Ford pitched eight shutout innings, giving up only two hits with six strikeouts and three walks to earn the victory and game MVP for game one.

Leading 3-0 in the top of the ninth, Miguel Rosa came in to try to close out the game. With two outs, though, Lucky 38 made some noise. Jimmy LaRue and John McDowell hit back-to-back singles, followed by a walk for Dennis Shaft to load the bases. Stu Vanstone had a chance to drive in runs, but he grounded out to second to end the game.

The game was scoreless through four and a half innings before the NCR’s Emilio Rodriguez hit a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The game remained 1-0 going into the bottom of the seventh. After Mike Britton walked on four straight pitches to start the inning, Rodriguez homered again to give the Bears a 3-0 lead. Rodriguez finished the game 3 for 3 with a double tacked on to his two homers.

Jimmy LaRue was the best hitter for Lucky 38, getting three of the team’s four hits, including a first-inning triple that proved to be Lucky 38’s last scoring threat before the ninth inning rally.

[StLee]

Lucky 38 Scores Two in Ninth, Wins 5-3

Lucky 38 lost its lead in the bottom of the eighth, but answered with two runs in the ninth to win the game. Bill Shelton suffered the loss for the New California Republic, giving up two runs in the ninth on only 1/3 innings pitched.

Jim Welch, who substituted for a tired Jimmy LaRue, led off the ninth with a walk. John McDowell followed with a single. Then, Eddie Pegasus, who substituted for an injured Dennis Shaft, doubled in the go-ahead run. Following a fly out and intentional walk to load the bases, Vicente Palacios singled in a run to make it 5-3. The NCR then pulled Shelton, and the Bears were able to escape without any further damage.

However, the NCR could not get a rally going as Lucky 38’s Otis Pryor retired the side in just four pitches to earn the save. Bobby Lorn was credited with the win despite giving up the tying run in the eighth, which also resulted in a blown save. That run came on a solo home run by the NCR’s Emilio Rodriguez.

David Bennett of Lucky 38 and Jim Crouch of the Bears both got the start, but neither factored in the decision. Bennett pitched seven innings, giving up two earned runs on seven hits with four walks and five strikeouts. Crouch pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up three earned runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and two walks.

New California Republic took the lead in the bottom of the first. With one out, Steve Davis hit a solo home run. After another out, Mike Britton singled, followed by an RBI double by Rodriguez to make it 2-0 after one inning.

Lucky 38 got on the board in the third when LaRue hit an RBI ground out to score Bennett who led the inning off with a walk.

In the fourth, Lucky 38 took the lead. Shaft, Perry Ferguson, and Palacios all singled to load the bases with one out. After Bennett flew out, Mike Duncan singled in Shaft and Ferguson.

Duncan was the game’s MVP, going 4 for 6 with two RBI.

The series now switches to Goodsprings for the next three games.

[StLee]

Buckley Mows Down the Bears, Lucky 38 Wins 2-1

Wilfred Buckley did not pitch a complete game, nor did he even get the win. Yet the Lucky 38 pitcher earned game MVP honors after striking out 13 batters and giving up only two hits and a run in 7 2/3 innings in Lucky 38’s 2-1 win over the New California Republic.

Buckley was finally pulled with the score tied 1-1 and two outs in the eighth inning after he appeared to run out of gas by walking two batters. Bobby Lorn replaced him to complete the inning. and he eventually earned the win.

Lucky 38 took the lead in the bottom of the eighth thanks to a great start to the inning. Eddie Pegasus pinch hit for Lorn in the 9th spot and led off with a double. Mike Duncan then singled Pegasus to third, and Stu Vanstone followed with an RBI single to score Pegasus for the 2-1 lead.

After the initial barrage of hits on NCR’s reliever Willie Caine, Lucky 38’s big three could not blow the game open and the inning ended. However, Otis Pryor came in for Lucky 38 and shut down the Bears in the final inning, giving Lucky 38 a two games to one advantage in the Mojave Series.

Despite not factoring into the decision, the NCR’s Donnell Dugood also had an excellent pitching performance. He finished giving up one run on just five hits with seven strikeouts and no walks in seven innings. He was pulled for pinch hitter Gabriel Rodriguez in the eighth inning.

The Bears only two hits in the game came from Clyde Martin. He hit a solo shot in the fourth inning to tie the game 1-1 and doubled in the seventh. Along with Martin’s double to become the first runner on base, the NCR only had three base runners in the game, with the other two coming on Buckley’s two walks.

Lucky 38’s first run came on a leadoff solo shot in the bottom of the third. In the game, Lucky 38 had eight hits. Mike Duncan and Jimmy LaRue had two each to lead the team.

[StLee]

Harris' Two-RBI Double Gives NCR 3-2 Win

George Harris does not get many opportunities to play, much less be a hero. So when the backup infielder came on a pinch hitter in the top of the eighth, few expected him to leave the hero.

