ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

I would seriously like to send a very, very special thanks and appreciation to cephasjames and his 5000 logos that were the source of all the images used by the pseudo-arteest.

His 5000 logos are a godsend to all neophyte logo, jersey and cap creator wannabes.

And another very, very special thanks and appreciation to justafan for his wonderful logo, jersey and cap software.

These two guys, along with a whole bunch of graphics gurus, really, really make my dynasties something very, very special to me.

They bring my dynasties to life for yours truly... and I hope for the viewers, too.

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, April 4, 2060

4 CLUBS PICKED TO REPEAT IN IPA
The Islandian Pro Alliance returns to the diamonds for real tomorrow afternoon all across the Islands... spring training is over and the 64 clubs will be playing for keeps... in the preseason polls, Ginza, the defending Pro Cup titlist, is forecast to repeat as the division winner, along with three other clubs that won the pennant last year: Valmara, Sligo and Oxford... if the baseball prognosticators are correct, there will be four new faces in the fight to replace the Ninjas as the champion of Islandia... St. John, Wynnamac, Tuckanarra and Kenwood are expected to be the new challengers... in last year's Pro Cup Finals the Karate Kids unexpectedly mopped up on the Valmara Vipers in a 4-game sweep... High Mesa and Sligo made the semi-final round.

VIPERS SEEKS 4TH STRAIGHT FLAG IN RU NORTH
Rock solid Valmara is a strong favorite to prevail in the Ruthlandian North Division... the hard-hitting Vipers are a powerhouse at the plate with fair pitching and are picked to take their fourth straight pennant... the other contenders are not quite on par with Valmara... the Far Mountain Redhawks will be their biggest problem... the Redhawks can score runs and have decent pitching... the LaGrange Gators and Glasco Foxhounds have better pitching, but aren't in the ballpark when it comes to scoring runs.

Ruthlandian North Division

**Team (last year's record)
1. VALMARA VIPERS (94-60/1st)
2. Far Mountain Redhawks (86-68/3rd)
3. LaGrange Gators (80-74/5th)
4. Glasco Foxhounds (88-66/2nd)
5. Taranto Tars (69-85/7th)
6. Ancona Red Elephants (81-73/4th)
7. Ranford Bulls (64-90/8th)
8. Kilkenny Cats (72-82/6th)

CRUSADERS CLASS OF THE RU SOUTH
The St. John Crusaders have been in the pennant mix the last few years and are now ready to take the giant step and win the Ruthlandian South title... St. John won the division flag in '57 and would like nothing better than to do it again... they stand just a little higher talent-wise than the competition, Waleska, current champ Crystal Lake, Claxton and Grand City... but the experts think the Crusaders have an improved attack, now on par with Crystal Lake with a superior mound staff than the Skippers... the Westerners, Diamonds and Cybercats can't match St. John and Crystal Lake on the scoreboard... the Crystal Lake Skippers may be hard to skuttle... they have won it the past two seasons... and definitely could do it again... looks like a two-team race.

Ruthlandian South Division

**Team (last year's record)
1. ST. JOHN CRUSADERS (74-80/3rd)
2. Waleska Westerners (70-84/6th tied)
3. Crystal Lake Skippers (85-69/1st)
4. Claxton Diamonds (70-84/6th-tied)
5. Grand City Cybercats (73-81/4th)
6. Belair Beach Sunbirds (72-82/5th)
7. San Dimas Rancheros (65-89/8th)
8. Valka Blackhawks (81-73/2nd)

Ruthlandian East Division

MACS BEAST IN RU EAST
The Ruthlandian East had an abundance of good teams last year with Marston rated one of the best teams in the IPA... but this year perennial power Wynnamac is the cream of the crop... even better than Marston... the Sundowners finished third last year... the Macs have the best mound staff and the best offense this season and they have captured 5 of the last 8 pennants... some experts say that the Sundowners just might win by 10 or more games... they are that good... last year's pennant winner Marston is rated second-best in the preseason poll... Cold Creek was second last year and is picked third this year... none of the other five clubs are expected to be contenders.

**Team (last year's record)
1. WYNNAMAC SUNDOWNERS (87-67/3rd)
2. Marston Nine (95-59/1st)
3. Cold Creek Raccoons (89-65) (2nd)
4. Sugar Valley Rattlers (78-76/5th)
5. Eastshore Cotton Kings (63-91/7th)
6. Elnora Clippers (80-74/4th)
7. Belle Plaine Musketeers (69-85/6th)
8. Beechwood Jackrabbits (51-101/8th)

Ruthlandian West Division

ROVERS WILL ROMP IN RU WEST
Six straight seasons of frustration finally ended last year for the Sligo Rovers... they had been mired and stuck in second place in the Ruthlandian West Division since 2053... but last season Sligo hit the jackpot and nabbed the division crown... and this year is supposed to be even better... no one else in the RU West is given any chance to win... the Rovers have outstanding pitching, the best in the Ruthlandian Union... only the Summerland Sunsets in the Tycobbian Union are ranked higher... and not by much... the forecast calls for Sligo to triumph by double digits... improved offense is the cause for much optimism this season.

**Team (last year's record)
1. SLIGO ROVERS (88-66/1st)
2. Volusia Vigilantes (82-72/2nd)
3. Middlefield Roosters (71-83/8th)
4. Rocky Rapids Snappers (78-76/4th-tied)
5. Fort Benton Defenders (75-79/6th)
6. Colfax Blasters (82-72/3rd)
7. Stoner Stars (78-76/4th-tied)
8. Forest City Firebirds (74-80/7th)

[Eugene Church]

Tycobbian North Division

Sunday, April 4, 2060

RED CAPS READY TO ROLL AND REPEAT IN TU NORTH
The powerful Oxford Red Caps have been picked to repeat as division champs in the Tycobbian North... they should easily haul in their third pennant in the last four years...the Red Caps ran away with the flag last year by 11 games and are previewed to do even better this year... there are no challengers in sight... Oxford has everything to dominate again this season and even more... the Red Caps have improved on the hill, too... they already are an explosive offensive powerhouse... the Fairfax Frogs are slated to battle it out with Luxora and Mahaska for the runner-up spot... North Hills and White River could be in that bunch, too... TU North also-rans, the Blue Lake Schooners and Hartsdale Hellcats, are given little chance this season and are destined for the lower depths of the division.

