48-team Random Debut League - Page 5

Dukie98 · 06-25-2020, 02:51 AM

Once again, the Hall of Fame voting featured a glut of qualified candidates who topped 60% of the vote, but only two candidates topped the 75% threshold. Center fielder Al Oliver, a four-time hit king who notched 3193 career hits, drew 88.5% of the vote to earn induction on his first try. Left fielder Kal Daniels, a six-time All-Star and four-time stolen base champion, received 76.0% of the vote on his third ballot appearance. Although six other players topped 60% of the vote, no one else cleared 75%.

Oliver was drafted third overall by the Cincinnati Spiders following the 2036 season. As a 20-year-old, he broke in with a bang, winning the Rookie of the Year unanimously in 2037 and finishing second in the MVP voting, as he hit .355 and slugged .648, leading the Frontier League with 231 hits and 57 doubles, while drilling 42 homers and knocking in 127 runs. In 2038, Oliver finished fourth in the MVP voting, hitting a team-record .384 and slugging .641, leading the league once again with 246 hits, as he smacked 60 doubles, 6 triples, 31 homers, knocked in 120 runs and scored 121 runs. The next year, Oliver hit .335 with a league-high 61 doubles, along with 29 homers, 106 RBI's, and 116 runs. In an injury-riddled 2040 campaign, Oliver hit .316 with 46 doubles, 19 homers, and 76 RBI's despite missing 36 games. He rebounded the following season to hit .315 with 54 doubles, 27 homers, 99 RBI's, and 107 runs scored. In 2042, Oliver hit .329, ripping 42 doubles, 27 homers, and plating 95 runs. Oliver hit .355 in 2043, leading the league once again with 231 hits, while smacking 58 doubles, 19 homers, 111 RBI's, and 92 runs scored. Oliver had a monster 2044 campaign, hitting .365 and slugging .610, popping 49 doubles, 34 homers, and a franchise-record 147 RBI's. Despite a productive 2045 season, Oliver was unexpectedly traded to Pittsburgh shortly before the trade deadline. He hit .312 with 34 homers and 112 RBI's, split between two teams. Following the season, he opted out of his contract and signed with the Virginia Beach Admirals. In his first season in the green and gold, Oliver hit .346 with 15 homers, 87 RBI's, and 106 runs scored. In 2047, he hit .343, leading the league with 223 hits, while drilling 31 dingers, driving in 101 runs, and scoring 113 runs. After another season hitting over .300 with 45 doubles, Oliver signed with the Portland Skunks before the 2049 campaign, where he switched from center field to being a full-time left fielder. In four seasons in Portland, he topped .290 three times, and in his final 2052 campaign, he launched 27 homers and knocked in 103 runs before retiring at age 35. Oliver posted a .326/ .370/ .539 slash line for his career, with 3193 hits, 740 doubles, 66 triples, 403 homers, 1623 RBI's, 1575 runs scored, 97 steals, and 84.0 WAR. He made 6 All-Star teams and won two Silver Slugger awards. After appearing in only one postseason series in his first 13 seasons, Oliver made the postseason in each of his last three seasons. For his career, he posted a modest .250 average in 47 postseason games, with 13 doubles, 6 homers, and 22 RBI's.

Daniels was drafted third overall by the Kansas City Mad Hatters following the 2031 season. As a 21-year-old rookie, he hit .342 and slugged .534, ripping 13 homers, driving in 37 runs, scoring 60 runs, and swiping 50 bags in just 80 games. Daniels won the Frontier League MVP award in his sophomore 2033 campaign, hitting .354 with a league-best .472 on-base percentage and a .661 slugging percentage, hitting 41 doubles, 42 homers, 110 RBI's, scoring 135 runs, and stealing a league-high 73 bases. Daniels hit .315 the following season, leading the league with 68 steals while ripping 28 homers with 85 RBI's. In 2035, he hit .339 and slugged .594, drilling 35 dingers, knocking in 99 runs, scoring 130 runs, and leading the league for the third straight year with 63 steals. Daniels hit .313 in 2036, drilling 41 homers, knocking in a career-high 122 runs, scoring 117 runs, and stealing 43 bases. The next season, Daniels hit .317 with 37 homers, 106 RBI's, scored 133 runs, and lead the league once more with 67 steals in 78 attempts. After an off-year in 2038, he rebounded to hit .305 with a .438 on-base percentage, 32 homers, 81 RBI's, and 126 runs scored the next season. Daniels signed with the El Paso Armadillos as a free agent in the offseason. Although he hit just .260 in his first season in black and orange, he posted a .388 on-base percentage and drilled 29 homers and stole 29 bases in just 124 games. After another 100-run season in 2042, Daniels hit .326 with a .451 on-base percentage in 101 games in 2043, as El Paso won the World Series. After a solid if unspectacular 2044 campaign highlighted by a perfect 29-for-29 on the basepaths, he posted a .314/ .405/ .574 slash line in 2045, drilling 77 extra-base hits, including 33 homers, 106 RBI's, and 128 runs scored. That proved to be his last hurrah, as Daniels played six more seasons, never again topping .300, peaking at 21 homers and 85 runs scored over those last six seasons. He retired with a career slash line of .295/ .402/ .512, with 2701 hits, 527 doubles, 33 triples, 467 homers, 1481 RBI's, 1814 runs scored, 1607 walks, 601 steals, and 76.3 WAR. Daniels made six All-Star teams, and won three Silver Sluggers to go with his 2033 MVP award. In 118 career postseason games, he hit .267 and slugged .450, ripping 30 doubles, 14 homers, plating 55 runs and scoring 75 times.

Leading vote recipients include: Al Oliver, CF, CIN/ PIT/ VB/ POR: 88.5%
Kal Daniels, LF, KC/ ELP: 76.0%
Bill Madlock, 3B, PIT/ LON/ DEN/ BAL: 68.1%
Hal Kleine, RP, ANA/ DET/ ELP/ NOR: 66.0%
Javy Lopez, C, MIN/ SA: 64.2%
Tommy Davis, LF, NOR: 63.2%
Darryl Strawberry, RF, BIR/ MIN: 61.5%
Clyde Milan, LF, PHO/ BUF/ DET/ CHI: 60.1%
Bob Bescher, LF, OKC/ OMA/ ANA/ NAS: 55.9%
Cliff Floyd, LF, POR/ BOS/ NY/ CHA/ HAR: 55.6%
Paul Derringer, RHP, STL/ DET/ KC/ MIN/ AUS/ JAX/ SD: 53.1%
Joe Adcock, 1B, SF/ BIR/ DEN/ DET/ MIA/ STL/ BOS/ ALB: 51.7%

Among the noteworthy candidates who were dropped from the ballot were shortstop Yoan Moncada, who combined 392 homers with 763 steals, but failed to gain induction in his tenth year on the ballot, 3,000 hit-club members center fielder Juan Beniquez and third baseman Buck Weaver, 447-homer hitter Ben Oglivie, and southpaw Ron Guidry, who posted a career 2.98 ERA.

Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers:

Dukie98 · 06-28-2020, 12:40 AM

Every five years, the HRDL's Veteran's Committee reconvenes. As with past induction classes, the Committee could induct up to three players, provided that their eligibility expired at least five years earlier. The 2055 Veterans' Committee selected right fielder George "High Pockets" Kelly, who ranked 11th all-time in hits, eight-time All-Star catcher Elston Howard, and four-time Reliever of the Year Aroldis Chapman.

Kelly was drafted 49th overall by the Toronto Predators in the supplemental first round, following the HRDL's inaugural 2011 season. He struggled as an 18-year-old rookie, hitting .231 and slugging .321, with just 6 homers and 51 RBI's in 156 games. After two more years of single-digit homers but progressively rising averages, Kelly had a breakout season in 2015, hitting .307 with 22 homers, 84 RBI's, and 19 steals. The following year, he hit .299 with 16 homers, 94 RBI's, and 24 steals. After an off-year, he had the finest all-around campaign of his career in 2018, making his first All-Star team as he hit .335 and slugged .530, with 30 homers, 92 RBI's, and 31 steals. He followed that up by hitting .316 in 2019 with 27 longballs and 107 RBI's -- the first of seven straight 100-RBI campaigns. The next year, he hit .303 with 35 round-trippers and 115 RBI's. After hitting .295 with 31 homers and 111 RBI's, Kelly had back-to-back campaigns of 37 homers, including 129 RBI's in 2022. Kelly hit .294 in 2024, but slipped to 17 homers, while still plating 107 runs. That proved to a be a one-year aberration: in 2025, Kelly rebounded to hit .319 with a league-best 35 homers and 106 RBI's. After two more seasons of topping 20 homers and 80 RBI's, Kelly left Toronto to sign with the Jacksonville Gulls in free agency. In his first season in blue and orange, he hit .302 with 24 homers and 108 RBI's. He posted a carbon copy of that campaign in 2029, hitting .300 with 26 homers and 105 RBI's. Kelly slipped to .274 with 21 homers in his final season in Jacksonville, signing with the Austin Mustangs before the 2031 season. Although he hit well in a half-season with Austin, he was traded to their division rival Dallas Wildcatters, where he smacked 17 homers, drove in 47 runs, and slugged .556 in just 64 games. Kelly led Dallas to their lone World Series appearance in franchise history, winning two playoff series MVP awards as he hit .374 and slugged .707, with 9 homers and 25 RBI's in 24 postseason games that year. Following that season, he signed with the Chicago Mules, where he struggled in part-time play, and he closed his career as a pinch-hitter for the Baltimore Robins, where he hit .333 with 4 homers in just 48 at bats in 2033. For his career, Kelly posted a .293/ .326/ .467 slash line, with 3578 hits (11th all-time), 549 doubles, 85 triples, 469 homers, 1913 RBI's (19th all-time), 1567 runs scored, 652 walks, 247 steals, a 121 OPS+, and 68.5 WAR. He made five All-Star teams and won a Silver Slugger award. In 83 postseason games -- nearly all in his thirties -- Kelly hit .305 and slugged .511, blasting 17 homers and knocking in 62 runs.

Howard was drafted sixth overall by the Montreal Knights after the 2020 season. He had a strong season as a 25-year-old rookie in 2021, hitting .319 with 14 homers in 119 games. The following season, he made the All-Star team, hitting .298 and slugging .512, ripping 27 homers and knocking in 78 runs. The following year, Howard hit .299 with 40 homers and 83 RBI's in just 138 games. Howard's power dropped off precipitously, as he smacked just 12 homers in each of the next two seasons, despite hitting .309 and .292. In 2026, Howard hit .277 with 20 homers and 72 RBI's. Following the season, he left Montreal and signed with the Los Angeles Kangaroos. In his first season in Los Angeles, Howard hit .310 and slugged .496, ripping 19 homers (along with 10 triples), and driving in 88 runs. After hitting .293 with 16 homers and 82 RBI's in 2028, he hit .305 with 28 homers and 100 RBI's in just 129 games the following year. Howard hit .290 with 17 homers in 2030. In each of the next three years, Howard hit over .300 and slugged over .500, topping 20 homers each year and driving in a career-high 121 runs in 2032, and leading the Kangaroos to a 2033 World Series appearance. In the final two years of his career, his batting average declined, but he still showed solid power, smacking 19 homers and driving in 65 runs in just 87 games in 2035 before retiring at year's end. Remarkably durable, Howard spent only one stint on the disabled list in his 15-year career. Overall, he posted a .296/ .332/ .481 career slash line, with 2208 hits, 308 doubles, 77 triples, 309 homers, 1175 RBI's, 979 runs scored, 422 walks, 125 OPS+, and 63.0 WAR. Howard made eight All-Star teams, won four Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger award. In 55 postseason games over four seasons, he hit .310 with a .481 slugging percentage, with 21 extra-base hits, including 6 homers and 39 RBI's in 55 games.

Chapman was selected 16th overall by the Ottawa Parliamentarians following the 2019 season. He struggled as a 21-year-old rookie in 2020, going 6-5 with 3 saves, a 5.64 ERA and a 1.72 WHIP, walking an incredible 70 batters in just 69 innings. The following year, Chapman was installed as Ottawa's closer, and he went 5-7 with 31 saves, a 3.60 ERA, and a bloated 1.63 WHIP. He posted an identical 5-7 mark in 2022, but slipped to 19 saves, as he sported a mediocre 3.80 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP. The following year, Chapman took the leap into stardom, posting the first of 6 straight seasons with an ERA below 2.20, as he went 4-4 with 37 saves, a 1.95 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP. In 2024, Chapman won his first Reliever of the Year award, going 6-4 with 38 saves, a 1.62 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and fanned 102 batters - the first of four straight seasons with at least 100 punchouts - and he didn't yield a single homer in 72 innings. The following year, Chapman went 4-3 with 31 saves, a 2.13 ERA, and a 1.10 ERA. In 2026, Chapman won his second Reliever of the Year Award, as he went 5-4 with a 1.28 ERA and an 0.94 ERA. The next season, Chapman went 3-4 with 37 saves, a a 1.47 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and a career-high 130 strikeouts in just 79 innings. Chapman won yet another Reliever of the Year award in 2028, as he went 2-2 with 33 saves, an 0.79 ERA, and an 0.97 WHIP, allowing just 7 earned runs and no homers in 80 innings. Following that season, Chapman signed with the Washington Ambassadors for the 2029 campaign, where he posted 31 saves and a 2.77 ERA. The following year, he won his fourth Reliever of the Year Award -- all in alternating even-numbered seasons -- posting 34 saves with a 1.57 ERA, an 0.83 WHIP, while fanning 97 batters in 69 innings. Chapman signed with the Portland Skunks following the 2030 season, and he won a World Series title in his first year in Portland, posting 30 saves along with a 2.32 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Chapman spent three more seasons in Portland as a middle reliever, notching a total of 14 saves before retiring unexpectedly after the 2034 season at age 35. For his career, Chapman sported a 52-54 record with 370 saves, a 2.47 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, 1234 strikeouts in just 1041 innings, a 209 career ERA+, and 38.3 WAR. He ranked 9th all-time in saves. He made six All-Star teams and won four Reliever of the Year Awards. Chapman posted a 1-0 record, 4 saves and a 3.12 ERA in 23 career postseason games.

Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers:

Dukie98 · 07-05-2020, 02:52 AM

Here are the major storylines across the league at the 2056 All-Star break:

Exceeding expectations: The Boston Minutemen, winners of just 66 games last year, entered the break with a 44-31 record, just a half game out of first place in the Northeast Division. Boston was led offensively by second baseman Chris Chambliss, who took a .330 average and a .519 slugging percentage into the break, including 22 doubles, 10 homers, and 49 RBI's. First baseman Ryan Klesko hit .292 and slugged .533, smashing 17 homers and knocking in 61 runs. Boston's pitching staff entered the break ranked third in the Frontier League in runs allowed, led by southpaw Randy Tomlin, who went 8-2 with a 1.90 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts. Veteran Ed Correa posted an 8-3 mark with a 2.09 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers bottomed out last season with just 50 wins, but they entered the break with a 38-35 record, tied for second place in the Northwest Division. Left fielder Bill Buckner hit .336 and slugged .554, ripping 21 doubles, 8 triples, 10 homers, 46 RBI's, and 61 runs scored. Utility infielder Jose Vizcaino hit .304 with 16 doubles. Rookie righthander Juan Guzman posted an 8-3 record with a 1.98 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 107 strikeouts. Southpaw Roy Hitt went 5-3 with a 3.40 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts.

In the Continental League, the Memphis River Pirates had a breakout season. Although they won 89 games last year and remained in playoff contention until the final days of the season, they jumped out to a 50-13 start on their way to a 55-20 first half. Third baseman Troy Glaus hit a modest .261, but he slugged .582, ripping 26 homers and knocking in 56 runs. Center fielder Carlos Beltran hit .313 and slugged .582, rapping 15 homers, driving in 49 runs, and swiping 20 bags. Left fielder Frank Schulte hit .308, bashing 18 homers and knocking in 67 runs while scoring 60 runs. Memphis featured the stingiest pitching staff in the league, allowing just 250 runs in 75 games. Free agent signee Whit Wyatt went 7-5 with a 1.97 ERA, an 0.81 WHIP, and 125 strikeouts in 101 innings. Southpaw Bob Wieland was a perfect 11-0 with a 2.45 ERA, an 0.80 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts. The Dallas Wildcatters looked to snap a 14-year playoff drought, ending the break with a 47-28 record, leading the Texas Division. Despite ending the break ranked a modest 17th in the Continental League in homers, they led the league in batting average and runs scored. Free agent first baseman Ike Davis nearly doubled his batting average after a disastrous 2055 campaign with San Antonio, posting a .315/ .438/ .573 slash line, with 18 homers and 69 RBI's. Third baseman Evan Longoria, a free agent signee, hit .313 with 12 longballs and 53 RBI's. Left fielder Richie Scheinblum hit .319, blasting 10 dingers and driving in 48 runs while scoring 56. Ageless southpaw Woodie Fryman took a 7-2 record, a 3.43 ERA, and a 1.21 WHIP into the break. Jerry Robertson went 5-2 with a 2.71 ERA and an 0.95 WHIP.

Disappointments: The Cincinnati Spiders won 93 games last year, making the playoffs for the third season in a row, but they stumbled to a 27-48 start. Left fielder Joe Medwick, who smacked 28 homers and 110 RBI's last year, popped just 5 homers and drove in 33 runs in 64 games before suffering a season-ending back injury. Center fielder Terry Puhl, who hit .327 with a .407 on-base percentage and 112 runs scored last year, slumped to hit .276 with a .347 on-base percentage and just 34 runs scored. Barney Wolfe, who won 11 games with a 3.01 ERA last year, went 0-4 with a 5.67 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP in six starts, averaging just 4.5 innings per start. The Spiders' bullpen ranked third-worst in the league, posting an abysmal 6.87 ERA. Manny Acosta, who sported a 3.18 ERA last year, went 1-2 with a ghastly 8.45 ERA and a 2.33 WHIP. The Milwaukee Raccoons were a surprise division winner last year with 90 victories, but they stumbled to a 31-43 start. Catcher Mickey Cochrane, who hit .320 and slugged .531 last year, hit just .278 with 3 homers and 12 RBI's in 43 games. Center fielder Nelson Mathews, who drilled 20 round-trippers and drove in 73 runs last year, hit just .199 with 4 homers and 24 RBI's in 73 games. Second-year hurler Pedro Martinez struggled to live up to his vast potential, going 0-4 in 9 starts with a 7.20 ERA and a 1.83 WHIP, allowing 10 homers in just 35 innings. Reliever Mark Petkovsek, who posted a 3.58 ERA last year as a rookie, yielded a bloated 6.64 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP, as Milwaukee's bullpen flirted with a teamwide ERA of 6.00.

The Charlotte Aviators won 109 games last year, making the playoffs for the fifth season in a row, but they got off to a disastrous 19-31 start before rallying in June to enter the break with a 37-37 mark. Their traditionally powerful offense ranked just 19th in the Continental League in runs scored. Left fielder Fernando Tatis, who hit .291 with 34 homers and 105 RBI's last season, hit just .269 with 10 longballs and 37 RBI's. Third baseman Corey Koskie, who smacked 24 dingers and drove in 71 RBI's last year, slumped to hit just .207 with 3 homers and 21 RBI's in 58 games. Lon Warneke, last year's runner-up for the Cy Young Award, slipped to a modest 6-5 mark with a 3.90 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. Len Barker, who went 13-3 last year with a 3.15 ERA, saw his record slide to 4-5 while his ERA increased by over a run and a half to 4.71, allowing 14 homers in just 71 innings. The Virginia Beach Admirals, who went 80-82 last season, slipped to a disastrous 25-50 mark. Offensively, the Admirals slipped to rank 20th in the league in runs scored and 21st in homers. First baseman Mike Schmidt, an MVP candidate last year who hit .335 with 48 homers and 132 RBI's, slumped to hit just .266 with 14 homers and 48 RBI's. Second baseman Manny Lee hit a punchless .248, with a .298 on-base percentage and a .326 slugging percentage. Righthander Biff Schlitzer went a modest 5-5, and saw his ERA spike by nearly two runs per game to 4.23, with a 1.15 WHIP. Closer Hal White saw his ERA more than double, going 1-6 with 8 saves and a disastrous 8.36 ERA and a 2.36 WHIP, walking 29 hitters in 38 innings. Overall, the Admirals' bullpen posted a 7.36 ERA - among the worst in baseball.

A Farewell to Arms: The 2056 season saw season-ending injuries striking down several of the most talented pitchers in baseball. Portland ace Walter Johnson was expected to miss the season after suffering a UCL tear in last season's World Series. Toronto fireballer Bill Monbouquette was sidelined with a UCL tear from last September that would likely knock him out of commission until the second half of 2057. New Orleans southpaw Warren Spahn went down with a shoulder injury three starts into the year that would likely knock him out until the playoffs. Birmingham southpaw Virgil Trucks tore an elbow ligament in April which ended his season prematurely. Minneapolis southpaw Greg Swindell didn't make it past Opening Day before tearing his UCL. Pittsburgh southpaw Larry McWilliams tore his labrum, ending his season.

Remember the Alamo: The San Antonio Marksmen threatened the HRDL's record for the worst season in league history. San Antonio started the season 3-25, and winning just 10 of their first 66 games before rallying to enter the break with an abysmal 15-60 record, allowing at least 17 runs an incredible ten times. San Antonio allowed an embarrassing 679 runs - over nine per game - and their most effective pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez, was 0-7 with a 4.40 ERA. Their bullpen was almost certainly the worst in league history.

Southeastern Stronghold: The Southeast Division proved to be the strongest in baseball, with multiple elite teams. The Miami Flamingos and Memphis River Pirates were neck-and-neck for the best record in baseball, with Miami taking a 12-game winning streak and a 56-19 record into the break, while Memphis was a game behind at 55-20. Despite major injuries to Warren Spahn and Alan Trammell, the New Orleans Crawfish sported the third-best record in baseball, going 51-24. The Nashville Blues, led by ace Mike Mussina and a breakout season from slugger Lance Berkman, posted a 45-30 mark. The fifth-place Birmingham Steelers flirted with a .600 record for two months, before entering the break with a solid 42-33 record. Only the hapless 25-50 Atlanta Ducks struggled.

Big Mac Attack: Detroit first baseman Mark McGwire, a three-time MVP, was on pace for the finest season of his storied career. McGwire won the first-half triple crown, posting an incredible .399/ .530/ .849 slash line, as he based 35 homers and drove in 73 runs and posted a ridiculous 6.6 WAR in 72 games. He won the Player of the Month for both April and May, and was heavily favored for June.

Major injuries: In addition to the season-ending injuries listed above, Las Vegas righthander Dave Goltz underwent surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow in late May, placing his season in jeopardy. Los Angeles center fielder Ray Lankford broke his kneecap in early April, ending his season. Milwaukee reliever Don McMahon broke his elbow, missing the entire first half, and sidelining him until September. Hartford first baseman Jim Hickman strained his hamstring in late May, sidelining him for a month. New Orleans shortstop Alan Trammell broke his elbow in early June, likely sidelining him until the playoffs. El Paso first baseman Casey Kotchman missed the first half with a torn back muscle. Philadelphia center fielder Mike Trout, having his best season in several years, suffered a season-ending broken elbow in mid-May. Cincinnati left fielder Joe Medwick was sidelined with a back injury in June, ending his season. Pittsburgh center fielder Earl Averill tore his labrum, sidelining him until late September. Vancouver catcher Jonathan Lucroy broke his kneecap in early June, ending his season.

Major milestones: Virginia Beach first baseman Mike Schmidt smacked his 782nd career homer, setting the all-time career record. Detroit first baseman Mark McGwire, Albuquerque right fielder Vladimir Guerrero, and Toronto right fielder Dwight Evans each ripped their 500th homer. Charlotte right fielder Dave Winfield bashed his 400th homer. Schmidt drove in the 2000th run of his career. Baltimore righthander Jim Maloney and El Paso's Lefty Tyler each joined the 200-win club. Looking ahead to the second half, Los Angeles DH Charlie Gehringer and Pittsburgh first baseman John Olerud were likely to join the 2,500 hit club before the end of July. Schmidt was likely to hit his 800th homer by September. San Antonio DH Bob Horner and Hartford center fielder Willie Mays were likely to join the 600-homer club by the end of August. Buffalo righthander Bill Singer, after missing much of the first half with an elbow injury, was two victories away from 200.

Dukie98 · 07-17-2020, 01:04 AM

Frontier League: The Baltimore Robins won their second straight division title, taking the Northeast Division with 100 victories. Their balanced offense finished second in the league in runs scored, batting average, and homers, led by left fielder JD Martinez, who hit .361 and slugged .602, ripping 48 doubles, 31 homers, drove in 108 runs and scored 122 runs. Second baseman Billy Grabarkewitz hit .290 and slugged .563, drilling 37 homers, knocking in 113 runs, and scoring 101 runs. Third baseman Charlie Hayes had a breakout year, hitting .320 with 41 doubles, 22 homers, and plated 89 runs. Veteran righthander Jim Maloney posted a 13-4 mark, topping the 200-victory milestone, with a 2.81 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP. Silvio Martinez notched an 11-8 record with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. The Boston Minutemen, who won just 66 games last year, made the playoffs for the first time in 9 seasons, winning 91 games. Left fielder Jason Bay led a balanced offense, hitting .286 and slugging .536, with 31 round-trippers, 100 RBI's, and 108 runs scored. Infielder Chris Chambliss hit .299 with 21 longballs and 97 RBI's. Slugging first baseman Ryan Klesko hit .287 while popping 28 homers, scoring 110 runs, and driving in 96. Southpaw Randy Tomlin starred, going 16-4 with a 2.05 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP, despite missing September with a shoulder injury. Fireballer Ed Correa sported a 13-8 mark with a 3.56 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. Despite an 18-6 start, the Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas fell just short of the playoffs, winning 89 games but falling a game shy. Catcher Frankie Hayes starred, hitting .296 with 25 homers, 71 RBI's, and 88 runs scored. Righthander Fred Toney had a breakout year, going 16-6 with a 2.16 ERA, an 0.88 WHIP, and 207 strikeouts.

The Detroit Purple Gang returned to the postseason after a rare one-season absence, taking the Great Lakes Division with 102 wins. Detroit led the league in nearly every offensive category, scoring 971 runs and bashing a franchise-record 233 homers. First baseman Mark McGwire flirted with a Triple Crown, posting a .338/ .483/ .711 slash line, with 63 homers, 147 RBI's, 150 walks and 149 runs scored. Left fielder Carl Crawford hit .327 and slugged .535, ripping 69 extra-base hits, including 25 homers, 114 RBI's, 123 runs scored, and 50 steals. Third baseman Marcus Simien hit .310, ripping 29 longballs and driving in 111 runs. Center fielder Whit Merrifield set the table, hitting .333 with 44 doubles, 15 homers, 89 RBI's, 118 runs scored, and swiped 31 bags. Fireballer Nolan Ryan went 14-5 at age 42 with a 2.97 ERA and an 0.98 WHIP. Southpaw Allen Watson posted a 12-6 mark with a 3.91 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. Closer Monty Stratton dominated, notching 43 saves with a 1.50 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and a tremendous 97-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The London Werewolves earned their fourth playoff bid in five years, winning 97 games. Third baseman Tony Batista and left fielder Gates Brown each smacked 36 homers, with Batista plating 130 runs and Brown knocking in 104. Shortstop Jonathan Villar hit .309 with a .429 on-base percentage, drilling 39 doubles, 22 homers, knocking in 98 runs while scoring 118 times. Steady right fielder Jack Tobin hit .311 with 22 dingers, 104 RBI's, and 90 runs scored. Southpaw John Candelaria posted a 12-1 mark in 25 starts, sporting a 2.18 ERA and an 0.82 WHIP. Workhorse Burleigh Grimes went 15-5 with a 2.38 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP, and 282 strikeouts. The Cleveland Rocks earned their third straight playoff spot, winning 96 games. Although center fielder Duke Snider hit a career-low .262, he set a career high with 43 homers and drove in 106 runs. Left fielder Kris Bryant posted a .345 /.444/ .607 slash line, blasting 30 longballs while driving in 97 runs and scoring 122 runs. Veteran catcher Ernie Lombardi had a career renaissance, hitting .308 with 26 homers and knocking in 102 runs. Southpaw Lew Brissie went 13-1 with a league-leading 1.34 ERA, an 0.74 WHIP, and 219 strikeouts. Jimmy Dygert continued to dominate, going 16-5 with a 1.97 ERA, an 0.79 WHIP, and 294 strikeouts. The Toronto Predators used a dominant pitching staff to overcome a subpar offense, winning 90 games. Right fielder Dwight Evans hit .303 and slugged .549, ripping 31 longballs, driving in 96 runs, and scoring 106 runs. First baseman Chris Johnson hit .330 with 53 doubles, 14 homers, and knocked in 80 runs. Despite a late-season swoon, Bobo Newsom notched a 16-9 record with a 2.04 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and a league-high 315 strikeouts. Dave Boswell sported a 12-6 mark with a 2.58 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 217 strikeouts. Buck O'Brien went just 11-11 despite a 2.91 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP.

The St. Louis Pilots snapped a streak of five straight sub-.500 seasons, coasting to the Great Plains Division title with 94 wins. The Pilots finished just 22nd in the league in runs scored, but relied on a dominant pitching staff, which allowed just 518 runs - a franchise low. Third baseman Paul Schaal hit .318 with a .417 on-base percentage, smacking in 15 homers and driving in 60 runs. Left fielder Tillie Walker hit just .262, but slugged .569, smashing 37 homers in just 115 games, while driving in 77 runs. Southpaw Vida Blue went 12-8 with a 2.79 ERA, an 0.98 WHIP, fanning 246 hitters. Danny Macfayden notched a 12-4 record with a 2.21 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Swingman Wilson Alvarez starred, going 13-8 with 5 saves, posting a 1.65 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP in 148 innings. Closer Scott Radinsky saved 40 games while yielding a 2.78 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP.

The Vancouver Viceroys won 102 games to make the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, cruising to the Northwest Division title. Left fielder Willie McCovey hit .278 and slugged .530, drilling 37 dingers, knocking in 95 runs, while scoring 106. Free agent signee Grady Sizemore hit .274, bashing 37 homers, knocking in 94 runs, scoring 105 and stealing 20 bases. Shortstop Jorge Polanco hit .297 with 42 doubles, 19 homers, 77 RBI's, and 113 runs scored. Vancouver finished third in the league in runs allowed, as four starters posted ERA's below 3.00. Livan Hernandez led the way, going 15-9 with a 2.48 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, while fanning 199 batters. Journeyman Bill Bonham sported a 12-7 mark with a 2.41 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and 197 strikeouts. John Tudor posted a 12-5 record with a 2.85 ERA, an 0.99 WHIP, and fanned 200 hitters.

Continental League: In the most dramatic pennant race in years, the Charlotte Aviators overcame a disastrous 19-31 start to catch the New York Emperors on the final day of the season, taking the Atlantic Division title with 92 wins. Charlotte won 10 of their final 11 games, including a 3-game sweep of Nashville -- all by one run. Charlotte tied New York on the next-to-last day of the year with a 12-inning victory, and scored 4 runs in the bottom of the ninth inning of the final game, winning 8-7, as Ozzie Albies belted a 2-run double to clinch the division title. Right fielder Dave Winfield hit .320 and slugged .547, ripping 39 doubles, 33 homers, and drove in 107 runs, swiping 23 bags. DH Dick Stuart hit .317 and slugged .637, launching 38 homers and driving in 98 runs in just 114 games. First baseman Cecil Cooper hit .293 and slugged .558, launching 45 doubles, 28 homers, and drove in 73 runs in just 121 games. Righthander Jeff Niemann went 12-4 with a 2.60 ERA and an 0.99 WHIP. Lon Warneke sported a 12-7 mark with a 3.68 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 249 strikeouts. Veteran Len Barker notched an 11-5 record with a 3.75 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, while fanning 186 enemy batters. The New York Emperors earned 91 victories, but lost their final four games to fall one game short. Third baseman Eddie Mathews hit .291 and slugged .554, ripping 37 homers, driving in 110 runs, and drawing 137 walks. Southpaw Willie Mitchell led a middling staff, going 10-10 with a 3.35 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP.

The Miami Flamingos won a franchise-record 112 games, including a blistering 20-1 stretch in May. Right fielder Billy Williams hit .302 and slugged .599, crushing 47 homers, plating 132 runs and scoring 117. First baseman Miguel Sano hit .302, ripping 35 longballs and driving in 113 runs. DH Dusty Baker hit a modest .276, but blasted 40 homers and drove in 97 runs while scoring 128 runs. Left fielder Mark Carreon hit. 297, drilling 36 dingers while knocking in 114 runs. Miami's deep pitching staff allowed the fewest runs in the league, led by Tom Bradley, who went 16-8 with a 3.02 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, while fanning 229 batters. Closer Jose Garcia earned 6 wins and 38 saves, posting a 1.77 ERA while fanning 97 batters in 76 innings. The New Orleans Crawfish topped 100 wins for the third straight year, winning 105 games, despite losing star southpaw Warren Spahn for the year in April and shortstop Alan Trammell in May. DH Don Mincher hit .278 with 38 longballs and 126 RBI's. Catcher Gene Tenace hit .286 with 30 homers, 92 runs scored, and 92 RBI's. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .300, launching 42 doubles, 23 homers, and driving in 119 runs. Righthander Dustin Hermanson successfully moved from the bullpen to the rotation, going 13-6 with a 2.04 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and 198 strikeouts. Syl Johnson posted an 11-9 mark with a 3.03 ERA, an 0.93 WHIP, and 238 strikeouts. The Memphis River Pirates started the season on fire, jumping out to a 57-20 record through June, but slowed down in the second half, finishing with 99 wins. Third baseman Troy Glaus slugged .566, bashing 49 homers and knocking in 111 runs. Left fielder Frank Schulte hit .307 and slugged .615, rapping 96 extra-base hits, including 34 homers, 114 RBI's, and 111 runs scored. Center fielder Carlos Beltran hit .297 with 26 homers, 10 triples, 77 RBI's, and 27 steals. Veteran righthander Whit Wyatt had a career year, going 16-9 with a 2.12 ERA, an 0.82 WHIP, and 280 strikeouts. Southpaw Bob Weiland won his first 11 decisions on his way to an 18-3 mark with a 3.14 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP. Ivan Nova sported a 12-5 record with a 3.26 ERA and an 0.99 WHIP, but tore his rotator cuff in his final start of the season.

The Austin Mustangs came out of nowhere to win a franchise-best 99 games, including a 38-11 stretch in August and September with a 13-game winning streak, to take the Texas Division. Left fielder Al Simmons hit .322 and slugged .565, ripping 30 homers and knocking in 110 runs in just 128 games. Shortstop Arky Vaughan hit .318 with a .409 on-base percentage, rapping 18 longballs, knocking in 103 runs, and scoring 114 times. Right fielder Leon Roberts hit .294, drilling 26 dingers while plating 108 runs. Righthander Ewell Blackwell starred, going 17-4 with a 1.99 ERA, an 0.89 WHIP, and 296 strikeouts, smashing the franchise records in the latter three categories. Southpaw Matthew Boyd had a breakout year, going 12-7 with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. Jerry Koosman posted a 13-9 mark with a 4.27 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. The Oklahoma City Otters overcame the retirement of longtime star first baseman George Sisler to win 95 games. Right fielder Jeromy Burnitz led the way, hitting .296 and slugging .602, pounding 43 doubles, 42 homers, and driving in 126 runs. Free agent signee Hack Wilson hit .294 and launched 30 longballs while driving in 95 runs. Veteran shortstop Jim Fregosi hit .299 with 17 homers and 84 RBI's. Lefty Angel Miranda went 16-7 with a 3.56 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Hard-luck John Smiley went just 7-10 despite a 3.56 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. An eight-game losing streak in the final two weeks of the season doomed the El Paso Armadillos, who led the division for most of the season, but fell short of a playoff slot with 93 wins -- likely the most in league history for a non-playoff squad. Roberto Clemente starred, winning the batting title with a .382 average, along with 29 homers, 120 RBI's, and 141 runs scored, and his 265 hits were the second-most all-time for a single season. Stephen Strasburg notched an 11-5 record with a 2.54 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP.

The Phoenix Lizards won the Southwest Division with 108 wins, led by a league-leading offense with a teamwide .302 average. First baseman Frank Thomas hit .306 with a .565 slugging percentage, blasting 43 homers and driving in 149 runs. Center fielder Derek Bell had a brilliant sophomore campaign, hitting .320 and slugging .633, drilling 35 homers and driving in 113 runs in just 115 games while swiping 32 bases. Second sacker Aaron Ward hit .323 and slugged .515, smacking 45 doubles, with 16 homers and 85 RBI's. Righthander Eddie Cicotte sported a 15-4 record with a 2.25 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and 205 strikeouts. Steady southpaw Sid Fernandez went 14-6 with a 2.43 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and 251 strikeouts. Dave Roberts went 17-6, yielding a 3.43 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. The Los Angeles Kangaroos won 103 games, earning their fourth straight playoff spot. DH Fred McGriff hit .298 and slugged .570, drilling 44 round-trippers and knocking in 136 runs. Right fielder Wayne Comer hit .291, ripping 22 homers and plating 94 runs. First baseman Charlie Gehringer hit .281 with 16 homers and 91 RBI's. Ace Whitey Ford won the Triple Crown, going 19-5 with a 1.81 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and 312 strikeouts, allowing just 8 homers in 209 innings. Hugh Bedient posted a 15-8 mark with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, fanning 217. Yovani Gallardo sported a 14-12 record with a 3.59 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, whiffing 259 batters.

Best season in team history: Miami Flamingos (112 wins), Austin Mustangs (99 wins), Phoenix Lizards (108 wins), Memphis River Pirates (99 wins)
Worst season in team history: Virginia Beach Admirals (54 wins), San Antonio Marksmen (46 wins), Las Vegas Aces (50 wins)

Dukie98 · 07-18-2020, 02:30 AM

Frontier League: The Toronto Predators erased a 3-0 deficit in sweeping the last four games to eliminate the Vancouver Viceroys in seven games. Toronto catcher Christian Vazquez earned MVP honors after hitting .370 with 2 homers, 5 RBI's, and 4 runs scored. Toronto right fielder Dwight Evans hit just .261, but ripped six extra-base hits, including 2 homers and 5 RBI's. Bobo Newsom split two decisions, but posted a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings, fanning 17. Vancouver was led by shortstop Jorge Polanco, who hit .320 with 3 longballs, 6 RBI's, 9 runs scored, and 6 steals. The London Werewolves swept the St. Louis Pilots, shutting the Pilots out twice in four games. First baseman Joe Foy was named MVP after hitting .444 with 2 homers and 3 RBI's. Bob Carpenter hurled 7 shutout innings of 2-hit ball, while southpaw John Candelaria yielded no runs and three hits in 6.1 innings. Burleigh Grimes earned a win for London, fanning 10 in 7 innings while yielding 2 runs. First baseman Scott Spiezio was the lone bright spot for St. Louis, hitting .500 with 3 extra-base hits and knocking in 2 runs. The Cleveland Rocks outlasted the Baltimore Robins in six games, with Cleveland star centerfielder Duke Snider being named MVP after hitting .400 with 2 homers and 6 RBI's. Left fielder Kris Bryant hit .318 with a longball and 5 RBI's. Southpaw Lou Brissie went 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA in 11 innings, while Lynn McGlothen went 2-0 with a 3.27 ERA, allowing just one hit in six innings in the clinching Game 6. In the highest scoring series in HRDL history, the Boston Minutemen outlasted the Detroit Purple Gang in seven games despite being outscored 74-62. The winning team in every game scored at least 10 runs, and in six of the seven games, the losing team scored at least 6 runs. Boston third baseman Matt Duffy earned MVP honors after hitting .412 and slugging .853, with 4 homers,14 RBI's, and 8 runs scored
Second sacker Chris Chambliss hit .414 with 3 homers and 11 RBI's. Right fielder Matt Mieske hit .346 with 2 longballs and 6 RBI's. Seven separate Boston pitchers posted ERA's over 9.00. Left fielder Carl Crawford led Detroit, hitting .467 with 2 homers, 10 RBI's, 9 runs scored, and 2 steals. First baseman Mark McGwire hit .381, blasting 2 homers and knocking in 10 runs, while third baseman Marcus Semien hit .320 with a pair of dingers and 14 RBI's in a losing effort. Had Detroit won Game 7, all four teams in the Divisional Round would have been from the Great Lakes Division - a feat never accomplished in HRDL history.

The London Werewolves dominated their division rival Toronto Predators, eliminating Toronto in five games. London right fielder Jack Tobin took home MVP honors, hitting .316 with a homer, 4 runs scored, 2 RBI's, and 2 steals. Third baseman Tony Batista hit .278 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Southpaw John Candelaria went 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA, fanning 16 without a walk in 12.1 innings. Leo Kiely earned 2 saves in 4 shutout innings. First baseman Russell Branyan led Toronto, ripping 2 homers and knocking in 3 runs in just 6 at bats. The Boston Minutemen upended the Cleveland Rocks in six games, as third baseman Matt Duffy took home another trophy, hitting .296 with a homer and 5 runs scored. Chris Chambliss knocked in six runs, and Mel Harder earned a win with 7 shutout innings. Duke Snider led Cleveland, hitting .292 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's, while ace Jimmy Dygert split two decisions, posting a 1.59 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 11.1 innings. Boston upended London in the League Championship Series in six games, with Boston slap-hitting shortstop Frank Duffy earning an unexpected MVP award after hitting .385 with 6 doubles, a homer and 2 RBI's. Third baseman Matt Duffy hit .360 with a home and 2 RBI's of his own, while Chambliss drilled 3 homers and plated 8 runs. Micah Owings went 1-0, allowing just 2 hits and 2 runs in 7.1 innings. Infielders Tony Batista and Joe Foy bopped 2 homers and drove in 6 runs apiece, with Batista hitting .393.

Continental League: The 112-win Miami Flamingos dominated the Oklahoma City Otters, prevailing in five games. Center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis was tabbed MVP after hitting .350 with 3 doubles, 2 triples, a homer, and 3 RBI's. Star right fielder Billy Williams hit .286 with 3 round-trippers and 5 RBI's, while third baseman Dick Williams hit .300 with a homer and 7 RBI's. In a matchup of traditional powers, the New Orleans Crawfish outlasted the Charlotte Aviators in six games. New Orleans catcher Gene Tenace earned MVP honors after hitting .300 with 2 solo homers. Third baseman Scott Rolen hit just .250, but smacked 2 homers and knocked in 3 runs. Dustin Hermanson went 1-0 with an 0.67 ERA, allowing just one run in 13.1 innings while fanning 14. Charlotte righthander Len Barker was brilliant in defeat, hurling 13 shutout innings while allowing just 6 hits and fanning 19 - but received two no-decisions. The Los Angeles Kangaroos outlasted the Austin Mustangs in six games. Los Angeles left fielder Charlie Jamieson was named MVP after hitting .467 with 14 hits, including 3 hits, a homer, 3 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. Third baseman Kelly Gruber hit .304 with 3 round-trippers and 8 RBI's, while infielders Steve Sax and Fred McGriff each hit .308 with 2 homers apiece, combining for 15 RBI's. Ace Whitey Ford went 2-0, allowing one run in 11.2 innings, fanning 12, while Yovani Gallardo earned a win with 7 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits. Third baseman Ronald Torreyes led Austin, hitting .412 with 2 RBI's. In a sizable upset, the injury-ravaged Memphis River Pirates, missing sluggers Troy Glaus and George Stone and promising righthander Ivan Nova, outlasted the 108-win Phoenix Lizards in 7 games. Memphis left fielder Frank Schulte dominated, hitting .417 with 6 homers and 11 RBI's. First baseman Jorge Cantu hit .280 with 2 round-trippers and 6 RBI's. Bob Weiland split two decisions, but one of them consisted of six shutout innings in Game 7. Left fielder Dave Collins led Phoenix, hitting .483 with 14 hits, 4 runs scored, 4 RBI's, and 5 steals.

In the Division Series, Miami jumped out to a 3-0 lead over New Orleans before Miami finally prevailed in six games. Miami center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis added another trophy to his mantle, hitting .360 with 2 homers, 4 runs scored, 5 RBI's, and 2 steals. Billy Williams popped 2 homers and drove in 5 runs. Southpaw Scott Karl went 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 13.1 innings, while Jack Morris earned a victory with 7.2 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits. New Orleans first baseman Freddie Freeman hit .381 with 2 round-trippers and 3 RBI's in a losing effort. Los Angeles outlasted the pesky Memphis River Pirates in six games. Los Angeles leftfielder Charlie Jamieson earned MVP honors once again, hitting .417 with 4 doubles, a homer, and 6 RBI's. Kangaroo third baseman Kelly Gruber hit .438 and slugged .938, rapping 2 homers and knocking in 4 runs. Whitey Ford went 1-0, allowing a single run in 13 innings, fanning 17. Second sacker Jerry Browne led Memphis, hitting .500 with 12 hits, 4 doubles, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's. In a memorable League Championship Series, Los Angeles erased a 3-1 deficit, hurling shutouts in Games 5 and 6, and holding off Miami 10-6 in Game 7, as Jamieson had 4 hits and 4 runs scores. For the series, Jamieson hit .323 with 8 runs scored, 4 RBI's, and 5 steals. Fred McGriff hit .320 with a homer and 10 RBI's. Catcher Kyle Schwarber smacked 2 longballs and drove in 6 runs. Hugh Bedient posted a 2-0 mark with a 1.46 ERA, fanning 22 in 12.1 innings while yielding just 5 hits. But those performances paled in comparison to Miami's Billy Williams, who won series MVP honors after hitting .296 with 6 homers and 9 RBI's (including 2 jacks in Game 7). Williams ended the postseason with 11 homers -- tied for the third-most of all time for a single postseason even though his season ended without making the World Series.

World Series: The Los Angeles Kangaroos were heavily favored over the Boston Minutemen, who won just 66 games last year, and won the 15th-most games of the 16 playoff squads. Los Angeles had not made the series since 2037, while Boston snapped a 23-year World Series drought. While both squads featured solid, if unspectacular offenses, Los Angeles featured a dominant rotation anchored by Cy Young favorite Whitey Ford and Hugh Bedient.

Los Angeles took Game 1 7-0, as Bedient hurled six shutout innings, while Boston's Randy Tomlin allowed 5 runs in 4.1 innings. Los Angeles second sacker Steve Sax had two hits, including a homer to break the game open in the fifth inning, and drove in four runs. First baseman Charlie Gehringer smacked a two-run shot in the eighth inning to ice the game. Third baseman Matt Duffy led Boston with two hits, including a double. Los Angeles notched another shutout victory in Game 2, winning 3-0, as Roy Sherid notched six shutout innings and Hal Kelleher earned a save. McGriff had two hits, including a double, and drove in all three runs for the Kangaroos. Boston center fielder Gary Thomasson smacked two hits, while Noah Lowry took the loss, yielding two runs in 5.2 innings. Boston rebounded to take Game 3 5-2, as Mark Whiten cracked a three-run walk-off homer in the 11th inning. Thomasson had 3 hits and drove in two runs for Boston. Bill Kalfass earned the win in relief with two hitless innings. Sax, Jamieson, and center fielder Bip Roberts had two hits apiece for Los Angeles. Ford yielded 2 runs in 7 innings, fanning 8 in a no-decision.

The Kangaroos appeared to take control of the series with a 9-3 win in Game 4, scoring 5 runs in the top of the ninth to break the game open, as Kyle Schwarber smacked a 3-run homer. Jamieson and right fielder Wayne Comer each had 4 hits, including 2 doubles apiece. Adam Wainwright eaned the win for the Kangaroos, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings. Mel Harder allowed 3 runs in 5 innings in a no-decision for Boston, as reliever Matt Guerrier took the loss. Catcher Wally Schang led Boston with 2 hits, including a solo smash. Facing elimination, Boston prevailed 5-2 in Game 5, as shortstop Frank Duffy hit a tiebreaking homer in the sixth inning. Left fielder Jason Bay had 2 hits, including a homer, and drove in 2 runs. Southpaw Randy Tomlin yielded 2 runs in 5 innings in a no-decision, with George Disch earning the win in relief. Comer had 3 hits for the Kangaroos, including a double, and a steal. Hugh Bedient took the loss, allowing 3 runs in 5 innings. Boston took Game 6 4-1, with Jason Bay hitting a tiebreaking 3-run homer in the 11th inning. Chris Chambliss had 2 hits, including an RBI triple in the 7th inning. Noah Lowry starred, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits in seven innings, and Guerrier earned the win with 1.2 innings of perfect relief. Schwarber provided the Kangaroos' offense with a solo smash. Roy Sherid allowed one run in six innings, fanning 8 in a no-decision. Reliever Rex Brothers took the loss.

Game 7 was a classic for the ages, with Los Angeles prevailing 4-2 in ten innings on a series-clinching walk-off homer by Schwarber. Boston jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a Chambliss homer off Whitey Ford, while the Kangaroos scratched out single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Kangaroo center fielder Bip Roberts threw out pinch runner Heinie Schuble at home plate in the seventh inning, then was stranded at third base in the ninth inning after stealing second and advancing to third on an error. Schwarber clinched the series with a walk-off blast off Micah Owings in the tenth inning. Comer led Los Angeles with 3 hits, 2 runs scored, and an RBI, while Sax and third baseman Scott Leius had two hits apiece, including a double. Ford fanned 13 in 6 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs. Chambliss led Boston with 3 hits and 2 RBI's. Boston starter Ed Correa yielded just one run in four innings.

Jamieson earned his third series MVP trophy of the postseason, hitting .433 with 13 hits, scoring 6 runs, with 3 doubles and 2 RBI's. Comer hit .407 with 3 doubles, 4 runs scored, and 3 RBI's. Sax hit .344 with a homer, 4 runs scored, and 5 RBI's. Schwarber had just 5 hits in the series, but 3 of them left the yard, and drove in 5 runs. Roy Sherid went 1-0 with an 0.73 ERA in 12.1 innings, fanning 14. Ford whiffed 21 hitters in 13 innings, but notched two no-decisions. Chambliss led Boston, hitting .414 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Gary Thomasson hit .379 and plated 3 runs. Although Lowry was 0-1 in two starts, he posted a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings. For the postseason, Jamieson tied George Sisler's all-time record with 47 hits, and he fell one double shy of Eddie Bressoud's postseason record of 14. Ford finished second all-time with 67 strikeouts in 8 starts.

