ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS) - Page 318

Eugene Church · 03-30-2019, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by care4ameatball

They did it! The cinderella of the playoffs this year and they’re in the pro cup. Now they face there biggest challenge, the vipers. If they contribute to play the way they have so far in the playoffs, it will be a great series.

It could be the Year of the Ninja in the IPA... they are redhot… and so are the Vipers... should be a whale of a Pro Cup Finals.

Eugene Church · 03-31-2019, 03:00 PM

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Thursday, October 9, 2059

VALMARA "LOOKS" LIKE PRO CUP WINNER
With sabermetrics you can measure just about anything to do with the game of baseball... except the heart and the desire... on paper the Valmara Vipers, the Ruthlandian Union champion, "look" to be the superior team in the Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Series... but the numbers don't always tell the whole story... their opponent, the Ginza Ninjas, the champion of the Tycobbian Union, play some pretty good baseball, too... the Ginza fans are hoping that the statistics will not determine the outcome of this year's overall Islandian baseball championship.

IPA PRO CUP TALE OF THE TAPE

Valmara Vipers
Season Record: 96-58
Home Record: 51-26
Away Record: 43-34
IPA Pro Cup Playoff Record: 8-4

Eugene Church · 03-31-2019, 03:05 PM

Ginza Ninjas

Season Record: 96-58
Home Record: 54-23
Away Record: 43-35
IPA Pro Cup Playoff Record: 8-4

Eugene Church · 03-31-2019, 04:00 PM

Yours truly, EC, has mixed emotions about this year's Pro Cup.

Valmara is one of my favorite teams in the IPA... I was a Russian Language Specialist in the USAF many, many, many eons ago... so I like Slavic names, the Russian language and like the Russian people, too... the people are not the government... my teachers at the Army Language School, most of them native Russians, were really nice people and filled with a joy for life... this surprised me at that time... Hollywood gave you a much different view of Russians back in those bleak, cold war days... sad, morose, melancholy.

My wife and I took the trip of a lifetime about a year ago... a 13-day riverboat tour of Russia... started in Moscow and ended up in St. Petersburg... an absolutely wonderful trip... on Viking Tours... highly recommend Viking... I am very hard-to-please... and they really, really pleased me.

The Russians were really nice people... on the ship... and in the towns and cities... I was pleased that they could understand my Russian after all those years... and yes, I did a lot of study and relearning it before I went... had to brush up on the grammar and get down the basic vocabulary again... they complimented my Russian... said I spoke very clearly... and my accent was OK.

So I have always kind of pulled for the Vipers each year... they won their fourth Pro Cup in 2050 and I have wanted them to get a fifth one and take the lead in Pro Cup trophies... some of my most favored players in the 59 years I've been covering the Islandian Pro Alliance have played for Valmara… manager/outfielder HOF Jet Kazmarek, .354 career average, best in IPA history... only .400 hitter ever... .424 in 2002... HOF shortstop Ken Jensen (.300 BA), the Szymanski family: outfielder Jan Szymanski (.253 BA/98 HR/385 RBI)… he only played 4 years with the team... his son, outfielder Teddy Szymanski (.301 BA/188 HR), and grandson, current second baseman Vladimir Szymanski (.298 BA, catcher Karol Koska (.253 BA/235 HR)… and pitchers HOF Vanya Vasylenko (304-261/3.45 ERA) (also successful manager), Primo Sirak (272-147/2.80 ERA), Darus Grajek (197-122/2.76 ERA) and Teddy Twardzik (195-155/3.11 ERA).

Now the Ginza Ninjas leap into the picture... they have been run-of-the-mill also-rans for decades... and this year they captured my heart... though I thought they would fade in the second half of the season... the Karate Kids won their first pennant since 1931.

Then nobody thought they would beat Oxford in round one... and not too many thought they would whip High Mesa in the TU title series... but, lo and behold, they did it!

And we're now in the Pro Cup Series and the Karate Kids are there!... playing for the whole shebang... the Holy Grail of the Islands... the IPA Pro Cup trophy.

Through the years I've been a fan of the Ginza's 34-year-old shortstop Kuzuki Tamura... he is a 4-time All-Star and Gold Glover... and sadly never got into the playoffs.

So this year, I will pull for Tamura, Gideon Tracy, Kurt Brophy, Sparky Dane and Abram Worth... but I think the Valmara Vipers will win in 6 games... they just hit the ball too well.

Come on, Mr. Miyagi… work your magic just one more series.

1. “It’s ok to lose to opponent. It’s never okay to lose to fear" - Mr. Miyagi

Eugene Church · 03-31-2019, 08:01 PM

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Friday, October 10, 2059

VIPERS IN 6 IN PRO CUP SERIES
The 2059 IPA Pro Cup Series has all the makings of a dandy... powerful Valmara is seeking its record-setting fifth Pro Cup trophy... and opposed by the newest darlings of the Islandian baseball world, the mesmerizing Ginza Ninjas... it will be the big bats of the Vipers against the strong arms of the Karate Kids.

Valmara has the superior offense, while Ginza has better starters, a better bullpen and the better defense... the Vipers have five .300 hitters in the lineup, sparked by first baseman Timmy Benford (.319/34 HR/107 RBI/87 R), center fielder Jud Gilbride (.240/28 HR/91 RBI/95 R), left fielder Doc Pollins (.258/25 HR/72 RBI/61 R), third baseman Alek Stolarski (.307/4 HR/54 RBI/89 R), right fielder Semyon Tomczak (.297/22 HR/65 RBI/65 R), left fielder Harv Shepard (.304/13 HR/58 RBI/72 R), shortstop Matty Tomek (.301/4 HR/48 RBI/70 R) and second baseman Vladimir Szymanski (.306/9 HR/23 RBI/29 R)... Valmara topped the Ruthlandian Union with 192 homers and runs scored with 823... they ranked fifth in batting average with a .273 mark.