Instead, Harris lined a two-RBI double down the right field line to give the New California Republic a 3-2 lead. Stanford Gillespie and Gerardo Makejoo easily scored, and Robert Cooper, who only faced Makejoo, earned the loss for Lucky 38.

Lucky 38's Earl Robinson had a no decision in the game, despite pitching well through seven innings. The bullpen, however, failed the team in the loss. For the game, Robinson pitched seven innings, giving up one earned run on four hits with five strikeouts and a walk.

Bobby Lorn came on in relief in the eighth inning, giving up a single to Gillespie. He was followed by Cooper, who also gave up a single. Donald Bush then came in to give up the game-winning double, before finishing the final two innings.

Lucky 38 took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. With Jimmy LaRue on first with one away, John McDowell hit a two-run home run for the lead. However, Lucky 38 would not score again.

The Bears got on the board in the sixth inning. Makejoo led off the inning with a double. He was moved over to third on a sacrifice bunt, and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Joel Bowles.

The series is now tied 2-2. Both teams will play tomorrow in Goodsprings to determine who has the advantage when they return to the Hoover Dam for game six.

[StLee]

Lucky 38 Pounds Out 17 Singles, Takes 3-2 Advantage

Lucky 38 never found the big hit in game five of the Mojave Series, but it most certainly made up for it by getting timely hitting in defeating the New California Republic 5-3. Lucky 38 now has a 3-2 series advantage as the teams travel to the Hoover Dam for game six.

Lucky 38 lead off hitter Mike Duncan earned the game's MVP award by driving in three runs on 2 for 5 hitting. He also scored a run in the deciding sixth inning.

In the sixth, Lucky 38 trailed 3-1. Stu Vanstone and Perry Ferguson led off the inning with back-to-back singles. Following two straight fly outs that moved up Vanstone and allowed Ferguson to steal second, Duncan then singled in both runners to tie the game 3-3. While on base, Duncan attempted to steal second, but Jeremy Watson's throw from the plate went in to center field and Duncan advanced to third. Duane Antqueen then singled in Duncan to give Lucky 38 a 4-3 advantage.

David Bennett earned the win for Lucky 38, giving up three runs on eight hits with ten strikeouts and a walk in just six innings of work. It was the fourth time this postseason a Lucky 38 player struck out 10 or more batters. Otis Pryor earned the save by pitching a perfect ninth inning.

Miguel Rosa was the losing pitcher for the Bears. He gave up five runs on fifteen hits with five strikeouts and a walk in 6 2/3 innings. Mark White came on in relief to finish the game for the NCR.

The Bears took the lead in the top of the second. With two outs, Gerardo Makejoo doubled, followed by an RBI single by Rosa to drive in Makejoo.

Lucky 38 was able to answer in the bottom of the inning, also with two outs. Vicente Palacios and Bennett had back-to-back singles. Then Duncan drove in Palacios on an RBI single to tie the game 1-1.

The NCR then answered in the third to retake the lead. With one out, Clyde Martin singled, followed by a two-run home run by Mike Britton to straight away left field.

Lucky 38's fifth run came in the seventh. Vanstone hit a one-out single and then stole second base. Ferguson was then intentionally walked. After a fly out, Alfredo Flores hit a pinch-hit RBI single to score Vanstone.

[Tyke]

Great strength of character being shown by the Lucky 38's - hope they can finish the job in Hoover Dam!

[StLee]

Thrilling 11th Inning Ties Series 3-3

For the first Mojave Series, this has been a "classic."

Tied 3-3 heading into the 11th inning, Lucky 38 scored two runs in the top of the inning. However, the New California Republic had the answer, with Rich Hall hitting a two-RBI walkoff single to keep the Bears alive.

The NCR had to come back two times in the game to prevent Lucky 38 from taking the series. That's where game MVP Mike Britton came into play. Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth, Britton hit a tying home run off Otis Pryor. But Britton was not done. He also hit a one-out solo home run in the 11th, leading the surge in the exciting come-from-behind victory.

The rest of the 11th inning was a battle of survival for the Bears. Following Britton's homer, Emilio Rodriguez walked. With two outs, Stanford Gillespie singled and both runners advanced when Mike Duncan could not field the ball cleanly. Gerardo Makejoo then walked to load the bases before Hall's game-winning hit.

The NCR was down because of allowing two runs in the top of the inning. Dennis Shaft singled to lead off the inning. After a sacrifice bunt to move Shaft to second, Perry Ferguson was intentionally walked. Vicente Palacios followed with an RBI double to give Lucky 38 a 4-3 lead. With two outs, NCR pitcher William Miller threw a wild pitch, allowing Ferguson to score.

Neither team could pull away in the game. The NCR took an early lead when Emilio Rodriguez tripled to lead off the second inning, followed by an RBI single by Gillespie.

Lucky 38 finally scored in the fifth inning. With two on and two outs, Duncan hit a two-RBI double for a 2-1 lead.

The Bears were able to answer in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game. Jeremy Watson hit a one-out double, followed by an RBI single by Gillespie.

In the eighth inning, Lucky 38 took the lead again on a solo home run by cleanup hitter John McDowell.