Dukie98 · 07-19-2020, 01:21 AM

Frontier League MVP- Mark McGwire, 1B, DET (47): .338/ .483/ .711, 187 hits, 18 doubles, 63 HR, 147 RBI, 149 runs, 150 BB, 2 SB, 199 OPS+, 10.5 WAR
Second place- JD Martinez, LF, BAL: .361/ .433/ .602, 220 hits, 48 doubles, 3 triples, 31 HR, 108 RBI, 122 runs, 81 BB, 6 SB, 166 OPS+, 7.1 WAR
Third place- John Wilson, RF, MIN: .338/ .384/ .626, 212 hits, 32 doubles, 10 triples, 43 HR, 136 RBI, 126 runs, 51 BB, 9 SB, 153 OPS+, 5.8 WAR
Fourth place- Carlton Fisk, C, OTT: .337/ .412/ .644, 172 hits, 37 doubles, 3 triples, 38 HR, 118 RBI, 108 runs, 51 BB, 5 SB, 166 OPS+, 8.0 WAR
Fifth place- Bobo Newom, RHP, TOR (1): 16-9, 2.04 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 211 IP, 315 K, 56 BB, 229 ERA+, 10.2 WAR

Frontier League Cy Young Award- Bobo Newsom, TOR (32): 16-9, 2.04 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 211 IP, 315 K, 56 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 229 ERA+, 10.2 WAR
Second place- Jimmy Dygert, CLE (16): 16-5, 1.97 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 210 IP, 294 K, 50 BB, 240 ERA+, 9.7 WAR
Third place- Burleigh Grimes, LON: 15-5, 2.38 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 211 IP, 282 K, 46 BB, 2 CG, 197 ERA+, 8.3 WAR
Fourth place- Bret Saberhagen, MIL: 10-6, 1.97 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 210
IP, 226 K, 22 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 236 ERA+, 8.9 WAR
Fifth place- Juan Guzman, CAL: 17-5, 1.89 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 200 IP, 236 K, 70 BB, 246 ERA+, 6.4 WAR

Frontier League Rookie of the Year: Juan Guzman, RHP, CAL (42): 17-5, 1.89 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 200 IP, 236 K, 70 BB, 246 ERA+, 6.4 WAR
Second place- Charlie Keller, LF, OMA (6): .303/ .428/ .558, 113 hits, 26 doubles, 6 triples, 19 HR, 58 RBI, 70 runs, 82 BB, 1 SB, 157 OPS+, 4.5 WAR
Third place- Matt Duffy, 3B, BOS: .277/ .340/ .401, 133 hits, 21 doubles, 6 triples, 9 HR, 55 RBI, 69 runs, 43 BB, 2 SB, 92 OPS+, 2.4 WAR

Continental League MVP- Hal Trosky, 1B, BIR (28): .356/ .432/ .669, 225 hits, 50 doubles, 5 triples, 46 HR, 131 RBI, 141 runs, 86 BB, 4 SB, 176 OPS+, 8.3 WAR
Second place- Ruben Sierra, RF, HOU (3): .331/ .369/ .631, 220 hits, 54 doubles, 5 triples, 45 HR, 156 RBI, 129 runs, 41 BB, 27 SB, 150 OPS+, 7.6 WAR
Third place- Whitey Ford, LHP, LA (13): 19-5, 1.81 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 209 IP, 312 K, 39 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 275 ERA+, 11.4 WAR
Fourth place- Roberto Clemente, RF, ELP: .382/ .410/ .592, 265 hits, 41 doubles, 9 triples, 29 HR, 120 RBI, 141 runs, 37 BB, 5 SB, 168 OPS+, 8.4 WAR
Fifth place- Ewell Blackwell, RHP, AUS (2): 17-4, 1.99 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 213 IP, 296 K, 39 BB, 2 CG, 2 shutouts, 258 ERA+, 10.2 WAR

Frontier League Cy Young Award- Whitey Ford, LA (13): 19-5, 1.81 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 209 IP, 312 K, 39 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 275 ERA+, 11.4 WAR
Second place- Ewell Blackwell, AUS (2): 17-4, 1.99 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 213 IP, 296 K, 39 BB, 2 CG, 2 shutouts, 258 ERA+, 10.2 WAR
Third place- Whit Wyatt, MEM: 16-9, 2.12 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 217 IP, 280 K, 39 BB, 4 CG, 1 shutout, 241 ERA+, 8.7 WAR
Fourth place- Eddie Cicotte, PHO: 15-4, 2.25 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 212 IP, 205 K, 34 BB, 2 CG, 237 ERA+, 7.3 WAR
Fifth place- Dutch Ruether, HOU: 17-7, 2.23 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 222 IP, 213 K, 53 BB, 2 CG, 233 ERA+, 7.5 WAR

Frontier League Rookie of the Year- Derek Bell, CF, PHO (48): .320/ .405/ .633, 141 hits, 27 doubles, 3 triples, 35 HR , 113 RBI, 85 runs, 49 BB, 32 SB, 153 OPS+, 5.4 WAR
Second place- Mike Piazza, C, SA: .283/ .356/ .539, 128 hits, 17 doubles, 33 HR, 79 RBI, 85 runs, 49 BB, 2 SB, 141 OPS+, 4.6 WAR
Third place- Rudy York, C, ATL: .254/ .337/ .526, 108 hits, 18 doubles, 1 triple, 32 HR, 95 RBI, 67 runs, 52 BB, 3 SB, 121 OPS+, 3.7 WAR

Top draft picks: 1. Carl Hubbell, LHP, San Antonio Marksmen
2. Dean Chance, RHP, Las Vegas Aces
3. Jose Ramirez, 3B, Cincinnati Spiders
4. John Jaha, 1B, Virginia Beach Admirals
5. Ray Keating, RHP, Atlanta Ducks
6. Carl Weilman, LHP, Washington Ambassadors
7. Lyman Bostock, CF, Omaha Falcons
8. Ellis Burks, CF, San Diego Zookeepers
9. Charlie Root, RHP, Philadelphia Hawks
10. Carl Furillo, RF, Albuquerque Conquistadors

Dukie98 · 07-23-2020, 03:27 AM

The Hall of Fame ballot continued to be plagued by a glut of qualified candidates who canceled out each other's votes, creating a sizeable backlog. Ten players cleared fifty percent, but only three topped the 75% threshold for induction. Two-time MVP Jimmie Foxx was a near-unanimous selection, with 98.7% of the vote. Nine-time All-Star Chipper Jones drew 82.5% of the vote. Javy Lopez, an eight-time All-Star with five Silver Slugger Awards, drew 76.3% of the vote. Foxx and Jones were inducted on their first ballot, while Lopez was inducted on the fifth try.

Foxx was drafted 19th overall by the Austin Mustangs following the 2034 season. He played sparingly in his first three seasons, hitting just 9 homers in 110 starts between 2035 and 2037. Foxx showed signs of breaking out in 2038, hitting .324 and slugging .509, with 12 homers and 54 RBI's in 78 games. Following the season, he was traded to the London Werewolves for pitcher Blix Donnelly, who proceeded to go 7-13 with a 6.96 ERA over the next two seasons. Foxx took the next step toward stardom in 2039, hitting .311 with 32 homers, 98 RBI's, and 98 runs scored for London. The following year, he hit .322 with 38 longballs and 114 RBI's, drawing over 100 walks for what proved to be a ten-year streak. Foxx signed with the Chicago Mules in free agency during the offseason. In 2041, Foxx hit .291 and slugged .576, blasting 41 homers, driving in 125 runs, scoring 116 runs, and drawing a league-leading 123 walks. He won the Continental League MVP in 2042, posting a .329/ .450/ .656 slash line, with 52 homers, 141 RBI's, and a league-high 143 runs scored. Foxx was even better the following year, winning a second straight MVP as he led the league in all three slash line categories, posting a .372/ .493/ .741 mark. He also led the league with 56 homers, 161 runs scored, 140 walks , and finished third in the league with 139 RBI's. In 2044, Foxx led the league in homers, walks, slugging, and on-base percentage once again, as he hit .355 and slugged .699, drilling 49 homers, with 131 RBI's and 134 runs scored. The following season, he hit .346 and slugged .623, blasting 41 round-trippers and driving in 128 runs. After an "off" year where he hit .296 with 38 homers, he rebounded in 2047 hit hit .318 with a league-high 52 homers and 148 runs, while knocking in 135 runs. In 2048, Foxx hit .317 and slugged to .599 with 43 round-trippers and 118 RBI's. That was the last time he topped .300 or 100 RBI's. Over the next four years, he hit 99 longballs. Foxx retired after the 2053 season, when he was reduced primarily to pinch-hitting duty, as he hit .188 with one homer in 138 ineffective at bats. Over his career, Foxx posted a .305/ .413/ .561 slash line, with 2663 hits, 470 doubles, 35 triples, 563 homers, 1664 RBI's, 1657 runs, 1627 walks, a 163 OPS+, and 100.5 WAR. In addition to the 2 MVP awards, Foxx made six All-Star teams and won five Silver Sluggers. He was an ordinary postseason hitter: in 106 postseason games, he hit .267 and slugged .437, with 16 round-trippers and 59 RBI's.

Jones was drafted first overall by the St. Louis Pilots following the 2034 season. He struggled mightily in a 97-at bat stint in 2035, hitting just .186 with 1 homer and 3 RBI's in 97 at bats. As a 21-year-old rookie, he struggled, hitting a modest .249 with 4 homers and 55 RBI's in 156 games, although his 54 doubles were a sign of power to come Jones continued to struggle for the next two years, failing to top 9 homers. He took a step forward in 2039, hitting .306 with 41 doubles, 12 homers, and 92 RBI's. Jones took another step toward stardom in 2040, hitting .346 and slugging .649, drilling 83 extra-base hits, including 44 homers, 112 RBI's, and scoring 127 runs, as he finished 3rd in the MVP voting Jones repeated that 3rd place showing the following season, as he hit .351 wit 42 doubles, 32 homers, 96 RBI's, 131 runs scored, and 32 steals. Jones was on his way to another MVP-caliber campaign in 2042, but he tore a finger tendon, ending his season in late July, as he hit .332 and slugged .613 with 23 homers and 88 RBI's in 97 games; St. Louis won the World Series in his absence. Following the season, he signed with the Boston Minutemen in free agency. In his first season in Boston, he hit .310 with 28 homers, 108 RBI's, and scored 124 runs. Over the next three seasons, he was remarkably consistent -- hitting between .321 and .328 every season, with either 34 or 35 homers, twice topping 130 RBI's. Jones signed with Albuquerque prior to the 2047 season, which was interrupted by a torn labrum, as he hit just .272 with 20 homers and 60 RBI's. He rebounded to hit .300 with 40 homers and 115 RBI's the following year, and in 2049, he hit .311 with 39 homers and 127 RBI's. After an off season, he returned to Boston for a last hurrah in 2051, as he hit ..297 and slugged .575, tying his career high with 44 homers, drove in 112 runs and scored 109. But Jones lost his starting job after a slow April the following season, and after two poor seasons as a backup, retired following the 2053 campaign. For his career, Jones made 9 All-Star teams and won two Silver Slugger awards. He posted a career slash line of .301/ .389/ .516, with 2738 hits, 580 doubles, 28 triples, 443 homers, 1581 RBI's, 1558 runs scored, 1330 walks, 128 steals, an OPS+ of 144, and 101.7 WAR. Although he never made it out past the second round of the playoffs (in a non-injury season), he was a terrific postseason performer, hitting .325 and slugging .637, with 13 homers and 34 RBI's.

Lopez was drafted first overall by the Minneapolis Penguins following the 2033 season. After playing well as a September callup in 2034, Lopez had a solid rookie season, hitting .303 with 10 homers and 67 RBI's. In 2036, Lopez hit .298 with 25 homers and drove in 86 runs. He took another step forward in 2037, finishing fourth in the MVP voting, as he hit .344 and slugged .644, blasting 43 round-trippers, driving in 95 runs and scoring 96. He had another star-quality season the following year, hitting .308 with 30 longballs and 107 RBI's. In 2039, he hit .330 with 33 dingers and a career-high 125 RBI's. Lopez finished fifth in the MVP voting after a brilliant 2040 campaign, hitting .344 and slugging .660, with 44 homers and 112 RBI's. In 2041, Lopez hit .317 and blasted 39 round-trippers, knocking in 86 runs while scoring 103 times. He hit .288 with 34 longballs and plated 90 runs the following year. After a 24-homer campaign, he continued to star in 2043, hitting .327 and slugging .574, ripping 41 doubles, 28 homers, driving in 84 runs and scoring 99 times. After an off season, where he still hit .285 with 18 dingers, Lopez rebounded to hit .310 with 27 homers and 83 RBI's in 2046. Although Lopez averaged 16 homers over the next 3 seasons, he dropped between 30-40 points of batting average each season, bottoming out with a .199 mark in his final season, spent with the San Antonio Marksmen. For his career, Lopez made eight All-Star teams, won five Silver Sluggers and two Gold Gloves. He posted a career .299/ .344/ .516 slash line, with 2278 hits, including 357 doubles, 35 triples, 406 homers, 1245 RBI's, 1124 runs scored, 448 walks, a 125 OPS+, and 69.9 WAR. Although he only played in five postseasons, Lopez was a terrific postseason hitter, as he batted .341 and slugged .692, with 18 homers and 42 RBI's in 45 games.

Leading vote recipients include:

Jimmie Foxx, 1B, AUS/ LON/ CHI: 98.7%
Chipper Jones, 3B, STL/ BOS/ ALB: 82.5%
Javy Lopez, C, MIN / SA: 76.3%
Joe Adcock, 1B, SF/ BIR/ DEN/ DET/ MIA/ STL/ BOS/ ALB: 71.4%
Bill Madlock, 3B, PIT/ LON/ DEN/ BAL : 67.9%
Tommy Davis, LF, NOR: 65.6%
Carlos Guillen , SS/2B, PHO/ CHA/ LV: 64.6%
Garry Maddox, CF, HOU/ CHA: 58.8%
Paul Derringer, RHP, STL/ DET/ KC/ MIN/ AUS/ JAX/ SD: 54.2%
Bob Bescher, LF, OKC/ OMA/ ANA/ NAS: 53.9%
Clyde Milan, LF, PHO/ BUF/ DET/ CHI : 49.7%
Hal Kleine, RHP, ANA/ DET/ ELP/ NOR: 45.1%

Noteworthy players who fell off the ballot include 5-time All Star Bob Welch, 249-game winner Red Ames (who also topped 3,200 career strikeouts), 526-homer hitter Justin Bour, 217-game winner and 4-time All-Star Tom Glavine, and 436-homer hitter Domingo Santana.

Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers:

Dukie98 · 07-28-2020, 03:06 AM

Exceeding Expectations: After an 83-win season last year, no one expected the Milwaukee Raccoons to dominate the 2057 season, but Milwaukee entered the break with a 51-22 record and a 10-game lead in the Great Plains Division. Free agent signee John Wilson sparked the offense, hitting .326 and slugging .557, with 20 doubles, 13 homers, 60 RBI's, and 54 runs scored. Catcher Mickey Cochrane rebounded after an off-year, hitting .333 and slugging .645, with 15 homers and 49 RBI's in 64 games. First baseman Bob Robertson hit .344 and slugged .679, belting 18 homers and knocking in 55 runs in just 59 games. The Raccoons' staff allowed the second-fewest runs in the league, led by Bret Saberhagen, who went 10-1 with a 1.83 ERA, an 0.75 WHIP, and 132 strikeouts. Free agent signee Nub Kleinke notched 16 saves, along with an 0.83 ERA, an 0.98 WHIP, and a 38-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Denver Spikes, who won just 64 games last year, looked to snap a 7-year playoff drought, as they took a 40-33 mark into the break. Third baseman Alvin Dark starred, hitting .339 and slugging .623, with 22 round-trippers, 63 RBI's, and 65 runs scored. First baseman Dan Driessen hit .303 and slugged .603, pounding 24 homers, knocking in 63 runs, scoring 76, and swiping 16 bases. Rookie shortstop Cecil Travis hit an incredible .393 with 27 doubles, driving in 41 runs. Southpaw Vinegar Bend Mizell posted a 7-4 mark with a 2.74 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and 109 strikeouts. Aaron Blair went 5-2 with a stellar 2.27 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP.

In the Continental League, the Birmingham Steelers looked to make the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, taking a 45-29 record into the break. First baseman Hal Trosky carried a subpar offense, hitting .357 and slugging .615, with 22 doubles, 17 homers, and 47 RBI's. Rookie shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera hit .307 with 11 longballs and 46 RBI's. Although righthander Russ Bauers was just 4-3, he sported a 2.28 ERA, an 0.99 WHIP, and fanned 98 batters. Southpaw Mike Hampton posted a 5-4 mark with a 2.05 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP. The San Diego Zookeepers rebounded from a disastrous 59-win season to post a 46-28 first-half mark. Rookie right fielder Ellis Burks starred, hitting .313 and slugging .556, with 14 dingers, 54 RBI's, and 25 steals. Catcher Lance Parrish hit .277 with 13 longballs and 48 RBI's. Trade acquisition Atley Donald was an unexpected Cy Young favorite, going 11-1 with a 1.69 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. Closer Art Stokes posted 19 saves along with a 2.04 ERA.

Disappointments: The Cleveland Rocks appeared unlikely to extend their streak of three straight playoff appearances, as they posted a 32-42 first-half mark, entering the half 24 1/2 games out of first place. Center fielder Duke Snider, who bashed 43 homers last year, hit .287 with a modest 9 longballs and 32 RBI's. Catcher Ernie Lombardi, who hit .308 and slugged .510 last season, dipped to hit just .250 with a .425 slugging percentage, smacking 11 homers and plating 34 runs. Right fielder Mule Haas was productive, but was sidelined in early May with a torn calf muscle that threatened to end his season. Ace Jimmy Dygert, who finished in the top 5 of the Cy Young voting three years running, went just 3-4 with a 3.72 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, while his strikeout rate dropped by nearly one third. Righthander Lynn McGlothen, who went 12-5 last season with a 2.86 ERA, slipped to 1-7 with a 5.07 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. The Kansas City Mad Hatters' streak of seven straight seasons at or above .500 was in jeopardy, as they went just 32-42, entering the break 19 1/2 games out of first. Third baseman Tug Hulett struggled, hitting just .168 with 6 homers and 28 RBI's. Free agent acquisition Chuck Knoblauch, a career .305 hitter, posted a modest .256 average, smacking just 4 homers and knocking in 22 runs, while stealing just 9 bases. Ace Tim Hudson was in line to have his worst season since his 2046 rookie campaign, as he posted a 6-4 record with a 4.03 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. Veteran southpaw Jerry Koosman disappointed, going 2-5 with a hefty 4.80 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP.

In the Continental League, the Miami Flamingos looked certain to snap their streak of three straight 100-win seasons, including 112 wins last year, as they went just 40-33 in the first half. Star right fielder Billy Williams, who blasted 47 homers and knocked in 132 runs last year, slipped to a more modest 17 homers and 43 RBI's. Second sacker Nick Punto, filling in for an injured Jeff Kent, hit just .195 and slugged a punchless .262 with one homer and 10 RBI's in 48 games. Shane Bieber, who was a perfect 8-0 with a 2.80 ERA last year, slumped to go 3-4 with a 5.80 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP. Swingman Lorenzo Barcelo struggled, going 1-3 with a 5.88 ERA and a bloated 1.71 WHIP. The Oklahoma City Otters, a surprise 95-win squad last year, returned to earth, going 35-38 in the first half. Star shortstop Jim Fregosi was limited to just 27 games with a series of injuries. DH Hack Wilson took a step back, hitting just .262 with a modest 12 homers and 43 RBI's. First baseman Ham Hyatt lost over 70 points of batting average and 120 points of slugging percentage, as he hit an anemic .189 with 4 homers and 17 RBI's. Wilson Alvarez, who posted an unexpected 1.65 ERA last season, went just 3-5 with a modest 3.40 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Ariel Miranda, a 16-game winner last year, slipped to 4-4, and his ERA jumped to 4.94, as he allowed 16 homers in just 75A innings.

Aces High:: The London Werewolves jumped out to a dominant 56-17 start, thanks to a triumvirate of aces. Burleigh Grimes, who had gone 34-11 over the prior two years, jumped out to a 12-1 start with a 2.48 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP. John Candelaria, in his second year with London, posted an 8-3 mark at the break, along with a 3.21 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and 100 strikeouts. Free agent signee Len Barker left Charlotte after 15 seasons, 169 wins, and two Cy Young awards. He posted a 9-1 mark with a 1.94 ERA, an 0.90 WHIP, and an incredible 109-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Werewolves were led offensively by third baseman Tony Batista, who rebounded from an off season to take a .324 average and a .687 slugging percentage into the break, along with 27 homers and a league-best 88 RBI's. Shortstop Zack Cozart, who signed as a free agent, hit .362 in the first half with 16 homers and 58 RBI's.

Bay Area Blues: The impressiveness of London's start was matched only by the dreadfulness of the San Francisco Longshoremen who limped to a 14-59 first-half record. After winning four of their first six games, San Francisco went into a 4-47 tailspin, including a 10-game losing streak and two 14-game losing streaks -- all before Memorial Day. Ace Moe Drabowsky was sidelined in spring training with an elbow injury. Promising center fielder Sam Chapman missed all but six games with a torn thigh muscle. Remarkably, left fielder David Justice and first baseman Prince Fielder each had terrific first halves, each topping .330 and combining for 36 homers driving in 48 runs apiece. But no other regulars topped .250. Second baseman Scooter Gennett lost nearly 150 points from his slugging percentage last year, as he hit just .249 with 7 longballs and 29 RBI's. But the pitching staff was the true culprit: free agent signee Mike Mason, who won 16 games in 2055 before missing last season with a torn labrum, was a disastrous 1-7 with a stratospheric 10.15 ERA and a 2.40 WHIP, allowing 12 homers in just 47 innings. Relievers Chris Hook and Jack Hickey combined for a 4-13 record, with each posting an ERA over 10, with Hook allowing an incredible 16 homers in just 29 innings. Righthander Kent Greenfield was the lone bright spot, posting a 2.75 ERA in 14 starts -- only to be sidelined until September with shoulder inflammation shortly before the break.

Major milestones: Cleveland second sacker Jim Viox, pressed into full-time duty for the first time in nearly a decade, finally notched his 3,000th hit. San Antonio right fielder Manny Ramirez and Toronto right fielder Dwight Evans each drilled their 2500th hit. Ramirez also joined the 500 home run club. Pittsburgh first baseman John Olreud blasted his 400th career homer. Austin righthander Greg Maddux notched his 250th career victory, while Seattle's Jack McDowell earned his 200th victory. El Paso southpaw Lefty Tyler whiffed his 3,000th batter. Looking ahead, Virginia Beach first baseman Mike Schmidt looked to rip his 3,000th hit by the end of July, while Boston right fielder Vladimir Guerrero was expected to join the 3,000-hit club by mid-August. San Antonio DH Bob Horner was about two weeks away from hitting his 650th career homer. Detroit first baseman Mark McGwire was a strong second half away from his 600th homer. Houston first baseman Ted Kluszewski was just 3 RBI's away from 2,000. Detroit left fielder Carl Crawford was expected to notch his 500th steal by the end of July. On the mound, Baltimore's Jim Maloney was two months away from his 4,000th strikeout.

Major injuries: Cincinnati second sacker Larry Doyle fractured his ankle in mid-May, sidelining him until September. Los Angeles southpaw Whitey Ford tore his meniscus after eight starts, and he was not expected to return until late August. Washington catcher Ivan Rodriguez missed most of the first half with a sprained ankle. Charlotte third baseman Fernando Tatis went down with a ruptured disc in spring training, and he was not likely to return until mid-August. Boston third baseman Billy Johnson was sidelined at the end of May with a groin injury that would likely render him unavailable until mid-August. Cleveland right fielder Mule Haas tore a calf muscle in mid-May, knocking him out until September. Las Vegas left fielder Tillie Walker suffered a season-ending MCL rupture in late April. Oklahoma City shortstop Jim Fregosi suffered shoulder inflammation in late April, knocking him out until mid-July. Memphis righthander Ivan Nova missed the entire first half with a torn rotator cuff, and teammates Jorge Cantu and Bill North each suffered season-ending MCL tears. Nashville second baseman Dick McAuliffe missed the entire first half with a broken ankle.

Dukie98 · 08-02-2020, 03:05 AM

Frontier League: The Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas relied on a balanced attack to tie a franchise record with 102 wins, holding on to take the Northeast Division by 2 games. Third baseman Chris Stynes hit .315 with 24 homers, 94 RBI's, and 125 runs scored. Right fielder Pablo Reyes hit .319 and slugged .568, bashing 34 homers and knocking in 104 runs despite missing most of September with a back injury. Catcher Frankie Hayes hit .299 with 30 round-trippers and 90 RBI's. Veteran centerfielder Earl Averill had a career year, hitting .283 with 33 homers, 106 RBI's, and 105 runs scored. Ace Fred Toney dominated, going 22-2 with a 1.61 ERA, an 0.82 WHIP, and fanning 242 batters, while yielding just 11 homers in 212 innings. Closer Mark Littell notched 24 saves along with a 1.30 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. The Buffalo Fighting Elk made a late push, but fell just short of the division title with 100 wins. Star left fielder Juan Soto posted a .313/ .428/ .561 slash line, smacking 35 homers and drawing 122 walks, while scoring 120 runs and knocking in 106. Catcher Brian Downing hit .286 and slugged .522, drilling 25 dingers and knocking in 78 runs. Center fielder Stan Javier hit .287 with 46 doubles, 72 RBI's, 101 runs scored, and 27 steals while providing elite defense. Veteran righthander Jim Buchanan came out of nowhere to have a career year, going 22-5 with a 2.41 ERA and an 0.98 WHIP. Glenn Liebhardt went just 11-10, but notched a 2.94 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. Russ Ortiz sported an 11-8 mark with a 3.21 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, while fanning 191 batters. The Baltimore Robins survived a rash of injuries to their pitching staff, and they clinched a wild-spot on the final day of the season, winning 90 games. Third baseman Charlie Hayes starred, hitting .335 with 47 doubles, 35 homers, 123 RBI's, and 107 runs scored. Right fielder Mitch Haniger hit .310 and slugged .536, smacking 38 doubles, 29 homers, driving in 85 runs and scoring 125. Second sacker Billy Grabarkewitz hit .285 and slugged .555, launching 24 homers and driving in 79 runs in just 119 games. Longtime ace Jim Maloney went 11-2 with a 1.84 ERA and an 0.90 WHIP in 22 games, but ended his season prematurely after undergoing elbow surgery in early August. Midseason trade acquisition Addie Joss went 7-3 with a 2.37 ERA and an 0.74 WHIP in 13 starts. Righthander Silvio Martinez posted a 12-8 mark with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP.

The London Werewolves won a very strong Great Lakes Division featuring three 100-win teams, as the Werewolves won a franchise-record 114 games. Third baseman Tony Batista led an explosive offense, hitting .289 and slugging .579, pounding 47 homers and knocking in 156 runs. Right fielder Jack Tobin hit .322 and slugged .543, with 82 extra-base hits, including 25 homers, 108 RBI's, and 121 runs scored. Shortstop Zack Cozart, a free agent signee, hit .317 with 42 doubles, 26 homers, and plated 106 runs. London posted the stingiest pitching staff in the league, led by southpaw John Candelaria, who went 19-4 with a 2.42 ERA, an 0.82 WHIP, and 239 strikeouts. Burleigh Grimes posted a 22-4 mark with a 3.07 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and fanned 239 enemy hitters. Veteran Len Barker notched a 13-6 mark with a 3.12 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 192 strikeouts. The Toronto Predators won 107 games, led by an elite pitching staff. First baseman Chris Johnson starred offensively, hitting .303 with 49 doubles, 29 round-trippers, 131 RBI's, and 98 runs scored. Right fielder Dwight Evans hit .284 and slugged .502, drilling 40 doubles, 28 homers, knocking in 113 runs and scoring 103. Second baseman Red Corriden hit just .265, but drew 96 walks and launched 37 longballs, as he scored 122 runs and drove in 82. Bobo Newsome nearly duplicated his Cy Young-winning campaign from last year, as he went 15-8 with a 2.08 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and led the league once again with 315 strikeouts. Carl Lundgren posted a 16-4 mark with a 2.42 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and whiffed 221 batters. Righthander Bill Monbouquette successfully returned after missing a year and a half following UCL surgery, going 14-2 with a 2.60 ERA and an 0.90 WHIP in 24 starts. The powerful Detroit Fighting Elk won 103 games. Five players drove in at least 99 runs, led by first baseman Mark McGwire, who blasted 43 homers and knocked in 108 runs. Catcher Duke Sims hit .289 and slugged .564, drilling 33 homers and driving in 105 runs. Shortstop Leo Cardenas starred, hitting .328 with 39 doubles, 8 triples, 21 homers, 102 RBI's, and 101 runs scored. Center fielder Whit Merrifield hit .311 with 46 doubles, 8 triples, 22 longballs, 99 RBI's, 122 runs scored, and 33 steals. Trevor Bauer led a deep pitching staff, posting a 16-5 mark with a 2.09 ERA and an 0.95 WHIP. Southpaw Allen Watson notched a 17-4 record with a 3.08 ERA and an 0.96 WHIP.

The Milwaukee Raccoons dominated the Great Plains Division, winning a franchise-record 108 games and taking the division title by a whopping 22 games. Catcher Mickey Cochrane had a breakout season, posting a .354/ .448/ .698 slash line, with 40 doubles, 38 homers, 118 RBI's, and 112 runs scored. First baseman Bob Robertson played just 110 games, but he hit .351 and slugged .717, as he drilled 40 homers and knocked in 103 runs. Right fielder John Wilson hit .304 with 41 doubles, 10 triples, 31 homers, 117 RBI's and 108 runs scored. Third baseman Will Middlebrooks hit .288, launching 34 longballs and driving in 97 runs. Milwaukee boasted a deep rotation, led by Bret Saberhagen, who went 18-4 with a 2.30 ERA, an 0.80 WHIP, and an incredible 275-25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Southpaw Bruce Robbins posted a 13-4 mark with a 2.65 ERA, an 0.83 WHIP, and 212 strikeouts. Closer Nub Kleinke saved 35 games with a microscopic 0.79 ERA and an 0.94 WHIP, without allowing a single homer in 68 innings.

The Vancouver Viceroys dominated the Northwest Division, led by a balanced attack which ranked in the top four in the league in nearly every offensive category. Left fielder Willie McCovey hit .308 with a .604 slugging percentage, blasting 48 homers and driving in 135 runs while scoring 128. Center fielder Grady Sizemore hit .293 with 39 doubles, 24 homers, 104 RBI's, and scored 107 runs. Shortstop Jorge Polanco hit .303 and slugged .487, smacking 18 round-trippers, knocking in 72 runs, scoring 114, and swiping 23 bags. Southpaw Fred Norman notched a 17-7 mark with a 2.42 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP, and fanned 229 batters. John Tudor went 16-8 with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP, with 197 strikeouts. Livan Hernandez sported a 13-6 mark with a 3.25 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and whiffed 192 batters. The Denver Spikes led the league with 1002 runs, posted a +205 run differential, yet missed the playoffs, losing to Baltimore on the final day of the season in a winner-take-all battle to finish with 89 wins. Third baseman Al Dark was brilliant, hitting .346 and slugging .611, with 51 doubles and 42 round-trippers, knocking in 143 runs and scoring 148 runs. Rookie shortstop Cecil Travis won the batting title, hitting .372 with 57 doubles, 11 triples, and 96 runs scored. Vinegar Bend Mizell sported a 16-4 record with a 2.71 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and 248 strikeouts.

Continental League: The New York Emperors were the sole bright spot in an underwhelming Atlantic Division, posting 98 wins, including a 40-15 mark in the last two months. Third baseman Eddie Mathews continued his Hall of Fame trajectory, hitting .308 and slugging .593, with 47 longballs, 153 RBI's, and 129 runs scored. Left fielder Tim Raines hit .350 with a .439 on-base percentage, stealing 86 bases and scoring 98 runs in just 127 games. DH Adam Dunn hit .275 with 40 homers, 128 RBI's, and 124 runs scored. Righthander Ray Benge went 14-4 with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Southpaw Mark Davis led one of the league's top bullpens, going 7-5 with 34 saves and a 2.95 ERA.

The New Orleans Crawfish overcame a subpar offense, relying on the league's top pitching staff to win 104 games and take the Southeast Division. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .302 with 56 doubles, 32 homers, 113 RBI's, and 114 runs scored. Shortstop Alan Trammell hit .310 and slugged .509, popping 22 homers, plating 88 runs and scoring 90 times. Right fielder Tony Oliva hit .299 with 28 homers and 98 RBI's. Free agent signee Van Mungo starred in his first season in purple and gold, going 19-7 with a 2.24 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and 281 strikeouts. Syl Johnson and Tex Hughson each went 12-5, posting ERA's of 2.51 and 2.59 respectively. Doug Bird led the league's deepest bullpen, notching 34 saves, a 1.89 ERA, an 0.86 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts in 71 innings. The Birmingham Steelers earned their first playoff spot in ten years, winning 100 games. First baseman and defending MVP Hal Trosky starred, posted a .359/ .444/ .639 slash line, with 41 doubles, 43 homers, 108 RBI's, and 128 runs scored. Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera had a brilliant rookie campaign, hitting .341 and slugging .573, ripping 33 homers, knocking in 114 runs, and scoring 111. Catcher Cliff Lee hit .291, launching 28 longballs and driving in 99 runs while scoring 92. Left fielder Hank Bauer hit .277 with 28 homers and drove in 104 runs. Hard-luck Russ Bauers was just 7-8, but sported a stellar 2.46 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and fanned 196 batters. Southpaw Mike Hampton went 9-6 in 25 starts with a 2.17 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP. Fireballer Virgil Trucks went 8-2 in 23 starts with a 2.41 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. The Miami Flamingos pulled away in September to clinch a playoff spot with 97 wins. Left fielder Billy Williams hit .318 and slugged .567, ripping 38 homers, knocking in 121 runs and scoring 110 runs. First baseman Miguel Sano hit .311 with 40 doubles, 35 round-trippers, 105 RBI's, and 114 runs scored. Catcher Val Picinich hit .313 and slugged .497, ripping 36 doubles, 14 homers, and 67 RBI's. Righthander Tom Bradley virtually duplicated his 2056 campaign, going 16-5 with a 3.02 ERA, an 0.98 WHIP, and 223 strikeouts. Southpaw Scott Karl went 12-8 with a 3..33 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Closer Jose Garcia notched 32 saves along with a 2.14 ERA, an 0.88 WHIP, and fanned 96 hitters in just 71 innings. The Memphis River Pirates remained in contention until the final week of the season, winning 86 games. Left fielder Frank Schulte starred, hitting .350 and slugging .687, ripping 97 extra-base hits, including 47 homers, drove in 154 runs, scored 122 runs, and stole 20 bases, but missed the last 3 weeks of the season after tearing his hamstring. Center fielder Carlos Beltran hit .304 with 34 homers, 108 RBI's, 124 runs, and 34 steals. Righthander Whit Wyatt went 19-5 with a 2.72 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and fanned 278 batters.

The El Paso Armadillos returned to the postseason after a one-year hiatus. First baseman Troy Neel hit .285 and slugged .580, blasting 49 longballs and driving in 132 runs. DH Al Simmons hit .324 with 47 doubles, 34 dingers, 137 RBI's, and 111 runs scored. Third baseman Alex Bregman hit .309 with a .434 on-base percentage, drilling 47 doubles, 34 round-trippers, knocking in 90 runs and scoring 133 times. Right fielder Roberto Clemente hit .300, rapping 43 doubles, 27 homers, 112 RBI's, and 101 runs scored. Veteran Lefty Tyler went 12-3 with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Walter Johnson successfully returned from rotator cuff surgery, going 10-4 with a 2.24 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP, only to be sidelined again with bone chips in his elbow in late August. The Austin Mustangs earned their second straight playoff spot, winning 89 games despite a subpar offense which finished tied for last in the league with 130 homers. Shortstop Arky Vaughan hit .318 with a .414 on-base percentage, smacking 10 triples, 9 homers, 77 RBI's, and scoring 98 runs. Left fielder Joe Medwick hit .277 with 41 doubles, 32 homers, 99 RBI's, and 92 runs scored. DH Junior Felix hit .308 with 21 homers, 88 RBI's, 89 runs scored, and stole 16 bases. Righthander Ewell Blackwell posted a 16-8 mark with a 1.95 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and fanned 273 batters. 38-year-old Greg Maddux had his best season in four years, going 14-8 with a 2.25 ERA, an 0.86 WHIP, and allowed just 18 walks in 192 innings. The Houston Pythons made a late push for their first playoff spot since 2044, but fell just short, winning 88 games to fall one game short. Right fielder Ruben Sierra led the Pythons, hitting .292 with 41 jacks, 125 RBI's and 113 runs scored. Southpaw Dutch Ruether sported a 16-8 record with a 3.78 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and fanned 217 batters.

The Phoenix Lizards won a franchise-record 111 games to take the Southwest Division, finishing third in the league in runs scored and second in runs allowed. Second baseman Aaron Ward had a brilliant campaign, hitting .352 and slugging .642, blasting 46 doubles, 41 homers, driving in a team-record 163 runs and scoring 126 runs. Right fielder Derek Bell hit .330, drilling 31 homers, knocking in 110 runs, and stealing 35 bases. Left fielder Dave Collins hit .341 with 56 steals, scoring 120 runs. Righthander Kevin Millwood dominated, going 17-4 with a 2.11 ERA, an 0.83 WHIP, and 272 strikeouts. Sid Fernandez went 17-3, sporting a 2.36 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and fanned 234 hitters. Sinkerballer Dave Roberts posted an 18-6 mark, along with a 2.97 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. The defending champion Los Angeles Kangaroos earned their fifth straight playoff spot, winning 95 games. Center fielder Ray Lankford hit just .256, but smacked 38 doubles, 28 homers, and drove in 131 runs. Catcher Kyle Schwarber, last season's World Series hero, drilled 25 longballs and knocked in 88 runs. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins hit .305 with 39 doubles, 16 homers, 87 RBI's and scored 99 runs. On the mound, Hugh Bedient went 21-5 with a 2.74 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and whiffed 232 batters. Yovani Gallardo notched a 13-8 mark with a 3.49 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and fanned 211 batters. Whitey Ford missed the first half with a torn meniscus, but went 9-3 with a 2.78 ERA and an 0.98 WHIP in 17 second-half starts.

Best season in team history: Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas (102 wins); London Werewolves (114 wins); Toronto Predators (107 wins); Milwaukee Raccoons (108 wins); Vancouver Viceroys (115 wins); Phoenix Lizards (111 wins)
Worst season in team history: Ottawa Parliamentarians (52 wins); San Francisco Longshoremen (52 wins); Virginia Beach Admirals (43 wins)

Dukie98 · 08-09-2020, 02:02 AM

Frontier League: The heavily favored Vancouver Viceroys pounded the Baltimore Robins, eliminating the Robins in six games behind an incredible 20 homers. Third baseman Woodie Held earned MVP honors after hitting .440 with 5 homers, 8 runs scored, 8 RBI's, and an incredible 1.240 slugging percentage. First baseman Willie McCovey hit .400 and slugged .960, blasting 4 homers, and driving in 8 runs while scoring 7 times. Right fielder Leon Roberts hit .333, smacking 4 homers and plating 8 runs, while center fielder Grady Sizemore hit .414 with 3 longballs, 3 doubles, 4 RBI's, and 9 runs scored. Southpaw Fred Norman went 2-0 with a 3.29 ERA. First baseman Frank Torre led Baltimore, hitting .357 with a pair of homers and 7 RBI's. The Toronto Predators outlasted the Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas in six games, but lost ace Bobo Newsom to an elbow injury. Center fielder Earle Combs took home the hardware after hitting .370 with a homer, 2 RBI's, and 4 runs scored. Catcher Butch Henline hit .348 with two solo homers. Reliever Joe Sambito starred, going 2-0 with a save in 7 shutout innings. Catcher Frankie Hayes led Pittsburgh, hitting .273 with 2 round-trippers and 3 RBI's. The Milwaukee Raccoons fought back from a 3-1 deficit to force a decisive seventh game against the Detroit Purple Gang, but Detroit won Game 7 in a 10-2 rout to advance to the Divisional Series. Detroit leftfielder Carl Crawford was tabbed MVP, hitting .323 with 2 homers, 6 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. First baseman Mark McGwire and catcher Duke Sims bashed 3 homers apiece. Righthander Tom Carroll posted a 2-0 record, yielding a 2.25 ERA in 16 innings. Right fielder John Wilson led Milwaukee, hitting .393 with a round-tripper, 4 RBI's, 6 runs scored, and 2 steals. The 114-win London Werewolves ousted the 100-win Buffalo Fighting Elk in six games, led by first baseman Joe Foy, who took home the hardware after hitting .320 with a homer and 5 RBI's. Shortstop Zach Cozart hit .320 with a homer. Southpaw John Candelaria starred, going 2-0 with an 0.73 ERA in 12.1 innings, fanning 13 while yielding just 7 hits. Righthander Russ Ortiz led Buffalo, hurling 7 shutout innings in a Game 4 win, while yielding just one hit. Remarkably, seven of the eight Frontier League playoff teams won 100 games, with only Baltimore falling short.

In an all-Canadian matchup, the Toronto Predators upset the league-leading Vancouver Viceroys, led by MVP right fielder Dwight Evans, who hit .409 with 4 doubles, 2 homers and 9 RBI's. First baseman Chris Johnson hit .481 with a series-high 13 hits, knocking in 4 runs while scoring 8 runs. Center fielder Earle Combs hit .478 and slugged .739, rapping 3 doubles, a homer, scoring 7 runs and knocking in 2. Joe Sambito continued his strong postseason, earning 2 saves in 6 scoreless innings. Dave Boswell went 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 13.1 innings, fanning 14 without a walk. Right fielder Leon Roberts led Vancouver, drilling 3 dingers and knocking in 4 runs. London controlled the powerful Detroit offense, shutting out the Purple Gang twice, as London advanced in six games. London third baseman Tony Batista was named MVP after hitting .360 with 4 round-trippers, 6 RBI's, and 7 runs scored. Right fielder Jack Tobin hit .409 with a homer and 6 RBI's. John Candelaria had another brilliant series, going 1-0 with an 0.64 ERA in 14 innings, whiffing 16 batters. Burleigh Grimes earned a Game 3 win with 7.1 shutout innings, striking out 11. First baseman Mark McGwire led Detroit, hitting .450 with 3 longballs and 6 RBI's. The London Werewolves ousted the Toronto Predators in 7 games, outscoring Toronto 18-2 in Games 6 and 7. Right fielder Jack Tobin was an easy MVP selection after hitting .440 with 3 homers and 7 RBI's, including a two-run smash to open the scoring in Game 7. Second sacker Dick Green hit .375 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's, while third baseman Tony Batista hit .286 with 2 dingers and drove in 8 runs. Southpaw John Candelaria continued his dominant postseason, going 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA, and a 19:1 strikeout-to-walk ration in 12 innings. Bob Carpenter split two decisions with an 0.69 ERA, including six shutout innings in a Game 7 win. First baseman Chris Johnson hit .464 with a series-high 13 hits, including 4 doubles, and knocked in 4 runs. Earle Combs starred again, hitting .375 with 2 longballs and 3 RBI's.

Continental League: In a major upset, the 89-win Austin Lizards ousted the 111-win Phoenix Lizards in seven games, overcoming a 3-1 deficit along the way. Austin left fielder Joe Medwick was tabbed MVP after hitting .433 with 5 doubles, 2 homers, and 7 RBI's. Third baseman Ralph Hodgin hit .480 with 2 RBI's and 3 runs scored. Catcher Hank Gowdy hit .346 and slammed 2 homers and knocked in 6 runs. Jake Diekman earned the win in Game 7, posting an 0.90 ERA and allowing just 3 hits in 10 innings. Left fielder Matt Holliday led Phoenix, hitting .400 with 3 runs scored. The New York Emperors erased a 2-0 deficit to the Birmingham Steelers, winning four straight to advance. Left fielder Tim Raines starred, hitting .462 and slugging .808, with 7 runs scored, 5 extra-base hits, a homer, 5 steals, and 5 RBI's. Right fielder Warren Cromartie hit .435 with homer and 6 RBI's. Hard-luck righthander Ray Benge hurled 13 shutout innings, yielding just 4 hits, but had two no-decisions. Buck O'Brien went 1-0, earning a Game 7 victory, allowing a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings. Right fielder Ron Fairly led Birmingham, hitting .350 with 3 homers and 4 RBI's. The Miami Flamingos dominated the El Paso Armadillos, winning in 5 games. Left fielder Billy Williams took MVP honors, hitting. 421 with a homer and 2 RBI's. Shortstop Joe Tinker hit .353 with 2 doubles, 2 triples, and 4 RBI's. Tom Bradley went 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 14 innings without a walk. DH Al Simmons led El Paso, hitting .333 with 2 dingers and 3 RBI's. The defending champion Los Angeles Kangaroos took the final three games from the New Orleans Crawfish to erase a 2-1 deficit. Los Angeles right fielder Wayne Comer earned MVP honors, hitting .409 with a pair of homers and 5 RBI's. Second sacker Steve Sax hit .360 with a dinger and drove in 5 runs with 3 steals. The Kangaroos' bullpen was brilliant, going 3-1 and allowing just 2 runs in 14 innings. Righthander Dustin Hermanson earned the Crawfish's lone win, hurling 6.1 shutout innings.

The New York Emperors ousted the pesky Austin Mustangs, taking the final two games to win the series in seven games. DH Adam Dunn was named MVP after hitting .296 with a Game Seven homer and 3 RBI's. Righthander Ray Benge went 1-1 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings, and he threw 8.1 hitless innings in Game One before Mark Davis finished the no-hitter. Greg Maddux was brilliant for Austin, going 1-0 with an 0.69 ERA, allowing just five hits in 13 innings. The Miami Flamingos knocked off the Los Angeles Kangaroos in five games, holding the Kangaroos to just 11 runs in 5 games. Left fielder Billy Williams added another trophy to his mantle, hitting .474 with 2 dingers and 4 RBI's. Third baseman Dick Williams hit .400 with 3 homers and plated 5 runs. Righthander Tom Bradley continued his terrific postseason, going 1-0 with an 0.69 ERA in 13 innings. Although Whitey Ford went 0-1, he posted a 2.08 ERA with an incredible 24 strikeouts and just one walk in 13 innings. Although the New York Emperors took a quick 2-1 lead over Miami in the League Championship Series, Miami stormed back to win the final three games to return to the World Series for the second time in three years. Miami catcher Val Picinich was named MVP after hitting .444 with seven extra-base hits, including a homer, and knocked in 2 runs. Center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit .429 with 2 round-trippers and knocked in 3 runs. Right fielder Dusty Baker hit .320 with 3 longballs and drove in 6 runs. Tom Bradley won both his starts, posting a 1.35 ERA in 13.1 innings. Tim Raines led New York, hitting .368 with 2 homers, 5 runs scored, 4 RBI's, and 3 steals. Joe Johnson threw seven shutout innings in earning a Game 3 win.

World Series: Although the 114-win London Werewolves had the best record in most of the season, the 97-win Miami Flamingos were the hottest team in the postseason, dropping only four games in three rounds. London, thanks to its deep pitching staff, led by its Big Three of John Candelaria, Burleigh Grimes, and Len Barker, was a moderate favorite over Miami.

London jumped out to an early lead, taking Game 1, 3-1. Burleigh Grimes dominated for London, yielding just 3 hits and 1 run in 7 innings to earn the win, and rookie Tony Balsamo earned the save with two perfect innings. Catcher Jim Essian and shortstop Zach Cozart each hit a solo smash for London, and leadoff hitter Chip Ambres singled, doubled, and scored a run. Scott Karl yielded 3 runs in 7 innings to take the loss for Miami. London took control of the series with a 7-6 win in Game 2, winning on a walk-off pitch by Jose Garcia. London erased an early 5-0 deficit with a four-homer barrage, including homers by Cozart, Ambres, and first baseman Joe Foy in the seventh inning. Leo Kiely earned the win in relief for London. Ambres went 3 for 5 with 2 RBI's, including a homer. First baseman Miguel Sano and catcher Val Picinich went deep for Minneapolis. With their season on the line, and going up against John Candelaria, who won his first five postseason starts, Miami received the start of his career from journeyman Eric Lauer. Lauer outdueled Candelaria, allowing just four hits in 7 shutout innings in a 3-1 Miami win. Dusty Baker hit a solo homer for Miami, while Joe Foy popped a ninth-ining blast to ruin the shutout.

London took control of the series with a 7-3 win in Game 4, led by DH Gates Brown, who hit two longballs and drove in 5 runs. Bob Carpenter earned the win, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings, while Shane Bieber was chased after surrendering 4 runs in 4 innings. Catcher Jim Essian homered and tripled for London, driving in two runs. Dusty Baker led Miami with 3 singles, while catcher Val Picinich and third baseman Dick Williams each popped solo homers for the Flamingos. Miami staved off elimination in Game 5, erasing a 4-0 deficit by scoring 6 runs in the seventh inning, on their way to a 7-4 win. Lorenzo Barcelo earned the win with 3 shutout innings in relief, allowing just one hit, while middle reliever Nate Robertson took the loss, allowing 3 runs (including 2 homers) without retiring a batter. Billy Williams ripped 2 doubles and a solo homer, and Baker and Picinich also homered for Miami. London's Jack Tobin and Chip Ambres each homered in a losing effort.

Miami outlasted London 6-3 in Game 6, forcing a winner-take-all Game 7. Tom Bradley earned the win for Miami, allowing 3 runs in 6 innings. Jose Garcia threw two perfect innings for the save. Len Barker took the loss, yielding 4 runs in 5 innings, despite fanning 8. Baker broke the game open with a 3-run homer for Miami. Shortstop Joe Tinker had 3 hits and scored two runs. Center fielder Chip Ambres led London with 3 hits, 2 RBI's and a stolen base, while Tobin had two hits, including a double. In Game 7, London's John Candelaria avenged his Game 3 defeat, allowing just 1 run in 6 innings while whiffing 10 batters, as the Werewolves took the title in a 4-1 Game 7 victory. Eric Lauer took the loss, allowing 3 runs and 6 hits in 4 innings. Gates Brown popped a solo homer for London, while shortstop Zack Cozart was 3-for-3 with a double and 2 RBI's. Tinker doubled and drove in the lone run for Miami.

London center fielder Chip Ambres earned MVP honors, hitting. 448 with a series-high 13 hits, including 2 homers, 5 RBI's, 5 runs scored, and 3 steals. Cozart hit .360 with 2 round-trippers and knocked in 5 runs. Gates Brown hit just .185, but drilled 3 homers and drove in 6 runs. Burleigh Grimes posted a 1-0 mark with a 2.70 ERA in 13.1 innings. Reliever Tony Balsamo was nearly perfect, allowing just 1 hit in 6 shutout innings, fanning 11. Miami was led by catcher Val Picinich, who hit .333 with 3 homers and 6 RBI's. Dusty Baker hit just .267, but pounded 3 longballs and knocked in 9 runs. Billy Williams hit .346 with a dinger and drove in 3 runs. Eric Lauer split two decisions, yielding just one earned run in 11 innings.