Heading up the pitching corps are Tony Joe Carnes (11-5/3.43), Lukasz Chojnacki (10-6/3.03) and Smoke Dillane (13-5/3.22)... however, some of the starters have struggled in the playoffs... and the bullpen has not done well, either... closer Kris Fourcade and the relief staff will have to be solid and reliable in the Pro Cup Series for Valmara to win... without them, the offense may not be enough to defeat a well-rounded and well-balanced club like Ginza... Carnes and Chojnacki give manager Don Ritchie two capable starters, but the number three and four starters, Smoke Dillane (13-5/3.22) and Jiro Valastro (14-6/3.70), have to do better in the Pro Cup Finals... they both have struggled mightily in the playoffs... look for Manabu Ozaki (5-4/2.70) to play a bigger role in the series... Ozaki has done really well in the bullpen in the postseason and may be inserted into the starting rotation.

Ginza has a solid core in its starting rotation... Kurt Brophy (17-7/3.28) and Sparky Dane (8-4/2.88) have been the most reliable for manager Sogo Takagi... Brophy has been outstanding with a 3-0 record and a 1.69 ERA in four postseason starts... starter-wise, one to four, the Ninjas are better than the Vipers... plus Takagi has one of the best closers in the IPA in Abram Worth (7-5/2.29 ERA/35 saves/61 G)... Worth has really done well in the playoffs, too.

However, Ginza will have to put some runs on the scoreboard to have a chance against Valmara... on paper, the Ninjas come up short, but in the playoffs, the Karate Kids have done the job with right fielder Gideon Tracy (.302/17 HR/103 RBI/74 R), second baseman Kuzuki Tamura (.262/11 HR/66 RBI/74 R), catcher Gary Glidden (.271/19 HR/64 RBI/43 R) and shortstop Hideki Nakano (.257/17 HR/69 RBI/63 R) coming up with clutch hits throughout the playoffs.

For Ginza to pull an upset, the pitching has to handle the big bats of the the Vipers... and the Ninjas have to hit a few out of the park.

The key for Valmara is to bang the heck out of the ball like the regular season and the playoffs, but they must get some decent pitching, too... especially in the late innings from the bullpenners.

2059 IPA Pro Cup Series Outlook:
Valmara in six games... they just put too many runs on the scoreboard... enough to overcome their pitching woes... but Ginza still has a chance... on the chance their twirlers can hold down the Vipers at the plate... and off the scoreboard.

Eugene Church · 04-02-2019, 04:12 PM

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, October 12, 2059

2059 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 1

Eugene Church · 04-02-2019, 04:12 PM

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Eugene Church · 04-03-2019, 09:34 PM

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Monday, October 13, 2059

2059 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 2

Eugene Church · 04-03-2019, 09:36 PM

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Eugene Church · 04-04-2019, 04:10 PM

AROUND THE TOWN IN THE IPA

Ginza Ninjas

Owner: OmniSea, Ltd.

GM: Crash Davis
Manager: Sogo Takagi

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

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

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

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

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

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

The GM of the Ginza Ninjas is all-time great catcher Crash Davis... inducted into the IPA Hall of Fame in 2038 after a standout 21-year career... the team enjoyed its best years during his tenure. Davis was a 15-time All-Star and Gold Glover. He batted .308 with 403 roundtrippers and 1556 RBIs. Later Davis skippered the Ninjas to only so-so success. The current manager is another of their superstar players, Sogo Takagi, who took over the club in 2058. Takagi made the IPA Hall of Fame in '57. He put up a .298 career batting average with 538 roundtrippers, 1768 RBIs, 1915 runs and stole 225 bases. 10 times Takagi was an All-Star and a 3-time Golden Glover. He played his entire career with the Ninjas from 2034 to 2054.

Ninja Stadium (1998)

Capacity: 10,667

Dimensions:

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

Eugene Church · 04-04-2019, 04:33 PM

AROUND THE TOWN IN THE IPA

VALMARA VIPERS

Owner: Viper Offshore Services, headed by the estate of Capt. Stanislaw Lem, Ruthlandia Navy (ret)
GM: Vanya Vasylenko
Manager: Don Ritchie

Valmara is located in the northeastern part of Valdar Island, a port town of 81,000 people on Valmara Bay, an excellent deep water harbor. A clash of a warm Valerian Ocean current and a cold Kelnyck Ocean provides for heavy early morning fogs and sometimes nasty rainy weather.

The town began as a small fishing village in the 1880s and pretty much remained that way until the late 1930s. Valmara has never been considered a pleasant place to live with rocky soil, thick ocean fogs and moss growing everywhere. If not for its wonderful port, no one in their right mind would live there. The harbor and the port have brought commerce and jobs.The prime industries of Valmara revolve around the sea, be it catching and processing fish, servicing deep-ocean oil rigs or supporting the ten-ship navy of Ruthlandia.

With the threat of world war on the horizon in 1938, the Ruthlandian government established Valdarian Military Academy, a college for cadets and midshipmen studying for future service in the Ruthlandian Navy and Army.

During the Second World War, Ruthlandia was swept up in the maelstrom in the nation's first and only war. The nation sent a regiment of troops and a fighter squadron to England to aid the Allies. The Ruthlandian navy served proudly with the 2nd Polish Corps in the Italian campaign, especially at Monte Cassino. After the war, many Poles opted not to return to their Soviet-occupied nation and several hundred emigrated to Ruthlandia. Many of the ex-soldiers did not go far past Valmara when they got off the boat.

Over the next four decades, many Poles emigrated (or escaped) from behind the Iron Curtain to Ruthlandia. After two generations of migration and birth, more than half of the town is of Polish descent.