Ken Watson, who pitched just 1/3 of an inning, was credited with the win for the NCR. Jim Crouch was the starting pitcher for the Bears, giving up two runs on four hits with six strikeouts and four walks in 6 2/3 innings.

Wilfred Buckley was the starter for Lucky 38 in a short outing. He gave up one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts and a walk in six innings. Dave Witcher was the losing pitcher, three runs, two earned, on three hits with two walks in just 2/3 innings pitched.

With the series tied at 3-3, the teams play the final game seven tomorrow. The winner will forever be remembered in the Mojave as champions. The loser will probably drink themselves into a coma.

[Tyke]

Bring it on - come on you '38s!!

[StLee]

Originally Posted by Tyke

Bring it on - come on you '38s!!

That's got to suck to be three outs away from winning it all, blowing that, and then being two outs away up two runs and losing.

Should the NCR win it all, Lucky 38's players should feel awful. And the Lucky 38 manager consistently pulls his starters early when it has the best starting staff in the league.

Now on to simulating Game Seven . . .

[Tyke]

It's the chems talking!

[StLee]

CHAMPS! NCR Cruises to 8-2 Game Seven Victory

Jim Ford did not need much run support to earn his second victory in the Mojave Series, but he certainly got a lot of it early.

The New California Republic jumped out to a 3-0 lead, and Ford did the rest in earning the deciding game seven victory. Ford pitched six innings, giving up no runs on just two hits with five strikeouts and two walks.

Earl Robinson was the starter for Lucky 38 and suffered the loss. He gave up three runs on six hits with three strikeouts and three walks in five innings pitched.

The NCR took the lead in the bottom of the first. With one out, Gabriel Rodriguez walked followed by a Clyde Martin double to put runners at second and third. Mike Britton then singled in Rodriguez to make it 1-0. Emilio Rodriguez then singled in Martin to make it 2-0. Following an infield error that loaded the bases, Stanford Gillespie singled in a third run. Lucky 38’s Robinson was able to get the next two batters out, but the damage was already done.

Lucky 38 did not get on the scoreboard until Ford was out of the game. In the seventh inning, Duane Antqueen led off with a walk, followed by a Jimmy LaRue single. After a fielder’s choice and a LaRue steal, Dennis Shaft walked to load the bases with one out. Stu Vanstone then hit a deep fly ball to left just short of the fence, which resulted in an RBI sacrifice fly to make the score 3-1. Perry Ferguson then flew out to end the scoring threat.

The Bears did not allow the Lucky 38 run to affect them. Instead, they blew the game open in the bottom of the seventh. Robert Cooper, who had relieved Robinson an inning earlier, could not escape trouble. Gabriel Rodriguez led off with a single. With one out, Cooper hit Britton with a pitch. Emilio Rodriguez then doubled in his brother for a 4-1 lead and moved Britton to third. After Jeremy Watson was intentionally walked and Gillespie struck out, Gerardo Makejoo hit an RBI single to score Britton. Emilio Rodriguez also scored on the play thanks to Jorge Garcia’s throwing error. Cooper was then pulled for Dave Witcher, who immediately gave up a two-RBI single to Rich Hall, making the score 8-1 heading into the eighth inning.

Lucky 38 was able to add one more run in the ninth for the final 8-2 score. Shaft singled with two outs, followed by a walk for Vanstone. Ferguson then singled in Shaft. Jim Welch flew out to end the game, and the NCR started to celebrate.

[Tyke]

As I think I said some way back, I had not heard of the Fallout series and, having checked it out a bit, it's definitely not my kind of game - but on this forum I really enjoy reading the dynasties that have a different feel to them and you have really achieved that. I love the way you have used the back story from the game, bringing the locations and characters to life, and I have really enjoyed this first season. Long may it continue - and maybe the Lucky 38s will get their act together next time!

[StLee]

Lee considered the first season to be a huge success, and that could be seen by the number of people flooding into the Mojave from places that people didn't even know were civilized.

However, as much as Lee thought the league was a success, there were always forces operating against his efforts. Snakes hide in bushes. And there were snakes in the league. Some could be seen for what they were. Others, well, others wore puppy skin.

But we are not ready to look at that just yet. All you need to know now is that once the season was over, Lee arranged a conference he called the Winter Meetings where there would be voting on new league proposals and open market trading opportunities thanks to all the executives being gathered in a room. Lee also made it known that players were free to roam and work at their companies during the offseason, meaning there would be no chem testing, but any players bringing negative karma on themselves could be penalized later.

In the meantime, a special committee of representatives from each team as well as some independent voters gathered to vote for the players of the year. Since the league was in its opening year, one award had a special first year parameter. The Top Rookie Award would be awarded to the best player under 20 years old (maximum age 19 at the time of voting). That eliminated the majority of players from Top Rookie eligibility, and a few owners scoffed at the designation. It was obvious who the top rookie would be, and a few people were still angry that player went to Lee's team, even if he had officially removed himself from executive of the team.