Dukie98 · 08-14-2020, 02:01 AM

Frontier League MVP- Mickey Cochrane, C, MIL (17): .354/ .448/ .698, 171 hits, 40 doubles, 6 triples, 38 HR, 118 RBI, 112 runs, 83 BB, 4 SB, 191 OPS+, 9.2 WAR
Second place- Al Dark, DEN, 3B (10): .346/ .388/ .611, 231 hits, 51 doubles, 42 HR, 143 RBI, 148 runs, 44 BB, 8 SB, 148 OPS+, 7.4 WAR
Third place- Fred Toney, RHP, PIT (18): 22-2, 1.61 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 212 IP, 242 K, 23 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 294 ERA+, 9.1 WAR
Fourth place- Carlton Fisk, C, OTT (1): .341/ .410/ .657, 169 hits, 27 doubles, 2 triples, 42 HR, 119 RBI, 103 runs, 45 BB, 6 SB, 166 OPS+, 7.9 WAR
Fifth place- Willie McCovey, LF/1B, VAN (2): .308/ .406/ .604, 186 hits, 23 doubles, 6 triples, 48 HR, 135 RBI, 128 runs, 88 BB, 1 SB, 156 OPS+, 6.5 WAR

Frontier League Cy Young Award: Fred Toney, PIT (48): 22-2, 1.61 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 212 IP, 242 K, 23 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 294 ERA+, 9.1 WAR
Second place - Bret Saberhagen, MIL: 18-4, 2.30 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 231 IP, 275 K, 25 BB, 5 CG, 1 shutout, 206 ERA+, 9.9 WAR
Third place- Bobo Newsom, TOR: 15-8, 2.08 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 208 IP, 315 K, 48 BB, 1 CG, 229 ERA+, 9.5 WAR
Fourth place- John Candelaria, LON: 19-4, 2.42 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 205 IP, 239 K, 27 BB, 200 ERA+, 6.7 WAR
Fifth place- Vida Blue, STL: 16-4, 2.41 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 202 IP, 270 K, 38 BB, 197 ERA+, 8.6 WAR

Frontier League Rookie of the Year- Cecil Fielder, 1B, CAL (24): .311/ .386/ .628, 173 hits, 23 doubles, 51 HR, 126 RBI, 102 runs, 65 BB, 155 OPS+, 6.2 WAR
Second place- Cecil Travis, SS, DEN (24): .372/ .458/ .509, 214 hits, 57 doubles, 11 HR, 83 RBI, 96 runs, 80 BB, 2 SB, +9.0 Zone Rating, 146 OPS+, 8.3 WAR
Third place- Starling Marte, LF, KC: .312/ .383/ .552, 181 hits, 30 doubles, 17 triples, 25 HR, 114 RBI, 108 runs, 36 BB, 24 SB, 137 OPS+, 5.1 WAR

Continental League MVP- Aaron Ward, 2B, PHO (47): .352/ .406/ .642, 224 hits, 46 doubles, 8 triples, 41 HR, 163 RBI, 126 runs, 55 BB, 5 SB, +11.6 Zone Rating, 161 OPS+, 9.5 WAR
Second place- Hal Trosky, 1B, BIR: .359/ .444/ .639, 223 hits, 41 doubles, 2 triples, 43 HR, 108 RBI, 128 runs, 97 BB, 3 SB, 170 OPS+, 7.5 WAR
Third place- Frank Schulte, LF, MEM (1): .350/ .613/ .687, 205 hits, 44 doubles, 6 triples, 47 HR, 154 RBI, 122 runs, 61 BB, 20 SB, 177 OPS+, 6.9 WAR
Fourth place- Eddie Mathews, 3B, NY: .308/ .408/ .593, 187 hits, 22 doubles, 5 triples, 47 HR, 153 RBI, 129 runs, 106 BB, 5 SB, 154 OPS+, 7.4 WAR
Fifth place- Asdrubal Cabrera, SS/ 2B, BIR: .341/ .397/ .573, 207 hits, 38 doubles, 2 triples, 33 HR, 114 RBI, 111 runs, 59 BB, 1 SB, +11.3 Zone Rating, 142 OPS+, 7.7 WAR

Continental League Cy Young Award- Kevin Millwood, PHO (38): 17-4, 2.11 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 205 IP, 272 K, 30 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 251 ERA+, 9.4 WAR
Second place- Hugh Bedient, LA (10): 21-5, 2.74 ERA, 0.94 WAR, 223 IP, 232 K, 26 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 189 ERA+, 8.3 WAR
Third place- Ewell Blackwell, AUS: 16-8, 1.95 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 194 IP, 273 K, 55 BB, 271 ERA+, 7.9 WAR
Fourth place- Van Mungo, NOR: 19-7, 2.24 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 217 IP, 281 K, 60 BB, 236 ERA+, 7.1 WAR
Fifth place- Sid Fernandez, PHO: 17-3, 2.36 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 183 IP, 234 K, 45 BB, 225 ERA+, 6.1 WAR

Continental League Rookie of the Year- Asdrubal Cabrera, SS/2B, BIR (45): .341/ .397/ .573, 207 hits, 38 doubles, 2 triples, 33 HR, 114 RBI, 111 runs, 59 BB, 1 SB, +11.3 Zone Rating, 142 OPS+, 7.7 WAR
Second place- Ellis Burks, RF, SD: .330/ .416/ .572, 189 hits, 38 doubles, 1 triple, 33 HR, 127 RBI, 107 runs, 85 BB, 52 SB, +8.3 Zone Rating, 158 ERA+, 7.0 WAR
Third place- Carl Weilman, LHP, WAS: 19-6, 1.96 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 225 IP, 181 K, 28 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 277 ERA+, 8.4 WAR

Top draft picks: 1. Bernie Williams, CF, Virginia Beach Admirals
2. Mookie Betts, RF, Ottawa Parliamentarians
3. Carlos Correa, SS, San Francisco Longshoremen
4. Gary Peters, LHP, Atlanta Ducks
5. Larry Jackson, RHP, Hartford Huskies
6. George Selkirk, RF, Cincinnati Spiders
7. Andruw Jones, CF, Omaha Falcons
8. Paul O'Neill, RF, Philadelphia Hawks
9. Jim Ray Hart, 3B, Seattle Whales
10. Dick Dietz, C, Anaheim Antelopes

Dukie98 · 08-17-2020, 12:12 AM

The 2057 Hall of Fame ballot finally started to get slimmer, as a dearth of first-time candidates kept the ballot to a manageable 37 players. However, the existing candidates continued to cannibalize each other's vote share, so none of the four returning candidates who drew over 60% last year were inducted. Instead, two first-time candidates received the the call: 700-homer hitter Ralph Kiner drew 95.4% of the vote, and 5-time All-Star Rico Petrocelli received 77.1% of the vote.

Kiner was drafted 15th overall by the Memphis River Pirates following the 2038 season. Kiner broke out with a bang as a 22-year-old rookie in 2039, winning the Rookie of the Year award and finishing 3rd in the MVP voting, hitting .337 and slugging a league-best .689, with 60 homers, 127 RBI's, and 114 runs scored. Kiner avoided the sophomore slump, hitting .329 and slugging .668 with 58 homers and 145 RBI's, while scoring 145 runs in 2040. He had a brilliant 2041 campaign, finishing as runner-up in the MVP voting, as he hit .363 and led the league with a .484 on-base percentage and a .743 slugging percentage, blasting 47 homers, knocking in 102 runs, and scoring 100 runs in just 119 games. The following season, Kiner hit .318 and tied the all-time record with 64 round-trippers, knocking in 144 runs and scoring 132 as he finished fourth in the MVP voting. He followed that up with another fourth-place MVP showing in 2043, hitting ..308 and leading the league in slugging percentage for the fourth time in five years, as he bashed 60 dingers, knocked in 109 runs, and scored 118 runs. He slipped the following season, hitting just .271 with 42 homers, but drove in 133 runs and scored 122 runs, and he led Memphis to a surprise World Series appearance, hitting 9 homers and knocking in 18 runs in 24 postseason games. In 2045, Kiner hit .284 and smacked 39 round-trippers, plating 121 runs and scoring 102. Kiner led the league in homers for the fourth time in 2046, smashing 51 longballs and knocking in 125 runs. Over the next three seasons, Kiner drilled between 33 and 42 homers, while slugging over .500 each year. Following the 2049 campaign, Kiner left Memphis, signing with the Virginia Beach Admirals in free agency. Kiner's first two seasons in green and gold were virtually identical, as he hit .246 and .249, with 35 and 40 homers, respectively, knocking in over 100 runs each season. While he rebounded to hit .282 with 36 homers and 109 RBI's in 2052, he collapsed the following year, hitting just .214 and slugging .402, although he smacked 28 longballs. He signed with the Phoenix Lizards for the 2054 campaign, where he hit 29 homers and drove in 90 runs before retiring. For his career, Kiner posted a .281/ .380/ .568 slash line with 2459 hits, including 367 doubles, 18 triples, 700 homers, 1782 RBI's, 1564 runs scored, 1349 walks, 10 steals, and a career OPS+ of 148 with 70.9 WAR. He made 9 All-Star teams and won four Silver Slugger awards. Kiner led the league in homers and slugging percentage four times apiece, and on-base percentage once. Remarkably, Kiner only played in the postseason twice, hitting just .234 but smacking 10 homers and driving in 19 runs while drawing 23 walks in 30 games. Kiner ranked 8th all-time in homers and 23rd in slugging percentage.

Petrocelli was selected 4th overall by the Buffalo Fighting Elk following the 2035 season. He struggled as an 18-year-old rookie, hitting just .225 with 4 homers and 24 RBI's in 41 game, and in his sophomore campaign, he hit just .156 and slugged .257 in 200 plate appearances. In 2038, Petrocelli established himself as a quality player, hitting .247 with 41 doubles, 19 homers, and 78 RBI's, as Buffalo won the World Series. The following season, he hit .285 with 47 doubles, 12 homers, 63 RBI's, and won his first Gold Glove. In 2040, Petrocelli found his power stroke, hitting .274 and slugging .501, smacking 41 doubles, 33 round-trippers, knocked in 118 runs and scored 115. He was the runner-up for the 2041 MVP, hitting .323 and slugging .596, as he drilled 42 homers and knocked in 131 runs while scoring 96 times. The following season, Petrocelli placed 5th in the MVP voting, posting a .336/ .424/ .653 slash line, with 34 homers and 115 RBI's in just 125 games. In 2043, Petrocelli hit .304 and slugged .533, blasting 33 round-trippers and knocking in 120 runs. He earned a 4th-place MVP finish in 2044, hitting .301 with a league-leading 49 dingers and drove in a career-high 146 runs, while scoring 108 runs. Following the season, Petrocelli signed with the London Werewolves, and he never scaled the same offensive heights again, although he did win the World Series MVP, leading the Werewolves to the championship in 2045. In each of his first three seasons in London, he hit exactly 21 homers (although he played just 124 games in 2045 due to a concussion and just 74 the following year following a strained ACL and an elbow injury). Over the next four seasons, an oft-injured Petrocelli failed to top .260, hitting between 13 and 19 homers each season. He spent the final three years of his career with the El Paso Armadillos. Although he hit 29 homers and knocked in 87 runs in his debut 2052 campaign, he hit just .204. Over the final two seasons of his career, Petrocelli drilled 33 homers, but failed to top the Mendoza line, retiring after his age-36 campaign in 2054. For his career, he posted a .260/ .347/ .466 slash line with 2234 hits, including 482 doubles, 24 triples, 414 homers, 1417 RBI's, 1255 runs scored, 1133 walks, 9 steals, a 121 OPS+, and 98.9 WAR. He made five All-Star teams, won five Silver Sluggers and 3 Gold Gloves. Petrocelli hit .265 with a .457 slugging percentage in 167 postseason games, including 49 doubles, 21 homers, and 98 RBI's, as he won two World Series rings. He remains the third-leading home run hitter among shortstops.

Leading vote recipients include:

Ralph Kiner, LF, MEM/ VB/ PHO: 95.4%
Rico Petrocelli, SS, BUF/ LON/ ELP: 77.1%
Carlos Guillen, 2B/ SS/ 3B, PHO/ CHA/ LV: 71,6%
Tommy Davis, LF, NOR: 69.7%
Bill Madlock, 3B, PIT/ LON/ DEN/ BAL: 67.9%
Garry Maddox, CF, HOU/ CHA: 64.5%
Hal Kleine, RP, ANA/ DET/ ELP/ NOR: 64.2%
Clyde Milan, LF, PHO/ BUF/ DET/ CHI : 62.1%
Bob Bescher, LF, OKC/ OMA/ ANA/ NAS: 56.6%
Frank Tanana, LHP, ANA/ BIR/ NOR/ CAL: 54.7%
Joe Adcock, 1B / DH, SF/ BIR/ DEN/ DET/ MIA/ STL/ BOS/ ALB: 52.9%
Darryl Strawberry, RF, BIR/ MIN: 52.6%

Noteworthy players who fell off the ballot include center fielder Jose Cardenal, who cleared 2500 hits and stole 345 bases, 2047 Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, first baseman Ryon Healy, who bashed 450 homers and had 11 seasons over 100 RBI's, and third baseman Robin Ventura, who tallied 2656 career hits, including 442 homers.

Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers:

Dukie98 · 08-26-2020, 01:47 AM

Here's a look at the major storylines around the league at the 2058 All-Star Break:

Exceeding Expectations: After winning just 79 games last year, the Cleveland Rocks entered the break with a 45-29 record and a two-game lead in the ultracompetitive Great Lakes Division, where all six teams posted a first-half record over .500. Third baseman Kris Bryant starred, posting a tremendous .352/ .468/ .600 slash line, with 11 homers, 38 RBI's, and 48 runs scored. Shortstop Arnold Hauser set the table, hitting .314 with 20 doubles, 3 homers, 26 RBI's, 31 steals, and 50 runs scored. Cleveland featured the best pitching in baseball, led by southpaw Lou Brissie, who went 5-1 with a 1.30 ERA and an 0.78 WHIP, fanning 107 hitters in just 76 innings. Rookie Shawn Marcum went 6-4 with a 1.85 ERA, an 0.78 WHIP, and a tremendous 112:15 K/BB ratio. Second-year hurler Sam Gibson posted a 9-3 mark with a 2.12 ERA and an 0.91 WHIP, whiffing 107 batters. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers, after several bumper rookie crops, appeared poised to make their first playoff appearance in 11 seasons, as they took a 49-25 record into the break after winning just 72 games last season. Center fielder Ira Flagstead dominated, hitting .356 and slugging .735, with 23 round-trippers, 54 RBI's, and 55 runs scored. First baseman Cecil Fielder bopped 22 round-trippers and knocked in 43 runs while scoring 51 times. Rookie right fielder Ellis Valentine starred, hitting .312 and slugging .620, ripping 18 dingers and driving home 62 runs. Calgary led the Frontier League in first half homers despite a tremendously disappointing half by third baseman Eddie Mathews, the star of the free agent class, who hit just .223 with 10 longballs and 29 RBI's. Righthander Juan Guzman paced an otherwise underwhelming staff, going 6-1 with a 1.42 ERA and an 0.84 WHIP.

In the Continental League, the Washington Ambassadors looked to build on last season's surprising second-place finish, as they took a 43-30 record into the break, as Washington looked to make the playoffs for the first time in nine years and just the second time in the last twenty seasons. DH Whitey Kurowski led a balanced attack, hitting .330 and slugging .638, with 22 longballs and 55 RBI's. Right fielder Fred Beck hit .283 and slugged .572, ripping 26 doubles, 16 round-trippers, and knocking in 55 runs. Steady second sacker Jeff Treadway hit .312 with 26 doubles, 8 homers, and 35 RBI's. Rookie southpaw Randy Wolf starred, going 7-0 with a 2.28 ERA, an 0.78 WHIP, and 105 strikeouts. Second-year closer Seth Lugo notched 19 saves along with a 1.11 ERA and an 0.68 WHIP. But no team in baseball was a bigger surprise than the Atlanta Ducks, who suffered through four straight seasons of at least 105 losses, but entered the second half with a 45-29 record, just half a game out of first place. Catcher Rudy York led a subpar offense, hitting .288 with 17 homers and 43 RBI's in just 61 games. First baseman George Burns hit .325 and slugged .497, ripping 27 doubles, 6 homers, and plating 44 runs. Atlanta entered the break ranked second in the league in runs allowed, led by Ismael Valdez, who went 8-3 with a 1.24 ERA, an 0.77 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts. Rookie southpaw Felix Doubront posted a 7-1 mark with a 2.48 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and fanned 117 hitters.

Disappointments: The Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas, winners of 102 games last season, stumbled to a 32-39 first-half mark, entering the break in fifth place. Pittsburgh's offense collapsed, as the Golden Gorillas ranked third-to-last in the league in runs scored. Center fielder Earl Averill and first baseman John Olerud, who combined for 50 homers and 212 RBI's last year, missed 85 games combined with injuries, hitting just 12 homers between them and driving in a combined 36 runs. Catcher Frankie Hayes, who hit .299 with 30 homers and 90 RBI's last season hit an anemic .193 with 5 longballs and 16 RBI's. Third baseman Chris Stynes, who hit .315 with 24 homers and 94 RBI's last year declined to hit just .233 with a lone homer and 16 RBI's while missing over 30 games. Southpaw Greg Mathews, a 15-game winner last year, went just 2-9 as his ERA soared by over a run to 4.48. The Denver Spikes won 89 games last year before getting eliminated on the final day of the season, but this year, they stumbled to a 34-39 first half-record, 14 1/2 games behind Calgary. Third baseman Al Dark returned to earth after his MVP runner-up 2057 campaign, hitting a modest .258 with 8 homers and 40 RBI's, losing over 200 points of slugging percentage. First baseman Dan Driessen, who hit .305 with 44 homers and 129 RBI's last year, hit a measly .217 with 10 longballs and just 24 RBI's. Denver struggled with its pitching depth, as Ernie Koob went 0-5 with a 5.51 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP in 12 underwhelming starts. Shawn Boskie was released after 5 dreadful starts with a 9.95 ERA, a 2.21 WHIP, and 9 homers allowed in just 19 innings.

The Miami Flamingos were just one game shy of winning the World Series last year, but their streak of four straight playoff spots was in jeopardy after a mediocre 35-38 half, as they entered the break in fifth place, ten games out of first. Miami's offense grossly underachieved, ranking 20th in the league in runs scored despite ranking 11th in OPS and 10th in homers. Star left fielder Billy Williams' streak of six straight seasons with at least 35 homers and 110 RBI's was almost certain to be snapped, as he hit just .231 with 9 homers and 31 RBI's. Catcher Matt Wieters hit a disappointing .199 and slugged just .325, with 5 homers and 17 RBI's. Tom Bradley, who won 16 games each of the past two seasons, went just 4-7 with a 3.63 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. The Phoenix Lizards won over 100 games for three straight years, including 111 last season, but they entered the break in fifth place with a mediocre 36-38 mark. Phoenix ranked dead last in the Continental League in homers and just 17th in runs scored, as Derek Bell missed nearly the entire first half, hitting just .250 with a lone homer and 6 RBI's in 15 games. Defending MVP Aaron Ward slipped to hit .290 with 10 homers and 45 RBI's First baseman Gene Baker, who hit .309 and drove in 100 runs as a rookie, hit a punchless .239, with just 2 homers and 29 RBI's. On the mound, defending Cy Young Award winner Kevin Millwood slipped to just 4-8 with a 4.07 ERA and an ordinary 1.27 WHIP. Free agent signee Edwin Correa went just 1-1 in 9 starts with a 4.17 ERA and a bloated 1.50 WHIP.

Offensive collapse: Offense dropped markedly across the HRDL without any explanation. Both leagues saw a decline of over 25 points of batting average and approximately one run per game. In the Frontier League, last year's .265 league average was the highest in 13 years, and the 4.54 leaguewide ERA was the highest since 2035. Both marks plummeted, to a leaguewide batting average of .239 and a league ERA of 3.60. In terms of OPS, the league average dipped from .755 last season to just .695 at the break. In the Continental League, the league average declined from .274 last year (the highest in 15 seasons) and an ERA of 4.97 to a leaguewide batting average of .246 and an ERA of 3.96. Leaguewide OPS dropped from .785 last year to .714 at the break. Both leagues were well on track to post the lowest leaguewide batting averages in HRDL history.

Free Agent Flops: Although several of the league's biggest names switched teams during the offseason, overall, the returns were disappointing. Three-time MVP Eddie Mathews left New York for the Calgary Cattle Rustlers, but he hit just .223 and slugged .398, with a modest 10 homers and 29 RBI's. Twelve-time Cy Young winner Walter Johnson, after an injury-riddled season with El Paso, signed a one-year contract with Detroit in the offseason, but missed the entire first half after suffering a setback in spring training from an elbow injury. Righthander Addie Joss joined Toronto, but went a middling 5-6 as his ERA increased to 2.91. Four-time Cy Young winner Greg Maddux had a late-career renaissance last year in Austin, posting a 14-8 record with a 2.25 ERA , but after signing with the Charlotte Aviators, he stumbled to a 6-6 mark with a 4.29 ERA and his WHIP jumped to 1.11.

Major injuries: Detroit righthander Walter Johnson saw his injury from an elbow injury delayed, as he missed the entire first half, although he was expected to return by late July. Milwaukee ace Bret Saberhagen blew out his elbow shortly before Memorial Day, knocking him out of commission until next August. Buffalo right fielder Pete Incaviglia tore his ACL, sidelining him for the season. London righthander Len Barker suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in spring training, potentially jeopardizing his career. Charlotte second sacker Ozzie Albies broke his hand in May, knocking him out until late August. Baltimore righthander Jim Maloney suffered an ulnar nerve injury in May, sidelining him until the end of the regular season. New Orleans right fielder Corey Dickerson tore his MCL in mid-April, ending his season. Detroit righthander Trevor Bauer suffered a labrum injury in May, knocking him out through late August. Phoenix rightfielder Derek Bell suffered a high ankle sprain in early May, knocking him out for two months. Ottawa righthander Josh Johnson suffered a back injury in early May, and he was not expected to return until August. Vancouver second baseman Orlando Hudson tore his PCL in early May, ending his season. Washington southpaw Carl Weilman underwent elbow surgery in early June, likely sidelining him for the year.

Major milestones: Seattle first baseman Pedro Alvarez slugged his 400th career homer. Anaheim catcher Yogi Berra, San Francisco left fielder David Justice, and Miami first baseman Miguel Sano each joined the 300-homer club. Looking ahead to the second half, Portland center fielder Matt Kemp and Oklahoma City shortstop Jim Fregosi each had a chance to join the 2,500 hit club by the end of the season. San Antonio first baseman Bob Horner was likely to hit his 700th homer by September. Chicago outfielder Pedro Guerrero was expected to hit his 600th career homer and drive in his 2000th run by August. Charlotte outfielder/DH Dave Winfield was on track to hit his 500th career homer by the end of August. St. Louis center fielder Willie Mays was expected to score his 2000th career run by September. Toronto's Addie Joss was one victory away from 200, Baltimore's Jim Maloney, if he returned from a nerve injury before year's end, was one strikeout away from 4,000 career whiffs, while Cleveland's Jimmy Dygert was expected to join the 3,000 strikeout club by mid-July.

Dukie98 · 08-30-2020, 11:04 PM

Frontier League: The Baltimore Robins, traditionally a pitching powerhouse, relied on a league-leading offense to cruise to the Northeast Division title by a 10-game margin, winning 97 games to earn their fifth straight playoff spot. Left fielder JD Martinez starred, hitting .333 and slugging .631, with 47 homers, and leading the league with 138 RBI's as well as 138 runs scored, setting franchise records in both categories. Right fielder Mitch Haniger hit .299 and slugged .574, with 39 doubles, 42 homers, 117 RBI's, and 109 runs scored. Third baseman Charlie Hayes hit .324 with 45 doubles, 30 round-trippers, and 107 RBI's. Shortstop Dick Schofield combined Gold Glove-caliber defense with a .280 average, 11 homers, 61 RBI's, 40 steals, and 108 runs scored. Veteran Denny Galehouse carried an atypically subpar pitching staff, going 18-4 with a 2.25 ERA and an 0.95 WHIP. The Buffalo Fighting Elk remained in playoff contention until a late-season 4-11 swoon, falling two games shy of the postseason with 87 wins. Left fielder Juan Soto hit .304 with 30 homers, 84 RBI's, 104 walks, and 119 runs scored. Journeyman Dylan Covey came out of nowhere to post a 14-9 mark with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP.

The defending champion London Werewolves shook off an 0-4 start to win 104 games, earning their sixth playoff bid in seven years, taking the Great Lakes Division by 7 games. Second sacker Dick Green led a balanced offensive attack, hitting .317 with a .525 slugging percentage, blasting 27 homers, knocking in 74 runs, and scoring 88 times. Steady right fielder Jack Tobin hit .316 with a .534 slugging percentage, launching 58 doubles, 24 homers, knocking in 108 runs, and swiping 22 bases. Veteran third baseman Tony Batista hit just .254, but he drilled 32 dingers and knocked in 116 runs. Southpaw John Candelaria led a terrific London pitching staff, going 16-4 with a 1.90 ERA, a league-leading 0.84 WHIP, and 274 strikeouts. Veteran Burleigh Grimes notched an 18-7 mark with a 2.28 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and whiffed 256 batters. Rookie southpaw Floyd Bannister went 17-7 with a 2.88 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, with 264 strikeouts. The Toronto Predators won 97 games, as rookie left fielder Butch Davis hit .316 and slugged .562, with 24 homers, a league-high 22 triples, 20 steals, 93 RBI's, and 115 runs scored. Veteran right fielder Dwight Evans ripped 36 homers, knocked in 83 runs, and drew 111 walks. The Predators' pitching staff finished second in the league in runs allowed, as ace Bobo Newsom won the Triple Crown, going 19-6 with a 1.79 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and a franchise-record 338 strikeouts, allowing just 5 homers in 226 innings. Veteran Addie Joss went 15-7 with a 2.72 ERA, an 0.99 WHIP, and 223 strikeouts. Closer Joe Sambito saved 39 games with a 2.45 ERA, an 0.85 WHIP, and whiffed 97 batters in just 66 innings. The Cleveland Rocks jumped out to a 14-3 start on their way to a 95-win campaign. Third baseman Kris Bryant starred, posting a .340/ .452/ .612 slash line, with 34 homers, 104 RBI's, 110 runs scored, and 103 walks. First baseman Jack Lohrke hit .288 with 25 longballs and 90 RBI's. Shortstop Arnold Hauser set the table, hitting .301, stealing 52 bases, and scoring 96 runs in just 135 games. Cleveland featured a league-best pitching staff, which allowed a franchise-low 538 runs. Southpaw Lou Brissie went 14-4 with a sparkling 1.97 ERA, an 0.85 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts. Rookie Shawn Marcum went just 11-10, but sported a 2.12 ERA, an 0.84 WHIP, and whiffed 236 batters. Second-year hurler Sam Gibson posted a 17-10 mark with a 2.98 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. Lynn McGlothen sported a 15-9 record with a 2.96 ERA, an 0.99 WHIP, and fanned 200 batters.

The Milwaukee Raccoons won 91 games, taking the Great Plains Division by two games. Catcher Mickey Cochrane followed up on his MVP campaign by hitting .318 and slugging .677, with 35 doubles, 41 homers, 87 RBI's, and 116 runs scored. First baseman Bob Robertson hit .304 and slugged .631, bashing 54 homers, driving in 134 runs, and scoring 125 runs. Right fielder John Wilson hit .290 and slugged .566, popping 40 longballs and knocking in 103 runs. Third baseman Will Middlebrooks hit just .258, but drilled 38 dingers and plated 122 runs. Milwaukee's pitching staff overcame substantial injuries to both Bret Saberhagen and Pedro Martinez to finish sixth in the league in runs allowed. Southpaw Bruce Robbins went just 12-12, but sported a 3.33 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and fanned 227 hitters. Phil Douglas posted a 16-11 record with a 3.88 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP, whiffing 222 batters. The St. Louis Pilots won 89 games, earning just their second playoff spot in eight seasons. First baseman Fred McGriff led a mediocre offense, hitting .262 and slugging .554 as he blasted 47 round-trippers and knocked in 102 runs. Catcher Yan Gomes hit .274, ripping 27 homers and knocking in 62 runs. Southpaw Vida Blue led a strong pitching staff, going 13-12 with a 2.64 ERA, an 0.96 WHIP, and 315 strikeouts. Al Javery sported a 12-11 mark with a 3.03 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and fanned 204 batters. Danny MacFayden went 17-11 with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP.

The Calgary Cattle Rustlers won 99 games, earning their first playoff spot in eleven seasons, led by a powerful offense that led the league with 271 homers and finished third in runs scored. Center fielder Ira Flagstead was a leading MVP candidate despite missing nearly all of September with a groin strain, winning the batting title (.374) and slugging an incredible .774, ripping 89 extra-base hits, including 44 homers, in just 124 games with 102 RBI's. Rookie right fielder Ellis Valentine was a worthy second banana, hitting .332 and slugging .651, ripping 37 doubles, 41 homers, 114 RBI's, and stealing 28 bases. First baseman Cecil Fielder hit just .257, but smashed a league-high 57 homers, drove in 124 runs, and scored 119 runs. Righthander Juan Guzman overcame a series of nagging injuries to go 8-2 with a 1.63 ERA and an 0.84 WHIP in 138 innings. Righthander Grover Lowdermilk went 11-6 with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. The Vancouver Viceroys rallied, ending the season on a 21-10 run, to seize the final wild-card spot with 90 victories. Right fielder Leon Roberts hit .266 and slugged .522 with 28 longballs, leading five hitters with at least 20 homers, and drove in 90 runs. Shortstop Jorge Polanco hit .291 with 20 longballs, 64 RBI's, 88 runs scored, and 20 steals. Third baseman Woodie Held hit .260, ripping 27 longballs and driving in 87 runs. Righthander Livan Hernandez went 11-9 with a 3.47 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and 204 strikeouts. Journeyman southpaw Frank Bauman sported a 9-8 mark with a 3.07 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP.

Continental League: The Washington Ambassadors won 97 games, earning their first playoff spot in nine seasons. Washington led the HRDL with a .287 team batting average, and finished third in the league in runs scored. DH Whitey Kurowski hit .329 and slugged .581, drilling 36 homers, driving in 112 runs, and scoring 113 runs. Right fielder Fred Beck hit .298 and slugged .608, ripping 53 doubles, 43 homers, and driving in 133 runs. Second sacker Jeff Treadway hit .318 with 43 doubles, 14 homers, 77 RBI's, and 95 runs scored. Third baseman Mike Lowell hit just .268, but rapped 46 doubles, 26 homers, drove in 95 runs, and scored 97 runs. Rookie southpaw Randy Wolf sported a 15-5 mark with a 2.66 ERA, an 0.88 WHIP, and fanned 252 batters. Jerry Robertson notched a 14-7 record with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, fanning 193 batters. Closer Seth Lugo saved 39 games with a 1.84 ERA and an 0.85 WHIP. The New York Emperors overcame a 3-14 start to sneak into the playoffs with 86 wins. Left fielder Tim Raines hit .321 with a .420 on-base percentage, with 46 doubles, 8 triples, 22 homers, 82 RBI's, and he led the league with 130 runs scored and 101 steals. First baseman Hee-Seop Choi hit .267, drilling 32 homers, and plating 97 runs. Catcher Joe Garagiola hit .283 and slugged .520, smacking 38 doubles, 24 homers, and knocking in 91 runs. Southpaw Billy O'Dell notched a 15-7 record with a 2.33 ERA, an 0.96 WHIP, and 237 strikeouts. Rookie closer Kenley Jansen saved 34 games with a 1.08 ERA and an 0.88 WHIP, fanning 118 batters in just 67 innings.

The New Orleans Crawfish won 104 games, extending their streak of 100-win seasons to five, as they coasted to the Southeast Division title. The Crawfish featured the highest-scoring offense in the HRDL, led by catcher Val Picinich, who hit .328 with 46 doubles, 29 homers, and 103 RBI's in just 130 games. Shortstop Alan Trammell hit .285 with 40 doubles, 24 longballs, 89 RBI's, and 105 runs scored. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .295 with 47 doubles, 25 round-trippers, 107 RBI's, and 103 runs scored. Second baseman Starlin Castro hit .305 with 16 round-trippers and knocked in 81 runs. On the mound, Whit Wyatt went 17-7 with a 2.29 ERA, an 0.83 WHIP, and fanned 325 batters. Van Mungo notched a 19-1 record with a 2.37 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP, and whiffed 259 batters. Dustin Hermanson sported a 13-11 mark with a 3.59 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and fanned 226 batters. The Miami Flamingos stormed back from a mediocre first half to clinch their fifth straight playoff spot, winning 96 games. Star left fielder Billy Williams rallied from a slow start to hit .286 with 29 homers and 100 RBI's. First baseman Miguel Sano slugged 34 round-trippers and knocked in 107 runs. Center fielder Chicken Hawks hit .287, ripping 23 longballs, knocking in 63 runs, and scoring 85 runs. Miami's pitching staff finished second in the Continental League in runs allowed, led by southpaw Nate Robertson, who went 16-3 with a 2.67 ERA and an 0.94 WHIP. Although fellow lefty Scott Karl went just 12-12, he sported a 3.14 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. Righthander Ed Whitson notched a 12-10 mark with a 3.70 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. While the Memphis River Pirates remained in contention for the entire season despite a spate of injuries, they closed the year on a 1-6 tailspin, forcing them into a one-game playoff with the Phoenix Lizards, which Memphis dropped 8-1, ending their season with 85 wins. Third baseman Troy Glaus hit .285, ripping 38 longballs and plating 102 runs, while left fielder Frank Schulte hit .312 with 33 homers and 83 RBI's in just 120 games, leading the league with a .635 slugging percentage. Rookie southpaw Bob Knepper posted a 13-7 record with a 2.14 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and fanned 236 batters.

Although the Austin Mustangs sported an underwhelming 31-35 record in mid-June, they used an explosive second half to win the Texas Division with 96 wins, earning their third straight playoff spot. Austin ranked fourth in the Continental League in runs scored despite ranking 23rd in homers DH Junior Felix hit .285 and slugged .492 with 41 doubles, 26 homers, 106 RBI's, and 102 runs scored -- the only Mustang to top 20 homers. Shortstop Arky Vaughan hit .299 with a .403 on-base percentage, 50 extra-base hits, 84 RBI's, and 95 runs scored. Second sacker Daniel Robertson provided Gold Glove-caliber defense while hitting .272 with a .380 on-base percentage, 19 homers, 80 RBI's, and 88 runs scored. Ace Ewell Blackwell went 20-1 with a league-best 1.50 ERA, an 0.81 WHIP, and 283 strikeouts, yielding just 8 homers in 204 innings. Southpaw Matt Boyd went 14-3 with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP before tearing his rotator cuff in late September. Eddie Rommel notched a 13-6 mark despite a middling 4.15 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. The Oklahoma City Otters returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence, winning 90 games. Left fielder Jimmy Welsh led a balanced, if unspectacular offense, hitting .315 with 40 doubles, 7 triples, 19 homers, and 79 RBI's. DH George Stone hit .301 and slugged .507, ripping 25 dingers, knocking in 74 runs, and swiping 21 bags in just 130 games. Steady shortstop Jim Fregosi hit .277 with 17 longballs and 74 RBI's. Southpaw Wilson Alvarez led the league in victories, posting a 21-5 mark with a 2.30 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and whiffed 209 batters. Fellow lefthander Bob Kuzava went 15-9 with a 2.22 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, while fanning 242 batters. Closer Al Holland saved a league-high 42 games, notching a 1.47 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and fanning 120 batters in 67 innings. The Houston Pythons fell just shy of snapping a 14-year playoff drought, falling one game short with 84 wins after stumbling to a 4-8 record to close out the season. Slugging rightfielder Ruben Sierra hit .316 with 45 longballs, a league-high 134 RBI's, 116 runs scored, and 18 steals. Left fielder Chick Hafey hit .308 and slugged .611 with 97 extra-base hits, including 40 homers, 133 RBI's, and 108 runs scored. But no other Python topped 16 homers. Workhorse Dutch Ruether paced a pedestrian pitching staff, going just 12-16 despite a 3.86 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP, and 211 strikeouts.

The Los Angeles Kangaroos rallied from a 17-26 start to win a tightly-bunched Southwest Division with just 88 wins. While two years ago, five of the six teams finished with either 100 wins or 100 losses, this year, all six squads ranged between 75 and 88 wins. Rookie center fielder Tommy McCraw won the batting title, hitting .348 with a league-high 218 hits, including 19 doubles, 83 RBI's, 115 runs scored, and 39 steals. DH Ray Lankford hit .275 and slugged .516, ripping 41 doubles, 33 homers, knocking in 117 runs and scoring 93 times. Left fielder Bip Roberts hit .352 in 119 games with 40 doubles and 17 steals. Third baseman Kelly Gruber hit 26 homers and plated 82 runs despite hitting just .227. Ace Whitey Ford went 19-6 with a 1.99 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and whiffed 286 batters. Fellow southpaw Sid Fernandez sported a 12-9 mark with a 3.34 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, with 242 strikeouts. Hugh Bedient went 13-10 with a 3.86 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, fanning 250 enemy batsmen. The Phoenix Lizards rallied from a sub-.500 first half to force a one-game playoff by winning their final three games, then toppling Memphis 8-1 to seize the final playoff spot with 86 victories. Second baseman Aaron Ward followed up on his MVP campaign by hitting .310 and slugging .556, including 32 homers, 11 triples, 115 RBI's, and 98 runs scored. Center fielder Victor Robles had a brilliant all-around campaign, hitting .295 with 47 doubles, 19 triples, 15 homers, 76 RBI's, 124 runs scored, 42 steals, and provided exceptional defense. Rookie third baseman Les Bell hit .308 with 26 doubles, 14 homers, and 54 RBI's in just 98 games. Eddie Cicotte notched a 16-9 record with a 2.23 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. Veteran Stephen Strasburg went 13-10 with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. Closer Craig Kimbrel saved 33 games with a 1.75 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and fanned 87 batters in just 57 innings.

Best season in team history: None
Worst season in team history: Hartford Huskies (51 wins); Dallas Wildcatters (58 wins- tied)

Dukie98 · 09-03-2020, 12:29 AM

Frontier League: In an all-Canadian matchup, the defending champion London Werewolves squared off against the Vancouver Viceroys. Although Vancouver sprung the upset in Game 1, London took the next three games on their way to a six-game triumph. London first baseman Joe Foy was named MVP after hitting .440 with a series-high 11 hits, including a homer, 4 RBI's, 4 runs scored, and 2 steals. Center fielder Chip Ambres hit .385 with a round-tripper and 5 RBI's. Third baseman Tony Batista hit .304, slugging 2 homers and knocking in 2 runs. Rookie Floyd Bannister allowed just one run and three hits in a crucial Game 3 victory, fanning 10. Burleigh Grimes went 2-0 with 12 strikeouts, despite a middling 4.15 ERA. Right fielder Leon Roberts led Vancouver, hitting .400 with 3 solo homers. The Milwaukee Raccoons outlasted the Toronto Predators in seven games, with third baseman Will Middlebrooks taking home the hardware after hitting .308 with 3 longballs and knocking in 7 runs. Star catcher Mickey Cochrane matched Middlebrooks, hitting .308 as well with 3 longballs, 4 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. But Milwaukee's pitching outpaced its vaunted offense, as Phil Douglas went 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA, fanning 18 in 13 innings. Eduardo Sanchez hurled 7 shutout innings, fanning 13, while closer Nub Kleinke notched 3 saved, yielding just 1 run in 6 innings. Toronto first baseman Chris Johnson hit .320 with 2 homers and 5 RBI's. Toronto righthander Addie Joss went 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA in a losing effort, fanning 18 without a walk, including a complete game three-hitter in Game 1. The Baltimore Robins proved to be too much for the Cleveland Rocks' league-leading pitching staff, scoring 40 runs as the Robins prevailed in 6 games. Baltimore center fielder Luis Matos was tabbed MVP after hitting .435 with a homer, 3 RBI's, 5 steals, and 9 runs scored - including a record-tying 5 runs in Game 3. Slugging leftfielder JD Martinez hit .370, launching a homer and driving in 9 runs, and four Robins smacked multiple homers. Veteran George Johnson went 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA, fanning 15. Third baseman Kris Bryant led Cleveland, hitting .381 with 2 dingers and 2 RBI's. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers overpowered the St. Louis Pilots in 5 games, despite playing without injured MVP candidate Ira Flagstead. Calgary third baseman Eddie Mathews atoned for a disappointing regular season, earning MVP honors after hitting .400 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's, including a tie-breaking homer with two outs in the top of the ninth inning in the clinching Game 5. Rookie sensation Ellis Valentine hit .409 with a longball and 6 RBI's. First baseman Cecil Fielder hit .318, smacking 2 longballs and plating 6 runs. Veteran righthander Grover Lowdermilk hurled 5 shutout innings in Game 4, yielding just 2 hits. St. Louis right fielder Bryan LaHair put up a valiant effort in defeat, hitting .421 with 4 homers and knocking in 7 runs.

In the Division Series, the London Werewolves' pitching staff locked down the powerful Milwaukee offense in a 6-game victory, yielding just 3 runs in their four victories. London right fielder Jack Tobin earned MVP honors after hitting .417 with a homer, 2 RBI's, and 3 runs scored. Second baseman Dick Green hit .375 with a round-tripper and 3 RBI's. Ace John Candelaria went 1-0 with an 0.60 ERA, allowing just 4 hits in 15 innings while fanning 15. Rookie southpaw Floyd Bannister matched Candelaria, going 1-0 with an 0.64 ERA and 15 strikeouts. Southpaw Bruce Robbins led Milwaukee, sporting a hard-luck 0-1 record despite a 1.29 ERA, allowing just 4 hits and whiffing 17 in 14 innings. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers jumped out to a 3-0 lead before finally eliminating Baltimore in 6 games. Calgary right fielder Ellis Valentine was named MVP after hitting .409 with 3 longballs and 6 RBI's. Backup outfielder Tike Redman, who went just 8 for 44 on the season, hit .438 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Left fielder Bill Buckner hit a modest .259, but smacked a pair of homers and plated 3 runs. Righthander Russ Ortiz was brilliant, going 2-0, fanning 13 in 13 shutout innings. Right fielder Mitch Haniger led Baltimore, hitting .391 with a .481 on-base percentage and a solo homer. Calgary's magic ran out in the League Championship Series, as London ousted the Cattle Rustlers in six games to return to the World Series for the second straight year. London shortstop Zack Cozart was selected MVP after hitting .400 with 2 longballs and 6 RBI's. Right fielder Gene Moore, who replaced injured star Jack Tobin, didn't miss a beat, hitting .409 and slugging .727 with a homer, 5 runs scored, and 5 RBI's. Left fielder Gates Brown smacked 3 homers and knocked in 7 runs. Righthander Bob Carpenter went 2-0 with a 3.75 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 12 innings. Calgary center fielder Ira Flagstead returned from a groin injury to hit .458 with 4 doubles and 4 RBI's, while Eddie Mathews hit .391 with 3 longballs and 6 RBI's.

Continental League: The Phoenix Lizards were the last team to make the postseason, needing 163 games to tally 86 wins, and the New Orleans Crawfish dominated Phoenix, yielding just 5 runs to Phoenix in a 4-1 series rout. Right fielder Tony Oliva swung a mighty stick, earning MVP honors after hitting .474 with 4 doubles, a homer, and 6 RBI's. DH Don Mincher hit .368 with a pair of homers and 4 RBI's, while first baseman Freddie Freeman hit .350 with 2 longballs and 6 RBI's. Righthander Whit Wyatt dominated, going 2-0 with 16 shutout innings, yielding just 6 hits while fanning 19. Dustin Hermanson allowed just 3 hits in 7 shutout innings, earning the win in Game 3. Phoenix third baseman Les Bell was the only hitter to top .250, as he hit .294 with a double and scored a run. The Miami Flamingos squared off against the Los Angeles Kangaroos for the third straight season, and Miami outlasted Los Angeles in a seven-game marathon. Miami second baseman Sam Bohne was tabbed MVP after hitting .480 with a series-high 12 hits, including 4 extra-base hits, and 4 RBI's. First baseman Miguel Sano hit .250, but smacked 3 longballs and knocked in 6 runs. Righthander Ed Whitson went 2-0, hurling 11.2 shutout innings, including six innings of one-hit ball in Game 7, and fanned 11 Left fielder Bip Roberts paced the Kangaroos, hitting .375 with 3 doubles and 3 RBI's. Southpaw Whitey Ford went 1-0, allowing just one run in 14 innings while fanning an incredible 24 batters without a walk. In a divisional matchup, the Austin Mustangs rallied from a 2-1 deficit to oust the Oklahoma City Otters in 6 games, scoring 20 runs in the decisive Games 5 and 6. Austin left fielder Joe Medwick took home the trophy, hitting .407 with 3 homers and 7 RBI's. Shortstop Arky Vaughan hit .500 with a series-high 12 hits and 7 runs. First baseman Eric Hosmer hit .400, launching 3 homers and plating 7 runs. Ace Ewell Blackwell split two decisions despite a 1.69 ERA, fanning 18 in 10.2 innings. Righthander Ariel Miranda earned a Game 3 win for the Otters, hurling 7 innings while yielding just one run on three hits. Al Holland notched two saves with 4 shutout innings. The Washington Ambassadors' return to the postseason was a successful one, as they ousted the New York Emperors in seven games. Washington earned one-run victories in both Games 6 and 7, requiring 11 innings to prevail in a 1-0 Game 7 classic, with second baseman Jeff Treadway scoring on a walk-off single by right fielder Fred Beck. Treadway earned MVP honors, hitting .467 with an incredible 14 hits, including a homer, a crucial Game 7 double before scoring the winning run, and 5 RBI's. DH Whitey Kurowski hit .310 with two longballs and 5 RBI's. Veterean righthander Jerry Robertson went 1-0 in 13 shutout innings, whiffing 16 batters. Randy Wolf went 1-0, yielding one run in 13 innings while fanning 16. New York shortstop Edgar Renteria hit .407 with 3 RBI's and 3 steals, while Tim Raines hit .321 with a homer, 3 RBI's, nd 4 steals.

The New Orleans Crawfish dominated their divisional rival Miami Flamingos, yielding just one run in the first three games, and just seven runs in a five game romp. Star shortstop Alan Trammell added to his trophy case, earning MVP honors after hitting .421 with 4 homers and 5 RBI's. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .444 with 4 doubles and a pair of RBI's. Righthander Whit Wyatt went 2-0 with an 0.67 ERA in 13.1 innings, fanning 15, while fireballer Van Mungo hurled 7 shutout innings in a Game 2 win, yielding just 2 hits. Miami left fielder Billy Williams blasted a 3-run homer for Miami, driving in half the Flamingos' runs for the series. Washington's miracle season came to an abrupt end, as the Austin Mustangs ousted Washington in 5 games, with Austin scoring exactly 7 runs in three of their wins and 8 runs in the fourth. Center fielder Ender Inciarte led Austin, hitting .474 with 3 doubles, 5 runs scored, and 4 RBI's. Catcher Hank Gowdy hit .316 with a homer and a series-high 8 RBI's. But Ewell Blackwell earned MVP honors, going 2-0 with 15.2 shutout innings and an incredible 25 strikeouts without a walk, including a complete-game three-hit shutout with 15 strikeouts in a dominant Game 5 clincher. Left fielder David Peralta led Washington, hitting .368 with a homer and 2 runs scored. New Orleans's rampage through the postseason continued, as the Crawfish swept Austin in the League Championship Series, outscoring the Mustangs 24-8. Catcher Val Picinich was named MVP after hitting .467 with a homer, 3 doubles, and 6 RBI's. Freeman hit .467 with 5 runs scored and 2 RBI's. DH Don Mincher hit .364 with 2 homers and 3 RBI's. Van Mungo set the tone in a Game 1 win, hurling 7.1 shutout innings and allowing just 2 hits while fanning 10. Inciarte led Austin in a losing effort, hitting .438 with a homer and 2 RBI's.

World Series: In a marquee matchup of 104-win squads, the defending champion London Werewolves squared off against the New Orleans Crawfish, who led the Continental League in both runs scored and runs allowed. New Orleans was considered a slight favorite for the series, as London was playing without right fielder Jack Tobin, who smacked 85 extra-base hits on the season. But London has a dominant starting rotation, led by John Candelaria, Burleigh Grimes, and rookie fireballer Floyd Bannister.

New Orleans edged London 2-1 in Game 1, with Whit Wyatt outdueling John Candlaria, with Doug Bird firing two perfect innings for the save. Alan Trammell went 1-for-3 with a first-inning solo homer for the Crawfish, and they scored the decisive run in the fourth inning after a Freddie Freeman double and an RBI single by catcher Val Picinich. Wyatt allowed just 1 run on 3 hits in 6.1 innings, fanning 13, bringing his postseason record to 6-0. Candelaria hurled a complete game, yielding 2 runs on 4 hits, but took the loss. London evened the score in Game 2 by a 7-5 count, scoring two runs in the ninth inning to break a tie after blowing a four-run lead in the sixth inning. London third baseman Tony Batista had three hits, including a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning. Right fielder Gene Moore, filling in for Tobin, had 2 hits, including a crucial ninth inning triple. Don Mincher led New Orleans with 2 hits, including a double, and 3 runs scored. Neither Grimes nor Van Mungo were sharp, as both pitchers yielded 5 earned runs. London's Chris Britton earned the win with two shutout innings, as Doug Bird took the loss. London won a back-and-forth Game 3 8-7, as center fielder Chip Ambres went 4-for-5 with 3 RBI's, including a homer and a walk-off single. London left fielder Gates Brown had two hits, including a 3-run seventh-inning homer. Freeman had two hits, including an RBI double, and backup catcher Ben Davis had a pinch-hit homer to tie the game in the top of the ninth. London's Leo Kiely was credited with the win despite blowing the save, while Spencer Turnbull took the loss for the Crawfish.

New Orleans stormed back to even the series with a 9-4 Game 4 victory. Center fielder Jarrod Dyson had 4 hits, 2 steals, and 2 RBI's. Left fielder Josh Willingham went 2-for-3 with a walk, a homer, and 2 RBI's. Freeman had 2 hits, including a double, swiped 2 bags, and scored 2 runs. Batista led London with two hits, including a 2-run single. Veteran Erasmo Ramirez earned the win after Carlos Martinez failed to make it out of the fourth inning, with Jared Burton earning the save with two perfect innings. Bob Carpenter was tagged with the loss, yielding six runs in 5 innings. London regained the lead with a 2-1 squeaker in Game 5, with Candelaria outdueling Wyatt. London managed only three singles, but two of them, from Batista and shortstop Zack Cozart, drove in runs. Crawfish second baseman Starlin Castro had 2 hits, including a double, and scored their lone run. Candelaria earned the win with 7 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits and fanning 8, with Chris Britton notching a 2-inning save. Wyatt allowed just 2 hits, but took the loss.

New Orleans evened up the series with a 5-2 win in Game 6, as Don Mincher hit a 3-run homer, and Starlin Castro singled, doubled, and drove in 2 runs. First baseman Joe Foy led London with two hits, including a double, and knocked in one run. Van Mungo earned the win, allowing just one run in 7 innings, and Doug Bird earned his second save of the series. Grimes yielded 5 runs and 8 hits in a complete game loss.

Game 7 lived up to its buildup, with New Orleans prevailing 3-2. The Crawfish opened the scoring on a second-inning 2-run homer by right fielder Tony Oliva. The Werewolves evened the score in the seventh inning on back-to-back RBI doubles by Gates Brown and Billy McKinney, but they left the bases loaded. New Orleans regained the lead in the eighth inning, as Alan Trammell doubled off Leo Kiely and Freeman singled him home to take the lead. The Werewolves had one last gasp in the ninth inning, as Zack Cozart ripped a two-out drive that was caught at the wall for the final out of the series. Bird earned the win in relief with two shutout innings, as Dustin Hermanson pitched into the seventh inning, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits. Floyd Bannister lasted 6.2 innings for London, allowing 2 runs and fanning 9.