The Valmara Vipers are owned by the family of Capt. Stanislaw Lem, RN (ret.) of Viper Offshore Services. He was not related to the noted author of the same name, which often causes non-native reporters much trouble. The owner liked to be called "The Captain" in public. Lem made a small fortune after his navy career operating ships and helicopters that serve offshore oil rigs. Thanks to the vast supply of petroleum offshore, his company's profits have gone through the roof. The Captain had no problem coming up with money to buy a franchise in the Islandian Pro Alliance in 2001, the first pro baseball league in the Islands history. Valmara plays in the Ruthlandian Baseball Union in the North Division.

The Valmara Vipers trace their history from the frigate Viper, which had a team in the Naval League in the 1940's. When the amateur league players became semi-pros in the 1950s and worked and played baseball for companies, the Vipers were sponsored by Marine Midland Bank. The Captain played baseball for his service team in the 1960s and was active in the industrial leagues as a sponsor in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Since Captain Lem had been the captain of the frigate Viper in the late 1960s, when it came to naming his IPA franchise, it was a no-brainer. The Valmara Vipers were born.

The Vipers play their games at historic old War Memorial Stadium. Amateur and industrial league teams have used it for years. It is dedicated to the memory of the 121 men from Ruthlandia killed in action in the Italian campaign during the Second World War. It is a old stadium built for football and soccer, but improvised and used for baseball since 1946. The Captain commissioned noted architectural company HOK to renew the old park into a suitable baseball park. He spared no expense in updating the old stadium with modern technology and conveniences. Yet it still retains the charm of an old stadium.

Game-Day Experience:

Like many successful immigrants, the people of Valmara have fiercely adopted the values of their new nation. Ruthlandia's flag is navy blue and green. In Valmara, it's just taken to a ridiculous extreme. The team’s colors are navy blue and green. So are the water towers, the dockyard cranes, the street signs and the new city hall.

Captain Lem wanted to build a new ballpark, but the city fathers persuaded him to just refurbish the old stadium in the old part of town to be an anchor for a new mixed residential-commercial district. Civic pride got the best of the Captain and he agreed to use War Memorial Stadium. The civic renewal project was quite successful. Because there is little parking nearby, fans have to walk nearly a quarter mile to the park. On the way, they are treated to a dozen restaurants, bars, and pubs. The integration into the neighborhood is considered to be charming. The revitalization project has brought a good deal of commerce and energy into the east side of town. The worst of the neighborhood was torn down. The city fathers have expanded the renovations and given the old town a new look.

Food:
Fans love to scarf down bigos (cabbage and meat stew) and rye bread at cafes adjacent to the ballpark. Inside the park, everyone loves perogis (potato and cheese dumplings). The Captain persuaded Mama Kolski's Restaurant (home of the best perogis in town) to open a stand at his newly-renovated ballpark and it was a big hit.

Beer sales are strictly regulated by city ordinance to two beers per person. This is due to the locals’ love of pale lagers that are 9% alcohol. Also in recent years, draft Coors is a trendy choice.

Ambiance:
Music at the ballpark is best described as LOUD. The Captain installed a very modern, very powerful sound system at the refurbished stadium.

In 2001, a sound system operator substituted the Village People's "In the Navy" for the traditional "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch and started a new tradition. It was a college night at an industrial league game, with plenty of middies from Valdarian Military Academy on hand and many crewmembers from the frigates Viper and Foxx. It was a smash hit, no doubt fueled by a hot autumn evening, cold pale lager and the nine-run Viper lead. Since then, "In the Navy" has been played during the seventh inning stretch of every game save one -- the first game at the revamped War Memorial Stadium. The Captain hated the tune and thought with the public reopening that the club could stop playing that vile song. During the Vipers first exhibition game, the fans nearly rioted and the stadium's debut was marred with a near five-minute interruption of boos before play resumed. Wisely, The Captain made a quick command decision and allowed "In the Navy" to be played during the 8th inning break...and during every game since. Of course, the Captain saw to it that "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was restored to its revered seventh-inning spot.

In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)
(written by Henri Belolo, Jacques Morali, Victor Willis)

Mascot

The Captain (he considers himself a traditionalist) did not believe in having a mascot until he put his own money into the old ball park. At that point, he had to figure out how to attract every dollar possible from every fan possible. So Vippy and Vippa Viper came into being. They parade around the ballpark entertaining the fans and leading cheers, dances and songs. Viper fans are noted for shrill hissing at the umpires and the opposing teams. The Captain sells a lot Vippy and Vippa apparel and memorabilia...even rents them out to for birthday parties at the stadium.

History

Baseball on Valdar Island had a late beginning. Due to the Island topography, climate and lack of mineral deposits it was not as desirable as the Ruthlandian mainland, so it was bypassed by the immigrants until about 1910, when the towns of Valmara, Ancona, Kilkenny, Taranto and Ranford sprang up. From 1910 to 1920, touring amateur baseball teams from the mainland would play games from time to time and the game was introduced slowly. But it did catch on. In a desire to assimilate with the rest of the country, where baseball was like a religion, the Valdarians took to the game with passion and fervor. Amateur baseball clubs and company-based teams began to spout in abudance in the 1920s. By the mid-1940's Valdar Island baseball was as good as the Mainland.

The team was first managed by J. Jackson Samuel, a run-of-the-mill industrial league player that became a legendary manager. Samuel broke Jay Loman's record for the most Silver Whale Cups, given to the best amateur team on Valdar Island. Loman was the manager of the Ancona Red Elephants in the 1920s and won nine straight Valdar Island League titles. Samuel won 12 during his amateur career.

Samuel ran Valmara in the early days of the Islandian Pro Alliance, but only had modest success with five playoff appearances and two pennants in 16 seasons... in 2017 he retired and turned the reins over to one of the all-time great Vipers, Jet Kazmarek. who was a .350 career hitter in his 16 IPA seasons. Kazmarek was an 8-time All-Star and won the batting title 9 times. He is also the only .400 hitter in the annals of the league. Kazmarek batted an awesome .428 in 2002. He was inducted into the IPA Hall of Fame in 2027. Kazmarek skippered the Vipers to their first Pro Cup crown in 2026.

