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Old 05-13-2019, 01:15 AM   #161
Dukie98
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2035 Year in Review

Frontier League: The Boston Minutemen coasted to their fourth straight division title, winning 99 games to take the Northeast Division by 17 games. Although their offense was slightly less dominant than in past seasons (perhaps due to losing Joe DiMaggio to a knee injury after 49 games), Boston's pitching staff was stronger than expected. Boston finished second in the Frontier League in runs scored with 937, and led the league with 233 homers. Nolan Arenado had another MVP-caliber season, hitting .358 and slugging .639 with 88 extra-base hits, including 33 homers, to go with 114 RBI's and 139 runs scored. First baseman Ernie Banks hit .309 and slugged .604, bopping 50 homers and driving in 149 runs. Right fielder Moises Alou hit .318 with 37 longballs and 110 RBI's. Righthander Jim Tobin went 13-8 with a 3.70 ERA. Bob Spade went 17-9 despite a bloated 5.23 ERA.

The Detroit Purple Gang returned to the postseason after a two-year hiatus, narrowly winning the Great Lakes Division with 95 wins. Although the Purple Gang ranked 20th in the Frontier League in homers, they nonetheless finished 6th in the league in runs scored. Center fielder Ken Henderson starred, hitting .348 with 46 doubles, 28 homers and 114 RBI's. First baseman Gail Hopkins hit .315 with 32 homers and 112 RBI's. Shortstop Francisco Lindor hit .280, drilling 30 homers and plating 114 runs. Detroit's pitching staff starred, allowing the fewest runs in the Frontier League. Southpaw Frank Papish went 19-9 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. Bob Shirley went 16-5 (including a 12-0 start), ending the year with 299 career wins, as well as a 3.29 ERA. The Ottawa Parliamentarians had the best year in team history, winning 92 games -- a 22-game improvement over 2034 -- and making the playoffs for just the second time in team history. First baseman Frank Thomas starred, posting a .341/ .456/ .671 slash line, while drilling 52 homers and driving in a league-best 155 runs. Shortstop Tim Anderson had a breakout season, hitting .328 with 39 doubles, 23 homers, 104 RBI's, and 25 steals. Center fielder Ian Happ clubbed 36 homers and drove in 104 runs. Chappie McFarland led a no-name pitching staff, going 15-9 with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. Fireballer Lee Smith led one of the deepest bullpens in the league, posting 25 saves with a 2.51 ERA.

The Chicago Mules looked like the best team in baseball for four months, then narrowly avoided a historic collapse. The Mules slumped to a 15-34 record from early August through the last week of the season before a season-ending sweep of Milwaukee to salvage the Great Plains Division title with 90 wins. The Mules ranked just 20th in the Frontier League in runs scored, but narrowly missed having the strongest pitching staff in the league. Right fielder Augie Bergamo hit .343 with a .440 on-base percentage, including 44 doubles, 11 homers and 82 RBI's. Left fielder Gene Clines hit .360, leading the league with 237 hits and 15 triples, while scoring 103 runs. Center fielder Gorman Thomas popped a team-high 26 homers and drove in 69 runs despite an abysmal .204 average. Righthander Bob Moose put together another Cy Young-caliber season, going 15-10 with a 2.77 ERA, a league-best 1.03 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts. Closer Roy Parmelee notched 34 saves with a 1.57 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP. The Omaha Falcons overcame an early-season slump to win 13 of their final 18 games to sneak into the playoffs with 88 wins. Veteran catcher Gabby Hartnett hit .289 with 29 homers and 97 RBI's, while ageless right fielder Cliff Heathcote hit .297 with 46 doubles, 27 round-trippers and 115 RBI's. Left fielder Bob Bescher set the table, hitting .304 with a .443 on-base percentage, stole 44 of 52 bases, and scored 119 runs. Righthander Don Aase went 15-13 with a 3.85 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP, while Bill James posted a 15-9 record with a 3.99 ERA.

The Seattle Whales rode a hot start and a blistering finish to take the Northwest Division with 97 wins. Seattle led the Frontier League with 939 runs and a .370 team on-base percentage. Center fielder Lee Mazzilli starred, hitting .363 with a .458 on-base percentage, 40 doubles, 34 homers, 133 runs scored, and 124 RBI's. Veteran rightfielder Sherry Magee hit .293 with 33 homers, 121 RBI's, and 25 steals. Third baseman Milt Stock hit .313 with 213 hits, including 42 doubles, 14 homers, 121 runs scored, and 33 steals. Junkballer Brad Bergesen posted a 17-8 record with a 3.13 ERA. Al Benton recovered from an early-season injury to notch an 11-2 record with a 3.91 ERA. The Portland Skunks used their customary late season run, including a 13-game winning streak in mid-September, to win 94 games. Left fielder Mike Easler had a career season, hitting .340 with 42 homers and 114 RBI's. First baseman Jeff Bagwell hit .305 with 44 round-trippers and drove in 115 runs. Right fielder Cliff Floyd hit .304 and slugged .591, popping 35 homers, driving in 114 runs, and swiping 48 bags. Portland's pitching staff ranked third in the league, as southpaw Mark Thurmond went 16-11 with a 3.37 ERA, and righthander Denny McLain sported a 16-9 record with 188 strikeouts. Closer Rube Vickers saved 36 games while yielding a 2.24 ERA. The Vancouver Viceroys returned to the postseason after a four-year absence, winning 90 games despite finishing below .500 from June 1 onward. Second baseman Rougned Odor dominated offensively, hitting .300 and slugging .643 with 44 homers and 124 RBI's in just 121 games. Center fielder Andrew McCutchen hit .300 with a .402 on-base percentage, smacking 29 homers, driving in 89 runs, while scoring 109 runs and stealing 46 bases. Shortstop Aledmys Diaz hit .338 with 14 homers and 72 RBI's, while rookie catcher Charles Johnson drilled 20 longballs and drove in 66 runs in just 323 at bats. Southpaw Dennys Reyes paced a better-than-expected pitching staff by going 15-7 with a 3.05 ERA, while Jeremy Hellickson went 12-12 with a 4.02 ERA and 195 strikeouts. The Denver Spikes missed the postseason by one game after a 9-18 September swoon left them with 87 wins. Slugging right fielder Dave Robertson hit .325 with 53 homers and 154 RBI's. Second baseman John Knight hit .329 with a .424 on-base percentage, including 43 doubles, 22 homers, 88 RBI's, and stole 46 of 50 bases. Chris Reitsma went 16-12 with a 3.03 ERA, while closer Chick Brandom appeared likely to win his third Reliever of the Year Award after posting a league-best 45 saves with a 1.37 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP.

Continental League: The Washington Ambassadors had a strong second half, seizing control of the Atlantic Division in the final week of the season to take their fifth straight division title with 100 wins. Washington set a HRDL record with an incredible 305 homers, as four players topped 40 homers, and four more topped 25 longballs. Right fielder George Hendrick hit .302 with 42 homers and a team-high 133 RBI's. First baseman Lee Stevens hit .296 with 47 jacks and 129 RBI's. Third baseman Willie Jones and left fielder Gus Zernial combined for 85 round-trippers and 228 RBI's. But center fielder Johnny Groth had the best all-around season of them all, hitting .334 with 38 doubles, 27 homers, 100 walks, and 125 runs scored. On the mound, Henderson Alvarez went 20-7 with a 3.42 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Southpaw Ricky Romero went 16-7 with a 3.78 ERA before being sidelined by a back injury in mid-September. The Hartford Huskies led the division for most of the season, winning a franchise record 98 games despite playing .500 ball for the last two months. Center fielder Tris Speaker was an MVP favorite, after hitting a franchise-record .376 with a .475 on-base percentage, including 60 doubles, 16 triples, 19 homers, 125 RBI's, 135 runs scored, and 75 steals- plus elite defense. First baseman Justin Bour built on his Rookie-of-the-Year campaign from 2034, hitting .346 and setting several franchise records of his own, by slugging .654 with 52 longballs, 155 RBI's, and 140 runs scored - including 35 second-half homers. Hartford's pitching staff sparkled, ranking second in the Continental League in runs allowed. Southpaw Steve Barber led baseball in victories while posting a 21-8 record, a 2.99 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 212 strikeouts. Chris Carpenter posted a sparkling 20-5 record of his own, leading baseball with a 2.44 ERA, while posting a 1.02 whip and 186 strikeouts before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in late August. Closer Chris LeRoux saved 34 games while yielding a 2.10 ERA.

The New Orleans Crawfish did not miss a beat despite the offseason departure of All-Star third baseman Manny Machado, winning 97 games to take the Southeast Division, making the playoffs for the twelfth time in fifteen seasons. The Crawfish led baseball with 972 runs, and finished second in the Continental League with 253 round-trippers. Center fielder Hank Lieber made a splash, hitting .324 with 43 homers and a franchise-record 146 RBI's. Right fielder Yasiel Puig hit .310, popping 40 homers and driving in 129 runs while scoring 119 times. Rookie Max Alvis ably filled Machado's sizable shoes, hitting .314 and slugging .519 with 30 longballs, 108 RBI's, and 18 steals. Left fielder Tommy Davis set the table, hitting .325 with 211 hits, including 41 doubles, 27 homers, 81 RBI's, and 132 runs scored. New Orleans advanced despite a subpar rotation, led by Joe Presko and John Montefusco, who combined for a 28-15 record despite both posting ERA's over 5.00, with Presko surrendering 50 homers in just 230 innings. Closer Terry Adams led a strong bullpen, posting an 11-4 mark with 34 saves and a 2.67 ERA. The Ducks narrowly held off the 94-win Atlanta Ducks. Left fielder Jim Greengrass hit at a .309 clip with 41 longballs and 138 RBI's, while right fielder Gary Roenicke matched him, hitting .304 with 38 homers and 139 RBI's. Third baseman Ken Reits hit .321, blasting 24 homers and driving in 84 runs. Adam Jones patrolled center field while having a career season at the plate, hitting .301 with 34 homers and plating 108 runs. Ed Walsh led a solid pitching staff, going 17-8 with a 3.42 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, while Paul Toth tallied 19 wins despite a middling 4.19 ERA. The Miami Flamingos rode a terrific first half to their first playoff spot in 15 years, winning 87 games despite a 41-48 second half record. The Flamingos were led offensively by second sacker Jose Vidro, who hit .346 with 43 doubles, 33 homers and 120 RBI's, and right fielder Frank Robinson, who set a franchise record with 47 homers and drove in 137 runs while hitting .294. Center fielder Kevin Kiermeier hit .279 and slugged .517, including 23 homers and 89 RBI's, before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in mid-September. Carl Druhot led the pitching staff, going 12-10 with a 4.14 ERA, while Joe Grahe went 12-7 with a 4.41 ERA.

The Dallas Wildcatters won their third straight Texas Division title with 89 wins on the strength of a league-best pitching staff that allowed just 692 runs. Offensively, they were led by left fielder Mike Greenwell, who hit .333 and slugged .543, with 28 homers, 115 RBI's, and 30 steals. Third baseman Brook Jacoby popped 31 homers and drove in 118 runs. First baseman Chick Gandil hit .337 with 51 doubles and scored 104 runs. Righthander Hank Borowy posted a 17-13 mark with a 3.52 ERA and 251 whiffs. David Palmer sported a 14-8 record with a 3.37 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. Red Ames went 13-9 with a 3.59 ERA. Dallas edged out the Austin Mustangs by one game, as Austin won 88 games to make the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons. First baseman Mo Vaughn dominated offensively, hitting .330 with a .618 slugging percentage, launching 45 jacks and driving in a franchise-record 151 runs. Left fielder Bob Johnson smacked 43 homers, drove in 110 runs, and scored 121. Catcher Keith Moreland hit .325 and slugged .532, bopping 22 homers and driving in 93 runs. Second baseman Ryne Sandberg hit .288 with 38 doubles, 26 homers, 75 RBI's, 121 runs scored, and 32 steals. George Susce led a workmanlike pitching staff, going 13-9 with a 4.08 ERA. Charlie Puleo went 10-5 despite a subpar 5.30 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. The Houston Pythons won 86 games, and they were edged out for the final wild card spot by the Flamingos by a single game. They were led offensively by left fielder Larry Hisle, who hit .346 and slugged .682, setting franchise records with 53 round-trippers and 146 RBI's. Three other Pythons (center fielder Ryan Thompson, first baseman Adam LaRoche, and right fielder Eddie Rosario) each smacked over 40 homers. Crafty southpaw Jerry Reuss posted a 20-7 record with a 3.45 ERA, while Rick Wise went 17-9 with a 4.75 ERA.

The Los Angeles Kangaroos ran away with the Southwest Division, winning 107 games to take the division by 23 games, scoring a HRDL-best 972 runs and posting a team .296 average. Shortstop Corey Seager starred, hitting .331 with 40 doubles, 33 homers and 133 RBI's. Right fielder Ron Northey had a career year, hitting .320 with 37 homers and 142 RBI's. Third baseman Frank Baker rallied from a slow start to hit .322 with a .545 slugging percentage, including 30 homers, 107 RBI's, 128 runs scored, and 22 steals. Second sacker Jerry Priddy hit .308 with a .416 on-base percentage, including 16 homers and 82 RBI's. Nap Rucker led a deep pitching staff, posting a 16-7 mark with a 3.61 ERA and 208 strikeouts. Closer Mark Clear notched 7 wins with 39 saves, sporting a 2.47 ERA and struck out 98 batters in 69 innings. The defending champion Albuquerque Conquistadors won 84 games, falling just short of the last wild card slot. Once again, Albuquerque posted a potent offense, finishing third in the HRDL with 960 runs scored. Third baseman Manny Machado had a monster season after signing as a free agent, hitting .344 and slugging .709, blasting 55 homers and driving in 129 runs in just 137 games. First baseman George Brett hit .303 with 49 doubles, 36 round-trippers and drove in 117 runs while scoring 132 times. Slugging catcher Tex Erwin pounded 43 longballs while plating 113 runs. Righthander Bob Gibson led an otherwise-mediocre pitching staff, going 16-4 with a 3.67 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP.
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Old 05-19-2019, 02:33 AM   #162
Dukie98
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2035 Playoff Report

Frontier League: The heavily-favored Boston Minutemen knocked off the pesky Omaha Falcons in seven games, nearly blowing a 3-1 lead. Third baseman Nolan Arenado earned MVP honors after hitting .308 with 3 homer and 9 RBI's. Four more Minutemen (shortstop Red Rolfe, right fielder Moises Alou, first baseman Ernie Banks, and second baseman Sal Bando) each smacked a pair of homers. Righthanders Jim Tobin and Bill Hands each earned a win while posting ERA's of 2.84 and 3.00, respectively. Omaha was led by left fielder Bob Bescher, who hit .393 with 2 homers,10 RBI's. 6 runs scored, and a pair of steals, and shortstop Kurt Abbott, who hit .440 with a homer and 5 RBI's. The powerful Portland Skunks sprayed the overmatched Chicago Mules, prevailing in 6 games, with all four Portland wins coming by a single run. Portland was led by right fielder Cliff Floyd, who hit .333 with five extra-base hits, including a homer, 3 RBI's, and 4 steals. Closer Rube Vickers notched a win and 2 saves with 7.1 shutout innings. Southpaw Jim Rooker earned a win in Game 3 with 7 innings of one-run ball. Chicago rightfielder Augie Bergamo took home MVP honors in a losing effort, hitting .556 with 7 walks, 3 doubles, a triple, and 4 RBI's. Chicago ace Bob Moose earned two wins with 13.1 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits and striking out 17, including a Game 5 masterpiece where he allowed 1 hit in 7.1 innings. In perhaps the most dramatic wild card series in HRDL history, the Detroit Purple Gang outlasted the Ottawa Senators in seven games, with the home team winning all 7 games. Detroit needed 11 innings to win both Games 1 and 2, and won Game 7 on a pinch-hit, walk-off ninth inning grand slam by Larry Sheets after Ottawa scored 3 runs in the top of the frame. Detroit center fielder Ken Henderson took home the hardware after hitting .310 with 3 homers and 5 RBI's. Second sacker Philip Gosselin hit .385 with 2 RBI's. Southpaw Bob Shirley hurled 13 innings with a 1.38 ERA, but failed to get a win. Frank Papish yielded a 2.57 ERA in 14 innings, earning the win in Game 6 with seven shutout innings. Ottawa slugger Frank Thomas hit .407 with 3 homers and 4 RBI's in a losing effort, while third baseman Stan Hack set the table, hitting .444 with 7 RBI's and 5 extra-base hits. The Seattle Whales upended their division rival Vancouver Viceroys in 6 games, including the final three. Third baseman Milt Stock was named MVP after hitting .333 with 2 round-trippers and 6 RBI's. Second baseman Jim Gilliam hit .333 as well, with a homer and 6 RBI's, while first baseman Daric Barton led all hitters with a .414 average. Crafty righthander Al Benton posted a 2.45 ERA, including 7 shutout innings of 2-hit ball in the clinching Game 6. Vancouver third baseman Danny Clark hit .409 with a pair of longballs and 3 RBI's.

The Portland Skunks blasted the Boston Minutemen, scoring 30 runs in a four-game sweep. Right fielder Cliff Floyd took home MVP honors for Portland, hitting .533 with 2 homers, 3 RBI's, and 7 runs scored. Third baseman Kevin Orie hit .500 with 5 extra-base hits, including a homer, and drove in 4 runs. Catcher Michael Barrett hit .467, with a round-tripper and 6 RBI's, while Jeff Bagwell hit .333 with 3 homers. Rube Vickers posted 3 saves while hurling 5 shutout innings, while Joe Decker hurled 6 shutout innings in Game 4 to earn the win. Boston's Sal Bando hit .438 with 3 homers and 4 RBI's in a losing effort. Although the Detroit Purple Gang took the first three games from the powerful Seattle Whales, they couldn't seal the deal, dropping the final four games as Seattle advanced. Seattle right fielder Sherry Magee earned MVP honors after hitting .346 with a homer, 3 steals, 6 runs scored, and 9 RBI's. Left fielder Byron Browne hit .333 with a homer and 7 RBI's. Junkballer Brad Bergesen yielded a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings, holding Detroit to a lone run in a crucial Game 6 victory. Detroit was led by first baseman Gail Hopkins, who hit .333 with 3 homers (including 2 in a valiant effort in Game 7) and 6 RBI's, while second sacker Philip Gosselin led all hitters with 12 hits and a .444 average. In the League Championship Series, Portland continued their winning ways, extending their postseason winning streak to 9 games as they swept their division rival Seattle Whales, winning every game by two runs or less. Cliff Floyd added another award for his trophy case, hitting .429 with 2 homers, 3 doubles, 3 steals, 3 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. Jeff Bagwell hit .353 with a homer and plated 3 runs, while catcher Michael Barrett and center fielder Chris Young each smacked a pair of longballs. Rookie Joe Decker earned the win in the clinching Game 4, allowing just 2 runs in 6 innings. Catcher Gene Oliver led Seattle, hitting .375 with 4 RBI's.

Continental League: The heavily-favored Los Angeles Kangaroos outlasted the pesky Miami Flamingos, who made their first playoff appearance in 15 years, winning in 6 games. Los Angeles shortstop Corey Seager earned MVP honors after hitting .435 with 2 homers and drove in 5 runs. Center fielder Bobby Tolan hit .393 with a homer, 6 runs scored, and 6 RBI's. Right fielder Ron Northey hit .364 with 5 extra-base hits, including a homer, and drove in 6. Trade deadline acquisition Don Drysdale paid immediate dividends, notching two wins and posting a 3.00 ERA in 12 innings. Miami second baseman Jose Vidro hit .333 with 3 homers and 8 RBI's in a losing effort. The Hartford Huskies eliminated the Dallas Wildcatters in 6 games after jumping out to an early 3-0 series lead. Left fielder Ryan Rua led Hartford, hitting .333 with 3 homers, 7 RBI's, and a pair of steals. Center fielder Tris Speaker hit .375 with a .464 on-base percentage, swiping 5 bags, and scoring 4 runs. Relievers Chris Leroux, Tyson Ross, and Brayan Villareal combined for 2 wins and a save while hurling 13.1 shutout innings. Dallas left fielder Mike Greenwell earned MVP honors in defeat, hitting .462 with a homer, 3 doubles and 13 RBI's, including 3 games of driving in at least 3 runs. Dallas first baseman Chick Gandil hit .407 while plating six runs. In a Southeast Division matchup, the Atlanta Ducks easily dispatched the New Orleans Crawfish in five games. Righthander Ed Walsh earned MVP honors, going 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA and 15 strikeouts, including a 10-whiff shutout in the clinching Game 5. Third baseman Ken Reitz hit .375 with 3 doubles and 3 RBI's. Second baseman Roberto Alomar hit .364 while scoring 5 runs, while left fielder Gary Roenicke hit .294 with 3 longballs and drove in 5 runs. New Orleans was led by right fielder Yasiel Puig, who hit .391 with a homer and 6 RBI's. After dropping the opener, the Washington Ambassadors took four straight games from the Austin Mustangs to advance. Third baseman Willie Jones took home the hardware after hitting .400 with 4 homers and 10 RBI's. Washington leftfielder Gus Zernial hit .400 as well, popping 2 homers and driving in 7 runs. Shortstop Tom Tresh hit .350 with a homer and drove in 3 runs. Righthander Henderson Alvarez went 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings, while Franklin Morales yielded a single run in 8 innings in earning a Game 2 win. Austin center fielder Chet Lemon hit .316 with 3 homers and 7 RBI's in defeat.

The Los Angeles Kangaroos shut down the Hartford Huskies in the Division Series, holding Hartford to just 12 runs in 6 games. Kangaroo first baseman Wes Parker hit .316 with two homers and 5 runs scored. Center fielder Bobby Tolan and catcher Rich Wilkins each blasted a pair of homers as well. Steve Woodard earned a win with a 1.38 ERA and 10 strikeouts, while Don Drysdale yielded a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings, earning the win in the decisive Game 6. Hartford first baseman Justin Bour was tabbed MVP in a losing effort, after hitting .409 with 3 homers and 5 RBI's. The Washington Ambassadors blasted the Atlanta Ducks in 5 games. Shortstop Tom Tresh was named MVP after hitting .625 with a homer and 4 RBI's. First baseman Lee Stevens hit .412, popping 3 homers and driving in 5 runs, while center fielder Johnny Groth hit .333. Righthander Franklin Morales went 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings. First baseman Hank Greenberg let Atlanta, hitting .381 with 2 homers and 6 RBI's. Washington then dominated the Los Angeles Kangaroos in the League Championship Series, winning four straight after dropping the opener for their third-straight 5-game series. Center fielder Johnny Groth earned MVP honors after hitting .400 with 2 homers, 3 doubles, 4 runs scored, and 6 RBI's. Second sacker Bobby Valentine hit .364, while catcher Stephen Vogt hit .300 with a pair of homers. Franklin Morales continued his brilliant postseason, hurling six shutout innings in a Game 2 victory, while Henderson Alvarez earned a win in the clinching Game 5 while posting a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings. Left fielder Dale Mitchell led Los Angeles, hitting .381 with 5 runs scored, while first baseman Wes Parker hit .368 with a homer and 4 RBI's.

World Series: The 100-win Washington Ambassadors were mild favorites over the 94-win Portland Skunks. Washington raced out to a 3-0 lead before dropping two games to the Skunks. The Ambassadors pulled out Game Six to win the series, snapping the Frontier League's six-year streak of winning the World Series. The Frontier League had won 14 of the last 17 series, before the Ambassadors' triumph. In a first, Portland third baseman Kevin Orie was selected as the World Series MVP in a losing effort.

Washington pulled out Game 1 by a 6-4 score, scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh to seize the lead. Washington left fielder Gus Zernial hit a two-run homer off Portland southpaw Mark Thurmond to tie the game, and a single by first baseman Lee Stevens gave Washington the lead for good. Long reliever Mace Brown was credited with the win with 1.2 scoreless innings, and closer Chris Short threw two shutout innings to earn the save. Washington won Game 2 4-3 in dramatic fashion, tying the game in the bottom of the ninth on a pinch-hit single by Lou Novikoff, and winning in the 11th on a walk-off double by Lee Stevens off reliever Gene Walter. Five Ambassadors pitchers held the powerful Portland lineup to just five hits, but one was a Jeff Bagwell homer off starter Oswaldo Peraza. Chris Short earned the win in relief with two perfect innings, fanning three. Washington took Game 3 by a 2-1 tally, as shortstop Tom Tresh homered off Portland starter Pete Falcone. Henderson Alvarez surrendered just one run in seven innings, earning the win for Washington. Portland's Bagwell and Kevin Orie each had two hits, including a double, in defeat.