Freeman was named MVP after hitting a series-high .370, with 10 hits, including 4 doubles and 2 RBI's. Fellow Crawfish Jarrod Dyson, Starlin Castro, and Val Picinich each hit .333, with Dyson and Picinich driving in 3 runs apiece, and Castro plating 2 runs. Whit Wyatt split two decisions despite a 2.02 ERA in 13.1 innings, fanning 21. Bird went 1-1 with 2 saves, yielding two runs on 3 hits in 8 innings. Center fielder Chip Ambres led London, hitting .348 with a homer, 3 doubles, 6 runs scored, and 4 RBI's. Joe Fpy hit .308 with a round-tripper and 3 RBI's. Candelaria split two decisions despite posting a 1.20 ERA and allowing just 8 hits in 15 innings, while fanning 13.

Dukie98 · 09-05-2020, 02:33 AM

Frontier League MVP- Ira Flagstead, CF, CAL (30): .374/ .451/ .774, 170 hits, 40 doubles, 5 triples, 44 HR, 102 RBI, 107 runs, 65 BB, 1 SB, 224 OPS+, 10.7 WAR
Second place - Mickey Cochrane, C, MIL (11): .318/ .437/ .677, 149 hits, 35 doubles, 5 triples, 41 HR, 87 RBI, 116 runs, 98 BB, 7 SB, 198 OPS+, 10.3 WAR
Third place- JD Martinez, LF, BAL (2): .333/ .409/ .631, 205 hits, 34 doubles, 4 triples, 47 HR, 138 RBI, 138 runs, 77 BB, 4 SB, 173 OPS+, 7.3 WAR
Fourth place- Bob Robertson, 1B, MIL (1): .304/ .400/ .631, 180 hits, 30 doubles, 1 triple, 54 HR, 134 RBI, 125 runs, 90 BB, 7 SB, +10.3 Zone Rating, 176 OPS+, 9.3 WAR
Fifth place- Kris Bryant, 3B, CLE: .340/ .452/ .612, 182 hits, 30 doubles, 7 triples, 34 HR, 104 RBI, 110 runs, 103 BB, 4 SB, 187 OPS+, 9.4 WAR

Frontier League Cy Young Award- Bobo Newsom, TOR (48): 19-6, 1.79 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 226 IP, 339 K, 65 BB, 2 CG, 2 shutouts, 220 ERA+, 12.1 WAR
Second place- John Candelaria, LON: 16-4, 1.90 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 214 IP, 274 K, 27 BB, 220 ERA+, 7.4 WAR
Third place- Burleigh Grimes, LON: 18-7, 2.28 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 225 IP, 256 K, 49 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 183 ERA+, 7.3 WAR
Fourth place- Guy Morton, MON: 10-13, 2.28 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 221 IP, 293 K, 54 BB, 2 CG, 2 shutouts, 180 ERA+, 8.2 WAR
Fifth place- Shaun Marcum, CLE: 11-10, 2.12 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 191 IP, 236 K, 33 BB, 193 ERA+, 6.0 WAR

Frontier League Rookie of the Year- Ellis Valentine, RF, CAL (42): .332/ .370/ .651, 175 hits, 37 doubles, 4 triples, 41 HR, 114 RBI, 97 runs, 35 BB, 28 SB, 170 OPS+, 7.7 WAR
Second place- Mookie Betts, CF, OTT (3): .309/ .363/ .524, 209 hits, 43 doubles, 2 triples, 33 HR, 91 RBI, 121 runs, 59 BB, 44 SB, +14.0 Zone Rating, 135 OPS+, 8.8 WAR
Third place- Andruw Jones, CF, OMA (1): .264/ .321/ .554, 165 hits, 43 doubles, 5 triples, 43 HR, 109 RBI, 115 runs, 44 BB, +23.7 Zone Rating, 26 SB, 134 OPS+, 8.5 WAR

Continental League MVP- John Jaha, 1B, VB (19): .294/ .396/ .629, 175 hits, 25 doubles, 3 triples, 56 HR, 132 RBI, 111 runs, 83 BB, 22 SB, 170 OPS+, 8.6 WAR
Second place- Jonathan Schoop, 2B, ALB (15): .328/ .366/ .595, 205 hits, 35 doubles, 44 HR, 118 RBI, 102 runs, 30 BB, 150 OPS+, 8.1 WAR
Third place- Gary Carter, C, CHA: .298/ .377/ .631, 150 hits, 21 doubles, 49 HR, 115 RBI, 100 runs, 62 BB, 1 SB, 160 OPS+, 7.9 WAR
Fourth place- Tommy McCraw, CF, LA (2): .348/ .411/ .518, 218 hits, 37 doubles, 6 triples, 19 HR, 83 RBI, 115 runs, 60 BB, 39 SB, 153 OPS+, 8.1 WAR
Fifth place- Ewell Blackwell, RHP, AUS (9): 20-1, 1.50 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 204 IP, 283 K, 48 BB, 303 ERA+, 9.4 WAR

Continental League Cy Young Award- Ewell Blackwell, AUS (43): 20-1, 1.50 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 204 IP, 283 K, 48 BB, 303 ERA+, 9.4 WAR
Second place- Whit Wyatt, NOR (4): 17-7, 2.29 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 228 IP, 325 K, 39 BB, 200 ERA+, 9.6 WAR
Third place- Whitey Ford, LA (1): 19-6, 1.99 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 217 IP, 286 K, 39 BB, 225 ERA+, 8.9 WAR
Fourth place- Wilson Alvarez, OKC: 21-5, 2.30 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 223 IP, 209 K, 70 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 201 ERA+, 5.8 WAR
Fifth place- Carl Hubbell, SA: 17-10, 2.16 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 229 IP, 346 K, 25 BB, 2 CG, 200 ERA+, 8.5 WAR

Continental League Rookie of the Year- Tommy McCraw, CF, LA (37): .348/ .411/ .518, 218 hits, 37 doubles, 6 triples, 19 HR, 83 RBI, 115 runs, 60 BB, 39 SB, 153 OPS+, 8.1 WAR
Second place- Casey Stengel, RF, CHA (10): .317/ .390/ .617, 182 hits, 43 doubles, 8 triples, 38 HR, 93 RBI, 116 runs, 66 BB, 36 SB, 161 OPS+, 7.5 WAR
Third place- Bob Hazle, LF, ALB (1): .303/ .361/ .606, 170 hits, 44 doubles, 42 HR, 102 RBI, 102 runs, 42 BB, 1 SB, 151 OPS+, 5.7 WAR

Top draft picks: 1. Joe Harris, 1B, Hartford Huskies
2. Tom Seaver, RHP, Dallas Wildcatters
3. Bubbles Hargrave, C, Seattle Whales
4. Jimmy Johnston, CF, Minneapolis Penguins
5. Snuffy Stirnweiss, SS/2B, Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas
6. Larry Gardner, 3B, Ottawa Parliamentarians
7. Vern Stephens, SS, Jacksonville Gulls
8. Freddie Lindstrom, 2B/ 3B, Virginia Beach Admirals
9. Damion Easley, 3B/ 2B, Montreal Knights
10. Bobby Doerr, 2B, Kansas City Mad Hatters

Dukie98 · 09-07-2020, 01:07 AM

The 2058 Hall of Fame ballot remained congested, as seven strong first-year candidates joined a ballot with 10 returning candidates who drew at least 40% last year. Once again, the many candidates appeared to cannibalize each other's votes. Only two candidates topped the 75% threshold - 6-time batting champ and 2-time MVP George Sisler drew 90.5% of the vote, and two-time ERA champion Jose Rijo received 83.6%.

Sisler was drafted 2nd overall by the Oklahoma City Otters following the 2039 season, and he spent his entire career in an Otters uniform. As a 21-year-old rookie, Sisler finished as the runner-up in the 2040 Rookie of the Year voting, hitting .333 with 31 homers, 104 RBI's, 128 runs scored, and 68 steals. In his sophomore campaign, Sisler hit .362 and slugged .608, smacking 51 doubles, 8 triples, 21 homers, knocking in 104 runs and swiping 56 of 63 bags. In 2042, Sisler hit .356 and slugged .550, drilling 56 doubles, 22 homers, driving in 110 runs, scoring 120, and stealing 64 of 70 bases. Sisler won his first batting title in 2043, posting a .387/ .443/ .653 slash line, with 48 doubles, 27 round-trippers, 118 RBI's, 112 runs scored, and 58 steals. The following year, Sisler won his first MVP award, leading the league in both batting average and slugging percentage, as he batted .363 and slugged .674, blasting 48 doubles, 44 homers, drove in 133 runs, scored a league-high 139 runs, and stole 56 bases. He repeated as MVP in 2045, winning his third straight batting title, as he hit .367 and slugged .674 with a league-best 54 doubles, 39 homers, 133 RBI's, 129 runs scored, and swiped 56 bases, notching his fourth-straight season over 200 hits and leading the Otters to the World Series. Sisler missed 40 games in 2046 with a back injury and a concussion, but he didn't miss a beat offensively , hitting .358 and slugging .587, with 26 homers, 96 RBI's, 90 runs scored, and 26 steals. He won his fourth batting title in five years in 2047, posting a .381/ .455/ .548 slash line, but slipping to 14 homers, while scoring a league-high 126 runs and stealing 46 bases. Sisler finished as MVP runner-up in 2048, winning his fifth batting title by hitting .353, and he also led the league in hits (229), runs (147), RBI's (161), and doubles (50), while smacking 32 homers and swiping 41 bases. Sisler hit between .335 and .339 in each of the next three seasons, while averaging 22 homers per season and peaking with 132 RBI's in 2050. In 2052, Sisler hit .345, led the league with 225 hits, smacked 47 doubles, 27 homers, drove in 118 runs, scored 112, and stole 16 bases. The following year, he hit .313 with 44 doubles, 29 homers, 116 RBI's, and 105 runs scored. Sisler had one last hurrah in 2054, winning his sixth batting title by hitting a franchise-record .390 and slugging .622, with 46 doubles, 26 longballs, 111 RBI's, and 113 runs scored. His power collapsed the following season -- although he hit .309, he slugged a modest .395, with just 4 homers and 53 RBI's and retired after the season. For his career, he posted a .351/ .400/ .562 slash line, notching 3384 hits, 703 doubles, 60 triples, 407 homers, 1768 RBI's, 1844 runs scored, 798 walks, 584 steals, a 149 OPS+, and 87.7 WAR. At the time of his induction, Sisler sported the single highest career batting average in HRDL history. He also ranked 23rd all-time in hits and 20th in doubles, Sisler won six batting titles, led the Continental League five times in hits, four times in runs scored, three times in doubles, and once in slugging, on-base percentage, and RBI's. Sisler upped his game in the postseason, posting a .363 career average in 78 games, with 28 doubles, 11 homers, 51 RBI's, 70 runs scored, and 36 steals. Most notably, in leading the Otters to the 2045 World Series, Sisler hit .435 with 13 doubles, 6 homers, 22 RBI's, 29 runs scored, and 13 steals in 25 games, as he set a record with 47 hits in a single postseason. In addition to winning 2 MVP awards, Sisler made six All-Star teams, won six Silver Slugger awards, and five postseason series MVP awards in just thirteen series over six postseasons.

Rijo was drafted second overall by the Minneapolis Penguins following the 2034 season. He held his own as an 18-year-old rookie in 2035, going 8-11 with a 5.20 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP, fanning 175 batters in 170 innings. In his sophomore campaign, Rijo went 12-3 with a 3.05 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP in just 22 starts before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury. In 2037, he posted an 11-8 mark with a 3.28 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and fanned 210 batters, making his first of five All-Star teams. The next season, a hard-luck Rijo went just 15-12 despite a 2.44 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and 224 strikeouts, finishing second in the Cy Young Award voting. In 2039, he notched a 14-6 record with a 2.76 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and fanned 192 batters. After a mediocre 2040 campaign, he rebounded to go 15-12 with a 2.86 ERA and 1.06 WHIP iwith 219 strikeouts in 2014, finishing third in the Cy Young voting. The next season, Rijo posted a 13-8 mark, a 2.76 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and fanned 224 batters as he finished fourth in the Cy Young voting.
Following the 2042 season, Rijo signed with the London Werewolves in free agency. After four brilliant starts in April 2043, Rijo tore his UCL. But he returned even better than before, going 15-2 with a league-best 1.75 ERA, an 0.80 WHIP, and 217 strikeouts in 28 starts in 2044, with another third place finish in the Cy Young voting. In 2045, Rijo sported a 15-9 record with a 3.20 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and whiffed 239 batters, leading the Werewolves to a World Series title, posting a 4-1 mark with a 1.94 ERA in seven postseason starts. The following season, Rijo featured a 20-6 record, a 2.30 ERA, an 0.98 WHIP, while fanning 217 batters. He suffered from injury-shortened seasons in both 2047 and 2048, going a combined 15-16, and signed with the Las Vegas Aces following the 2048 season. Rijo had a brilliant first season in Las Vegas, going 16-8 with a league-leading 1.86 ERA and an 0.90 WHIP, finishing fourth in the MVP voting. In 2050, Rijo overcame shoulder tendinitis to post a 14-5 mark with a 1.66 ERA and an 0.84 WHIP in 141 innings, and led the Aces to a World Series title, posting a 2.45 ERA in five postseason starts. Rijo spent five more seasons in Las Vegas, where he was burdened by nagging injuries and limited run support, culminating in a 4-8 record in 2053 despite a sparkling 2.26 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 21 games. In those five years, Rijo was limited to 72 starts, never making more than 21 in any single season. He retired following the 2055 season, where he was limited to just 13 starts due to back and elbow injuries. For his career, Rijo posted a 210-135 record with a 2.86 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, 3177 strikeouts (ranking 25th all-tine), a 163 ERA+, and 85.8 WAR. A five-time All-Star, Rijo won two ERA titles and led two teams to World Series titles. In 33 starts over nine postseasons, he posted a 10-9 record with a 2.96 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and fanned 186 batters in 183 innings.

Leading vote recipients include:

George Sisler, 1B, OKC: 90.5%
Jose Rijo, RHP, MIN/ LON/ LV: 83.6%
Bill Madlock, 3B, PIT/ LON/ DEN/ BAL: 68.4%
Tommy Davis, LF, NOR: 68.0%
Joe Adcock, 1B/DH, SF/ BIR/ DEN/ DET/ MIA/ STL/ BOS/ ALB: 68.0%
Mark Teixeira, 1B, CHA/ DET/ ATL/ PHO/ SD: 66.2%
Carlos Guillen, 2B/ SS/ 3B, PHO/ CHA/ LV: 65.8%
Jim Wynn, RF, OMA/ CHI/ JAX: 60.0%
Bob Bescher, LF, OKC/ OMA/ ANA/ NAS: 57.5%
David Price, LHP, CON/ CHA/ ELP/ NY/ NAS: 53.5%
Garry Maddox, CF, HOU/ CHA: 53.1%
Paul Derringer, RHP, STL/ DET/ KC/ MIN/ AUS/ JAX/ SD: 51.6%

Notable players who fell off the ballot include Tommy Davis, whose 3649 hits ranked ninth all-time; left fielder Bob Bescher who sported a career .420 on-base percentage and scored 2021 runs, ranking 11th all-time in each category; three-time home run champion Darryl Strawberry, who slugged 501 career homers, including a single-season record of 64 homers in 2036; and left fielder Kevin McReynolds, who slammed 470 career homers and posted six 100-RBI seasons. Davis, Bescher, and Strawberry all saw their eligibility expire after ten seasons on the ballot- nearly all of which garnered over 50% of the vote.

Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers:

Dukie98 · 09-15-2020, 02:59 AM

Here are some of the major storylines from across the league at the 2059 All Star break:

Exceeding expectations: The Denver Spikes, coming off a 78-win season, looked like a lock to snap a 9-year playoff drought, going 48-26 in the first half. Denver featured an explosive offense, which led the Frontier League in runs scored and batting average, and ranked fourth in homers. Left fielder Ron Gant had a brilliant sophomore campaign, taking a .318 average and .703 slugging percentage into the break, including 32 homers and an incredible 78 RBI's in 73 games, along with 21 steals. Third baseman Al Dark hit .319 and slugged .539, ripping 17 homers and plating 51 runs. Second sacker Danny O'Connell hit .332 with 20 doubles, 11 homers, 46 RBI's, and 51 runs scored. Southpaw Bruce Robbins was one of the few bright spots of a mediocre pitching staff, going 7-3 with a 3.08 ERA, an 0.93 WHIP, and 117 strikeouts in just 96 innings. Closer Rocky Biddle posted 16 saves with a solid 2.54 ERA. The Omaha Falcons soared into playoff contention after a 74-win campaign last year, coupled with three straight seasons of 100+ losses immediately beforehand, going 40-34, just 3 games out of first place. Left fielder Charlie Keller was finally healthy after three injury-riddled seasons, and he posted a .327/ .430/ .714 slash line, with 21 doubles, 26 homers, and 71 RBI's. Right fielder Lyman Bostock hit .328 with 30 doubles, 9 homers, 25 RBI's, and 62 runs scored. Righthander Rick Reuschel posted a 9-4 mark with a 2.60 ERA, an 0.89 WHIP, and an incredible 128:11 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Veteran southpaw Bill Wight posted a middling 6-8 mark, but sported a 3.19 ERA.

In the Continental League, the San Antonio Marksmen, who won 78 games last year, looked to snap an eight-year streak of sub-.500 finishes, taking a 39-35 record into the half. Catcher Mike Piazza starred, hitting .370 and slugging .687, with 24 homers and 64 RBI's in 65 games. Right fielder Ripper Collins hit .308 with a league-high 31 homers and 66 RBI's. Shortstop Jhonny Peralta hit .300 and slugged .542, smacking 12 homers and 5 triples, while driving in 41 runs in just 63 games. Ace Carl Hubbell was the lone bright spot in an otherwise weak rotation, going 8-3 with a 2.14 ERA, an 0.85 WHIP, and 150 strikeouts in just 105 innings. The El Paso Armadillos, traditionally a postseason fixture, rebounded from a .500 season last year to go 46-28, taking a 5-game lead into the break. Rookie center fielder Samuel Byrd led the way offensively, hitting .272 with 15 homers and 52 RBI's. Veteran shortstop Joe Tinker provided unexpected pop, hitting just .250, but smacking 9 longballs and driving in 36 runs while swiping 10 bags. The Armadillos ranked fifth in the league in runs allowed, led by southpaw Ed Brandt, who went 7-3 with a 3.00 ERA and an 0.94 WHIP. Veteran Cy Morgan posted a 6-1 mark with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. El Paso's bullpen combined for a league-best 3.18 ERA.

Disappointments: The Baltimore Robins' streak of five straight playoff spots was in grave jeopardy, after they stumbled to a 30-44 first-half record, entering the break in fifth place. While Baltimore's offense remained potent, ranking sixth in the league in runs scored and second in homers, its pitching collapsed to the worst in the Frontier League. Offensively, the lone disappointment was free agent catcher Cliff Lee, who hit .201 with 8 homers and just 20 RBI's in 65 games. Denny Galehouse, an 18-game winner last season, went just 1-2 in 9 starts, and his ERA nearly tripled to 5.70. Southpaw Bob Weiland stumbled to a 4-8 mark with a 6.75 ERa and a 1.54 WHIP, surrendering an incredible 26 homers in just 75 innings. The Cleveland Rocks, who won 95 games last season, dug themselves into a 1-18 hole, including an incredible 17-game losing streak, as they ended the half in last place with a 28-45 record. Cleveland struggled offensively, ending the half ranked 22nd in the league in homers and 20th in batting average. Shortstop Arnold Hauser, who hit over .300 in each of the past two seasons, hit a meager .204, scoring just 31 runs from the leadoff slot in 70 games. Left fielder Jacoby Ellsbury hit a modest .234 with just one longball and 17 RBI's in 67 games, slipping from 30 steals to just 5. On the mound, southpaw Lou Brissie slipped from winning 14 games last year with a sparkling 1.97 ERA to a 2-8 mark with a 5.30 ERA and a bloated 1.49 WHIP. Longtime ace Jimmy Dygert notched an 0-3 mark in 7 starts with a 4.32 ERA and a hefty 1.65 WHIP.

In the Continental League, the Charlotte Aviators collapsed after a 77-win season, going just 24-50, and entering the break 30 games out of first place. While the Aviators maintained their traditionally powerful offense, ranking fourth in the league in homers, their pitching ranked dead last in the league. Veteran shortstop JJ Hardy struggled, hitting just .200 with a pair of longballs and 11 RBI's in 52 games. Although right fielder Casey Stengel, last year's Rookie of the Year, continued to hit for power, his batting average dropped 60 points from last year. On the mound, Nate Robertson saw his ERA jump by two runs to 4.74, and his WHIP increased from 0.94 to 1.27. Free agent signee Barry Latman was a disaster, going 2-7 with an 8.85 ERA and a 2.22 WHIP, walking 49 hitters and yielding 17 homers in just 59 innings. Charlotte's bullpen was an unmitigated disaster: six different pitchers yielded ERA's over 10, and Bruno Haas posted a 9.90 ERA in 40 innings with a 2.75 WHIP. The Memphis River Pirates looked to return to the playoffs after last year's end-of-the-season collapse culminated in a one-game playoff loss, but they notched a 28-45 record, ending the first half in last place. Although Frank Schulte and Troy Glaus combined for 48 first-half homers, Memphis ended the half ranked 21st in the league in runs scored. Right fielder Warren Cromartie hit just .198 with a lone dinger and 7 RBI's in 207 at bats. First baseman Jorge Cantu hit just .243 with a .286 on-base percentage, with 12 longballs and only 31 RBI's and 23 runs scored. On the mound, lefthander Bob Knepper suffered a torn rotator cuff in mid-April, ending his season after four starts. Righthander Ivan Nova, who won 13 games last year with a 3.11 ERA, struggled to a 2-5 record with a 5.52 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Reliever John Raleigh, who saved 39 games with a 1.50 ERA as a rookie last year, saw his ERA soar to 6.55 and his WHIP more than doubled to 2.00, as he lost his closer position.

Knight Moves: There was no better story in baseball than the strong start of the Montreal Knights, who had not made the playoffs in 26 years, and just once in the last 40 years. Montreal entered the break with a 44-30 mark, just 3 1/2 games behind Buffalo, thanks to a league-leading pitching staff. Montreal's largely anonymous offense was led by right fielder Mike Brown, who hit .278 with 11 homers and 31 RBI's in just 58 games. Catcher Charlie Berry hit .279 with 6 dingers and 28 RBI's. Righthander Guy Morton looked to improve on his stellar rookie season, going 7-2 with a 1.88 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and 133 strikeouts. Southpaw Jim Deshaies improved on a disastrous 1-11 campaign to post a 9-2 first-half mark with a 2.88 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP, fanning 135 in 100 innings. Hard-luck southpaw Billy Hoeft went just 4-6 despite a 3.09 ERA and an 0.79 WHIP Closer Shohei Ohtani notched 20 saves with a 3.03 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP.

Catcher Carousel: The offseason saw several of the HRDL's best catchers switch squads in free agency. Six-time All-Star Carlton Fisk jumped from the hapless Ottawa Parliamentarians to the San Francisco Longshoremen, only to see Ottawa finish the first half above .500 and on the fringe of the wild card race. Austin backstop Hank Gowdy moved across the Lone Star State to their rival Houston Pythons. But Austin filled the void, signing eight-time All-Star Yogi Berra from Anaheim. In turn, Anaheim imported Sandy Alomar, Jr. from San Antonio. Omaha's playoff push was fueled by signing Matt Wieters from Miami.

Major milestones: Oklahoma City shortstop Jim Fregosi, New Orleans shortstop Alan Trammell, and Jacksonville center fielder Matt Kemp each joined the 2,500 hit club. Toronto right fielder Dwight Evans drilled his 600th career dinger. Buffalo third baseman Alex Bregman, New York right fielder Tony Oliva, and Jacksonville right fielder Tom Brunansky each launched their 400th career homer. Toronto righthander Addie Joss notched his 3,000th career strikeout. Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Pittsburgh first baseman John Olerud was likely to smack his 3,000th hit by August. Oliva was about 3 weeks away from drilling his 2,500th hit. Memphis third baseman Troy Glaus, with a strong second half, would hit his 500th homer by the end of the season.

Major injuries: Atlanta righthander Bret Saberhagen missed the entire first half as he recovered from elbow surgery, and he was expected to return in August. Dallas righthander Tom Seaver, the #2 pick in the draft, tore his UCL after ten starts, ending his season. Buffalo first baseman Will Clark broke his wrist in late May, knocking him out of commission until mid-July. Philadelphia righthander Walter Johnson suffered shoulder inflammation in late May, and he was not expected to return until September. Austin shortstop Arky Vaughan suffered a concussion in early June, sidelining him until late July. Calgary right fielder Ellis Valentine tore his hamstring in late May, knocking him out of service until mid-July. Denver southpaw Vinegar Bend Mizell tore his labrum after three starts, likely sidelining him until September. Virginia Beach righthander Adam Wainwright tore an elbow tendon shortly before the All-Star break, and he was not expected to return until next spring.
Anaheim catcher Sandy Alomar, Jr. broke his wrist around Memorial Day, knocking himself out of service for a month. Phoenix right fielder Derek Bell tore his PCL in late April, and he was not expected to return until the playoffs, at the earliest. Cleveland righthander Lynn McGlothen had elbow surgery in May, ending his season prematurely. Las Vegas righthander Len Barker tore an elbow tendon in spring training, ending his season. London shortstop Zack Cozart tore his PCL in early June, bringing his season to an early end. San Diego righthander Atley Donald tore his UCL in his second start of the year, ending his season abruptly. A torn rotator cuff ended the season of Toronto hurler Carl Lundgren.

Dukie98 · 09-19-2020, 09:59 PM

Frontier League: The Buffalo Fighting Elk returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence, winning 102 games thanks to the top offense in baseball. Buffalo set franchise records with 1049 runs scored and 260 homers, led by left fielder Juan Soto, who posted a .333/ .450/ .639 slash line with 47 homers, leading the league with 157 runs scored and 149 RBI's, as well as 127 walks. Shortstop Jorge Polanco hit .349 and slugged .575, with 26 homers, 11 triples, 113 RBI's, and 121 runs scored. Right fielder Pete Incaviglia had a breakout season, hitting .293 and slugging .599, with 34 longballs and 130 RBI's. Catcher Gene Tenace smacked 36 dingers and knocked in 101 runs, while third baseman Alex Bregman hit .303 with 23 homers and 126 RBI's. Righthander Jesse Haines posted a 22-5 record, despite a modest 3.92 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. Veteran southpaw Mark Mulder crafted a 14-8 mark with a 4.41 ERA and a heft 1.48 WHIP. The Montreal Knights had a breakout season, jumping from 69 to 90 wins, earning their first playoff spot in 26 seasons, and just their second one in forty years. Right fielder Mike Brown led a meager Montreal offense, which finished just 19th in the Frontier League in runs scored, as he hit .276 with 28 homers and 82 RBI's. Shortstop Alex Gonzalez hit .302 and slugged .536, ripping 37 doubles, 15 homers, and knocking in 56 runs in just 91 games. Catcher Charlie Berry hit .282 with 13 longballs and 58 RBI's. The Knights featured a league-best pitching staff, allowing just 600 runs. Righthander Guy Morton starred, going 15-6 with a league-best 1.90 ERA and 0.86 WHIP, while fanning 309 batters. Righthander Jack Flaherty had a career season, going 13-4 with a 2.74 ERA, an 0.98 WHIP, and 260 strikeouts. Southpaw Jim Deshaies notched a 13-7 mark, along with a 2.95 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, while fanning 272 batters.

The Detroit Purple Gang rallied from a middling 24-23 start to take the Great Lakes Division title with 99 wins. Shortstop Leo Cardenas starred, hitting .338 and slugging .563, with 50 doubles, 28 round-trippers, 121 RBI's, and 101 runs scored. Left fielder Carl Crawford hit .318 and slugged .565, along with 40 doubles, 11 triples, 32 homers, 101 RBI's, 121 runs scored, and 40 steals. Third baseman Marcus Semien hit just .244, but blasted 29 longballs and knocked in 88 runs. Detroit's pitching staff ranked third in the league in runs allowed. Trevor Bauer posted a 17-6 mark, along with a 2.87 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and 259 strikeouts. Southpaw Paul Kilgus had a breakout season, going 17-4 with a 3.01 ERA, along with a 1.15 WHIP. Rookie closer Bo McLaughlin notched 19 saves, along with a 2.10 ERA, an 0.87 WHIP, and fanned 97 batters in just 64 innings. The Ottawa Parliamentarians improved by 29 wins to finish with 96 victories, including a 14-game winning streak in September, earning their first playoff spot in ten years. Second-year center fielder Mookie Betts was an MVP favorite, winning the batting title by hitting .361, and ripping 46 doubles, 44 homers, knocking in 136 runs, scoring 130 runs, and swiping 23 bases. Third baseman George Scott hit .316 and slugged .596, ripping 43 dingers and plating 129 runs. First baseman Jim Gentile hit .260, smacking 41 longballs and knocking in 95 runs. Second baseman Joe Gedeon hit .335 with 54 doubles and scored 78 runs. Ottawa's pitching staff ranked second in the league in runs allowed. Josh Johnson sported an 18-7 record with a 2.49 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and fanned 239 batters. Second-year southpaw Steve Trout went just 9-10, but sported a 2.73 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Rookie righthander Bob Groom notched a 12-5 record with a 3.01 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and fanned 222 batters. The Toronto Predators took the final wild card spot with 89 wins. Third baseman Doug Rader hit .263 with 36 longballs and 102 RBI's. Center fielder Earle Combs hit .327 with a .407 on-base percentage, smacking 38 doubles, 14 homers, driving in 61 runs and scoring 108. Veteran right fielder Dwight Evans launched 30 longballs and knocked in 94 runs. On the mound, Addie Joss posted an 11-4 record with a 2.75 ERA and an 0.97 WHIP. Defending Cy Young Award winner Bobo Newsom slipped to a 14-9 mark with a 3.54 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, and 268 strikeouts. Closer Joe Sambito notched a league-high 39 saves, yielding a 1.69 ERA and an 0.83 WHIP.

The St. Louis Pilots grossly overachieved, winning 93 games to take the Great Plains Division despite a meager +28 run margin. First baseman Fred McGriff hit .274 and slugged .549, ripping 43 homers, knocking in 99 runs, and scoring 97 runs. Veteran third baseman Jeff King smacked 37 dingers and drove in 89 runs. Right fielder Matt Mieske hit .289, smacking 29 homers and knocking in 74 runs. Righthander Jeff Niemann went 13-12 with a 3.45 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts. Mike Leake sported a 10-8 mark with a 3.23 ERA and an 0.99 WHIP. Star southpaw Vida Blue had an off-season, going 13-7 despite a mediocre 4.38 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 230 whiffs. The Chicago Mules contended for their first playoff spot in nine years, but fell just short, winning 87 games. Right fielder Roberto Clemente hit .332 and slugged .595, with 40 doubles, 37 homers, and 125 RBI's. Righthander Ryan Dempster went 14-10 with a 3.07 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and 239 strikeouts.

The Denver Spikes returned to the playoffs after a nine-year absence, winning 97 games due to a powerful, top-heavy offense. Denver finished second in the league in runs scored. Left fielder Ron Gant had a stellar sophomore campaign, hitting .287 with 57 homers, 139 RBI's, 139 runs scored, and 37 steals. First baseman Adam Dunn hit .264 and slugged .608, launching a league-high 58 homers, driving in 133 runs, and scoring 134. Third baseman Al Dark hit .316 with 45 doubles, 33 homers, 90 RBI's, and 120 runs scored. Second sacker Danny O'Connell hit .325 with 49 doubles, 20 homers, 88 RBI's, and 91 runs scored. Southpaw Bruce Robbins notched a 15-6 record with a 2.89 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and 240 strikeouts. Veteran George Johnson went 14-8 with a 4.95 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, but yielded a league-high 47 longballs. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers won 94 games, returning to the playoffs. Remarkably, all four wild-card spots were won by Canadian squads. Right fielder Ellis Valentine built on his brilliant rookie campaign, hitting .335 and slugging a league-high .692, ripping 49 homers and driving in 123 runs in just 128 games. Second sacker Bret Boone hit .332 and slugged .604, launching 38 longballs and driving in 112 runs. Catcher Brian Downing had a career year, hitting .303, smacking 33 round-trippers, and driving in 88 runs. Third baseman Eddie Mathews, a free agent signee, hit 42 homers and drove in 86 runs, but hit a disappointing .243. On the mound, Ed Whitson posted a 17-8 mark with a 3.83 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. Juan Guzman sported a 14-8 record with a 3.97 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and whiffed 228 batters.

Continental League: The Washington Ambassadors won a franchise-record 107 games, leading baseball with 294 longballs. Right fielder Fred Beck hit .302 and slugged .611, smacking 53 doubles, 46 homers, and knocked in a league-high 142 runs. DH Whitey Kurowski hit .283, drilling 42 longballs, driving in 108 runs and scoring 119 runs. Third baseman Mike Lowell starred, hitting .308 with 46 doubles, 38 dingers, and 102 RBI's. Southpaw Carl Weilman dominated, going 23-5 with a 2.12 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and fanning 291 batters. Roger Moret notched a 17-6 mark, along with a 3.97 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and fanned 215 batters. Randy Wolf sported a 13-5 mark, a 3.67 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, while whiffing 218 batters before suffering a season-ending elbow injury in late August. Washington barely held off the New York Emperors, who won 106 games. Star left fielder Tim Raines posted a .313/ .424/ .576 slash line, with 33 homers, 103 RBI's, a league-high 123 runs scored, and 53 steals. First baseman Hee Seop Choi hit .271 with 32 dingers and 114 RBI's. Ageless right fielder Tony Oliva hit .314 and slugged .548, rapping 22 homers and plating 80 runs in just 98 games. New York's pitching staff led the league in runs allowed, surrendering a franchise-low 605 runs. Southpaw Billy O'Dell went 22-5 with a 2.42 ERA, an 0.89 WHIP, 248 strikeouts, and hurled two no-hitters. Free agent signee Mike Hampton went 14-4 with a 3.06 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP with a 210 strikeouts. Righthander Ray Benge went 17-9 with a 3.86 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and fanned 225 batters.

The New Orleans Crawfish cruised to the Southeast Division title, winning 94 games. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .292 with 34 longballs, 112 RBI's, and 112 runs scored. Shortstop Alan Trammell hit .328 with 16 homers, 57 RBI's, 71 runs scored, and 24 steals in just 105 games before suffering a season-ending concussion. Right fielder Mitch Haniger bopped 30 homers and knocked in 101 runs. On the mound, Larry French sported a 16-6 record with a 2.35 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and whiffed 260 batters. Whit Wyatt went 16-8, yielding a 3.37 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP, while fanning 240 batters. The Miami Flamingos collapsed down the stretch, going 2-11 during the final two weeks of the season, as they slipped to 85 wins and missed the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. Left fielder Billy Williams won the batting title, hitting .349 with 84 extra-base hits, including 36 homers, 131 RBI's, and 111 runs scored. Ewell Blackwell posted a 13-9 mark, along with a 2.59 ERA, and 0.93 WHIP, and 240 strikeouts.

The Oklahoma City Otters won 91 games, taking the Texas Division by a game over El Paso. Veteran first baseman Cecil Cooper starred, hitting .331 and slugging .601, with 49 doubles, 35 homers, 111 RBI's, and 115 runs scored. Center fielder Vince DiMaggio hit .270 with 43 longballs, 127 RBI's, and 109 runs scored. Right fielder Jeromy Burnitz hit a modest .262, but blasted 41 homers and plated 118 runs. On the mound, Bob Kuzava sported a 12-6 mark with a 2.30 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. Southpaw Ariel Miranda went 15-13 with a 4.21 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP, and 222 strikeouts. The El Paso Armadillos led the division for most of the first half, but struggled during the second half, ultimately finishing second with 88 wins. El Paso overcame a subpar offense, which ranked twentieth in the league both in batting average and homers. Shortstop Joe Tinker was El Paso's best all-around player, hitting a modest .259 with 20 homers, 71 RBI's, and 22 steals. Center fielder Samuel Byrd hit .267 with 42 doubles, 31 homers, and 108 RBI's. The Armadillos rode a deep pitching staff to the postseason, led by Silvio Martinez, who went 13-8 with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Southpaw Ed Brandt notched a 14-10 mark with a 3.42 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Veteran groundballer Cy Morgan went just 11-12, but yielded a 3.58 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP, allowing just 12 homers in 216 innings.

The Phoenix Lizards ended the season on a blistering second-half run, going 53-15 after July 15, taking the Southwest Division by one game over Los Angeles with 107 wins. Phoenix led the Continental League with 956 runs scored and a team batting average of .282. DH Les Bell led the way, hitting .325 and slugging .622 with 35 homers and 128 RBI's. in just 125 games. Third baseman Mike Mowrey hit .322 with 56 doubles, 17 round-trippers, 80 RBI's, 107 runs scored, and 28 steals. Second sacker Aaron Ward hit .285 with 27 dingers, 96 RBI's, and 91 runs scored. On the mound, righthander Eddie Cicotte dominated, posting a 23-4 record, a league-best 1.73 ERA, an 0.90 WHIP, and fanned 252 batters, yielding just 11 homers in 224 innings. Kevin Millwood notched a 14-6 mark with a 3.22 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and whiffed 260 enemy batters. The Los Angeles Kangaroos won 106 games, ranking third in the league in runs scored and second in pitching. First baseman Tommy McCraw improved on his Rookie-of-the-Year 2058 campaign, hitting .330 and slugging .538 with 32 homers, 115 RBI's, 118 runs scored, and 39 steals. Second sacker Steve Sax smacked a career-high 15 homers while swiping 43 bases and scoring 106 runs, while batting .323. Third baseman Kelly Gruber and catcher Kyle Schwarber each topped 30 homers and 100 RBI's. On the mound, righthander Roy Sherid went 19-5 with a 2.81 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and 198 strikeouts. Hugh Bedient posted a 14-7 mark with a 2.89 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 218 strikeouts. Southpaw Whitey Ford notched a 12-5 record, along with a 3.39 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, while fanning 258 batters. Steady Sid Fernandez went 17-6 with a 3.90 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, and whiffed 269 batters. The San Diego Zookeepers won 11 of their final 13 games to seize the final wild card spot, earning their first playoff bid in five years. Right fielder Ellis Burks carried the Zookeepers to the postseason, hitting .338 and slugging .604, with 43 doubles, 37 homers, 125 RBI's, 105 runs scored, and 22 steals. Second-year first baseman Tony Perez hit .312 and slugged .616, drilling 36 homers and knocking home 118 runs in just 126 games. Catcher Lance Parrish popped 26 homers and drove in 67 runs. Righthander Jack Russell led a balanced pitching staff, going 15-9 with a 3.81 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. Veteran Dennis Martinez posted a modest 12-12 mark despite a 3.79 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and 188 strikeouts. Closer Hector Rondon notched 41 saves along with a 2.54 ERA and an 0.80 WHIP.

Dukie98 · 09-22-2020, 01:27 AM

Frontier League: Although the 89-win Toronto Predators were the last team in the playoff field, they dispatched the league-leading offense of the 102-win Buffalo Fighting Elk in six games. Toronto third baseman Doug Rader earned MVP honors, hitting .360 with 2 homers, 4 runs scored, and 8 RBI's. Center fielder Earle Combs hit .478 with 4 runs scored and 4 RBI's, rapping a series-high 11 hits. Right fielder Dwight Evans matched Rader, hitting .360 as well with 2 round-trippers and 4 RBI's. Fireballer Bobo Newsom went 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 19 strikeouts. Center fielder Stan Javier led Buffalo, hitting .429 with 4 doubles, a homer, and 3 runs scored, while Juan Soto hit .381 and plated 7 runs. The upstart Ottawa Parliamentarians easily disposed of the St. Louis Pilots in 5 games, holding St. Louis to exactly one run in all four victories. Ottawa center fielder Mookie Betts was tabbed MVP after hitting .524 with 2 homers, 5 RBI's, and 5 runs scored. Second baseman Joe Gedeon hit .450 with 4 doubles, 5 runs scored, and 2 RBI's. Catcher Paul LoDuca hit .381 with a round-tripper and 4 RBI's. Righthander Josh Johnson was brilliant, going 1-0 with 13 shutout innings, fanning 21 while yielding only 2 walks. Fred Hutchinson hurled 6.1 shutout innings in earning a Game 4 victory. First baseman Fred McGriff led St. Louis, hitting .400 with a solo homer. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers swept their division rival Denver Spikes, scoring 29 runs in four games. First baseman Bret Boone took home the hardware, hitting .417 with 3 longballs and 5 RBI's. Third baseman Eddie Mathews and right fielder Ellis Valentine also smashed 3 homers, as the Cattle Rustlers blasted 14 longballs in the four-game sweep. Closer Bryan Clark earned a win and a save, yielding just 1 run in 5.2 innings, fanning 9. Third baseman Al Dark led Denver, hitting .353 with 4 dingers and 6 RBI's in a losing effort. The Detroit Purple Gang ended the season of the overmatched Montreal Knights, outscoring Montreal 21-5 in a four-game sweep. Detroit first baseman Jim Hickman earned MVP honors, hitting .600 with 3 longballs and drove in 6 runs -- more than the entire Montreal squad. Left fielder Dee Gordon hit .364 with 3 doubles and 2 runs scored. Trevor Bauer hurled 7 shutout innings in a Game 1 victory, yielding just 2 hits while fanning 13 batters. Southpaw Paul Kilgus hurled 6.1 shutout innings in earning the win in Game 3.

In an inter-provincial matchup of division rivals, the Toronto Predators ousted the Ottawa Predators in five games. Toronto shortstop Billy Jurges hit .304 with 4 runs scored and 2 RBI's. Catcher Mike Scioscia hit .278 with 2 longballs and 5 RBI's, while right fielder Dwight Evans mashed 2 homers and knocked in 7 runs. Bill Monbouquette went 1-0, hurling 7 shutout innings, while Addie Joss fired 6 shutout innings in Game 2 but got a no-decision. Ottawa catcher Paul LoDuca took MVP honors in a losing effort, hitting .474 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers edged the Detroit Purple Gang in a 7-game classic, despite nearly blowing a 3-1 series lead. Calgary took Game 7 in 11 innings, as catcher Brian Downing made up for a dreadful postseason by smacking a two-run single in the top of the 11th, while Detroit righthander Dick Donovan made things interesting with an RBI double with 2 outs in the bottom of the 11th to cut the deficit to 6-5. Calgary infielder Bret Boone earned another MVP trophy, hitting a modest .259 while bashing 3 homers and knocking in 7 runs, including a 3-run blast in Game 7. Left fielder Bill Buckner hit .300 with a homer and 4 RBI's. Center fielder Ira Flagstead hit .269 with 2 longballs and 3 RBI's. Reliever Sid Monge starred, going 1-0 with 5 shutout innings, allowing just one hit. Shane Bieber earned the win in relief in Game 7, while posting a 2.84 ERA in 6.1 innings. First baseman Jim Hickman led Detroit, hitting .385 with a homer and 4 RBI's. Detroit southpaw Frank Fanovich was nearly perfect, allowing only a single walk in 7 hitless innings in relief, fanning 5. Calgary upended Toronto in five games in the League Championship Series, winning four straight after dropping Game One while yielding just 11 runs in the series. Left fielder Bill Buckner was selected MVP after hitting .348 with 3 homers and 4 runs scored. Shortstop Walt Weiss hit .364 with 3 doubles and 4 RBI's. Third baseman Eddie Mathews hit .316 with 2 longballs and 6 RBI's. Righthander Juan Guzman split 2 decisions, with a 1.64 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 11 innings. Reliever Victor Santos earned a win and a save in 4.2 perfect innings, fanning 5. Center fielder Earle Combs led Toronto, hitting .400 and driving in a run in a losing effort.

Continental League: The 88-win El Paso Armadillos unexpectedly jumped out to a 3-0 series lead over the 107-win Phoenix Lizards, but suffered a historic collapse, yielding 34 runs in losing the final four games. Phoenix left fielder David Justice was named MVP after hitting .370 with 5 doubles, a homer, 7 runs scored, and 10 RBI's. Second baseman Aaron Ward hit .360 with 3 homers and 6 RBI's. Catcher Ben Davis hit .333, popping 3 longballs and knocking in 5 runs. Although Kevin Millwood dropped his only decision, he posted a 3.38 ERA and fanned 17 in just 13 innings. The Armadillos launched 14 longballs in a losing effort, led by DH Al Simmons, who hit .310 with 5 homers and 7 RBI's, and first baseman Troy Neel, who hit .360 with 4 round-trippers and 11 RBI's. The New York Emperors ousted the Oklahoma City Otters in six games after jumping out to a 3-0 lead. Shortstop Edgar Renteria was tabbed MVP after hitting .414 with a homer and 4 RBI's. Catcher Joe Garagiola hit .375 with 2 round-trippers and knocked in 7 runs. Right fielder Mike Huff hit .333, popping a homer snd driving in 8 runs. Southpaw Billy O'Dell split two decisions, but posted a 2.02 ERA, fanning 15 batters in 13 innings. Shortstop Jim Fregosi led the Otters, hitting .381 with 2 homers, 4 RBI's, and 5 runs scored. The New Orleans Crawfish dominated the 106-win Los Angeles Kangaroos, prevailing in five games. Crawfish catcher Val Picinich was selected MVP after hitting .368 with 3 homers and 7 RBI's. Shortstop Felix Fermin hit .471 with 3 extra-base hits, knocking in and scoring 3 runs. Third baseman Woody English hit .368 and drove in 4 runs. Righthander Larry French went 2-0, posting a 1.38 ERA while fanning 16 batters without a walk in 13 innings. Carlos Martinez hurled 6.2 shutout innings in a Game 2 win, whiffing 8. Right fielder Wayne Comer led Los Angeles, hitting .333 with a pair of homers and 4 RBI's. The 107-win Washington Ambassadors needed to go the distance before ousting the pesky San Diego Zookeepers in seven games. Washington third baseman Mike Lowell took home the hardware, hitting .407 with 7 doubles, 2 homers, 4 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. Right fielder Fred Beck hit .290 with 6 longballs and 9 RBI's. Catcher Ivan Rodriguez hit .357 with 3 doubles, 2 dingers, 7 runs scored, and 5 RBI's. Southpaw Carl Weilman went 2-0, including a Game 7 win, with a 2.57 ERA and 19 strikeouts. First baseman Tony Perez led the Zookeepers, hitting .345 with 5 doubles, 2 homers, 5 runs scored, and 5 RBI's. Right fielder Ellis Burks hit .310 with 2 longballs and 5 RBI's.

In a Division Series matchup of the league's best offense and its best pitching staff, pitching prevailed, as the New York Emperors swept the Phoenix Lizards, holding Phoenix to just eight runs in the series. New York left fielder Tim Raines was tabbed MVP, hitting .438 with 6 steals and 2 runs scored. Second baseman Ray Durham hit .353 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI's. Southpaw Mike Hampton hurled 7 shutout innings in a Game 1 win, allowing just 2 hits. The Emperors' bullpen allowed just 2 runs in 14 innings, fanning 17. Left fielder Gene Richards was one of the lone bright spots for Phoenix, hitting .353 with a homer. The Crawfish locked down the explosive Ambassadors' offense, holding Washington to just 7 runs in 5 games. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .333 with a homer. and 4 runs scored. Left fielder Jarrod Dyson hit .348 with 5 runs scored and 2 RBI's. Veteran righthander Whit Wyatt took MVP honors, going 2-0 with an 0.61 ERA, whiffing 18 in 14 innings. Carlos Martinez went 1-0, hurling 6.2 shutout innings in a Game 3 win. Washington southpaw Carl Weilman provided the Ambassadors' lone bright spot, hurling 7 shutout innings of 2-hit ball in earning a Game 4 win. In the League Championship Series, New York nearly blew a 3-1 series lead, but held on to oust New Orleans in 7 games. Emperor second baseman Ray Durham earned MVP honors after hitting .267 with 2 homers, 6 runs scored, and 6 RBI's, including a 3-run blast to break open Game 7. Shortstop Edgar Renteria hit .281 with 4 RBI's and 5 runs scored. Righthander Ray Benge dominated, going 2-0 with an 0.66 ERA in 14 innings. Southpaw Mike Hampton went 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 14 innings. Six New Orleans regulars hit below .200 for the series, and shortstop Lee Tannehill was the only starter to top .240, as he hit .320 with 3 RBI's. Relief ace Syl Johnson was brilliant, going 1-0 with an 0.87 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 10.1 innings, including six perfect innings in Games 5 and 6.

World Series: The 106-win New York Emperors were mildly favored over the 94-win Calgary Cattle Rustlers. One of the major subplots for the series involved Calgary third baseman Eddie Mathews, who squared off against his onetime teammates after winning 3 MVP awards in the Big Apple. Calgary boasted an explosive, if oft-injured, offense and a middling pitching staff, while New York featured an above-average offense and a league-leading pitching staff.

Calgary jumped out to an early lead, winning Game 1 as Ed Whitson yielded just 1 hit in 7 shutout innings. Calgary center fielder Ira Flagstead homered twice and drive in three runs, while left fielder Jon Nunnally smacked a solo shot. Billy O'Dell took the loss, yielding 3 runs in 5.1 innings. New York managed only two singles by Edgar Renteria and Tim Raines. Game 2 proved to be no better for the Emperors, as Calgary won 6-1. Calgary's Juan Guzman dominated, allowing just 2 hits and fanning 11 in 6.1 shutout innings. Nunnally homered and doubled, while right fielder Ellis Valentine singled, doubled, and drove in 2 runs. Joe Johnson took the loss for New York, allowing 4 runs in 5 innings. Once again, Raines and Renteria mustered the only two hits for New York.

Calgary's starting pitching continued to dominate, as Russ Ortiz hurled six shutout innings, yielding just two hits, in a 6-3 victory. Nunnally and Brian Downing each smacked two-run homers. Eddie Mathews popped two hits, including a triple for Calgary. New York catcher Joe Garagiola popped a ninth-inning homer to put the Emperors on the board. Mike Hampton took the loss, allowing 4 runs and 7 hits in 4.2 innings. Calgary finished the sweep with Shane Bieber earning the win with 6 shutout innings in a 6-0 win, yielding just 3 hits. Valentine, left fielder Bill Buckner, and first baseman Bret Boone homered for Calgary. Raines smacked two hits and stole a base for New York. Ray Benge took the loss, allowing 6 runs in just 2.1 innings.

Remarkably, for the series, Calgary's starting pitchers surrendered just eight hits and no runs in 25.1 innings. With multiple dominant pitching performances, right fielder Ellis Valentine was tabbed MVP after hitting .467 with a homer and 5 RBI's. Nunnally hit .357 with 3 homers and 4 RBI's. Boone hit .364 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Raines led New York with a .286 average, and Garagiola had the lone extra-base hit for the Emperors in the series.