Kazmarek retained his GM title, but in 2036 turned the managerial duties over to Vanya Vasylenko, a former Valmara pitching star. Vasylenko starred for 20 seasons for the Vipers and compiled a 304-261 record with a 3.45 career ERA. Valmara captured three Pro Cup trophies during Vasylenko's managerial tenure. The Vipers were IPA champions in 2043, 2049 and 2050. Valmara has accrued four Pro Cups and is tied with two other clubs for the most IPA crowns: Turon and North Hills.

At the helm of the current edition of Valmara Vipers is former outfielder, Don Ritchie, who played from 2041 to 2056, taking over in 2057. He has three Pro Cup rings and batted .289 lifetime with 97 homers, 1301 runs and 957 RBIs... Ritchie succeeded the very successful Uncle Vanya Vasylenko, who is now the General Manager.

War Memorial Stadium (1946)

Capacity: 9,595

Dimensions:
Left Field Line - 330
Left Field - 350
Left Center - 380
Center Field - 405
Right Center - 370
Right Field - 330
Right Field Line - 309

Eugene Church · 04-04-2019, 05:39 PM

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, October 14, 2059

2059 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 3

Eugene Church · 04-04-2019, 05:40 PM

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care4ameatball · 04-05-2019, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, October 14, 2059

2059 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 3

While I did expect a better series from Valmara, I can’t complain with a 3-0 lead. I bet all the fans back home in Ginza are ecstatic about a near sweep for the title.

Eugene Church · 04-07-2019, 08:37 PM

Sorry, I just had a bout with the flu... didn't feel like doing anything since Friday.

I'm tired and weak, but ready to pick up the IPA Pro Cup Finals... looks like the wonderful darlings of the Islands just might win their very first Pro Cup trophy.

But then again, what a series it would be if Valmara started hitting the ball they way they can... the Vipers could get back into it.

But Ginza has Kurt Brophy... I think he will wrap up the Pro Cup Series, should he get another start..

Eugene Church · 04-07-2019, 10:50 PM

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, October 15, 2059

2059 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 4

Eugene Church · 04-07-2019, 10:50 PM

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Eugene Church · 04-07-2019, 10:53 PM

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Eugene Church · 04-07-2019, 11:11 PM

2059 IPA Pro Cup Champion: the Ginza Ninjas.

Eugene Church · 04-10-2019, 08:18 PM

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, October 15, 2059

NINJAS' BROPHY NABS PRO CUP MVP
There was no clear standout in the Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Series... the media was split about who the Most Valuable Player was... finally, it was the pitchers, who came out with the most support... the 2059 Pro Cup Most Valuable Player trophy was awarded to the Ginza Ninjas' ace twirler, Kurt Brophy... followered closely by Ninja closer Abram Worth... it was a tight tussle between those two... Brophy picked up 45 points in the voting, while Worth came in second with 35... three others received some support... Ginza right fielder Gideon Tracy and catcher Gerry Glidden tied for third place in the balloting with 15 points apiece... fifth in the MVP voting was Valmara's first sacker Timmy Benford with 10 points.

Brophy, a 23-year-old right-hander, made five starts in this year's postseason playoffs, posting a 3-0 record with a superb 1.36 ERA in 40 innings... each of them were quality starts... Ginza won four of the five games... Brophy pitched 7 excellent innings, allowing only one run in the no-decision extra-inning defeat... for the regular season, he chalked up a 17-7 mark with a 3.28 ERA in 30 starts.

Abram Worth, a 6-foot-6 southpaw giant, had a super season with 35 saves and a 2.29 ERA in 61 relief appearances... in the playoffs, he was 2-0 with 3 saves in 9 appearances... the 29-year-old Worth tossed 20 innings and registered a sparkling 0.89 ERA... both Worth and Brophy played critical roles in the Ginza Pro Cup victory run.

The Ginza hitters were also a prime part of the Pro Cup triumph with Gideon Tracy and Gerry Glidden the main two batters... Tracy topped the club in 16 postseason games with a .338 BA, 6 doubles, 1 homer, 14 RBIs and 15 runs scored... Glidden only batted .246, but he walloped 6 out of the park in the playoffs and drove in 14 runs... many of his were game-changing hits.

Valmara's Timmy Benford had a brilliant postseason at the plate, batting .424 with 28 hits, 7 two-baggers, 1 home run, 13 RBIs and 10 runs scored... he was a vital part of the Vipers getting to the Pro Cup Finals.

2059 ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE PRO CUP SERIES MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

03-31-2019, 03:00 PM	#6342
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	THE ISLANDIAN TIMES Thursday, October 9, 2059 VALMARA "LOOKS" LIKE PRO CUP WINNER With sabermetrics you can measure just about anything to do with the game of baseball... except the heart and the desire... on paper the Valmara Vipers, the Ruthlandian Union champion, "look" to be the superior team in the Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Series... but the numbers don't always tell the whole story... their opponent, the Ginza Ninjas, the champion of the Tycobbian Union, play some pretty good baseball, too... the Ginza fans are hoping that the statistics will not determine the outcome of this year's overall Islandian baseball championship. IPA PRO CUP TALE OF THE TAPE Valmara Vipers Season Record: 96-58 Home Record: 51-26 Away Record: 43-34 IPA Pro Cup Playoff Record: 8-4 Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 03-31-2019 at 05:04 PM.