Portland did not go down quietly. Trailing 3-0 in the Series, the Skunks blew out Washington 10-4 in Game 4, jumping out to a 3-run lead in the first inning behind homers from outfielders Chris Young and Mike Easler off Tommy Hunter. Easler finished with 2 hits, a walk, 3 RBI's, and 3 runs scored, while Cliff Floyd popped 3 hits including a double. Joe Decker earned the win, allowing four runs in 7 innings, including homers by Washington's George Hendrick and Gus Zernial. Portland exploded in Game 5, winning 16-6, as they scored 10 runs in the first two innings off Washington starter Ricky Romero. Kevin Orie went 3-for-3 with two walks, a homer, 2 RBI's, and 4 runs scored. Second baseman Jake Wood also went 3-for-3 with 2 RBI's and 4 runs scored. Mark Thurmond was credited with the win, after surrendering a workmanlike 6 hits and 4 runs in 6 innings. But Portland's dreams of a miraculous comeback were shattered in Game 6, as Washington broke a 2-2 tie by scoring 3 runs in the fifth inning on their way to a 6-2 series-clinching win. Washington's George Hendrick broke the game open with a 2-run homer in the fifth inning, while Lee Stevens tacked on an insurance run with a seventh inning homer. Oswaldo Peraza earned the win, yielding two runs in 5 innings, striking out 7. Bill Stoneman and Chris Short hurled four shutout innings. Chris Young and second baseman Jake Wood provided solo shots for Portland's offense, while Denny McLain, returning from injury, took the loss.

In a surprise, Portland's Kevin Orie was named MVP after hitting .455 with a homer, 3 doubles, 5 walks, and 3 RBI's. DH Wayne Gross led Washington, hitting .333 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Hendrick popped 3 homers and drove in 5 runs, but only hit .160, while Zernial led Washington with 7 RBI's, thanks to his two homers. Short made a strong push for World Series MVP honors, hurling 6 shutout innings, allowing only 3 hits, while Peraza went 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA in 11 innings. For Portland, Jeff Bagwell matched Orie's numbers, hitting .455 with a homer and 3 RBI's, while Jake Wood, Mike Easler, and Chris Young each popped a pair of homers.
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Old 05-20-2019, 12:42 AM   #163
Dukie98
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2035 Awards Winners

Frontier League MVP- Larry Walker, RF, MIL (46): .396/ .494/ .753, 226 hits, 51 doubles, 3 triples, 49 HR, 134 RBI, 144 runs, 103 BB, 50 SB, 211 OPS+, 12.2 WAR
Second place- Minnie Minoso, LF, TOR: .378/ .453/ .698, 232 hits, 25 doubles, 57 HR, 153 RBI, 146 runs, 65 BB, 3 SB, 187 OPS+, 8.9 WAR
Third place- Nolan Arenado, 3B, BOS (1): .358/ .469/ .639, 208 hits, 46 doubles, 9 triples, 33 HR, 114 RBI, 139 runs, 123 BB, 4 SB, +10.0 Zone Rating, 178 OPS+, 10.5 WAR
Fourth place- Frank Thomas, 1B, OTT (1): .341/ .456/ .671, 201 hits, 30 doubles, 4 triples, 52 HR, 155 RBI, 141 runs, 127 BB, 178 OPS+, 6.7 WAR
Fifth place- Lee Mazzilli, CF, SEA: .363/ .458/ .630, 198 hits, 40 doubles, 2 triples, 34 HR, 124 RBI, 133 runs, 95 BB, 28 SB, 173 OPS+, 8.8 WAR

Frontier League Cy Young Award- Don Wilson, KC (39): 20-10, 2.44 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 262 IP, 246 K, 77 BB, 6 CG, 2 shutouts, 195 ERA+, 9.0 WAR
Second place- Bob Moose, CHI (8): 15-10, 2.77 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 237 IP, 225 K, 50 BB, 1 CG, 171 ERA+, 7.4 WAR
Third place- Mike Minor, CAL (1): 20-7, 2.79 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 242 IP, 219 K, 46 BB, 3 CG, 170 ERA+, 7.1 WAR
Fourth place- Smoky Joe Wood, PIT: 15-4, 2.90 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 239 IP, 263 K, 70 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 163 ERA+, 8.2 WAR
Fifth place- Frank Papish, DET: 19-9, 3.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 222 IP, 169 K, 54 BB, 154 ERA+, 6.2 WAR

Frontier League Rookie of the Year: Ian Happ, CF, OTT (47): .276/ .352/ .545, 139 hits, 17 doubles, 5 triples, 36 HR, 104 RBI, 90 runs, 60 BB, 15 SB, +12.9 Zone Rating, 121 OPS+, 4.8 WAR
Second place- Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, KC: .282/ .368/ .483, 186 hits, 39 doubles, 31 HR, 111 RBI, 120 runs, 88 BB, 19 SB, 114 OPS+, 3.8 WAR
Third place- Oscar Judd, LHP, CHI (1): 10-3, 2.79 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 132 IP, 116 K, 50 BB, 170 ERA+, 2.7 WAR

Continental League MVP- Tris Speaker, CF, HAR (23): .376/ .475/ .630, 221 hits, 60 doubles, 16 triples, 19 HR, 125 RBI, 135 runs, 112 BB, 75 SB, 20.2 Zone Rating, 179 OPS+, 11.7 WAR
Second place- Larry Hisle, LF, HOU (13): .346/ .426/ .682, 207 hits, 36 doubles, 3 triples, 53 HR, 146 RBI, 131 runs, 76 BB, 10 SB, +9.7 Zone Rating, 178 OPS+, 9.3 WAR
Third place- Justin Bour, 1B, HAR (6): .346/ .427/ .654, 215 hits, 35 doubles, 52 HR, 155 RBI, 140 runs, 93 BB, 1 SB, 171 OPS+, 7.7 WAR
Fourth place- Robin Yount, SS, MEM (2): .335/ .414/ .665, 210 hits, 55 doubles, 10 triples, 44 HR, 132 RBI, 127 runs, 88 BB, 27 SB, 168 OPS+, 8.1 WAR
Fifth place- Manny Machado, 3B, ALB: .344/ .404/ .709, 188 hits, 31 doubles, 2 triples, 55 HR, 129 RBI, 128 runs, 54 BB, 5 SB, 169 OPS+, 8.3 WAR

Continental League Cy Young Award- Clayton Kershaw, MEM (25): 16-5, 2.57 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 242 IP, 316 K, 34 BB, 4 CG, 3 shutouts, 203 ERA+, 11.8 WAR
Second place- Steve Barber, HAR (23): 21-8, 2.99 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 259 IP, 212 K, 81 BB, 6 CG, 3 shutouts, 174 ERA+, 8.2 WAR
Third place- Mark Prior, NAS: 14-11, 2.59 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 247 IP, 297 K, 68 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 189 ERA+, 8.4 WAR
Fourth place- Chris Carpenter, HAR: 20-5, 2.44 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 207 IP, 186 K, 42 BB, 213 ERA+, 7.5 WAR
Fifth place- Hank Borowy, DAL: 17-13, 3.52 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 263 IP, 251 K, 83 BB, 5 CG, 2 shutouts, 148 ERA+, 7.8 WAR

Continental League Rookie of the Year: Max Alvis, 3B, NOR (26): .314/ .375/ .519, 195 hits, 34 doubles, 2 triples, 30 HR, 108 RBI, 114 runs, 50 BB, 18 SB, 121 OPS+, 4.8 WAR
Second place- Jarrod Parker, RHP, LV (21): 12-14, 3.10 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 232 IP, 160 K, 79 BB, 3 CG, 163 ERA+, 5.6 WAR
Third place- Jim Viox, DH, PHO (1): .323/ .403/ .472, 219 hits, 53 doubles, 6 triples, 12 HR, 91 RBI, 132 runs, 92 BB, 25 SB, 121 OPS+, 3.6 WAR

Top draft picks: 1. Mike Trout, CF, Minneapolis Penguins
2. Ted Simmons, C, Nashville Blues
3. George Harper, RF, St. Louis Pilots
4. Rico Petrocelli, SS, Buffalo Fighting Elk
5. Reggie Jackson, RF, Virginia Beach Admirals
6. Clyde Milan, CF, Phoenix Lizards
7. Mike Sweeney, 1B, San Antonio Marksmen
8. BJ Ryan, LHP, Oklahoma City Otters
9. Kirk Gibson, LF/ RF, Kansas City Mad Hatters
10. Art Devlin, 3B, Las Vegas Aces
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Old 05-21-2019, 04:10 AM   #164
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2035 Hall of Fame Voting

For the fifth straight year, the Hall of Fame welcomed at least three new inductees -- and this time, all three inductees were no-doubt locks who received over 90% of the vote despite a crowded ballot. Third basemen Wade Boggs and Andy Van Slyke were welcomed to the Hall with 98.9% and 90.7%, respectively, as was righthander Heinie Berger, who earned 97.3% of the vote.

Boggs, a six-time batting champion, remains the all-time HRDL leader with 4,088 hits and 756 doubles. Boggs was drafted 12th overall in the 2011 draft following the league's inaugural season by the Phoenix Lizards, and he came in second in the Continental League's Rookie of the Year voting after hitting .375 with a league-best .474 on-base percentage. The following year, he won his first batting title, hitting .394 with a .481 on-base percentage, with a career-best 244 hits and 20 homers, and finished second in the MVP voting. After an off year in 2014, he won the batting titles in 2015, 2016, and 2017, hitting .367, .360, and .368, respectively, while leading the league in on-base percentage two more times. After the 2017 season, Boggs jumped to the Jacksonville Gulls in free agency. Boggs won two more batting titles in Jacksonville, hitting. .363 with a league-high 234 hits in 2019 and .357 in 2021, leading the league again in hits with 214. After hitting .376 in 2022, Boggs signed with Detroit in free agency. Boggs was the model of consistency in Detroit, hitting between .312 and .333 every year, and posting between 6.3 and 7.5 WAR each season. Boggs signed with the Charlotte Aviators in 2029, where he spent three solid seasons, and he made his farewell tour in 2032 with the Washington Ambassadors, where he hit .303 at age 42. Boggs made 12 All-Star teams over his career and won five Silver Slugger awards. He retired with a career batting average of .339 (5th all-time, and tops among retired players) and an on-base percentage of .426 (4th all-time). He scored 1915 runs (4th all-time), and his total of 4,088 hits is nearly 400 more than the second-place finisher. In addition to leading all hitters with 756 doubles, he also popped 183 homers and drove in 1486 runs. Boggs retired with 139.1 WAR - second all-time. He also holds the career record with 222 hits and 46 doubles in postseason play, posting a career .299 average with a .384 on-base percentage in October. Although Boggs never won a title, he led three teams to the World Series: Phoenix in 2015, Jacksonville in 2022, and Charlotte in 2021.

Berger, a workhorse, was drafted 46th overall by the New Orleans Crawfish in 2016. He came in third place in the 2017 Rookie of the Year voting, after posting a 3.26 ERA in 276 innings despite a middling 14-17 record. After two more solid years, Berger took the leap into stardom in 2020, leading the Continental League with 8.8 WAR and 279 innings, as he went 16-12 and finished second in the Cy Young Award voting. The following season was one for the ages, as Berger earned MVP and Cy Young honors, going 23-7 with a 1.68 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and a league-best 10.5 WAR in 300 innings and made the first of his six All-Star teams. Berger finished 3rd in the Cy Young voting in 2022, going 19-7 with a 2.88 ERA and 239 strikeouts. He nearly won another trophy the following year, finishing as runner-up in the Cy Young voting after leading the league with 22 wins, while posted a 3.27 ERA and fanning 236 batters. Berger remained exceedingly durable into his mid-30s, leading the league in innings pitched in 2026-28, while winning 56 games over those three seasons, including a league-best 20 in 2026. Berger continued to pitch effectively through 2030, when he posted a 3.33 ERA in 276 innings at age 37. After an off season in 2031, he signed with Vancouver for his swan song in 2032, winning 12 games at age 39. Berger retired with a 265-181 record, a 3.13 ERA, and 2877 strikeouts. He also posted 102.1 WAR. Berger ranked 7th in victories and 10th in WAR at the time of his induction. Over his storied career, Berger led the league in innings pitched six times, victories three times, and WAR three times. While Berger had a mediocre 9-8 postseason mark, he dazzled in 2022, going 2-0 with a 0.57 ERA, allowing just 14 hits in 31 innings.

Thirteen-time All-Star Andy Van Slyke was a fixture at third base for the Minneapolis Penguins after being selected 71st overall in the inaugural dispersal draft. He finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2011, hitting .371 with 25 homers, 120 RBI's, and 39 steals while posting 11.0 WAR. Van Slyke was remarkably consistent at a very high level, posting at least 8.0 WAR in eight of his first ten seasons. Perhaps his finest season was 2015, when Van Slyke hit .337 with a career-high 38 homers, 93 RBI's, 118 runs scored, and 59 steals. He continued to be productive well past his prime, ripping a career-high 43 doubles while pounding 31 homers and driving in 116 runs while stealing 40 bases in 2030 -- at age 41. Van Slyke possessed a rare combination of power and speed: he popped at least 19 homers in an incredible 14 seasons, while stealing between 40 and 65 bases in his first 16 seasons. After spending 21 seasons in Minneapolis, Van Slyke spent his final season in Denver. Tremendously durable, Van Slyke remains the all-time leader in games played, with 3319. He retired with 3608 hits (3rd all-time), 2129 runs scored (2nd all-time), 1,058 steals (2nd all-time), 451 homers, 1792 RBI's, with a career. 295 average and .488 slugging percentage. He also remains second all-time in total bases. Van Slyke won a Gold Glove and six Silver Slugger awards, and he starred on Minneapolis's 2018 World Series winners, hitting .337 with 4 homers in the postseason while stealing 13 bases in 24 games. For his career, he hit 17 homers and stole 45 of 53 bases in 121 postseason games.

The leading vote recipients include:

Wade Boggs, 3B, PHO/ JAX/ DET/ CHA/ WAS: 98.9%
Heinie Berger, RHP, NOR/ VAN: 97.3%
Andy Van Slyke, 3B, MIN/ DEN: 90.7%
Joe Mauer, C, NOR/ BOS/ KC/ NAS/ DET: 70.7%
Kirby Puckett, CF, HOU/ CAL/ PHI: 66.8%
Trevor Story, SS, LA/ CHA/ ATL/ MIL: 52.9%
Dave Ferriss, RHP, DAL/ NAS: 49.9%
Pat Duncan, RF, SEA: 46.6%
Cody Bellinger, 1B, PHI/ DAL/ PIT/ HOU/ VAN: 45.8%
Gary Gaetti, 3B, BOS/ VAN/ AUS: 45.5%
Bobby Bonds, RF, MEM/ KC/ VB: 43.3%
Steve Bedrosian, RHP, OTT/ OKC/ CAL/ BUF/ STL/ DEN/ ANA: 42.2%

Among the top players who were removed from the ballot for failing to hit the 10% threshold were left fielder Del Ennis, who tallied over 3,100 hits, five-time stolen base champion Donie Bush, and 400-homer hitters Matt Chapman and Greg Luzinski. Also, seven-time All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki saw his eligibility expire after ten years on the ballot.

Here's a look at the newest inductees:
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Last edited by Dukie98; 05-21-2019 at 09:45 AM.
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Old 05-28-2019, 02:38 AM   #165
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2036 Mid-Year Review

Here are some of the major storylines across the league at the 2036 All-Star Break:

Exceeding expectations: The Buffalo Fighting Elk, traditionally one of the strongest teams in the league, had fallen on lean times, missing the playoffs four times in the last five years, and winning just 67 games last season. But the Fighting Elk entered the break firmly in the wild-card mix with a 39-35 record, just 2 1/2 games behind the first-place Baltimore Robins. Traditionally a speed-and-defense team, Buffalo rode their powerful bats into a potential playoff slot, entering the break ranked fifth in the Frontier League in homers. First baseman Don Hurst hit .335 with 24 homers and 58 RBIs. Left fielder Ron Jones and third baseman Eric Chavez chipped in with 19 and 17 homers, respectively. Righthander Kip Wells went 9-5 with a 3.35 ERA. The Cleveland Rocks won just 73 games last year and lost Don Mattingly for the season with a torn Achilles tendon in the first week of the season, but they entered the break with a 40-34 record, just two games behind the Ottawa Parliamentarians. Star centerfielder Pete Reiser returned from an injury-ravaged 2035 by hitting .323 with 20 doubles, 8 homers, and 54 RBI's. Right fielder Red Murray hit .321 with 14 homers, 70 RBI's, and 17 steals. Second baseman Hector Lopez had a breakout season, taking a .285 average, 16 homers, and 59 RBI's into the break. Jake Peavy led a workmanlike pitching staff, going 5-3 with a 3.90 ERA. In the Continental League, the San Antonio Marksmen looked to return to the postseason after back-to-back 68-win seasons, going 41-33, entering the break 4 games out of first place. First baseman Randy Milligan led the way offensively, hitting .280 with 17 homers and 61 RBI's. The Marksmen's pitching ranked among the league's elite, entering the break ranked third in the league in runs against. Fireballer Mark Langston went just 6-5, but posted a 3.20 ERA and fanned 82 hitters in just 78 innings. Closer Louis LeRoy posted 5 wins and 18 saves with a microscopic 0.92 ERA and 0.79 WHIP. The Anaheim Antelopes used a similar formula to post a 43-31 record, as they threatened to snap a seven-year postseason drought. Center fielder Dale Murphy starred, hitting .294 with a .402 on-base percentage, smacking 18 homers and driving in 59 runs. Catcher Ray Fosse hit .314, while popping 8 round-trippers and driving in 37 runs. Frank Tanana led the league's 4th-ranked pitching staff, going 11-4 with a 2.40 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and 145 strikeouts. Hal Kleine led an anonymous, but highly effective bullpen, notching 21 saves with a 1.43 ERA.

Disappointments: After four straight seasons of at least 99 wins, the Boston Minutemen expected to cruise to another division title, but entered the break in fifth place with a 37-37 record. Second baseman Sal Bando stumbled, hitting just .223 with a .404 slugging percentage and subpar defense. Right fielder Moises Alou, a 37-homer hitter a year ago, was benched due to subpar defense, and ultimately traded to Calgary. Free agent acquisition Dave Robertson, who hit 54 homers, drove in 154 runs, and slugged .634 for Denver a year ago, hit just 14 homers and drove in 41 runs, while seeing his slugging percentage drop precipitously to .465. On the mound, Jim Tobin, a 13-game winner a year ago, went just 3-8 and saw his ERA rise by nearly a run to 4.62. The defending Continental League champion Portland Skunks saw their streak of six straight postseason appearances in jeopardy after a 36-38 start. First baseman Jeff Bagwell, who blasted 44 homers and slugged .604 a year ago, dropped off to 9 homers and a .510 slugging percentage, driving in just 33 runs. The Skunks also struggled to replace the offseason departure of All-Star catcher Michael Barrett, as replacement Dick Billings hit just 2 homers and drove in 24 runs. Staff ace Mark Thurmond went just 3-8 with a 4.15 ERA, and a dangerously-low strikeout rate of 3.7 per 9 innings. The defending champion Washington Ambassadors, who had won 100+ games in each of the last two years, stumbled to a 38-36 first half record, and they were in danger of missing the postseason after five straight division titles. Johnny Groth, an All-Star centerfielder last season with a .334 average and 27 homers, dropped off to .286 with 11 longballs. Catcher Stephen Vogt dropped off precipitiously, hitting just .233 with a .356 slugging percentage -- a decline of more than 200 points. Shortstop Tom Tresh, who ripped 31 homers last season, dropped off to just 9 at the break. Henderson Alvarez saw his ERA spike by more than a run per game to 4.72. The New Orleans Crawfish, who won the Southeast Division with 97 wins a year ago, dropped off to a 38-36 record at the break. Max Alvis, who won the Rookie of the Year award last season, dropped off substantially, hitting just .268 and slugging .461. First baseman Ron Coomer, who hit .311 with 20 homers in part-time duty last season, regressed to a .267 mark with 5 homers. Righthander Joe Presko, who won 15 games last year, slipped to a 2-10 mark with a 5.79 ERA.

Denver Arms Race: Although the Denver Spikes already boasted three-time Reliever of the Year Chick Brandom in their bullpen, they added several other elite closers in free agency. The Spikes signed Roy Parmelee, who saved 34 games for Chicago with a 1.57 ERA the year before, as well as longtime Omaha closer Kyle Barraclough, who saved 28 games with a 1.50 mark. They also added Clay Bryant, who was just two years removed from leading the Continental League with 47 saves for the Dallas Wildcatters, as well as Brandon McCarthy, who had notched 224 saves, mostly with San Francisco, over his career. The gambit was a qualified success in the first half: Denver ranked third in the league in bullpen ERA with a solid 3.28 mark, and the Spikes were on track to earn a wild card position with a 39-33 mark.

Austin Strong: The Austin Mustangs entered the break leading the HRDL in several offensive categories, including runs scored (459), slugging percentage (.502), OPS (.856), and homers (139) - with 19 more homers than the second-ranking team. Eight Mustangs had double-digit homers at the break, led by DH Mo Vaughn, with 20 round-trippers. Second baseman Ryne Sandberg and right fielder Wally Moon popped 19 longballs apiece, while left fielder Bob Johnson, first baseman Donn Clendonon, and third baseman Craig Paquette topped 17 apiece. The homer-happy Mustangs took a four-game lead over San Antonio into the break.

Mild Cards: The vast majority of the HRDL was in the running for the postseason. In the Frontier League, in addition to the four division leaders, eight teams entered the break within one game of a wild-card bid; sixteen teams were within five games of the playoffs. In the Continental League, eleven teams (not counting the division leaders) were within three games of the division leaders, and fourteen were within five games.

Major milestones: San Antonio left fielder Heinie Manush notched his 3,000th hit, while Ottawa first baseman Frank Thomas and Vancouver left fielder George Bell each popped their 2,500th hit. Las Vegas right fielder Reggie Smith joined the 500-home run club, while teammate Bob Shirley became the second pitcher in league history to top 300 wins. Omaha right fielder Cliff Heathcote also smacked his 500th career homer. Kansas City righthander Don Drysdale was expected to notch his 4,000th career strikeout by the end of July, while London rightfielder Jack Clark was expected to pop his 500th career homer by the end of August. Charlotte left fielder Ken Singleton was just weeks away from joining the 3,000 hit club.

Major injuries: The Cincinnati Spiders suffered a double-whammy: southpaw Jon Matlack tore his labrum in spring training and was expected to miss the season, while two-time Cy Young Award winner Joe Ross underwent season-ending elbow surgery in late April. Cleveland first baseman Don Mattingly tore his Achilles tendon four games into the season, and would not return until 2037. Dallas catcher Curt Blefary missed the first half with a torn Achilles tendon of his own. Hartford ace Steve Barber missed most of the first half with bone chips in his elbow, and would not return until late July. Jacksonville center fielder Edd Roush, having a breakout season, fractured his kneecap in late April and would not return until September. Montreal right fielder Al Cowens suffered a season-ending knee injury in mid-May, interrupting what appeared to be an All-Star season. Toronto All-Star left fielder Minnie Minoso missed a majority of the first half with a foot injury and a hamstring strain.
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Old 06-01-2019, 04:53 AM   #166
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2036 Year in Review

Frontier League: The Baltimore Robins, coming off a disappointing 79-win season, cruised to the Northeast Division title with 98 wins. The Robins finished second in the Frontier League in runs scored, led by batting champ Hal McRae, who hit .376 with 23 homers, 127 RBI's, and 114 runs scored, shattering the single-season record with 76 doubles. Second baseman Kelly Johnson hit .316 with a .408 on-base percentage, popping 28 homers while scoring 120 runs. Catcher Gary Sanchez hit .279 and slugged .501, with 29 homers and 95 RBI's. Southpaw Randy Johnson led the pitching staff, going 14-4 with a 3.21 ERA and 249 strikeouts, while righthander Red Nelson went 17-11 with a 3.56 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. The Buffalo Fighting Elk rallied from the two worst seasons in franchise history, jumping from 67 wins to 91 to seize the top wild card spot. First baseman Don Hurst had a career season, hitting .292 and driving in 116 runs, while setting franchise records by slugging .609, with 47 homers and scoring 125 runs. Third baseman Eric Chavez hit .290 with 30 longballs and 102 RBI's, while left fielder Ron Jones blasted 35 homers and plated 109 runs. Righthanders Kip Wells and Carl Willey sported matching 16-8 records, with Wells posting a strong 3.19 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. The Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas became the third Northeast team to jump from a sub-.500 record to the playoffs, winning 8 of their last 9 to finish with 88 wins. Pittsburgh led the league with 952 runs scored, as first baseman Johnny Mize hit .321 with 53 homers while leading the league with a franchise-record 170 RBI's. Left fielder Irish Meusel hit .296 with 41 longballs and 99 RBI's. Shortstop Scott Brosius and right fielder Chet Laabs each blasted 32 round-trippers, driving in 130 and 121 runs, respectively. Third baseman Bill Madlock hit .338 with 18 homers, 22 steals, and 70 RBI's. Their explosive offense made up for the midseason loss of ace Smoky Joe Wood to a July knee injury; Wood posted a 14-4 record with a 2.37 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 21 starts. Closer Greg McMichael notched 26 saves with a 2.62 ERA.