Like I said, Lee could do a lot right for the community. However, what is right for the community is often not ideal for the elite. It was the elite Lee had to watch out for in his dealings.

[StLee]

Lefty Grove Trophy (Best Pitcher)

1. SP - Earl Robinson, Lucky 38 - 14-3, 2.30 ERA, 145 IP, 29 BB, 112 K
2. SP - Donnell Dugood, NCR - 14-4, 3.03 ERA, 142.2 IP, 47 BB, 84 K
3. SP - Tom Nelson, Vault-Tec - 11-8, 2.33 ERA, 154.2 IP, 18 BB, 97 K


Babe Ruth Trophy (Best Hitter)

1. 1B - Wayne Freeside, The Tops - .339, 29 2B, 27 HR, 76 RBI, 69 R, 53 BB
2. CF - Bob Franklin, Sunset Sarsaparilla - .294, 11 2B, 3 3B, 37 HR, 107 RBI, 73 R, 31 BB, 8 SB
3. CF - Jimmy LaRue, Lucky 38 - .379, 27 2B, 8 3B, 5 HR, 43 RBI, 57 R, 22 BB, 21 SB

Top Rookie (Best Player Under 20)

1. CF - Jimmy LaRue, Lucky 38 - .379, 27 2B, 8 3B, 5 HR, 43 RBI, 57 R, 22 BB, 21 SB
2. CF - Gerardo Makejoo, NCR - .224, 22 2B, 5 3B, 2 HR, 41 RBI, 45 R, 57 BB, 9 SB
3. SP - Rich Richmond, H&H Tool Company - 3-7, 3.64 ERA, 111.1 IP, 60 BB, 51 K

Mojave Postseason Award (Best Playoffs Performer)

1. SP - Jim Ford, NCR - 3 G, 3 GS, 2-0, 0.92 ERA, 19.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 BB, 17 K
2. RF - Emilio Rodriguez, NCR - 7 G, 24 AB, 9 H (.375 AVG), 3 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, 3 BB
3. C - Dennis Shaft, Lucky 38 - 10 G, 32 AB, 14 H (.438 AVG), 2 2B, HR, 7 RBI, 7 R, 10 BB

Honus Wagner Defense Trophy (Best Defensive Player per Position)
P - David Bennett, Lucky 38
C - Vincent Harvey, Atomic Wrangler
1B - Rob Carlson, Gomorrah
2B - Albert Molekiller, Gomorrah
3B - Ted Snyder, RobCo
SS - Freddy Rogers, Gomorrah
LF - Jason Williams, H&H Tool Company
CF - Jacob Bednar, Gomorrah
RF - Nelson Johnson, Vault-Tec

[StLee]

The first offseason was really busy thanks to some major proposals by Lee. I will detail all of the changes that were made as well as a variety of offseason transactions, the first Mojave player draft, and the first winter meetings.

Before I jump into the details, here was the memo Lee sent out to the 12 teams' owners:

9.18.2285

Greetings, owners!

Our first season was a huge success, beyond what I thought we could achieve in the first season. I only hope it can get better. Congratulations to the NCR on taking the first Mojave Series in thrilling fashion.

I look forward to the player draft that we worked out. There are some definitive gems in the first class, and now that the boys are 16-year-old men, we’ll let them play ball with the big boys. See some of you on October 5 for the draft.

We will conduct our official winter meetings from December 31 of this year until January 3. Please be aware that you need at least two representatives: one from ownership/management and one from coaching/player personnel. I recommend that the owners are present. Each team will be granted two votes, along with five independent representatives for a total of 29 votes on all league referendums. It may please some of you to know that I will not have a vote on any proposed referendums.

The following decrees are already set, and the meeting will be partially to iron out these details:

• Each team will now be a major league team and will be granted ONE minor league team. This is to give more playing time to the players who did not make the final roster, as well as spread the league to other parts of the Mojave where it is difficult to travel to see games. Our goal is to put more asses in the parks. I have pinpointed 12 proposed locations for the minor league teams. We will work out details for where each minor league location will be affiliated.

• Each team will now adopt a team name. In addition, I recommend that each team adopt its city name and then pick a nickname based on the company. That last part is not a requirement, and I will leave it up to each organization to decide what their name will be, but I think it would be a good community-building gesture to include the community name.

Other than the above-mentioned objectives, we will discuss rule changes and league policies, as well as having an open trading forum.

As with everything, stay safe out there and see you all at the end of the year.

Comm. Lee

[StLee]

8.29.2285 - Trade

Sunset Sarsaparilla traded 29-year-old catcher Bob Seymour to the RobCo Robots, getting 18-year-old second baseman Vincent Floyd and 17-year-old third baseman Eric Fuller in return.


9.14.2285 - Trade

Sunset Sarsaparilla traded 27-year-old reliever Ralph Hart to the New California Republic Bears, getting 18-year-old reliever Will Stewart and 17-year-old starting pitcher Russ Hansen in return.