03-31-2019, 03:05 PM	#6343
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	Ginza Ninjas Season Record: 96-58 Home Record: 54-23 Away Record: 43-35 IPA Pro Cup Playoff Record: 8-4 Attached Images

03-31-2019, 04:00 PM	#6344
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	Yours truly, EC, has mixed emotions about this year's Pro Cup. Valmara is one of my favorite teams in the IPA... I was a Russian Language Specialist in the USAF many, many, many eons ago... so I like Slavic names, the Russian language and like the Russian people, too... the people are not the government... my teachers at the Army Language School, most of them native Russians, were really nice people and filled with a joy for life... this surprised me at that time... Hollywood gave you a much different view of Russians back in those bleak, cold war days... sad, morose, melancholy. My wife and I took the trip of a lifetime about a year ago... a 13-day riverboat tour of Russia... started in Moscow and ended up in St. Petersburg... an absolutely wonderful trip... on Viking Tours... highly recommend Viking... I am very hard-to-please... and they really, really pleased me. The Russians were really nice people... on the ship... and in the towns and cities... I was pleased that they could understand my Russian after all those years... and yes, I did a lot of study and relearning it before I went... had to brush up on the grammar and get down the basic vocabulary again... they complimented my Russian... said I spoke very clearly... and my accent was OK. So I have always kind of pulled for the Vipers each year... they won their fourth Pro Cup in 2050 and I have wanted them to get a fifth one and take the lead in Pro Cup trophies... some of my most favored players in the 59 years I've been covering the Islandian Pro Alliance have played for Valmara… manager/outfielder HOF Jet Kazmarek, .354 career average, best in IPA history... only .400 hitter ever... .424 in 2002... HOF shortstop Ken Jensen (.300 BA), the Szymanski family: outfielder Jan Szymanski (.253 BA/98 HR/385 RBI)… he only played 4 years with the team... his son, outfielder Teddy Szymanski (.301 BA/188 HR), and grandson, current second baseman Vladimir Szymanski (.298 BA, catcher Karol Koska (.253 BA/235 HR)… and pitchers HOF Vanya Vasylenko (304-261/3.45 ERA) (also successful manager), Primo Sirak (272-147/2.80 ERA), Darus Grajek (197-122/2.76 ERA) and Teddy Twardzik (195-155/3.11 ERA). Now the Ginza Ninjas leap into the picture... they have been run-of-the-mill also-rans for decades... and this year they captured my heart... though I thought they would fade in the second half of the season... the Karate Kids won their first pennant since 1931. Then nobody thought they would beat Oxford in round one... and not too many thought they would whip High Mesa in the TU title series... but, lo and behold, they did it! And we're now in the Pro Cup Series and the Karate Kids are there!... playing for the whole shebang... the Holy Grail of the Islands... the IPA Pro Cup trophy. Through the years I've been a fan of the Ginza's 34-year-old shortstop Kuzuki Tamura... he is a 4-time All-Star and Gold Glover... and sadly never got into the playoffs. So this year, I will pull for Tamura, Gideon Tracy, Kurt Brophy, Sparky Dane and Abram Worth... but I think the Valmara Vipers will win in 6 games... they just hit the ball too well. Come on, Mr. Miyagi… work your magic just one more series. 1. “It’s ok to lose to opponent. It’s never okay to lose to fear" - Mr. Miyagi Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 04-07-2019 at 10:10 PM.

03-31-2019, 08:01 PM	#6345
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	THE ISLANDIAN TIMES Friday, October 10, 2059 VIPERS IN 6 IN PRO CUP SERIES The 2059 IPA Pro Cup Series has all the makings of a dandy... powerful Valmara is seeking its record-setting fifth Pro Cup trophy... and opposed by the newest darlings of the Islandian baseball world, the mesmerizing Ginza Ninjas... it will be the big bats of the Vipers against the strong arms of the Karate Kids. Valmara has the superior offense, while Ginza has better starters, a better bullpen and the better defense... the Vipers have five .300 hitters in the lineup, sparked by first baseman Timmy Benford (.319/34 HR/107 RBI/87 R), center fielder Jud Gilbride (.240/28 HR/91 RBI/95 R), left fielder Doc Pollins (.258/25 HR/72 RBI/61 R), third baseman Alek Stolarski (.307/4 HR/54 RBI/89 R), right fielder Semyon Tomczak (.297/22 HR/65 RBI/65 R), left fielder Harv Shepard (.304/13 HR/58 RBI/72 R), shortstop Matty Tomek (.301/4 HR/48 RBI/70 R) and second baseman Vladimir Szymanski (.306/9 HR/23 RBI/29 R)... Valmara topped the Ruthlandian Union with 192 homers and runs scored with 823... they ranked fifth in batting average with a .273 mark. Heading up the pitching corps are Tony Joe Carnes (11-5/3.43), Lukasz Chojnacki (10-6/3.03) and Smoke Dillane (13-5/3.22)... however, some of the starters have struggled in the playoffs... and the bullpen has not done well, either... closer Kris Fourcade and the relief staff will have to be solid and reliable in the Pro Cup Series for Valmara to win... without them, the offense may not be enough to defeat a well-rounded and well-balanced club like Ginza... Carnes and Chojnacki give manager Don Ritchie two capable starters, but the number three and four starters, Smoke Dillane (13-5/3.22) and Jiro Valastro (14-6/3.70), have to do better in the Pro Cup Finals... they both have struggled mightily in the playoffs... look for Manabu Ozaki (5-4/2.70) to play a bigger role in the series... Ozaki has done really well in the bullpen in the postseason and may be inserted into the starting rotation. Ginza has a solid core in its starting rotation... Kurt Brophy (17-7/3.28) and Sparky Dane (8-4/2.88) have been the most reliable for manager Sogo Takagi... Brophy has been outstanding with a 3-0 record and a 1.69 ERA in four postseason starts... starter-wise, one to four, the Ninjas are better than the Vipers... plus Takagi has one of the best closers in the IPA in Abram Worth (7-5/2.29 ERA/35 saves/61 G)... Worth has really done well in the playoffs, too. However, Ginza will have to put some runs on the scoreboard to have a chance against Valmara... on paper, the Ninjas come up short, but in the playoffs, the Karate Kids have done the job with right fielder Gideon Tracy (.302/17 HR/103 RBI/74 R), second baseman Kuzuki Tamura (.262/11 HR/66 RBI/74 R), catcher Gary Glidden (.271/19 HR/64 RBI/43 R) and shortstop Hideki Nakano (.257/17 HR/69 RBI/63 R) coming up with clutch hits throughout the playoffs. For Ginza to pull an upset, the pitching has to handle the big bats of the the Vipers... and the Ninjas have to hit a few out of the park. The key for Valmara is to bang the heck out of the ball like the regular season and the playoffs, but they must get some decent pitching, too... especially in the late innings from the bullpenners. 2059 IPA Pro Cup Series Outlook: Valmara in six games... they just put too many runs on the scoreboard... enough to overcome their pitching woes... but Ginza still has a chance... on the chance their twirlers can hold down the Vipers at the plate... and off the scoreboard. Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 04-07-2019 at 10:12 PM.