Tycobbian North Division

**Team (last year's record)
1. OXFORD RED CAPS (97-57/1st)
2. Fairfax Frogs (80-68/2nd)
3. Luxora Zorros (82-72/4th)
4. Mahaska Haymakers (58-96/8th)
5. North Hills Hawks (74-80/6th)
6. White River Rascals (71-83/7th)
7. Blue Lake Schooners (80-74/3rd)
8. Hartsdale Hellcats (75-79/5th)

GINZA BEST IN TU SOUTH, SUN SOX 2ND
The preseason predictions are all aglow about last season's sensation, the Ginza Ninjas, who won it all last year... the Tycobbian South Division came first... and then, the ultimate, the IPA Pro Cup... Ginza came out of nowhere to win it all... this season the fabled Karate Kids have been chosen to repeat in the TU South... and who knows, they just might take the much-cherished Pro Cup trophy again... but it will be tougher this time around... Southport and Turon are right up there with the Ninjas talent-wise... and Summerland is not far behind with its fabled pitching staff... it's going to be a four-team tussle this season in the Tycobbian South pennant hunt... the team with the most firepower should win it.

Tycobbian South Division

**Team (last year's record)
1. GINZA NINJAS (96-58/1st)
2. Southport Sun Sox (83-71/3th-tied)
3. Turon Typhoons (89-65/2nd)
4. Summerland Sunsets (83-71/3rd-tied)
5. San Alejo Montaneros (69-85/7th-tied)
6. Cape Coral Hurricanes (83-71/3rd-tied)
7. Arroyo Grande Suns (69-85/7th-tied)
8. Colchester Elites (76-78/6th)

TUCKS TOP TEAM IN TU EAST
Tuckanarra has an new nickname and the Tiger Cats are ready to roar and make a lot of noise in the Tycobbian East Division... but the Tucks will have to claw their way past four other challengers... South Fork and last year's division champion, High Mesa, will be the biggest hurdles with perennial contenders, the Midway Wolves and the Red Bluff Red Sox, not far behind... the Wolves won the TU East five of the past seven seasons... they were beaten out by the IPA Pro Cup-winning Red Bluff Red Sox in '57 and last year by the High Mesa Mustangs... the Wolves and Red Sox have gotten old.

Tycobbian East Division

**Team (last year's record)
1. TUCKANARRA TIGER CATS (80-74/4th)
2. South Fork Stallions (70-84/6th)
3. High Mesa Mustangs (89-65/1st)
4. Midway Wolves (82-72/3rd)
5. Red Bluff Red Sox (83-71/2nd)
6. Hillsboro Blazers (65-89/8th)
7. Ozarka Naturals (66-88/7th)
8. East Point Panthers (72-82/5th)

KENWOOD, ROLLING HILLS 1-2 IN TU WEST
A two-team battle is predicted in the Tycobbian West Division... two high-octane attacks will be going at it... both much-improved favorite Kenwood and Rollings Hills can put runs on the scoreboard, but neither of them have good pitching... in fact, nobody in the TU West has good pitching... so the big bats of the Wildcats and Red Caps should rule... from a distance the Denton City Redbirds and Bayview Vikings will slug it out for third place... the Redbirds won the pennant last year... none of the other teams will be in the race... Kenwood and Rolling Hills are dead even... just flip a coin for the winner... they are that closely matched.

Tycobbian West Division

**Team (last year's winner)
1. KENWOOD WILDCATS (66-88/6th)
2. Rolling Hills Reds (87-67/2nd)
3. Denton City Redbirds (88-67/1st)
4. Bayview Vikings (69-85/5th)
5. Bay St. Clair Buccaneers (66-88/7th)
6. La Claire Lynx (74-80/4th)
7. Arlon Champions (83-71/3rd)
8. Chicopee Braves (60-94/8th)

[Dark Horse]

Nice new logos! Looking forward to another season

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by Dark Horse

Nice new logos! Looking forward to another season

Always good to hear from my biggest supporter.

Yeah, I thought I needed to perk up the old IPA a little bit with some nickname changes.

I'm also going to get to work on new jerseys... I use just one jersey for both home and away in some cases... I don't have good-looking home and away jerseys for all teams... some of them need to be lightened up... some of the teams have jerseys that are too dark colored.

Don't think I can get them done again on the Graphics Forum... think I will have to create them myself... I have learned to be satisfied with a lesser quality... the graphics gurus spoiled me when they redid all of my teams 3-4 years ago.

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, May 1, 2060

CHAOS PREVAILS IN IPA
At the end of the first month of play in the Islandian Pro Alliance, things are not running according to Hoyle... whoever he was... in plain English, things are not playing out according to the preseason polls... the races in the Ruthlandian Union are particularly disturbing to those who put their full faith and trust into the preseason forecasts... what has happened to the vaunted Valmara Vipers in the RU North?... the saintly and faithful St. John Crusaders in the RU South and the strong and steady Sligo Rovers in the RU West?... the whole Ruthlandian Union has lost its bearings and slipped into almost total chaos... thank goodness, the Tycobbian Union is running pretty true to form.

Valmara (9-16) and Sligo (9-16) had awful Aprils... St. John (12-13) got out of the starting gate a little bit on the slow side, too... but the pollsters say, not to worry... it's just a small sample... give the Vipers, Rovers and Crusaders time and they will be up where they belong... near the top of their divisions.

Well, we'll just have to wait and see... as things stand now, Far Mountain (17-8) lived up to expectations and is on top of the Ruthlandian North Division... the Redhawks are redhot and flying high with Curt Miley (.411), Luke Hazlett (.344) and Ox Gless (.319) and a host of other solid bats sparking the offense and Jeffrey Chandler (4-1/3.62), Monte Westbrooks (3-1/2.70) and Bob Speed (3-2/3.52) hurling on all cylinders... Far Mountain was supposed to be the arch nemesis of Valmara, along with Glasco and LaGrange... you know the Redhawks are more than happy with an 8-game lead over the Vipers after just one month of play... the second place Glasco Foxhounds (16-9) are enjoying the same sort of edge, which will come in handy in the September stretch drive... wins in April also help the bottom line... the Ancona Red Elephants (14-11) had a good month as well and are in the third spot in the standings... Valmara didn't hit well and was absolutely atrocious on the mound with a 5.53 team ERA.

A fair-to-middling team, the Grand City Cybercats (16-9) are in the driver's seat in the Ruthlandian South heading into the merry month of May... super duper slingers are carrying the day for the Cybercats... Fred Barrow (4-0/1.91), Glen Smitherman (4-1/2.72), Gil Lloyd (4-1/3.65) and closer Steve Shirley (0-1/1.62 ERA/8 saves/11 games) have them off to a great start... Grand City is followed closely by the Waleska (14-11) and Valka (14-11)... favorite St. John (12-13) is struggling a tad in fifth place, but the Crusaders are well within striking distance of the leaders... the Westerners are strong on hill with an excellent 2.97 ERA (4th), anchored by Rory Beecroft (3-0/1.62), Curly Duckworth (2-0/2.45), Bret Shockley (1-1/2.45) and Rick Howzer (2-1/3.08) and closer Kenny Foster (4-1/3.00 ERA/2 saves/12 games)... the Valka Blackhawks were forecast for a down year, but have added to the chaotic season by doing a lot better than expected... pitching is also the name of the game for the Blackhawks with the best team ERA in the Ruthlandian Union at 2.58, spearheaded by Stosh Matusczak (3-2/0.53), Aavo Keskkula (2-2/1.85), Vidrik Valdma (2-1/3.53), Kert Poska (1-0/1.00), Clark Harrington (3-1/1.89) and Stan Terlecki (1-1/3.03)... surprisingly Crystal Lake, the division champ for the past two seasons, is dead last with a very poor 10-15 mark... the Skippers have terrible pitching in the early part of the season, but it's looking like it could be all season long.