9.27.2285 - Information leak

A few of the locations for minor league affiliates were leaked publicly: Aerotech Office Park, 188 Trading Post, Mojave Outpost, and the NCR Correctional Facility. In addition, the rebuilding towns of Boulder City and Nipton both had baseball facilities built.

10.5.2285 - Player Draft

Round 1
Round 1, Pick 1 - Nuka Cola: SP Keith Heard

Round 1, Pick 2 - Sunset Sarsaparilla: SP Harry Adams

Round 1, Pick 3 - Atomic Wrangler Wranglers: SP Keith Oven Light

Round 1, Pick 4 - H&H Tool Company: SP Dave Davis

Round 1, Pick 5 - The Tops: CF Paul Strong

Round 1, Pick 6 - Ultra Luxe: CF Rob Brown

Round 1, Pick 7 - Vault-Tec Vault Boys: SP Dave Young

Round 1, Pick 8 - RobCo Robots: SP Oliver Hernández

Round 1, Pick 9 - Gomorrah: SP Matt Flamethrower

Round 1, Pick 10 - King's SoI Kings: SP Lester Watts

Round 1, Pick 11 - Lucky 38: SP Glenn Brady

Round 1, Pick 12 - New California Republic Bears: SP I Am God

Round 2
Round 2, Pick 1 - Nuka Cola: CF George Hood

Round 2, Pick 2 - Sunset Sarsaparilla: SP Michael Smith

Round 2, Pick 3 - Atomic Wrangler Wranglers: SP Tim Burton

Round 2, Pick 4 - H&H Tool Company: SP Lou Long

Round 2, Pick 5 - The Tops: RF Nick Little Pecker

Round 2, Pick 6 - Ultra Luxe: SP Broderick Thornton

Round 2, Pick 7 - Vault-Tec Vault Boys: SP Alex Martin

Round 2, Pick 8 - RobCo Robots: CF Willis O'Quinn

Round 2, Pick 9 - Gomorrah: CF Noel Pitts

Round 2, Pick 10 - King's SoI Kings: MR Paul Smiley

Round 2, Pick 11 - Lucky 38: 2B William Sparks

Round 2, Pick 12 - New California Republic Bears: SP Mike Flowers

Round 3
Round 3, Pick 1 - Nuka Cola: 1B Art Hyde

Round 3, Pick 2 - Sunset Sarsaparilla: SP Ron Darragh

Round 3, Pick 3 - Atomic Wrangler Wranglers: SP Anthony Hammond

Round 3, Pick 4 - H&H Tool Company: SS Mario Suárez

Round 3, Pick 5 - The Tops: SS António Rosado

Round 3, Pick 6 - Ultra Luxe: SP Takem Neverlife

Round 3, Pick 7 - Vault-Tec Vault Boys: 1B David Schoolskipper

Round 3, Pick 8 - RobCo Robots: CF Mojave Desert Blue

Round 3, Pick 9 - Gomorrah: SP Jorge Lugo

Round 3, Pick 10 - King's SoI Kings: CF Gunner Knife

Round 3, Pick 11 - Lucky 38: SS Ignacio Adame

Round 3, Pick 12 - New California Republic Bears: CF Big Scope Lionness

Round 4
Round 4, Pick 1 - Nuka Cola: SP Sherman Smith

Round 4, Pick 2 - Sunset Sarsaparilla: SP Darby Watson

Round 4, Pick 3 - Atomic Wrangler Wranglers: SP Logan Wagner

Round 4, Pick 4 - H&H Tool Company: SP Bill Lowery

Round 4, Pick 5 - The Tops: SP Kelly Novac

Round 4, Pick 6 - Ultra Luxe: SP Dewey Newton

Round 4, Pick 7 - Vault-Tec Vault Boys: SP Gregg Brown

Round 4, Pick 8 - RobCo Robots: SP Michael McCardle

Round 4, Pick 9 - Gomorrah: SP Rob Cunningham

Round 4, Pick 10 - King's SoI Kings: SP James Tee Alien

Round 4, Pick 11 - Lucky 38: SP Matt Green

Round 4, Pick 12 - New California Republic Bears: SP David Martin

Round 5
Round 5, Pick 1 - Nuka Cola: SP Kane Horton

Round 5, Pick 2 - Sunset Sarsaparilla: SP Nathaniel Murdoch

Round 5, Pick 3 - Atomic Wrangler Wranglers: SP Ira Lewis

Round 5, Pick 4 - H&H Tool Company: SS Been There Done That

Round 5, Pick 5 - The Tops: SS Charlie Mitchell

Round 5, Pick 6 - Ultra Luxe: CF Rick Mills

Round 5, Pick 7 - Vault-Tec Vault Boys: SS Héctor Herrera

Round 5, Pick 8 - RobCo Robots: SS Bernard O'Higgins

Round 5, Pick 9 - Gomorrah: 1B Brian Holland

Round 5, Pick 10 - King's SoI Kings: 3B Alf DeLayer

Round 5, Pick 11 - Lucky 38: CF Mark Henson

Round 5, Pick 12 - New California Republic Bears: SS Ben Adams


10.14.2285 - Player injury

William Sewell, Ultra Luxe
Sewell's wife accidentally shot him thinking he was an intruder. Thankfully she only got him in the upper arm and he is expected to recover in just over a month of natural healing time.