04-02-2019, 04:12 PM	#6346
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	THE ISLANDIAN TIMES Sunday, October 12, 2059 2059 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 1 Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 04-02-2019 at 04:13 PM.

04-02-2019, 04:12 PM	#6347
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	* Attached Images

04-03-2019, 09:34 PM	#6348
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	THE ISLANDIAN TIMES Monday, October 13, 2059 2059 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 2 Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 04-03-2019 at 09:35 PM.

04-03-2019, 09:36 PM	#6349
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	* Attached Images

04-04-2019, 04:10 PM	#6350
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	AROUND THE TOWN IN THE IPA Ginza Ninjas Owner: OmniSea, Ltd. GM: Crash Davis Manager: Sogo Takagi Ginza began as a little fishing village in southeastern Tycobbia, settled by seafaring Japanese immigrants, who came in the 1860s during the Meiji Dynasty, a period of westernization. Today Ginza is a prosperous town of 88,000 with about one-third of its citizens being Japanese. Both Japanese and English are spoken here. The name Ginza comes from “silver mint”, which Japanese authorities built in 1612. The modern day Ginza is a fabulous shopping area in Tokyo. The Tycobbian Ginza emulates it namesake, but on a much smaller scale. It is a free trade port and has many importers and exporters at the International Bazaar. Great bargains are in abundance in Ginza. The town also has a thriving fishing fleet and seafood processing industry. Baseball got a late start in Ginza. The town inhabitants began playing amateur baseball in the 1930s, but soon began to challenge other towns in the sport. OmniSea Marine Processors, the largest employer in town, began sponsoring leagues and invested heavily in the game's development. OmniSea eventually expanded to industrial leagues and now to the Islandian Pro Alliance. They own the Ginza Ninjas of the Tycobbian Union South Division. Ginza plays at Ninja Stadium, a ballpark built in 1998. A game at Ninja Stadium is really special. Most of the fans are quite reserve and quiet, typical Japanese social demeanor. However, in the left field bleachers it is another world...a wild and noisy place. There, the Ninjas have an official cheering section called “oendan” (pronounced “oh-en-dan”), that plays songs, beats drums and gongs, blows trumpets and waves flags. They stand up the entire time, when the Ninjas are at bat and sit down, when the opposition is batting. Fans clap plastic megaphones along with the oendan and sing chants to each Ginza player. Many fans carry umbrellas to the ballgame. Whenever the Ninjas score a run, they also open up all of the umbrellas, their way of telling the opposing pitcher, he is headed for the showers. In the Lucky Seventh, the traditional seventh-inning stretch, they sing the Ninja fight song and then release hundreds of rocket balloons (jetto fusen). Other unique things about Ninja baseball is the public address announcer is female, the only one in the Islands. You will also see the pitcher bow in reverence to fielders, who make good plays. At the Ninja Stadium concessions you will find not only traditional baseball fare, but Japanese as well. Ginza fans can enjoy yakisoba (fried noodles), yaketori (BBQ chicken on skewers), takoyaki (fried octopus dumplings) and bento (cold lunch in a wooden box). For the sweet tooth, kakigori (snowballs with flavored syrup and condensed milk), green tea ice cream, sweet potato ice cream, anmitsu (cold fruit dessert) and anpan (sweet bun). The GM of the Ginza Ninjas is all-time great catcher Crash Davis... inducted into the IPA Hall of Fame in 2038 after a standout 21-year career... the team enjoyed its best years during his tenure. Davis was a 15-time All-Star and Gold Glover. He batted .308 with 403 roundtrippers and 1556 RBIs. Later Davis skippered the Ninjas to only so-so success. The current manager is another of their superstar players, Sogo Takagi, who took over the club in 2058. Takagi made the IPA Hall of Fame in '57. He put up a .298 career batting average with 538 roundtrippers, 1768 RBIs, 1915 runs and stole 225 bases. 10 times Takagi was an All-Star and a 3-time Golden Glover. He played his entire career with the Ninjas from 2034 to 2054. Ninja Stadium (1998) Capacity: 10,667 Dimensions: LF Line 330 LF 355 LCF 377 CF 400 RCF 372 RF 360 RF Line 335 Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 04-04-2019 at 04:34 PM.