All is well in the Ruthlandian East Division where teams are playing up to par... both highly-touted contenders Wynnamac and Marston are off and running with 17-8 records in the first month of action... the Macs are playing absolutely great on the hill and at the plate... Kylee Callender (4-0/1.59), Dick Vanner (3-1/1.54), George Medworth (1-0/1.13) and Tike Collazo (1-0/1.69) are excellent starters... and Snooky Bartels (.372/7 HR/25 RBI) and Manny Sendejas (.305/9 HR/22 RBI) are off to sizzling starts with the bats... the Marston Nine are playing lights out, too, sparked by Vince Boscarino (4-1/2.60), Lance McElveen (3-0/2.80), Philip Terry (3-1/2.08), D. D. Klem (2-0/3.12), Stan Pirosko (2-2/2.76) and closer Robert Tringle (1-1/1.88 ERA/5 saves/15 games)... the Nine's top guns are Soseki Ishida (.343/3 HR/14 RBI), Damien D'Amboise (.344/2 HR/17 RBI), Stan Janowitz (.329/0 HR/12 RBI), Whitlow Barksdale (.321/1 HR/13 RBI and Tom Tuckett (.290/1 HR/20 RBI)... third place Cold Creek (15-10) is nipping at the co-leaders' heels, just two games off the pace... Adam Quincy (.289/4 HR/20 RBI) and Tex Green (.270/2 HR/15 RBI) are the most productive bats... leading the hurlers are Charley Cayley (3-2/3.71), Rich Joyner (2-2/3.32), Junior Gillespie (2-2/3.65) and closer Zeke Dial (0-1/1.98 ERA/4 saves/9 games)... lending some more credence to out-of-whack polls is the Beechwood Jackrabbits, who have leaped out of the cellar with 14-11 record into fourth place in the RU East standings... time will tell if the Jacks can keep playing as well in May.

It's the Sligo bullpen that is killing them... along with their woeful batting and a slow start by most of their starters... prime starters Mickey Walsh (1-3/3.29) and Jacky Harshman (2-1/3.82) have much elevated ERAs this season... and scoring runs is almost non-existent... Volusia (18-7), forecast to finish high in the standings, is playing quite well both on the hill and at the plate... top twirlers are Ivan Meza (4-0/2.02), Lonny Rinehart (4-/2.39), Dan Hunt (3-0/2.27) and Reynaldo Medrano (1-0/1.20)... Ellie Hudgins (.412/3 HR/23 RBI) and Clement Belliveau (.275/6 HR/21 RBI) head up a potent attack... Rocky Rapids (15-10) and Stoner (15-10) had good months... the Snappers have firepower with 30 homers for April, paced by Jamey Murton (.313/9 HR/20 RBI)... the mound corps is led by Bernardo Banuelos (4-0/0.88), Big Jim Wakely (3-0/2.17), Lance Obermueller (2-1/2.55) and Clay Callaghan (2-4/3.46)... the Silver Fox are a solid ballclub, paced by starters Alberto Temozos (4-1/3.44), Jake Warrick (3-2/2.16), Paulie Patino (3-1/3.48), Vitorio Barriento (1-1/2.16) and Brad Squires (1-0/3.20)... and rock solid hitters like Jean St. Julien (.329/4 HR/20 RBI), Hector Francisco (.303/2 HR/16 RBI), Steve Brunson (.301/2 HR/14 RBI), Claude Brick (.375/2 HR/11 RBI) and Tyler Stoddard (.289/6 HR/12 RBI).

Let's see if the old adage that cream rises to the top will come true in the coming months for the very disappointing Valmara Vipers, Sligo Rovers and Crystal Lake Skippers in the Ruthlandian Union.

[Eugene Church]

Ruthlandian Union Leaderboards
Saturday, May 1, 2060

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, May 1, 2060

[Eugene Church]

TU PICKS PLAYED WELL IN APRIL
Most of the preseason picks had good Aprils in the Tycobbian Union... the defending Pro Cup champion Ginza Ninjas (18-7) had a standout start in the Tycobbian South with a two-game lead so far... highly-rated Rolling Hills (17-8) is first in the Tycobbian West... the Tuckanarra Tiger Cats, the choice to take the Tycobbian East, is right up near the top, just one game behind leader South Fork (18-7)... only one of the favorites tanked in the first month of play... after being touted as one of the top teams in the Tycobbian West, the Kenwood Wildcats had a miserable 10-15 month, and fell six games behind the pace of division-leading Rolling Hills (16-9)... the Mahaska Haymakers (16-9) had very good month and lead the Tycobbian North... the preseason choice Oxford (14-11) is right up there with them, tied for third place.

Most of the good teams in the TU North did well in April... Mahaska (16-9), Luxora (15-10) and Oxford (14-11)... Blue Lake (14-11) did better than expected... highly-regarded Fairfax (9-16) flopped badly... the Frogs got of the gate very slowly and are at the botton of the division in last place.

The first place Haymakers (16-9) have a good offense, pretty good pitching and excellent defense... top bats are Buddy Minkler (.3.04/6 HR/20 RBI), Elvis Gilford (.337/3 HR/13 RBI) and Griff Stillman (.340/1 HR/13 RBI)... top moundsmen are Cubby Darville (3-2/2.30), Marty Mobley (2-1/2.95), Kerstan Koening (2-1/2.70) and closer Wiley Youngblood (4-0/2.68 ERA/4 saves/16 games)... Mahaska looks like a club in for the long haul... not a flash-in-the-pan.

The runner-up Luxora Zorros (15-10) are using firepower to win games... 33 homers in April... but the mound staff is not up to stuff... top swatters are Francisco Queiro (.358/5 HR/19 RBI), Omar Solis (.300/4 HR/11 RBI), Wade Tibbs (.274/5 HR/17 RBI) and Riyo Nijo (.311/4 HR/15 RBI)... staff has a high ERA... best of the lot are Wallace MacPherson (3-2/3.92), Juliano Machado (3-2/3.46), Howie Huntsman (4-1/3.98)... starters are fairly good... the bullpen is abyssmal... thank goodness for the run support.