11.12.2285 - Trade

The Tops traded 35-year-old catcher Oliver Quintero to the Atomic Wrangler Wranglers, getting 19-year-old catcher Jeff Embrey and 18-year-old center fielder Bob Anderson in return.

11.30.2285 - Player injury

Tim Bradley, Kings
Bradley had a run in with a nightkin, but was able to escape with just a nip to the hand before he and a few friends blasted the creature to oblivion.

12.11.2285 - Player injury

Jerry McCarter, Tops
McCarter was the unfortunate victim of a giant radscorpion attack. He was saved by a hunter but suffered a debilitating injury to his left leg. He is not expected back until late April, but he may seek league-approved chems treatment to assure his recovery.

[Raynor21]

This is awesome. The Lucky 38's really let me down...

[StLee]

I could tell you all about the events that went on during the winter meetings, but you probably only really care about the facts, right? There were lots of discussions, some beneficial and some outright outrageous. I'll give you the summary soon, but first, let me discuss something that outraged me.

You see, as the Historian, my job is unique but special. Lee had given me access to just about everything, except a meeting between James Hsu and him. You may remember that I mentioned him before, but if you do not remember, let me refresh you. Hsu used to be a high-ranking member of the NCR, but he resigned following the Second Battle of Hoover Dam and went to work for Lee.

Being so high in the NCR means that Hsu still had a lot of inside informants to keep Lee up to date on the political dealings. I was there when Hsu came with some information about a few incidents that occurred during the season, namely the player attacked by a Tops loan shark and the deathclaw incident.

Hsu gave Lee some updated information on the investigations. Lee asked, "So they're targeting Swank, right?" When Hsu answered, "Not exactly. You're not going to like who the evidence is pointing at," Lee asked me to leave the room.

I told him it was important for me to hear the information for future generations to know all about the events of the Mojave. Lee disagreed, and after I refused to budge, he forcefully removed me from the room. I have never been so offended in my life. Still, I had a job, so I had to swallow my own pride and after a night of indulgence returned to work. Still to this day I do not know who the person is because there were some other events I will eventually report on, but it was interesting that Swank was not the main villain. Maybe that is why Lee is gone today. Who knows?

Now, on to the winter meetings.

I. Team Name Changes

Michael Angelo's 2286 was about to get really busy. Based on Lee's proclamation, every team had to adopt a team nickname. Some teams already had one, but they had the option to change. With all the changes, some teams were going to change their uniforms in only the second season. The uniforms were completed close to spring training. I will show them in my preseason preview.

In addition to adopting a team name, five of the twelve teams elected to take on their community's name. H&H Tool Company, the King's School of Impersonation, Lucky 38, Nuka Cola, and RobCo were no longer used in the way they were in 2285.

H&H Tool Company became North Vegas and adopted the name Radscorpions. The King's SOI became Freeside and kept the team name Kings. Lucky 38 became Goodsprings and made its team name the Lucky 38s. Nuka Cola became Camp McCarran and took the team name Brahmin. RobCo became the Novac Dinosaurs.

Additionally, several teams adopted team names. Sunset Sarsaparilla became the Fire Ants. Ultra Luxe became the White Gloves. The Tops dropped "The" off its name and became the Mutants. Gomorrah added Devils to its name.


II. Minor League Affiliates

Lee distributed the list of 12 locations that would make up the Prospects League (PL). Those locations were: 188 Trading Post, Aerotech Office Park, Bitter Springs, Boulder City, Cottonwood Cove, Hidden Valley, Mojave Outpost, New California Republic Correctional Facility, Nipton, Sloan, South Vegas, and the Whiskey Rose Caravan Company.

Additionally, instead of having a west to east alignment, the teams would be distributed into a north to south alignment.

North Division:
Aerotech, Bitter Springs, South Vegas, Whiskey Rose Caravan Company

Central Division:
188 Trading Post, Boulder City, Hidden Valley, Sloan

South Division:
Cottonwood Cove, Mojave Outpost, NCR Correctional Facility, Nipton

Swank (Tops) had first rights to a minor league city, so he chose the Aerotech Office Park citing proximity. Cachino (Gomorrah) followed with the 188 Trading Post. The Garrets (Atomic Wrangler) selected Cottonwood Cove. The other selections will be listed below along with team names.

Final Changes




III. Rule Changes Proposals

The following rules changes were proposed:

A. Expanding active roster because of unforeseen circumstances leaving teams understaffed. REJECTED 17-12.

B. Instituting the designated hitter rule for more offense. REJECTED 24-5.

C. Instituting a suspension appeals process. REJECTED 19-10.

D. Allowing teams to finance expanded scouting opportunities. Specific rules in place.
D.1. Unlimited budget. REJECTED 23-6.
D.2. League approved scouting caravans. ACCEPTED 28-1.
D.3. Franchise independent baseball camps. ACCEPTED 23-6.
D.4. California pipeline. REJECTED 15-14. Lee proposed exploring this more in the future.