In the Great Lakes Division, the Ottawa Parliamentarians nearly went wire-to-wire, winning 92 games for the second straight year to take the division. First baseman Frank Thomas had another MVP-caliber season, hitting .359 with 52 homers and 152 RBI's and a league-best .480 on-base percentage. Shortstop Tim Anderson hit .309 with 24 jacks and 119 RBI's while stealing 17 bases. Right fielder Charlie Blackmon hit .303 and slugged .499, popping 43 doubles and 31 homers while swiping 27 bags, scoring 130 runs, and driving in 98 runs. Center fielder Ian Happ smacked 35 round-trippers and drove in 109 runs. On the mound, John Fulgham led the way with a 21-6 mark, a 3.44 ERA, and a 1.16 WHIP. Dick Tidrow sported a 15-4 record with a middling 4.11 ERA, while Chappie McFarland posted a 12-8 mark with a 3.68 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and fanning 202 batters. The London Werewolves backed into the playoffs, dropping their final seven regular-season games and 12 of their last 15. But the Werewolves pounced on Kansas City ace Don Wilson, winning a one-game playoff 5-1 to snag the final wild card slot with an 85-78 record. Third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo led the way, hitting .343 and slugging .547, with 27 homers, 106 RBI's, and 120 runs scored. Right fielder Jack Clark hit 39 homers (topping the 500-homer mark along the way) and drove in 110 runs, while left fielder Michael Conforto and catcher Wes Westrum each popped 34 longballs. Righthander Matt Morris posted a 14-11 mark with a 3.85 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Blix Donnelly posted a 14-13 mark with a 4.28 ERA.

The Chicago Mules took the Great Plains Division with 91 wins, rallying from a 10-17 start. The slap-hitting Mules led the league with a team batting average of .284. First baseman Eddie Murray hit .286, setting team records with 46 homers and 134 RBI's. Right fielder Augie Bergamo hit .345 with a .443 on-base percentage, drilling 35 doubles and 13 homers while scoring 104 runs. Left fielder Gene Clines hit .348, with 232 hits, 53 doubles, and scoring 102 runs. Catcher Fran Healy hit .317 with 13 homers, 83 runs scored, and drove in 60 runs. Remarkably, only one pitcher, southpaw Scott Olsen, finished with double-digit victories; he went a middling 11-12 with a 4.75 ERA. Southpaw Oscar Judd was the Mules' most effective starter, going 8-4 with a 4.20 ERA. The Kansas City Mad Hatters won 84 games, losing to London in a one-game playoff for the final wild card spot. Right fielder Bernie Carbo starred, hitting .365 with a .471 on-base percentage, while ripping 42 homers and driving in 113 runs. Left fielder Kal Daniels hit .313 and slugged .600, pounding 42 longballs and driving in 122 runs and stealing 43 bases. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt hit .295 with 44 doubles, 39 homers, 115 runs scored, 92 RBI's, and 22 steals. On the mound, two-time Cy Young Award winner Don Wilson needed to expand his trophy case after winning the Triple Crown, going 24-6 with a 2.03 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP, and fanning 278 hitters. Free agent acquisition Don Drysdale posted a 14-7 mark with a 3.02 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP.

The Denver Spikes led the HRDL with 100 wins, featuring a top-five offense and a league-best pitching staff that allowed just 639 runs. Right fielder Raul Mondesi starred, hitting .329 with 51 round-trippers, 131 RBI's, 121 runs scored, and 34 steals. Catcher Frank Fernandez pounded 42 longballs and drove in 102 runs. Third baseman Cody Asche hit .285 with 19 homers and 105 RBI's. Ben Tincup led the league's deepest pitching staff, going 14-4 with a 3.05 ERA. Bob Gibson was having a career season before tearing his rotator cuff in July; he went 10-5 with a 2.77 ERA. Closer Chick Brandom notched 41 saves with a 2.64 ERA, but tore his UCL in September. The Seattle Whales earned their sixth straight playoff berth with 86 wins. Shortstop Mickey Stanley drilled 31 longballs and drove in 101 runs. Left fielder Byron Browne popped 29 homers and drove in 117 runs. Center fielder Lee Mazzilli hit .311 with a .413 on-base percentage, homering 18 times, while scoring 110 runs and driving in 87 runs. Third baseman Milt Stock hit .335 with 44 doublers, 13 homers, and scored 120 runs while swiping 43 bags. Lefty Mickey Mahler posted a 17-5 record with a strong 3.21 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Jim Hughes posted a 14-12 mark with a solid 3.68 ERA, while Jim Shaw sported a 15-9 record with a 4.29 ERA.

Continental League: The Hartford Huskies coasted to the Atlantic Division title, winning 94 games despite several early-season injuries to key personnel. Defending MVP Tris Speaker won another batting title, hitting .366 with a .462 on-base percentage, 40 doubles, 10 triples, 9 homers, 51 steals, and 105 runs scored. Slugging first baseman Justin Bour hit .336 with 50 round-trippers and 147 RBI's. Right fielder Ron Northey pounded 40 homers and drove in 141 runs. On the mound, Chris Carpenter notched a 17-7 record with a 4.01 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. Southpaw Steve Barber missed nearly the whole first half, but went 9-3 with a 3.50 ERA. The New York Emperors won 87 games, ending the longest postseason drought in the league; their lone appearance was 18 years earlier in 2018. Third baseman David Wright hit .336 and slugged .568, ripping 48 doubles, 29 homers, driving in 141 runs, and stealing 24 bases. Center fielder Johnny Mostil hit .312 and slugged .560, with 86 extra-base hits, including 27 homers, 134 RBI's, 61 steals, and 128 runs scored. First baseman Carlos Pena drilled 28 homers and drove in 112 runs. On the mound, righthander Russ Christopher went 18-12 with a 3.42 ERA and 211 strikeouts. Southpaw Paul Splittorff went 12-8 with a 3.84 ERA before suffering a season-ending forearm injury.

In the Southeast Division, the Atlanta Ducks needed an extra game to take the title, winning a one-game playoff over the Miami Flamingos to seize the division title with 95 wins. Left fielder Jim Greengrass starred, hitting .330 and slugging .615 with 48 homers and 145 RBI's. Right fielder Gary Roenicke hit .284, blasting a franchise-record 51 homers while driving in 123 runs. Shortstop Jose Hernandez hit .297 with 44 longballs and 115 RBI's. The Ducks featured the league's second-ranked pitching staff, as free agent acquisition Bob Moose lived up to his billing, going 21-10 with a 3.30 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP, and 218 strikeouts. Paul Toth notched a 13-9 record with a 3.90 ERA. Southpaw Mickey McDermott somehow notched a 16-10 record despite a bloated 5.09 ERA. Although the Miami Flamingos were in control of the division, they sputtered down the stretch, losing 6 of their last 9 to stumble into a one-game playoff. Right fielder Frank Robinson led Miami offensively, hitting .301 and slugging .588, pounding 34 homers and driving in 93 runs. Five other Flamingos topped 20 homers, led by second sacker Jose Vidro, who hit .304 with 21 homers and 115 RBI's, and first baseman Chris Shelton, who hit .293 with 26 homers and drove in 112 runs. The Flamingos' pitching staff allowed the fewest runs in the Continental Leauge. Aaron Sele was brilliant, going 14-5 with a 2.71 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Southpaw Carl Druhot notched a 16-12 record, with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Oswaldo Peraza sported a 16-8 mark with a 4.28 ERA. The New Orleans Crawfish made the playoffs for the seventh time in eight seasons, winning 91 games. Right fielder Yasiel Puig starred, hitting .320 and slugging .615 with 39 doubles, 42 homers, and drove in 132 runs. Center fielder Hank Lieber hit at a .339 clip with a .409 on-base percentage, with 39 round-trippers, 104 RBI's, and 107 runs scored. Third baseman Dave Hollins homered 36 times and drove in 118 runs. Free agent signee Ed Walsh sported a 16-5 record with a league-best 2.29 ERA, but was knocked out of commission with a late-season elbow injury. Southpaw Wilbur Cooper got off to a 12-1 start with a 2.65 ERA before suffering a season-ending arm injury. Closer Terry Adams notched 39 saves with a 2.38 ERA.

The Austin Mustangs took the Texas Division with 94 wins, led by the second-ranked offense in the league, which led baseball with 282 homers. Six Mustangs popped at least 30 homers, led by right fielder Wally Post, who slugged 47 homers and drove in 141 runs. Rookie first baseman Donn Clendenon starred, hitting .347 and slugging .631, with 37 homers, 140 runs scored, and 107 RBI's. Second baseman Ryne Sandberg hit .301 with 43 doubles, 30 homers, 124 runs scored, and 34 steals. Swingman John Urrea led the Mustangs with a 12-4 record and a 4.15 ERA. Jonathan Pettibone finished 10-9 despite a mediocre 4.94 ERA. Remarkably, no one on Austin's pitching staff topped 111 strikeouts. The El Paso Armadillos were in contention until the final day of the season, narrowly missing the playoffs with 85 wins. Shortstop Jack Barry starred, hitting .308 with 23 homers, 108 runs scored, and 20 steals. Center fielder Adofo Phillips led the way with 31 homers and 99 RBI's, while third baseman Ray Boone popped 29 longballs and plated 94 runs. Jordan Zimmermann led the Armadillos on the mound, going 14-9 with a 4.02 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. Taijuan Walker was brilliant out of the pen, notching 38 saves with a microscopic 1.28 ERA an a 0.85 WHIP.

The Los Angeles Kangaroos returned to the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons, winning the Southwest Division with 91 victories. Third baseman Frank Baker led the league's third-ranked offense, hitting .338 with a .439 on-base percentage, including 35 homers, 130 runs scored, and 133 RBI's. Shortstop Corey Seager hit .292 with 25 round-trippers and 120 RBI's. Veteran first baseman Wes Parker hit .304 with a .399 on-base percentage, bopping 36 doubles, 24 homers, and scoring 116 runs. The Kangaroos' traditionally-strong pitching staff struggled mightily; although Steve Woodard and Dan Griner won 15 games apiece, both sported ERA's over 5. The Anaheim Antelopes snapped a seven-year postseason drought, winning 89 games despite a subpar offense. Center fielder Dale Murphy had a breakout season, hitting .316 and slugging .624 with 47 homers and 125 RBI's. DH Mitchell Page hit .282 with 30 homers and drove in 98 runs. Right fielder Johnny Rizzo pounded 27 homers and drove in 97 runs. Southpaw Frank Tanana led a deep pitching staff, going 19-11 with a 3.88 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, and fanned 278 hitters. Bill Sherdel posted a 14-7 mark with a 4.30 ERA. Closer Hal Kleine notched 8 wins and 44 saves, with a 1.77 ERA.
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Old 06-04-2019, 04:03 AM   #167
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2036 Playoff Report

Frontier League: In what appeared to be the biggest mismatch on paper of all the playoff matchups, the 85-win London Werewolves stunned the 100-win Denver Spikes in seven games -- even after falling into a 2-0 hole. London right fielder Jack Clark earned MVP honors after hitting 3 homers, scoring 8 runs, and driving in 6. Third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo hit .333 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Left fielder Michael Conforto hit .280 with 2 homers and 3 RBI's - including a 10th inning walk-off homer in Game Five. Righthander Blix Donnelly hurled twelve shutout innings, allowing just 5 hits. Denver right fielder Raul Mondesi hit a pair of homers and drove in 5 runs. The Buffalo Fighting Elk erased a 2-1 deficit to the Chicago Mules by winning the last three games, as second sacker John Knight took home MVP honors by hitting .478 with a homer, 7 RBI's, and 5 runs scored. First baseman Don Hurst hit .304 with 3 homers and 11 RBI's. Third baseman Eric Chavez hit .308 with a homer and 6 RBI's. Righthander Kip Wells went 1-0, yielding a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings. Third baseman Pie Traynor led Chicago, hitting .471 with a homer and 3 RBI's. In a matchup of two high-octane offenses, the Ottawa Parliamentarians easily dispatched the Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas in five games, averaging over eight runs per game. Ottawa center fielder Ian Happ had a monster series, hitting .600 and slugging 1.200, with 3 homers and 14 RBI's, believed to be a single-series record. Left fielder Preston Wilson hit .294 but blasted four longballs and drove in 7 runs. Third baseman Stan Hack hit .389 and scored eight runs. 21-game winner John Fulgham went 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 13 innings. Pittsburgh was led by slugging first baseman Johnny Mize, who hit .550 with 3 homers and 8 RBI's. The Baltimore Robins outlasted the overclassed Seattle Whales in five games. Second baseman Del Pratt took home the hardware after hitting .500 with a series-best 12 hits, and scored 9 runs. Right fielder Hal McRae hit .400 and slugged .900, with an incredible seven extra-base-hits, a homer and 3 RBI's. Southpaw Randy Johnson went 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA, striking out 20 batters in 14 innings, while Jeff Tesreau hurled 8 shutout innings in a Game Three triumph.

In the Division Series, the London Werewolves came from behind once again, dropping the first two games to Buffalo before winning four straight. First baseman Eddie Robinson was named MVP after hitting .400 with 2 homers (both in Game Six), and 6 RBI's. London's pitching staff held Buffalo to just 12 runs in six games, led by southpaw Elon Hogsett, who hurled 11.2 shutout innings over two games. London's bullpen combined to allow just four hits and two runs over 14+ innings with 18 strikeouts. Second sacker John Knight led Buffalo in defeat, hitting .346 with 3 runs scored. The Ottawa Parliamentarians prevailed over Baltimore in an evenly-matched seven game series, as five games -- including the last four- were decided by a single run. Ottawa's Dick Tidrow allowed just three hits and an unearned run in seven innings in the decisive seventh game. Ottawa second baseman Aaron Hill exploded, launching 5 homers and driving in 8 runs, while left fielder Preston Wilson notched 3 solo homers. Tidrow was terrific, winning Games Three and Seven, and allowing just one earned run in 16 innings. Ottawa's John Fulgham yielded just two runs over eleven innings. Baltimore right fielder Hal McRae hit .393 with four doubles, a homer, and 4 RBI's in defeat. In the first all-Canadian League Championship Series since 2012, the Ottawa Parliamentarians held off the upstart Werewolves in six games. Ian Happ had another monster series, claiming MVP honors after hitting .591 with 2 homers and 13 RBI's. Slugger Frank Thomas hit .500 with two homers and 6 RBI's. Shortstop Tim Anderson hit .444 with a round-tripper, 6 RBI's, and 9 runs scored. Ottawa's offense onslaught was even more impressive in light of the absence of right fielder/ leadoff hitter Charlie Blackmon, who tore ankle ligaments in the clinching game against Baltimore in the Division Series. On the mound, John Fulgham led Ottawa, garnering a win and posting a 3.00 ERA in 12 innings. The Werewolves were led by third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo, who hit .360 with 3 homers and 6 RBI's in a losing effort.

Continental League: The New York Emperors' first visit to the playoffs in eighteen years was over almost before it started, as the Atlanta Ducks jumped out to an early three games to zero lead. Although a scrappy New York squad staved off elimination in Games Four and Five, Atlanta deposed the Emperors in Game Six. Right fielder Gary Roenicke took home MVP honors after hitting .435 with 3 homers and 6 RBI's. Second baseman Roberto Alomar hit .385 with a homer, 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI's. Shortstop Jose Hernandez hit .304 and slugged .783, popping a pair of homers while driving in five runs. Veteran righthander Paul Toth won both his starts while posting a 2.45 ERA. New York was led by left fielder George Jackson, who hit .400 with a homer and 7 RBI's, and Russ Christopher, who hurled two complete games and posted a 2.12 ERA in 17 innings. The Miami Flamingos, despite missing right fielder Frank Robinson and ace Aaron Sele, dispatched the Los Angeles Kangaroos in five games, winning each game by two runs or less. First baseman Chris Shelton took home the hardware, hitting .389 and slugging .889, while blasting 3 homers and driving in 4 runs. Center fielder Kevin Kiermaier hit .444 with a round-tripper and 4 RBI's, while DH Mike Darr hit .353 with 2 homers and a series-high 8 RBI's. Carl Druhot hurled 7 innings of 3-hit ball in a taut 2-0 Game Two victory. Shortstop Corey Seager led the Kangaroos, hitting .381 with 3 extra-base hits. The Hartford Huskies dug themselves into a 3-1 hole before storming back by scoring 34 runs in three straight wins to upend the New Orleans Crawfish in seven games. Star centerfielder Tris Speaker earned MVP honors for Hartford, hitting .423 and slugging .923 with 3 homers, 12 runs scored, and 6 RBI's. First baseman Justin Bour hit .400 with 3 longballs and 7 RBI's, while scrappy shortstop Dick Groat hit .400 with a homer and 11 RBI's. Southpaw Steve Barber split two decisions despite a 1.76 ERA, while Chris Carpenter went 1-0 with a 2.93 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 15 innings. New Orleans first baseman Ron Coomer hit .400 with 4 homers and 8 RBI's in defeat. In a back-and-forth seven-game series, the Austin Mustangs edged the Anaheim Antelopes. Austin right fielder Wally Post earned MVP honors, hitting .379 with a pair of homers and 7 RBI's. Slugging left fielder Bob Johnson popped 3 homers and drove in 4 runs. Although Rookie of the Year candidate Donn Clendenon struggled mightily, he hit 2 homers and drove in 7 runs. Austin righthander Earl Francis posted a 2.61 ERA in 10 innings. Anaheim was led by center fielder Dale Murphy, who hit .407 with 2 homers and 7 RBI's, and southpaw Frank Tanana, who went 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA and an incredible 24 strikeouts in 14 innings.

In a Division Series matchup of Division Rivals, the Atlanta Ducks outlasted the Miami Flamingos in seven games. Right fielder Gary Roenicke had another strong series, earning MVP honors after hitting .516 with 4 homers and 14 RBI's Second sacker Roberto Alomar hit .343 with 2 homers, 5 runs scored, and 4 RBI's. Atlanta ace Bob Moose earned a crucial Game Five win, posting a 2.93 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 15 innings. Miami catcher Johnny Edwards hit .407 with 3 RBI's, while Carl Druhot earned a win and posted a 1.20 ERA in 15 innings. The Hartford Huskies blasted the Austin Mustangs in five games in the other Division Series showdown. Hartford centerfielder Tris Speaker earned MVP honors after hitting .579 with a 1.053 slugging percentage, including six extra-base hits, and drove in 10 runs. Dick Groat continued his hot postseason, hitting .444 with five doubles, a triple, and 3 RBI's. Hartford's one-two punch continued to dominate, with Steve Barber going 2-0 with a 1.15 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 15 innings, while Chris Carpenter hurled a four-hit shutout in Game Three. Austin was led by Wally Post, who hit .368 and drove in four runs. Hartford held Austin - the second-highest scoring team in baseball -- to just 12 runs in 5 games. The Huskies outlasted the Atlanta Ducks in six games to advance to their first World Series in franchise history. First baseman Justin Bour earned MVP honors after hitting .435 with a homer and 4 RBI's. Right fielder Ron Northey hit .364 with a longball and 7 RBI's, while Tris Speaker hit .348 with a homer, 5 RBI's, 8 runs scored, and 3 steals. Steve Barber continued to dominate enemy hitters, going 2-0 with a 1.76 ERA. In defeat, Atlanta left fielder Jim Greengrass hit .474 with two solo homers, while Jose Hernandez popped two homers and drove in 7 runs.

World Series: In a quality matchup of two first-time World Series participants, the Ottawa Parliamentarians were slight favorites over the red-hot Hartford Huskies. But Hartford's pitching again proved to be too much, holding the explosive Ottawa offense to just 14 runs in 5 games, as Hartford cruised to victory. Steve Barber became the first pitcher in HRDL history to win seven games in a single postseason. Meanwhile, the Hartford pitchers locked down Ottawa star Frank Thomas, holding him to a 2-for-18 performance. Meanwhile, Ottawa center fielder Ian Happ, who drove in 30 runs in the first three rounds, fell short of the single-postseason RBI mark, being held to just two RBI's. His total of 32 postseason RBI's ranks second all-time.

Hartford dominated Game One, winning 8-1, as they scored five runs in the first inning. Right fielder Ron Northey popped two hits, including a 3-run homer, while left fielder Ryan Rua launched a two-run blast. Barber yielded one run in 7.1 innings for the win, as Chappie McFarland surrendered 7 runs in 5 innings. Hartford opened up a two-game lead, winning Game Two 5-3 on a walk-off homer by Justin Bour off Lee Smith. Ottawa jumped out to a three-run lead, as Stan Hack doubled in two runs. Rua, Northey, and Bour each notched two hits for Hartford. Ottawa clawed back with a 6-2 victory in Game Three, as Dick Tidrow outdueled Chris Carpenter. Frank Thomas popped a two-run blast to give Ottawa the lead, and second baseman Aaron Hill chipped in with two hits and two RBI's. Second baseman Bill Sweeney added two hits, including a double, for Hartford.

Hartford took control of the series in Game Four, winning 6-3, as they scored five runs in the second inning. Ron Northey, Justin Bour, and Bill Sweeney drove in two runs apiece for Hartford. Burt Keeley hurled seven effective innings for Hartford, earning the win. Aaron Hill led Ottawa again, this time with three hits, including a 2-run homer off Keeley. Hartford clinched the title in Game Five, winning 4-1, as Barber gave up just three hits and one unearned run in eight innings. Ron Northey had two hits, including a homer. Chappie McFarland took the loss, despite yielding just two earned runs in seven innings.