Highly-ranked Oxford, last year's TU North Division winner, still has the dynamic duo of Buddy Blackford (.284/8 HR/21 RBI) and Showboat Lynn (.281/7 HR/21 RBI)... actually they are off to a slow start offensively... they were super duper last year with 59 and 50 homers... both hit well over .300, too... fortunately, the pitching is better this year... but the offense is down... the Red Caps are still a threat and will be in the running for the pennant again... the starting five are pretty darn good: Rico Alessi (3-1/2.14), Chucker Pitts (3-1/3.00), Pat McFarlane (3-2/3.31), Maury Statler (1-1/1.62) and Meldon Eddington (1-0/3.27)... but the bullpen doesn't look very impressive... yet, Oxford was ranked heads and shoulders ahead of everybody in the TU North... they were picked to win by double digits again this year... the won the TU North last year by 11 games (97-57)... when the Red Cap offense gets hitting on all cylinders... look out... they are a fearsome team... especially if the pitching is improved over last season.

Blue Lake (14-11) came in very distant third last year (80-74)... the Schooners were picked seventh in the preseason poll, but came out playing well and are tied for third with Oxford... they are first in runs scored in their division... vets Daryl Monaghan (.316/2 HR/16 RBI), John Gilbert (.284/2 HR/10 RBI), Steve Schueler (.341/0 HR/10 RBI lead the way, but have gotten good help from two rookies, Teddy Vilardo (.280/8 HR/20 RBI) and Niles Kinnick (.269/4 HR/12 RBI)... Hank Kingman (3-0/3.05) and Weldon Nettleton (4-1/3.66) are the mainstay starters... the bullpen needs help... the Schooners need better pitching to contend for the pennant.

The Fairfax Frogs (9-16) have fallen on the faces in the early going... they were second last year (86-68) and forecast for the first division again this year... but the pitching corps has been bad... the Frogs can still score plenty of runs, but they have not been able to keep the opposing clubs off the scoreboard... 4.72 team ERA overall with a terrible 6.89 in the bullpen... top to bottom the batting order is solid with the likes of Wyatt Clausen (.327/3 HR/16 RBI), Jarred McMain (.282/3 HR/14 RBI), Paddy Fenroy (.350/0 HR/13 RBI), Mike Mitchell (.325/1/& RBI), Ron Travis (.288/1 HR/5 RBI), Kirk Waner (.302/4 HR/14 RBI), Cade Durning (.329/1 HR/10 RBI) and Arlie Buckridge (.291/1 HR/12 RBI)... they just have to get some help for starters Ken Wallington (3-0/0.36) and Ronnie Custer (2-1/2.65)... and someone in the bullpen to get someone out... the Frogs are not really this bad... it just might be a bad month.

The first place Ginza Ninjas (18-7) were the class of the Tycobbian South Division last year and the very best in the Islandian Pro Alliance... the Karate Kids won the whole shebang last season... they were the IPA Pro Cup champion... and they really look like they are headed for a repeat... the Ninjas do everything well... they hit, they score, they pitch well and they play really good defense... heading up the hitters are Gideon Tracy (.330/3 HR/21 RBI), Kuzuki Tamura (.405/2 HR/10 RBI), Nori Matsumoto (.311/4 HR/14 RBI) and Gerry Glidden (.293/3 HR/7 RBI)... the mound corps is solid, too, with Mikio Nosaka (4-0/1.16), last year's Pro Cup MVP Kurt Brophy (3-1/2.25) and Motohiro Shima (5-0/2.63)... anchoring the bullpen is Abram Worth (1-1/1.50 ERA/5 saves/12 games)... Ginza is the favorite to win the TU South for the second straight season, but they have a mess of good ballclubs to challenge them this year... it will be harder to repeat.

April was a very good month for the second place Arroyo Grande Suns (16-9)... they were seventh last year (69-85) and were not expected to do any better this year, but they have used homers (36 HR) and very good pitching (2.85 ERA) to get a quick start to the season... that's a very good combination for a good season... starters Beau McCloud (1-1/1.91), Diego Avalos (3-2/3.19), Rocky Steed (2-2/3.50) and Nap Vickerson (3-1/3.96) have done well on the hill... the bullpen (1.05 ERA) has been outstanding, led by closer Kurt Wolf (2-0/1.15 ERA/6 saves/11 games)... batting-wise the Suns don't hit much for average, but they are a productive bunch with Gaston Robin (.230/7 HR/15 RBI), Sammy Workman (.247/6 HR/15 RBI) and rookie Davis Branch (.194/5 HR/15 RBI)... the Suns will have to hit better than .213 to keep up this pace for the rest of the year... a second-division finish is more than likely for Arroyo Grande... they are not likely to shine as much as time goes on.

The third place Southport Sun Sox (15-10) have won the TU South twice in the last five years... they are picked to be the main challenger to Ginza this season... picked for a very close second place... they are a very similar club to the Ninjas... good scoring, good home-run power (27 HR) and terrific pitching (3.23 ERA)... Champ Shafer (3-1/3.32), Jeff Moncriffe (2-1/4.33), Jordy Wales (1-3/4.98) and Jace Dickenson (3-0/2.41) are a good starting foursome... the top reliever is a very good one, Troy Hill (0-1/0.47 ERA/6 saves/10 games)... vets Keiland Forrester (.310/3 HR/13 RBI), Manuelo Garcia (.273/5 HR/13 RBI), Walt Walmsley (.268/2 HR/11 RBI) and Zee Graham (.302/4 HR/10 RBI) are the top run producers.

The fourth place Turon Typhoons (13-12) have won the TU South flag five times in the last eight years... they were second the last two years and are forecast to be a close contender this season... they are hitting the cover off the baseball this year (.297), but the pitching has been woeful (4.82 ERA)... it was much better last season (3.43 ERA)... the only decent starters are Larry Lynch (4-0/4.00) and Snooky Cossman (2-3/4.82)... the bullpen is a little better than the starters (4.18 ERA)... but thankfully, Turon has seven... count 'em... seven .300 hitters: Andy Wilkerson (.364/3 HR/24 RBI), Maxie Mullinax (.304/2 HR/18 RBI), Omar Price (.304/2 HR/15 RBI), Tank Shepperton (.358/1 HR/13 RBI), Matthew Fears (.322/3 HR/12 RBI), Juan De La Roca (.316/0 HR/11 RBI and Bill Wolverton (.330/0 HR/9 RBI)... so you know they can do some damage and put runs on the scoreboard... but the pitching has to greatly improve to challenge the likes of Ginza and Southport.