06-25-2020, 02:51 AM	#81
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2055 Hall of Fame Voting Once again, the Hall of Fame voting featured a glut of qualified candidates who topped 60% of the vote, but only two candidates topped the 75% threshold. Center fielder Al Oliver, a four-time hit king who notched 3193 career hits, drew 88.5% of the vote to earn induction on his first try. Left fielder Kal Daniels, a six-time All-Star and four-time stolen base champion, received 76.0% of the vote on his third ballot appearance. Although six other players topped 60% of the vote, no one else cleared 75%. Oliver was drafted third overall by the Cincinnati Spiders following the 2036 season. As a 20-year-old, he broke in with a bang, winning the Rookie of the Year unanimously in 2037 and finishing second in the MVP voting, as he hit .355 and slugged .648, leading the Frontier League with 231 hits and 57 doubles, while drilling 42 homers and knocking in 127 runs. In 2038, Oliver finished fourth in the MVP voting, hitting a team-record .384 and slugging .641, leading the league once again with 246 hits, as he smacked 60 doubles, 6 triples, 31 homers, knocked in 120 runs and scored 121 runs. The next year, Oliver hit .335 with a league-high 61 doubles, along with 29 homers, 106 RBI's, and 116 runs. In an injury-riddled 2040 campaign, Oliver hit .316 with 46 doubles, 19 homers, and 76 RBI's despite missing 36 games. He rebounded the following season to hit .315 with 54 doubles, 27 homers, 99 RBI's, and 107 runs scored. In 2042, Oliver hit .329, ripping 42 doubles, 27 homers, and plating 95 runs. Oliver hit .355 in 2043, leading the league once again with 231 hits, while smacking 58 doubles, 19 homers, 111 RBI's, and 92 runs scored. Oliver had a monster 2044 campaign, hitting .365 and slugging .610, popping 49 doubles, 34 homers, and a franchise-record 147 RBI's. Despite a productive 2045 season, Oliver was unexpectedly traded to Pittsburgh shortly before the trade deadline. He hit .312 with 34 homers and 112 RBI's, split between two teams. Following the season, he opted out of his contract and signed with the Virginia Beach Admirals. In his first season in the green and gold, Oliver hit .346 with 15 homers, 87 RBI's, and 106 runs scored. In 2047, he hit .343, leading the league with 223 hits, while drilling 31 dingers, driving in 101 runs, and scoring 113 runs. After another season hitting over .300 with 45 doubles, Oliver signed with the Portland Skunks before the 2049 campaign, where he switched from center field to being a full-time left fielder. In four seasons in Portland, he topped .290 three times, and in his final 2052 campaign, he launched 27 homers and knocked in 103 runs before retiring at age 35. Oliver posted a .326/ .370/ .539 slash line for his career, with 3193 hits, 740 doubles, 66 triples, 403 homers, 1623 RBI's, 1575 runs scored, 97 steals, and 84.0 WAR. He made 6 All-Star teams and won two Silver Slugger awards. After appearing in only one postseason series in his first 13 seasons, Oliver made the postseason in each of his last three seasons. For his career, he posted a modest .250 average in 47 postseason games, with 13 doubles, 6 homers, and 22 RBI's. Daniels was drafted third overall by the Kansas City Mad Hatters following the 2031 season. As a 21-year-old rookie, he hit .342 and slugged .534, ripping 13 homers, driving in 37 runs, scoring 60 runs, and swiping 50 bags in just 80 games. Daniels won the Frontier League MVP award in his sophomore 2033 campaign, hitting .354 with a league-best .472 on-base percentage and a .661 slugging percentage, hitting 41 doubles, 42 homers, 110 RBI's, scoring 135 runs, and stealing a league-high 73 bases. Daniels hit .315 the following season, leading the league with 68 steals while ripping 28 homers with 85 RBI's. In 2035, he hit .339 and slugged .594, drilling 35 dingers, knocking in 99 runs, scoring 130 runs, and leading the league for the third straight year with 63 steals. Daniels hit .313 in 2036, drilling 41 homers, knocking in a career-high 122 runs, scoring 117 runs, and stealing 43 bases. The next season, Daniels hit .317 with 37 homers, 106 RBI's, scored 133 runs, and lead the league once more with 67 steals in 78 attempts. After an off-year in 2038, he rebounded to hit .305 with a .438 on-base percentage, 32 homers, 81 RBI's, and 126 runs scored the next season. Daniels signed with the El Paso Armadillos as a free agent in the offseason. Although he hit just .260 in his first season in black and orange, he posted a .388 on-base percentage and drilled 29 homers and stole 29 bases in just 124 games. After another 100-run season in 2042, Daniels hit .326 with a .451 on-base percentage in 101 games in 2043, as El Paso won the World Series. After a solid if unspectacular 2044 campaign highlighted by a perfect 29-for-29 on the basepaths, he posted a .314/ .405/ .574 slash line in 2045, drilling 77 extra-base hits, including 33 homers, 106 RBI's, and 128 runs scored. That proved to be his last hurrah, as Daniels played six more seasons, never again topping .300, peaking at 21 homers and 85 runs scored over those last six seasons. He retired with a career slash line of .295/ .402/ .512, with 2701 hits, 527 doubles, 33 triples, 467 homers, 1481 RBI's, 1814 runs scored, 1607 walks, 601 steals, and 76.3 WAR. Daniels made six All-Star teams, and won three Silver Sluggers to go with his 2033 MVP award. In 118 career postseason games, he hit .267 and slugged .450, ripping 30 doubles, 14 homers, plating 55 runs and scoring 75 times. Leading vote recipients include: Al Oliver, CF, CIN/ PIT/ VB/ POR: 88.5% Kal Daniels, LF, KC/ ELP: 76.0% Bill Madlock, 3B, PIT/ LON/ DEN/ BAL: 68.1% Hal Kleine, RP, ANA/ DET/ ELP/ NOR: 66.0% Javy Lopez, C, MIN/ SA: 64.2% Tommy Davis, LF, NOR: 63.2% Darryl Strawberry, RF, BIR/ MIN: 61.5% Clyde Milan, LF, PHO/ BUF/ DET/ CHI: 60.1% Bob Bescher, LF, OKC/ OMA/ ANA/ NAS: 55.9% Cliff Floyd, LF, POR/ BOS/ NY/ CHA/ HAR: 55.6% Paul Derringer, RHP, STL/ DET/ KC/ MIN/ AUS/ JAX/ SD: 53.1% Joe Adcock, 1B, SF/ BIR/ DEN/ DET/ MIA/ STL/ BOS/ ALB: 51.7% Among the noteworthy candidates who were dropped from the ballot were shortstop Yoan Moncada, who combined 392 homers with 763 steals, but failed to gain induction in his tenth year on the ballot, 3,000 hit-club members center fielder Juan Beniquez and third baseman Buck Weaver, 447-homer hitter Ben Oglivie, and southpaw Ron Guidry, who posted a career 2.98 ERA. Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers: Attached Images

06-28-2020, 12:40 AM	#82
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2055 Hall of Fame: Veterans' Committee Every five years, the HRDL's Veteran's Committee reconvenes. As with past induction classes, the Committee could induct up to three players, provided that their eligibility expired at least five years earlier. The 2055 Veterans' Committee selected right fielder George "High Pockets" Kelly, who ranked 11th all-time in hits, eight-time All-Star catcher Elston Howard, and four-time Reliever of the Year Aroldis Chapman. Kelly was drafted 49th overall by the Toronto Predators in the supplemental first round, following the HRDL's inaugural 2011 season. He struggled as an 18-year-old rookie, hitting .231 and slugging .321, with just 6 homers and 51 RBI's in 156 games. After two more years of single-digit homers but progressively rising averages, Kelly had a breakout season in 2015, hitting .307 with 22 homers, 84 RBI's, and 19 steals. The following year, he hit .299 with 16 homers, 94 RBI's, and 24 steals. After an off-year, he had the finest all-around campaign of his career in 2018, making his first All-Star team as he hit .335 and slugged .530, with 30 homers, 92 RBI's, and 31 steals. He followed that up by hitting .316 in 2019 with 27 longballs and 107 RBI's -- the first of seven straight 100-RBI campaigns. The next year, he hit .303 with 35 round-trippers and 115 RBI's. After hitting .295 with 31 homers and 111 RBI's, Kelly had back-to-back campaigns of 37 homers, including 129 RBI's in 2022. Kelly hit .294 in 2024, but slipped to 17 homers, while still plating 107 runs. That proved to a be a one-year aberration: in 2025, Kelly rebounded to hit .319 with a league-best 35 homers and 106 RBI's. After two more seasons of topping 20 homers and 80 RBI's, Kelly left Toronto to sign with the Jacksonville Gulls in free agency. In his first season in blue and orange, he hit .302 with 24 homers and 108 RBI's. He posted a carbon copy of that campaign in 2029, hitting .300 with 26 homers and 105 RBI's. Kelly slipped to .274 with 21 homers in his final season in Jacksonville, signing with the Austin Mustangs before the 2031 season. Although he hit well in a half-season with Austin, he was traded to their division rival Dallas Wildcatters, where he smacked 17 homers, drove in 47 runs, and slugged .556 in just 64 games. Kelly led Dallas to their lone World Series appearance in franchise history, winning two playoff series MVP awards as he hit .374 and slugged .707, with 9 homers and 25 RBI's in 24 postseason games that year. Following that season, he signed with the Chicago Mules, where he struggled in part-time play, and he closed his career as a pinch-hitter for the Baltimore Robins, where he hit .333 with 4 homers in just 48 at bats in 2033. For his career, Kelly posted a .293/ .326/ .467 slash line, with 3578 hits (11th all-time), 549 doubles, 85 triples, 469 homers, 1913 RBI's (19th all-time), 1567 runs scored, 652 walks, 247 steals, a 121 OPS+, and 68.5 WAR. He made five All-Star teams and won a Silver Slugger award. In 83 postseason games -- nearly all in his thirties -- Kelly hit .305 and slugged .511, blasting 17 homers and knocking in 62 runs. Howard was drafted sixth overall by the Montreal Knights after the 2020 season. He had a strong season as a 25-year-old rookie in 2021, hitting .319 with 14 homers in 119 games. The following season, he made the All-Star team, hitting .298 and slugging .512, ripping 27 homers and knocking in 78 runs. The following year, Howard hit .299 with 40 homers and 83 RBI's in just 138 games. Howard's power dropped off precipitously, as he smacked just 12 homers in each of the next two seasons, despite hitting .309 and .292. In 2026, Howard hit .277 with 20 homers and 72 RBI's. Following the season, he left Montreal and signed with the Los Angeles Kangaroos. In his first season in Los Angeles, Howard hit .310 and slugged .496, ripping 19 homers (along with 10 triples), and driving in 88 runs. After hitting .293 with 16 homers and 82 RBI's in 2028, he hit .305 with 28 homers and 100 RBI's in just 129 games the following year. Howard hit .290 with 17 homers in 2030. In each of the next three years, Howard hit over .300 and slugged over .500, topping 20 homers each year and driving in a career-high 121 runs in 2032, and leading the Kangaroos to a 2033 World Series appearance. In the final two years of his career, his batting average declined, but he still showed solid power, smacking 19 homers and driving in 65 runs in just 87 games in 2035 before retiring at year's end. Remarkably durable, Howard spent only one stint on the disabled list in his 15-year career. Overall, he posted a .296/ .332/ .481 career slash line, with 2208 hits, 308 doubles, 77 triples, 309 homers, 1175 RBI's, 979 runs scored, 422 walks, 125 OPS+, and 63.0 WAR. Howard made eight All-Star teams, won four Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger award. In 55 postseason games over four seasons, he hit .310 with a .481 slugging percentage, with 21 extra-base hits, including 6 homers and 39 RBI's in 55 games. Chapman was selected 16th overall by the Ottawa Parliamentarians following the 2019 season. He struggled as a 21-year-old rookie in 2020, going 6-5 with 3 saves, a 5.64 ERA and a 1.72 WHIP, walking an incredible 70 batters in just 69 innings. The following year, Chapman was installed as Ottawa's closer, and he went 5-7 with 31 saves, a 3.60 ERA, and a bloated 1.63 WHIP. He posted an identical 5-7 mark in 2022, but slipped to 19 saves, as he sported a mediocre 3.80 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP. The following year, Chapman took the leap into stardom, posting the first of 6 straight seasons with an ERA below 2.20, as he went 4-4 with 37 saves, a 1.95 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP. In 2024, Chapman won his first Reliever of the Year award, going 6-4 with 38 saves, a 1.62 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and fanned 102 batters - the first of four straight seasons with at least 100 punchouts - and he didn't yield a single homer in 72 innings. The following year, Chapman went 4-3 with 31 saves, a 2.13 ERA, and a 1.10 ERA. In 2026, Chapman won his second Reliever of the Year Award, as he went 5-4 with a 1.28 ERA and an 0.94 ERA. The next season, Chapman went 3-4 with 37 saves, a a 1.47 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and a career-high 130 strikeouts in just 79 innings. Chapman won yet another Reliever of the Year award in 2028, as he went 2-2 with 33 saves, an 0.79 ERA, and an 0.97 WHIP, allowing just 7 earned runs and no homers in 80 innings. Following that season, Chapman signed with the Washington Ambassadors for the 2029 campaign, where he posted 31 saves and a 2.77 ERA. The following year, he won his fourth Reliever of the Year Award -- all in alternating even-numbered seasons -- posting 34 saves with a 1.57 ERA, an 0.83 WHIP, while fanning 97 batters in 69 innings. Chapman signed with the Portland Skunks following the 2030 season, and he won a World Series title in his first year in Portland, posting 30 saves along with a 2.32 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Chapman spent three more seasons in Portland as a middle reliever, notching a total of 14 saves before retiring unexpectedly after the 2034 season at age 35. For his career, Chapman sported a 52-54 record with 370 saves, a 2.47 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, 1234 strikeouts in just 1041 innings, a 209 career ERA+, and 38.3 WAR. He ranked 9th all-time in saves. He made six All-Star teams and won four Reliever of the Year Awards. Chapman posted a 1-0 record, 4 saves and a 3.12 ERA in 23 career postseason games. Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers: Attached Images

07-05-2020, 02:52 AM	#83
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2056 Mid-Year Review Here are the major storylines across the league at the 2056 All-Star break: Exceeding expectations: The Boston Minutemen, winners of just 66 games last year, entered the break with a 44-31 record, just a half game out of first place in the Northeast Division. Boston was led offensively by second baseman Chris Chambliss, who took a .330 average and a .519 slugging percentage into the break, including 22 doubles, 10 homers, and 49 RBI's. First baseman Ryan Klesko hit .292 and slugged .533, smashing 17 homers and knocking in 61 runs. Boston's pitching staff entered the break ranked third in the Frontier League in runs allowed, led by southpaw Randy Tomlin, who went 8-2 with a 1.90 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts. Veteran Ed Correa posted an 8-3 mark with a 2.09 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers bottomed out last season with just 50 wins, but they entered the break with a 38-35 record, tied for second place in the Northwest Division. Left fielder Bill Buckner hit .336 and slugged .554, ripping 21 doubles, 8 triples, 10 homers, 46 RBI's, and 61 runs scored. Utility infielder Jose Vizcaino hit .304 with 16 doubles. Rookie righthander Juan Guzman posted an 8-3 record with a 1.98 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 107 strikeouts. Southpaw Roy Hitt went 5-3 with a 3.40 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts. In the Continental League, the Memphis River Pirates had a breakout season. Although they won 89 games last year and remained in playoff contention until the final days of the season, they jumped out to a 50-13 start on their way to a 55-20 first half. Third baseman Troy Glaus hit a modest .261, but he slugged .582, ripping 26 homers and knocking in 56 runs. Center fielder Carlos Beltran hit .313 and slugged .582, rapping 15 homers, driving in 49 runs, and swiping 20 bags. Left fielder Frank Schulte hit .308, bashing 18 homers and knocking in 67 runs while scoring 60 runs. Memphis featured the stingiest pitching staff in the league, allowing just 250 runs in 75 games. Free agent signee Whit Wyatt went 7-5 with a 1.97 ERA, an 0.81 WHIP, and 125 strikeouts in 101 innings. Southpaw Bob Wieland was a perfect 11-0 with a 2.45 ERA, an 0.80 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts. The Dallas Wildcatters looked to snap a 14-year playoff drought, ending the break with a 47-28 record, leading the Texas Division. Despite ending the break ranked a modest 17th in the Continental League in homers, they led the league in batting average and runs scored. Free agent first baseman Ike Davis nearly doubled his batting average after a disastrous 2055 campaign with San Antonio, posting a .315/ .438/ .573 slash line, with 18 homers and 69 RBI's. Third baseman Evan Longoria, a free agent signee, hit .313 with 12 longballs and 53 RBI's. Left fielder Richie Scheinblum hit .319, blasting 10 dingers and driving in 48 runs while scoring 56. Ageless southpaw Woodie Fryman took a 7-2 record, a 3.43 ERA, and a 1.21 WHIP into the break. Jerry Robertson went 5-2 with a 2.71 ERA and an 0.95 WHIP. Disappointments: The Cincinnati Spiders won 93 games last year, making the playoffs for the third season in a row, but they stumbled to a 27-48 start. Left fielder Joe Medwick, who smacked 28 homers and 110 RBI's last year, popped just 5 homers and drove in 33 runs in 64 games before suffering a season-ending back injury. Center fielder Terry Puhl, who hit .327 with a .407 on-base percentage and 112 runs scored last year, slumped to hit .276 with a .347 on-base percentage and just 34 runs scored. Barney Wolfe, who won 11 games with a 3.01 ERA last year, went 0-4 with a 5.67 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP in six starts, averaging just 4.5 innings per start. The Spiders' bullpen ranked third-worst in the league, posting an abysmal 6.87 ERA. Manny Acosta, who sported a 3.18 ERA last year, went 1-2 with a ghastly 8.45 ERA and a 2.33 WHIP. The Milwaukee Raccoons were a surprise division winner last year with 90 victories, but they stumbled to a 31-43 start. Catcher Mickey Cochrane, who hit .320 and slugged .531 last year, hit just .278 with 3 homers and 12 RBI's in 43 games. Center fielder Nelson Mathews, who drilled 20 round-trippers and drove in 73 runs last year, hit just .199 with 4 homers and 24 RBI's in 73 games. Second-year hurler Pedro Martinez struggled to live up to his vast potential, going 0-4 in 9 starts with a 7.20 ERA and a 1.83 WHIP, allowing 10 homers in just 35 innings. Reliever Mark Petkovsek, who posted a 3.58 ERA last year as a rookie, yielded a bloated 6.64 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP, as Milwaukee's bullpen flirted with a teamwide ERA of 6.00. The Charlotte Aviators won 109 games last year, making the playoffs for the fifth season in a row, but they got off to a disastrous 19-31 start before rallying in June to enter the break with a 37-37 mark. Their traditionally powerful offense ranked just 19th in the Continental League in runs scored. Left fielder Fernando Tatis, who hit .291 with 34 homers and 105 RBI's last season, hit just .269 with 10 longballs and 37 RBI's. Third baseman Corey Koskie, who smacked 24 dingers and drove in 71 RBI's last year, slumped to hit just .207 with 3 homers and 21 RBI's in 58 games. Lon Warneke, last year's runner-up for the Cy Young Award, slipped to a modest 6-5 mark with a 3.90 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. Len Barker, who went 13-3 last year with a 3.15 ERA, saw his record slide to 4-5 while his ERA increased by over a run and a half to 4.71, allowing 14 homers in just 71 innings. The Virginia Beach Admirals, who went 80-82 last season, slipped to a disastrous 25-50 mark. Offensively, the Admirals slipped to rank 20th in the league in runs scored and 21st in homers. First baseman Mike Schmidt, an MVP candidate last year who hit .335 with 48 homers and 132 RBI's, slumped to hit just .266 with 14 homers and 48 RBI's. Second baseman Manny Lee hit a punchless .248, with a .298 on-base percentage and a .326 slugging percentage. Righthander Biff Schlitzer went a modest 5-5, and saw his ERA spike by nearly two runs per game to 4.23, with a 1.15 WHIP. Closer Hal White saw his ERA more than double, going 1-6 with 8 saves and a disastrous 8.36 ERA and a 2.36 WHIP, walking 29 hitters in 38 innings. Overall, the Admirals' bullpen posted a 7.36 ERA - among the worst in baseball. A Farewell to Arms: The 2056 season saw season-ending injuries striking down several of the most talented pitchers in baseball. Portland ace Walter Johnson was expected to miss the season after suffering a UCL tear in last season's World Series. Toronto fireballer Bill Monbouquette was sidelined with a UCL tear from last September that would likely knock him out of commission until the second half of 2057. New Orleans southpaw Warren Spahn went down with a shoulder injury three starts into the year that would likely knock him out until the playoffs. Birmingham southpaw Virgil Trucks tore an elbow ligament in April which ended his season prematurely. Minneapolis southpaw Greg Swindell didn't make it past Opening Day before tearing his UCL. Pittsburgh southpaw Larry McWilliams tore his labrum, ending his season. Remember the Alamo: The San Antonio Marksmen threatened the HRDL's record for the worst season in league history. San Antonio started the season 3-25, and winning just 10 of their first 66 games before rallying to enter the break with an abysmal 15-60 record, allowing at least 17 runs an incredible ten times. San Antonio allowed an embarrassing 679 runs - over nine per game - and their most effective pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez, was 0-7 with a 4.40 ERA. Their bullpen was almost certainly the worst in league history. Southeastern Stronghold: The Southeast Division proved to be the strongest in baseball, with multiple elite teams. The Miami Flamingos and Memphis River Pirates were neck-and-neck for the best record in baseball, with Miami taking a 12-game winning streak and a 56-19 record into the break, while Memphis was a game behind at 55-20. Despite major injuries to Warren Spahn and Alan Trammell, the New Orleans Crawfish sported the third-best record in baseball, going 51-24. The Nashville Blues, led by ace Mike Mussina and a breakout season from slugger Lance Berkman, posted a 45-30 mark. The fifth-place Birmingham Steelers flirted with a .600 record for two months, before entering the break with a solid 42-33 record. Only the hapless 25-50 Atlanta Ducks struggled. Big Mac Attack: Detroit first baseman Mark McGwire, a three-time MVP, was on pace for the finest season of his storied career. McGwire won the first-half triple crown, posting an incredible .399/ .530/ .849 slash line, as he based 35 homers and drove in 73 runs and posted a ridiculous 6.6 WAR in 72 games. He won the Player of the Month for both April and May, and was heavily favored for June. Major injuries: In addition to the season-ending injuries listed above, Las Vegas righthander Dave Goltz underwent surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow in late May, placing his season in jeopardy. Los Angeles center fielder Ray Lankford broke his kneecap in early April, ending his season. Milwaukee reliever Don McMahon broke his elbow, missing the entire first half, and sidelining him until September. Hartford first baseman Jim Hickman strained his hamstring in late May, sidelining him for a month. New Orleans shortstop Alan Trammell broke his elbow in early June, likely sidelining him until the playoffs. El Paso first baseman Casey Kotchman missed the first half with a torn back muscle. Philadelphia center fielder Mike Trout, having his best season in several years, suffered a season-ending broken elbow in mid-May. Cincinnati left fielder Joe Medwick was sidelined with a back injury in June, ending his season. Pittsburgh center fielder Earl Averill tore his labrum, sidelining him until late September. Vancouver catcher Jonathan Lucroy broke his kneecap in early June, ending his season. Major milestones: Virginia Beach first baseman Mike Schmidt smacked his 782nd career homer, setting the all-time career record. Detroit first baseman Mark McGwire, Albuquerque right fielder Vladimir Guerrero, and Toronto right fielder Dwight Evans each ripped their 500th homer. Charlotte right fielder Dave Winfield bashed his 400th homer. Schmidt drove in the 2000th run of his career. Baltimore righthander Jim Maloney and El Paso's Lefty Tyler each joined the 200-win club. Looking ahead to the second half, Los Angeles DH Charlie Gehringer and Pittsburgh first baseman John Olerud were likely to join the 2,500 hit club before the end of July. Schmidt was likely to hit his 800th homer by September. San Antonio DH Bob Horner and Hartford center fielder Willie Mays were likely to join the 600-homer club by the end of August. Buffalo righthander Bill Singer, after missing much of the first half with an elbow injury, was two victories away from 200.

07-17-2020, 01:04 AM	#84
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2056 Year in Review Frontier League: The Baltimore Robins won their second straight division title, taking the Northeast Division with 100 victories. Their balanced offense finished second in the league in runs scored, batting average, and homers, led by left fielder JD Martinez, who hit .361 and slugged .602, ripping 48 doubles, 31 homers, drove in 108 runs and scored 122 runs. Second baseman Billy Grabarkewitz hit .290 and slugged .563, drilling 37 homers, knocking in 113 runs, and scoring 101 runs. Third baseman Charlie Hayes had a breakout year, hitting .320 with 41 doubles, 22 homers, and plated 89 runs. Veteran righthander Jim Maloney posted a 13-4 mark, topping the 200-victory milestone, with a 2.81 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP. Silvio Martinez notched an 11-8 record with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. The Boston Minutemen, who won just 66 games last year, made the playoffs for the first time in 9 seasons, winning 91 games. Left fielder Jason Bay led a balanced offense, hitting .286 and slugging .536, with 31 round-trippers, 100 RBI's, and 108 runs scored. Infielder Chris Chambliss hit .299 with 21 longballs and 97 RBI's. Slugging first baseman Ryan Klesko hit .287 while popping 28 homers, scoring 110 runs, and driving in 96. Southpaw Randy Tomlin starred, going 16-4 with a 2.05 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP, despite missing September with a shoulder injury. Fireballer Ed Correa sported a 13-8 mark with a 3.56 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. Despite an 18-6 start, the Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas fell just short of the playoffs, winning 89 games but falling a game shy. Catcher Frankie Hayes starred, hitting .296 with 25 homers, 71 RBI's, and 88 runs scored. Righthander Fred Toney had a breakout year, going 16-6 with a 2.16 ERA, an 0.88 WHIP, and 207 strikeouts. The Detroit Purple Gang returned to the postseason after a rare one-season absence, taking the Great Lakes Division with 102 wins. Detroit led the league in nearly every offensive category, scoring 971 runs and bashing a franchise-record 233 homers. First baseman Mark McGwire flirted with a Triple Crown, posting a .338/ .483/ .711 slash line, with 63 homers, 147 RBI's, 150 walks and 149 runs scored. Left fielder Carl Crawford hit .327 and slugged .535, ripping 69 extra-base hits, including 25 homers, 114 RBI's, 123 runs scored, and 50 steals. Third baseman Marcus Simien hit .310, ripping 29 longballs and driving in 111 runs. Center fielder Whit Merrifield set the table, hitting .333 with 44 doubles, 15 homers, 89 RBI's, 118 runs scored, and swiped 31 bags. Fireballer Nolan Ryan went 14-5 at age 42 with a 2.97 ERA and an 0.98 WHIP. Southpaw Allen Watson posted a 12-6 mark with a 3.91 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. Closer Monty Stratton dominated, notching 43 saves with a 1.50 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and a tremendous 97-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The London Werewolves earned their fourth playoff bid in five years, winning 97 games. Third baseman Tony Batista and left fielder Gates Brown each smacked 36 homers, with Batista plating 130 runs and Brown knocking in 104. Shortstop Jonathan Villar hit .309 with a .429 on-base percentage, drilling 39 doubles, 22 homers, knocking in 98 runs while scoring 118 times. Steady right fielder Jack Tobin hit .311 with 22 dingers, 104 RBI's, and 90 runs scored. Southpaw John Candelaria posted a 12-1 mark in 25 starts, sporting a 2.18 ERA and an 0.82 WHIP. Workhorse Burleigh Grimes went 15-5 with a 2.38 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP, and 282 strikeouts. The Cleveland Rocks earned their third straight playoff spot, winning 96 games. Although center fielder Duke Snider hit a career-low .262, he set a career high with 43 homers and drove in 106 runs. Left fielder Kris Bryant posted a .345 /.444/ .607 slash line, blasting 30 longballs while driving in 97 runs and scoring 122 runs. Veteran catcher Ernie Lombardi had a career renaissance, hitting .308 with 26 homers and knocking in 102 runs. Southpaw Lew Brissie went 13-1 with a league-leading 1.34 ERA, an 0.74 WHIP, and 219 strikeouts. Jimmy Dygert continued to dominate, going 16-5 with a 1.97 ERA, an 0.79 WHIP, and 294 strikeouts. The Toronto Predators used a dominant pitching staff to overcome a subpar offense, winning 90 games. Right fielder Dwight Evans hit .303 and slugged .549, ripping 31 longballs, driving in 96 runs, and scoring 106 runs. First baseman Chris Johnson hit .330 with 53 doubles, 14 homers, and knocked in 80 runs. Despite a late-season swoon, Bobo Newsom notched a 16-9 record with a 2.04 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and a league-high 315 strikeouts. Dave Boswell sported a 12-6 mark with a 2.58 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 217 strikeouts. Buck O'Brien went just 11-11 despite a 2.91 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. The St. Louis Pilots snapped a streak of five straight sub-.500 seasons, coasting to the Great Plains Division title with 94 wins. The Pilots finished just 22nd in the league in runs scored, but relied on a dominant pitching staff, which allowed just 518 runs - a franchise low. Third baseman Paul Schaal hit .318 with a .417 on-base percentage, smacking in 15 homers and driving in 60 runs. Left fielder Tillie Walker hit just .262, but slugged .569, smashing 37 homers in just 115 games, while driving in 77 runs. Southpaw Vida Blue went 12-8 with a 2.79 ERA, an 0.98 WHIP, fanning 246 hitters. Danny Macfayden notched a 12-4 record with a 2.21 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Swingman Wilson Alvarez starred, going 13-8 with 5 saves, posting a 1.65 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP in 148 innings. Closer Scott Radinsky saved 40 games while yielding a 2.78 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. The Vancouver Viceroys won 102 games to make the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, cruising to the Northwest Division title. Left fielder Willie McCovey hit .278 and slugged .530, drilling 37 dingers, knocking in 95 runs, while scoring 106. Free agent signee Grady Sizemore hit .274, bashing 37 homers, knocking in 94 runs, scoring 105 and stealing 20 bases. Shortstop Jorge Polanco hit .297 with 42 doubles, 19 homers, 77 RBI's, and 113 runs scored. Vancouver finished third in the league in runs allowed, as four starters posted ERA's below 3.00. Livan Hernandez led the way, going 15-9 with a 2.48 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, while fanning 199 batters. Journeyman Bill Bonham sported a 12-7 mark with a 2.41 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and 197 strikeouts. John Tudor posted a 12-5 record with a 2.85 ERA, an 0.99 WHIP, and fanned 200 hitters. Continental League: In the most dramatic pennant race in years, the Charlotte Aviators overcame a disastrous 19-31 start to catch the New York Emperors on the final day of the season, taking the Atlantic Division title with 92 wins. Charlotte won 10 of their final 11 games, including a 3-game sweep of Nashville -- all by one run. Charlotte tied New York on the next-to-last day of the year with a 12-inning victory, and scored 4 runs in the bottom of the ninth inning of the final game, winning 8-7, as Ozzie Albies belted a 2-run double to clinch the division title. Right fielder Dave Winfield hit .320 and slugged .547, ripping 39 doubles, 33 homers, and drove in 107 runs, swiping 23 bags. DH Dick Stuart hit .317 and slugged .637, launching 38 homers and driving in 98 runs in just 114 games. First baseman Cecil Cooper hit .293 and slugged .558, launching 45 doubles, 28 homers, and drove in 73 runs in just 121 games. Righthander Jeff Niemann went 12-4 with a 2.60 ERA and an 0.99 WHIP. Lon Warneke sported a 12-7 mark with a 3.68 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 249 strikeouts. Veteran Len Barker notched an 11-5 record with a 3.75 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, while fanning 186 enemy batters. The New York Emperors earned 91 victories, but lost their final four games to fall one game short. Third baseman Eddie Mathews hit .291 and slugged .554, ripping 37 homers, driving in 110 runs, and drawing 137 walks. Southpaw Willie Mitchell led a middling staff, going 10-10 with a 3.35 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. The Miami Flamingos won a franchise-record 112 games, including a blistering 20-1 stretch in May. Right fielder Billy Williams hit .302 and slugged .599, crushing 47 homers, plating 132 runs and scoring 117. First baseman Miguel Sano hit .302, ripping 35 longballs and driving in 113 runs. DH Dusty Baker hit a modest .276, but blasted 40 homers and drove in 97 runs while scoring 128 runs. Left fielder Mark Carreon hit. 297, drilling 36 dingers while knocking in 114 runs. Miami's deep pitching staff allowed the fewest runs in the league, led by Tom Bradley, who went 16-8 with a 3.02 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, while fanning 229 batters. Closer Jose Garcia earned 6 wins and 38 saves, posting a 1.77 ERA while fanning 97 batters in 76 innings. The New Orleans Crawfish topped 100 wins for the third straight year, winning 105 games, despite losing star southpaw Warren Spahn for the year in April and shortstop Alan Trammell in May. DH Don Mincher hit .278 with 38 longballs and 126 RBI's. Catcher Gene Tenace hit .286 with 30 homers, 92 runs scored, and 92 RBI's. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .300, launching 42 doubles, 23 homers, and driving in 119 runs. Righthander Dustin Hermanson successfully moved from the bullpen to the rotation, going 13-6 with a 2.04 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and 198 strikeouts. Syl Johnson posted an 11-9 mark with a 3.03 ERA, an 0.93 WHIP, and 238 strikeouts. The Memphis River Pirates started the season on fire, jumping out to a 57-20 record through June, but slowed down in the second half, finishing with 99 wins. Third baseman Troy Glaus slugged .566, bashing 49 homers and knocking in 111 runs. Left fielder Frank Schulte hit .307 and slugged .615, rapping 96 extra-base hits, including 34 homers, 114 RBI's, and 111 runs scored. Center fielder Carlos Beltran hit .297 with 26 homers, 10 triples, 77 RBI's, and 27 steals. Veteran righthander Whit Wyatt had a career year, going 16-9 with a 2.12 ERA, an 0.82 WHIP, and 280 strikeouts. Southpaw Bob Weiland won his first 11 decisions on his way to an 18-3 mark with a 3.14 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP. Ivan Nova sported a 12-5 record with a 3.26 ERA and an 0.99 WHIP, but tore his rotator cuff in his final start of the season. The Austin Mustangs came out of nowhere to win a franchise-best 99 games, including a 38-11 stretch in August and September with a 13-game winning streak, to take the Texas Division. Left fielder Al Simmons hit .322 and slugged .565, ripping 30 homers and knocking in 110 runs in just 128 games. Shortstop Arky Vaughan hit .318 with a .409 on-base percentage, rapping 18 longballs, knocking in 103 runs, and scoring 114 times. Right fielder Leon Roberts hit .294, drilling 26 dingers while plating 108 runs. Righthander Ewell Blackwell starred, going 17-4 with a 1.99 ERA, an 0.89 WHIP, and 296 strikeouts, smashing the franchise records in the latter three categories. Southpaw Matthew Boyd had a breakout year, going 12-7 with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. Jerry Koosman posted a 13-9 mark with a 4.27 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. The Oklahoma City Otters overcame the retirement of longtime star first baseman George Sisler to win 95 games. Right fielder Jeromy Burnitz led the way, hitting .296 and slugging .602, pounding 43 doubles, 42 homers, and driving in 126 runs. Free agent signee Hack Wilson hit .294 and launched 30 longballs while driving in 95 runs. Veteran shortstop Jim Fregosi hit .299 with 17 homers and 84 RBI's. Lefty Angel Miranda went 16-7 with a 3.56 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Hard-luck John Smiley went just 7-10 despite a 3.56 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. An eight-game losing streak in the final two weeks of the season doomed the El Paso Armadillos, who led the division for most of the season, but fell short of a playoff slot with 93 wins -- likely the most in league history for a non-playoff squad. Roberto Clemente starred, winning the batting title with a .382 average, along with 29 homers, 120 RBI's, and 141 runs scored, and his 265 hits were the second-most all-time for a single season. Stephen Strasburg notched an 11-5 record with a 2.54 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. The Phoenix Lizards won the Southwest Division with 108 wins, led by a league-leading offense with a teamwide .302 average. First baseman Frank Thomas hit .306 with a .565 slugging percentage, blasting 43 homers and driving in 149 runs. Center fielder Derek Bell had a brilliant sophomore campaign, hitting .320 and slugging .633, drilling 35 homers and driving in 113 runs in just 115 games while swiping 32 bases. Second sacker Aaron Ward hit .323 and slugged .515, smacking 45 doubles, with 16 homers and 85 RBI's. Righthander Eddie Cicotte sported a 15-4 record with a 2.25 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and 205 strikeouts. Steady southpaw Sid Fernandez went 14-6 with a 2.43 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and 251 strikeouts. Dave Roberts went 17-6, yielding a 3.43 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. The Los Angeles Kangaroos won 103 games, earning their fourth straight playoff spot. DH Fred McGriff hit .298 and slugged .570, drilling 44 round-trippers and knocking in 136 runs. Right fielder Wayne Comer hit .291, ripping 22 homers and plating 94 runs. First baseman Charlie Gehringer hit .281 with 16 homers and 91 RBI's. Ace Whitey Ford won the Triple Crown, going 19-5 with a 1.81 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and 312 strikeouts, allowing just 8 homers in 209 innings. Hugh Bedient posted a 15-8 mark with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, fanning 217. Yovani Gallardo sported a 14-12 record with a 3.59 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, whiffing 259 batters. Best season in team history: Miami Flamingos (112 wins), Austin Mustangs (99 wins), Phoenix Lizards (108 wins), Memphis River Pirates (99 wins) Worst season in team history: Virginia Beach Admirals (54 wins), San Antonio Marksmen (46 wins), Las Vegas Aces (50 wins) Attached Images Last edited by Dukie98; 07-17-2020 at 01:05 AM.

07-18-2020, 02:30 AM	#85
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2056 Playoff Report Frontier League: The Toronto Predators erased a 3-0 deficit in sweeping the last four games to eliminate the Vancouver Viceroys in seven games. Toronto catcher Christian Vazquez earned MVP honors after hitting .370 with 2 homers, 5 RBI's, and 4 runs scored. Toronto right fielder Dwight Evans hit just .261, but ripped six extra-base hits, including 2 homers and 5 RBI's. Bobo Newsom split two decisions, but posted a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings, fanning 17. Vancouver was led by shortstop Jorge Polanco, who hit .320 with 3 longballs, 6 RBI's, 9 runs scored, and 6 steals. The London Werewolves swept the St. Louis Pilots, shutting the Pilots out twice in four games. First baseman Joe Foy was named MVP after hitting .444 with 2 homers and 3 RBI's. Bob Carpenter hurled 7 shutout innings of 2-hit ball, while southpaw John Candelaria yielded no runs and three hits in 6.1 innings. Burleigh Grimes earned a win for London, fanning 10 in 7 innings while yielding 2 runs. First baseman Scott Spiezio was the lone bright spot for St. Louis, hitting .500 with 3 extra-base hits and knocking in 2 runs. The Cleveland Rocks outlasted the Baltimore Robins in six games, with Cleveland star centerfielder Duke Snider being named MVP after hitting .400 with 2 homers and 6 RBI's. Left fielder Kris Bryant hit .318 with a longball and 5 RBI's. Southpaw Lou Brissie went 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA in 11 innings, while Lynn McGlothen went 2-0 with a 3.27 ERA, allowing just one hit in six innings in the clinching Game 6. In the highest scoring series in HRDL history, the Boston Minutemen outlasted the Detroit Purple Gang in seven games despite being outscored 74-62. The winning team in every game scored at least 10 runs, and in six of the seven games, the losing team scored at least 6 runs. Boston third baseman Matt Duffy earned MVP honors after hitting .412 and slugging .853, with 4 homers,14 RBI's, and 8 runs scored Second sacker Chris Chambliss hit .414 with 3 homers and 11 RBI's. Right fielder Matt Mieske hit .346 with 2 longballs and 6 RBI's. Seven separate Boston pitchers posted ERA's over 9.00. Left fielder Carl Crawford led Detroit, hitting .467 with 2 homers, 10 RBI's, 9 runs scored, and 2 steals. First baseman Mark McGwire hit .381, blasting 2 homers and knocking in 10 runs, while third baseman Marcus Semien hit .320 with a pair of dingers and 14 RBI's in a losing effort. Had Detroit won Game 7, all four teams in the Divisional Round would have been from the Great Lakes Division - a feat never accomplished in HRDL history. The London Werewolves dominated their division rival Toronto Predators, eliminating Toronto in five games. London right fielder Jack Tobin took home MVP honors, hitting .316 with a homer, 4 runs scored, 2 RBI's, and 2 steals. Third baseman Tony Batista hit .278 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Southpaw John Candelaria went 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA, fanning 16 without a walk in 12.1 innings. Leo Kiely earned 2 saves in 4 shutout innings. First baseman Russell Branyan led Toronto, ripping 2 homers and knocking in 3 runs in just 6 at bats. The Boston Minutemen upended the Cleveland Rocks in six games, as third baseman Matt Duffy took home another trophy, hitting .296 with a homer and 5 runs scored. Chris Chambliss knocked in six runs, and Mel Harder earned a win with 7 shutout innings. Duke Snider led Cleveland, hitting .292 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's, while ace Jimmy Dygert split two decisions, posting a 1.59 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 11.1 innings. Boston upended London in the League Championship Series in six games, with Boston slap-hitting shortstop Frank Duffy earning an unexpected MVP award after hitting .385 with 6 doubles, a homer and 2 RBI's. Third baseman Matt Duffy hit .360 with a home and 2 RBI's of his own, while Chambliss drilled 3 homers and plated 8 runs. Micah Owings went 1-0, allowing just 2 hits and 2 runs in 7.1 innings. Infielders Tony Batista and Joe Foy bopped 2 homers and drove in 6 runs apiece, with Batista hitting .393. Continental League: The 112-win Miami Flamingos dominated the Oklahoma City Otters, prevailing in five games. Center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis was tabbed MVP after hitting .350 with 3 doubles, 2 triples, a homer, and 3 RBI's. Star right fielder Billy Williams hit .286 with 3 round-trippers and 5 RBI's, while third baseman Dick Williams hit .300 with a homer and 7 RBI's. In a matchup of traditional powers, the New Orleans Crawfish outlasted the Charlotte Aviators in six games. New Orleans catcher Gene Tenace earned MVP honors after hitting .300 with 2 solo homers. Third baseman Scott Rolen hit just .250, but smacked 2 homers and knocked in 3 runs. Dustin Hermanson went 1-0 with an 0.67 ERA, allowing just one run in 13.1 innings while fanning 14. Charlotte righthander Len Barker was brilliant in defeat, hurling 13 shutout innings while allowing just 6 hits and fanning 19 - but received two no-decisions. The Los Angeles Kangaroos outlasted the Austin Mustangs in six games. Los Angeles left fielder Charlie Jamieson was named MVP after hitting .467 with 14 hits, including 3 hits, a homer, 3 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. Third baseman Kelly Gruber hit .304 with 3 round-trippers and 8 RBI's, while infielders Steve Sax and Fred McGriff each hit .308 with 2 homers apiece, combining for 15 RBI's. Ace Whitey Ford went 2-0, allowing one run in 11.2 innings, fanning 12, while Yovani Gallardo earned a win with 7 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits. Third baseman Ronald Torreyes led Austin, hitting .412 with 2 RBI's. In a sizable upset, the injury-ravaged Memphis River Pirates, missing sluggers Troy Glaus and George Stone and promising righthander Ivan Nova, outlasted the 108-win Phoenix Lizards in 7 games. Memphis left fielder Frank Schulte dominated, hitting .417 with 6 homers and 11 RBI's. First baseman Jorge Cantu hit .280 with 2 round-trippers and 6 RBI's. Bob Weiland split two decisions, but one of them consisted of six shutout innings in Game 7. Left fielder Dave Collins led Phoenix, hitting .483 with 14 hits, 4 runs scored, 4 RBI's, and 5 steals. In the Division Series, Miami jumped out to a 3-0 lead over New Orleans before Miami finally prevailed in six games. Miami center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis added another trophy to his mantle, hitting .360 with 2 homers, 4 runs scored, 5 RBI's, and 2 steals. Billy Williams popped 2 homers and drove in 5 runs. Southpaw Scott Karl went 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 13.1 innings, while Jack Morris earned a victory with 7.2 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits. New Orleans first baseman Freddie Freeman hit .381 with 2 round-trippers and 3 RBI's in a losing effort. Los Angeles outlasted the pesky Memphis River Pirates in six games. Los Angeles leftfielder Charlie Jamieson earned MVP honors once again, hitting .417 with 4 doubles, a homer, and 6 RBI's. Kangaroo third baseman Kelly Gruber hit .438 and slugged .938, rapping 2 homers and knocking in 4 runs. Whitey Ford went 1-0, allowing a single run in 13 innings, fanning 17. Second sacker Jerry Browne led Memphis, hitting .500 with 12 hits, 4 doubles, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's. In a memorable League Championship Series, Los Angeles erased a 3-1 deficit, hurling shutouts in Games 5 and 6, and holding off Miami 10-6 in Game 7, as Jamieson had 4 hits and 4 runs scores. For the series, Jamieson hit .323 with 8 runs scored, 4 RBI's, and 5 steals. Fred McGriff hit .320 with a homer and 10 RBI's. Catcher Kyle Schwarber smacked 2 longballs and drove in 6 runs. Hugh Bedient posted a 2-0 mark with a 1.46 ERA, fanning 22 in 12.1 innings while yielding just 5 hits. But those performances paled in comparison to Miami's Billy Williams, who won series MVP honors after hitting .296 with 6 homers and 9 RBI's (including 2 jacks in Game 7). Williams ended the postseason with 11 homers -- tied for the third-most of all time for a single postseason even though his season ended without making the World Series. World Series: The Los Angeles Kangaroos were heavily favored over the Boston Minutemen, who won just 66 games last year, and won the 15th-most games of the 16 playoff squads. Los Angeles had not made the series since 2037, while Boston snapped a 23-year World Series drought. While both squads featured solid, if unspectacular offenses, Los Angeles featured a dominant rotation anchored by Cy Young favorite Whitey Ford and Hugh Bedient. Los Angeles took Game 1 7-0, as Bedient hurled six shutout innings, while Boston's Randy Tomlin allowed 5 runs in 4.1 innings. Los Angeles second sacker Steve Sax had two hits, including a homer to break the game open in the fifth inning, and drove in four runs. First baseman Charlie Gehringer smacked a two-run shot in the eighth inning to ice the game. Third baseman Matt Duffy led Boston with two hits, including a double. Los Angeles notched another shutout victory in Game 2, winning 3-0, as Roy Sherid notched six shutout innings and Hal Kelleher earned a save. McGriff had two hits, including a double, and drove in all three runs for the Kangaroos. Boston center fielder Gary Thomasson smacked two hits, while Noah Lowry took the loss, yielding two runs in 5.2 innings. Boston rebounded to take Game 3 5-2, as Mark Whiten cracked a three-run walk-off homer in the 11th inning. Thomasson had 3 hits and drove in two runs for Boston. Bill Kalfass earned the win in relief with two hitless innings. Sax, Jamieson, and center fielder Bip Roberts had two hits apiece for Los Angeles. Ford yielded 2 runs in 7 innings, fanning 8 in a no-decision. The Kangaroos appeared to take control of the series with a 9-3 win in Game 4, scoring 5 runs in the top of the ninth to break the game open, as Kyle Schwarber smacked a 3-run homer. Jamieson and right fielder Wayne Comer each had 4 hits, including 2 doubles apiece. Adam Wainwright eaned the win for the Kangaroos, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings. Mel Harder allowed 3 runs in 5 innings in a no-decision for Boston, as reliever Matt Guerrier took the loss. Catcher Wally Schang led Boston with 2 hits, including a solo smash. Facing elimination, Boston prevailed 5-2 in Game 5, as shortstop Frank Duffy hit a tiebreaking homer in the sixth inning. Left fielder Jason Bay had 2 hits, including a homer, and drove in 2 runs. Southpaw Randy Tomlin yielded 2 runs in 5 innings in a no-decision, with George Disch earning the win in relief. Comer had 3 hits for the Kangaroos, including a double, and a steal. Hugh Bedient took the loss, allowing 3 runs in 5 innings. Boston took Game 6 4-1, with Jason Bay hitting a tiebreaking 3-run homer in the 11th inning. Chris Chambliss had 2 hits, including an RBI triple in the 7th inning. Noah Lowry starred, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits in seven innings, and Guerrier earned the win with 1.2 innings of perfect relief. Schwarber provided the Kangaroos' offense with a solo smash. Roy Sherid allowed one run in six innings, fanning 8 in a no-decision. Reliever Rex Brothers took the loss. Game 7 was a classic for the ages, with Los Angeles prevailing 4-2 in ten innings on a series-clinching walk-off homer by Schwarber. Boston jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a Chambliss homer off Whitey Ford, while the Kangaroos scratched out single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Kangaroo center fielder Bip Roberts threw out pinch runner Heinie Schuble at home plate in the seventh inning, then was stranded at third base in the ninth inning after stealing second and advancing to third on an error. Schwarber clinched the series with a walk-off blast off Micah Owings in the tenth inning. Comer led Los Angeles with 3 hits, 2 runs scored, and an RBI, while Sax and third baseman Scott Leius had two hits apiece, including a double. Ford fanned 13 in 6 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs. Chambliss led Boston with 3 hits and 2 RBI's. Boston starter Ed Correa yielded just one run in four innings. Jamieson earned his third series MVP trophy of the postseason, hitting .433 with 13 hits, scoring 6 runs, with 3 doubles and 2 RBI's. Comer hit .407 with 3 doubles, 4 runs scored, and 3 RBI's. Sax hit .344 with a homer, 4 runs scored, and 5 RBI's. Schwarber had just 5 hits in the series, but 3 of them left the yard, and drove in 5 runs. Roy Sherid went 1-0 with an 0.73 ERA in 12.1 innings, fanning 14. Ford whiffed 21 hitters in 13 innings, but notched two no-decisions. Chambliss led Boston, hitting .414 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Gary Thomasson hit .379 and plated 3 runs. Although Lowry was 0-1 in two starts, he posted a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings. For the postseason, Jamieson tied George Sisler's all-time record with 47 hits, and he fell one double shy of Eddie Bressoud's postseason record of 14. Ford finished second all-time with 67 strikeouts in 8 starts. Attached Images