E. Adding roster exemptions. REJECTED 20-9.


IV. Trades

1.1.2286

The Freeside Kings traded 30-year-old shortstop Zander Peterson to the Ultra Luxe White Gloves, getting 20-year-old outfielder Jerry Corbett and 18-year-old outfielder Brad Gecko in return.


1.2.2286

The Freeside Kings traded 16-year-old reliever Paul Smiley to the North Vegas Radscorpions, getting 21-year-old reliever Brad Wedderhede in return.

The Atomic Wrangler Wranglers traded 21-year-old outfielder Jaime Rios to the North Vegas Radscorpions, getting 16-year-old starting pitcher Bill Lowery and 20-year-old outfielder Ben Sheffield in return.

The Ultra Luxe White Gloves traded 36-year-old reliever Brian Sykes to the Vault-Tec Vault Boys, getting 33-year-old starting pitcher Ethan Harris in return.

The Tops Mutants traded 19-year-old shortstop George Benson to the Atomic Wrangler Wranglers, getting 16-year-old starting pitcher Tim Burton and 16-year-old reliever Logan Wagner in return.

The North Vegas Radscorpions traded 20-year-old starting pitcher Lee Weathers to the Vault-Tec Vault Boys, getting 19-year-old reliever Jarred Jones and 34-year-old outfielder Mark Kirby in return.


1.3.2286

The New California Republic Bears traded 18-year-old starting pitcher Matt Hayes to the Novac Dinosaurs, getting 34-year-old reliever Leroy Hodges in return.

The Novac Dinosaurs traded 32-year-old starting pitcher Sixto Deleon to the Ultra Luxe White Gloves, getting 36-year-old reliever Robert Cowan and 27-year-old reliever Steve MacIntyre in return.

The Ultra Luxe White Gloves traded 19-year-old second baseman Zviad Taghiyeva to the Camp McCarran Brahmin, getting 17-year-old reliever Sherman Smith in return.

The Sunset Sarsaparilla Fire Ants traded 18-year-old shortstop Shawn Grant to the Freeside Kings, getting 29-year-old shortstop Tim Bradley and 19-year-old catcher Stephen Colorado in return.

The Goodsprings Lucky 38s traded 17-year-old starting pitcher Glenn Brady to the Gomorrah Devils, getting 26-year-old shortstop Jose Rey in return.

[StLee]

Year 2: 2286

Yeah, I know you're here for the baseball. I'll get back to that really soon. But first you need to understand what was happening in and around the Mojave in 2286 to understand where we stand today.

There was a lot going on in the Mojave, but probably still not enough to satisfy Lee. I was there for meeting after boring meeting, very few having anything to do with baseball itself. Yet... everything was about baseball. I thought I was starting to understand Lee's master plan. The Mojave could become a utopia of epic pre-war proportions if everything Lee laid out worked to its full extent.

Baseball was the root to which things could be accomplished. Lee told me all about baseball's history and how important it was to the American way before the collapse. I call myself the Historian, but Lee knows history with a certain amount of passion I may never have. There were others, too. And that's where I'm going to start 2286. Not with baseball, but with the things spinning around the baseball centrifuge. They are related, and in time you will see what I mean. Just keep reading. The pay off is grand.

Lee’s community building went way beyond baseball. By 2286, each community had at least one operating school (those kids at Nellis AFB were already far ahead, but most of the community’s kids were very lowly educated). Lee had been working to improve literacy rates, using every able-bodied person, especially the elderly, to assist in teaching reading. Lee also distributed his wide book collection to different communities, with a division of the Whiskey Rose Caravan Company responsible for moving the books from one community to another. Other citizens of the Mojave also donated their books, and community book loaning systems were established with small but operating facilities. There was even a small violence outbreak in Nipton when all the books were rented out. Lee made sure that 100 more books arrived there in less than a week. All communities had fully operational, supplied, and guarded medical facilities. Also, every community had refrigeration thanks to H&H Tools technology, helping to supply fresher food and keep beneficial chems fresh.

Yeah, the community building reminds me of another of Lee's little secrets I was never told about: his book publishing company. He had a team of his own inside RobCo that was responsible for typing out entire books, for what Lee later told me was for instant and complete access to all book knowledge.

Speaking of RobCo, Boone’s RNC system was gaining steam. The Mojave Baseball League screen was to be online soon with more access to stats and information for the casual fan. Though not connected to the RNC, computer stations were already available in re-established schools, local libraries, and medical facilities. There Mojave citizens could learn to operate computers and use simulated RNC programs.