The Summerland Sunsets (10-15) with its great pitching was picked to be in the fight for the pennant, but they have started off poorly, tied for fifth place and already eight games back of leader Ginza... the Sunsets are an abomination at the plate... only 9 homers and a pathetic .220 BA... however, they are terrific on the mound with an IPA-leading 2.42 ERA... starters Manny Jimanez (3-2/2.61), Tommy Underhill (2-4/2.93), Mick Marlow (0-3/2.33) and Marty Westhuizen (0-4/2.60) deserve better... the bullpen is even better than the starting rotation... Rip Norfield (.317/3 HR/11 RBI) is the only decent bat in the lineup... 'nuff said... middle of the pack may be the best Summerland can do this year.

Tuckanarra was the preseason choice to capture the Tycobbian East Division this year... South Fork and last year's champ High Mesa were picked in the poll to put up the biggest fight, along with regular contenders, Red Bluff and Midway... in the initial month of action, the Stallions (18-7) have raced to the top of the standings, but the Tucks (17-8) are right on their hooves and running a very close second... the Red Sox (14-11) are doing well in third place... the Mustangs (12-13) are tied for fourth and under the .500 mark... it looks like the Wolves have slumped into mediocrity after years of dominance and glory... 5 TU East flags in 8 years... and 2 Pro Cups ('53, '54).

The South Fork Stallions (18-7) are in the top spot in the Tycobbian East standings because of its superb pitching (2.49 ERA), second-best to Summerland (2.42 ERA)... the difference is South Fork has a decent offense, compared to the lousy Summerland offense... the Stallions have been brilliant on the mound with four rookies and a veteran... Mark Packard (2-2/1.46), Bret Danziger (3-0/1.85), Benito Banuelos (2-1/2.25), Christopher Hollie (3-0/2.83) are all first-year hurlers and Herm McClanahan (4-1/3.09) is the vet... South Fork has a standout bullpen, too, with Sam Black (2-0/1.06 ERA/6 saves/16 games)... the offense is just good enough to get by, led by Bob Purkey (.362/4 HR/16 RBI), Rudi Eberhardt (.297/2 HR/13 RBI) and Rudy Maroney (.290/4 HR/14 RBI)... and the Stallions have accomplished this without 25-game winner Emmett Coogan, who is injured and will be out about six weeks... South Fork is a club to be reckoned with this year in the TU East.

Second place Tuckanarra (17-8) has better bats than South Fork... they can put more runs on the scoreboard than the Stallions and they have solid pitching (3.12 ERA) and decent home-run power (20 HR)... it should be quite a race in the TU East this year... the Tiger Cats' lineup is productive with Boomer Carlton (.244/4 HR/20 RBI), Jamie Thomas (.259/3 HR/16 RBI), Odell Overstreet (.321/14 RBI), Orin Ryder (.349/1 HR/10 RBI), Duncan McLemore (.261/2 HR/9 RBI) and Foxy Frye (.284/1 HR/6 RBI)... the Tucks rotation is good with superstar Ian Timms (3-1/2.17), Ralph Ayers (3-1/3.30), Alan Dayton (2-1/3.60) and Skip Eberly (2-2/4.06)... and a fairly good bullpen, headed up by Mick Dooley (5-1/2.73 ERA/2 saves/13 games)... one key difference between the Tucks and South Fork is defense... the Stallions (.980) are much better with the gloves than the Tiger Cats (.973).

Right now the third spot in the Tycobbian East belongs to the Red Bluff Red Sox (14-11)... they have been a perennial power in the division for the past five years... the Red Sox copped the Pro Cup in '57 and finished a close second the last two seasons... they were forecast for fourth place in the preseason poll... no longer a scoring and home-run machine, Red Bluff depends on its pitching (3.31 ERA) these days... and they have three fine starters in Dontrelle Gilbreath (4-1/1.26), Wilson Sharpe (2-2/2.14) and rookie Shayne Cushenbury (2-1/2.42)... last year's ace Duane Sturgeon (21-10/2.20) will be sorely missed this year... he will likely miss most of this season with a torn UCL... they may also lose their prime bat, slugger Toni Kolkov (.348/9 HR/20 RBI), who has a sore elbow... Kolkov, Joe Patrick (.297/1 HR/13 RBI) and Ian Driskell (.305/1 HR/8 RBI) are about the only reliable batters in the lineup... third or fourth may be the best Red Bluff can do without Sturgeon... not likely to challenge South Fork and Tuckanarra this year.

The High Mesa Mustangs (12-13) were a bit of a surprise winner last year in the TU East... this year in the preseason poll they finished third behind Tuckanarra and South Fork... the fourth place Mustangs have been a bit sluggish this season... hitting and pitching is not up to par... superstar Kagetoki Miyazaki is hitting only .213 with three homers and 12 RBIs... he hit 50 out of the park last year and 47 the year before with a near .300 BA... but Billy Putnam (.250/6 HR/16 RBI) and Tommy Yost (.330/5 HR/16 RBI) have taken up some of the slack... the Mustangs will have to hit better to repeat as division champ... only one starter, Weldon Herrington (1-2/2.15), has been effective... he needs help from David Newell (1-0/0.00) and Bucky Dodge (1-1/4.19)... both were solid starters lasy season... last year's outstanding closer Sandy Stevenson (2-3/5.21) has stuggled mightily as a starter... if the bats perk up and the pitching returns to form, High Mesa could be in the pennant mix.

The Hillsboro Blazers (12-13) are tied for the fourth spot, but are not expected to remain there... they came in last in '59 and were picked sixth this year in the preseason poll... which is about right... the only reliable bats are Ichiro Ichikawa (.296/7 HR/19 RBI) and impressive rookie center fielder Jake Hepburn (.300/4 HR/13 RBI)... Horace Almond (2-1/2.78) is the top starter, but the rest of the rotation is lackluster... rookie Nigel Raborn (0-2/2.48) looks like he has good potential... the only one quality arm in the bullpen is Jeffrey Bevan (0-1/1.29 ERA/5 saves/9 games).

The Midway Wolves are not the team they have been... they still have superstars Norishige Ito (.284/7 HR/20 RBI) and Daryl Vale (.242/8 HR/18 RBI), plus a solid shortstop Kax Clark (.330/1 HR/8 RBI), but little else... the pitching is the worst it has been in 15 years (4.28 ERA)... ditto the .250 BA... it's rebuilding time for the Wolves... Steve Swanwick (3-2/2.61) is the only reliable starter... there is nobody decent in the bullpen.

According to the baseball pollsters, Kenwood (10-15) was supposed to be "the best in the West" this year in the Tycobbian West... instead, the Wildcats have been pretty bad and have tumbled to seventh place in the first month of action... a 5.12 team ERA is the problem... Dennis Tarrant (3-2/3.13) is the only effective starter... the rest range from 4.50 to 6.00... Kenwood is not likely to win a pennant with those kinds of numbers... the Wildcats are still hitting well, paced by Gabriel Macedo (.373/6 HR/13 RBI), Bralen Connolly (.316/4 HR/13 RBI) and Rick Lundgren (.337/0 HR/7 RBI)... if the pitchers snap out of the slumber, Kenwood could get back into the hunt.