07-19-2020, 01:21 AM	#86
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2056 Awards Winners Frontier League MVP- Mark McGwire, 1B, DET (47): .338/ .483/ .711, 187 hits, 18 doubles, 63 HR, 147 RBI, 149 runs, 150 BB, 2 SB, 199 OPS+, 10.5 WAR Second place- JD Martinez, LF, BAL: .361/ .433/ .602, 220 hits, 48 doubles, 3 triples, 31 HR, 108 RBI, 122 runs, 81 BB, 6 SB, 166 OPS+, 7.1 WAR Third place- John Wilson, RF, MIN: .338/ .384/ .626, 212 hits, 32 doubles, 10 triples, 43 HR, 136 RBI, 126 runs, 51 BB, 9 SB, 153 OPS+, 5.8 WAR Fourth place- Carlton Fisk, C, OTT: .337/ .412/ .644, 172 hits, 37 doubles, 3 triples, 38 HR, 118 RBI, 108 runs, 51 BB, 5 SB, 166 OPS+, 8.0 WAR Fifth place- Bobo Newom, RHP, TOR (1): 16-9, 2.04 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 211 IP, 315 K, 56 BB, 229 ERA+, 10.2 WAR Frontier League Cy Young Award- Bobo Newsom, TOR (32): 16-9, 2.04 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 211 IP, 315 K, 56 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 229 ERA+, 10.2 WAR Second place- Jimmy Dygert, CLE (16): 16-5, 1.97 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 210 IP, 294 K, 50 BB, 240 ERA+, 9.7 WAR Third place- Burleigh Grimes, LON: 15-5, 2.38 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 211 IP, 282 K, 46 BB, 2 CG, 197 ERA+, 8.3 WAR Fourth place- Bret Saberhagen, MIL: 10-6, 1.97 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 210 IP, 226 K, 22 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 236 ERA+, 8.9 WAR Fifth place- Juan Guzman, CAL: 17-5, 1.89 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 200 IP, 236 K, 70 BB, 246 ERA+, 6.4 WAR Frontier League Rookie of the Year: Juan Guzman, RHP, CAL (42): 17-5, 1.89 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 200 IP, 236 K, 70 BB, 246 ERA+, 6.4 WAR Second place- Charlie Keller, LF, OMA (6): .303/ .428/ .558, 113 hits, 26 doubles, 6 triples, 19 HR, 58 RBI, 70 runs, 82 BB, 1 SB, 157 OPS+, 4.5 WAR Third place- Matt Duffy, 3B, BOS: .277/ .340/ .401, 133 hits, 21 doubles, 6 triples, 9 HR, 55 RBI, 69 runs, 43 BB, 2 SB, 92 OPS+, 2.4 WAR Continental League MVP- Hal Trosky, 1B, BIR (28): .356/ .432/ .669, 225 hits, 50 doubles, 5 triples, 46 HR, 131 RBI, 141 runs, 86 BB, 4 SB, 176 OPS+, 8.3 WAR Second place- Ruben Sierra, RF, HOU (3): .331/ .369/ .631, 220 hits, 54 doubles, 5 triples, 45 HR, 156 RBI, 129 runs, 41 BB, 27 SB, 150 OPS+, 7.6 WAR Third place- Whitey Ford, LHP, LA (13): 19-5, 1.81 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 209 IP, 312 K, 39 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 275 ERA+, 11.4 WAR Fourth place- Roberto Clemente, RF, ELP: .382/ .410/ .592, 265 hits, 41 doubles, 9 triples, 29 HR, 120 RBI, 141 runs, 37 BB, 5 SB, 168 OPS+, 8.4 WAR Fifth place- Ewell Blackwell, RHP, AUS (2): 17-4, 1.99 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 213 IP, 296 K, 39 BB, 2 CG, 2 shutouts, 258 ERA+, 10.2 WAR Frontier League Cy Young Award- Whitey Ford, LA (13): 19-5, 1.81 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 209 IP, 312 K, 39 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 275 ERA+, 11.4 WAR Second place- Ewell Blackwell, AUS (2): 17-4, 1.99 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 213 IP, 296 K, 39 BB, 2 CG, 2 shutouts, 258 ERA+, 10.2 WAR Third place- Whit Wyatt, MEM: 16-9, 2.12 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 217 IP, 280 K, 39 BB, 4 CG, 1 shutout, 241 ERA+, 8.7 WAR Fourth place- Eddie Cicotte, PHO: 15-4, 2.25 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 212 IP, 205 K, 34 BB, 2 CG, 237 ERA+, 7.3 WAR Fifth place- Dutch Ruether, HOU: 17-7, 2.23 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 222 IP, 213 K, 53 BB, 2 CG, 233 ERA+, 7.5 WAR Frontier League Rookie of the Year- Derek Bell, CF, PHO (48): .320/ .405/ .633, 141 hits, 27 doubles, 3 triples, 35 HR , 113 RBI, 85 runs, 49 BB, 32 SB, 153 OPS+, 5.4 WAR Second place- Mike Piazza, C, SA: .283/ .356/ .539, 128 hits, 17 doubles, 33 HR, 79 RBI, 85 runs, 49 BB, 2 SB, 141 OPS+, 4.6 WAR Third place- Rudy York, C, ATL: .254/ .337/ .526, 108 hits, 18 doubles, 1 triple, 32 HR, 95 RBI, 67 runs, 52 BB, 3 SB, 121 OPS+, 3.7 WAR Top draft picks: 1. Carl Hubbell, LHP, San Antonio Marksmen 2. Dean Chance, RHP, Las Vegas Aces 3. Jose Ramirez, 3B, Cincinnati Spiders 4. John Jaha, 1B, Virginia Beach Admirals 5. Ray Keating, RHP, Atlanta Ducks 6. Carl Weilman, LHP, Washington Ambassadors 7. Lyman Bostock, CF, Omaha Falcons 8. Ellis Burks, CF, San Diego Zookeepers 9. Charlie Root, RHP, Philadelphia Hawks 10. Carl Furillo, RF, Albuquerque Conquistadors

07-23-2020, 03:27 AM	#87
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2056 Hall of Fame Voting The Hall of Fame ballot continued to be plagued by a glut of qualified candidates who canceled out each other's votes, creating a sizeable backlog. Ten players cleared fifty percent, but only three topped the 75% threshold for induction. Two-time MVP Jimmie Foxx was a near-unanimous selection, with 98.7% of the vote. Nine-time All-Star Chipper Jones drew 82.5% of the vote. Javy Lopez, an eight-time All-Star with five Silver Slugger Awards, drew 76.3% of the vote. Foxx and Jones were inducted on their first ballot, while Lopez was inducted on the fifth try. Foxx was drafted 19th overall by the Austin Mustangs following the 2034 season. He played sparingly in his first three seasons, hitting just 9 homers in 110 starts between 2035 and 2037. Foxx showed signs of breaking out in 2038, hitting .324 and slugging .509, with 12 homers and 54 RBI's in 78 games. Following the season, he was traded to the London Werewolves for pitcher Blix Donnelly, who proceeded to go 7-13 with a 6.96 ERA over the next two seasons. Foxx took the next step toward stardom in 2039, hitting .311 with 32 homers, 98 RBI's, and 98 runs scored for London. The following year, he hit .322 with 38 longballs and 114 RBI's, drawing over 100 walks for what proved to be a ten-year streak. Foxx signed with the Chicago Mules in free agency during the offseason. In 2041, Foxx hit .291 and slugged .576, blasting 41 homers, driving in 125 runs, scoring 116 runs, and drawing a league-leading 123 walks. He won the Continental League MVP in 2042, posting a .329/ .450/ .656 slash line, with 52 homers, 141 RBI's, and a league-high 143 runs scored. Foxx was even better the following year, winning a second straight MVP as he led the league in all three slash line categories, posting a .372/ .493/ .741 mark. He also led the league with 56 homers, 161 runs scored, 140 walks , and finished third in the league with 139 RBI's. In 2044, Foxx led the league in homers, walks, slugging, and on-base percentage once again, as he hit .355 and slugged .699, drilling 49 homers, with 131 RBI's and 134 runs scored. The following season, he hit .346 and slugged .623, blasting 41 round-trippers and driving in 128 runs. After an "off" year where he hit .296 with 38 homers, he rebounded in 2047 hit hit .318 with a league-high 52 homers and 148 runs, while knocking in 135 runs. In 2048, Foxx hit .317 and slugged to .599 with 43 round-trippers and 118 RBI's. That was the last time he topped .300 or 100 RBI's. Over the next four years, he hit 99 longballs. Foxx retired after the 2053 season, when he was reduced primarily to pinch-hitting duty, as he hit .188 with one homer in 138 ineffective at bats. Over his career, Foxx posted a .305/ .413/ .561 slash line, with 2663 hits, 470 doubles, 35 triples, 563 homers, 1664 RBI's, 1657 runs, 1627 walks, a 163 OPS+, and 100.5 WAR. In addition to the 2 MVP awards, Foxx made six All-Star teams and won five Silver Sluggers. He was an ordinary postseason hitter: in 106 postseason games, he hit .267 and slugged .437, with 16 round-trippers and 59 RBI's. Jones was drafted first overall by the St. Louis Pilots following the 2034 season. He struggled mightily in a 97-at bat stint in 2035, hitting just .186 with 1 homer and 3 RBI's in 97 at bats. As a 21-year-old rookie, he struggled, hitting a modest .249 with 4 homers and 55 RBI's in 156 games, although his 54 doubles were a sign of power to come Jones continued to struggle for the next two years, failing to top 9 homers. He took a step forward in 2039, hitting .306 with 41 doubles, 12 homers, and 92 RBI's. Jones took another step toward stardom in 2040, hitting .346 and slugging .649, drilling 83 extra-base hits, including 44 homers, 112 RBI's, and scoring 127 runs, as he finished 3rd in the MVP voting Jones repeated that 3rd place showing the following season, as he hit .351 wit 42 doubles, 32 homers, 96 RBI's, 131 runs scored, and 32 steals. Jones was on his way to another MVP-caliber campaign in 2042, but he tore a finger tendon, ending his season in late July, as he hit .332 and slugged .613 with 23 homers and 88 RBI's in 97 games; St. Louis won the World Series in his absence. Following the season, he signed with the Boston Minutemen in free agency. In his first season in Boston, he hit .310 with 28 homers, 108 RBI's, and scored 124 runs. Over the next three seasons, he was remarkably consistent -- hitting between .321 and .328 every season, with either 34 or 35 homers, twice topping 130 RBI's. Jones signed with Albuquerque prior to the 2047 season, which was interrupted by a torn labrum, as he hit just .272 with 20 homers and 60 RBI's. He rebounded to hit .300 with 40 homers and 115 RBI's the following year, and in 2049, he hit .311 with 39 homers and 127 RBI's. After an off season, he returned to Boston for a last hurrah in 2051, as he hit ..297 and slugged .575, tying his career high with 44 homers, drove in 112 runs and scored 109. But Jones lost his starting job after a slow April the following season, and after two poor seasons as a backup, retired following the 2053 campaign. For his career, Jones made 9 All-Star teams and won two Silver Slugger awards. He posted a career slash line of .301/ .389/ .516, with 2738 hits, 580 doubles, 28 triples, 443 homers, 1581 RBI's, 1558 runs scored, 1330 walks, 128 steals, an OPS+ of 144, and 101.7 WAR. Although he never made it out past the second round of the playoffs (in a non-injury season), he was a terrific postseason performer, hitting .325 and slugging .637, with 13 homers and 34 RBI's. Lopez was drafted first overall by the Minneapolis Penguins following the 2033 season. After playing well as a September callup in 2034, Lopez had a solid rookie season, hitting .303 with 10 homers and 67 RBI's. In 2036, Lopez hit .298 with 25 homers and drove in 86 runs. He took another step forward in 2037, finishing fourth in the MVP voting, as he hit .344 and slugged .644, blasting 43 round-trippers, driving in 95 runs and scoring 96. He had another star-quality season the following year, hitting .308 with 30 longballs and 107 RBI's. In 2039, he hit .330 with 33 dingers and a career-high 125 RBI's. Lopez finished fifth in the MVP voting after a brilliant 2040 campaign, hitting .344 and slugging .660, with 44 homers and 112 RBI's. In 2041, Lopez hit .317 and blasted 39 round-trippers, knocking in 86 runs while scoring 103 times. He hit .288 with 34 longballs and plated 90 runs the following year. After a 24-homer campaign, he continued to star in 2043, hitting .327 and slugging .574, ripping 41 doubles, 28 homers, driving in 84 runs and scoring 99 times. After an off season, where he still hit .285 with 18 dingers, Lopez rebounded to hit .310 with 27 homers and 83 RBI's in 2046. Although Lopez averaged 16 homers over the next 3 seasons, he dropped between 30-40 points of batting average each season, bottoming out with a .199 mark in his final season, spent with the San Antonio Marksmen. For his career, Lopez made eight All-Star teams, won five Silver Sluggers and two Gold Gloves. He posted a career .299/ .344/ .516 slash line, with 2278 hits, including 357 doubles, 35 triples, 406 homers, 1245 RBI's, 1124 runs scored, 448 walks, a 125 OPS+, and 69.9 WAR. Although he only played in five postseasons, Lopez was a terrific postseason hitter, as he batted .341 and slugged .692, with 18 homers and 42 RBI's in 45 games. Leading vote recipients include: Jimmie Foxx, 1B, AUS/ LON/ CHI: 98.7% Chipper Jones, 3B, STL/ BOS/ ALB: 82.5% Javy Lopez, C, MIN / SA: 76.3% Joe Adcock, 1B, SF/ BIR/ DEN/ DET/ MIA/ STL/ BOS/ ALB: 71.4% Bill Madlock, 3B, PIT/ LON/ DEN/ BAL : 67.9% Tommy Davis, LF, NOR: 65.6% Carlos Guillen , SS/2B, PHO/ CHA/ LV: 64.6% Garry Maddox, CF, HOU/ CHA: 58.8% Paul Derringer, RHP, STL/ DET/ KC/ MIN/ AUS/ JAX/ SD: 54.2% Bob Bescher, LF, OKC/ OMA/ ANA/ NAS: 53.9% Clyde Milan, LF, PHO/ BUF/ DET/ CHI : 49.7% Hal Kleine, RHP, ANA/ DET/ ELP/ NOR: 45.1% Noteworthy players who fell off the ballot include 5-time All Star Bob Welch, 249-game winner Red Ames (who also topped 3,200 career strikeouts), 526-homer hitter Justin Bour, 217-game winner and 4-time All-Star Tom Glavine, and 436-homer hitter Domingo Santana. Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers: Attached Images

07-28-2020, 03:06 AM	#88
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2057 Mid-Year Review Exceeding Expectations: After an 83-win season last year, no one expected the Milwaukee Raccoons to dominate the 2057 season, but Milwaukee entered the break with a 51-22 record and a 10-game lead in the Great Plains Division. Free agent signee John Wilson sparked the offense, hitting .326 and slugging .557, with 20 doubles, 13 homers, 60 RBI's, and 54 runs scored. Catcher Mickey Cochrane rebounded after an off-year, hitting .333 and slugging .645, with 15 homers and 49 RBI's in 64 games. First baseman Bob Robertson hit .344 and slugged .679, belting 18 homers and knocking in 55 runs in just 59 games. The Raccoons' staff allowed the second-fewest runs in the league, led by Bret Saberhagen, who went 10-1 with a 1.83 ERA, an 0.75 WHIP, and 132 strikeouts. Free agent signee Nub Kleinke notched 16 saves, along with an 0.83 ERA, an 0.98 WHIP, and a 38-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Denver Spikes, who won just 64 games last year, looked to snap a 7-year playoff drought, as they took a 40-33 mark into the break. Third baseman Alvin Dark starred, hitting .339 and slugging .623, with 22 round-trippers, 63 RBI's, and 65 runs scored. First baseman Dan Driessen hit .303 and slugged .603, pounding 24 homers, knocking in 63 runs, scoring 76, and swiping 16 bases. Rookie shortstop Cecil Travis hit an incredible .393 with 27 doubles, driving in 41 runs. Southpaw Vinegar Bend Mizell posted a 7-4 mark with a 2.74 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and 109 strikeouts. Aaron Blair went 5-2 with a stellar 2.27 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. In the Continental League, the Birmingham Steelers looked to make the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, taking a 45-29 record into the break. First baseman Hal Trosky carried a subpar offense, hitting .357 and slugging .615, with 22 doubles, 17 homers, and 47 RBI's. Rookie shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera hit .307 with 11 longballs and 46 RBI's. Although righthander Russ Bauers was just 4-3, he sported a 2.28 ERA, an 0.99 WHIP, and fanned 98 batters. Southpaw Mike Hampton posted a 5-4 mark with a 2.05 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP. The San Diego Zookeepers rebounded from a disastrous 59-win season to post a 46-28 first-half mark. Rookie right fielder Ellis Burks starred, hitting .313 and slugging .556, with 14 dingers, 54 RBI's, and 25 steals. Catcher Lance Parrish hit .277 with 13 longballs and 48 RBI's. Trade acquisition Atley Donald was an unexpected Cy Young favorite, going 11-1 with a 1.69 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. Closer Art Stokes posted 19 saves along with a 2.04 ERA. Disappointments: The Cleveland Rocks appeared unlikely to extend their streak of three straight playoff appearances, as they posted a 32-42 first-half mark, entering the half 24 1/2 games out of first place. Center fielder Duke Snider, who bashed 43 homers last year, hit .287 with a modest 9 longballs and 32 RBI's. Catcher Ernie Lombardi, who hit .308 and slugged .510 last season, dipped to hit just .250 with a .425 slugging percentage, smacking 11 homers and plating 34 runs. Right fielder Mule Haas was productive, but was sidelined in early May with a torn calf muscle that threatened to end his season. Ace Jimmy Dygert, who finished in the top 5 of the Cy Young voting three years running, went just 3-4 with a 3.72 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, while his strikeout rate dropped by nearly one third. Righthander Lynn McGlothen, who went 12-5 last season with a 2.86 ERA, slipped to 1-7 with a 5.07 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. The Kansas City Mad Hatters' streak of seven straight seasons at or above .500 was in jeopardy, as they went just 32-42, entering the break 19 1/2 games out of first. Third baseman Tug Hulett struggled, hitting just .168 with 6 homers and 28 RBI's. Free agent acquisition Chuck Knoblauch, a career .305 hitter, posted a modest .256 average, smacking just 4 homers and knocking in 22 runs, while stealing just 9 bases. Ace Tim Hudson was in line to have his worst season since his 2046 rookie campaign, as he posted a 6-4 record with a 4.03 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. Veteran southpaw Jerry Koosman disappointed, going 2-5 with a hefty 4.80 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. In the Continental League, the Miami Flamingos looked certain to snap their streak of three straight 100-win seasons, including 112 wins last year, as they went just 40-33 in the first half. Star right fielder Billy Williams, who blasted 47 homers and knocked in 132 runs last year, slipped to a more modest 17 homers and 43 RBI's. Second sacker Nick Punto, filling in for an injured Jeff Kent, hit just .195 and slugged a punchless .262 with one homer and 10 RBI's in 48 games. Shane Bieber, who was a perfect 8-0 with a 2.80 ERA last year, slumped to go 3-4 with a 5.80 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP. Swingman Lorenzo Barcelo struggled, going 1-3 with a 5.88 ERA and a bloated 1.71 WHIP. The Oklahoma City Otters, a surprise 95-win squad last year, returned to earth, going 35-38 in the first half. Star shortstop Jim Fregosi was limited to just 27 games with a series of injuries. DH Hack Wilson took a step back, hitting just .262 with a modest 12 homers and 43 RBI's. First baseman Ham Hyatt lost over 70 points of batting average and 120 points of slugging percentage, as he hit an anemic .189 with 4 homers and 17 RBI's. Wilson Alvarez, who posted an unexpected 1.65 ERA last season, went just 3-5 with a modest 3.40 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Ariel Miranda, a 16-game winner last year, slipped to 4-4, and his ERA jumped to 4.94, as he allowed 16 homers in just 75A innings. Aces High:: The London Werewolves jumped out to a dominant 56-17 start, thanks to a triumvirate of aces. Burleigh Grimes, who had gone 34-11 over the prior two years, jumped out to a 12-1 start with a 2.48 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP. John Candelaria, in his second year with London, posted an 8-3 mark at the break, along with a 3.21 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and 100 strikeouts. Free agent signee Len Barker left Charlotte after 15 seasons, 169 wins, and two Cy Young awards. He posted a 9-1 mark with a 1.94 ERA, an 0.90 WHIP, and an incredible 109-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Werewolves were led offensively by third baseman Tony Batista, who rebounded from an off season to take a .324 average and a .687 slugging percentage into the break, along with 27 homers and a league-best 88 RBI's. Shortstop Zack Cozart, who signed as a free agent, hit .362 in the first half with 16 homers and 58 RBI's. Bay Area Blues: The impressiveness of London's start was matched only by the dreadfulness of the San Francisco Longshoremen who limped to a 14-59 first-half record. After winning four of their first six games, San Francisco went into a 4-47 tailspin, including a 10-game losing streak and two 14-game losing streaks -- all before Memorial Day. Ace Moe Drabowsky was sidelined in spring training with an elbow injury. Promising center fielder Sam Chapman missed all but six games with a torn thigh muscle. Remarkably, left fielder David Justice and first baseman Prince Fielder each had terrific first halves, each topping .330 and combining for 36 homers driving in 48 runs apiece. But no other regulars topped .250. Second baseman Scooter Gennett lost nearly 150 points from his slugging percentage last year, as he hit just .249 with 7 longballs and 29 RBI's. But the pitching staff was the true culprit: free agent signee Mike Mason, who won 16 games in 2055 before missing last season with a torn labrum, was a disastrous 1-7 with a stratospheric 10.15 ERA and a 2.40 WHIP, allowing 12 homers in just 47 innings. Relievers Chris Hook and Jack Hickey combined for a 4-13 record, with each posting an ERA over 10, with Hook allowing an incredible 16 homers in just 29 innings. Righthander Kent Greenfield was the lone bright spot, posting a 2.75 ERA in 14 starts -- only to be sidelined until September with shoulder inflammation shortly before the break. Major milestones: Cleveland second sacker Jim Viox, pressed into full-time duty for the first time in nearly a decade, finally notched his 3,000th hit. San Antonio right fielder Manny Ramirez and Toronto right fielder Dwight Evans each drilled their 2500th hit. Ramirez also joined the 500 home run club. Pittsburgh first baseman John Olreud blasted his 400th career homer. Austin righthander Greg Maddux notched his 250th career victory, while Seattle's Jack McDowell earned his 200th victory. El Paso southpaw Lefty Tyler whiffed his 3,000th batter. Looking ahead, Virginia Beach first baseman Mike Schmidt looked to rip his 3,000th hit by the end of July, while Boston right fielder Vladimir Guerrero was expected to join the 3,000-hit club by mid-August. San Antonio DH Bob Horner was about two weeks away from hitting his 650th career homer. Detroit first baseman Mark McGwire was a strong second half away from his 600th homer. Houston first baseman Ted Kluszewski was just 3 RBI's away from 2,000. Detroit left fielder Carl Crawford was expected to notch his 500th steal by the end of July. On the mound, Baltimore's Jim Maloney was two months away from his 4,000th strikeout. Major injuries: Cincinnati second sacker Larry Doyle fractured his ankle in mid-May, sidelining him until September. Los Angeles southpaw Whitey Ford tore his meniscus after eight starts, and he was not expected to return until late August. Washington catcher Ivan Rodriguez missed most of the first half with a sprained ankle. Charlotte third baseman Fernando Tatis went down with a ruptured disc in spring training, and he was not likely to return until mid-August. Boston third baseman Billy Johnson was sidelined at the end of May with a groin injury that would likely render him unavailable until mid-August. Cleveland right fielder Mule Haas tore a calf muscle in mid-May, knocking him out until September. Las Vegas left fielder Tillie Walker suffered a season-ending MCL rupture in late April. Oklahoma City shortstop Jim Fregosi suffered shoulder inflammation in late April, knocking him out until mid-July. Memphis righthander Ivan Nova missed the entire first half with a torn rotator cuff, and teammates Jorge Cantu and Bill North each suffered season-ending MCL tears. Nashville second baseman Dick McAuliffe missed the entire first half with a broken ankle.

08-02-2020, 03:05 AM	#89
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2057 Year in Review Frontier League: The Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas relied on a balanced attack to tie a franchise record with 102 wins, holding on to take the Northeast Division by 2 games. Third baseman Chris Stynes hit .315 with 24 homers, 94 RBI's, and 125 runs scored. Right fielder Pablo Reyes hit .319 and slugged .568, bashing 34 homers and knocking in 104 runs despite missing most of September with a back injury. Catcher Frankie Hayes hit .299 with 30 round-trippers and 90 RBI's. Veteran centerfielder Earl Averill had a career year, hitting .283 with 33 homers, 106 RBI's, and 105 runs scored. Ace Fred Toney dominated, going 22-2 with a 1.61 ERA, an 0.82 WHIP, and fanning 242 batters, while yielding just 11 homers in 212 innings. Closer Mark Littell notched 24 saves along with a 1.30 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. The Buffalo Fighting Elk made a late push, but fell just short of the division title with 100 wins. Star left fielder Juan Soto posted a .313/ .428/ .561 slash line, smacking 35 homers and drawing 122 walks, while scoring 120 runs and knocking in 106. Catcher Brian Downing hit .286 and slugged .522, drilling 25 dingers and knocking in 78 runs. Center fielder Stan Javier hit .287 with 46 doubles, 72 RBI's, 101 runs scored, and 27 steals while providing elite defense. Veteran righthander Jim Buchanan came out of nowhere to have a career year, going 22-5 with a 2.41 ERA and an 0.98 WHIP. Glenn Liebhardt went just 11-10, but notched a 2.94 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. Russ Ortiz sported an 11-8 mark with a 3.21 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, while fanning 191 batters. The Baltimore Robins survived a rash of injuries to their pitching staff, and they clinched a wild-spot on the final day of the season, winning 90 games. Third baseman Charlie Hayes starred, hitting .335 with 47 doubles, 35 homers, 123 RBI's, and 107 runs scored. Right fielder Mitch Haniger hit .310 and slugged .536, smacking 38 doubles, 29 homers, driving in 85 runs and scoring 125. Second sacker Billy Grabarkewitz hit .285 and slugged .555, launching 24 homers and driving in 79 runs in just 119 games. Longtime ace Jim Maloney went 11-2 with a 1.84 ERA and an 0.90 WHIP in 22 games, but ended his season prematurely after undergoing elbow surgery in early August. Midseason trade acquisition Addie Joss went 7-3 with a 2.37 ERA and an 0.74 WHIP in 13 starts. Righthander Silvio Martinez posted a 12-8 mark with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. The London Werewolves won a very strong Great Lakes Division featuring three 100-win teams, as the Werewolves won a franchise-record 114 games. Third baseman Tony Batista led an explosive offense, hitting .289 and slugging .579, pounding 47 homers and knocking in 156 runs. Right fielder Jack Tobin hit .322 and slugged .543, with 82 extra-base hits, including 25 homers, 108 RBI's, and 121 runs scored. Shortstop Zack Cozart, a free agent signee, hit .317 with 42 doubles, 26 homers, and plated 106 runs. London posted the stingiest pitching staff in the league, led by southpaw John Candelaria, who went 19-4 with a 2.42 ERA, an 0.82 WHIP, and 239 strikeouts. Burleigh Grimes posted a 22-4 mark with a 3.07 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and fanned 239 enemy hitters. Veteran Len Barker notched a 13-6 mark with a 3.12 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 192 strikeouts. The Toronto Predators won 107 games, led by an elite pitching staff. First baseman Chris Johnson starred offensively, hitting .303 with 49 doubles, 29 round-trippers, 131 RBI's, and 98 runs scored. Right fielder Dwight Evans hit .284 and slugged .502, drilling 40 doubles, 28 homers, knocking in 113 runs and scoring 103. Second baseman Red Corriden hit just .265, but drew 96 walks and launched 37 longballs, as he scored 122 runs and drove in 82. Bobo Newsome nearly duplicated his Cy Young-winning campaign from last year, as he went 15-8 with a 2.08 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and led the league once again with 315 strikeouts. Carl Lundgren posted a 16-4 mark with a 2.42 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and whiffed 221 batters. Righthander Bill Monbouquette successfully returned after missing a year and a half following UCL surgery, going 14-2 with a 2.60 ERA and an 0.90 WHIP in 24 starts. The powerful Detroit Fighting Elk won 103 games. Five players drove in at least 99 runs, led by first baseman Mark McGwire, who blasted 43 homers and knocked in 108 runs. Catcher Duke Sims hit .289 and slugged .564, drilling 33 homers and driving in 105 runs. Shortstop Leo Cardenas starred, hitting .328 with 39 doubles, 8 triples, 21 homers, 102 RBI's, and 101 runs scored. Center fielder Whit Merrifield hit .311 with 46 doubles, 8 triples, 22 longballs, 99 RBI's, 122 runs scored, and 33 steals. Trevor Bauer led a deep pitching staff, posting a 16-5 mark with a 2.09 ERA and an 0.95 WHIP. Southpaw Allen Watson notched a 17-4 record with a 3.08 ERA and an 0.96 WHIP. The Milwaukee Raccoons dominated the Great Plains Division, winning a franchise-record 108 games and taking the division title by a whopping 22 games. Catcher Mickey Cochrane had a breakout season, posting a .354/ .448/ .698 slash line, with 40 doubles, 38 homers, 118 RBI's, and 112 runs scored. First baseman Bob Robertson played just 110 games, but he hit .351 and slugged .717, as he drilled 40 homers and knocked in 103 runs. Right fielder John Wilson hit .304 with 41 doubles, 10 triples, 31 homers, 117 RBI's and 108 runs scored. Third baseman Will Middlebrooks hit .288, launching 34 longballs and driving in 97 runs. Milwaukee boasted a deep rotation, led by Bret Saberhagen, who went 18-4 with a 2.30 ERA, an 0.80 WHIP, and an incredible 275-25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Southpaw Bruce Robbins posted a 13-4 mark with a 2.65 ERA, an 0.83 WHIP, and 212 strikeouts. Closer Nub Kleinke saved 35 games with a microscopic 0.79 ERA and an 0.94 WHIP, without allowing a single homer in 68 innings. The Vancouver Viceroys dominated the Northwest Division, led by a balanced attack which ranked in the top four in the league in nearly every offensive category. Left fielder Willie McCovey hit .308 with a .604 slugging percentage, blasting 48 homers and driving in 135 runs while scoring 128. Center fielder Grady Sizemore hit .293 with 39 doubles, 24 homers, 104 RBI's, and scored 107 runs. Shortstop Jorge Polanco hit .303 and slugged .487, smacking 18 round-trippers, knocking in 72 runs, scoring 114, and swiping 23 bags. Southpaw Fred Norman notched a 17-7 mark with a 2.42 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP, and fanned 229 batters. John Tudor went 16-8 with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP, with 197 strikeouts. Livan Hernandez sported a 13-6 mark with a 3.25 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and whiffed 192 batters. The Denver Spikes led the league with 1002 runs, posted a +205 run differential, yet missed the playoffs, losing to Baltimore on the final day of the season in a winner-take-all battle to finish with 89 wins. Third baseman Al Dark was brilliant, hitting .346 and slugging .611, with 51 doubles and 42 round-trippers, knocking in 143 runs and scoring 148 runs. Rookie shortstop Cecil Travis won the batting title, hitting .372 with 57 doubles, 11 triples, and 96 runs scored. Vinegar Bend Mizell sported a 16-4 record with a 2.71 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and 248 strikeouts. Continental League: The New York Emperors were the sole bright spot in an underwhelming Atlantic Division, posting 98 wins, including a 40-15 mark in the last two months. Third baseman Eddie Mathews continued his Hall of Fame trajectory, hitting .308 and slugging .593, with 47 longballs, 153 RBI's, and 129 runs scored. Left fielder Tim Raines hit .350 with a .439 on-base percentage, stealing 86 bases and scoring 98 runs in just 127 games. DH Adam Dunn hit .275 with 40 homers, 128 RBI's, and 124 runs scored. Righthander Ray Benge went 14-4 with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Southpaw Mark Davis led one of the league's top bullpens, going 7-5 with 34 saves and a 2.95 ERA. The New Orleans Crawfish overcame a subpar offense, relying on the league's top pitching staff to win 104 games and take the Southeast Division. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .302 with 56 doubles, 32 homers, 113 RBI's, and 114 runs scored. Shortstop Alan Trammell hit .310 and slugged .509, popping 22 homers, plating 88 runs and scoring 90 times. Right fielder Tony Oliva hit .299 with 28 homers and 98 RBI's. Free agent signee Van Mungo starred in his first season in purple and gold, going 19-7 with a 2.24 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and 281 strikeouts. Syl Johnson and Tex Hughson each went 12-5, posting ERA's of 2.51 and 2.59 respectively. Doug Bird led the league's deepest bullpen, notching 34 saves, a 1.89 ERA, an 0.86 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts in 71 innings. The Birmingham Steelers earned their first playoff spot in ten years, winning 100 games. First baseman and defending MVP Hal Trosky starred, posted a .359/ .444/ .639 slash line, with 41 doubles, 43 homers, 108 RBI's, and 128 runs scored. Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera had a brilliant rookie campaign, hitting .341 and slugging .573, ripping 33 homers, knocking in 114 runs, and scoring 111. Catcher Cliff Lee hit .291, launching 28 longballs and driving in 99 runs while scoring 92. Left fielder Hank Bauer hit .277 with 28 homers and drove in 104 runs. Hard-luck Russ Bauers was just 7-8, but sported a stellar 2.46 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and fanned 196 batters. Southpaw Mike Hampton went 9-6 in 25 starts with a 2.17 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP. Fireballer Virgil Trucks went 8-2 in 23 starts with a 2.41 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. The Miami Flamingos pulled away in September to clinch a playoff spot with 97 wins. Left fielder Billy Williams hit .318 and slugged .567, ripping 38 homers, knocking in 121 runs and scoring 110 runs. First baseman Miguel Sano hit .311 with 40 doubles, 35 round-trippers, 105 RBI's, and 114 runs scored. Catcher Val Picinich hit .313 and slugged .497, ripping 36 doubles, 14 homers, and 67 RBI's. Righthander Tom Bradley virtually duplicated his 2056 campaign, going 16-5 with a 3.02 ERA, an 0.98 WHIP, and 223 strikeouts. Southpaw Scott Karl went 12-8 with a 3..33 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Closer Jose Garcia notched 32 saves along with a 2.14 ERA, an 0.88 WHIP, and fanned 96 hitters in just 71 innings. The Memphis River Pirates remained in contention until the final week of the season, winning 86 games. Left fielder Frank Schulte starred, hitting .350 and slugging .687, ripping 97 extra-base hits, including 47 homers, drove in 154 runs, scored 122 runs, and stole 20 bases, but missed the last 3 weeks of the season after tearing his hamstring. Center fielder Carlos Beltran hit .304 with 34 homers, 108 RBI's, 124 runs, and 34 steals. Righthander Whit Wyatt went 19-5 with a 2.72 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and fanned 278 batters. The El Paso Armadillos returned to the postseason after a one-year hiatus. First baseman Troy Neel hit .285 and slugged .580, blasting 49 longballs and driving in 132 runs. DH Al Simmons hit .324 with 47 doubles, 34 dingers, 137 RBI's, and 111 runs scored. Third baseman Alex Bregman hit .309 with a .434 on-base percentage, drilling 47 doubles, 34 round-trippers, knocking in 90 runs and scoring 133 times. Right fielder Roberto Clemente hit .300, rapping 43 doubles, 27 homers, 112 RBI's, and 101 runs scored. Veteran Lefty Tyler went 12-3 with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Walter Johnson successfully returned from rotator cuff surgery, going 10-4 with a 2.24 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP, only to be sidelined again with bone chips in his elbow in late August. The Austin Mustangs earned their second straight playoff spot, winning 89 games despite a subpar offense which finished tied for last in the league with 130 homers. Shortstop Arky Vaughan hit .318 with a .414 on-base percentage, smacking 10 triples, 9 homers, 77 RBI's, and scoring 98 runs. Left fielder Joe Medwick hit .277 with 41 doubles, 32 homers, 99 RBI's, and 92 runs scored. DH Junior Felix hit .308 with 21 homers, 88 RBI's, 89 runs scored, and stole 16 bases. Righthander Ewell Blackwell posted a 16-8 mark with a 1.95 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and fanned 273 batters. 38-year-old Greg Maddux had his best season in four years, going 14-8 with a 2.25 ERA, an 0.86 WHIP, and allowed just 18 walks in 192 innings. The Houston Pythons made a late push for their first playoff spot since 2044, but fell just short, winning 88 games to fall one game short. Right fielder Ruben Sierra led the Pythons, hitting .292 with 41 jacks, 125 RBI's and 113 runs scored. Southpaw Dutch Ruether sported a 16-8 record with a 3.78 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and fanned 217 batters. The Phoenix Lizards won a franchise-record 111 games to take the Southwest Division, finishing third in the league in runs scored and second in runs allowed. Second baseman Aaron Ward had a brilliant campaign, hitting .352 and slugging .642, blasting 46 doubles, 41 homers, driving in a team-record 163 runs and scoring 126 runs. Right fielder Derek Bell hit .330, drilling 31 homers, knocking in 110 runs, and stealing 35 bases. Left fielder Dave Collins hit .341 with 56 steals, scoring 120 runs. Righthander Kevin Millwood dominated, going 17-4 with a 2.11 ERA, an 0.83 WHIP, and 272 strikeouts. Sid Fernandez went 17-3, sporting a 2.36 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and fanned 234 hitters. Sinkerballer Dave Roberts posted an 18-6 mark, along with a 2.97 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. The defending champion Los Angeles Kangaroos earned their fifth straight playoff spot, winning 95 games. Center fielder Ray Lankford hit just .256, but smacked 38 doubles, 28 homers, and drove in 131 runs. Catcher Kyle Schwarber, last season's World Series hero, drilled 25 longballs and knocked in 88 runs. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins hit .305 with 39 doubles, 16 homers, 87 RBI's and scored 99 runs. On the mound, Hugh Bedient went 21-5 with a 2.74 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and whiffed 232 batters. Yovani Gallardo notched a 13-8 mark with a 3.49 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and fanned 211 batters. Whitey Ford missed the first half with a torn meniscus, but went 9-3 with a 2.78 ERA and an 0.98 WHIP in 17 second-half starts. Best season in team history: Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas (102 wins); London Werewolves (114 wins); Toronto Predators (107 wins); Milwaukee Raccoons (108 wins); Vancouver Viceroys (115 wins); Phoenix Lizards (111 wins) Worst season in team history: Ottawa Parliamentarians (52 wins); San Francisco Longshoremen (52 wins); Virginia Beach Admirals (43 wins) Attached Images

08-09-2020, 02:02 AM	#90
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2057 Playoff Report Frontier League: The heavily favored Vancouver Viceroys pounded the Baltimore Robins, eliminating the Robins in six games behind an incredible 20 homers. Third baseman Woodie Held earned MVP honors after hitting .440 with 5 homers, 8 runs scored, 8 RBI's, and an incredible 1.240 slugging percentage. First baseman Willie McCovey hit .400 and slugged .960, blasting 4 homers, and driving in 8 runs while scoring 7 times. Right fielder Leon Roberts hit .333, smacking 4 homers and plating 8 runs, while center fielder Grady Sizemore hit .414 with 3 longballs, 3 doubles, 4 RBI's, and 9 runs scored. Southpaw Fred Norman went 2-0 with a 3.29 ERA. First baseman Frank Torre led Baltimore, hitting .357 with a pair of homers and 7 RBI's. The Toronto Predators outlasted the Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas in six games, but lost ace Bobo Newsom to an elbow injury. Center fielder Earle Combs took home the hardware after hitting .370 with a homer, 2 RBI's, and 4 runs scored. Catcher Butch Henline hit .348 with two solo homers. Reliever Joe Sambito starred, going 2-0 with a save in 7 shutout innings. Catcher Frankie Hayes led Pittsburgh, hitting .273 with 2 round-trippers and 3 RBI's. The Milwaukee Raccoons fought back from a 3-1 deficit to force a decisive seventh game against the Detroit Purple Gang, but Detroit won Game 7 in a 10-2 rout to advance to the Divisional Series. Detroit leftfielder Carl Crawford was tabbed MVP, hitting .323 with 2 homers, 6 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. First baseman Mark McGwire and catcher Duke Sims bashed 3 homers apiece. Righthander Tom Carroll posted a 2-0 record, yielding a 2.25 ERA in 16 innings. Right fielder John Wilson led Milwaukee, hitting .393 with a round-tripper, 4 RBI's, 6 runs scored, and 2 steals. The 114-win London Werewolves ousted the 100-win Buffalo Fighting Elk in six games, led by first baseman Joe Foy, who took home the hardware after hitting .320 with a homer and 5 RBI's. Shortstop Zach Cozart hit .320 with a homer. Southpaw John Candelaria starred, going 2-0 with an 0.73 ERA in 12.1 innings, fanning 13 while yielding just 7 hits. Righthander Russ Ortiz led Buffalo, hurling 7 shutout innings in a Game 4 win, while yielding just one hit. Remarkably, seven of the eight Frontier League playoff teams won 100 games, with only Baltimore falling short. In an all-Canadian matchup, the Toronto Predators upset the league-leading Vancouver Viceroys, led by MVP right fielder Dwight Evans, who hit .409 with 4 doubles, 2 homers and 9 RBI's. First baseman Chris Johnson hit .481 with a series-high 13 hits, knocking in 4 runs while scoring 8 runs. Center fielder Earle Combs hit .478 and slugged .739, rapping 3 doubles, a homer, scoring 7 runs and knocking in 2. Joe Sambito continued his strong postseason, earning 2 saves in 6 scoreless innings. Dave Boswell went 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 13.1 innings, fanning 14 without a walk. Right fielder Leon Roberts led Vancouver, drilling 3 dingers and knocking in 4 runs. London controlled the powerful Detroit offense, shutting out the Purple Gang twice, as London advanced in six games. London third baseman Tony Batista was named MVP after hitting .360 with 4 round-trippers, 6 RBI's, and 7 runs scored. Right fielder Jack Tobin hit .409 with a homer and 6 RBI's. John Candelaria had another brilliant series, going 1-0 with an 0.64 ERA in 14 innings, whiffing 16 batters. Burleigh Grimes earned a Game 3 win with 7.1 shutout innings, striking out 11. First baseman Mark McGwire led Detroit, hitting .450 with 3 longballs and 6 RBI's. The London Werewolves ousted the Toronto Predators in 7 games, outscoring Toronto 18-2 in Games 6 and 7. Right fielder Jack Tobin was an easy MVP selection after hitting .440 with 3 homers and 7 RBI's, including a two-run smash to open the scoring in Game 7. Second sacker Dick Green hit .375 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's, while third baseman Tony Batista hit .286 with 2 dingers and drove in 8 runs. Southpaw John Candelaria continued his dominant postseason, going 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA, and a 19:1 strikeout-to-walk ration in 12 innings. Bob Carpenter split two decisions with an 0.69 ERA, including six shutout innings in a Game 7 win. First baseman Chris Johnson hit .464 with a series-high 13 hits, including 4 doubles, and knocked in 4 runs. Earle Combs starred again, hitting .375 with 2 longballs and 3 RBI's. Continental League: In a major upset, the 89-win Austin Lizards ousted the 111-win Phoenix Lizards in seven games, overcoming a 3-1 deficit along the way. Austin left fielder Joe Medwick was tabbed MVP after hitting .433 with 5 doubles, 2 homers, and 7 RBI's. Third baseman Ralph Hodgin hit .480 with 2 RBI's and 3 runs scored. Catcher Hank Gowdy hit .346 and slammed 2 homers and knocked in 6 runs. Jake Diekman earned the win in Game 7, posting an 0.90 ERA and allowing just 3 hits in 10 innings. Left fielder Matt Holliday led Phoenix, hitting .400 with 3 runs scored. The New York Emperors erased a 2-0 deficit to the Birmingham Steelers, winning four straight to advance. Left fielder Tim Raines starred, hitting .462 and slugging .808, with 7 runs scored, 5 extra-base hits, a homer, 5 steals, and 5 RBI's. Right fielder Warren Cromartie hit .435 with homer and 6 RBI's. Hard-luck righthander Ray Benge hurled 13 shutout innings, yielding just 4 hits, but had two no-decisions. Buck O'Brien went 1-0, earning a Game 7 victory, allowing a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings. Right fielder Ron Fairly led Birmingham, hitting .350 with 3 homers and 4 RBI's. The Miami Flamingos dominated the El Paso Armadillos, winning in 5 games. Left fielder Billy Williams took MVP honors, hitting. 421 with a homer and 2 RBI's. Shortstop Joe Tinker hit .353 with 2 doubles, 2 triples, and 4 RBI's. Tom Bradley went 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 14 innings without a walk. DH Al Simmons led El Paso, hitting .333 with 2 dingers and 3 RBI's. The defending champion Los Angeles Kangaroos took the final three games from the New Orleans Crawfish to erase a 2-1 deficit. Los Angeles right fielder Wayne Comer earned MVP honors, hitting .409 with a pair of homers and 5 RBI's. Second sacker Steve Sax hit .360 with a dinger and drove in 5 runs with 3 steals. The Kangaroos' bullpen was brilliant, going 3-1 and allowing just 2 runs in 14 innings. Righthander Dustin Hermanson earned the Crawfish's lone win, hurling 6.1 shutout innings. The New York Emperors ousted the pesky Austin Mustangs, taking the final two games to win the series in seven games. DH Adam Dunn was named MVP after hitting .296 with a Game Seven homer and 3 RBI's. Righthander Ray Benge went 1-1 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings, and he threw 8.1 hitless innings in Game One before Mark Davis finished the no-hitter. Greg Maddux was brilliant for Austin, going 1-0 with an 0.69 ERA, allowing just five hits in 13 innings. The Miami Flamingos knocked off the Los Angeles Kangaroos in five games, holding the Kangaroos to just 11 runs in 5 games. Left fielder Billy Williams added another trophy to his mantle, hitting .474 with 2 dingers and 4 RBI's. Third baseman Dick Williams hit .400 with 3 homers and plated 5 runs. Righthander Tom Bradley continued his terrific postseason, going 1-0 with an 0.69 ERA in 13 innings. Although Whitey Ford went 0-1, he posted a 2.08 ERA with an incredible 24 strikeouts and just one walk in 13 innings. Although the New York Emperors took a quick 2-1 lead over Miami in the League Championship Series, Miami stormed back to win the final three games to return to the World Series for the second time in three years. Miami catcher Val Picinich was named MVP after hitting .444 with seven extra-base hits, including a homer, and knocked in 2 runs. Center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit .429 with 2 round-trippers and knocked in 3 runs. Right fielder Dusty Baker hit .320 with 3 longballs and drove in 6 runs. Tom Bradley won both his starts, posting a 1.35 ERA in 13.1 innings. Tim Raines led New York, hitting .368 with 2 homers, 5 runs scored, 4 RBI's, and 3 steals. Joe Johnson threw seven shutout innings in earning a Game 3 win. World Series: Although the 114-win London Werewolves had the best record in most of the season, the 97-win Miami Flamingos were the hottest team in the postseason, dropping only four games in three rounds. London, thanks to its deep pitching staff, led by its Big Three of John Candelaria, Burleigh Grimes, and Len Barker, was a moderate favorite over Miami. London jumped out to an early lead, taking Game 1, 3-1. Burleigh Grimes dominated for London, yielding just 3 hits and 1 run in 7 innings to earn the win, and rookie Tony Balsamo earned the save with two perfect innings. Catcher Jim Essian and shortstop Zach Cozart each hit a solo smash for London, and leadoff hitter Chip Ambres singled, doubled, and scored a run. Scott Karl yielded 3 runs in 7 innings to take the loss for Miami. London took control of the series with a 7-6 win in Game 2, winning on a walk-off pitch by Jose Garcia. London erased an early 5-0 deficit with a four-homer barrage, including homers by Cozart, Ambres, and first baseman Joe Foy in the seventh inning. Leo Kiely earned the win in relief for London. Ambres went 3 for 5 with 2 RBI's, including a homer. First baseman Miguel Sano and catcher Val Picinich went deep for Minneapolis. With their season on the line, and going up against John Candelaria, who won his first five postseason starts, Miami received the start of his career from journeyman Eric Lauer. Lauer outdueled Candelaria, allowing just four hits in 7 shutout innings in a 3-1 Miami win. Dusty Baker hit a solo homer for Miami, while Joe Foy popped a ninth-ining blast to ruin the shutout. London took control of the series with a 7-3 win in Game 4, led by DH Gates Brown, who hit two longballs and drove in 5 runs. Bob Carpenter earned the win, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings, while Shane Bieber was chased after surrendering 4 runs in 4 innings. Catcher Jim Essian homered and tripled for London, driving in two runs. Dusty Baker led Miami with 3 singles, while catcher Val Picinich and third baseman Dick Williams each popped solo homers for the Flamingos. Miami staved off elimination in Game 5, erasing a 4-0 deficit by scoring 6 runs in the seventh inning, on their way to a 7-4 win. Lorenzo Barcelo earned the win with 3 shutout innings in relief, allowing just one hit, while middle reliever Nate Robertson took the loss, allowing 3 runs (including 2 homers) without retiring a batter. Billy Williams ripped 2 doubles and a solo homer, and Baker and Picinich also homered for Miami. London's Jack Tobin and Chip Ambres each homered in a losing effort. Miami outlasted London 6-3 in Game 6, forcing a winner-take-all Game 7. Tom Bradley earned the win for Miami, allowing 3 runs in 6 innings. Jose Garcia threw two perfect innings for the save. Len Barker took the loss, yielding 4 runs in 5 innings, despite fanning 8. Baker broke the game open with a 3-run homer for Miami. Shortstop Joe Tinker had 3 hits and scored two runs. Center fielder Chip Ambres led London with 3 hits, 2 RBI's and a stolen base, while Tobin had two hits, including a double. In Game 7, London's John Candelaria avenged his Game 3 defeat, allowing just 1 run in 6 innings while whiffing 10 batters, as the Werewolves took the title in a 4-1 Game 7 victory. Eric Lauer took the loss, allowing 3 runs and 6 hits in 4 innings. Gates Brown popped a solo homer for London, while shortstop Zack Cozart was 3-for-3 with a double and 2 RBI's. Tinker doubled and drove in the lone run for Miami. London center fielder Chip Ambres earned MVP honors, hitting. 448 with a series-high 13 hits, including 2 homers, 5 RBI's, 5 runs scored, and 3 steals. Cozart hit .360 with 2 round-trippers and knocked in 5 runs. Gates Brown hit just .185, but drilled 3 homers and drove in 6 runs. Burleigh Grimes posted a 1-0 mark with a 2.70 ERA in 13.1 innings. Reliever Tony Balsamo was nearly perfect, allowing just 1 hit in 6 shutout innings, fanning 11. Miami was led by catcher Val Picinich, who hit .333 with 3 homers and 6 RBI's. Dusty Baker hit just .267, but pounded 3 longballs and knocked in 9 runs. Billy Williams hit .346 with a dinger and drove in 3 runs. Eric Lauer split two decisions, yielding just one earned run in 11 innings. Attached Images