In a controversial decision, Northey was awarded World Series MVP honors after hitting .421 with 2 homers, 3 doubles, and 6 RBI's. Bour hit just .263, but popped two homers and drove in 5 runs. Barber, however, was passed over for MVP despite going 2-0 with a 0.59 ERA in 15.1 innings. For the entire postseason, Barber went 7-1 with a 1.31 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP. Hartford's bullpen, led by Dick Barrett, pitched 10 shutout innings, allowing just seven hits. Ottawa was led by Aaron Hill, who hit .450 with a homer and 4 RBI's.
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Old 06-07-2019, 04:32 AM   #168
Dukie98
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2036 Awards Winners

Frontier League MVP- Frank Thomas, 1B, OTT (32): .359/ .480/ .696, 211 hits, 34 doubles, 4 triples, 52 HR, 152 RBI, 130 runs, 138 BB, 3 SB, 192 OPS+, 8.6 WAR
Second place- Larry Walker, RF, MIL: .358/ .455/ .696, 215 hits, 42 doubles, 10 triples, 47 HR, 145 RBI, 147 runs, 97 BB, 33 SB, 188 OPS+, 9.3 WAR
Third place- Don Wilson, RHP, KC (16): 24-6, 2.03 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 270 IP, 278 K, 66 BB, 6 CG, 1 shutout, 233 ERA+, 10.5 WAR
Fourth place- Johnny Mize, 1B, PIT: .321/ .425/ .662, 192 hits, 33 doubles, 6 triples, 53 HR, 170 RBI, 140 runs, 108 BB, 4 SB, 172 OPS+, 7.1 WAR
Fifth place- Bernie Carbo, RF, KC: .365/ .471/ .679, 199 hits, 39 doubles, 3 triples, 42 HR, 113 RBI, 127 runs, 101 BB, 7 SB, 189 OPS+, 9.6 WAR

Frontier League Cy Young Award- Don Wilson, KC (48): 24-6, 2.03 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 270 IP, 278 K, 66 BB, 6 CG, 1 shutout, 233 ERA+, 10.5 WAR
Second place- Jack Coombs, MTL: 19-4, 2.73 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 254 IP, 227 K, 105 BB, 4 CG, 2 shutouts, 173 ERA+, 7.3 WAR
Third place- Mike Minor, CAL: 19-9, 2.83 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 252 IP, 212 K, 51 BB, 3 CG, 167 ERA+, 7.9 WAR
Fourth place- John Fulgham, OTT: 21-6, 3.44 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 235 IP, 184 K, 63 BB, 2 CG 139 ERA+, 5.2 WAR
Fifth place- Randy Johnson, BAL: 14-4, 3.21 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 210 IP, 249 K, 80 BB, 147 ERA_, 4.9 WAR

Frontier League Rookie of the Year- Mike Trout, CF, MIN (48): .319 / .395/ .568, 198 hits, 29 doubles, 7 triples, 37 HR, 105 RBI, 108 runs, 55 SB, 142 OPS+, 9.4 WAR
Second place- Oliver Perez, LHP, SF: 10-13, 3.94 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 194 IP, 229 K, 105 BB, 120 ERA+, 4.6 WAR
Third place- Ramon Castro, C, PHI: .273/ .323/ .485, 133 hits, 23 doubles, 1 triple, 26 HR, 85 RBI, 58 runs, 33 BB, 103 OPS+, 2.9 WAR

Continental League MVP- Robin Yount, SS, MEM (25): .359/ .429/ .688, 220 hits, 51 doubles, 3 triples, 48 HR, 142 RBI, 141 runs, 79 BB, 11 SB, 179 OPS+, 8.6 WAR
Second place- Darryl Strawberry, RF/ CF, BIR (14): .329/ .460/ .702, 191 hits, 17 doubles, 4 triples, 64 HR, 168 RBI, 139 BB, 53 SB, 186 OPS+, 9.3 WAR
Third place- Justin Bour, 1B, HAR (3): .336/ .413/ .628, 215 hits, 36 doubles, 50 HR, 147 RBI, 130 runs, 82 BB, 162 OPS+, 6.8 WAR
Fourth place- Dale Murphy, CF, ANA (2): .316/ .410/ .624, 189 hits, 37 doubles, 3 triples, 47 HR, 125 RBI, 112 runs, 98 BB, 11 SB, 159 OPS+, 7.8 WAR
Fifth place- Jim Greengrass, LF, ATL: .330/ .384/ .619, 210 hits, 30 doubles, 5 triples, 48 HR, 145 RBI, 114 runs, 54 BB, 5 SB, 150 OPS+, 6.2 WAR

Continental League Cy Young Award- Clayton Kershaw, MEM (41): 18-8, 2.35 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 234 IP, 326 K, 38 BB, 3 CG, 1 shutout, 221 ERA+, 11.9 WAR
Second place- Bob Moose, ATL (3): 21-10, 3.30 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 251 IP, 218 K, 56 BB, 4 CG, 1 shutout, 158 ERA+, 7.6 WAR
Third place- Ed Walsh, NOR (4): 16-5, 2.29 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 189 IP, 165 K, 21 BB, 230 ERA+, 7.3 WAR
Fourth place- Mark Prior, NAS: 14-12, 2.83 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 245 IP, 289 K, 64 BB, 5 CG, 1 shutout, 172 ERA+, 6.0 WAR
Fifth place- Red Ames, DAL: 19-13, 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 228 IP, 224 K, 92 BB, 173 ERA+, 6.6 WAR

Continental League Rookie of the Year- Donn Clendenon, 1B, AUS (41): .347/ .406/ .631, 221 hits, 35 doubles, 17 triples, 37 HR, 107 RBI, 140 runs, 61 BB, 13 SB, 158 OPS+, 7.0 WAR
Second place- Reggie Jackson, RF, VB (7): .291/ .376/ .628, 176 hits, 19 doubles, 7 triples, 57 HR, 135 RBI, 124 runs, 75 BB, 15 SB, 147 OPS+, 6.3 WAR
Third place- JT Snow, 1B, JAX: .304/ .391/ .563, 193 hits, 39 doubles, 1 triple, 41 HR, 116 RBI, 115 runs, 90 BB, 6 SB, 135 OPS+, 5.4 WAR

Top draft picks: 1. Herb Score, LHP, Nashville Blues
2. Beals Becker, LF, Jacksonville Gulls
3. Al Oliver, CF, Cincinnati Spiders
4. George Mullin, RHP, San Francisco Longshoremen
5. Pedro Guerrero, 1B/ LF, Philadelphia Hawks
6. Denny LeMaster, LHP, San Diego Zookeepers
7. Steve Evans, RF, Virginia Beach Admirals
8. Marwin Gonzalez, SS/ 1B/ LF, St. Louis Pilots
9. Bernard Gilkey, LF, Vancouver Viceroys
10. Wade Miller, RHP, Minneapolis Penguins

Last edited by Dukie98; 01-22-2020 at 10:56 AM.
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Old 06-10-2019, 03:30 AM   #169
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2036 Hall of Fame Voting

For the third time in five years, the Hall of Fame welcomed a class of five players-- and here, they were all newcomers to the ballot. Eleven-time All-Star third baseman Bill Melton, who retired just one home run shy of the all-time record with 632, led the way with 96.6% of the vote. Second baseman George Grantham, the all-time HRDL stolen base leader who rapped 3,374 career hits, tied Melton with 96.6% of the vote. Center fielder Tommie Agee, who ripped 380 homers while swiping 780 bases and winning four Gold Gloves, received 89.4% of the vote. Southpaw Dizzy Trout, who won 262 games and two ERA titles, earned 84.1% of the vote. Righthander Bruce Berenyi notched 238 wins while fanning 3,169 opposing hitters, and he was tabbed on 81.3% of the ballots.

Melton was drafted 50th overall by the Virginia Beach Admirals, in the supplemental round of the 2015 draft. He started with a bang, blasting a league-leading 48 homers and driving in 122 runs on his way to unanimously winning the 2016 Continental League Rookie of the Year award and finishing fourth in the MVP voting. After two more 100+-RBI seasons, Melton had perhaps his finest season in 2019, when he hit .335 with 42 homers and 133 RBI's, leading the league with 10.0 WAR and finishing second in the MVP voting. Over the next seven seasons with Virginia Beach, Melton topped 30 homers six times - including 3 over 40 -- and drove in more than 100 runs six times as well. Melton had another MVP-runner up campaign in 2022, when he hit .323 with 43 homers and 128 RBI's. Following the 2026 season, when he blasted a career-high 45 homers, he jumped to the rival Charlotte Aviators. Melton was remarkably consistent in Charlotte, hitting between .294 and .309 every year, with at least 33 homers and 105 RBI's each season, including a league-leading 43 round-trippers in 2029. The Aviators won the World Championship in Melton's inaugural 2027 season in Charlotte, as he hit .349 with 8 homers and 15 RBI's in the postseason and earned World Series MVP honors. Melton nearly won another ring in 2029, as the Aviators took Seattle to the seventh game of the World Series. Melton wrapped up his career with three seasons in Detroit, before retiring after a subpar 2033 season with 632 homers - just one shy of Bryce Harper's career record. Melton made 11 All-Star teams over his storied career, finishing with 3,147 hits, a .299 average, and a .528 slugging percentage. His 1953 RBI's ranked third all-time. Melton won nine Silver Slugger awards in his 18 seasons. He was a strong postseason player, hitting .297 with 32 homers in 505 at-bats, and won four postseason series MVP awards.

Grantham, an on-base machine, was selected 21st overall by the Kansas City Mad Hatters in the 2012 draft. He posted on-base percentages over .400 in each of his first seven seasons, routinely ranking among the league leaders in walks, steals, and runs scored. After hitting .311 with 128 walks and 61 steals as a rookie in 2013, Grantham posted a .341 average with 78 steals in his sophomore campaign. In his third year, he hit .338 with a career-best .526 slugging percentage, leading the Frontier League with 49 doubles and 83 steals. He scored at least 98 runs in his first 8 seasons, leading the league with 126 runs in 2020, and he stole at least 60 bases in each of his first 12 seasons, peaking with a record-setting 101 in 2024 at age 32. After fifteen seasons with Kansas City, where he led the Frontier League in steals five times and runs scored twice, Grantham spent five years with the New Orleans Crawfish, posting an on-base percentage over .380 each year. He finished his career with the Las Vegas Aces in a part-time role. Grantham made seven All-Star teams and won five Silver Slugger awards, including four from 2014-18. He ended his career with 3374 hits (ranking sixth all-time), a .298 average and a .395 on-base percentage. He drew 1879 walks, ranking fourth all-time, and rapped 709 doubles, ranking fourth as well. He holds the all-time record with 1,158 steals, and holds of just six 100-steal seasons in history. Far from a slap hitter, he drilled 274 homers and drove in 1331 runs His 107.9 career WAR rank ninth all-time among position players. Grantham was a strong postseason player, hitting .289 with 59 extra base hits, including 15 homers, and 58 steals in 660 career postseason at-bats, making the postseason 15 times in his 21 seasons. Grantham is the first second baseman elected to the Hall of Fame in HRDL history.

Agee, a brilliant all-around center fielder, was drafted 45th overall by the Charlotte Aviators in 2016. Breaking in at age 19 in 2018, Agee won a Gold Glove in his first full season (2019) and each of the next three seasons. He had a breakout offensive season in 2021, hitting .290 with 28 homers, 111 RBI's, 119 runs scored, and 62 steals. In 2022, Agee hit .304 with a .372 on-base percentage, leading the Continental League with 142 runs scored, 86 steals, and 9.5 WAR. He topped those marks in 2024, when he was a near-unanimous MVP, winning the batting title with a .339 mark while hitting 26 homers, driving in 93 runs, scoring 124 runs, and swiping 82 bags while posting a league-leading 10.0 WAR. Agee popped at least 20 homers in each of his last eight seasons, including three years over 30, and posted two more top-three MVP finishes. In 2032, at age 33, he set career highs with 46 doubles, 39 homers, and 113 RBI's while hitting .318 and slugging .561 and scoring 130 runs. After launching 31 homers and driving in 96 runs the following year, he unexpectedly retired at age 34 after sixteen seasons in Charlotte. Over his career, Agee ripped 2840 hits, good for a .298 career average, and he slugged .477. He smacked 533 doubles and 380 home runs, while scoring 1726 runs (15th all-time) and stealing 780 bases (12th all-time). Agee was a core member of two world championship teams in 2025 and 2027, and he hit a solid .277 with 17 homers, 93 runs scored, and 59 steals in his postseason career. Agee ended his career with five All-Star appearances, four Gold Gloves, three Silver sluggers , two championship rings, and one MVP trophy.

Trout was selected fifth overall by the Jacksonville Gulls in the 2014 draft. After four solid, if unspectacular, seasons for a middling franchise, Trout broke out with a brilliant 2019, going 20-6 with a league-leading 2.02 ERA, allowing just 5 homers in 249 innings while finishing second in the Cy Young Award voting. Trout posted consistently gaudy won-lost records and stingy ERA's as Jacksonville became a postseason fixture. He won 17 games four years in a row, from 2021 through 2024, while posting ERA's between 2.55 and 3.26, earning third place in the 2024 Cy Young Award voting after going 17-9 with a 2.55 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. In 2026, Trout earned his lone Cy Young Award, going 20-5 with a 2.23 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP, leading the league in victories and ERA. The following year, he led the league with 7.0 WAR, going 16-9 with a 3.20 ERA, and in 2028, Trout won a career-best 21 games, going 21-11 witha 3.26 ERA. He posted ERA's below 3.50 eleven seasons in a row, before finally showing signs of slowing down in 2030. Trout retired in 2033, after spending 19 years in a Jacksonville, and retired with a 262-181 record, a 3.31 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, and 2897 strikeouts At the time of his induction, he ranked 9th all-time in victories and 16th in strikeouts. In the 2021 postseason, Trout led the Gulls to the World Series, going 2-0 with a 1.92 ERA, and the Gulls made a repeat World Series appearance the following year. Over his career, he went 16-14 with a career 3.21 ERA and 1.21 WHIP and 211 strikeouts in the postseason, ranking as the all-time postseason strikeout leader at the time of his induction.

Berenyi was tabbed 25th overall by the Denver Spikes in 2016. He finished as the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year voting in 2017, going 18-10 with a 2.48 ERA and 203 strikeouts. After posting a hard-luck 9-9 record despite a 2.22 ERA and 228 strikeouts in 2020, Berenyi won a career-high 20 games in 2022, posting a 2.32 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and 259 strikeouts while finishing second in the Cy Young voting. He repeated that second-place showing the following year, going 17-7 with a league-best 2.23 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP, and 237 strikeouts. He finished third in the Cy Young voting in 2024, going 15-6 with a sparkling 2.02 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP, allowing just 7 homers in 245 innings. Berenyi posted yet another third-place finish in 2027, going 17-10 with a 2.14 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and 228 whiffs. He continued to pitch effectively through age 39, going 19-7 with a 3.37 ERA in 2032, before retiring after an ineffective age-40 campaign the following year. Berenyi pitched brilliantly in the postseason, notching a 2.22 ERA, yet remarkably, finished just 2-4 in 13 postseason starts. Over his career, Berenyi posted a 238-142 record with a stellar 2.91 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, and 3169 strikeouts, good for tenth all-time. Incredibly, Berenyi made only two All-Star teams despite four top-three finishes in the Cy Young voting.

Leading vote recipients include:

Bill Melton, 3B, VB/ CHA/ DET: 96.6%
George Grantham, 2B, KC/ NOR/ LV: 96.6%
Tommie Agee, CF, CHA: 89.4%
Dizzy Trout, LHP, JAX: 84.1%
Bruce Berenyi, RHP, DEN: 81.3%
Joe Mauer, C, NOR/ BOS/ KC/ NAS/ DET: 72.3%
Kirby Puckett, CF, HOU/ CAL/ PHI: 61.7%
George "High Pockets" Kelly, 1B, TOR/ JAX: 49.7%
Trevor Story, SS, LA/ CHA/ ATL/ MIL: 47.5%
Dave Ferriss, RHP, DAL/ NAS: 42.7%
Pat Duncan, RF, SEA: 41.0%
Cody Bellinger, 1B, PHI/ DAL/ PIT/ HOU/ VAN: 40.8%

Noteworthy players who fell off the ballot include fireballer Kerry Wood, who topped 3500 strikeouts; 400 home-run club members Jim Edmonds and Mike Davis, six-time All-Star catcher Darrell Porter, and 200-game winners Willard Nixon and Rheal Cormier.

Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers:
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Old 06-15-2019, 03:39 AM   #170
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2037 Mid-Year Review

Here are some of the major storylines across the league at the 2037 All-Star Break:

Exceeding Expectations: The Minneapolis Penguins, once one of the proudest teams in the league, had fallen on lean times, with four straight seasons under .500, including four 100-loss seasons in a row from 2032 through 2035. They entered the break in first place in the Great Plains Division, however, with a 38-36 record. Catcher Javy Lopez had a breakout season, hitting .343 and slugging .673 with 22 homers and 47 RBI's at the break. Second-year center fielder Mike Trout took a .341 average, a .653 slugging percentage, 12 homers, 39 RBI's, and 21 steals into the break, despite playing just 44 games due to a broken rib. Righthander Jose RIjo led a patchwork pitching staff, notching a 5-1 record, a 2.58 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP, and 106 strikeouts in the first half. The Calgary Cattle Rustlers had not cleared .500 since their last playoff appearance in 2026. They entered the break with a 37-37 record, just one game out of the wild card hunt. Calgary led the Frontier League in homers in the first half, blasting 106 homers, as eight players popped at least 11 round-trippers. Catcher Sherm Lollar hit .316, taking 18 homers and 38 homers into the break. Third baseman Matt Davidson hit .254 with 20 homers and 51 RBIs. Ace Mike Minor posted an 8-4 record with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP, while Johnny Kucks went 8-5 with a 3.86 ERA. In the Continental League, the Memphis River Pirates looked to end a seven-year sub-.500 streak, taking a 39-35 record into the break, as they were just two games out of first place and one game out of the wild card. Memphis led the Continental League in homers, as defending MVP Robin Yount hit .300 and slugged .671 with 25 homers and 57 RBI's. Left fielder Nick Cullop blasted 18 longballs and drove in 53 first-half runs, while Hans Lobert hit 13 round-trippers, swiped 20 bases, and drove in 56 runs. But ace Clayton Kershaw injured his shoulder after nine brilliant starts, where he went 5-1 with a 1.94 ERA, a 0.82 WHIP, and an incredible 91:4 strikeout-walk ratio; he would not be expected back until mid-September. Rookie reliever Moses Yellow Horse was the only other bright spot on the staff, posting 16 saves and a 1.82 ERA. The San Diego Zookeepers, who won just 68 games last year in their third straight losing season, unexpectedly ended the first half in first place in the Southwest Division with a 43-30 record. First baseman Dick Burrus hit .330 and slugged .535 with 25 doubles, 6 homers, and 50 RBI's, while DH George Stovall hit .316 with 25 doubles of his own, 6 longballs and 48 RBI's. Righthander Rick Porcello posted a 8-3 first-half record despite a middling 4.69 ERA. Southpaw closer Jason Christiansen was brilliant, posting 16 saves with a 0.55 ERA.

Disappointments: After finishing last season just two wins shy of making the World Series, the London Werewolves collapsed, going just 29-45, and ending the first half in last place in the worst division in baseball. London ranked tied for last in the Frontier League in runs scored, as they struggled to replace several key free agent departures (most notably, right fielder Jack Clark and first baseman Eddie Robinson). New first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz hit just .201 and slugged .303 with 2 homers and 20 RBI's. New center fielder/ leadoff hitter Delino DeShields hit an empty .236 with a .309 on-base percentage and struggled defensively. Catcher Wes Westrum, who blasted 34 homers last year, hit just .209 with 11 round-trippers. On the mound, ace Matt Morris was sidelined with a torn labrum. Blix Donnelly, a 14-game winner with a respectable 4.28 ERA a year ago, was blasted, going 2-12 with a 6.61 ERA and 1.70 WHIP, while veteran Jamie Brewington saw his ERA soar by nearly three runs per game. The Denver Spikes, a 100-game winner a year ago, ended the first half in last place in the Northwest Division with a 33-39 record. Raul Mondesi, a downballot MVP candidate last year, hit just .266 with a middling .324 on-base percentage. But the big collapse was on the mound, as they struggled to replace closer Chick Brandom, who tore his UCL last September. Chris Reitsma, a 12-game winner last year, underwent elbow surgery after three ineffective starts and would miss the year. Southpaw Allan Anderson struggled, going 1-8 with a 7.84 ERA. In the Continental League, the Austin Mustangs, who won the Texas Division with 94 wins last season and then added free agent first baseman Ernie Banks, were in danger of missing the playoffs after a 37-37 first half. Center fielder Corey Patterson struggled, hitting .243 with a dreadful .261 on-base percentage, before undergoing elbow surgery that would knock him out until late August. Third baseman Shane Andrews, who unexpectedly hit 43 homers and drove in 103 runs last year, hit just .213 with 4 homers, 19 RBI's, and a meager .373 on-base percentage. Defending Rookie of the Year Donn Clendenon, who smacked 37 homers and slugged .631 last year, dropped 150 points from his slugging percentage, popping just 6 homers and driving in 41 runs. Shortstop Tommy McMillan, who hit an adequate .273 last year, hit just .199 with a .251 slugging percentage. On the mound, southpaw Bill Sherdel, a 14-game winner a year ago, went just 3-7 with a 5.79 ERA. The Dallas Wildcatters, who won three straight division titles from 2033 through 2035 and narrowly missed the playoffs last year, ended the first half with a disappointing 34-40 record. Star left fielder Mike Greenwell showed signs of slowing down, hitting a mediocre .278 with just 5 homers and 37 RBI's. Third baseman Brook Jacoby, who blasted 35 longballs and drove in 142 runs last year, hit just .232 with 15 homers and 49 RBI's. Shortstop Don Kessinger was overmatched, hitting just .167 with a .237 slugging percentage. The Wildcatters struggled to replace ace Red Ames, who decamped to Charlotte in free agency. David Palmer saw his ERA double, as he went 4-6 with a 4.66 ERA, while Steve Trachsel went just 2-7.

California Dreaming: The Los Angeles Kangaroos went on a spending spree in free agency, adding four-time Cy Young Award winner Smoky Joe Wood, slugging right fielder Jack Clark (a recent member of the 500-homer club), power-hitting center fielder Adam Jones, scrappy slap hitter Gene Clines, future Hall of Fame catcher Gabby Hartnett, and closer Greg McMichael. Other than McMichael, none of these faded stars performed up to expectations. Los Angeles nonetheless ended the half just a half-game out of first place with a 43-39 record.

Not-so-Great Lakes: All six teams in the Great Lakes Division ended the first half below .500. The Ottawa Parliamentarians, who won the Frontier League last year, got off to an 11-19 start, and they needed a late rally before the All-Star break to take the division lead with a 36-38 mark. Cleveland, Detroit, and Toronto were each one-half game behind Ottawa. The Texas Division wasn't looking much better at midseason, as El Paso and Oklahoma City tied for the division lead with a meager 37-36 mark.

Major injuries: Birmingham righthander Mike Garcia tore his rotator cuff in mid-May and would miss the rest of the season. Denver closer Chick Brandom missed the first half after tearing his UCL in late September. EL Paso left fielder Ken Singleton, having a career renaissance at age 43, broke his elbow shortly before the All-Star Break and would miss the rest of the season. Jacksonville outfielder Beals Becker, having a magical rookie season, injured his knee in late May and would be out through late July. Kansas City righthander John Fulgham, a 21-game winner with Ottawa last year, tore his UCL three innings into the season. St. Louis righthander Bob Welch tore his meniscus in late April and was not expected back before September. Birmingham right fielder Darryl Strawberry missed most of the first half with an elbow injury. But no injury shook the HRDL as severely as the shoulder injury which sidelined Memphis ace Clayton Kershaw, having his finest season yet.

Major milestones: Detroit right fielder Sherry Magee and London left fielder Michael Conforto each smashed their 500th career homer. Houston left fielder Larry Hisle and Nashville first baseman Lee May each popped their 400th career homer. Charlotte center fielder Gorman Thomas, Albuquerque first baseman George Brett, Chicago center fielder Bobby Tolan, Calgary shortstop Francisco Lindor, Houston right fielder Ralph Garr, Austin second sacker Ryne Sandberg, Cleveland third baseman Don Buford, and Philadelphia right fielder Jerry Mumphrey each joined the 2,500 hit club. On the mound, Houston southpaw Jerry Reuss notched his 250th career victory, while Washington closer Chris Short and Pittsburgh's Clarence Pickrel each joined the 400-save club. Looking ahead, Magee was likely to join the 3000 hit club by early August, and New Orleans second baseman Jose Altuve had a decent chance of rapping his 3,000th hit by year's end. Ottawa's first baseman Frank Thomas had an outside chance of smacking his 600th homer, while Lindor was likely to hit his 500th career round-tripper. Atlanta ace Bob Moose was targeted to fan his 3,000th batter by September.