In the meantime, Rolling Hills (16-9) has raced to the top of the TU West with a high-octane attack, sporting a .300 team BA, 25 HR (12th) and 149 runs (1st)... with fairly good pitching (3.53 ERA)... the Racers were the second choice to win the division... last year they came in a heartbreaking second to Denton City, losing out in a single-game playoff... boy, what a lineup Rolling Hills has with superstud Teddy Stonich (.327/9 HR/28 HR), Jameson Mulbert (.421/1 HR/17 RBI), Jean-Luc Roubique (.274/4 HR/19 RBI), Drayton Mayfield (.368/2 HR/12 RBI), Gil Arthur (.298/1 HR/14 RBI), Jasper Bowling (.349/0 HR/7 RBI) and Enrique Marantos (.356/0 HR/7 RBI)... leading the rotation are starters Bob Corcorane (4-1/2.80), Vance Dillaway (2-3/3.50) and Audie Stafford (3-1/3.23)... Corcorane and Stafford are rookies... the Racers need help in the bullpen... defense is strong... this could be the year to nab the pennant.

Running second to the Racers are the unheralded Bay St. Clair Buccaneers (14-11)... they came in seventh last season (66-88)... picked to finish fifth this year... but have scored well with 137 runs (3rd) and pitched well (3.71 ERA)... top performers at the plate are Whiz Ivie (.327/0 HR/15 RBI), Hersh Cranmore (.375/2 HR/14 RBI), Joseph Sloane (.283/2 HR/13 RBI) and Hal Driscoll (.255/3 HR/14 RBI)... on the hill it's Darcey Kennedy (2-2/0.97) and Neil Yoder (2-1/2.25)... weakness is in the bullpen.

Third place Arlon (13-12) has won four of the last nine division titles... the were a close third last year (83-71) to Denton City and Rolling Hills... but ranked seventh this season in the preseason... the Champions won the 2051 Pro Cup... they are holding their own this season, but the offense and pitching are down a bit... superstar slugger Jaimey Stansfield (.284/9 HR/25 RBI) is off to a good start and is getting some help from Rebel Bryce (.270/6 HR/13 RBI) and Carl Mendelsohn (.321/1 HR/11 RBI)... the rotation is steady with Harley Angus (3-2/3.19), rookie Ronny Lauren (3-2/3.00), Stephen Youngblood (2-0/3.78) and Mylon Hebb (1-2/2.84)... and closer Clyde Burney (2-0/0.40 ERA/5 saves/14 games) has been sensational thus far... not too sure the Champs have the talent to keep up with Rolling Hills and Denton City this year... but looks like a first-division team.

Denton City (12-13), last year's pennant winner, has started off slowly, but is still a contending team with rock-solid pitching (3.39 ERA) and fairly good bats... the starting rotation is doing well with Carl Coons (3-1/1.60), Brett Whatley (2-0/2.00), Robert Currie (2-2/2.83) and Gary Jackson (1-0/2.45)... and veteran closer Burnell Kelley (0-1/1.47 ERA/6 saves/12 games) has been impressive in the bullpen... ace Flash Stringfellow, a 20-game winner last season, had stuggled so far... as soon as he gets back to form, the Redbirds will do fine... should be in the chase again... and hoping to repeat... they were picked third in the preseason forecast to Kenwood and Rolling Hills... the offense has been slack so far... look for Vincent McCloud (.303/2 HR/8 RBI), Val Anniston (244/1 HR/12 RBI), Winky Biggio (.256/2 HR/12 RBI) and Ozzie Crenshaw (.293/2 HR/11 RBI) to get it going soon.[/QUOTE]

Tycobbian Union Standings

[Eugene Church]

Tycobbian Union Leaderboards
May 1, 2060

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, June 1, 2060

GOOD RACES GALORE IN IPA
After two months of play in the Islandian Pro Alliance, the Ranford Bulls are the top team in the Ruthlandian North, but not by much... Grand City is ahead in the Ruthlandian South, but not by much... Wynnamac is number one in the Ruthlandian East by a bunch... and Rocky Rapids tops the Ruthlandian West, but not by much.

It's even tighter in the Tycobbian Union where Mahaska is just barely in front in the Tycobbian North... Pro Cup champ Ginza has a small lead in the Tycobbian South... South Fork has a very slim margin in the Tycobbian East... and Bay St. Clair has a little bit of breathing room in the Tycobbian West.

The biggest surprise in the IPA is taking place in the RU North... the Ranford Bulls have shot to the top in May, three games better than Far Mountain and five up on Glasco... the Grand City Cybercats are a mild surprise in the RU South... what a race it has turned out to be... Valka, St. John and Waleska are just one game out of first... no surprise in the RU East, Wynnamac is off and running and headed for a big year... already seven games ahead of Marston... and the Rocky Rapids Snappers are doing quite well in the RU West with a three-game edge over Stoner, four up on Volusia and five better than preseason favorite Sligo, who turned it around in May after a slow April... the biggest disappointments in the Ruthlandian Union have been Valmara and Crystal Lake... the Vipers were big time favorites in the RU North and the Skippers were expected to a contender in the RU South... both have started poorly going into June... both are below .500 and seventh in their respective divisions.

No leader in the Tycobbian Union has more than a three-game edge... the tightest race is in the TU North where four teams are within three games of first place Mahaska... Luxora and Blue Lake are only two games out... White River and preseason pick and last year's champ Oxford are just three games behind... it's close in the Tycobbian South, too, where three teams are within four games of number one Ginza, the current Pro Cup titlist... Turon is two games back, Arroyo Grande is three behind and Southport is four games off the pace... so far, it's shaping up as two-team tussle in the Tycobbian East between South Fork and Tuckanarra... the Stallions have a narrow one-game lead over the Tiger Cats... and the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers in the Tycobbian West have the most breathing room... three games over Rolling Hills and four over Bayview.

The biggest eyeopeners in the TU have been Bay St. Clair and Arroyo Grande, along with the Blue Lake Schooners... Mahaska is doing better than expected, but is sort of a mild surprise leader... Kenwood, Fairfax, High Mesa and Midway have been total flops so far.