The robot army was sent on multiple scouting and recon missions. There were few reports of Legion activity in the area. Also, there was more information available to me about Pre-War America. The Mojave and New Vegas area was part of one of the major commonwealths, the Southwest Commonwealth. This was made up of the major cities of the former California (and now the Shady Sands megapolis). The Fort and areas east of there was part of the Four States Commonwealth in the former Arizona. Shady Sands defectors to New Vegas seemed to have a better grasp of pre-War U.S., though Lee admitted that he had knowledge of pre-War U.S. and hinted at having been to other places, including Washington D.C.

Railroad infrastructure to the south was moving slowly thanks to limited supplies and labor and wild creature attacks. Where the hell do those deathclaws come from and why do they love the tracks so much?

However, there were limited train operations near New Vegas, making daily commutes easier and safer. At the start of 2286, daily commuter trains traveled from the following locations: New Vegas, Camp McCarran, the New Vegas Medical Clinic, South Vegas, and Nellis AFB. Industrial train stations included Junction 15 Railway Station (Southernmost railway access in 2286 - expected to be a major thoroughfare throughout the Mojave in the future), RepCONN HQ to the east (with the railway stations open in July 2286 for 188 Trading Post access and Boulder City) , to the north Hunter’s Farm, Samson Rock Crushing Plant, and Sunset Sarsaparilla HQ. Future railways opened to Lake Mead in the east (though there have been many problems with Gypsum Train Yard and deathclaw attacks). In the south, railway depots were eventually to expand to Sloan, Goodsprings, the NCR Correctional Facility, Nipton, Novac, and Helios ONE, just as soon as enough labor could handle the load.

One of the negative events was that Nuka Cola’s reemergence was moving slowly, and Lee had a conversation with the Nuka Cola operators, Sarah Weintraub and Michael Angelo. Lee was not happy that they were not working harder to get the factory opened, especially since Lee was financing both the factory opening and the majority of the Nuka Cola-sponsored baseball team's finances. The rest of the funds were coming from Vault 21's hotel and Michael Angelo's business. Weintraub left the meeting before it ended, but Angelo promised that things would move faster and that the factory could be up and running within the year.

Loyal from Nellis AFB re-opened the Aerotech Office Park facility. People living there were trained on making airplanes, with operations under way in the Nellis AFB hangars. Among the company's divisions: metal collectors, metal recyclers, welders, engineering schematics, fuel collection, and production. The former Poseidon Energy became a fossil-fueled player in the Mojave at this time. Their secrets apparently were not buried. Also, the Nellis AFB had a large supply of hidden jet fuel reserves, giving Loyal the boost he needed to get his company off the ground.

Lee used information he learned about Poseidon Energy and its grand experiment, HELIOS One, to make some huge strides. Lee struck a deal with the NCR for ultimate control of the HELIOS One plant, thanks to the increased power supplies afforded from full production of the Hoover Dam. In conjunction with the Brotherhood of Steel, Lee was able to tap the full power of HELIOS One for alternative energy and fuels (though I am getting a little ahead of myself--2286 was just the beginning). However, HELIOS One was still considered a sort of time bomb because of its weapons capabilities, and was under the utmost security.

Primm launched its theme park in early 2286, Vikki and Vance World. The roller coaster was fully functional with no more accidents. The casino was in full operation. Lee met with city officials, still run by Jesse Hayes, formerly of the NCR. The town liked his direction, and he resigned with the consent of the NCR to be the mayor. Primm wanted its own franchise, independent of Vault-Tec. Vault-Tec and Lee agreed to pursue potentially moving Vault-Tec to its HQ in South Vegas (HQ is Vault 3), but he said he would need time to convince the voting board.

Water quality and energy supply were consistently improving. People accepted the annexation of the Mojave and New Vegas. New maps were being made, showing the infrastructure improvements.

Sloan’s limestone quarry was in full operation, so concrete construction was in full effect for some time, allowing Boulder City to quickly rebuild and become an established society.

Veronica’s organic farms to the north (Hunter’s Farm, Horowitz Farmstead, and the NCR Sharecropper Farms) were striving and domestic animal conditions were improving, allowing people to have cleaner, fresher vegetables and meats. The conditions of the inhabitants were improving and fewer people needed medical care and chems for daily survival.

Jack’s automotives was moving along slowly, though he was able to get up a limited line of motorcycles. However, he had not been able to make an alternative fuel line yet. His resources and abilities were too limited. He needed a Lee intervention.

The NCR sealed off Camp Searchlight, but they were working vigorously to de-radiate the area. It had been discussed that Cottonwood Cove which lies east of the Camp Searchlight area and Route 164 leading to the west for trips to the Mojave Outpost and Nipton, and vice versa, meant traveling directly through the irradiated zone. The NCR created a service road north of Camp Searchlight as a detour until Camp Searchlight could be reopened. Lee said that he would consider scheduling changes and division realignment for the Prospects League if traveling problems persisted.

Yeah, all of these things happened because of baseball. You see, Lee needed baseball to be more accessible to the people. And that meant everything had to improve. People may not have worked hard for Lee or anyone else. But they would tear their faces off to make sure baseball was available.

People have such strange gods.