Last edited by Dukie98; 06-15-2019 at 04:07 AM.
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Old 06-17-2019, 03:01 AM   #171
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2037 Year in Review

Frontier League: The Buffalo Fighting Elk upgraded substantially to a 91-win team in the offseason, adding defending Cy Young Award winner Don Wilson, Jordan Zimmermann, and slugging shortstop Tom Tresh, and the new additions did not disappoint, leading Buffalo to a franchise-record 108 wins and the Northeast Division title. Buffalo was led offensively by first baseman Don Hurst, who hit .333 with 45 doubles, 36 homers and 131 RBI's, and by third baseman Eric Chavez, who hit .290 while popping 36 homers and plating 115 runs. Tresh drilled 23 homers and drove in 109 runs, while second sacker John Knight hit .322 and slugged .508, drilling 52 doubles, 21 homers, and scoring 135 runs. Wilson led the league's top pitching staff, which allowed just 571 runs on the season, posting a 19-7 mark and leading the league with a 1.96 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP, and 286 strikeouts, and he appeared to be a shoo-in for his fourth straight Cy Young Award. Zimmermann went 17-5 with a 2.87 ERA, while closer Gregg Olson added 36 saves with a 2.45 ERA. Buffalo was pressed by the Baltimore Robins, who set a franchise record of their own with 104 wins, including an incredible 61-23 start. The Robins led the Frontier League with 881 runs scored, as seven players popped at least 20 homers, led by catcher Gary Sanchez, who hit .286 and slugged .613, blasting 47 homers and driving in 133 runs. Right fielder Hal McRae hit .338 and slugged .597, popping 47 doubles and 33 homers, while scoring 129 runs and driving in 116. Kelly Johnson hit .307 with 33 homers, 114 runs scored, and 96 RBI's while splitting time between second and third base. Center fielder Ken Henderson hit .343 with 42 doubles, 20 homers, and 105 runs scored despite missing nearly all of September with a groin injury. Ace Randy Johnson went 17-2 with a 2.96 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 245 strikeouts, while Jeff Tesreau notched a 16-5 mark with a 2.54 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Closer Jack Baldschun notched a league-leading 39 saves with a solid 3.00 ERA. The Boston Minutemen returned to the postseason after a disappointing 79-win 2036 season, finishing with 97 wins while finishing second in the league in runs scored. Center fielder Joe DiMaggio hit .286 with 37 homers and 129 RBI's, but would miss the postseason after fracturing his wrist in the final week of the season. Third baseman Nolan Arenado hit .291 with 36 homers and 124 RBI's. Right fielder Cliff Floyd hit .284 with 30 homers, 85 RBI's, 138 runs scored, and 51 steals. Boston's pitching staff was a pleasant surprise, ranking fourth in the Frontier League in runs allowed. Knuckleballer Wilbur Wood had a career season, going 17-5 with a 3.20 ERA, while Jeff James posted a 15-8 mark with a 3.78 ERA in his first season with the club. Closer Frank Bertaina notched 31 saves with a 1.89 ERA. The Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas snuck into the playoffs with 83 wins, believed to be the lowest win total for a wild card team in league history, after rallying from a 25-36 start. Pittsburgh led the league with a .281 team batting average and 172 steals. Third baseman Bill Madlock won the batting title, hitting .361 with 48 doubles, 26 homers, 101 RBI's, 127 runs scored, and 42 steals. First baseman Johnny Mize hit .287 with 31 homers and 108 RBI's, while shortstop Scott Brosius and right fielder Chet Laabs pounded 32 round-trippers apiece. Pete Redfern paced a subpar pitching staff, going 9-10 with a respectable 3.73 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. Alex Wood went 12-9 despite a mediocre 4.24 ERA and a bloated 1.40 WHIP. The Montreal Knights were in postseason contention until the final day of the year, falling just short with 82 wins. Right fielder Al Cowens led the Knights with 43 homers and 145 RBI's while hitting .317, while first baseman Joe Judge hit .342 with 29 longballs and 110 RBI's. Jack Coombs led the league in victories, posting a 22-8 mark with a 2.81 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP and 231 strikeouts.

The defending league champion Ottawa Parliamentarians rallied from a 11-19 start to take the Great Lakes Division with an uninspiring 85-77 mark. Defending MVP Frank Thomas led the way with a huge second half, hitting .322 with 47 homers, 141 RBI's, and 121 walks. Shortstop Tim Anderson hit .309 with 24 homers, 30 steals, 80 RBI's, and 108 runs scored. Center fielder Ian Happ popped 27 homers, drove in 90 runs, and scored 98 runs. Dick Tidrow led a balanced, if unspectacular, pitching staff, going 15-8 with a 3.47 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. The Toronto Predators, despite losing star outfielder Minnie Minoso in free agency, finished above .500 for the first time in eight seasons, falling just one game shy of the playoffs with 82 wins. Right fielder Chuck Klein hit .307 with 38 round-trippers and 131 RBI's, and first baseman Earl Torgeson drilled 36 longballs and drove in 109 runs while drawing 130 walks. Beany Jacobson led an underwhelming pitching staff, going 10-10 with a 4.45 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP.

The Milwaukee Raccoons were a surprise winner of the Great Plains Division, coasting to the title with 90 wins despite a 19-27 start. Right fielder Larry Walker looked to add another MVP trophy to his mantle, hitting .348 with 93 extra-base hits, tying his franchise record with 49 homers and leading the league with 146 RBI's, while stealing 36 bases. First baseman Chris Parmelee hit .305 with 30 homers and drove in 105 runs. Center fielder Eric Davis hit .289 with 26 longballs and 29 steals, while driving in 79 runs in just 114 games. Southpaw Dave Fleming notched a 13-9 record with a 3.70 ERA, while closer Brad Lesley posted 31 saves and a 2.26 ERA. The Chicago Mules snuck into the postseason with 83 wins with their traditionally strong pitching staff and slap-hitting offense. First baseman Eddie Murray led the way offensively, hitting .291 with 34 homers and 109 RBI's. Center fielder Bobby Tolan hit .317 with 48 doubles, 13 homers, 80 RBI's, and 17 steals. Righthander Chris Tillman went 12-11 with a 4.34 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP, while Oscar Judd went 10-6 with a solid 3.48 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. The Kansas City Mad Hatters missed the playoffs by a game, posting 82 wins, and extending their playoff drought to a full decade. Left fielder Kal Daniels starred, hitting .317 with 37 homers, 106 RBI's, 133 runs scored, and 67 steals. Center fielder Kirk Gibson hit .309 with 36 homers, 109 RBI's, and 21 steals. Veteran Don Drysdale paced an otherwise subpar staff, going 10-7 with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP; John Fulgham, a 21-game winner for Ottawa last year, signed with the Mad Hatters in free agency and lasted only 2 innings before blowing out his UCL.

The Seattle Whales made the playoffs for the seventh straight season, easily taking the Northwest Division title with 95 wins. Rookie catcher David Ross starred, hitting .284 with 32 homers and 125 RBI's. Center fielder Lee Mazzilli hit .312 with a .413 on-base percentage, ripping 57 doubles, 16 homers, 98 RBI's and scoring 107 runs. Left fielder Byron Browne hit .286 with 25 round-trippers and 93 RBI's. Jim Shaw led a balanced pitching staff, going 17-8 with a 3.83 ERA. Southpaw Mickey Mahler posted a 14-8 mark with a 3.45 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and 192 strikeouts. Art Mahaffey sported a hard-luck 15-16 record despite a strong 3.69 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. The powerful Vancouver Viceroys were one of four Frontier League squads to miss the wild card by a single game, as they won 82 games. Second baseman Rougned Odor led baseball with 60 homers, while hitting .292 with 142 RBI's. Center fielder Andrew McCutchen hit .324 with 39 doubles, 32 homers, 98 RBI's, and 41 steals. Southpaw Dallas Keuchel was their most effective hurler, going 8-2 with a 3.46 ERA and 1.17 WHIP despite multiple stints on the disabled list.

Continental League: The defending champion Hartford Huskies returned to their fourth straight postseason, narrowly taking the Atlantic Division with 89 wins. Star center fielder Tris Speaker had another MVP-caliber season, winning his third straight batting title by hitting .359, while slugging .640, including 52 doubles, 14 triples, and a career-high 30 homers, while stealing 61 bases and scoring 141 runs. First baseman Justin Bour hit .300 with 38 homers and 97 RBI's, while right fielder Ron Northey hit .286 with 29 round-trippers and a team-high 120 RBIs. Southpaw Steve Barber had no letdown from his brilliant 2036 postseason, as he went 20-6 with a 3.19 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and fanned 208 hitters. After missing the playoffs last year, the Washington Ambassadors returned to the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years, winning 87 games. Washington ranked second in the Continental League with 223 homers, as left fielder Gus Zernial smashed 50 homers while driving in 130 runs. Right fielder George Hendrick hit .298 with 39 homers and 123 RBI's. Third baseman Willie Jones lashed 35 longballs while driving in 105 runs and drawing 95 walks. Center fielder Johnny Groth hit .305 while ripping 42 doubles, 23 homers, and scoring 117 runs. Franklin Morales anchored the staff, going 15-12 with a 3.96 ERA, while closer Chris Short had perhaps the finest season of his brilliant career, notching 41 saves, and setting career bests with a 0.75 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP, allowing a lone homer in 72 innings. The New York Emperors flirted with a return trip to the playoffs, but fell just short, winning 84 games. Center fielder Johnny Mostil hit .285 with 44 doubles, 27 homers, 122 RBI's, and 35 steals, while third baseman David Wright hit .289 with 47 doubles, 29 homers, 119 RBI's, and swiped 43 bags. Junkballer Paul Splittorff went 16-7 with a solid 3.71 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP.

The Atlanta Ducks earned their sixth straight playoff spot, winning the Southeast Division with 93 victories. Atlanta's explosive offense ranked first in the Continental League with 228 homers and second in runs scored. Left fielder Jim Greengrass hit .311 with 48 homers and 147 RBI's. Veteran second baseman Roberto Alomar hit .319 and slugged .471, ripping 49 doubles, 13 homers, swiping 24 bags, and scoring 114 runs. Shortstop Jose Hernandez ripped 31 homers, 11 triples, and drove in 116 runs. The Miami Flamingos qualified for their third straight playoff spot, winning 91 games. Second baseman Jose Vidro hit .347 with 54 doubles, 17 homers, 98 RBI's, and 109 runs scored. DH Frank Catalanotto hit .334 with a league-high 232 hits, including 48 doubles, 26 homers, and 111 RBI's. Left fielder Bob Cerv ripped 31 jacks with 123 RBI's, while right fielder Frank Robinson popped 28 round-trippers with 80 RBI's in just 116 games. Southpaw Carl Druhot won a team-high 15 games despite a middling 4.42 ERA. Closer Dave LaRoche notched 39 saves with a 2.26 ERA and 102 strikeouts. The New Orleans Crawfish made the playoffs for the fourteenth time in the last seventeen years. Six Crawfish hit at least 20 homers. Third baseman Dave Hollins ripped 37 homers and drove in 113 runs. Center fielder Hank Lieber hit .296 with 32 homers and plated 120 runs. Left fielder Tommy Davis hit .324 with 219 hits, including 35 doubles, 24 homers, and he scored 105 runs. First baseman Don Mattingly hit .318 with 43 doubles, 27 homers, and 115 RBI's. Second sacker Jose Altuve hit .337 and scored 101 runs in just 119 games. Veteran Ed Walsh went 12-4 with a 3.20 and a 1.00 ERA. Joe Presko posted an 18-10 mark despite a pedestrian 4.72 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP.

The Oklahoma City Otters were an out-of-nowhere winner of the Texas Division, as they jumped from 75 to 86 wins. Third baseman Leo Gomez exploded, hitting .302 while leading the Continental League with 53 homers and driving in 133 runs. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez hit .307 with 32 round-trippers, while stealing 55 bases, scoring 131 runs, and driving in 125. Midseason acquisition Ralph Garr hit .341 and ripped 23 doubles while scoring 35 runs and driving in 33 in 50 games. Jack Warhop led a middle-of-the-pack pitching staff, going 12-12 with a 4.48 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. Mike Paxton paced the Otters with a 13-10 record, despite a 4.70 ERA.

The Los Angeles Kangaroos won their third straight division title, taking the Southwest Division with 101 victories, despite losing southpaw Nap Rucker for the season in spring training. Third baseman Frank Baker led a deep and balanced lineup, hitting .335 with 38 homers, 123 RBI's, 125 runs scored, and 22 steals. Shortstop Corey Seager hit .311 with a .390 on-base percentage, ripping 19 homers and driving in 90 runs. Outfielders Matt Stairs, Adam Jones, and Jack Clark combined for 76 homers. Free agent acquisition Smoky Joe Wood rallied from a slow start to post an 18-6 record with a 3.36 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and 237 strikeouts. Righthander Steve Woodard sported a 17-8 record with a 3.36 ERA. Ricky Romero and Rich Gale won 15 games apiece, while closer Greg McMichael saved 35 games with a 2.03 ERA. The San Diego Zookeepers were one of the most pleasant surprises of the season, winning 94 games. First baseman Dick Burrus hit .316 and slugged .516, with 50 doubles, 13 homers, 16 homers, 104 RBI's, and 103 runs scored. DH George Stovall hit .339 with 45 doubles, 9 homers, and 73 RBI's. Shortstop Luis Aguayo bopped 37 homers with 104 RBI's, while right fielder Carlos Peguero drilled 34 homers and drove in 120 runs. On the mound, Rick Porcello posted a 17-8 mark, with a 3.94 ERA. Closer Jason Christiansen saved 33 games while sporting a 1.29 ERA. The Anaheim Antelopes returned to the postseason with 92 wins. Center fielder Dale Murphy hit .286 with 44 homers and 111 RBI's, while DH David Murphy popped 20 longballs and drove in 108 runs. Anaheim allowed the second-fewest runs in the league, led by southpaw Frank Tanana, who went just 15-14 despite a 3.23 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and 282 strikeouts. Randy Wells went 13-11 with a 3.76 ERA. Clay Bryant anchored the league's strongest bullpen, notching a league-high 41 saves with a 1.64 ERA. The Las Vegas Aces narrowly missed returning to the playoffs for the first time in six years, winning 86 games. Left fielder Minnie Minoso rewrote the franchise record book by hitting .348 and slugging .667; he also hit 43 homers and drove in 128 runs. Right fielder Willie Horton hit .286 with 38 longballs and 107 RBI's. Matt Harrison posted a 13-9 mark with a stellar 2.60 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP.
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Old 06-21-2019, 04:43 AM   #172
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2037 Playoff Report

Frontier League: The heavily-favored Buffalo Fighting Elk, winners of 108 games during the regular season, struggled to put away the 83-win Golden Grizzlies in seven games. Buffalo was led by left fielder Nemo Leibold, who hit .387 with 2 homers, 4 RBI's, and 3 steals. First baseman Don Hurst hit .333 with a homer and 7 RBI's. Cy Young favorite Don Wilson went 1-0, winning the crucial Game 6, with a 2.40 ERA, fanning 19 hitters in 15 innings. Closer Gregg Olson notched two saves, pitching six innings with a 1.50 ERA. Pittsburgh's Bill Madlock took home MVP honors, setting the single-series record with a .586 batting average, as he ripped 17 hits in 7 games and drove in 6 runs. In a major upset, the Ottawa Parliamentarians won Games 6 and 7 to upend the 104-win Baltimore Robins. Ottawa first baseman Frank Thomas hit .346 with a .485 on-base percentage, ripping 2 homers in Game 7 and driving in 5 runs. Left fielder George Bell hit .368 with a longball and 4 RBI's, while catcher Ron Karkovice ripped 3 homers and drove in 8 runs. Chappie McFarland, who sported a 5-19 record on the season, twice outdueled 17-2 Randy Johnson, as McFarland posted a 2-0 record and a 2.77 ERA. Baltimore's Del Pratt was named MVP, however, as he hit .516 with 16 hits, 4 doubles, a homer, 5 RBI's, and 4 steals. Baltimore catcher Gary Sanchez slugged 6 homers and drove in 12 runs in defeat. The Milwaukee Raccoons outdueled the shorthanded Boston Minutemen in five games, as Boston was playing without injured center fielder Joe Dimaggio. Milwaukee center fielder Eric Davis was named MVP after hitting .500 with 2 homers and 6 RBI's. Left fielder Don Baylor hit .368 with 3 homers and a series-high 10 RBI's. Rookie southpaw Howie Pollet went 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA, allowing just 6 hits in 10 innings. Boston was led by shortstop Red Rolfe, who hit .368 with 2 homers and 9 RBI's. In the final Wild Card series, the 83-win Chicago Mules swept the favored Seattle Whales. Chicago first baseman Eddie Murray won MVP honors, hitting .500 with 4 homers and 7 RBI's. Left fielder Mark Smith hit .375 with 2 homers and 8 RBI's. Second sacker Rich Dauer hit .412 with 5 runs scored. Chicago's bullpen was brilliant, allowing just 6 hits and 1 run in 17 innings while fanning 16 hitters. No Seattle hitter hit above .278, and they hit only a single homer in the series. Seattle righthander Jim Shaw pitched seven innings of one-run ball in Game 3.

The Buffalo Fighting Elk once again flirted with disaster, again needing to pull out wins in Games 6 and 7 to upend the Ottawa Parliamentarians. Buffalo third baseman Eric Chavez hit .357 with 2 homers and 7 RBI's, while second baseman John Knight hit .321 with 3 homers and also drove in seven. Don Wilson was brilliant, winning Games 3 and 7, and allowing just one run in 16 innings while striking out 17, including seven-plus innings of shutout ball in Game 7, allowing just 4 hits. Ottawa left fielder Raul Ibanez took MVP honors in defeat, hitting .462 with 4 homers and 8 RBI's, while Frank Thomas hit .310 with 3 homers and a series-high 11 RBI's. The Chicago Mules and Milwaukee Raccoons traded victories in a seven game series, with Chicago prevailing 2-1 in Game 7. Chicago first baseman Eddie Murray took home another trophy, hitting .296 with 3 homers and 6 RBI's. Center fielder Bobby Tolan hit .393 with 4 runs scored. Crafty southpaw Oscar Judd went 2-0 with 14 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits and fanning 17. Left fielder Don Baylor led Milwaukee, hitting 3 homers and driving in 8 runs. Chicago continued their stunning run in the League Championship Series, winning four straight after dropping the first game to the heavily-favored Buffalo Fighting Elk, and holding Buffalo to just 6 runs in the four losses. Eddie Murray continued his torrid postseason, winning a third MVP trophy after hitting .611 with 4 homers and 7 RBI's. Third baseman Pie Traynor hit .476 with 2 RBI's. Righthander Chris Tillman hurled six shutout innings of two-hit ball in a Game 3 win. No Buffalo hitter drove in more than 2 runs in the series; third baseman Eric Chavez led the way for Buffalo, hitting .353 with a .476 on-base percentage while driving in 2 runs.

Continental League: The 101-win Los Angeles Kangaroos easily dispatched the New Orleans Crawfish in five games, averaging six runs per game. Los Angeles third baseman Frank Baker took home the hardware, hitting .476 with 3 homers, 6 runs scored, and 4 RBI's. Shortstop Corey Seager hit .316 while launching 3 longballs and driving in 9 runs. First baseman Wes Parker hit .375 and slugged .750, with a homer and 2 RBI's. Smoky Joe Wood dominated with 2 wins, a 2.25 ERA in 16 innings, and 22 strikeouts. Left fielder Tommy Davis led New Orleans in defeat, hitting .318 with 3 homers and 5 RBI's. The San Diego Zookeepers, perhaps the least likely postseason participant, easily dispatched the Oklahoma City Otters in five games, including two extra-inning victories. San Diego shortstop Luis Aguayo was named MVP after hitting .364 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's. Second sacker Jerry Lumpe hit .391 and drove in 5 runs, while right fielder Carlos Peguero hit two homers in the decisive Game 5. Rick Porcello pitched 8.1 shutout innings of two-hit ball in Game 3. Rookie righthander Ron Herbel went 2-0 with a 2.38 ERA in 11 innings. The defending champion Hartford Huskies swept the Anaheim Antelopes, outscoring Anaheim 29-12. Center fielder Tris Speaker received MVP honors after hitting .389 and slugging .889, with 2 homers, 3 doubles, and 6 RBI's. DH Jay Johnstone hit .389 with a homer and 5 RBI's, while Ryan Rua hit .500 with a series-high 9 hits. Ace Steve Barber hurled seven innings of one-run ball in a Game 1 victory, and Hartford coasted from that point onward. Anaheim was led by right fielder George Whiteman, who hit .462 with 2 doubles and 3 runs scored. In a divisional showdown, the Atlanta Ducks outlasted the injury-ravaged Miami Flamingos in six games. Atlanta first baseman Dots Miller earned MVP honors after hitting .364 with 3 homers and 7 RBI's. Second baseman Roberto Alomar hit .429 with 9 runs scored. Right fielder Gary Roenicke hit .333 with 3 longballs and 5 RBI's. Bob Moose won both his starts, posting a 2.25 ERA in 16 innings with 19 whiffs. Left fielder Bob Cerv led Miami, hitting .333 with a pair of homers and 6 RBI's.

The Los Angeles Kangaroos easily dispatched the San Diego Zookeepers in five games in the Divisional Series. Los Angeles shortstop Corey Seager won MVP honors after hitting .381 with two homers and 5 RBI's. Third baseman Frank Baker hit .353 and slugged .529. Righthander Steve Woodard went 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 14 innings, while Ricky Romero threw seven shutout innings in a Game 3 win. San Diego was led by first baseman Dick Burrus who hit .353 with a homer and 4 RBI's, while right fielder Carlos Pegeuro popped a pair of round-trippers while driving in 7 runs. The Hartford Huskies hunted down the Atlanta Ducks in 5 games, with right fielder Ron Northey taking home the MVP trophy after hitting .429 with 2 homers and 7 RBI's. Left fielder Ryan Rua hit .474 with 4 RBI's. Star center fielder Tris Speaker hit .381 with 4 doubles, 8 runs scored, and 4 RBI's. Steve Barber continued his multi-year string of postseason dominance, whiffing 15 hitters in 14 innings with a 1.26 ERA. Atlanta was led by third baseman Ken Reitz, who hit .429 with 4 RBI's, and by Jason Vargas, who allowed just 3 hits and 1 run in 8 dominant innings in Game 4. The Los Angeles Kangaroos outlasted the Hartford Huskies in six games in the League Championship Series, outhomering the Huskies 10-4. Left fielder Matt Stairs was tabbed MVP after hitting .304 with 3 homers and 6 RBI's. Corey Seager had another strong series for Los Angeles, hitting .333 with 2 homers and 5 RBI's. Second sacker Jerry Priddy hit .370 and drove in 4 runs. Steve Woodard went 2-0, including a win in the decisive Game 6, with a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings. Center fielder Tris Speaker led Hartford with a .370 average with 2 steals and 4 runs scored.

World Series: The 101-win Los Angeles Kangaroos were heavy favorites over the Chicago Mules, who won 83 games -- fewer than any playoff team in HRDL history. While Los Angeles matched an above-average, veteran driven lineup with a big-name pitching staff, Chicago featured a subpar lineup which finished 18th in the Frontier League in scoring, while their no-name pitching staff ranked third in the league in runs allowed. Although Chicago took the first two games of the series, Los Angeles stormed back to win four straight to take the series in six games. Los Angeles third baseman Frank Baker, a five-time regular season MVP, added a postseason trophy to his mantel, hitting .500 and slugging .864, with a homer and 4 RBI's.

Chicago stormed out of the gate with a 6-2 win in Game 1, scoring five runs in the sixth inning as right fielder Augie Bergamo hit a 2-run double. Chicago DH Chris James ripped 3 hits and scored 2 runs, while Baker and second baseman Jerry Priddy had 3 hits apiece for Los Angeles. Chicago relievers Mike Kekich and Randy Choate hurled 4.1 innings without allowing an earned run, with Kekich getting the win in relief of Oscar Judd. Chicago extended their lead by taking Game 2 by a 2-0 tally, with Chris Tillman outdueling Smoky Joe Wood. Second baseman Clint Barmes provided all the offense Chicago would need with a two-run homer. Tillman pitched 5.2 scoreless innings of 2-hit ball and earned the win. Los Angeles fought their way back into the series in Game 3, winning 6-2 in 10 innings, as Adam Jones smacked a 3-run homer in the 10th inning. Corey Seager ripped 3 hits, while veteran right fielder Jack Clark had two hits, including a 2-run homer. Odalis Perez struck out 10 in just six innings in defeat.

Los Angeles evened the series with a 3-1 win in Game 4. Jerry Priddy popped 3 hits, while Frank Baker ripped two hits and drove in a run. Barmes homered again for Chicago. Righthander Rich Gale was solid, going six innings and allowing just a single run. The Kangaroos seized control of the series with a 9-6 victory in Game 5. Baker set a postseason record with 4 doubles, and he drove in 2 runs, while Jack Clark drove in 3. Chicago catcher Fran Healy homered and drove in three runs. Los Angeles clinched the series with a 7-2 Game 6 win. First baseman Danny Espinosa homered , singled, and drove in four runs, while Seager had 2 hits and drove in 2 more runs. Smoky Joe Wood earned the win, allowing just 2 runs in 6.1 innings. Chicago third baseman Pie Traynor had two hits, including an RBI double.