Ruthlandian Union Standings

[Eugene Church]

Ruthlandian Union Leaderboards
June 1, 2060

[Eugene Church]

Tycobbian Union Standings
June 1,2060

[Eugene Church]

Tycobbian Union Leaderboards
June 1, 2060

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, June 20, 2060

60th IPA ALL-STAR CLASSIC WED IN GINZA
The midsummer dream game is set for this Wednesday afternoon at Ninja Stadium in Ginza... the Ruthlandian All-Stars will try to make it two in a row over the Tycobbian All-Stars... last year the RU Stars finally snapped a horrendous nine-game losing in the Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star Classic and would like nothing better than to start a new streak of their own... 4-time All-Stars Stan Radzikowski of Middlefield, Dickie DeBusshere of Elnora and Damien D'Amboise of Marston will lead the charge for the Ruthlandian Stars and 4-time All-Star Toni Kolkov, along with 3-time All-Stars Daryl Monaghan of Blue Lake and Errol Waldrep of Colchester, will head up the Tycobbian All-Stars... the TU Stars have the youngest player, 22-year-old hurler Rico Alessi, and the olderst player, 37-year-old reliever Troy Hill... no rookies made the teams this year.

Ginza manager Sogo Takagi will handle the reins for the Tycobbian Stars and Valmara skipper Don Ritchie will be at the helm of the Ruthlandian Stars.

Ruthlandian Union All-Stars:

SP: Rory Beecroft (Waleska) (7-0/1.67 ERA) (.170 BA/0 HR/1 RBI/0 R) (.947 FA) (first-time All-Star)
SP: Yanni Bubas (Ancona) (10-3/2.83 ERA) (.190 BA/0 HR/1 RBI/1 R) (.923 FA) (2-time All-Star)
SP: Tike Collazo (Wynnamac) (7-1/1.44 ERA) (.087 BA/0 HR/1 RBI/2 R) (1.000 FA) (first-time All-Star)
SP: Mark Faber (St. John) (10-3/2.44 ERA) (.156 BA/0 HR/3 RBI/1 R) (1.000 FA) (first-time All-Star)
SP: Dan Hunt (Volusia) (7-2/2.16 ERA) (.222 BA/0 HR/3 RBI/4 R) (.950 FA) (first-time All-Star)
SP: Tom Smithson (St. John) (7-1/2.12 ERA) (.120 BA/0 HR/3 RBI/1 R) (1.000 FA) (first-time All-Star)
CL: Kontos Christakis (Ancona) (2-2/1.20 ERA/13 saves/22 games) (.000 BA/0 HR/0 RBI/0 R) (1.000 FA) (first-time All-Star)
CL: Steve Shirley (Grand City) (0-2/2.18 ERA/21 saves/27 games) (.000 BA/0 HR/0 RBI/0 R) (1.000 FA) (first-time All-Star)
C: Glen Chambliss (Ranford) (.329 BA/12 HR/48 RBI/30 R) (.989 FA/4 PB/30.3% RTO) (first-time All-Star)
C: Skip Dawes (Wynnamac) (.318 BA/2 HR/26 RBI/25 R) (.998 FA/8 PB/26.7% RTO) (first-time All-Star)
C: Jean St. Julien (Stoner) (.327 BA/16 HR/46 RBI/34 R) (.995 FA/6 PB/36.4% RTO) (2-time All-Star)
1B: Manny Sendejas (Wynnamac) (.318 BA/17 HR/54 RBI/49 R) (.991 FA) (first-time All-Star)
1B: Taavi Soosaar (Valka) (.301 BA/15 HR/56 RBI/46 R) (.986 FA) (first-time All-Star)
2B: Damien D'Amboise (Marston) (.319 BA/7 HR/52 RBI/41 R) (.986 FA) (4-time All-Star)
3B: Allen Spears (.361 BA/4 HR/37 RBI/45 R) (.956 FA) (2-time All-Star)
SS: Dickie DeBusshere (Elnora) (.313 BA/6 HR/42 RBI/42 R) (.941 FA) (4-time All-Star)
SS: Phil McLemore (Wynnamac) (.290 BA/8 HR/46 RBI/42 R) (.983 FA) (first-time All-Star)
SS: Stan Radzikowsko (Middlefield) (.272 BA/11 HR/49 RBI/41 R) (.974 FA) (4-time All-Star)
LF: Snooky Bartels (Wynnamac) (.356 BA/12 HR/58 RBI/49 R) (.975 FA) (3-time All-Star)
LF: Jedd Blodgett (Ranford) (.361 BA/20 HR/60 RBI/59 R) (.975 FA) (2-time All-Star)
LF: Donald Ray Mooney (Elnora) (.352 BA/15 HR/53 RBI/44 R) (.963 FA) (3-time All-Star)
CF: Ox Gless (Far Mountain) (.298 BA/9 HR/44 RBI/43 R) (.980 FA) (2-time All-Star)
RF: Gilberto Gallardo (San Dimas) (.396 BA/22 HR/55 RBI/64 R) (.984 FA) (2-time All-Star)

Tycobbian Union All-Stars:

SP: Rico Alessi (Oxford) (10-2/1.76 ERA) (.129 BA/0 HR/4 RBI/1 R) (1.000 FA) (first-time All-Star)
SP: Kurt Brophy (Ginza) (9-2/2.66 ERA) (.219 BA/0 HR/4 RBI/1 R) (1.000 FA) (2-time All-Star)
SP: Darcey Kennedy (Bay St. Clair) (8-2/1.60 ERA) (.152 BA/0 HR/2 RBI/0 R) (1.000 FA) (2-time All-Star)
SP: Wallace MacPherson (Luxora) (10-4/2.33 ERA) (.243 BA/0 HR/3 RBI/1 R) (.840 FA) (2-time All-Star)
SP: Motohiro Shima (Ginza) (11-1/2.86 ERA) (.175 BA/0 HR/0 RBI/3 R) (.947 FA) (first-time All-Star)
SP: Ian Timms (Tuckanarra) (9-2/1.99 ERA) (.182 BA/0 HR/3 RBI/2 R) (.952 FA) (2-time All-Star)
CL: Troy Hill (Southport) (1-4/1.30 ERA/19 saves/31 games) (.000 BA/0 HR/0 RBI/0 R) (1.000 FA) (first-time All-Star)
CL: Abram Worth (Ginza) (2-3/1.56 ERA/16 saves/30 games) (.000 BA/0 HR/0 RBI/0 R) (.800 FA) (2-time All-Star)
C: Ozzy Crenshaw (Denton City) (.366 BA/14 HR/43 RBI/42 R) (.993 FA/5 PB/22.2% RTO) (first-time All-Star)
C: Daryl Monaghan (Blue Lake) (.376 BA/8 HR/53 RBI/46 R) (.984 FA/7 PB/32.4% RTO) (3-time All-Star)
C: Odell Overstreet (Tuckanarra) (.335 BA/11 HR/44 RBi/46 R) (.992 FA/5 PB/29.6% RTO) (2-time All-Star)
1B: Buddy Blackford (Oxford) (.304 BA/25 HR/62 RBI/49 R) (.997 FA) (2-time All-Star)
1B: Erroll Waldrep (Colchester) (.299 BA/29 HR/67 RBI/52 R) (.992 FA) (3-time All-Star)
2B: Elvis Gilford (Mahaska) (.323 BA/5 HR/37 RBI/55 R) (.972 FA) (first-time All-Star)
2B: Kirk Waner (Fairfax) (.313 BA/14 HR/49 RBI/49 R) (.981 FA) (first-time All-Star)
3B: Matthew Fears (Turon) (.336 BA/14 HR/44 RBI/55 R) (.966 FA) (first-time All-Star)
3B: Teddy Stonich (Rolling Hills) (.348 BA/17 HR/62 RBI/56 R) (.948 FA) (2-time All-Star)
SS: Jameson Mulbert (Rolling Hills) (.395 BA/8 HR/44 RBI/57 R) (.959 FA) (2-time All-Star)
LF: Ichiro Ichikawa (Hillsboro) (.321 BA/16 HR/48 RBI/46 R) (.963 FA) (first-time All-Star)
LF: Showboat Lynn (Oxford) (.262 BA/24 HR/52 RBI/55 R) (.989 FA) (2-time All-Star)
CF: Wyatt Clausen (Fairfax) (.319 BA/12 HR/43 RBI/54 R) (.981 FA) (first-time All-Star)
CF: Steve Schueler (Blue Lake) (.366 BA/1 HR/50 RBI/54 R) (.985 FA) (first-time All-Star)
RF: Toni Kolkov (Red Bluff) (.286 BA/27 HR/60 RBI/45 R) (.981 FA) (4-time All-Star)
RF: Gideon Tracy (Ginza) (.300 BA/12 HR/52 RBI/47 R) (.994 FA) (first-time All-Star)