08-14-2020, 02:01 AM	#91
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2057 Awards Winners Frontier League MVP- Mickey Cochrane, C, MIL (17): .354/ .448/ .698, 171 hits, 40 doubles, 6 triples, 38 HR, 118 RBI, 112 runs, 83 BB, 4 SB, 191 OPS+, 9.2 WAR Second place- Al Dark, DEN, 3B (10): .346/ .388/ .611, 231 hits, 51 doubles, 42 HR, 143 RBI, 148 runs, 44 BB, 8 SB, 148 OPS+, 7.4 WAR Third place- Fred Toney, RHP, PIT (18): 22-2, 1.61 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 212 IP, 242 K, 23 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 294 ERA+, 9.1 WAR Fourth place- Carlton Fisk, C, OTT (1): .341/ .410/ .657, 169 hits, 27 doubles, 2 triples, 42 HR, 119 RBI, 103 runs, 45 BB, 6 SB, 166 OPS+, 7.9 WAR Fifth place- Willie McCovey, LF/1B, VAN (2): .308/ .406/ .604, 186 hits, 23 doubles, 6 triples, 48 HR, 135 RBI, 128 runs, 88 BB, 1 SB, 156 OPS+, 6.5 WAR Frontier League Cy Young Award: Fred Toney, PIT (48): 22-2, 1.61 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 212 IP, 242 K, 23 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 294 ERA+, 9.1 WAR Second place - Bret Saberhagen, MIL: 18-4, 2.30 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 231 IP, 275 K, 25 BB, 5 CG, 1 shutout, 206 ERA+, 9.9 WAR Third place- Bobo Newsom, TOR: 15-8, 2.08 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 208 IP, 315 K, 48 BB, 1 CG, 229 ERA+, 9.5 WAR Fourth place- John Candelaria, LON: 19-4, 2.42 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 205 IP, 239 K, 27 BB, 200 ERA+, 6.7 WAR Fifth place- Vida Blue, STL: 16-4, 2.41 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 202 IP, 270 K, 38 BB, 197 ERA+, 8.6 WAR Frontier League Rookie of the Year- Cecil Fielder, 1B, CAL (24): .311/ .386/ .628, 173 hits, 23 doubles, 51 HR, 126 RBI, 102 runs, 65 BB, 155 OPS+, 6.2 WAR Second place- Cecil Travis, SS, DEN (24): .372/ .458/ .509, 214 hits, 57 doubles, 11 HR, 83 RBI, 96 runs, 80 BB, 2 SB, +9.0 Zone Rating, 146 OPS+, 8.3 WAR Third place- Starling Marte, LF, KC: .312/ .383/ .552, 181 hits, 30 doubles, 17 triples, 25 HR, 114 RBI, 108 runs, 36 BB, 24 SB, 137 OPS+, 5.1 WAR Continental League MVP- Aaron Ward, 2B, PHO (47): .352/ .406/ .642, 224 hits, 46 doubles, 8 triples, 41 HR, 163 RBI, 126 runs, 55 BB, 5 SB, +11.6 Zone Rating, 161 OPS+, 9.5 WAR Second place- Hal Trosky, 1B, BIR: .359/ .444/ .639, 223 hits, 41 doubles, 2 triples, 43 HR, 108 RBI, 128 runs, 97 BB, 3 SB, 170 OPS+, 7.5 WAR Third place- Frank Schulte, LF, MEM (1): .350/ .613/ .687, 205 hits, 44 doubles, 6 triples, 47 HR, 154 RBI, 122 runs, 61 BB, 20 SB, 177 OPS+, 6.9 WAR Fourth place- Eddie Mathews, 3B, NY: .308/ .408/ .593, 187 hits, 22 doubles, 5 triples, 47 HR, 153 RBI, 129 runs, 106 BB, 5 SB, 154 OPS+, 7.4 WAR Fifth place- Asdrubal Cabrera, SS/ 2B, BIR: .341/ .397/ .573, 207 hits, 38 doubles, 2 triples, 33 HR, 114 RBI, 111 runs, 59 BB, 1 SB, +11.3 Zone Rating, 142 OPS+, 7.7 WAR Continental League Cy Young Award- Kevin Millwood, PHO (38): 17-4, 2.11 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 205 IP, 272 K, 30 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 251 ERA+, 9.4 WAR Second place- Hugh Bedient, LA (10): 21-5, 2.74 ERA, 0.94 WAR, 223 IP, 232 K, 26 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 189 ERA+, 8.3 WAR Third place- Ewell Blackwell, AUS: 16-8, 1.95 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 194 IP, 273 K, 55 BB, 271 ERA+, 7.9 WAR Fourth place- Van Mungo, NOR: 19-7, 2.24 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 217 IP, 281 K, 60 BB, 236 ERA+, 7.1 WAR Fifth place- Sid Fernandez, PHO: 17-3, 2.36 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 183 IP, 234 K, 45 BB, 225 ERA+, 6.1 WAR Continental League Rookie of the Year- Asdrubal Cabrera, SS/2B, BIR (45): .341/ .397/ .573, 207 hits, 38 doubles, 2 triples, 33 HR, 114 RBI, 111 runs, 59 BB, 1 SB, +11.3 Zone Rating, 142 OPS+, 7.7 WAR Second place- Ellis Burks, RF, SD: .330/ .416/ .572, 189 hits, 38 doubles, 1 triple, 33 HR, 127 RBI, 107 runs, 85 BB, 52 SB, +8.3 Zone Rating, 158 ERA+, 7.0 WAR Third place- Carl Weilman, LHP, WAS: 19-6, 1.96 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 225 IP, 181 K, 28 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 277 ERA+, 8.4 WAR Top draft picks: 1. Bernie Williams, CF, Virginia Beach Admirals 2. Mookie Betts, RF, Ottawa Parliamentarians 3. Carlos Correa, SS, San Francisco Longshoremen 4. Gary Peters, LHP, Atlanta Ducks 5. Larry Jackson, RHP, Hartford Huskies 6. George Selkirk, RF, Cincinnati Spiders 7. Andruw Jones, CF, Omaha Falcons 8. Paul O'Neill, RF, Philadelphia Hawks 9. Jim Ray Hart, 3B, Seattle Whales 10. Dick Dietz, C, Anaheim Antelopes

08-17-2020, 12:12 AM	#92
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2057 Hall of Fame Voting The 2057 Hall of Fame ballot finally started to get slimmer, as a dearth of first-time candidates kept the ballot to a manageable 37 players. However, the existing candidates continued to cannibalize each other's vote share, so none of the four returning candidates who drew over 60% last year were inducted. Instead, two first-time candidates received the the call: 700-homer hitter Ralph Kiner drew 95.4% of the vote, and 5-time All-Star Rico Petrocelli received 77.1% of the vote. Kiner was drafted 15th overall by the Memphis River Pirates following the 2038 season. Kiner broke out with a bang as a 22-year-old rookie in 2039, winning the Rookie of the Year award and finishing 3rd in the MVP voting, hitting .337 and slugging a league-best .689, with 60 homers, 127 RBI's, and 114 runs scored. Kiner avoided the sophomore slump, hitting .329 and slugging .668 with 58 homers and 145 RBI's, while scoring 145 runs in 2040. He had a brilliant 2041 campaign, finishing as runner-up in the MVP voting, as he hit .363 and led the league with a .484 on-base percentage and a .743 slugging percentage, blasting 47 homers, knocking in 102 runs, and scoring 100 runs in just 119 games. The following season, Kiner hit .318 and tied the all-time record with 64 round-trippers, knocking in 144 runs and scoring 132 as he finished fourth in the MVP voting. He followed that up with another fourth-place MVP showing in 2043, hitting ..308 and leading the league in slugging percentage for the fourth time in five years, as he bashed 60 dingers, knocked in 109 runs, and scored 118 runs. He slipped the following season, hitting just .271 with 42 homers, but drove in 133 runs and scored 122 runs, and he led Memphis to a surprise World Series appearance, hitting 9 homers and knocking in 18 runs in 24 postseason games. In 2045, Kiner hit .284 and smacked 39 round-trippers, plating 121 runs and scoring 102. Kiner led the league in homers for the fourth time in 2046, smashing 51 longballs and knocking in 125 runs. Over the next three seasons, Kiner drilled between 33 and 42 homers, while slugging over .500 each year. Following the 2049 campaign, Kiner left Memphis, signing with the Virginia Beach Admirals in free agency. Kiner's first two seasons in green and gold were virtually identical, as he hit .246 and .249, with 35 and 40 homers, respectively, knocking in over 100 runs each season. While he rebounded to hit .282 with 36 homers and 109 RBI's in 2052, he collapsed the following year, hitting just .214 and slugging .402, although he smacked 28 longballs. He signed with the Phoenix Lizards for the 2054 campaign, where he hit 29 homers and drove in 90 runs before retiring. For his career, Kiner posted a .281/ .380/ .568 slash line with 2459 hits, including 367 doubles, 18 triples, 700 homers, 1782 RBI's, 1564 runs scored, 1349 walks, 10 steals, and a career OPS+ of 148 with 70.9 WAR. He made 9 All-Star teams and won four Silver Slugger awards. Kiner led the league in homers and slugging percentage four times apiece, and on-base percentage once. Remarkably, Kiner only played in the postseason twice, hitting just .234 but smacking 10 homers and driving in 19 runs while drawing 23 walks in 30 games. Kiner ranked 8th all-time in homers and 23rd in slugging percentage. Petrocelli was selected 4th overall by the Buffalo Fighting Elk following the 2035 season. He struggled as an 18-year-old rookie, hitting just .225 with 4 homers and 24 RBI's in 41 game, and in his sophomore campaign, he hit just .156 and slugged .257 in 200 plate appearances. In 2038, Petrocelli established himself as a quality player, hitting .247 with 41 doubles, 19 homers, and 78 RBI's, as Buffalo won the World Series. The following season, he hit .285 with 47 doubles, 12 homers, 63 RBI's, and won his first Gold Glove. In 2040, Petrocelli found his power stroke, hitting .274 and slugging .501, smacking 41 doubles, 33 round-trippers, knocked in 118 runs and scored 115. He was the runner-up for the 2041 MVP, hitting .323 and slugging .596, as he drilled 42 homers and knocked in 131 runs while scoring 96 times. The following season, Petrocelli placed 5th in the MVP voting, posting a .336/ .424/ .653 slash line, with 34 homers and 115 RBI's in just 125 games. In 2043, Petrocelli hit .304 and slugged .533, blasting 33 round-trippers and knocking in 120 runs. He earned a 4th-place MVP finish in 2044, hitting .301 with a league-leading 49 dingers and drove in a career-high 146 runs, while scoring 108 runs. Following the season, Petrocelli signed with the London Werewolves, and he never scaled the same offensive heights again, although he did win the World Series MVP, leading the Werewolves to the championship in 2045. In each of his first three seasons in London, he hit exactly 21 homers (although he played just 124 games in 2045 due to a concussion and just 74 the following year following a strained ACL and an elbow injury). Over the next four seasons, an oft-injured Petrocelli failed to top .260, hitting between 13 and 19 homers each season. He spent the final three years of his career with the El Paso Armadillos. Although he hit 29 homers and knocked in 87 runs in his debut 2052 campaign, he hit just .204. Over the final two seasons of his career, Petrocelli drilled 33 homers, but failed to top the Mendoza line, retiring after his age-36 campaign in 2054. For his career, he posted a .260/ .347/ .466 slash line with 2234 hits, including 482 doubles, 24 triples, 414 homers, 1417 RBI's, 1255 runs scored, 1133 walks, 9 steals, a 121 OPS+, and 98.9 WAR. He made five All-Star teams, won five Silver Sluggers and 3 Gold Gloves. Petrocelli hit .265 with a .457 slugging percentage in 167 postseason games, including 49 doubles, 21 homers, and 98 RBI's, as he won two World Series rings. He remains the third-leading home run hitter among shortstops. Leading vote recipients include: Ralph Kiner, LF, MEM/ VB/ PHO: 95.4% Rico Petrocelli, SS, BUF/ LON/ ELP: 77.1% Carlos Guillen, 2B/ SS/ 3B, PHO/ CHA/ LV: 71,6% Tommy Davis, LF, NOR: 69.7% Bill Madlock, 3B, PIT/ LON/ DEN/ BAL: 67.9% Garry Maddox, CF, HOU/ CHA: 64.5% Hal Kleine, RP, ANA/ DET/ ELP/ NOR: 64.2% Clyde Milan, LF, PHO/ BUF/ DET/ CHI : 62.1% Bob Bescher, LF, OKC/ OMA/ ANA/ NAS: 56.6% Frank Tanana, LHP, ANA/ BIR/ NOR/ CAL: 54.7% Joe Adcock, 1B / DH, SF/ BIR/ DEN/ DET/ MIA/ STL/ BOS/ ALB: 52.9% Darryl Strawberry, RF, BIR/ MIN: 52.6% Noteworthy players who fell off the ballot include center fielder Jose Cardenal, who cleared 2500 hits and stole 345 bases, 2047 Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, first baseman Ryon Healy, who bashed 450 homers and had 11 seasons over 100 RBI's, and third baseman Robin Ventura, who tallied 2656 career hits, including 442 homers. Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers: Attached Images

08-26-2020, 01:47 AM	#93
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2058 Mid-Year Review Here's a look at the major storylines around the league at the 2058 All-Star Break: Exceeding Expectations: After winning just 79 games last year, the Cleveland Rocks entered the break with a 45-29 record and a two-game lead in the ultracompetitive Great Lakes Division, where all six teams posted a first-half record over .500. Third baseman Kris Bryant starred, posting a tremendous .352/ .468/ .600 slash line, with 11 homers, 38 RBI's, and 48 runs scored. Shortstop Arnold Hauser set the table, hitting .314 with 20 doubles, 3 homers, 26 RBI's, 31 steals, and 50 runs scored. Cleveland featured the best pitching in baseball, led by southpaw Lou Brissie, who went 5-1 with a 1.30 ERA and an 0.78 WHIP, fanning 107 hitters in just 76 innings. Rookie Shawn Marcum went 6-4 with a 1.85 ERA, an 0.78 WHIP, and a tremendous 112:15 K/BB ratio. Second-year hurler Sam Gibson posted a 9-3 mark with a 2.12 ERA and an 0.91 WHIP, whiffing 107 batters. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers, after several bumper rookie crops, appeared poised to make their first playoff appearance in 11 seasons, as they took a 49-25 record into the break after winning just 72 games last season. Center fielder Ira Flagstead dominated, hitting .356 and slugging .735, with 23 round-trippers, 54 RBI's, and 55 runs scored. First baseman Cecil Fielder bopped 22 round-trippers and knocked in 43 runs while scoring 51 times. Rookie right fielder Ellis Valentine starred, hitting .312 and slugging .620, ripping 18 dingers and driving home 62 runs. Calgary led the Frontier League in first half homers despite a tremendously disappointing half by third baseman Eddie Mathews, the star of the free agent class, who hit just .223 with 10 longballs and 29 RBI's. Righthander Juan Guzman paced an otherwise underwhelming staff, going 6-1 with a 1.42 ERA and an 0.84 WHIP. In the Continental League, the Washington Ambassadors looked to build on last season's surprising second-place finish, as they took a 43-30 record into the break, as Washington looked to make the playoffs for the first time in nine years and just the second time in the last twenty seasons. DH Whitey Kurowski led a balanced attack, hitting .330 and slugging .638, with 22 longballs and 55 RBI's. Right fielder Fred Beck hit .283 and slugged .572, ripping 26 doubles, 16 round-trippers, and knocking in 55 runs. Steady second sacker Jeff Treadway hit .312 with 26 doubles, 8 homers, and 35 RBI's. Rookie southpaw Randy Wolf starred, going 7-0 with a 2.28 ERA, an 0.78 WHIP, and 105 strikeouts. Second-year closer Seth Lugo notched 19 saves along with a 1.11 ERA and an 0.68 WHIP. But no team in baseball was a bigger surprise than the Atlanta Ducks, who suffered through four straight seasons of at least 105 losses, but entered the second half with a 45-29 record, just half a game out of first place. Catcher Rudy York led a subpar offense, hitting .288 with 17 homers and 43 RBI's in just 61 games. First baseman George Burns hit .325 and slugged .497, ripping 27 doubles, 6 homers, and plating 44 runs. Atlanta entered the break ranked second in the league in runs allowed, led by Ismael Valdez, who went 8-3 with a 1.24 ERA, an 0.77 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts. Rookie southpaw Felix Doubront posted a 7-1 mark with a 2.48 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and fanned 117 hitters. Disappointments: The Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas, winners of 102 games last season, stumbled to a 32-39 first-half mark, entering the break in fifth place. Pittsburgh's offense collapsed, as the Golden Gorillas ranked third-to-last in the league in runs scored. Center fielder Earl Averill and first baseman John Olerud, who combined for 50 homers and 212 RBI's last year, missed 85 games combined with injuries, hitting just 12 homers between them and driving in a combined 36 runs. Catcher Frankie Hayes, who hit .299 with 30 homers and 90 RBI's last season hit an anemic .193 with 5 longballs and 16 RBI's. Third baseman Chris Stynes, who hit .315 with 24 homers and 94 RBI's last year declined to hit just .233 with a lone homer and 16 RBI's while missing over 30 games. Southpaw Greg Mathews, a 15-game winner last year, went just 2-9 as his ERA soared by over a run to 4.48. The Denver Spikes won 89 games last year before getting eliminated on the final day of the season, but this year, they stumbled to a 34-39 first half-record, 14 1/2 games behind Calgary. Third baseman Al Dark returned to earth after his MVP runner-up 2057 campaign, hitting a modest .258 with 8 homers and 40 RBI's, losing over 200 points of slugging percentage. First baseman Dan Driessen, who hit .305 with 44 homers and 129 RBI's last year, hit a measly .217 with 10 longballs and just 24 RBI's. Denver struggled with its pitching depth, as Ernie Koob went 0-5 with a 5.51 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP in 12 underwhelming starts. Shawn Boskie was released after 5 dreadful starts with a 9.95 ERA, a 2.21 WHIP, and 9 homers allowed in just 19 innings. The Miami Flamingos were just one game shy of winning the World Series last year, but their streak of four straight playoff spots was in jeopardy after a mediocre 35-38 half, as they entered the break in fifth place, ten games out of first. Miami's offense grossly underachieved, ranking 20th in the league in runs scored despite ranking 11th in OPS and 10th in homers. Star left fielder Billy Williams' streak of six straight seasons with at least 35 homers and 110 RBI's was almost certain to be snapped, as he hit just .231 with 9 homers and 31 RBI's. Catcher Matt Wieters hit a disappointing .199 and slugged just .325, with 5 homers and 17 RBI's. Tom Bradley, who won 16 games each of the past two seasons, went just 4-7 with a 3.63 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. The Phoenix Lizards won over 100 games for three straight years, including 111 last season, but they entered the break in fifth place with a mediocre 36-38 mark. Phoenix ranked dead last in the Continental League in homers and just 17th in runs scored, as Derek Bell missed nearly the entire first half, hitting just .250 with a lone homer and 6 RBI's in 15 games. Defending MVP Aaron Ward slipped to hit .290 with 10 homers and 45 RBI's First baseman Gene Baker, who hit .309 and drove in 100 runs as a rookie, hit a punchless .239, with just 2 homers and 29 RBI's. On the mound, defending Cy Young Award winner Kevin Millwood slipped to just 4-8 with a 4.07 ERA and an ordinary 1.27 WHIP. Free agent signee Edwin Correa went just 1-1 in 9 starts with a 4.17 ERA and a bloated 1.50 WHIP. Offensive collapse: Offense dropped markedly across the HRDL without any explanation. Both leagues saw a decline of over 25 points of batting average and approximately one run per game. In the Frontier League, last year's .265 league average was the highest in 13 years, and the 4.54 leaguewide ERA was the highest since 2035. Both marks plummeted, to a leaguewide batting average of .239 and a league ERA of 3.60. In terms of OPS, the league average dipped from .755 last season to just .695 at the break. In the Continental League, the league average declined from .274 last year (the highest in 15 seasons) and an ERA of 4.97 to a leaguewide batting average of .246 and an ERA of 3.96. Leaguewide OPS dropped from .785 last year to .714 at the break. Both leagues were well on track to post the lowest leaguewide batting averages in HRDL history. Free Agent Flops: Although several of the league's biggest names switched teams during the offseason, overall, the returns were disappointing. Three-time MVP Eddie Mathews left New York for the Calgary Cattle Rustlers, but he hit just .223 and slugged .398, with a modest 10 homers and 29 RBI's. Twelve-time Cy Young winner Walter Johnson, after an injury-riddled season with El Paso, signed a one-year contract with Detroit in the offseason, but missed the entire first half after suffering a setback in spring training from an elbow injury. Righthander Addie Joss joined Toronto, but went a middling 5-6 as his ERA increased to 2.91. Four-time Cy Young winner Greg Maddux had a late-career renaissance last year in Austin, posting a 14-8 record with a 2.25 ERA , but after signing with the Charlotte Aviators, he stumbled to a 6-6 mark with a 4.29 ERA and his WHIP jumped to 1.11. Major injuries: Detroit righthander Walter Johnson saw his injury from an elbow injury delayed, as he missed the entire first half, although he was expected to return by late July. Milwaukee ace Bret Saberhagen blew out his elbow shortly before Memorial Day, knocking him out of commission until next August. Buffalo right fielder Pete Incaviglia tore his ACL, sidelining him for the season. London righthander Len Barker suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in spring training, potentially jeopardizing his career. Charlotte second sacker Ozzie Albies broke his hand in May, knocking him out until late August. Baltimore righthander Jim Maloney suffered an ulnar nerve injury in May, sidelining him until the end of the regular season. New Orleans right fielder Corey Dickerson tore his MCL in mid-April, ending his season. Detroit righthander Trevor Bauer suffered a labrum injury in May, knocking him out through late August. Phoenix rightfielder Derek Bell suffered a high ankle sprain in early May, knocking him out for two months. Ottawa righthander Josh Johnson suffered a back injury in early May, and he was not expected to return until August. Vancouver second baseman Orlando Hudson tore his PCL in early May, ending his season. Washington southpaw Carl Weilman underwent elbow surgery in early June, likely sidelining him for the year. Major milestones: Seattle first baseman Pedro Alvarez slugged his 400th career homer. Anaheim catcher Yogi Berra, San Francisco left fielder David Justice, and Miami first baseman Miguel Sano each joined the 300-homer club. Looking ahead to the second half, Portland center fielder Matt Kemp and Oklahoma City shortstop Jim Fregosi each had a chance to join the 2,500 hit club by the end of the season. San Antonio first baseman Bob Horner was likely to hit his 700th homer by September. Chicago outfielder Pedro Guerrero was expected to hit his 600th career homer and drive in his 2000th run by August. Charlotte outfielder/DH Dave Winfield was on track to hit his 500th career homer by the end of August. St. Louis center fielder Willie Mays was expected to score his 2000th career run by September. Toronto's Addie Joss was one victory away from 200, Baltimore's Jim Maloney, if he returned from a nerve injury before year's end, was one strikeout away from 4,000 career whiffs, while Cleveland's Jimmy Dygert was expected to join the 3,000 strikeout club by mid-July.

08-30-2020, 11:04 PM	#94
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2058 Year in Review Frontier League: The Baltimore Robins, traditionally a pitching powerhouse, relied on a league-leading offense to cruise to the Northeast Division title by a 10-game margin, winning 97 games to earn their fifth straight playoff spot. Left fielder JD Martinez starred, hitting .333 and slugging .631, with 47 homers, and leading the league with 138 RBI's as well as 138 runs scored, setting franchise records in both categories. Right fielder Mitch Haniger hit .299 and slugged .574, with 39 doubles, 42 homers, 117 RBI's, and 109 runs scored. Third baseman Charlie Hayes hit .324 with 45 doubles, 30 round-trippers, and 107 RBI's. Shortstop Dick Schofield combined Gold Glove-caliber defense with a .280 average, 11 homers, 61 RBI's, 40 steals, and 108 runs scored. Veteran Denny Galehouse carried an atypically subpar pitching staff, going 18-4 with a 2.25 ERA and an 0.95 WHIP. The Buffalo Fighting Elk remained in playoff contention until a late-season 4-11 swoon, falling two games shy of the postseason with 87 wins. Left fielder Juan Soto hit .304 with 30 homers, 84 RBI's, 104 walks, and 119 runs scored. Journeyman Dylan Covey came out of nowhere to post a 14-9 mark with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. The defending champion London Werewolves shook off an 0-4 start to win 104 games, earning their sixth playoff bid in seven years, taking the Great Lakes Division by 7 games. Second sacker Dick Green led a balanced offensive attack, hitting .317 with a .525 slugging percentage, blasting 27 homers, knocking in 74 runs, and scoring 88 times. Steady right fielder Jack Tobin hit .316 with a .534 slugging percentage, launching 58 doubles, 24 homers, knocking in 108 runs, and swiping 22 bases. Veteran third baseman Tony Batista hit just .254, but he drilled 32 dingers and knocked in 116 runs. Southpaw John Candelaria led a terrific London pitching staff, going 16-4 with a 1.90 ERA, a league-leading 0.84 WHIP, and 274 strikeouts. Veteran Burleigh Grimes notched an 18-7 mark with a 2.28 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and whiffed 256 batters. Rookie southpaw Floyd Bannister went 17-7 with a 2.88 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, with 264 strikeouts. The Toronto Predators won 97 games, as rookie left fielder Butch Davis hit .316 and slugged .562, with 24 homers, a league-high 22 triples, 20 steals, 93 RBI's, and 115 runs scored. Veteran right fielder Dwight Evans ripped 36 homers, knocked in 83 runs, and drew 111 walks. The Predators' pitching staff finished second in the league in runs allowed, as ace Bobo Newsom won the Triple Crown, going 19-6 with a 1.79 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and a franchise-record 338 strikeouts, allowing just 5 homers in 226 innings. Veteran Addie Joss went 15-7 with a 2.72 ERA, an 0.99 WHIP, and 223 strikeouts. Closer Joe Sambito saved 39 games with a 2.45 ERA, an 0.85 WHIP, and whiffed 97 batters in just 66 innings. The Cleveland Rocks jumped out to a 14-3 start on their way to a 95-win campaign. Third baseman Kris Bryant starred, posting a .340/ .452/ .612 slash line, with 34 homers, 104 RBI's, 110 runs scored, and 103 walks. First baseman Jack Lohrke hit .288 with 25 longballs and 90 RBI's. Shortstop Arnold Hauser set the table, hitting .301, stealing 52 bases, and scoring 96 runs in just 135 games. Cleveland featured a league-best pitching staff, which allowed a franchise-low 538 runs. Southpaw Lou Brissie went 14-4 with a sparkling 1.97 ERA, an 0.85 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts. Rookie Shawn Marcum went just 11-10, but sported a 2.12 ERA, an 0.84 WHIP, and whiffed 236 batters. Second-year hurler Sam Gibson posted a 17-10 mark with a 2.98 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. Lynn McGlothen sported a 15-9 record with a 2.96 ERA, an 0.99 WHIP, and fanned 200 batters. The Milwaukee Raccoons won 91 games, taking the Great Plains Division by two games. Catcher Mickey Cochrane followed up on his MVP campaign by hitting .318 and slugging .677, with 35 doubles, 41 homers, 87 RBI's, and 116 runs scored. First baseman Bob Robertson hit .304 and slugged .631, bashing 54 homers, driving in 134 runs, and scoring 125 runs. Right fielder John Wilson hit .290 and slugged .566, popping 40 longballs and knocking in 103 runs. Third baseman Will Middlebrooks hit just .258, but drilled 38 dingers and plated 122 runs. Milwaukee's pitching staff overcame substantial injuries to both Bret Saberhagen and Pedro Martinez to finish sixth in the league in runs allowed. Southpaw Bruce Robbins went just 12-12, but sported a 3.33 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and fanned 227 hitters. Phil Douglas posted a 16-11 record with a 3.88 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP, whiffing 222 batters. The St. Louis Pilots won 89 games, earning just their second playoff spot in eight seasons. First baseman Fred McGriff led a mediocre offense, hitting .262 and slugging .554 as he blasted 47 round-trippers and knocked in 102 runs. Catcher Yan Gomes hit .274, ripping 27 homers and knocking in 62 runs. Southpaw Vida Blue led a strong pitching staff, going 13-12 with a 2.64 ERA, an 0.96 WHIP, and 315 strikeouts. Al Javery sported a 12-11 mark with a 3.03 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and fanned 204 batters. Danny MacFayden went 17-11 with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers won 99 games, earning their first playoff spot in eleven seasons, led by a powerful offense that led the league with 271 homers and finished third in runs scored. Center fielder Ira Flagstead was a leading MVP candidate despite missing nearly all of September with a groin strain, winning the batting title (.374) and slugging an incredible .774, ripping 89 extra-base hits, including 44 homers, in just 124 games with 102 RBI's. Rookie right fielder Ellis Valentine was a worthy second banana, hitting .332 and slugging .651, ripping 37 doubles, 41 homers, 114 RBI's, and stealing 28 bases. First baseman Cecil Fielder hit just .257, but smashed a league-high 57 homers, drove in 124 runs, and scored 119 runs. Righthander Juan Guzman overcame a series of nagging injuries to go 8-2 with a 1.63 ERA and an 0.84 WHIP in 138 innings. Righthander Grover Lowdermilk went 11-6 with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. The Vancouver Viceroys rallied, ending the season on a 21-10 run, to seize the final wild-card spot with 90 victories. Right fielder Leon Roberts hit .266 and slugged .522 with 28 longballs, leading five hitters with at least 20 homers, and drove in 90 runs. Shortstop Jorge Polanco hit .291 with 20 longballs, 64 RBI's, 88 runs scored, and 20 steals. Third baseman Woodie Held hit .260, ripping 27 longballs and driving in 87 runs. Righthander Livan Hernandez went 11-9 with a 3.47 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and 204 strikeouts. Journeyman southpaw Frank Bauman sported a 9-8 mark with a 3.07 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. Continental League: The Washington Ambassadors won 97 games, earning their first playoff spot in nine seasons. Washington led the HRDL with a .287 team batting average, and finished third in the league in runs scored. DH Whitey Kurowski hit .329 and slugged .581, drilling 36 homers, driving in 112 runs, and scoring 113 runs. Right fielder Fred Beck hit .298 and slugged .608, ripping 53 doubles, 43 homers, and driving in 133 runs. Second sacker Jeff Treadway hit .318 with 43 doubles, 14 homers, 77 RBI's, and 95 runs scored. Third baseman Mike Lowell hit just .268, but rapped 46 doubles, 26 homers, drove in 95 runs, and scored 97 runs. Rookie southpaw Randy Wolf sported a 15-5 mark with a 2.66 ERA, an 0.88 WHIP, and fanned 252 batters. Jerry Robertson notched a 14-7 record with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, fanning 193 batters. Closer Seth Lugo saved 39 games with a 1.84 ERA and an 0.85 WHIP. The New York Emperors overcame a 3-14 start to sneak into the playoffs with 86 wins. Left fielder Tim Raines hit .321 with a .420 on-base percentage, with 46 doubles, 8 triples, 22 homers, 82 RBI's, and he led the league with 130 runs scored and 101 steals. First baseman Hee-Seop Choi hit .267, drilling 32 homers, and plating 97 runs. Catcher Joe Garagiola hit .283 and slugged .520, smacking 38 doubles, 24 homers, and knocking in 91 runs. Southpaw Billy O'Dell notched a 15-7 record with a 2.33 ERA, an 0.96 WHIP, and 237 strikeouts. Rookie closer Kenley Jansen saved 34 games with a 1.08 ERA and an 0.88 WHIP, fanning 118 batters in just 67 innings. The New Orleans Crawfish won 104 games, extending their streak of 100-win seasons to five, as they coasted to the Southeast Division title. The Crawfish featured the highest-scoring offense in the HRDL, led by catcher Val Picinich, who hit .328 with 46 doubles, 29 homers, and 103 RBI's in just 130 games. Shortstop Alan Trammell hit .285 with 40 doubles, 24 longballs, 89 RBI's, and 105 runs scored. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .295 with 47 doubles, 25 round-trippers, 107 RBI's, and 103 runs scored. Second baseman Starlin Castro hit .305 with 16 round-trippers and knocked in 81 runs. On the mound, Whit Wyatt went 17-7 with a 2.29 ERA, an 0.83 WHIP, and fanned 325 batters. Van Mungo notched a 19-1 record with a 2.37 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP, and whiffed 259 batters. Dustin Hermanson sported a 13-11 mark with a 3.59 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and fanned 226 batters. The Miami Flamingos stormed back from a mediocre first half to clinch their fifth straight playoff spot, winning 96 games. Star left fielder Billy Williams rallied from a slow start to hit .286 with 29 homers and 100 RBI's. First baseman Miguel Sano slugged 34 round-trippers and knocked in 107 runs. Center fielder Chicken Hawks hit .287, ripping 23 longballs, knocking in 63 runs, and scoring 85 runs. Miami's pitching staff finished second in the Continental League in runs allowed, led by southpaw Nate Robertson, who went 16-3 with a 2.67 ERA and an 0.94 WHIP. Although fellow lefty Scott Karl went just 12-12, he sported a 3.14 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. Righthander Ed Whitson notched a 12-10 mark with a 3.70 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. While the Memphis River Pirates remained in contention for the entire season despite a spate of injuries, they closed the year on a 1-6 tailspin, forcing them into a one-game playoff with the Phoenix Lizards, which Memphis dropped 8-1, ending their season with 85 wins. Third baseman Troy Glaus hit .285, ripping 38 longballs and plating 102 runs, while left fielder Frank Schulte hit .312 with 33 homers and 83 RBI's in just 120 games, leading the league with a .635 slugging percentage. Rookie southpaw Bob Knepper posted a 13-7 record with a 2.14 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and fanned 236 batters. Although the Austin Mustangs sported an underwhelming 31-35 record in mid-June, they used an explosive second half to win the Texas Division with 96 wins, earning their third straight playoff spot. Austin ranked fourth in the Continental League in runs scored despite ranking 23rd in homers DH Junior Felix hit .285 and slugged .492 with 41 doubles, 26 homers, 106 RBI's, and 102 runs scored -- the only Mustang to top 20 homers. Shortstop Arky Vaughan hit .299 with a .403 on-base percentage, 50 extra-base hits, 84 RBI's, and 95 runs scored. Second sacker Daniel Robertson provided Gold Glove-caliber defense while hitting .272 with a .380 on-base percentage, 19 homers, 80 RBI's, and 88 runs scored. Ace Ewell Blackwell went 20-1 with a league-best 1.50 ERA, an 0.81 WHIP, and 283 strikeouts, yielding just 8 homers in 204 innings. Southpaw Matt Boyd went 14-3 with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP before tearing his rotator cuff in late September. Eddie Rommel notched a 13-6 mark despite a middling 4.15 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. The Oklahoma City Otters returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence, winning 90 games. Left fielder Jimmy Welsh led a balanced, if unspectacular offense, hitting .315 with 40 doubles, 7 triples, 19 homers, and 79 RBI's. DH George Stone hit .301 and slugged .507, ripping 25 dingers, knocking in 74 runs, and swiping 21 bags in just 130 games. Steady shortstop Jim Fregosi hit .277 with 17 longballs and 74 RBI's. Southpaw Wilson Alvarez led the league in victories, posting a 21-5 mark with a 2.30 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and whiffed 209 batters. Fellow lefthander Bob Kuzava went 15-9 with a 2.22 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, while fanning 242 batters. Closer Al Holland saved a league-high 42 games, notching a 1.47 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and fanning 120 batters in 67 innings. The Houston Pythons fell just shy of snapping a 14-year playoff drought, falling one game short with 84 wins after stumbling to a 4-8 record to close out the season. Slugging rightfielder Ruben Sierra hit .316 with 45 longballs, a league-high 134 RBI's, 116 runs scored, and 18 steals. Left fielder Chick Hafey hit .308 and slugged .611 with 97 extra-base hits, including 40 homers, 133 RBI's, and 108 runs scored. But no other Python topped 16 homers. Workhorse Dutch Ruether paced a pedestrian pitching staff, going just 12-16 despite a 3.86 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP, and 211 strikeouts. The Los Angeles Kangaroos rallied from a 17-26 start to win a tightly-bunched Southwest Division with just 88 wins. While two years ago, five of the six teams finished with either 100 wins or 100 losses, this year, all six squads ranged between 75 and 88 wins. Rookie center fielder Tommy McCraw won the batting title, hitting .348 with a league-high 218 hits, including 19 doubles, 83 RBI's, 115 runs scored, and 39 steals. DH Ray Lankford hit .275 and slugged .516, ripping 41 doubles, 33 homers, knocking in 117 runs and scoring 93 times. Left fielder Bip Roberts hit .352 in 119 games with 40 doubles and 17 steals. Third baseman Kelly Gruber hit 26 homers and plated 82 runs despite hitting just .227. Ace Whitey Ford went 19-6 with a 1.99 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and whiffed 286 batters. Fellow southpaw Sid Fernandez sported a 12-9 mark with a 3.34 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, with 242 strikeouts. Hugh Bedient went 13-10 with a 3.86 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, fanning 250 enemy batsmen. The Phoenix Lizards rallied from a sub-.500 first half to force a one-game playoff by winning their final three games, then toppling Memphis 8-1 to seize the final playoff spot with 86 victories. Second baseman Aaron Ward followed up on his MVP campaign by hitting .310 and slugging .556, including 32 homers, 11 triples, 115 RBI's, and 98 runs scored. Center fielder Victor Robles had a brilliant all-around campaign, hitting .295 with 47 doubles, 19 triples, 15 homers, 76 RBI's, 124 runs scored, 42 steals, and provided exceptional defense. Rookie third baseman Les Bell hit .308 with 26 doubles, 14 homers, and 54 RBI's in just 98 games. Eddie Cicotte notched a 16-9 record with a 2.23 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. Veteran Stephen Strasburg went 13-10 with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. Closer Craig Kimbrel saved 33 games with a 1.75 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and fanned 87 batters in just 57 innings. Best season in team history: None Worst season in team history: Hartford Huskies (51 wins); Dallas Wildcatters (58 wins- tied) Attached Images

09-03-2020, 12:29 AM	#95
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2058 Playoff Report Frontier League: In an all-Canadian matchup, the defending champion London Werewolves squared off against the Vancouver Viceroys. Although Vancouver sprung the upset in Game 1, London took the next three games on their way to a six-game triumph. London first baseman Joe Foy was named MVP after hitting .440 with a series-high 11 hits, including a homer, 4 RBI's, 4 runs scored, and 2 steals. Center fielder Chip Ambres hit .385 with a round-tripper and 5 RBI's. Third baseman Tony Batista hit .304, slugging 2 homers and knocking in 2 runs. Rookie Floyd Bannister allowed just one run and three hits in a crucial Game 3 victory, fanning 10. Burleigh Grimes went 2-0 with 12 strikeouts, despite a middling 4.15 ERA. Right fielder Leon Roberts led Vancouver, hitting .400 with 3 solo homers. The Milwaukee Raccoons outlasted the Toronto Predators in seven games, with third baseman Will Middlebrooks taking home the hardware after hitting .308 with 3 longballs and knocking in 7 runs. Star catcher Mickey Cochrane matched Middlebrooks, hitting .308 as well with 3 longballs, 4 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. But Milwaukee's pitching outpaced its vaunted offense, as Phil Douglas went 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA, fanning 18 in 13 innings. Eduardo Sanchez hurled 7 shutout innings, fanning 13, while closer Nub Kleinke notched 3 saved, yielding just 1 run in 6 innings. Toronto first baseman Chris Johnson hit .320 with 2 homers and 5 RBI's. Toronto righthander Addie Joss went 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA in a losing effort, fanning 18 without a walk, including a complete game three-hitter in Game 1. The Baltimore Robins proved to be too much for the Cleveland Rocks' league-leading pitching staff, scoring 40 runs as the Robins prevailed in 6 games. Baltimore center fielder Luis Matos was tabbed MVP after hitting .435 with a homer, 3 RBI's, 5 steals, and 9 runs scored - including a record-tying 5 runs in Game 3. Slugging leftfielder JD Martinez hit .370, launching a homer and driving in 9 runs, and four Robins smacked multiple homers. Veteran George Johnson went 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA, fanning 15. Third baseman Kris Bryant led Cleveland, hitting .381 with 2 dingers and 2 RBI's. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers overpowered the St. Louis Pilots in 5 games, despite playing without injured MVP candidate Ira Flagstead. Calgary third baseman Eddie Mathews atoned for a disappointing regular season, earning MVP honors after hitting .400 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's, including a tie-breaking homer with two outs in the top of the ninth inning in the clinching Game 5. Rookie sensation Ellis Valentine hit .409 with a longball and 6 RBI's. First baseman Cecil Fielder hit .318, smacking 2 longballs and plating 6 runs. Veteran righthander Grover Lowdermilk hurled 5 shutout innings in Game 4, yielding just 2 hits. St. Louis right fielder Bryan LaHair put up a valiant effort in defeat, hitting .421 with 4 homers and knocking in 7 runs. In the Division Series, the London Werewolves' pitching staff locked down the powerful Milwaukee offense in a 6-game victory, yielding just 3 runs in their four victories. London right fielder Jack Tobin earned MVP honors after hitting .417 with a homer, 2 RBI's, and 3 runs scored. Second baseman Dick Green hit .375 with a round-tripper and 3 RBI's. Ace John Candelaria went 1-0 with an 0.60 ERA, allowing just 4 hits in 15 innings while fanning 15. Rookie southpaw Floyd Bannister matched Candelaria, going 1-0 with an 0.64 ERA and 15 strikeouts. Southpaw Bruce Robbins led Milwaukee, sporting a hard-luck 0-1 record despite a 1.29 ERA, allowing just 4 hits and whiffing 17 in 14 innings. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers jumped out to a 3-0 lead before finally eliminating Baltimore in 6 games. Calgary right fielder Ellis Valentine was named MVP after hitting .409 with 3 longballs and 6 RBI's. Backup outfielder Tike Redman, who went just 8 for 44 on the season, hit .438 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Left fielder Bill Buckner hit a modest .259, but smacked a pair of homers and plated 3 runs. Righthander Russ Ortiz was brilliant, going 2-0, fanning 13 in 13 shutout innings. Right fielder Mitch Haniger led Baltimore, hitting .391 with a .481 on-base percentage and a solo homer. Calgary's magic ran out in the League Championship Series, as London ousted the Cattle Rustlers in six games to return to the World Series for the second straight year. London shortstop Zack Cozart was selected MVP after hitting .400 with 2 longballs and 6 RBI's. Right fielder Gene Moore, who replaced injured star Jack Tobin, didn't miss a beat, hitting .409 and slugging .727 with a homer, 5 runs scored, and 5 RBI's. Left fielder Gates Brown smacked 3 homers and knocked in 7 runs. Righthander Bob Carpenter went 2-0 with a 3.75 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 12 innings. Calgary center fielder Ira Flagstead returned from a groin injury to hit .458 with 4 doubles and 4 RBI's, while Eddie Mathews hit .391 with 3 longballs and 6 RBI's. Continental League: The Phoenix Lizards were the last team to make the postseason, needing 163 games to tally 86 wins, and the New Orleans Crawfish dominated Phoenix, yielding just 5 runs to Phoenix in a 4-1 series rout. Right fielder Tony Oliva swung a mighty stick, earning MVP honors after hitting .474 with 4 doubles, a homer, and 6 RBI's. DH Don Mincher hit .368 with a pair of homers and 4 RBI's, while first baseman Freddie Freeman hit .350 with 2 longballs and 6 RBI's. Righthander Whit Wyatt dominated, going 2-0 with 16 shutout innings, yielding just 6 hits while fanning 19. Dustin Hermanson allowed just 3 hits in 7 shutout innings, earning the win in Game 3. Phoenix third baseman Les Bell was the only hitter to top .250, as he hit .294 with a double and scored a run. The Miami Flamingos squared off against the Los Angeles Kangaroos for the third straight season, and Miami outlasted Los Angeles in a seven-game marathon. Miami second baseman Sam Bohne was tabbed MVP after hitting .480 with a series-high 12 hits, including 4 extra-base hits, and 4 RBI's. First baseman Miguel Sano hit .250, but smacked 3 longballs and knocked in 6 runs. Righthander Ed Whitson went 2-0, hurling 11.2 shutout innings, including six innings of one-hit ball in Game 7, and fanned 11 Left fielder Bip Roberts paced the Kangaroos, hitting .375 with 3 doubles and 3 RBI's. Southpaw Whitey Ford went 1-0, allowing just one run in 14 innings while fanning an incredible 24 batters without a walk. In a divisional matchup, the Austin Mustangs rallied from a 2-1 deficit to oust the Oklahoma City Otters in 6 games, scoring 20 runs in the decisive Games 5 and 6. Austin left fielder Joe Medwick took home the trophy, hitting .407 with 3 homers and 7 RBI's. Shortstop Arky Vaughan hit .500 with a series-high 12 hits and 7 runs. First baseman Eric Hosmer hit .400, launching 3 homers and plating 7 runs. Ace Ewell Blackwell split two decisions despite a 1.69 ERA, fanning 18 in 10.2 innings. Righthander Ariel Miranda earned a Game 3 win for the Otters, hurling 7 innings while yielding just one run on three hits. Al Holland notched two saves with 4 shutout innings. The Washington Ambassadors' return to the postseason was a successful one, as they ousted the New York Emperors in seven games. Washington earned one-run victories in both Games 6 and 7, requiring 11 innings to prevail in a 1-0 Game 7 classic, with second baseman Jeff Treadway scoring on a walk-off single by right fielder Fred Beck. Treadway earned MVP honors, hitting .467 with an incredible 14 hits, including a homer, a crucial Game 7 double before scoring the winning run, and 5 RBI's. DH Whitey Kurowski hit .310 with two longballs and 5 RBI's. Veterean righthander Jerry Robertson went 1-0 in 13 shutout innings, whiffing 16 batters. Randy Wolf went 1-0, yielding one run in 13 innings while fanning 16. New York shortstop Edgar Renteria hit .407 with 3 RBI's and 3 steals, while Tim Raines hit .321 with a homer, 3 RBI's, nd 4 steals. The New Orleans Crawfish dominated their divisional rival Miami Flamingos, yielding just one run in the first three games, and just seven runs in a five game romp. Star shortstop Alan Trammell added to his trophy case, earning MVP honors after hitting .421 with 4 homers and 5 RBI's. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .444 with 4 doubles and a pair of RBI's. Righthander Whit Wyatt went 2-0 with an 0.67 ERA in 13.1 innings, fanning 15, while fireballer Van Mungo hurled 7 shutout innings in a Game 2 win, yielding just 2 hits. Miami left fielder Billy Williams blasted a 3-run homer for Miami, driving in half the Flamingos' runs for the series. Washington's miracle season came to an abrupt end, as the Austin Mustangs ousted Washington in 5 games, with Austin scoring exactly 7 runs in three of their wins and 8 runs in the fourth. Center fielder Ender Inciarte led Austin, hitting .474 with 3 doubles, 5 runs scored, and 4 RBI's. Catcher Hank Gowdy hit .316 with a homer and a series-high 8 RBI's. But Ewell Blackwell earned MVP honors, going 2-0 with 15.2 shutout innings and an incredible 25 strikeouts without a walk, including a complete-game three-hit shutout with 15 strikeouts in a dominant Game 5 clincher. Left fielder David Peralta led Washington, hitting .368 with a homer and 2 runs scored. New Orleans's rampage through the postseason continued, as the Crawfish swept Austin in the League Championship Series, outscoring the Mustangs 24-8. Catcher Val Picinich was named MVP after hitting .467 with a homer, 3 doubles, and 6 RBI's. Freeman hit .467 with 5 runs scored and 2 RBI's. DH Don Mincher hit .364 with 2 homers and 3 RBI's. Van Mungo set the tone in a Game 1 win, hurling 7.1 shutout innings and allowing just 2 hits while fanning 10. Inciarte led Austin in a losing effort, hitting .438 with a homer and 2 RBI's. World Series: In a marquee matchup of 104-win squads, the defending champion London Werewolves squared off against the New Orleans Crawfish, who led the Continental League in both runs scored and runs allowed. New Orleans was considered a slight favorite for the series, as London was playing without right fielder Jack Tobin, who smacked 85 extra-base hits on the season. But London has a dominant starting rotation, led by John Candelaria, Burleigh Grimes, and rookie fireballer Floyd Bannister. New Orleans edged London 2-1 in Game 1, with Whit Wyatt outdueling John Candlaria, with Doug Bird firing two perfect innings for the save. Alan Trammell went 1-for-3 with a first-inning solo homer for the Crawfish, and they scored the decisive run in the fourth inning after a Freddie Freeman double and an RBI single by catcher Val Picinich. Wyatt allowed just 1 run on 3 hits in 6.1 innings, fanning 13, bringing his postseason record to 6-0. Candelaria hurled a complete game, yielding 2 runs on 4 hits, but took the loss. London evened the score in Game 2 by a 7-5 count, scoring two runs in the ninth inning to break a tie after blowing a four-run lead in the sixth inning. London third baseman Tony Batista had three hits, including a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning. Right fielder Gene Moore, filling in for Tobin, had 2 hits, including a crucial ninth inning triple. Don Mincher led New Orleans with 2 hits, including a double, and 3 runs scored. Neither Grimes nor Van Mungo were sharp, as both pitchers yielded 5 earned runs. London's Chris Britton earned the win with two shutout innings, as Doug Bird took the loss. London won a back-and-forth Game 3 8-7, as center fielder Chip Ambres went 4-for-5 with 3 RBI's, including a homer and a walk-off single. London left fielder Gates Brown had two hits, including a 3-run seventh-inning homer. Freeman had two hits, including an RBI double, and backup catcher Ben Davis had a pinch-hit homer to tie the game in the top of the ninth. London's Leo Kiely was credited with the win despite blowing the save, while Spencer Turnbull took the loss for the Crawfish. New Orleans stormed back to even the series with a 9-4 Game 4 victory. Center fielder Jarrod Dyson had 4 hits, 2 steals, and 2 RBI's. Left fielder Josh Willingham went 2-for-3 with a walk, a homer, and 2 RBI's. Freeman had 2 hits, including a double, swiped 2 bags, and scored 2 runs. Batista led London with two hits, including a 2-run single. Veteran Erasmo Ramirez earned the win after Carlos Martinez failed to make it out of the fourth inning, with Jared Burton earning the save with two perfect innings. Bob Carpenter was tagged with the loss, yielding six runs in 5 innings. London regained the lead with a 2-1 squeaker in Game 5, with Candelaria outdueling Wyatt. London managed only three singles, but two of them, from Batista and shortstop Zack Cozart, drove in runs. Crawfish second baseman Starlin Castro had 2 hits, including a double, and scored their lone run. Candelaria earned the win with 7 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits and fanning 8, with Chris Britton notching a 2-inning save. Wyatt allowed just 2 hits, but took the loss. New Orleans evened up the series with a 5-2 win in Game 6, as Don Mincher hit a 3-run homer, and Starlin Castro singled, doubled, and drove in 2 runs. First baseman Joe Foy led London with two hits, including a double, and knocked in one run. Van Mungo earned the win, allowing just one run in 7 innings, and Doug Bird earned his second save of the series. Grimes yielded 5 runs and 8 hits in a complete game loss. Game 7 lived up to its buildup, with New Orleans prevailing 3-2. The Crawfish opened the scoring on a second-inning 2-run homer by right fielder Tony Oliva. The Werewolves evened the score in the seventh inning on back-to-back RBI doubles by Gates Brown and Billy McKinney, but they left the bases loaded. New Orleans regained the lead in the eighth inning, as Alan Trammell doubled off Leo Kiely and Freeman singled him home to take the lead. The Werewolves had one last gasp in the ninth inning, as Zack Cozart ripped a two-out drive that was caught at the wall for the final out of the series. Bird earned the win in relief with two shutout innings, as Dustin Hermanson pitched into the seventh inning, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits. Floyd Bannister lasted 6.2 innings for London, allowing 2 runs and fanning 9. Freeman was named MVP after hitting a series-high .370, with 10 hits, including 4 doubles and 2 RBI's. Fellow Crawfish Jarrod Dyson, Starlin Castro, and Val Picinich each hit .333, with Dyson and Picinich driving in 3 runs apiece, and Castro plating 2 runs. Whit Wyatt split two decisions despite a 2.02 ERA in 13.1 innings, fanning 21. Bird went 1-1 with 2 saves, yielding two runs on 3 hits in 8 innings. Center fielder Chip Ambres led London, hitting .348 with a homer, 3 doubles, 6 runs scored, and 4 RBI's. Joe Fpy hit .308 with a round-tripper and 3 RBI's. Candelaria split two decisions despite posting a 1.20 ERA and allowing just 8 hits in 15 innings, while fanning 13. Attached Images