Baker took home MVP honors after a stellar all-around series, where he hit .500 with 5 doubles, a homer, 5 runs scored, and 4 RBI's. Priddy hit .360 with a .448 on-base percentage and 5 runs scored. Clark and Espinosa each homered and tied for the team lead with 5 RBI's. Smoky Joe Wood was solid on the mound, going 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA , allowing just 9 hits in 14.2 innings. Greg McMichael was brilliant in relief, allowing just one hit in 5 shutout innings. Chicago was led by DH Chris James, who hit .375, and by Barmes, who hit a team-high 2 homers with 4 RBI's.
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Old 06-23-2019, 10:14 AM   #173
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2037 Awards Winners

Frontier League MVP: Larry Walker, RF, MIL (40): .348/ .439/ .677, 209 hits, 38 doubles, 6 triples, 49 HR, 146 RBI, 137 runs, 85 BB, 36 SB, +8.6 Zone Rating, 186 OPS+, 9.9 WAR
Second place- Al Oliver, CF, CIN: .355/ .400/ .648, 231 hits, 57 doubles, 4 triples, 42 HR, 127 RBI, 118 runs, 28 BB, 13 SB, 168 OPS+, 9.2 WAR
Third place- Don Wilson, RHP, BUF (8): 19-7, 1.96 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 267 IP, 286 K, 54 BB, 8 CG, 2 shutouts, 225 ERA+, 10.6 WAR
Fourth place- Javy Lopez, C, MIN: .344/ .387/ .644, 186 hits, 21 doubles, 6 triples, 43 HR, 95 RBI, 96 runs, 31 BB, 163 OPS+, 7.9 WAR
Fifth place- Frank Thomas, 1B, OTT: .322/ .438/ .612, 186 hits, 25 doubles, 1 triple, 47 HR, 141 RBI, 112 runs, 121 BB, 1 SB, 167 OPS+, 6.3 WAR

Frontier League Cy Young Award- Don Wilson, BUF: 19-7, 1.96 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 267 IP, 286 K, 54 BB, 8 CG, 2 shutouts, 225 ERA+, 10.6 WAR
Second place- Jack Coombs, MON: 22-8, 2.81 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 253 IP, 231 K, 88 BB, 4 CG, 160 ERA+, 6.7 WAR
Third place- Jordan Zimmermann, BUF: 17-5, 2.87 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 219 IP, 200 K, 22 BB, 2 CG, 2 shutouts, 153 ERA+, 7.8 WAR
Fourth place- Randy Johnson, BAL: 17-2, 2.98 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 196 IP, 245 K, 58 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 151 ERA+, 5.8 WAR
Fifth place- Rich Nye, PHI: 15-10, 2.63 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 209 IP, 174 K, 59 BB, 3 CG, 1 shutout, 171 ERA+, 5.4 WAR

Frontier League Rookie of the Year- Al Oliver, CF, CIN (48): .355/ .400/ .648, 231 hits, 57 doubles, 4 triples, 42 HR, 127 RBI, 118 runs, 28 BB, 13 SB, 168 OPS+, 9.2 WAR
Second place- David Ross, C, SEA: .284/ .355/ .532, 143 hits, 27 doubles, 1 triple, 32 HR, 125 RBI, 76 runs, 48 BB, 1 SB, 128 OPS+, 5.1 WAR
Third place- Steve Avery, LHP, POR: 9-12, 3.41 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 214 IP, 175 K, 59 BB, 3 CG, 1 shutout, 132 ERA+, 5.0 WAR

Continental League MVP- Tris Speaker, CF, HAR (28): .359/ .445/ .640, 217 hits, 52 doubles, 14 triples, 30 HR, 117 RBI, 141 runs, 88 BB, 61 SB, +21.2 Zone Rating, 180 OPS+, 12.3 WAR
Second place- Bob Moose, RHP, ATL (16): 23-6, 2.37 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 251 K, 263 K, 33 BB, 5 CG, 3 shutouts, 209 ERA+, 11.5 WAR
Third place- George Brett, 1B, ALB: .343/ .417/ .622, 215 hits, 45 doubles, 2 triples, 42 HR, 134 RBI, 146 runs, 86 BB, 13 SB, +8.7 WAR, 161 OPS+, 8.0 WAR
Fourth place- Leo Gomez, 3B, OKC: .302/ .393/ .647, 173 hits, 31 doubles, 4 triples, 53 HR, 133 RBI, 112 runs, 85 BB, 1 SB, 159 OPS+, 7.9 WAR
Fifth place- Frank Baker, 3B, LA: .335/ .434/ .633, 189 hits, 38 doubles, 8 triples, 38 HR, 123 RBI, 125 runs, 90 BB, 22 SB, 174 OPS+, 8.5 WAR

Continental League Cy Young Award- Bob Moose, ATL (48): 23-6, 2.37 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 251 K, 263 K, 33 BB, 5 CG, 3 shutouts, 209 ERA+, 11.5 WAR
Second place- Mark Prior, NAS: 19-5, 2.66 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 257 IP, 330 K, 41 BB, 3 CG, 1 shutout 174 ERA+, 9.0 WAR
Third place- Steve Barber, HAR: 20-6, 3.19 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 245 IP, 208 K, 66 BB, 6 CG, 1 shutout, 154 ERA+, 5.6 WAR
Fourth place- Herb Score, NAS: 16-9, 2.71 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 226 IP, 304 K, 90 BB, 171 ERA+, 5.9 WAR
Fifth place- Frank Tanana, ANA: 15-14, 3.23 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 256 IP, 282 K, 54 BB, 7 CG, 1 shutout, 153 ERA+, 6.1 WAR

Continental League Rookie of the Year- Herb Score, LHP, NAS (45): 16-9, 2.71 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 226 IP, 304 K, 90 BB, 171 ERA+, 5.9 WAR
Second place- Steve Evans, DH, VB: .341/ .438/ .491, 197 hits, 36 doubles, 9 triples, 11 HR, 61 RBI, 102 runs, 92 BB, 22 SB, 140 OPS+, 4.4 WAR
Third place- Moses Yellow Horse, RHP, MEM (2): 6-2, 36 saves, 1.26 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 86 IP, 90 K, 20 BB, 392 ERA+, 3.8 WAR

Top draft picks: 1. Willie Mays, CF, Birmingham Steelers
2. Greg Maddux, RHP, San Antonio Marksmen
3. James Paxton, RHP, London Werewolves
4. Mike Schmidt, 3B, Virginia Beach Admirals
5. Al Wingo, LF, Cleveland Rocks
6. David Price, LHP, Cincinnati Spiders
7. Scott Kazmir, LHP, San Francisco Longshoremen
8. Roger Wolff, RHP, Portland Skunks
9. Jim Leyritz, C, Austin Mustangs
10. Bob Boone, C, Denver Spikes
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Old 06-26-2019, 02:17 AM   #174
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2037 Hall of Fame Voting

For the seventh straight year, at least three players were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Ballot newcomers Keith Hernandez and Dave Righetti made the cutoff with room to spare, drawing 94.4% and 83.9% of the vote, respectively, while catcher Joe Mauer was tabbed on his third try, with 81.6% of the vote. Hernandez, the 2020 MVP and a seven-time All-Star, ranked 11th all-time with 3283 hits. Righetti won two Cy Young Awards and notched 253 career wins despite missing nearly two full seasons with injuries. Mauer topped 2800 hits - over 450 more than any other catcher in league history - and earned five All-Star nods.

Hernandez was drafted tenth overall by the Jacksonville Gulls following the 2015 season. He was immediately productive as a 19-year-old rookie, hitting .293 with 13 homers and 94 RBI's in 2016. After two more solid seasons, Hernandez had a breakout season in 2019, when he hit .355 and slugged .566, with 69 extra-base hits, including 23 homers and 143 RBI's. He followed that up with an MVP campaign in 2020, as he won the batting title with a .373 mark, slugged .606, as he ripped 242 hits, including 54 doubles, and scored 123 runs -- leading the league in each of those categories, while popping 23 homers and driving in 109 runs to boot. The following year, Hernandez came in third in the MVP voting, as he hit .334 with 22 homers and 99 RBIs, leading the league again with 130 runs scored and 49 doubles. He had another banner year in 2023, hitting .359 and slugging .574, while ripping 40 doubles, 27 homers, and driving in 125 runs. Hernandez continued to star at a remarkably consistent level, hitting between .306 and .326 over the next six seasons while ripping between 13 and 15 homers each season. After an injury-shortened 2030 campaign, he had a renaissance in 2031. hitting .327 with 24 homers and 99 RBI's. Following the 2031 season, and after sixteen seasons in a Jacksonville uniform, Hernandez signed with the London Werewolves as a free agent, where he hit .294 with 17 homers, 96 RBI's, and 101 runs scored in his maiden season. He missed most of the 2032 season after tearing ankle ligaments, and retired after an ineffective 2033 season. Hernandez retired with a career .317 average, a .400 on-base percentage, and a .502 slugging percentage. He ranked 11th all-time with 3283 hits, ripped 628 doubles (10th all-time), 189 triples (2nd all-time), and 305 homers. He drove in 1694 runs while scoring 1752 times. His 94.2 WAR ranks 19th all-time. Hernandez made seven All-Star teams, won 3 Silver Sluggers and 1 Gold Glove. He also won four postseason series MVP awards. He led the Gulls to the World Series in 2022, when he hit .337 with 10 doubles, 4 homers, and 17 RBI's, and a repeat appearance the following year. He hit .292 over 177 career postseason games, with 46 doubles, 19 homers, and 104 RBI's.

Righetti was drafted 15th overall by the San Diego Zookeepers following the 2012 season. After spending his first three seasons in the bullpen, Righetti moved into the rotation for good in 2016, when he went 19-8 with a 2.66 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, and 180 strikeouts. He won the Cy Young Award the following year, posting a 21-5 mark with a career-best 1.86 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and 191 strikeouts. Righetti posted ERA's of 2.54 and 2.38 the next two seasons, but finished each year below .500, as the Zookeepers consistently struggled to score runs. After an 18-5 mark in 2022 with a 3.11 ERA, Righetti jumped to the Detroit Purple Gang as a free agent. In his first year in Detroit, he notched a career-best 9.2 WAR, posting a 15-10 mark despite a 2.49 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and a career-high 253 strikeouts while finishing third in the Cy Young voting. He won his second Cy Young Award in 2024 while finishing 2nd in the MVP voting, going 22-8 with a 2.19 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and fanning 237 hitters. Disaster struck in spring training the following year, however, as he tore his rotator cuff in spring training and missed all of 2025. But Righetti returned to form despite the injury, posting a 13-5 mark with a 2.28 ERA in 2026, allowing just 6 homers in 27 starts. He continued to pitch effectively for Detroit, going 39-26 over the next three seasons. Righetti then signed with the Albuquerque Conquistadors, where he went 19-6 in his first season before posting his first career ERA over 4.00 the following year -- at age 37. He spent the balance of his career as a journeyman, bouncing to Buffalo, Portland and Phoenix, and returning after missing nearly all of 2032 with another rotator cuff tear. He retired with a 253-161 record and 12 saves, ranking 13th all-time in victories. He posted a career 3.02 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP, while fanning 2893 hitters and posting 99.7 WAR. He was the first pitcher to win Cy Young Awards in both leagues. He posted a career 5-2 record with a 3.43 ERA in postseason play, despite only making the playoffs once in San Diego.

Mauer was drafted 18th overall by the New Orleans Crawfish after the 2012 season. Mauer had a brilliant 2013 season as a 20-year-old rookie, hitting .356 with 12 homers and 94 RBI's. He topped .300 three more times in a New Orleans uniform, including hitting .339 and slugging .474 in 2016. He moved to the Boston Minutement in free agency starting in 2022, and he hit at least .299 in each oft the four seasons. Mauer then jumped to Kansas City for four more years, two of which he he topped .300, and where he set a career high with 13 homers in 2029 at age 36. He spent 2030-31 with the Nashville Blues before finishing up with the Detroit Purple Gang in 2032. Mauer ended his career with a career batting average of .302, on-base percentage of .368, and slugging percentage of .415, including 2807 hits -- over 400 more than any other catcher. He also ripped 407 doubles, 184 homers, stole 144 bases, and drove in 1239 runs. A five-time all-star, Mauer ranked in the top three in most offensive categories among catchers. He also won a Silver Slugger Award as well as four postseason series MVP awards. Mauer hit .305 in 129 postseason games, and he hit .374 and slugged .484 in 2027 while leading Kansas City to the World Series.

The leading vote recipients include:

Keith Hernandez, 1B, JAX/ LON: 94.4%
Dave Righetti, LHP, SD/ DET/ ALB/ BUF/ POR/ PHO: 83.9%
Joe Mauer, C, NO/ BOS/ KC/ NAS/ DET: 81.6%
George Altman, CF, WAS/ TOR/ KC: 70.7%
Kirby Puckett, CF, HOU/ CAL/ PHI: 63.2%
Larry Parrish, 3B, ANA/ CHA: 58.6%
Trevor Story, SS, LA/ CHA/ ATL/ DEN/ MIL: 52.6%
Dave Ferriss, RHP, DAL/ NAS: 51.6%
Aroldis Chapman, RHP, OTT/ WAS/ POR: 49.7%
High Pockets Kelly, 1B, TOR/ JAX/ AUS/ DAL: 49.0%
Harry Lumley, RF/ DH, BIR/ CLE/ HOU/ DAL/ AUS: 40.5%
Gary Gaetti, 3B, BOS/ VAN/ AUS: 39.8%

Noteworthy players who fell off the ballot include career .310 hitter Paul Molitor, whose eligibility expired despite topping 60% early in his career; four-time Gold Glove outfielder Chili Davis, who also popped 467 career homers; two-time hits champion AJ Pollock, and 225-game winner Fred Newman.

Here's a look at the Hall of Fame's newest inductees:
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Old 07-02-2019, 01:55 AM   #175
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2038 Mid-Year Review

Here are the major storylines across the league at the 2038 All-Star Break:

Exceeding expectations: The Detroit Purple Gang, traditionally a postseason fixture, had missed the playoffs the last two seasons with 76 and 81 wins. This year, however, the Purple Gang jumped out to a 44-30 mark at midseason, three games out of first place but enjoying a comfortable lead in the wild card. Detroit led the league in homers and entered the break ranked second in the Frontier League in runs scored. Left fielder Rafael Palmeiro hit .333 with 22 round-trippers and 60 RBI's, while free agent signee Nolan Arenado did not disappoint, hitting .316 and slugging .618, popping 17 homers and driving in 59 runs in just 63 games. Veteran rightfielder Sherry Magee hit .272 with 23 homers and 59 RBI's. On the mound, veteran Hank Borowy, another free agent acquisition, made his first All-Star team, going 6-0 in 7 starts with a 0.75 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP. The Minneapolis Penguins looked likely to snap their streak of seven straight sub-.500 seasons, going 43-30. Star center fielder Mike Trout hit .341 with 17 homers, 46 RBI's, 27 steals, and an incredible 75 runs scored in 71 games. Catcher Javy Lopez hit .340 and slugged .620, popping 16 homers and driving in 55 runs. Right fielder Darryl Strawberry, a free agent signee from Birmingham, hit .307 with 18 homers, 42 RBI's, and stole 25-of-28 bases. Ace Jose Rijo blossomed into a Cy Young candidate, going 11-5 with a 2.25 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts in just 88 innings. In the Continental League, the Washington Ambassadors looked to snap a two-year postseason drought, taking a 49-24 record and a 6-game lead into the break. Slugging first baseman Lee Stevens hit .316 with 21 homers and 48 RBI's. Center fielder Johnny Groth starred, hitting .337 with 25 doubles, 12 homers, 46 RBI's, and 56 runs scored. Right fielder George Hendrick hit .328 with 19 homers and 62 RBI's. Franklin Morales led a solid pitching staff, going just 6-7 despite a 3.21 ERA, while Chris Short, Guy Cantrell, and Chris Leroux spearheaded the top bullpen in baseball, allowing just 8 earned runs in 73 innings combined. The Anaheim Antelopes, a surprise playoff team last season, appeared likely to regress to the mean, especially after losing closer Clay Bryant for the season in spring training. But the Antelopes took a 48-26 record and a one-game lead in the Southwest Division into the break, as Dale Murphy hit .325 with 15 homers and a league-high 76 RBI's. Catcher Ray Fosse hit .338 and slugged .504 with 8 homers and 52 RBI's. Anaheim's pitching staff ranked second in the league in runs allowed as Jordan Montgomery went 9-2 and Randy Wells posted a 7-2 mark, with each sporting matching 2.81 ERAs.

Disappointments: The decline of the Boston Minutement was entirely predictable, as the squad got ravaged in free agency. Losing franchise icon Nolan Arenado along with solid outfielders Cliff Floyd and Roy White as well as three starting pitchers, the Minutemen tumbled to a 35-39 record. Joe DiMaggio missed most of the first half with a groin tear, and played in just 23 games. Catcher Wilson Ramos struggled, hitting just .208 with a .251 on-base percentage. Third baseman Bill Tuttle struggled to replace Arenado, hitting just .251 with 5 homers before suffering a season-ending broken kneecap. Earl Wilson, a 12-game winner last year, went just 2-7 with a bloated 6.22 ERA. The Toronto Predators narrowly missed the playoffs last year with an 82-80 record, and they appeared to be on the upswing after years of mediocrity. But Toronto stumbled to a 34-39 start, entering the break 12 1/2 games out of first place. Slugging right fielder Chuck Klein, a career .320 hitter, was on track for a career-worst season, hitting just .269 while slugging 80 points below his career mark. First baseman Earl Torgeson, who hit 36 homers and drove in 109 runs last season, had just 11 round-trippers and just 21 RBI's at the break. Second baseman Chip Hale, who hit a respectable .256 with 67 RBI's last season, collapsed to hit just .181 with a .245 slugging percentage and just 16 RBI's. Toronto's bullpen struggled, ranking 20th in the Frontier League with a 4.84 ERA. In the Continental League, the Atlanta Ducks' streak of six straight postseason appearances -- all with at least 91 wins -- was in jeopardy, as they went just 31-42. Atlanta struggled to replace departed outfielders Gary Roenicke and Jim Greengrass, each of whom moved on in free agency. DH Dots Miller hit just .260 and slugged .428 -- over 100 points below his career mark, while popping just 6 homers and driving in just 21 runs. Second baseman Roberto Alomar, who hit .319 last year with a .471 slugging percentage, regressed to hit just .271 with a .378 slugging percentage. On the mound, Atlanta's pitching staff ranked 22nd in the league, and its defense was dead last. Bob Moose, a perennial Cy Young candidate, went just 4-7 with a middling 4.18 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. Dick Drott was battered to an 0-8 record with a ghastly 8.42 ERA. The dropoff of the Miami Flamingos was even more severe- after winning 91 games last season, Miami tumbled to a 29-44 first-half mark- tied for worst in the Continental League. DH Frank Catalanotto, who led the league in hits last season while driving in 113 runs, hit just .269 with 5 homers and 32 RBI's. Right fielder Frank Robinson hit just .252 with 9 homers and 29 RBI's, and was on track for career worsts in batting average, slugging percentage, and RBI's. On the mound, ace Aaron Sele missed most of the first half, while rookie Slim Sallee was overmatched, going 1-9 with a 5.86 ERA and a 1.61 WHIP.

Buffalo Soldiers: Expectations were high after the Buffalo Fighting Elk added two-time MVP Tris Speaker and closer Frank Bertainia to last season's 108-win juggernaut. Buffalo jumped out to a 44-10 start - including a 16-game winning streak - and ended the first half with an incredible 57-15 mark and an 18 1/2 game lead. Speaker did not disappoint, posting an incredible .365/ .471/ .723 slash line while popping 20 homers, stealing 30 bases, and scoring 77 runs in 72 games. First baseman Don Hurst hit .289 with 26 homers and 73 RBI's. Third baseman Eric Chavez and right fielder Gary Roenicke hit a combined 31 homers with 107 RBI's. On the mound, Don Wilson managed to improve on last season's Cy Young Award campaign, going 11-2 with a 1.67 ERA. Chad Kuhl posted a 7-1 mark with a 1.92 ERA in his sophomore campaign, while Jordan Zimmermann went 9-0 with a 2.62 ERA.

Tale of Two Seasons: The Ottawa Parliamentarians appeared to be left for dead after a 2-10 start -- but they they rattled off a blistering 37-9 stretch, ending the half with a 47-27 mark. Remarkably, Ottawa dominated despite a lack of outstanding individual performances. First baseman Frank Thomas, who topped .300 in 14 of his 15 seasons, hit just .271 with a modest 15 homers after clearing 45 homers in each of the past four seasons. Dick Tidrow led an effective, if understated, pitching staff, going 8-4 with a 3.94 ERA.

Offensive Crashville, Pitching Smashville: The Nashville Blues combined the worst offense in the Continental League with the best pitching staff. Nashville ranked dead last in the league in batting average (.217), homers, and runs scored (236), while allowing just 275 runs, and its starters posted a 3.19 ERA. Although Nashville signed slugger Jim Greengrass to boost its offense, he hit just .240 with a modest 15 homers -- and only one other player on the team topped .240. On the mound, however, Mark Prior starred, going 9-3 with a 1.65 ERA and 145 strikeouts. Herb Score made the All-Star team despite a 3-9 mark, as he posted a 2.50 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and fanned 140 hitters. Brad Penny posted a solid 5-3 mark with a 3.50 ERA. However, Nashville's offense put them in too deep of a hole to contend - they ended the half with just a 32-40 record.

Major milestones: Oklahoma City left fielder George Bell and Washington DH Gus Zernial each popped their 500th career homer, while Philadelphia center fielder Dave Henderson and Pittsburgh shortstop Scott Brosius each joined the 400-homer club. New Orleans second baseman Jose Altuve joined the 3000 hit club, while Hartford left fielder Irish Meusel rapped his 2500th career hit. Hartford lefty Steve Barber notched his 3000th strikeout. Looking ahead, Detroit right fielder Sherry Magee was one homer away from 550, while Vancouver second baseman Rougned Odor would likely hit his 500th round-tripper by the end of July. Las Vegas left fielder Minnie Minoso was expected to top 500 homers by mid-August. Los Angeles ace Smoky Joe Wood had a chance of topping 4000 strikeouts by year's end.

Major injuries: Anaheim closer Clay Bryant tore an elbow tendon in spring training and would miss the year. Boston centerfielder Joe DiMaggio missed nearly two months with a groin injury. Buffalo southpaw Brett Oberholtzer went down in spring training with an inflamed shoulder, and was not expected to return until late August. Cleveland centerfielder Pete Reiser tore his meniscus in mid-April, and was knocked out of commission until August. Las Vegas closer Taijuan Walker tore elbow ligaments in spring training, and would miss the season. Memphis southpaw Chris Capuano, off to a career-best start, tore elbow ligaments and was knocked out for the season. New Orleans second baseman Jose Altuve broke his hand in mid-May and was knocked out for six weeks. Portland righthander Denny McLain ruptured his UCL and would miss his second straight season. Vancouver's Don Drysdale blew out his elbow seven starts into the season and was knocked out of commission until the start of next season, and his career was reportedly in jeopardy.
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Old 07-05-2019, 03:41 AM   #176
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2038 Year in Review

Frontier League: The Buffalo Fighting Elk dominated from day one, winning a Frontier League-record 119 games after adding two-time MVP Tris Speaker to last season's 108-win juggernaut. Speaker did not disappoint, hitting .374 with a .471 on-base percentage and a .712 slugging percentage, with 57 doubles, 44 homers, 137 RBI's, 166 runs scored, and 64 steals, setting franchise records in nearly every one of these categories. First baseman Don Hurst hit .277 with 45 homers and a league-high 153 RBI's. Third baseman Eric Chavez hit .315 with 40 round-trippers and 132 RBI's. Buffalo led the Frontier League with 919 runs -- and also by allowing just 519 runs, creating an incredible +400 run differential. Don Wilson appeared a virtual lock to win his fifth straight Cy Young Award, winning the pitching Triple Crown by going 22-5 with a 1.79 ERA and 283 strikeouts, as well as a a league-best 0.88 WHIP. Jordan Zimmermann posted a 17-5 mark with a 3.11 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and fanned 186 hitters. Kip Wells posted a 16-4 mark with a 3.70 ERA, while Jose Lima and Chad Kuhl posted matching 14-5 records, with ERAs of 3.20 and 3.36, respectively. The Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas dominated down the stretch, ending the season on a 33-16 run, to finish with a 94-68 mark. Third baseman Bill Madlock hit a solid .305 and slugged .500, popping 21 homers and swiping 22 bags while scoring 102 runs. Right fielder Chet Laabs led the squad with 27 homers and 98 RBI's, while 40-year-old shortstop Scott Brosius popped 25 homers and drove in 88 runs. Southpaw Pete Falcone posted a 13-8 mark with a 4.80 ERA, while Marty Bystrom went 12-10 with a 4.52 ERA. Mark Clear led a deep bullpen with a 5-3 record, 40 saves, and a 2.48 ERA, while rookie setup man Steve Cishek went 7-3 with 6 saves and a 1.72 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP.