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, June 24, 2060

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, July 1, 2060

IPA HITS MIDSEASON MARK
There is a whole bunch of good old-fashioned pennant races going at the midseason mark in the Islandian Pro Alliance... seven of the eight divisions are still very much in doubt... the only exception is the Ruthlandian East race where Wynnamac is seven games ahead and is looking very much like the pennant winner.

BULLS HANGING TOUGH IN RU NORTH
A quick survey of the races around the IPA still shows unheralded Ranford still ahead in the Ruthlandian North... the Bulls are showing staying power... they had a good June with a 16-10 mark... but the Glasco Foxhounds are snapping at their heels after a spectacular 19-7 month... the Bulls are just two games up... Far Mountain tanked it last month with a terrible 11-15 record to drop 8 games off the pace... the LaGrange Gators are running in the fourth spot after posting a 15-11 in June... preseason favorite Valmara has tumbled into oblivion... the Vipers are in last place, 20 games behind.

3-TEAM FIGHT IN RU SOUTH
The Ruthlandian South may be settling down a bit into a three-team fight between the current leader, Grand City, last year's champ and preseason pick, St. John, and the Waleska Westerners... the upstart Valka Blackhawks have dropped back to sixth place after sticking close to the top in the first two months of play... the bottom fell out as the Blackhawks slumped badly to 8-18 last month... both Grand City and St. John prospered in June with 16-10 records... Waleska was not quite as good and lost ground at 14-12... the Cybercats have a one-game edge over the Crusaders and are three better than the Westerners.

MACS SHINE BRIGHT IN RU EAST
After two excellent months number one Wynnamac cooled down a little in June to just 14-12 in the Ruthlandian East, but the Sundowners are still seven games in front... all of the division challengers did about the same... the runner-up Elnora Clippers were also 14-12... third place Marston was even at 13-13... and fourth place Cold Creek suffered with a 12-14 mark.

5 CHALLENGERS IN RU WEST
The Ruthlandian West Division has tightened up the last month... five clubs are within four games of each other... the Volusia Vigilantes climbed ahead of the Rocky Rapids Snappers, but not by much... the V's had a solid 17-9 month in June and jumped into first place... the Snappers dipped to 12-14 and are tied with preseason choice Sligo for second place... the Rovers were very disappointing in April (9-16), but have gotten back on track in May (17-11) and June (17-9)... Fort Benton is on the rise after playing poorly in the first month (9-16)... since then the Defenders are 15-13 and 16-10... they are now deadlocked in fourth place with the Stoner Silver Sox, four games behind... after a solid 15-10 in April, Stoner has slumped to 13-15 and 12-14 the last two months.

5 CONTENDERS IN TIGHT TU NORTH
Nobody has much of a lead in the Tycobbian Union... last year's flag winner and this year's favorite, Oxford, got it going in June with a 17-9 record, but they are being pressed closely by Luxora (15-11) and Mahaska (13-13), both just one game back of the Red Caps... White River (15-11) is just two games out... and Blue Lake (13-13) is only three games behind... ranked as a major player this season, the Fairfax Frogs have pretty much croaked... ranked the second best team in the preseason poll, the Frogs are struggling in the sixth spot and trail by eight games... but they are showing some signs of life with a good 15-11 month in June.

NINJAS NAB SOME ROOM IN TU SOUTH
Last year's Pro Cup titlist, Ginza, is playing very well so far in the Tycobbian South race... the Ninjas created some space in the race with a 16-10 mark in June... they are four games better than second place Turon... the Typhoons did alright last month at 14-12... third place Southport is right with them and five games back of Ginza after notching 15-11 for the month... after a fine opening month in April (16-9), the fourth place Arroyo Grande Suns have drifted down slowly... in June they were only 11-15 and now have fallen to eight games out in the pennant race.

TUCKS TOPS IN TU EAST
The Tuckanarra Tiger Cats are favored to win the Tycobbian East and thus far, they have done well with winning records all three months, including 16-10 last month... they have passed early leader South Fork by three games... the Stallions have stumbled since a terrific 18-7 start in April... they were only 12-14 in June... only one other club putting up a fight... the Ozarka Naturals are in third place, 7 games off the pace... the Nats were 13-13 last month.

BUCS, RACERS, REDBIRDS, BEST IN TU WEST
June was a great month for somebody to take command of the Tycobbian West, but nobody could do it... first place Bay St. Clair went 12-14... Rolling Hills 13-13... Denton City 13-13... and poor Bayview could only muster 9-17... the Buccaneers still hold on to the top spot with a two-game edge over the Racers, the second choice in the preseason poll... the Bucs were picked to finish fifth this year... last year's title winner was the Redbirds... they were rated third best this season... Denton City is six games behind in the third spot in the standings... the Bayview Vikings are fourth in the TU West and are seven games out... preseason pick Kenwood has languished so far and is tied for fifth place, eight games back, but the Wildcats are showing some signs of life, going 16-10 in June.

Ruthlandian Union Standings
Thursday, July 1, 2060

[Eugene Church]

Tycobbian Union Standings
Thursday, July 1, 2060

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, July 1, 2060

Ruthlandian Union Leaderboards

[Eugene Church]

Tycobbian Union Leaderboards