04-04-2019, 04:33 PM	#6351
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	AROUND THE TOWN IN THE IPA VALMARA VIPERS Owner: Viper Offshore Services, headed by the estate of Capt. Stanislaw Lem, Ruthlandia Navy (ret) GM: Vanya Vasylenko Manager: Don Ritchie Valmara is located in the northeastern part of Valdar Island, a port town of 81,000 people on Valmara Bay, an excellent deep water harbor. A clash of a warm Valerian Ocean current and a cold Kelnyck Ocean provides for heavy early morning fogs and sometimes nasty rainy weather. The town began as a small fishing village in the 1880s and pretty much remained that way until the late 1930s. Valmara has never been considered a pleasant place to live with rocky soil, thick ocean fogs and moss growing everywhere. If not for its wonderful port, no one in their right mind would live there. The harbor and the port have brought commerce and jobs.The prime industries of Valmara revolve around the sea, be it catching and processing fish, servicing deep-ocean oil rigs or supporting the ten-ship navy of Ruthlandia. With the threat of world war on the horizon in 1938, the Ruthlandian government established Valdarian Military Academy, a college for cadets and midshipmen studying for future service in the Ruthlandian Navy and Army. During the Second World War, Ruthlandia was swept up in the maelstrom in the nation's first and only war. The nation sent a regiment of troops and a fighter squadron to England to aid the Allies. The Ruthlandian navy served proudly with the 2nd Polish Corps in the Italian campaign, especially at Monte Cassino. After the war, many Poles opted not to return to their Soviet-occupied nation and several hundred emigrated to Ruthlandia. Many of the ex-soldiers did not go far past Valmara when they got off the boat. Over the next four decades, many Poles emigrated (or escaped) from behind the Iron Curtain to Ruthlandia. After two generations of migration and birth, more than half of the town is of Polish descent. The Valmara Vipers are owned by the family of Capt. Stanislaw Lem, RN (ret.) of Viper Offshore Services. He was not related to the noted author of the same name, which often causes non-native reporters much trouble. The owner liked to be called "The Captain" in public. Lem made a small fortune after his navy career operating ships and helicopters that serve offshore oil rigs. Thanks to the vast supply of petroleum offshore, his company's profits have gone through the roof. The Captain had no problem coming up with money to buy a franchise in the Islandian Pro Alliance in 2001, the first pro baseball league in the Islands history. Valmara plays in the Ruthlandian Baseball Union in the North Division. The Valmara Vipers trace their history from the frigate Viper, which had a team in the Naval League in the 1940's. When the amateur league players became semi-pros in the 1950s and worked and played baseball for companies, the Vipers were sponsored by Marine Midland Bank. The Captain played baseball for his service team in the 1960s and was active in the industrial leagues as a sponsor in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Since Captain Lem had been the captain of the frigate Viper in the late 1960s, when it came to naming his IPA franchise, it was a no-brainer. The Valmara Vipers were born. The Vipers play their games at historic old War Memorial Stadium. Amateur and industrial league teams have used it for years. It is dedicated to the memory of the 121 men from Ruthlandia killed in action in the Italian campaign during the Second World War. It is a old stadium built for football and soccer, but improvised and used for baseball since 1946. The Captain commissioned noted architectural company HOK to renew the old park into a suitable baseball park. He spared no expense in updating the old stadium with modern technology and conveniences. Yet it still retains the charm of an old stadium. Game-Day Experience: Like many successful immigrants, the people of Valmara have fiercely adopted the values of their new nation. Ruthlandia's flag is navy blue and green. In Valmara, it's just taken to a ridiculous extreme. The team’s colors are navy blue and green. So are the water towers, the dockyard cranes, the street signs and the new city hall. Captain Lem wanted to build a new ballpark, but the city fathers persuaded him to just refurbish the old stadium in the old part of town to be an anchor for a new mixed residential-commercial district. Civic pride got the best of the Captain and he agreed to use War Memorial Stadium. The civic renewal project was quite successful. Because there is little parking nearby, fans have to walk nearly a quarter mile to the park. On the way, they are treated to a dozen restaurants, bars, and pubs. The integration into the neighborhood is considered to be charming. The revitalization project has brought a good deal of commerce and energy into the east side of town. The worst of the neighborhood was torn down. The city fathers have expanded the renovations and given the old town a new look. Food: Fans love to scarf down bigos (cabbage and meat stew) and rye bread at cafes adjacent to the ballpark. Inside the park, everyone loves perogis (potato and cheese dumplings). The Captain persuaded Mama Kolski's Restaurant (home of the best perogis in town) to open a stand at his newly-renovated ballpark and it was a big hit. Beer sales are strictly regulated by city ordinance to two beers per person. This is due to the locals’ love of pale lagers that are 9% alcohol. Also in recent years, draft Coors is a trendy choice. Ambiance: Music at the ballpark is best described as LOUD. The Captain installed a very modern, very powerful sound system at the refurbished stadium. In 2001, a sound system operator substituted the Village People's "In the Navy" for the traditional "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch and started a new tradition. It was a college night at an industrial league game, with plenty of middies from Valdarian Military Academy on hand and many crewmembers from the frigates Viper and Foxx. It was a smash hit, no doubt fueled by a hot autumn evening, cold pale lager and the nine-run Viper lead. Since then, "In the Navy" has been played during the seventh inning stretch of every game save one -- the first game at the revamped War Memorial Stadium. The Captain hated the tune and thought with the public reopening that the club could stop playing that vile song. During the Vipers first exhibition game, the fans nearly rioted and the stadium's debut was marred with a near five-minute interruption of boos before play resumed. Wisely, The Captain made a quick command decision and allowed "In the Navy" to be played during the 8th inning break...and during every game since. Of course, the Captain saw to it that "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was restored to its revered seventh-inning spot. In the navy Yes, you can sail the seven seas In the navy Yes, you can put your mind at ease In the navy Come on now, people, make a stand In the navy, in the navy Can't you see we need a hand In the navy Come on, protect the motherland In the navy Come on and join your fellow man In the navy Come on people, and make a stand In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy) (written by Henri Belolo, Jacques Morali, Victor Willis) Mascot The Captain (he considers himself a traditionalist) did not believe in having a mascot until he put his own money into the old ball park. At that point, he had to figure out how to attract every dollar possible from every fan possible. So Vippy and Vippa Viper came into being. They parade around the ballpark entertaining the fans and leading cheers, dances and songs. Viper fans are noted for shrill hissing at the umpires and the opposing teams. The Captain sells a lot Vippy and Vippa apparel and memorabilia...even rents them out to for birthday parties at the stadium. History Baseball on Valdar Island had a late beginning. Due to the Island topography, climate and lack of mineral deposits it was not as desirable as the Ruthlandian mainland, so it was bypassed by the immigrants until about 1910, when the towns of Valmara, Ancona, Kilkenny, Taranto and Ranford sprang up. From 1910 to 1920, touring amateur baseball teams from the mainland would play games from time to time and the game was introduced slowly. But it did catch on. In a desire to assimilate with the rest of the country, where baseball was like a religion, the Valdarians took to the game with passion and fervor. Amateur baseball clubs and company-based teams began to spout in abudance in the 1920s. By the mid-1940's Valdar Island baseball was as good as the Mainland. The team was first managed by J. Jackson Samuel, a run-of-the-mill industrial league player that became a legendary manager. Samuel broke Jay Loman's record for the most Silver Whale Cups, given to the best amateur team on Valdar Island. Loman was the manager of the Ancona Red Elephants in the 1920s and won nine straight Valdar Island League titles. Samuel won 12 during his amateur career. Samuel ran Valmara in the early days of the Islandian Pro Alliance, but only had modest success with five playoff appearances and two pennants in 16 seasons... in 2017 he retired and turned the reins over to one of the all-time great Vipers, Jet Kazmarek. who was a .350 career hitter in his 16 IPA seasons. Kazmarek was an 8-time All-Star and won the batting title 9 times. He is also the only .400 hitter in the annals of the league. Kazmarek batted an awesome .428 in 2002. He was inducted into the IPA Hall of Fame in 2027. Kazmarek skippered the Vipers to their first Pro Cup crown in 2026. Kazmarek retained his GM title, but in 2036 turned the managerial duties over to Vanya Vasylenko, a former Valmara pitching star. Vasylenko starred for 20 seasons for the Vipers and compiled a 304-261 record with a 3.45 career ERA. Valmara captured three Pro Cup trophies during Vasylenko's managerial tenure. The Vipers were IPA champions in 2043, 2049 and 2050. Valmara has accrued four Pro Cups and is tied with two other clubs for the most IPA crowns: Turon and North Hills. At the helm of the current edition of Valmara Vipers is former outfielder, Don Ritchie, who played from 2041 to 2056, taking over in 2057. He has three Pro Cup rings and batted .289 lifetime with 97 homers, 1301 runs and 957 RBIs... Ritchie succeeded the very successful Uncle Vanya Vasylenko, who is now the General Manager. War Memorial Stadium (1946) Capacity: 9,595 Dimensions: Left Field Line - 330 Left Field - 350 Left Center - 380 Center Field - 405 Right Center - 370 Right Field - 330 Right Field Line - 309 Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 04-04-2019 at 05:52 PM.