09-05-2020, 02:33 AM	#96
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2058 Awards Winners Frontier League MVP- Ira Flagstead, CF, CAL (30): .374/ .451/ .774, 170 hits, 40 doubles, 5 triples, 44 HR, 102 RBI, 107 runs, 65 BB, 1 SB, 224 OPS+, 10.7 WAR Second place - Mickey Cochrane, C, MIL (11): .318/ .437/ .677, 149 hits, 35 doubles, 5 triples, 41 HR, 87 RBI, 116 runs, 98 BB, 7 SB, 198 OPS+, 10.3 WAR Third place- JD Martinez, LF, BAL (2): .333/ .409/ .631, 205 hits, 34 doubles, 4 triples, 47 HR, 138 RBI, 138 runs, 77 BB, 4 SB, 173 OPS+, 7.3 WAR Fourth place- Bob Robertson, 1B, MIL (1): .304/ .400/ .631, 180 hits, 30 doubles, 1 triple, 54 HR, 134 RBI, 125 runs, 90 BB, 7 SB, +10.3 Zone Rating, 176 OPS+, 9.3 WAR Fifth place- Kris Bryant, 3B, CLE: .340/ .452/ .612, 182 hits, 30 doubles, 7 triples, 34 HR, 104 RBI, 110 runs, 103 BB, 4 SB, 187 OPS+, 9.4 WAR Frontier League Cy Young Award- Bobo Newsom, TOR (48): 19-6, 1.79 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 226 IP, 339 K, 65 BB, 2 CG, 2 shutouts, 220 ERA+, 12.1 WAR Second place- John Candelaria, LON: 16-4, 1.90 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 214 IP, 274 K, 27 BB, 220 ERA+, 7.4 WAR Third place- Burleigh Grimes, LON: 18-7, 2.28 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 225 IP, 256 K, 49 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 183 ERA+, 7.3 WAR Fourth place- Guy Morton, MON: 10-13, 2.28 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 221 IP, 293 K, 54 BB, 2 CG, 2 shutouts, 180 ERA+, 8.2 WAR Fifth place- Shaun Marcum, CLE: 11-10, 2.12 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 191 IP, 236 K, 33 BB, 193 ERA+, 6.0 WAR Frontier League Rookie of the Year- Ellis Valentine, RF, CAL (42): .332/ .370/ .651, 175 hits, 37 doubles, 4 triples, 41 HR, 114 RBI, 97 runs, 35 BB, 28 SB, 170 OPS+, 7.7 WAR Second place- Mookie Betts, CF, OTT (3): .309/ .363/ .524, 209 hits, 43 doubles, 2 triples, 33 HR, 91 RBI, 121 runs, 59 BB, 44 SB, +14.0 Zone Rating, 135 OPS+, 8.8 WAR Third place- Andruw Jones, CF, OMA (1): .264/ .321/ .554, 165 hits, 43 doubles, 5 triples, 43 HR, 109 RBI, 115 runs, 44 BB, +23.7 Zone Rating, 26 SB, 134 OPS+, 8.5 WAR Continental League MVP- John Jaha, 1B, VB (19): .294/ .396/ .629, 175 hits, 25 doubles, 3 triples, 56 HR, 132 RBI, 111 runs, 83 BB, 22 SB, 170 OPS+, 8.6 WAR Second place- Jonathan Schoop, 2B, ALB (15): .328/ .366/ .595, 205 hits, 35 doubles, 44 HR, 118 RBI, 102 runs, 30 BB, 150 OPS+, 8.1 WAR Third place- Gary Carter, C, CHA: .298/ .377/ .631, 150 hits, 21 doubles, 49 HR, 115 RBI, 100 runs, 62 BB, 1 SB, 160 OPS+, 7.9 WAR Fourth place- Tommy McCraw, CF, LA (2): .348/ .411/ .518, 218 hits, 37 doubles, 6 triples, 19 HR, 83 RBI, 115 runs, 60 BB, 39 SB, 153 OPS+, 8.1 WAR Fifth place- Ewell Blackwell, RHP, AUS (9): 20-1, 1.50 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 204 IP, 283 K, 48 BB, 303 ERA+, 9.4 WAR Continental League Cy Young Award- Ewell Blackwell, AUS (43): 20-1, 1.50 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 204 IP, 283 K, 48 BB, 303 ERA+, 9.4 WAR Second place- Whit Wyatt, NOR (4): 17-7, 2.29 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 228 IP, 325 K, 39 BB, 200 ERA+, 9.6 WAR Third place- Whitey Ford, LA (1): 19-6, 1.99 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 217 IP, 286 K, 39 BB, 225 ERA+, 8.9 WAR Fourth place- Wilson Alvarez, OKC: 21-5, 2.30 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 223 IP, 209 K, 70 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 201 ERA+, 5.8 WAR Fifth place- Carl Hubbell, SA: 17-10, 2.16 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 229 IP, 346 K, 25 BB, 2 CG, 200 ERA+, 8.5 WAR Continental League Rookie of the Year- Tommy McCraw, CF, LA (37): .348/ .411/ .518, 218 hits, 37 doubles, 6 triples, 19 HR, 83 RBI, 115 runs, 60 BB, 39 SB, 153 OPS+, 8.1 WAR Second place- Casey Stengel, RF, CHA (10): .317/ .390/ .617, 182 hits, 43 doubles, 8 triples, 38 HR, 93 RBI, 116 runs, 66 BB, 36 SB, 161 OPS+, 7.5 WAR Third place- Bob Hazle, LF, ALB (1): .303/ .361/ .606, 170 hits, 44 doubles, 42 HR, 102 RBI, 102 runs, 42 BB, 1 SB, 151 OPS+, 5.7 WAR Top draft picks: 1. Joe Harris, 1B, Hartford Huskies 2. Tom Seaver, RHP, Dallas Wildcatters 3. Bubbles Hargrave, C, Seattle Whales 4. Jimmy Johnston, CF, Minneapolis Penguins 5. Snuffy Stirnweiss, SS/2B, Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas 6. Larry Gardner, 3B, Ottawa Parliamentarians 7. Vern Stephens, SS, Jacksonville Gulls 8. Freddie Lindstrom, 2B/ 3B, Virginia Beach Admirals 9. Damion Easley, 3B/ 2B, Montreal Knights 10. Bobby Doerr, 2B, Kansas City Mad Hatters

09-07-2020, 01:07 AM	#97
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2058 Hall of Fame Voting The 2058 Hall of Fame ballot remained congested, as seven strong first-year candidates joined a ballot with 10 returning candidates who drew at least 40% last year. Once again, the many candidates appeared to cannibalize each other's votes. Only two candidates topped the 75% threshold - 6-time batting champ and 2-time MVP George Sisler drew 90.5% of the vote, and two-time ERA champion Jose Rijo received 83.6%. Sisler was drafted 2nd overall by the Oklahoma City Otters following the 2039 season, and he spent his entire career in an Otters uniform. As a 21-year-old rookie, Sisler finished as the runner-up in the 2040 Rookie of the Year voting, hitting .333 with 31 homers, 104 RBI's, 128 runs scored, and 68 steals. In his sophomore campaign, Sisler hit .362 and slugged .608, smacking 51 doubles, 8 triples, 21 homers, knocking in 104 runs and swiping 56 of 63 bags. In 2042, Sisler hit .356 and slugged .550, drilling 56 doubles, 22 homers, driving in 110 runs, scoring 120, and stealing 64 of 70 bases. Sisler won his first batting title in 2043, posting a .387/ .443/ .653 slash line, with 48 doubles, 27 round-trippers, 118 RBI's, 112 runs scored, and 58 steals. The following year, Sisler won his first MVP award, leading the league in both batting average and slugging percentage, as he batted .363 and slugged .674, blasting 48 doubles, 44 homers, drove in 133 runs, scored a league-high 139 runs, and stole 56 bases. He repeated as MVP in 2045, winning his third straight batting title, as he hit .367 and slugged .674 with a league-best 54 doubles, 39 homers, 133 RBI's, 129 runs scored, and swiped 56 bases, notching his fourth-straight season over 200 hits and leading the Otters to the World Series. Sisler missed 40 games in 2046 with a back injury and a concussion, but he didn't miss a beat offensively , hitting .358 and slugging .587, with 26 homers, 96 RBI's, 90 runs scored, and 26 steals. He won his fourth batting title in five years in 2047, posting a .381/ .455/ .548 slash line, but slipping to 14 homers, while scoring a league-high 126 runs and stealing 46 bases. Sisler finished as MVP runner-up in 2048, winning his fifth batting title by hitting .353, and he also led the league in hits (229), runs (147), RBI's (161), and doubles (50), while smacking 32 homers and swiping 41 bases. Sisler hit between .335 and .339 in each of the next three seasons, while averaging 22 homers per season and peaking with 132 RBI's in 2050. In 2052, Sisler hit .345, led the league with 225 hits, smacked 47 doubles, 27 homers, drove in 118 runs, scored 112, and stole 16 bases. The following year, he hit .313 with 44 doubles, 29 homers, 116 RBI's, and 105 runs scored. Sisler had one last hurrah in 2054, winning his sixth batting title by hitting a franchise-record .390 and slugging .622, with 46 doubles, 26 longballs, 111 RBI's, and 113 runs scored. His power collapsed the following season -- although he hit .309, he slugged a modest .395, with just 4 homers and 53 RBI's and retired after the season. For his career, he posted a .351/ .400/ .562 slash line, notching 3384 hits, 703 doubles, 60 triples, 407 homers, 1768 RBI's, 1844 runs scored, 798 walks, 584 steals, a 149 OPS+, and 87.7 WAR. At the time of his induction, Sisler sported the single highest career batting average in HRDL history. He also ranked 23rd all-time in hits and 20th in doubles, Sisler won six batting titles, led the Continental League five times in hits, four times in runs scored, three times in doubles, and once in slugging, on-base percentage, and RBI's. Sisler upped his game in the postseason, posting a .363 career average in 78 games, with 28 doubles, 11 homers, 51 RBI's, 70 runs scored, and 36 steals. Most notably, in leading the Otters to the 2045 World Series, Sisler hit .435 with 13 doubles, 6 homers, 22 RBI's, 29 runs scored, and 13 steals in 25 games, as he set a record with 47 hits in a single postseason. In addition to winning 2 MVP awards, Sisler made six All-Star teams, won six Silver Slugger awards, and five postseason series MVP awards in just thirteen series over six postseasons. Rijo was drafted second overall by the Minneapolis Penguins following the 2034 season. He held his own as an 18-year-old rookie in 2035, going 8-11 with a 5.20 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP, fanning 175 batters in 170 innings. In his sophomore campaign, Rijo went 12-3 with a 3.05 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP in just 22 starts before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury. In 2037, he posted an 11-8 mark with a 3.28 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and fanned 210 batters, making his first of five All-Star teams. The next season, a hard-luck Rijo went just 15-12 despite a 2.44 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and 224 strikeouts, finishing second in the Cy Young Award voting. In 2039, he notched a 14-6 record with a 2.76 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and fanned 192 batters. After a mediocre 2040 campaign, he rebounded to go 15-12 with a 2.86 ERA and 1.06 WHIP iwith 219 strikeouts in 2014, finishing third in the Cy Young voting. The next season, Rijo posted a 13-8 mark, a 2.76 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and fanned 224 batters as he finished fourth in the Cy Young voting. Following the 2042 season, Rijo signed with the London Werewolves in free agency. After four brilliant starts in April 2043, Rijo tore his UCL. But he returned even better than before, going 15-2 with a league-best 1.75 ERA, an 0.80 WHIP, and 217 strikeouts in 28 starts in 2044, with another third place finish in the Cy Young voting. In 2045, Rijo sported a 15-9 record with a 3.20 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and whiffed 239 batters, leading the Werewolves to a World Series title, posting a 4-1 mark with a 1.94 ERA in seven postseason starts. The following season, Rijo featured a 20-6 record, a 2.30 ERA, an 0.98 WHIP, while fanning 217 batters. He suffered from injury-shortened seasons in both 2047 and 2048, going a combined 15-16, and signed with the Las Vegas Aces following the 2048 season. Rijo had a brilliant first season in Las Vegas, going 16-8 with a league-leading 1.86 ERA and an 0.90 WHIP, finishing fourth in the MVP voting. In 2050, Rijo overcame shoulder tendinitis to post a 14-5 mark with a 1.66 ERA and an 0.84 WHIP in 141 innings, and led the Aces to a World Series title, posting a 2.45 ERA in five postseason starts. Rijo spent five more seasons in Las Vegas, where he was burdened by nagging injuries and limited run support, culminating in a 4-8 record in 2053 despite a sparkling 2.26 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 21 games. In those five years, Rijo was limited to 72 starts, never making more than 21 in any single season. He retired following the 2055 season, where he was limited to just 13 starts due to back and elbow injuries. For his career, Rijo posted a 210-135 record with a 2.86 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, 3177 strikeouts (ranking 25th all-tine), a 163 ERA+, and 85.8 WAR. A five-time All-Star, Rijo won two ERA titles and led two teams to World Series titles. In 33 starts over nine postseasons, he posted a 10-9 record with a 2.96 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and fanned 186 batters in 183 innings. Leading vote recipients include: George Sisler, 1B, OKC: 90.5% Jose Rijo, RHP, MIN/ LON/ LV: 83.6% Bill Madlock, 3B, PIT/ LON/ DEN/ BAL: 68.4% Tommy Davis, LF, NOR: 68.0% Joe Adcock, 1B/DH, SF/ BIR/ DEN/ DET/ MIA/ STL/ BOS/ ALB: 68.0% Mark Teixeira, 1B, CHA/ DET/ ATL/ PHO/ SD: 66.2% Carlos Guillen, 2B/ SS/ 3B, PHO/ CHA/ LV: 65.8% Jim Wynn, RF, OMA/ CHI/ JAX: 60.0% Bob Bescher, LF, OKC/ OMA/ ANA/ NAS: 57.5% David Price, LHP, CON/ CHA/ ELP/ NY/ NAS: 53.5% Garry Maddox, CF, HOU/ CHA: 53.1% Paul Derringer, RHP, STL/ DET/ KC/ MIN/ AUS/ JAX/ SD: 51.6% Notable players who fell off the ballot include Tommy Davis, whose 3649 hits ranked ninth all-time; left fielder Bob Bescher who sported a career .420 on-base percentage and scored 2021 runs, ranking 11th all-time in each category; three-time home run champion Darryl Strawberry, who slugged 501 career homers, including a single-season record of 64 homers in 2036; and left fielder Kevin McReynolds, who slammed 470 career homers and posted six 100-RBI seasons. Davis, Bescher, and Strawberry all saw their eligibility expire after ten seasons on the ballot- nearly all of which garnered over 50% of the vote. Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers: Attached Images

09-15-2020, 02:59 AM	#98
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2059 Mid-Year Review Here are some of the major storylines from across the league at the 2059 All Star break: Exceeding expectations: The Denver Spikes, coming off a 78-win season, looked like a lock to snap a 9-year playoff drought, going 48-26 in the first half. Denver featured an explosive offense, which led the Frontier League in runs scored and batting average, and ranked fourth in homers. Left fielder Ron Gant had a brilliant sophomore campaign, taking a .318 average and .703 slugging percentage into the break, including 32 homers and an incredible 78 RBI's in 73 games, along with 21 steals. Third baseman Al Dark hit .319 and slugged .539, ripping 17 homers and plating 51 runs. Second sacker Danny O'Connell hit .332 with 20 doubles, 11 homers, 46 RBI's, and 51 runs scored. Southpaw Bruce Robbins was one of the few bright spots of a mediocre pitching staff, going 7-3 with a 3.08 ERA, an 0.93 WHIP, and 117 strikeouts in just 96 innings. Closer Rocky Biddle posted 16 saves with a solid 2.54 ERA. The Omaha Falcons soared into playoff contention after a 74-win campaign last year, coupled with three straight seasons of 100+ losses immediately beforehand, going 40-34, just 3 games out of first place. Left fielder Charlie Keller was finally healthy after three injury-riddled seasons, and he posted a .327/ .430/ .714 slash line, with 21 doubles, 26 homers, and 71 RBI's. Right fielder Lyman Bostock hit .328 with 30 doubles, 9 homers, 25 RBI's, and 62 runs scored. Righthander Rick Reuschel posted a 9-4 mark with a 2.60 ERA, an 0.89 WHIP, and an incredible 128:11 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Veteran southpaw Bill Wight posted a middling 6-8 mark, but sported a 3.19 ERA. In the Continental League, the San Antonio Marksmen, who won 78 games last year, looked to snap an eight-year streak of sub-.500 finishes, taking a 39-35 record into the half. Catcher Mike Piazza starred, hitting .370 and slugging .687, with 24 homers and 64 RBI's in 65 games. Right fielder Ripper Collins hit .308 with a league-high 31 homers and 66 RBI's. Shortstop Jhonny Peralta hit .300 and slugged .542, smacking 12 homers and 5 triples, while driving in 41 runs in just 63 games. Ace Carl Hubbell was the lone bright spot in an otherwise weak rotation, going 8-3 with a 2.14 ERA, an 0.85 WHIP, and 150 strikeouts in just 105 innings. The El Paso Armadillos, traditionally a postseason fixture, rebounded from a .500 season last year to go 46-28, taking a 5-game lead into the break. Rookie center fielder Samuel Byrd led the way offensively, hitting .272 with 15 homers and 52 RBI's. Veteran shortstop Joe Tinker provided unexpected pop, hitting just .250, but smacking 9 longballs and driving in 36 runs while swiping 10 bags. The Armadillos ranked fifth in the league in runs allowed, led by southpaw Ed Brandt, who went 7-3 with a 3.00 ERA and an 0.94 WHIP. Veteran Cy Morgan posted a 6-1 mark with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. El Paso's bullpen combined for a league-best 3.18 ERA. Disappointments: The Baltimore Robins' streak of five straight playoff spots was in grave jeopardy, after they stumbled to a 30-44 first-half record, entering the break in fifth place. While Baltimore's offense remained potent, ranking sixth in the league in runs scored and second in homers, its pitching collapsed to the worst in the Frontier League. Offensively, the lone disappointment was free agent catcher Cliff Lee, who hit .201 with 8 homers and just 20 RBI's in 65 games. Denny Galehouse, an 18-game winner last season, went just 1-2 in 9 starts, and his ERA nearly tripled to 5.70. Southpaw Bob Weiland stumbled to a 4-8 mark with a 6.75 ERa and a 1.54 WHIP, surrendering an incredible 26 homers in just 75 innings. The Cleveland Rocks, who won 95 games last season, dug themselves into a 1-18 hole, including an incredible 17-game losing streak, as they ended the half in last place with a 28-45 record. Cleveland struggled offensively, ending the half ranked 22nd in the league in homers and 20th in batting average. Shortstop Arnold Hauser, who hit over .300 in each of the past two seasons, hit a meager .204, scoring just 31 runs from the leadoff slot in 70 games. Left fielder Jacoby Ellsbury hit a modest .234 with just one longball and 17 RBI's in 67 games, slipping from 30 steals to just 5. On the mound, southpaw Lou Brissie slipped from winning 14 games last year with a sparkling 1.97 ERA to a 2-8 mark with a 5.30 ERA and a bloated 1.49 WHIP. Longtime ace Jimmy Dygert notched an 0-3 mark in 7 starts with a 4.32 ERA and a hefty 1.65 WHIP. In the Continental League, the Charlotte Aviators collapsed after a 77-win season, going just 24-50, and entering the break 30 games out of first place. While the Aviators maintained their traditionally powerful offense, ranking fourth in the league in homers, their pitching ranked dead last in the league. Veteran shortstop JJ Hardy struggled, hitting just .200 with a pair of longballs and 11 RBI's in 52 games. Although right fielder Casey Stengel, last year's Rookie of the Year, continued to hit for power, his batting average dropped 60 points from last year. On the mound, Nate Robertson saw his ERA jump by two runs to 4.74, and his WHIP increased from 0.94 to 1.27. Free agent signee Barry Latman was a disaster, going 2-7 with an 8.85 ERA and a 2.22 WHIP, walking 49 hitters and yielding 17 homers in just 59 innings. Charlotte's bullpen was an unmitigated disaster: six different pitchers yielded ERA's over 10, and Bruno Haas posted a 9.90 ERA in 40 innings with a 2.75 WHIP. The Memphis River Pirates looked to return to the playoffs after last year's end-of-the-season collapse culminated in a one-game playoff loss, but they notched a 28-45 record, ending the first half in last place. Although Frank Schulte and Troy Glaus combined for 48 first-half homers, Memphis ended the half ranked 21st in the league in runs scored. Right fielder Warren Cromartie hit just .198 with a lone dinger and 7 RBI's in 207 at bats. First baseman Jorge Cantu hit just .243 with a .286 on-base percentage, with 12 longballs and only 31 RBI's and 23 runs scored. On the mound, lefthander Bob Knepper suffered a torn rotator cuff in mid-April, ending his season after four starts. Righthander Ivan Nova, who won 13 games last year with a 3.11 ERA, struggled to a 2-5 record with a 5.52 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Reliever John Raleigh, who saved 39 games with a 1.50 ERA as a rookie last year, saw his ERA soar to 6.55 and his WHIP more than doubled to 2.00, as he lost his closer position. Knight Moves: There was no better story in baseball than the strong start of the Montreal Knights, who had not made the playoffs in 26 years, and just once in the last 40 years. Montreal entered the break with a 44-30 mark, just 3 1/2 games behind Buffalo, thanks to a league-leading pitching staff. Montreal's largely anonymous offense was led by right fielder Mike Brown, who hit .278 with 11 homers and 31 RBI's in just 58 games. Catcher Charlie Berry hit .279 with 6 dingers and 28 RBI's. Righthander Guy Morton looked to improve on his stellar rookie season, going 7-2 with a 1.88 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and 133 strikeouts. Southpaw Jim Deshaies improved on a disastrous 1-11 campaign to post a 9-2 first-half mark with a 2.88 ERA and an 0.92 WHIP, fanning 135 in 100 innings. Hard-luck southpaw Billy Hoeft went just 4-6 despite a 3.09 ERA and an 0.79 WHIP Closer Shohei Ohtani notched 20 saves with a 3.03 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Catcher Carousel: The offseason saw several of the HRDL's best catchers switch squads in free agency. Six-time All-Star Carlton Fisk jumped from the hapless Ottawa Parliamentarians to the San Francisco Longshoremen, only to see Ottawa finish the first half above .500 and on the fringe of the wild card race. Austin backstop Hank Gowdy moved across the Lone Star State to their rival Houston Pythons. But Austin filled the void, signing eight-time All-Star Yogi Berra from Anaheim. In turn, Anaheim imported Sandy Alomar, Jr. from San Antonio. Omaha's playoff push was fueled by signing Matt Wieters from Miami. Major milestones: Oklahoma City shortstop Jim Fregosi, New Orleans shortstop Alan Trammell, and Jacksonville center fielder Matt Kemp each joined the 2,500 hit club. Toronto right fielder Dwight Evans drilled his 600th career dinger. Buffalo third baseman Alex Bregman, New York right fielder Tony Oliva, and Jacksonville right fielder Tom Brunansky each launched their 400th career homer. Toronto righthander Addie Joss notched his 3,000th career strikeout. Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Pittsburgh first baseman John Olerud was likely to smack his 3,000th hit by August. Oliva was about 3 weeks away from drilling his 2,500th hit. Memphis third baseman Troy Glaus, with a strong second half, would hit his 500th homer by the end of the season. Major injuries: Atlanta righthander Bret Saberhagen missed the entire first half as he recovered from elbow surgery, and he was expected to return in August. Dallas righthander Tom Seaver, the #2 pick in the draft, tore his UCL after ten starts, ending his season. Buffalo first baseman Will Clark broke his wrist in late May, knocking him out of commission until mid-July. Philadelphia righthander Walter Johnson suffered shoulder inflammation in late May, and he was not expected to return until September. Austin shortstop Arky Vaughan suffered a concussion in early June, sidelining him until late July. Calgary right fielder Ellis Valentine tore his hamstring in late May, knocking him out of service until mid-July. Denver southpaw Vinegar Bend Mizell tore his labrum after three starts, likely sidelining him until September. Virginia Beach righthander Adam Wainwright tore an elbow tendon shortly before the All-Star break, and he was not expected to return until next spring. Anaheim catcher Sandy Alomar, Jr. broke his wrist around Memorial Day, knocking himself out of service for a month. Phoenix right fielder Derek Bell tore his PCL in late April, and he was not expected to return until the playoffs, at the earliest. Cleveland righthander Lynn McGlothen had elbow surgery in May, ending his season prematurely. Las Vegas righthander Len Barker tore an elbow tendon in spring training, ending his season. London shortstop Zack Cozart tore his PCL in early June, bringing his season to an early end. San Diego righthander Atley Donald tore his UCL in his second start of the year, ending his season abruptly. A torn rotator cuff ended the season of Toronto hurler Carl Lundgren.

09-19-2020, 09:59 PM	#99
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2059 Year in Review Frontier League: The Buffalo Fighting Elk returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence, winning 102 games thanks to the top offense in baseball. Buffalo set franchise records with 1049 runs scored and 260 homers, led by left fielder Juan Soto, who posted a .333/ .450/ .639 slash line with 47 homers, leading the league with 157 runs scored and 149 RBI's, as well as 127 walks. Shortstop Jorge Polanco hit .349 and slugged .575, with 26 homers, 11 triples, 113 RBI's, and 121 runs scored. Right fielder Pete Incaviglia had a breakout season, hitting .293 and slugging .599, with 34 longballs and 130 RBI's. Catcher Gene Tenace smacked 36 dingers and knocked in 101 runs, while third baseman Alex Bregman hit .303 with 23 homers and 126 RBI's. Righthander Jesse Haines posted a 22-5 record, despite a modest 3.92 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. Veteran southpaw Mark Mulder crafted a 14-8 mark with a 4.41 ERA and a heft 1.48 WHIP. The Montreal Knights had a breakout season, jumping from 69 to 90 wins, earning their first playoff spot in 26 seasons, and just their second one in forty years. Right fielder Mike Brown led a meager Montreal offense, which finished just 19th in the Frontier League in runs scored, as he hit .276 with 28 homers and 82 RBI's. Shortstop Alex Gonzalez hit .302 and slugged .536, ripping 37 doubles, 15 homers, and knocking in 56 runs in just 91 games. Catcher Charlie Berry hit .282 with 13 longballs and 58 RBI's. The Knights featured a league-best pitching staff, allowing just 600 runs. Righthander Guy Morton starred, going 15-6 with a league-best 1.90 ERA and 0.86 WHIP, while fanning 309 batters. Righthander Jack Flaherty had a career season, going 13-4 with a 2.74 ERA, an 0.98 WHIP, and 260 strikeouts. Southpaw Jim Deshaies notched a 13-7 mark, along with a 2.95 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, while fanning 272 batters. The Detroit Purple Gang rallied from a middling 24-23 start to take the Great Lakes Division title with 99 wins. Shortstop Leo Cardenas starred, hitting .338 and slugging .563, with 50 doubles, 28 round-trippers, 121 RBI's, and 101 runs scored. Left fielder Carl Crawford hit .318 and slugged .565, along with 40 doubles, 11 triples, 32 homers, 101 RBI's, 121 runs scored, and 40 steals. Third baseman Marcus Semien hit just .244, but blasted 29 longballs and knocked in 88 runs. Detroit's pitching staff ranked third in the league in runs allowed. Trevor Bauer posted a 17-6 mark, along with a 2.87 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and 259 strikeouts. Southpaw Paul Kilgus had a breakout season, going 17-4 with a 3.01 ERA, along with a 1.15 WHIP. Rookie closer Bo McLaughlin notched 19 saves, along with a 2.10 ERA, an 0.87 WHIP, and fanned 97 batters in just 64 innings. The Ottawa Parliamentarians improved by 29 wins to finish with 96 victories, including a 14-game winning streak in September, earning their first playoff spot in ten years. Second-year center fielder Mookie Betts was an MVP favorite, winning the batting title by hitting .361, and ripping 46 doubles, 44 homers, knocking in 136 runs, scoring 130 runs, and swiping 23 bases. Third baseman George Scott hit .316 and slugged .596, ripping 43 dingers and plating 129 runs. First baseman Jim Gentile hit .260, smacking 41 longballs and knocking in 95 runs. Second baseman Joe Gedeon hit .335 with 54 doubles and scored 78 runs. Ottawa's pitching staff ranked second in the league in runs allowed. Josh Johnson sported an 18-7 record with a 2.49 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and fanned 239 batters. Second-year southpaw Steve Trout went just 9-10, but sported a 2.73 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Rookie righthander Bob Groom notched a 12-5 record with a 3.01 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and fanned 222 batters. The Toronto Predators took the final wild card spot with 89 wins. Third baseman Doug Rader hit .263 with 36 longballs and 102 RBI's. Center fielder Earle Combs hit .327 with a .407 on-base percentage, smacking 38 doubles, 14 homers, driving in 61 runs and scoring 108. Veteran right fielder Dwight Evans launched 30 longballs and knocked in 94 runs. On the mound, Addie Joss posted an 11-4 record with a 2.75 ERA and an 0.97 WHIP. Defending Cy Young Award winner Bobo Newsom slipped to a 14-9 mark with a 3.54 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, and 268 strikeouts. Closer Joe Sambito notched a league-high 39 saves, yielding a 1.69 ERA and an 0.83 WHIP. The St. Louis Pilots grossly overachieved, winning 93 games to take the Great Plains Division despite a meager +28 run margin. First baseman Fred McGriff hit .274 and slugged .549, ripping 43 homers, knocking in 99 runs, and scoring 97 runs. Veteran third baseman Jeff King smacked 37 dingers and drove in 89 runs. Right fielder Matt Mieske hit .289, smacking 29 homers and knocking in 74 runs. Righthander Jeff Niemann went 13-12 with a 3.45 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts. Mike Leake sported a 10-8 mark with a 3.23 ERA and an 0.99 WHIP. Star southpaw Vida Blue had an off-season, going 13-7 despite a mediocre 4.38 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 230 whiffs. The Chicago Mules contended for their first playoff spot in nine years, but fell just short, winning 87 games. Right fielder Roberto Clemente hit .332 and slugged .595, with 40 doubles, 37 homers, and 125 RBI's. Righthander Ryan Dempster went 14-10 with a 3.07 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and 239 strikeouts. The Denver Spikes returned to the playoffs after a nine-year absence, winning 97 games due to a powerful, top-heavy offense. Denver finished second in the league in runs scored. Left fielder Ron Gant had a stellar sophomore campaign, hitting .287 with 57 homers, 139 RBI's, 139 runs scored, and 37 steals. First baseman Adam Dunn hit .264 and slugged .608, launching a league-high 58 homers, driving in 133 runs, and scoring 134. Third baseman Al Dark hit .316 with 45 doubles, 33 homers, 90 RBI's, and 120 runs scored. Second sacker Danny O'Connell hit .325 with 49 doubles, 20 homers, 88 RBI's, and 91 runs scored. Southpaw Bruce Robbins notched a 15-6 record with a 2.89 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and 240 strikeouts. Veteran George Johnson went 14-8 with a 4.95 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, but yielded a league-high 47 longballs. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers won 94 games, returning to the playoffs. Remarkably, all four wild-card spots were won by Canadian squads. Right fielder Ellis Valentine built on his brilliant rookie campaign, hitting .335 and slugging a league-high .692, ripping 49 homers and driving in 123 runs in just 128 games. Second sacker Bret Boone hit .332 and slugged .604, launching 38 longballs and driving in 112 runs. Catcher Brian Downing had a career year, hitting .303, smacking 33 round-trippers, and driving in 88 runs. Third baseman Eddie Mathews, a free agent signee, hit 42 homers and drove in 86 runs, but hit a disappointing .243. On the mound, Ed Whitson posted a 17-8 mark with a 3.83 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. Juan Guzman sported a 14-8 record with a 3.97 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and whiffed 228 batters. Continental League: The Washington Ambassadors won a franchise-record 107 games, leading baseball with 294 longballs. Right fielder Fred Beck hit .302 and slugged .611, smacking 53 doubles, 46 homers, and knocked in a league-high 142 runs. DH Whitey Kurowski hit .283, drilling 42 longballs, driving in 108 runs and scoring 119 runs. Third baseman Mike Lowell starred, hitting .308 with 46 doubles, 38 dingers, and 102 RBI's. Southpaw Carl Weilman dominated, going 23-5 with a 2.12 ERA, an 0.97 WHIP, and fanning 291 batters. Roger Moret notched a 17-6 mark, along with a 3.97 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and fanned 215 batters. Randy Wolf sported a 13-5 mark, a 3.67 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, while whiffing 218 batters before suffering a season-ending elbow injury in late August. Washington barely held off the New York Emperors, who won 106 games. Star left fielder Tim Raines posted a .313/ .424/ .576 slash line, with 33 homers, 103 RBI's, a league-high 123 runs scored, and 53 steals. First baseman Hee Seop Choi hit .271 with 32 dingers and 114 RBI's. Ageless right fielder Tony Oliva hit .314 and slugged .548, rapping 22 homers and plating 80 runs in just 98 games. New York's pitching staff led the league in runs allowed, surrendering a franchise-low 605 runs. Southpaw Billy O'Dell went 22-5 with a 2.42 ERA, an 0.89 WHIP, 248 strikeouts, and hurled two no-hitters. Free agent signee Mike Hampton went 14-4 with a 3.06 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP with a 210 strikeouts. Righthander Ray Benge went 17-9 with a 3.86 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and fanned 225 batters. The New Orleans Crawfish cruised to the Southeast Division title, winning 94 games. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .292 with 34 longballs, 112 RBI's, and 112 runs scored. Shortstop Alan Trammell hit .328 with 16 homers, 57 RBI's, 71 runs scored, and 24 steals in just 105 games before suffering a season-ending concussion. Right fielder Mitch Haniger bopped 30 homers and knocked in 101 runs. On the mound, Larry French sported a 16-6 record with a 2.35 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and whiffed 260 batters. Whit Wyatt went 16-8, yielding a 3.37 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP, while fanning 240 batters. The Miami Flamingos collapsed down the stretch, going 2-11 during the final two weeks of the season, as they slipped to 85 wins and missed the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. Left fielder Billy Williams won the batting title, hitting .349 with 84 extra-base hits, including 36 homers, 131 RBI's, and 111 runs scored. Ewell Blackwell posted a 13-9 mark, along with a 2.59 ERA, and 0.93 WHIP, and 240 strikeouts. The Oklahoma City Otters won 91 games, taking the Texas Division by a game over El Paso. Veteran first baseman Cecil Cooper starred, hitting .331 and slugging .601, with 49 doubles, 35 homers, 111 RBI's, and 115 runs scored. Center fielder Vince DiMaggio hit .270 with 43 longballs, 127 RBI's, and 109 runs scored. Right fielder Jeromy Burnitz hit a modest .262, but blasted 41 homers and plated 118 runs. On the mound, Bob Kuzava sported a 12-6 mark with a 2.30 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. Southpaw Ariel Miranda went 15-13 with a 4.21 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP, and 222 strikeouts. The El Paso Armadillos led the division for most of the first half, but struggled during the second half, ultimately finishing second with 88 wins. El Paso overcame a subpar offense, which ranked twentieth in the league both in batting average and homers. Shortstop Joe Tinker was El Paso's best all-around player, hitting a modest .259 with 20 homers, 71 RBI's, and 22 steals. Center fielder Samuel Byrd hit .267 with 42 doubles, 31 homers, and 108 RBI's. The Armadillos rode a deep pitching staff to the postseason, led by Silvio Martinez, who went 13-8 with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Southpaw Ed Brandt notched a 14-10 mark with a 3.42 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Veteran groundballer Cy Morgan went just 11-12, but yielded a 3.58 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP, allowing just 12 homers in 216 innings. The Phoenix Lizards ended the season on a blistering second-half run, going 53-15 after July 15, taking the Southwest Division by one game over Los Angeles with 107 wins. Phoenix led the Continental League with 956 runs scored and a team batting average of .282. DH Les Bell led the way, hitting .325 and slugging .622 with 35 homers and 128 RBI's. in just 125 games. Third baseman Mike Mowrey hit .322 with 56 doubles, 17 round-trippers, 80 RBI's, 107 runs scored, and 28 steals. Second sacker Aaron Ward hit .285 with 27 dingers, 96 RBI's, and 91 runs scored. On the mound, righthander Eddie Cicotte dominated, posting a 23-4 record, a league-best 1.73 ERA, an 0.90 WHIP, and fanned 252 batters, yielding just 11 homers in 224 innings. Kevin Millwood notched a 14-6 mark with a 3.22 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and whiffed 260 enemy batters. The Los Angeles Kangaroos won 106 games, ranking third in the league in runs scored and second in pitching. First baseman Tommy McCraw improved on his Rookie-of-the-Year 2058 campaign, hitting .330 and slugging .538 with 32 homers, 115 RBI's, 118 runs scored, and 39 steals. Second sacker Steve Sax smacked a career-high 15 homers while swiping 43 bases and scoring 106 runs, while batting .323. Third baseman Kelly Gruber and catcher Kyle Schwarber each topped 30 homers and 100 RBI's. On the mound, righthander Roy Sherid went 19-5 with a 2.81 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and 198 strikeouts. Hugh Bedient posted a 14-7 mark with a 2.89 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 218 strikeouts. Southpaw Whitey Ford notched a 12-5 record, along with a 3.39 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, while fanning 258 batters. Steady Sid Fernandez went 17-6 with a 3.90 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, and whiffed 269 batters. The San Diego Zookeepers won 11 of their final 13 games to seize the final wild card spot, earning their first playoff bid in five years. Right fielder Ellis Burks carried the Zookeepers to the postseason, hitting .338 and slugging .604, with 43 doubles, 37 homers, 125 RBI's, 105 runs scored, and 22 steals. Second-year first baseman Tony Perez hit .312 and slugged .616, drilling 36 homers and knocking home 118 runs in just 126 games. Catcher Lance Parrish popped 26 homers and drove in 67 runs. Righthander Jack Russell led a balanced pitching staff, going 15-9 with a 3.81 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. Veteran Dennis Martinez posted a modest 12-12 mark despite a 3.79 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and 188 strikeouts. Closer Hector Rondon notched 41 saves along with a 2.54 ERA and an 0.80 WHIP. Attached Images

09-22-2020, 01:27 AM	#100
Dukie98 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 902	2059 Playoff Report Frontier League: Although the 89-win Toronto Predators were the last team in the playoff field, they dispatched the league-leading offense of the 102-win Buffalo Fighting Elk in six games. Toronto third baseman Doug Rader earned MVP honors, hitting .360 with 2 homers, 4 runs scored, and 8 RBI's. Center fielder Earle Combs hit .478 with 4 runs scored and 4 RBI's, rapping a series-high 11 hits. Right fielder Dwight Evans matched Rader, hitting .360 as well with 2 round-trippers and 4 RBI's. Fireballer Bobo Newsom went 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 19 strikeouts. Center fielder Stan Javier led Buffalo, hitting .429 with 4 doubles, a homer, and 3 runs scored, while Juan Soto hit .381 and plated 7 runs. The upstart Ottawa Parliamentarians easily disposed of the St. Louis Pilots in 5 games, holding St. Louis to exactly one run in all four victories. Ottawa center fielder Mookie Betts was tabbed MVP after hitting .524 with 2 homers, 5 RBI's, and 5 runs scored. Second baseman Joe Gedeon hit .450 with 4 doubles, 5 runs scored, and 2 RBI's. Catcher Paul LoDuca hit .381 with a round-tripper and 4 RBI's. Righthander Josh Johnson was brilliant, going 1-0 with 13 shutout innings, fanning 21 while yielding only 2 walks. Fred Hutchinson hurled 6.1 shutout innings in earning a Game 4 victory. First baseman Fred McGriff led St. Louis, hitting .400 with a solo homer. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers swept their division rival Denver Spikes, scoring 29 runs in four games. First baseman Bret Boone took home the hardware, hitting .417 with 3 longballs and 5 RBI's. Third baseman Eddie Mathews and right fielder Ellis Valentine also smashed 3 homers, as the Cattle Rustlers blasted 14 longballs in the four-game sweep. Closer Bryan Clark earned a win and a save, yielding just 1 run in 5.2 innings, fanning 9. Third baseman Al Dark led Denver, hitting .353 with 4 dingers and 6 RBI's in a losing effort. The Detroit Purple Gang ended the season of the overmatched Montreal Knights, outscoring Montreal 21-5 in a four-game sweep. Detroit first baseman Jim Hickman earned MVP honors, hitting .600 with 3 longballs and drove in 6 runs -- more than the entire Montreal squad. Left fielder Dee Gordon hit .364 with 3 doubles and 2 runs scored. Trevor Bauer hurled 7 shutout innings in a Game 1 victory, yielding just 2 hits while fanning 13 batters. Southpaw Paul Kilgus hurled 6.1 shutout innings in earning the win in Game 3. In an inter-provincial matchup of division rivals, the Toronto Predators ousted the Ottawa Predators in five games. Toronto shortstop Billy Jurges hit .304 with 4 runs scored and 2 RBI's. Catcher Mike Scioscia hit .278 with 2 longballs and 5 RBI's, while right fielder Dwight Evans mashed 2 homers and knocked in 7 runs. Bill Monbouquette went 1-0, hurling 7 shutout innings, while Addie Joss fired 6 shutout innings in Game 2 but got a no-decision. Ottawa catcher Paul LoDuca took MVP honors in a losing effort, hitting .474 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers edged the Detroit Purple Gang in a 7-game classic, despite nearly blowing a 3-1 series lead. Calgary took Game 7 in 11 innings, as catcher Brian Downing made up for a dreadful postseason by smacking a two-run single in the top of the 11th, while Detroit righthander Dick Donovan made things interesting with an RBI double with 2 outs in the bottom of the 11th to cut the deficit to 6-5. Calgary infielder Bret Boone earned another MVP trophy, hitting a modest .259 while bashing 3 homers and knocking in 7 runs, including a 3-run blast in Game 7. Left fielder Bill Buckner hit .300 with a homer and 4 RBI's. Center fielder Ira Flagstead hit .269 with 2 longballs and 3 RBI's. Reliever Sid Monge starred, going 1-0 with 5 shutout innings, allowing just one hit. Shane Bieber earned the win in relief in Game 7, while posting a 2.84 ERA in 6.1 innings. First baseman Jim Hickman led Detroit, hitting .385 with a homer and 4 RBI's. Detroit southpaw Frank Fanovich was nearly perfect, allowing only a single walk in 7 hitless innings in relief, fanning 5. Calgary upended Toronto in five games in the League Championship Series, winning four straight after dropping Game One while yielding just 11 runs in the series. Left fielder Bill Buckner was selected MVP after hitting .348 with 3 homers and 4 runs scored. Shortstop Walt Weiss hit .364 with 3 doubles and 4 RBI's. Third baseman Eddie Mathews hit .316 with 2 longballs and 6 RBI's. Righthander Juan Guzman split 2 decisions, with a 1.64 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 11 innings. Reliever Victor Santos earned a win and a save in 4.2 perfect innings, fanning 5. Center fielder Earle Combs led Toronto, hitting .400 and driving in a run in a losing effort. Continental League: The 88-win El Paso Armadillos unexpectedly jumped out to a 3-0 series lead over the 107-win Phoenix Lizards, but suffered a historic collapse, yielding 34 runs in losing the final four games. Phoenix left fielder David Justice was named MVP after hitting .370 with 5 doubles, a homer, 7 runs scored, and 10 RBI's. Second baseman Aaron Ward hit .360 with 3 homers and 6 RBI's. Catcher Ben Davis hit .333, popping 3 longballs and knocking in 5 runs. Although Kevin Millwood dropped his only decision, he posted a 3.38 ERA and fanned 17 in just 13 innings. The Armadillos launched 14 longballs in a losing effort, led by DH Al Simmons, who hit .310 with 5 homers and 7 RBI's, and first baseman Troy Neel, who hit .360 with 4 round-trippers and 11 RBI's. The New York Emperors ousted the Oklahoma City Otters in six games after jumping out to a 3-0 lead. Shortstop Edgar Renteria was tabbed MVP after hitting .414 with a homer and 4 RBI's. Catcher Joe Garagiola hit .375 with 2 round-trippers and knocked in 7 runs. Right fielder Mike Huff hit .333, popping a homer snd driving in 8 runs. Southpaw Billy O'Dell split two decisions, but posted a 2.02 ERA, fanning 15 batters in 13 innings. Shortstop Jim Fregosi led the Otters, hitting .381 with 2 homers, 4 RBI's, and 5 runs scored. The New Orleans Crawfish dominated the 106-win Los Angeles Kangaroos, prevailing in five games. Crawfish catcher Val Picinich was selected MVP after hitting .368 with 3 homers and 7 RBI's. Shortstop Felix Fermin hit .471 with 3 extra-base hits, knocking in and scoring 3 runs. Third baseman Woody English hit .368 and drove in 4 runs. Righthander Larry French went 2-0, posting a 1.38 ERA while fanning 16 batters without a walk in 13 innings. Carlos Martinez hurled 6.2 shutout innings in a Game 2 win, whiffing 8. Right fielder Wayne Comer led Los Angeles, hitting .333 with a pair of homers and 4 RBI's. The 107-win Washington Ambassadors needed to go the distance before ousting the pesky San Diego Zookeepers in seven games. Washington third baseman Mike Lowell took home the hardware, hitting .407 with 7 doubles, 2 homers, 4 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. Right fielder Fred Beck hit .290 with 6 longballs and 9 RBI's. Catcher Ivan Rodriguez hit .357 with 3 doubles, 2 dingers, 7 runs scored, and 5 RBI's. Southpaw Carl Weilman went 2-0, including a Game 7 win, with a 2.57 ERA and 19 strikeouts. First baseman Tony Perez led the Zookeepers, hitting .345 with 5 doubles, 2 homers, 5 runs scored, and 5 RBI's. Right fielder Ellis Burks hit .310 with 2 longballs and 5 RBI's. In a Division Series matchup of the league's best offense and its best pitching staff, pitching prevailed, as the New York Emperors swept the Phoenix Lizards, holding Phoenix to just eight runs in the series. New York left fielder Tim Raines was tabbed MVP, hitting .438 with 6 steals and 2 runs scored. Second baseman Ray Durham hit .353 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI's. Southpaw Mike Hampton hurled 7 shutout innings in a Game 1 win, allowing just 2 hits. The Emperors' bullpen allowed just 2 runs in 14 innings, fanning 17. Left fielder Gene Richards was one of the lone bright spots for Phoenix, hitting .353 with a homer. The Crawfish locked down the explosive Ambassadors' offense, holding Washington to just 7 runs in 5 games. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit .333 with a homer. and 4 runs scored. Left fielder Jarrod Dyson hit .348 with 5 runs scored and 2 RBI's. Veteran righthander Whit Wyatt took MVP honors, going 2-0 with an 0.61 ERA, whiffing 18 in 14 innings. Carlos Martinez went 1-0, hurling 6.2 shutout innings in a Game 3 win. Washington southpaw Carl Weilman provided the Ambassadors' lone bright spot, hurling 7 shutout innings of 2-hit ball in earning a Game 4 win. In the League Championship Series, New York nearly blew a 3-1 series lead, but held on to oust New Orleans in 7 games. Emperor second baseman Ray Durham earned MVP honors after hitting .267 with 2 homers, 6 runs scored, and 6 RBI's, including a 3-run blast to break open Game 7. Shortstop Edgar Renteria hit .281 with 4 RBI's and 5 runs scored. Righthander Ray Benge dominated, going 2-0 with an 0.66 ERA in 14 innings. Southpaw Mike Hampton went 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 14 innings. Six New Orleans regulars hit below .200 for the series, and shortstop Lee Tannehill was the only starter to top .240, as he hit .320 with 3 RBI's. Relief ace Syl Johnson was brilliant, going 1-0 with an 0.87 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 10.1 innings, including six perfect innings in Games 5 and 6. World Series: The 106-win New York Emperors were mildly favored over the 94-win Calgary Cattle Rustlers. One of the major subplots for the series involved Calgary third baseman Eddie Mathews, who squared off against his onetime teammates after winning 3 MVP awards in the Big Apple. Calgary boasted an explosive, if oft-injured, offense and a middling pitching staff, while New York featured an above-average offense and a league-leading pitching staff. Calgary jumped out to an early lead, winning Game 1 as Ed Whitson yielded just 1 hit in 7 shutout innings. Calgary center fielder Ira Flagstead homered twice and drive in three runs, while left fielder Jon Nunnally smacked a solo shot. Billy O'Dell took the loss, yielding 3 runs in 5.1 innings. New York managed only two singles by Edgar Renteria and Tim Raines. Game 2 proved to be no better for the Emperors, as Calgary won 6-1. Calgary's Juan Guzman dominated, allowing just 2 hits and fanning 11 in 6.1 shutout innings. Nunnally homered and doubled, while right fielder Ellis Valentine singled, doubled, and drove in 2 runs. Joe Johnson took the loss for New York, allowing 4 runs in 5 innings. Once again, Raines and Renteria mustered the only two hits for New York. Calgary's starting pitching continued to dominate, as Russ Ortiz hurled six shutout innings, yielding just two hits, in a 6-3 victory. Nunnally and Brian Downing each smacked two-run homers. Eddie Mathews popped two hits, including a triple for Calgary. New York catcher Joe Garagiola popped a ninth-inning homer to put the Emperors on the board. Mike Hampton took the loss, allowing 4 runs and 7 hits in 4.2 innings. Calgary finished the sweep with Shane Bieber earning the win with 6 shutout innings in a 6-0 win, yielding just 3 hits. Valentine, left fielder Bill Buckner, and first baseman Bret Boone homered for Calgary. Raines smacked two hits and stole a base for New York. Ray Benge took the loss, allowing 6 runs in just 2.1 innings. Remarkably, for the series, Calgary's starting pitchers surrendered just eight hits and no runs in 25.1 innings. With multiple dominant pitching performances, right fielder Ellis Valentine was tabbed MVP after hitting .467 with a homer and 5 RBI's. Nunnally hit .357 with 3 homers and 4 RBI's. Boone hit .364 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Raines led New York with a .286 average, and Garagiola had the lone extra-base hit for the Emperors in the series. Attached Images