The Detroit Purple Gang added third baseman Nolan Arenado and righhander Hank Borowy in free agency, and they were not disappointed, as they pulled out the Great Lakes Division title with 95 wins. Arenado led the league's second-highest scoring offense, as he hit .315 and slugged .584, popped 43 doubles, 29 homers, and drove in 108 runs in just 132 games. Left fielder Rafael Palmeiro hit .312 and slugged .600, pounding 45 longballs, driving in 114 runs, and scoring 118. Right fielder Sherry Magee hit .279 with a career-high 46 homers, 129 RBI's, 122 runs scored, and 17 steals. Center fielder Cameron Maybin hit .269 with 21 homers, 84 RBI's, 124 runs scored, and a league-leading 67 steals. Borowy went 15-7 with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. Southpaw Scott Olsen went 12-10 with a 3.92 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, and 209 strikeouts. The Ottawa Parliamentarians sandwiched a dreadful start and epic collapse around a brilliant middle five months of the season. Ottawa started the year 2-10, rallied to take a sizeable lead into September, then won just four of their final eighteen games to finish with 91 wins. Ottawa finished second in the league with 209 homers, as Frank Thomas hit .305 with 44 homers and 98 RBI's. Charlie Blackmon hit .282 and slugged .497 with 30 round-trippers and 83 RBI's. Left fielder Andy Kosco came out of nowhere to hit .271 with 32 homers and 90 RBI's. Shortstop Tim Anderson hit .301 with 19 homers, 84 runs scored, and 27 steals. Righthander Gary Serum went 12-10 with a solid 3.53 ERA, while Dick Tidrow went 13-11 with a 4.26 ERA.

The Milwaukee Raccoons took their second straight Great Plains Division title with 98 wins. Right fielder Larry Walker flirted with another MVP award, hitting .407 and set a Frontier League record with a .814 slugging percentage, pounding 51 doubles and 46 homers, while driving in 121 runs and stealing 37 bases despite missing the final month of the season with a sprained ankle. Left fielder Don Baylor had a breakout season, hitting .281 with 45 doubles, 30 homers, 112 runs scored, and 86 RBI's. Center fielder Eric Davis popped 28 longballs and plated 114 runs while stealing 30 bases. Milwaukee finished second in the league in pitching, allowing just 590 runs, as starters Howie Pollet, Dave Fleming, Danny Duffy and Josh Fogg each posted ERA's below 3.50. Duffy led the way, going 18-6 with a 3.25 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP, and 192 strikeouts, while Pollet went 13-10 with a 3.14 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. Closer Brad Lesley notched 44 saves with a 2.82 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 80 innings. The Kansas City Mad Hatters ended a ten-year playoff drought, winning 95 games. Left fielder Kirk Gibson starred, hitting .346 with a .608 slugging percentage, drilling 33 homers and 103 RBI's while swiping 27 bags. Right fielder Bernie Carbo hit .299 with 41 doubles, 32 homers, 112 RBI's, 115 runs scored and drew 101 walks. Veteran shortstop Glenn Wright had a late-career renaissance, hitting .310, slugging .616, while bopping 36 homers and driving in 96 runs in just 131 games. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt scored 135 runs while ripping 41 doubles, 33 homers, driving in 107 runs, and stealing 27 bases. Jim Shaw notched a 21-5 record with a 3.89 ERA. John Fulgham posted a 12-10 mark with a 3.84 ERA , allowing just 8 homers in 185 innings. Closer Earl Henry saved 39 games while posting a 2.10 ERA. The Minneapolis Penguins snapped a nine-year postseason drought -- with every season ending under .500 -- as they won 93 games, including the final 8 games of the season to seize the final wild card slot. 20-year-old center fielder Mike Trout hit .320 and slugged .580, with 84 extra-base hits including 34 homers, 95 RBI's, a franchise-record 149 runs scored, and 62 steals. Catcher Javy Lopez hit .308 with 30 homers and drove in 107 runs. Right fielder Darryl Strawberry hit .290 while drilling 38 homers, scoring 114 runs, driving in 95, and stealing 45 bases in his maiden season with the Penguins. The Penguins pitching staff dominated division rival Chicago in the season-ending series with a wild-card slot on the line, surrendering just four runs in three games. Jose Rijo dominated, going 15-12 with a 2.44 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP, while fanning 224 hitters. Workhorse Frank Smith went 14-8 with a 3.53 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. The Penguins came from behind to leapfrog the 90-win Chicago Mules, who were led by first baseman Eddie Murray, who hit .311 with 36 homers and 112 RBIs. Third baseman Pie Traynor chipped in with a .317 average, a league-leading 64 doubles, 11 homers, and 114 runs scored. Chris Tillman led Chicago's traditionally strong pitching staff, going 13-10 with a 3.16 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP.

The Seattle Whales won the Northwest Division with 87 victories, clinching their eighth straight playoff appearance. Center fielder Lee Mazzilli starred, hitting .326 and slugging .509, including 51 doubles, 20 homers, 112 runs scored, 109 RBI's, and 16 steals. Third baseman Leo Gomez hit .275 with 38 homers, 119 RBI's, and 105 runs scored. Shortstop Mickey Stanley hit .300 and slugged .500, popping 27 homers and driving in 111 runs. Junkballer Zane Smith went 15-5 with a 2.39 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Fellow southpaw Mickey Mahler went 14-8 despite a bloated 4.66 ERA.

Continental League: The Washington Ambassadors returned to the postseason after a two-year absence, taking the extraordinarily competitive Atlantic Division with 103 wins. All six teams in the Atlantic Division won at least 86 games - a first in HRDL history. Right fielder George Hendrick starred, hitting .304 and slugging .556, blasting 42 longballs, driving in 126 runs and scoring 118 runs. First baseman Lee Stevens hit .285 with 41 homers and drove in 102 runs. Third baseman Willie Jones popped 39 homers and plated 124 runs. Second-year catcher Ryan Doumit had a breakout season, hitting .339 and slugging .590, as he drilled 42 doubles, 24 longballs, and drove in 94 runs. Righthander Andy Benes posted a 15-10 mark with a 4.22 ERA. Franklin Morales went 13-15 despite a 4.02 ERA. Washington featured one of the most dominant bullpens in league history. Closer Guy Cantrell supplanted Chris Short after an early-season injury, and he notched 31 saves with a 1.61 ERA with a 0.88 WHIP. Short was even more dominant, saving 10 games with a 0.86 ERA and 0.80 WHIP in 52 innings - his second straight season with an ERA below 1.00. Cecil Upshaw notched an 11-2 record out of the pen with a 3.75 ERA. The Jacksonville Gulls snapped a six-season postseason drought, wining 96 games, as they scored a best-in-baseball 1012 runs, including a teamwide .298 average and blasting 242 homers. Center fielder Edd Roush won the batting title, hitting .367 with a league-high 247 hits, including 52 doubles, 27 homers, 102 RBI's, 127 runs scored, and 48 steals. Left fielder Beals Becker hit .339 and slugged .640, with 39 doubles, 35 homers, 110 runs scored, and 94 RBI's in just 124 games. Jim Thome and JT Snow blasted 31 round-trippers apiece, with Snow hitting .306 and driving in 122 runs. Lance Davis was the lone bright spot on an otherwise-dreadful pitching staff, which ranked third-from-last in the Continental League, as he went 18-2 with a 3.33 ERA. The Charlotte Aviators returned to the postseason for the first time since 2030, winning 93 games. Shortstop Corey Seager hit .301 with 20 homers and 87 RBI's. Catcher Michael Barrett hit .313 and slugged .497 with 18 round-trippers and drove in 68 runs. Third baseman Wayne Garrett hit .313 with 22 homers and plated 90 runs. On the mound, southpaw Mickey Haefner went 20-6 despite a middling 4.43 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. Bob Ojeda posted a 15-8 mark with a 4.11 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Fireballer Red Ames went just 12-13 despite a 4.05 ERA and 211 strikeouts. The Hartford Huskies won ten of their final fourteen games to sneak into the playoffs with 88 wins. Despite losing two-time MVP Tris Speaker to free agency, the Huskies still finished in the top five in the Continental League in runs scored. First baseman Justin Bour hit .304 with 36 homers and 131 RBI's. DH Irish Meusel pounded 41 homers and plated 112 runs. Right fielder Ron Northey drilled 35 homers and drove in 96 runs. Southpaw Steve Barber notched a 14-11 record with a 3.76 ERA and fanned 190 hitters. Journeyman Frank LaCorte was surprisingly effective, going 10-3 with a 3.31 ERA. The Huskies lapped the New York Emperors, who were in prime position to earn just their third playoff post in franchise history before being eliminated after a 2-8 stretch in the final two weeks. The Emperors set an all-time HRDL record with 300 stolen bases. They were led by right fielder Cliff Floyd, who hit .298 and slugged .548, with 33 homers, 136 RBI's, and 51 steals, and by third baseman David Wright, who hit .290 with 33 homers, 133 RBI's, and 28 steals. Center fielder Johnny Mostil hit .307 with a .419 on-base percentage, including 117 runs scored, 45 doubles, 23 homers, 120 RBI's, and 43 steals. Righthander Corey Kluber led the Emperors with a 17-6 record and a 4.34 ERA.

The Southeast Division was as anemic as the Atlantic was strong. The New Orleans Crawfish won the division title with just 83 wins, the second-worst total for a division champ in HRDL history, and no other team topped 74 wins. Second sacker Jose Altuve hit .344 with 19 homers, 70 RBI's, and 83 runs scored in just 120 games. Left fielder Tommy Davis hit .311, popping 21 longballs, stealing 26 bags, and driving in 75 runs. Catcher Pat Donahue drilled 30 homers and drove in 86 runs. On the mound, ageless Ed Walsh went 14-9 with a 3.49 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Knuckleballer Wilbur Wood went 14-12 with a 3.48 WHIP.

The powerful Austin Mustangs won the Texas Division, leading baseball with 249 homers while winning 88 games. Left fielder Bob Johnson hit .345, with a .448 on-base percentage and .670 slugging percentage, with 45 doubles, 44 homers and 129 RBI's. Right fielder Wally Post hit .323 with 46 jacks and 136 RBI's. First baseman Ernie Banks drilled 34 homers and drove in 84 runs. Second baseman Ryne Sandberg hit .279 with 26 homers, 102 runs scored, and 84 RBI's. Righthander Ed Reulbach led a subpar staff, going 13-5 with a 4.19 ERA.

In the Southwest Division, the Anaheim Antelopes prevailed with 96 wins to make the playoffs for the third straight year. Center fielder Dale Murphy was a short-list MVP candidate, hitting .345 and slugging .651, with 51 doubles, 45 homers and a league-high 165 RBI's. Catcher Ray Fosse hit .311 with 16 homers and 94 RBI's. First baseman Julio Franco hit .292 and scored 125 runs, as he drilled 21 homers and stole 31 bases. Righthander Randy Wells led the Continental League's third-ranked pitching staff, going 18-4 with a 3.49 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Rookie righthander Dave Rozema went 13-11 with a 4.37 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. Southpaw Frank Tanana went just 11-16 with a 4.46 ERA, despite a 1.25 WHIP and 250 strikeouts. The defending champion Los Angeles Kangaroos returned to the playoffs for the seventh time in eight seasons, winning 93 games. DH Johnny Mize hit .287 with a .405 on-base percentage with 40 homers, 132 RBI's, and 114 walks. Third baseman Frank Baker hit .347 and slugged .629, drilling 28 homers and driving in 89 RBI's before rupturing his MCL and missing the final eight weeks of the year. Left fielder Matt Stairs pounded 28 homers and drove in 97 runs. Shortstop Danny Espinosa hit .288 and slugged .477, scoring 118 runs while ripping 45 doubles and 22 homers. Smoky Joe Wood went 10-8 with a 3.40 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP, but tore his labrum in mid-July. Righthander Steve Woodard posted a 14-11 mark with a 4.40 ERA. Closer Greg McMichael was dominant, saving a league-leading 46 games with a 1.41 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP.
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Old 07-08-2019, 04:05 AM   #177
Dukie98
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2038 Playoff Review

Frontier League: The 119-win Buffalo Fighting Elk were heavy favorites against the Ottawa Parliamentarians, who limped into the postseason after blowing the Great Lakes Division title by ending the season in a 4-14 tailspin. As expected, Buffalo dominated the overmatched Parliamentarians, winning four straight games, with only one game decided by less than three runs. Buffalo left fielder Dale Mitchell was named MVP after hitting .500 and slugging 1.000, with 2 homers and 9 RBI's. Second baseman John Knight hit .444 with a homer and 7 runs scored, including a 4-hit, 4-run performance in the clincher. First baseman Don Hurst hit .313, slugging 2 homers and driving in 7 runs. Reliever Mike Naymick had a win and a save in 4 shutout innings, fanning 8. Ottawa was lead by catcher Ron Karkovice, who hit .313 with 3 homers and 5 RBI's in defeat. In the only wild-card series to go the full seven games, the Kansas City Mad Hatters and Seattle Whales alternated wins, with the Mad Hatters prevailing 3-2 in a 16-inning Game 7 finale, with Paul Goldschmidt drawing a bases-loaded walk to plate the winning run. Left fielder Kirk Gibson earned MVP honors after hitting .440 and slugging .880. with 3 homers, 9 RBI's, 5 runs scored, and 2 steals. Right fielder Bernie Carbo hit .387 with a series-high 12 hits, 3 homers, and 6 RBI's. Righthander Paul Derringer was 1-0 with a 1.54 ERA in 11.2 innings. Seattle was led by right fielder Harry Rice, who hit .407 and drove in 2 runs, and by shortstop Mickey Stanley, who hit .280 with 3 homers and 4 RBI's. The Detroit Purple Gang ousted the pesky Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas in six games, holding Pittsburgh to just 15 runs in the series. Third baseman Nolan Arenado took home the hardware after hitting .273 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's. Second baseman Jim Lefebvre hit .304 with a homer and 2 RBI's. Crafty southpaw Scott Olsen went 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA in 12 innings, while Johnny Beazley garnered a crucial Game 4 win, allowing just one run in 6.1 innings. Third baseman Bill Madlock led Pittsburgh, hitting .400 with a stolen base in a losing effort. Marty Bystrom posted a 1-0 mark for Pittsburgh with a 1.35 ERA in 13.1 innings. The Minneapolis Penguins ousted the shorthanded Milwaukee Raccoons in five games, as MVP candidate Larry Walker missed the series with a sprained ankle. Milwaukee scored just nine runs in five games. Penguins catcher Javy Lopez took home MVP honors after hitting .444 with 4 homers and 6 RBI's, while Mike Trout hit .294 and slugged .706, with 2 homers, 3 RBI's, and 2 steals. Righthander Frank Smith dominated, going 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 14 innings, while Tex Pruiett hurled 7.1 shutout innings in Game 4, allowing just 3 hits. Walker's replacement, Dixie Walker, led Milwaukee with a .333 average, a homer, and 3 RBI's.

The Fighting Elk dominated the Mad Hatters in the Division Series, outscoring them 21-8 on their way to another four-game sweep. Buffalo third baseman Eric Chavez was tabbed MVP after hitting .375 with a homer and 4 RBI's, while right fielder Chris Latham hit .300 with a homer, 3 RBI's, and 4 runs scored. Jordan Zimmermann hurled 7 innings of 2-hit ball, yielding just 1 run in a Game 2 victory, while Triple Crown-winner Don Wilson yielded one run in seven innings in a Game 1 no-decision. None of the Mad Hatters starters hit over .250 or drove in more than 2 runs in the series. Reliever Grant Roberts hurled 4.2 shutout innings, yielding just one baserunner. The Detroit Fighting Elk earned a position in the League Championship Series for the first time in 13 playoff appearances, ousting the Minneapolis Penguins in 6 games. Detroit right fielder Sherry Magee added a MVP trophy to his Hall of Fame resume by hitting .481 with 13 hits, 2 homers, 5 RBI's, 7 runs scored, and 2 steals. First baseman Gail Hopkins hit .375 with 2 homers and 7 RBI's, and third baseman Nolan Arenado hit .364, slugged .818, and pounded 3 homers with 6 RBI's. Righthander Art Mahaffey went 1-0 with a 2.92 ERA, while relievers Turk Wendell and Mike Parrott combined for eight hitless innings. Javy Lopez continued his dominant postseason for the Penguins, hitting .360 with 3 homers and 9 RBI's, while ace Jose Rijo went 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings. In the League Championship Series, Buffalo took the first three games - extending its postseason mark to 11-0 - before finally dropping a game, on its way to eliminating Detroit in five games. Second baseman John Knight took MVP honors after hitting .571 with 12 hits, including 5 doubles, 5 runs scored, and 2 RBI's. Center fielder Tris Speaker hit .348 with 3 doubles, 2 homers, 8 RBI's, and 7 runs scored. First baseman Don Hurst popped 2 homers and drove in 6 runs. Buffalo's bullpen dominated, as Gregg Olson, Jose Lima, and Bob Chakales yielded just 4 hits in 11.1 shutout innings, combining for 2 wins. Left fielder Rafael Palmeiro and first baseman Gail Hopkins each popped a pair of longballs for Detroit, and Palmeiro plated six runs in a losing effort.

Continental League: The 103-win Washington Ambassadors outlasted the Hartford Huskies in six games. First baseman Lee Stevens was named MVP, leading Washington with a .375 average, 2 homers and 7 RBI's. Center fielder Andre Ethier hit .300 and slugged .500, popping a homer and driving in 6 runs. Righthander Jeff Tesreau earned a win in the decisive Game 6, yielding a 2.19 ERA in 12.1 innings. First baseman Justin Bour led Hartford, hitting .280 with 3 homers and 4 RBI's in a losing effort, while Chris Carpenter split two decisions, yielding a 1.50 ERA while fanning 16 batters in 12 innings. The Jacksonville Gulls, returning to the postseason for the first time in seven years, dropped the first two games to the New Orleans Crawfish before sweeping the final four games; New Orleans scored 41 runs in six games in a losing effort. Jacksonville right fielder George Harper took home the MVP trophy after hitting .385 with a walk-off homer in Game 5 and 9 RBI's. Center fielder Edd Roush hit .526 with 5 runs scored and 4 steals before suffering an arm injury. First baseman JT Snow hit .381 with 2 homers and 7 RBI's. Weldon Henley had one of the few bright spots for the Gulls' pitching staff, earning the win in Game 3, allowing just one run in seven innings. Catcher Pat Donahue led New Orleans with 3 homers and 8 RBI's, while left fielder Tommy Davis hit .481 with a homer, 5 RBI's, 8 runs scored, and 4 extra-base hits. The defending-champion Los Angeles Kangaroos upended the hard-hitting Austin Mustangs by a single run in Games 1 and 2, but Austin took the final four, scoring 8 runs in Games 4, 5, and 6. Austin second sacker Ryne Sandberg earned MVP honors after hitting .455 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's. Third baseman Hans Lobert hit .357 with 3 homers and 9 RBI's, and catcher Keith Moreland and right fielder Ernie Banks each smacked three longballs apiece and drove in a combined 13 runs. Red Ruffing threw 8 shutout innings in Game 4, allowing just 3 hits, while Ed Reulbach won the decisive Game 6, posting a 2.08 ERA in 13 innings. Los Angeles center fielder Adam Jones hit .478 with 4 RBI's in a losing effort. After dropping Game 1 to the Anaheim Antelopes, the Charlotte Aviators stormed back to take the next four games. Left fielder Dick Wakefield was named MVP after hitting .500 and slugging .833 with a homer, 3 doubles, and 4 RBI's. Eight separate Aviators homered in the series. Third baseman Wayne Garrett hit .316 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Ray Narleski earned two wins in relief, as Charlotte's bullpen yielded just two runs in 15.2 innings. Center fielder Dale Murphy led Anaheim, hitting .300 with a homer and 6 RBI's in defeat.

In the Division Series, Washington edged Jacksonville in seven games, winning Game 7 on a walk-off homer by third baseman Willie Jones. Catcher Ryan Doumit led Washington, hitting .333 with 3 homers and 12 RBI's. Center fielder Andre Ethier hit .367 with a round-tripper, 3 RBI's, and 4 runs scored. Jones had just 5 hits in 27 at bats, but three of them were longballs, and he drove in six runs. Relievers Chris Short and Guy Cantrell combined for 2 wins, 11 strikeouts, and a 1.00 ERA in 9 innings.
Jacksonville shortstop Robin Yount took home MVP honors in a losing effort, however, hitting .633 with an incredible 1.167 slugging percentage, with an incredible 19 hits -- including three 4-hit games -- 7 doubles, 3 homers, 8 runs scored and 11 RBI's. Yount set a playoff record with 4 doubles in a Game 5 victory. Austin dispatched Charlotte in 5 games, holding the Aviators to just 12 runs in 5 games. MVP Ernie Banks led Austin, hitting .300 with 4 homers and 12 RBI's. Second baseman Ryne Sandberg hit .333 with 2 homers and 5 RBI's. Right fielder Wally Post hit .412 with 3 doubles, 4 runs scored, and 3 RBI's. Righthander Willie Adams went 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings. Right fielder Delmon Young popped 2 homers and drove in 4 runs for Charlotte. In the League Championship Series, Washington nearly blew a 3-1 lead, but held on for a wild 9-7 win in Game 7. Catcher Ryan Doumit took home MVP honors, hitting .464 and slugging .750, with 2 homers and 5 RBI's. First baseman Lee Stevens hit .333 and slugged .704, popping 3 round-trippers and plating 12 runs. Second baseman Danny Murtaugh hit .433 with 13 hits, scoring 5 runs and driving in a pair. Jeff Tesreau earned a Game 4 win, yielding just 1 run in 7 innings, while Franklin Morales split 2 decisions with a 1.35 ERA in 13.1 innings. Austin DH Jimmie Foxx hit .321 with 3 homers and 7 RBI's in a losing effort, and Ernie Banks popped 3 solo homers.

World Series: The World Series was a matchup of the two 100-win teams in baseball- the heavily-favored 119-win Buffalo Fighting Elk and the 103-win Washington Ambassadors. While Buffalo raced through the Frontier League with a 12-1 record in the first three rounds, Washington went the distance in its last two series. Buffalo jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead before Washington evened the score, but Buffalo romped in Game 5 and won Game 6 comfortably, taking the series in six games.

Buffalo came from behind in Game 1 to win 9-3, scoring 7 runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Washington starter Jeff Tesreau departed with a 3-2 lead, but instead of turning to relief aces Chris Short or Guy Cantrell, the Ambassadors called on Chris Leroux, Cecil Upshaw, and Joe Price, in the fateful seventh inning, who surrendered homers to Buffalo's Tris Speaker, Eric Chavez, and John Knight. Knight led Buffalo with 2 hits and 3 RBI's. Right fielder George Hendrick popped a two-run homer for Washington. Buffalo dominated Game 2, 10-0, as Don Wilson hurled a 3-hit shutout, fanning 7. Chavez went 4-for-5, with another homer, 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI's. Don Hurst homered and drove in two runs for Buffalo. Washington's Chris Haney got blasted for 8 earned runs in 3.1 innings. Washington stormed back in Game 3, however, prevailing 5-1. Franklin Morales outdueled veteran Brett Oberholtzer, allowing one run in 6 innings. Catcher Ryan Doumit led Washington with 3 hits, including a homer and 2 RBI's; Lee Stevens and Willie Jones also homered for the Ambassadors. Although four Fighting Elk had multiple hits, Buffalo garnered zero extra-base hits for the game.

Washington squared the series with a 5-4 win in Game 4, as Willie Jones hit 2 homers, including a 2-run blast in the bottom of the eighth to give the Ambassadors the lead for good. Les Teitje yielded just one run in 5 innings, and DH Lou Novikoff popped 3 hits, including a double. Hurst led Buffalo with 2 hits and drove in a run, while left fielder Dale Mitchell had a two-run triple. Buffalo seized control of the series in Game 5, romping to a 14-0 victory. DH Ryan Thompson starred, popping 2 homers and driving in 6 runs -- exceeding his season totals in each category. Buffalo drilled 7 doubles in addition to 3 homers. Chavez had 3 hits, including 2 doubles, and drove in 3 runs. Jordan Zimmermann hurled a 4-hit shutout, fanning nine. Buffalo clinched the series in Game 6, prevailing 5-2 behind another dominant outing from Don Wilson, who yielded one run in 7 innings. Center fielder Tris Speaker had 2 hits, including a solo homer, while catcher Hal Wagner drove in 2 runs. George Hendrick led Washington, popping a double and a triple, and driving in a run.