04-04-2019, 05:39 PM	#6352
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	THE ISLANDIAN TIMES Tuesday, October 14, 2059 2059 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 3 Attached Images

04-04-2019, 05:40 PM	#6353
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	* Attached Images

04-07-2019, 08:37 PM	#6355
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	Sorry, I just had a bout with the flu... didn't feel like doing anything since Friday. I'm tired and weak, but ready to pick up the IPA Pro Cup Finals... looks like the wonderful darlings of the Islands just might win their very first Pro Cup trophy. But then again, what a series it would be if Valmara started hitting the ball they way they can... the Vipers could get back into it. But Ginza has Kurt Brophy... I think he will wrap up the Pro Cup Series, should he get another start.. Last edited by Eugene Church; 04-07-2019 at 10:17 PM.

04-07-2019, 10:50 PM	#6356
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	THE ISLANDIAN TIMES Wednesday, October 15, 2059 2059 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 4 Attached Images

04-07-2019, 10:50 PM	#6357
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	* Attached Images

04-07-2019, 10:53 PM	#6358
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	** Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 04-07-2019 at 11:10 PM.

04-07-2019, 11:11 PM	#6359
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	2059 IPA Pro Cup Champion: the Ginza Ninjas. Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 04-10-2019 at 06:55 PM.

04-10-2019, 08:18 PM	#6360
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,095 Blog Entries: 1	THE ISLANDIAN TIMES Wednesday, October 15, 2059 NINJAS' BROPHY NABS PRO CUP MVP There was no clear standout in the Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Series... the media was split about who the Most Valuable Player was... finally, it was the pitchers, who came out with the most support... the 2059 Pro Cup Most Valuable Player trophy was awarded to the Ginza Ninjas' ace twirler, Kurt Brophy... followered closely by Ninja closer Abram Worth... it was a tight tussle between those two... Brophy picked up 45 points in the voting, while Worth came in second with 35... three others received some support... Ginza right fielder Gideon Tracy and catcher Gerry Glidden tied for third place in the balloting with 15 points apiece... fifth in the MVP voting was Valmara's first sacker Timmy Benford with 10 points. Brophy, a 23-year-old right-hander, made five starts in this year's postseason playoffs, posting a 3-0 record with a superb 1.36 ERA in 40 innings... each of them were quality starts... Ginza won four of the five games... Brophy pitched 7 excellent innings, allowing only one run in the no-decision extra-inning defeat... for the regular season, he chalked up a 17-7 mark with a 3.28 ERA in 30 starts. Abram Worth, a 6-foot-6 southpaw giant, had a super season with 35 saves and a 2.29 ERA in 61 relief appearances... in the playoffs, he was 2-0 with 3 saves in 9 appearances... the 29-year-old Worth tossed 20 innings and registered a sparkling 0.89 ERA... both Worth and Brophy played critical roles in the Ginza Pro Cup victory run. The Ginza hitters were also a prime part of the Pro Cup triumph with Gideon Tracy and Gerry Glidden the main two batters... Tracy topped the club in 16 postseason games with a .338 BA, 6 doubles, 1 homer, 14 RBIs and 15 runs scored... Glidden only batted .246, but he walloped 6 out of the park in the playoffs and drove in 14 runs... many of his were game-changing hits. Valmara's Timmy Benford had a brilliant postseason at the plate, batting .424 with 28 hits, 7 two-baggers, 1 home run, 13 RBIs and 10 runs scored... he was a vital part of the Vipers getting to the Pro Cup Finals. 2059 ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE PRO CUP SERIES MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Attached Images Last edited by Eugene Church; 04-10-2019 at 08:20 PM.