In a controversial decision. Chavez was named MVP, after hitting .462 with a series-high 12 hits, including 2 homers and 8 RBI's. But Wilson went 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA, allowing just 7 hits in 16 innings with 15 strikeouts. Speaker and Knight hit .304 and .296, respectively, with 2 homers apiece and a combined 11 RBI's. Willie Jones led Washington, hitting .300 and slugging .750 with 3 homers and 4 RBI's.
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Old 07-10-2019, 02:00 AM   #178
Dukie98
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2038 Awards Winners

Frontier League MVP- Tris Speaker, CF, BUF (43): .374/ .471/ .712, 226 hits, 57 doubles, 8 triples, 44 HR, 137 RBI, 166 runs, 109 BB, 64 SB, +22.3 Zone Rating, 215 OPS+, 14.5 WAR
Second place- Larry Walker, RF, MIL (1): .407/ .504/ .814, 197 hits, 51 doubles, 4 triples, 46 HR, 121 RBI, 117 runs, 87 BB, 37 SB, +12.6 Zone Rating, 241 OPS+, 12.0 WAR
Third place- Don Wilson, RHP, BUF (4): 22-5, 1.79 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 267 IP, 283 K, 59 BB, 9 CG, 2 shutouts, 235 ERA+, 10.0 WAR
Fourth place- Al Oliver, CF, CIN: .384/ .428/ .641, 246 hits, 60 doubles, 6 triples, 31 HR, 120 RBI, 121 runs, 31 BB, 9 SB, +8.5 Zone Rating, 178 OPS+, 10.6 WAR
Fifth place- Mike Trout, CF, MIN: .320/ .411/ .580, 198 hits, 41 doubles, 9 triples, 34 HR, 95 RBI, 149 runs, 92 BB, 62 SB, +29.6 Zone Rating, 159 OPS+, 11.8 WAR

Frontier League Cy Young Award- Don Wilson, BUF (48): 22-5, 1.79 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 267 IP, 283 K, 59 BB, 9 CG, 2 shutouts, 235 ERA+, 10.0 WAR
Second place- Jose Rijo, MIN: 15-12, 2.44 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 188 IP, 224 K, 50 BB, 1 CG, 177 ERA+, 6.7 WAR
Third place- Jack Coombs, MON: 19-7, 3.00 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 261 IP, 238 K, 88 BB, 3 CG, 2 shutouts, 143 ERA+, 7.5 WAR
Fourth place- Randy Johnson, BAL: 17-8, 2.98 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 238 IP, 279 K, 80 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 144 ERA+, 5.8 WAR
Fifth place- Zane Smith, SEA: 15-5, 2.39 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 211 IP, 118 K, 46 BB, 180 ERA+, 5.3 WAR

Frontier League Rookie of the Year- David Price, LHP, CIN (40): 10-11, 2.90 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 211 IP, 201 K, 69 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 149 ERA+, 5.0 WAR
Second place- Bob Boone, C, DEN (6): .295/ .351/ .507, 131 hits, 24 doubles, 2 triples, 22 HR, 65 RBI, 64 runs, 40 BB, 2 SB, 120 OPS+, 3.9 WAR
Third place- Elijah Dukes, RF, STL (2): .253/ .360/ .459, 151 hits, 27 doubles, 9 triples, 26 HR, 93 RBI, 77 runs, 91 BB, 22 SB, 115 OPS+, 3.9 WAR

Continental League MVP- Dale Murphy, CF, ANA (44): .345/ .434/ .651, 212 hits, 51 doubles, 1 triple, 45 HR, 165 RBI, 118 runs, 99 BB, 23 SB, 182 OPS+, 10.3 WAR
Second place- Bob Johnson, LF, AUS: .345/ .448/ .670, 194 hits, 45 doubles, 3 triples, 44 HR, 129 RBI, 120 runs, 108 BB, 5 SB, 189 OPS+, 10.0 WAR
Third place- Clayton Kershaw, LHP, MEM (4): 23-8, 1.94 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 255 IP, 342 K, 43 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 244 ERA+, 12.7 WAR
Fourth place- Edd Roush, CF, JAX: .367/ .414/ .568, 247 hits, 52 doubles, 1 triple, 27 HR, 102 RBI, 127 runs, 53 BB, 48 SB, +15.3 Zone Rating, 151 OPS+, 10.0 WAR
Fifth place- Wally Post, RF, AUS: .323/ .365/ .610, 206 hits, 41 doubles, 2 triples, 46 HR, 136 RBI, 115 runs, 43 BB, 150 OPS+, 6.8 WAR

Continental League Cy Young Award- Clayton Kershaw, MEM (48): 23-8, 1.94 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 255 IP, 342 K, 43 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 244 ERA+, 12.7 WAR
Second place- Mark Prior, NAS: 17-8, 1.91 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 255 IP, 300 K, 65 BB, 2 CG, 232 ERA+, 9.3 WAR
Third place- Herb Score, NAS: 8-17, 2.59 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 212 IP, 297 K, 96 BB, 2 CG, 171 ERA+, 7.4 WAR
Fourth place- Hub Pruett, SA: 11-9, 2.46 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 194 IP, 200 K, 62 BB, 183 ERA+, 5.9 WAR
Fifth place- Greg McMichael, LA: 4-5, 46 saves, 1.41 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 90 IP, 85 K, 21 BB, 337 ERA+, 3.6 WAR

Continental League Rookie of the Year- Mike Schmidt, 3B, VB (41): .250/ .383/ .508, 145 hits, 31 doubles, 1 triple, 39 HR, 101 RBI, 122 runs, 105 BB, 9 SB, 131 OPS+, 6.0 WAR
Second place- Geoff Jenkins, RF, DAL: .292/ .357/ .495, 174 hits, 41 doubles, 1 triple, 26 HR, 114 RBI, 84 runs, 55 BB, 2 SB, 122 OPS+, 3.8 WAR
Third place- Ernesto Frieri, RHP, OKC (7): 7-3, 32 saves, 1.68 ERA, 64 IP, 84 K, 21 BB, 288 ERA+, 2.5 WAR

Top draft picks: 1. Walter Johnson, RHP, Calgary Cattle Rustlers
2. Harry Heilmann, RF, London Werewolves
3. Jose DeLeon, RHP, Cleveland Rocks
4. Scott Rolen, 3B, Birmingham Steelers
5. Charlie Gehringer, 2B, St. Louis Pilots
6. Tim Belcher, RHP, Toronto Predators
7. Todd Hundley, C, Houston Pythons
8. Willie Stargell, LF, Denver Spikes
9. Mel Parnell, LHP, Atlanta Ducks
10. Ted Kluszewski, 1B, Nashville Blues

Last edited by Dukie98; 07-15-2019 at 03:31 AM.
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Old 07-12-2019, 03:28 AM   #179
Dukie98
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2038 Hall of Fame Voting

Once again, players in their first year of eligiblity dominated the Hall of Fame voting, while holdovers from prior years barely budged. Three first-time nominees were inducted, all by comfortable margins. 281-game winner John Montefusco, who won three Cy Young Awards for three different teams, was tabbed with 97.5% of the vote. Shortstop Jean Segura, who topped 3,000 hits while stealing 684 bases, earned 91.8% Left fielder Gary Matthews, who pounded 506 career homers while rapping 3,325 hits, was named on 84.0% of the ballots.

Montefusco was drafted #1 overall by the St. Louis Pilots following the 2017 season. He was voted runner-up in the 2018 Rookie of the Year voting, after going 12-14 with a 2.84 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP, and 214 strikeouts. The following year, he made the first of his eight All-Star teams, posting a 2.28 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP despite a hard-luck 11-14 record. In 2021, Montefusco finally topped .500, going 19-10 with a 2.75 ERA and 224 strikeouts. The following year, Montefusco finished third in the Cy Young voting, going 16-10 with a 2.34 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. In 2023, he won the Cy Young Award, going 21-9 with a 2.40 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP and 226 strikeouts. Two years later, he was even better, finishing 2nd in the Cy Young voting and 3rd in the MVP voting after going 18-9 with a career-best 2.11 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP. Over the following four years, he posted 66 wins with three more sub-3.00 ERA's. After a slow start in 2030, Montefusco was unexpectedly traded by St. Louis to the Vancouver Viceroys- and he caught fire, going 19-4 with Vancouver. He won his second Cy Young Award that season, and to date, remains the only pitcher to win the award in a season in which he played for two teams. He finished 2030 with a 20-7 record, a 2.91 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP, and allowed an incredible 4 homers in 257 innings while leading the Frontier League with 9.8 WAR. Montefusco signed with the Atlanta Ducks as a free agent, and after two solid seasons where he won 33 games, he caught lightning in a bottle once again, going 23-3 in 2033 with a 2.44 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and 208 strikeouts. He finished his career with two seasons with the New Orleans Crawfish, and retired with a career record of 281-199, a 3.01 ERA, 3563 strikeouts, and 127.2 WAR., ranking 5th all-time in wins, 3rd in innings, 6th in strikeouts, and 6th in WAR. Montefusco made 8 All-Star teams in his career. He also posted a 7-8 career postseason mark with a 3.85 ERA.

Segura was drafted 12th overall by the New Orleans Crawfish in 2019. He won the Continental League Rookie of the Year award in 2020, after batting .331 and slugging .451, with a league-leading 18 triples, 98 runs scored, and 31 steals. Two years later, he hit .323 while slugging .487, leading the league again with 11 triples while driving 19 homers and plating 95 runs. In 2023, Segura hit .340 and slugged .538, leading the league with 230 hits, while popping 15 triples, 27 homers, 101 RBI's, 120 runs scored, and 75 steals. In 2025, he finished second in the MVP voting after winning the batting title by hitting .346 with a league-high 232 hits, with 19 homers, 79 RBI's, 93 steals, and a league-best 131 runs scored. In each of the next two years, Segura again led the Continental League in both hits and triples, smacking 18 three-baggers each season, while stealing over 60 bases each season, and finished second in the MVP voting once again in 2026 He hit .334 in 2029, smacking a 41 doubles while popping 13 homers and scoring 121 runs while swiping 44 bags. He remained productive offensively, hitting .316 and slugging .517 with 73 extra-base hits in 2033, including 23 homers, while driving in 89 runs. After slowing down defensively the following year, Segura jumped to the Buffalo Fighting Elk in 2035, where he hit .319 in a part-time role, and topped the 3,000 hit mark before retiring. For his career, he hit .318 with a .472 slugging percentage, including 3044 hits, 442 doubles, 181 triples, 221 homers, 1480 runs scored, 684 steals, and 79.1 WAR. Segura made five All-Star teams and won four Silver Slugger awards. He led the Continental League in hits four times between 2023-27, and in triples seven times in his first eight seasons. At the time of his induction, he ranked 4th all-time in triples and 19th in steals. In 78 career postseason games, he hit .293 with 43 runs scored and 28 steals.

Matthews was drafted 13th overall by the Nashville Blues in 2015. He was immediately productive as a rookie, hitting .294 with 20 homers, 77 RBI's, 93 runs scored, and 37 steals in 2016. Two years later, he made the first of seven All-Star teams, hitting .314 and slugging .542 with 31 homers, 94 RBI's, and 94 runs scored, while finishing third in the MVP voting.. He followed that up by hitting .295 with 35 homers, 102 RBI's, 101 runs scored, and 29 steals, and earned another third place finish in the MVP balloting in 2020 after hitting .323 with a .395 on-base percentage, with 25 homers, 96 RBI's, and 106 runs scored. After hitting .299 and slugging "just" .498 the following season while leading the Blues to a World Series title, he jumped to the Los Angeles Kangaroos in free agency. Matthews was remarkably consistent for Los Angeles, hitting over .280 and drilling between 26 and 33 homers in each of his first six years. He won the 2025 MVP award, hitting .345 with a .426 on-base percentage and a league-leading .580 slugging percentage, with 33 homers, 122 RBI's, and 33 steals. Matthews followed that up with back-to-back seasons of 29 homers and 120 RBI's apiece. He continued to be productive into his late 30's, popping 36 homers and driving in 107 runs in 2032, and hitting .313 with 26 homers and 96 RBI's the next year at age 37, Matthews spent his final season with the Anaheim Antelopes, popping 20 homers and driving in 92 runs. For his career, Matthews hit .295 with an on-base percentage of .381 and a .495 slugging percentage. Smacking 3325 hits, he also drilled 462 doubles and 506 homers, while driving in 1869 runs and scoring 1857, and swiping 376 bags. Matthews earned 108.0 WAR over the course of his storied career. At the time of his induction, he ranked 10th all-time in hits, 7th in RBI's, and 8th in runs scored. He made seven All-Star teams and won four Silver Slugger Awards. Matthews was a terrific postseason player, winning five postseason series MVP awards, including the 2021 World Series MVP after hitting .348 and slugging .648 with a homer and 5 RBI's. For his career, he hit .305 and slugged .547 with 25 homers and 73 RBI's in 115 postseason games. In 2033, at age 37, he hit .394 with 8 postseason homers and 18 RBI's while leading the Kangaroos to another World Series appearance.

The leading vote recipients include:

John Montefusco, RHP, STL/ VAN/ ATL/ NOR: 97.5%
Jean Segura, SS, NOR/ BUF: 91.8%
Gary Matthews, Sr., NAS/ LA/ ANA: 84.0%
George Altman, CF, WAS/ TOR/ CHI: 71.9%
Kirby Puckett, CF, HOU/ CAL/ PHI: 66.9%
Elston Howard, C, MTL/ LA: 58.7%
Larry Parrish, 3B, ANA/ CHA: 56.2%
Trevor Story, SS, LA/ CHA/ ATL/ MIL: 50.2%
Bernie Friberg, 2B, OKC/ DEN/ WAS: 47.7%
Gil Hodges, 1B, VAN/ ELP/ OMA: 45.6%
High Pockets Kelly, RF, TOR/ JAX: 45.2%
Aroldis Chapman, RHP, OTT/ WAS/ POR: 43.4%

Noteworthy players who fell off the ballot include 210-game winner Dave Ferriss, whose eligiblity expired after 10 years despite previously peaking at 59% of the vote, six-time All-Star Hack Miller, six-time Gold Glove catcher Benito Santiago, 389-homer hitter Bobby Bonds, five-time All-Star closer Bob Veale, and 3000 hit club members Orlando Cepeda and Rube Oldring.

Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers:
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Old 07-14-2019, 03:31 AM   #180
Dukie98
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2039 Mid-Year Review

Here are some of the major storylines across the league at the 2039 All-Star Break:

Exceeding expectations: The Toronto Predators, coming off a 67-win season, looked to snap a ten-year postseason drought, as they entered the break with a 3-game lead in the Great Lakes Division with a 40-34 record. Right fielder Chuck Klein starred, hitting .347 and slugging .641 with 19 homers and 65 RBI's. Catcher Bill Sarni came out of nowhere to hit .355 with 12 homers and 37 RBI's. Third baseman Garrett Atkins hit .302 with 10 round-trippers and 36 RBI's. Rookie righthander Tim Belcher led a middling pitching staff, going 6-3 with a 2.33 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and 95 strikeouts. Ron Klimkowski posted 19 saves with a 2.25 ERA. The Portland Skunks rebounded from three straight seasons under .500 to post a 46-27 first-half record and take a seven-game lead in the Northwest Division. Eight players bopped double-digit homers, as the Skunks ranked second in the Frontier League. Third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo hit .337 with 15 homers and 54 RBI's. Left fielder Mike Easler hit at a .331 clip with 16 longballs and drove in 60 runs. Rookie first baseman Hank Blalock hit .292, ripping 12 homers and driving in 43 runs. On the mound, southpaw Steve Avery went 8-4 with a 2.69 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. Roger Wolff took an 11-2 record and a 3.78 ERA into the break.

In the Continental League, the Nashville Blues looked poised to snap a nine-year streak without clearing .500, which included 5 straight seasons below 60 wins. The Blues led the Southeast Division for much of the first half, and took a 41-31 record into the break. Left fielder Jim Greengrass hit .273 and slugged .521 with 17 homers and 59 RBI's. Rookie first baseman Ted Kluszewski hit .285 with 14 jacks and drove in 44 runs. Once again, the Blues' pitching staff dominated, as Mark Prior went 10-3 with a 2.19 ERA, a microscopic 0.83 WHIP, and 141 strikeouts. Southpaw Herb Score rebounded from last year's hard-luck 8-17 campaign to post a 9-5 record with a 2.15 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts. Ron Guidry notched 17 saves and a 2.02 ERA. The San Diego Zookeepers were perhaps the biggest surprise in baseball, going 45-29 after winning just 75 games last year. San Diego posted an unexpectedly potent offense, led by first baseman Dick Burrus, who hit .365 with 26 doubles, 6 homers, 48 RBI's, and 56 runs scored. Journeyman right fielder Mike Vail hit .332 and slugged .542, popping 9 homers and driving in 62 runs. Second sacker Luis Aguayo bopped 15 homers and drove in 57 runs. Righthander Rick Porcello posted an 8-3 record with a 3.57 ERA. Russ Christopher sported a matching 8-3 record with a stellar 2.27 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, but underwent season-ending elbow surgery in early June.

Disappointments: The Ottawa Parliamentarians' streak of four straight postseason appearances was in jeopardy after a 32-42 half. Ottawa ended the half with one of the lowest-scoring offenses in the Frontier League, despite finishing in the top five in homers, as their teamwide on-base percentage ranked dead last in the league at .306. Frank Thomas was the lone bright spot offensively, hitting .317 with 24 homers and 58 RBI's. But right fielder Charlie Blackmon missed the entire first half with a broken elbow, and his return was in doubt. Catcher Ron Karkovice hit just .229, with 12 longballs and 33 RBI's. Shortstop Tim Anderson managed to end the half with a lower on-base percentage than batting average, hitting just .267 while posting a .263 on-base percentage, posting an embarrassing 33-0 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 42 games. On the mound, Dick Weik saw his ERA spike by two and a half runs per game, going 2-8 with a 5.83 ERA, while Gary Serum, a 12-game winner a year ago, went just 3-6 with a 5.18 ERA. The Seattle Whales' streak of eight straight postseason appearances was jeopardized by a 36-38 half, where they ended in fourth place, 10 1/2 games out of first place. Seattle's offense tailed off badly, ranking 19th in the Frontier League at the break. Leadoff hitter Roy White hit just .252 with a subpar .309 on-base percentage. Free agent signee George Hendrick dropped 40 points of batting average and 100 points in slugging percentage, hitting a middling .267 with 15 homers and 49 RBIs. Shortstop Mickey Stanley, an All-Star last season with a .300 average and 111 RBI's, hit just .257 with 4 homers and 16 RBI's, while catcher David Ross hit just .197 and slugged .303, with 4 round-trippers and 13 RBI's. Free agent signee Jack Coombs, who finished in the top three of the Cy Young Award voting three years running, went just 6-7 with a mediocre 4.41 ERA. Zane Smith, who finished fifth in the Cy Young voting last season, went just 2-2 with a 4.55 ERA.

In the Continental League, the Austin Mustangs were a popular preseason pick, after adding Smoky Joe Wood and closer Billy Loes in free agency to a team that made the League Championship Series last season. But Austin ended the first half at 37-37, tied for third in the Texas Division behind El Paso. Austin's explosive offense ended the first half ranked just 10th in the league in runs scored. Left fielder Bob Johnson, the runner-up for the MVP last season, dropped off from a .345 average with a .670 slugging percentage to a .289 mark with a .586 slugging percentage. Right fielder Wally Post declined from a .323 average with a league-leading 46 homers to just .243 with 15 homers and a modest .449 slugging percentage. On the mound, Wood was solid, but hardly dominant, going 6-2 with a 3.68 ERA and 1.31 WHIP, both of which would be career-worst marks. Rene Arocha's ERA spiked by over two runs per game, going 1-5 with a 6.75 ERA and a bloated 1.74 WHIP, while Blix Donnelly managed to go 4-6 despite a 6.43 ERA and an embarrassing 1.90 WHIP. The Los Angeles Kangaroos ended the first half with a disappointing 32-42 record, on target for the worst winning percentage in franchise history, and their streak of four straight playoff appearances was at risk. Los Angeles got off to an awful start, bumbling to a 2-11 start and sporting a 9-21 mark in early May. Third baseman Frank Baker, recovering from a torn MCL, missed the first eight weeks of the season; upon his return, he hit .313 with a .485 slugging percentage, which would be the lowest of his career. DH Johnny Mize had a disappointing half, hitting just .225 and slugging .404, while hitting just 10 homers and 43 RBI's - a far cry from last season's 40 homers and 132 RBI's. But the Kangaroos really struggled with their pitching. Ricky Romero went just 3-8 with a 5.98 ERA, and second-year Hayden Penn was atrocious, going 1-8 with a 13.99 ERA and a 2.96 WHIP -- those are not misprints.

Runaway Buffalo: The defending champion Buffalo Fighting Elk, winners of 119 games last season, expected to coast to another division title, but the path proved somewhat more difficult than expected. Buffalo sputtered to an 11-10 start before gradually pulling away, ending the half with a 51-23 mark. But other than second baseman John Knight and free agent signee Merv Rettenmund, many of Buffalo's key players put forth mildly disappointing performances. Defending MVP Tris Speaker took a step back, hitting .309 with 12 homers, but posted an on-base percentage nearly 60 points lower than last year, with his slugging percentage declining from .712 to .538. Third baseman Eric Chavez stumbled to hit just .221 with 14 homers, seeing his slugging percentage decline from .600 to .413. Third-year shortstop Rico Petrocelli declined from 19 longballs to just 2. On the mound, Don Wilson was still strong, but no longer an MVP candidate, going 9-4 with a 3.12 ERA, which would be his highest since 2033. Nonetheless, Buffalo was in strong shape for the postseason, taking a 9-game lead into the break.

Streaking Mules: The Chicago Mules had an up-and-down season which gave their fans whiplash. After starting the season 0-3, they ripped off a 20-7 stretch, including winning 14 of 15 at one point. But after starting May in first place, the Mules then dropped 22 of 30 -- only to snap that slump by winning six straight. Overall, the Mules ended the half in fourth place in the Great Plains Division, 11 games behind Minneapolis. They were led by veteran slugger Minnie Minoso, who hit .319 with 26 homers, and drove in 60 runs.

Weekend of Doom: In a two-day span, significant injuries felled three major stars. Detroit third baseman Nolan Arenado, leading the Frontier League in batting average, broke his hand and was knocked out for six weeks. Memphis ace Clayton Kershaw pulled his groin and was sidelined for eight weeks. Birmingham center fielder Willie Mays saw his breakout season stalled by a pulled hamstring, which knocked out of commission for six weeks.

Major Injuries: Anaheim second baseman Rougned Odor, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, broke his ankle in late May and would be sidelined until late September. Atlanta first baseman Dots Miller tore his ACL in spring training, knocking him out for the season. Baltimore southpaw Randy Johnson strained his hamstring in mid-May, and would not be back until August. Cincinnati rookie righthander Larry Dierker tore his rotator cuff in June and would likely miss the season. Detroit righthander Hank Borowy suffered a season-ending labrum tear in early May. Oklahoma City hurler Jason Bere ended his season prematurely with a labrum tear, while teammate Bob Ewing suffered a nerve injury that would sideline him for four months. Washington center fielder Johnny Groth suffered a concussion in late April after being beaned, and it was feared that he would miss the season.

Major milestones: Chicago left fielder Minnie Minoso joined the 500-homer club in his first week with the club, while Houston catcher Tex Erwin smacked his 500th homer in the final game before the All-Star break. Albuquerque first baseman George Brett, Austin second baseman Ryne Sandberg, Washington third baseman Willie Jones, and New Orleans first baseman Eddie Murray each joined the 400-homer club. Charlotte shortstop Corey Seager, Miami right fielder Frank Robinson, Atlanta second baseman Roberto Alomar, and Chicago first baseman Mark Grace each popped their 2,500th career hits. Brett and Sandberg each had an outside chance of notching their 3,000th hits before year's end. Detroit right fielder Sherry Magee would likely hit his 600th career homer by year's end, and Omaha second baseman Francisco Lindor would likely pound his 550th homer before the end of July. Kansas City third baseman Manny Machado and Los Angeles third baseman Frank Baker were each likely to hit their 500th homers before July 4. On the mound, Austin righthander Smoky Joe Wood was likely to hit 4,000 strikeouts before the end of July.

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