ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Thursday, October 11, 2046

2046 IPA PRO CUP FINAL SERIES - Game 5

TWARDZIK TAMES HELLCATS 3-2, VIPERS UP 3-2
After dropping two of the first three games to favored Hartsdale in the IPA Pro Cup Finals, Valmara has turned it around with two straight triumphs to take a surprising three games to two edge in the series... in game five at War Memorial Stadium in Valmara, rock-solid left-hander Teddy Twardzik (4-1/2.45) went the distance and tamed the Hellcats 3-2... he limited them to two runs on six hits, struck out 10 and issued two bases on balls... Twardzik led the Vipers to the IPA title three years ago... homers by Jimmy Logan and Jacek Prusak gave the Vipers today's victory... Logan (.250) slugged a two-run shot in the second and Prusak snapped a 2-2 deadlock with a solo smash in the last of the seventh... Prusak now has five postseason roundtrippers and 10 RBIs... all Valmara needs is one victory in game six or seven to cop another Pro Cup trophy... if needed, the last two games will be played in Hartsdale... the Hellcats are 6-2 in the playoffs at Pioneer Park, while the Vipers are only 3-5 out-of-town.

Hellcat hurler Kippy Wilhelm (3-1/2.55) also pitched the entire game, surrendering only three runs and six hits in losing his first game of the playoffs... he walked five and fanned 10... Valmara won despite committing four errors, yet only one of the Hellcat runs was unearned.

CF Don Ritchie (.357) and RF Jimmy Logan (.294) topped the Vipers at the plate with two hits each... RF Emilian Burgess (.278) paced the Hellcats with two hits... Burgess tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by 3B Greg Melton (.338) in the fourth to cut the Viper lead to to 2-1... pinchhitter Sammy Rayford (.125) singled with the bases loaded in the seventh to tie it up at 2 apiece.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Friday, October 12, 2046

2046 IPA PRO CUP FINAL SERIES - Game 6

GIVENS GREAT, BLANKS VIPERS 5-0, FORCES 7TH GAME
It can't get any better than this... game seven is on the Pro Cup horizon after Perry Givens fired a 5-0 gem in game six to whip the Valmara Vipers at Pioneer Park in Hartsdale and even the IPA Pro Cup Finals at three games each... in a sharp performance Givens (1-1/2.76) blanked the Vipers on seven hits for the crucial win, whiffing eight batters and walking only one in his seven innings... Alfonso Cervera (0-2/1.42/3 saves) was even better as he slammed the door on the Vipers in the eighth and ninth frames, retiring all six batters he faced for his third save of the postseason... in a surprise start portsider Gordon White (0-1/3.27) did a fair job, yielding five runs and seven hits, while going the route... normally working out of the bullpen, White fanned four and walked two... this was White's first start in this year's playoffs.

Hartsdale didn't get a lot of hits, but they made them count... RF Emilian Burgess (.289) socked a homer and a double, scored three times and batted in two to lead the Hellcats... SS Robinson Alomar (.329) picked up two hits and 2 RBIs... Alomar now has 21 runs batted in for the playoffs and is within striking distance of the IPA record set by Southport's Barney Lewis in 2044 with 23... SS Anton Dacko (.254) and 3B Jose Vargas (.273) cracked two hits each for the Vipers.

Hartsdale will be going for its first ever Pro Cup crown tomorrow afternoon, while Valmara will be seeking its third... both clubs have their aces poised for victory... it will be right-hander Gil Younger (28-9/2.54) on the hill for the Hellcats, opposed by southpaw Primo Sirak (24-8/1.96) for the Vipers... Younger (4-3/3.44) took game one 5-1 with Sirak (5-2/2.04) getting revenge in game four 7-3... in the playoffs Hartsdale has posted an excellent 7-2 mark at home and Valmara has floundered at 3-6 on the road... it will be an uphill battle for the unheralded Vipers.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Saturday, October 13, 2046

2046 IPA PRO CUP FINAL SERIES - Game 7

HELLCATS HAUL IN FIRST PRO CUP
Staked to a 4-0 lead in the first inning Gil Younger made it stand up as Hartsdale wrapped up its first Pro Cup title with a 4-1 win over Valmara in game seven of the IPA championship series at Pioneer Park... Younger (5-3/3.09) hurled nine sharp innings, stopping the Vipers on just five hits and one run, posting five Ks and walking three... the batting heroes for the Hellcats were Frank Penn (.293) and Myrt Breland (.292), who drove in a pair of runs each in the opening inning salvo, sending Primo Sirak (5-3/2.07) down to defeat, even though he only allowed two earned runs and five hits... Sirak went the distance, fanned six and walked four.

Hartsdale got great pitching at home from Perry Givens in game six and Younger in game seven to come back from a three games to two deficit to capture the title.

"We've been trying over 40 years to win this rascal and we finally did it." Winning manager Jud Turchin hoisting the Pro Cup trophy over his head and complimented his entire team saying, "Everyone played his role and contributed to getting this... Gil, Kippy, Perry and Alfonso all excelled on the mound and all of our eight regulars came through at one time or another at the plate for us... especially Robinson with his 21 RBIs and 6 homers in the playoffs... Valmara was a very worthy opponent... Twardzik and Sirak are really special pitchers and tough to beat... it took us seven games, but we did it."

Viper skipper Vanya Vasylenko lamented not winning game seven, but he was proud of his team's effort. "We came as close as you can get and not win the Pro Cup... we pushed them to seven games... we just fell one game short of being the best baseball team in Islandia."

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, October 14, 2046

PRO CUP MVP TO HELLCATS ALOMAR
The IPA Pro Cup champion Hartsdale Hellcats had a myriad of heroes in their historic title run, but none was more special than shortstop Robinson Alomar, this year's Pro Cup Most Valuable Player. Alomar outpolled several teammates for the honor by leading the Hellcats in just about all the offensive categories. He topped the team with a .325 batting average, 6 homers, 21 RBIs, 26 hits and tied for the lead in runs with 13. Alomar came within two of the all-time playoff mark of 23 runs batted in, set in 2044 by Barney Lewis of the Southport Sun Sox. During the regular season the 13-year veteran contributed 30 homers and 87 RBIs with a .259 BA in 139 games. Lifetime Alomar has batted .258 with 248 homers. This year's Most Valuable Player is a solid defender, too.

Pitcher Gil Younger gave Alomar his biggest competition for the MVP award. Younger went 5-3 in 8 starts with a 3.09 ERA. The 27-year-old right-hander won two games in the Pro Cup Finals, including the decisive game seven. Younger also captured two games against Red Bluff in the Tycobbian LCS. He also won vital game seven in that series, too.

Other votegetters in the MVP poll were Kippy Wilhelm and outfielder Emilian Burgess, both Hellcats, along with Valmara hurlers Teddy Twardzik and Primo Sirak. Wilhelm went 3-1 in 6 starts with an impressive 2.55 ERA and Burgess batted .287 with 3 homers, 12 RBIs and scored 11 runs. The two Viper aces carried their club in the playoffs. Last year's Pro Cup MVP Twardzik fashioned a 4-1 record in 6 starts with a 2.45 ERA, while Sirak was 5-3 with a great 2.07 ERA in 8 starts.

Robinson Alomar, Pro Cup MVP/ Gil Younger (2nd)/ Kippy Wilhelm (3rd)

[Eugene Church]

I'm working on the award winners. Will post them probably tomorrow.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Monday, October 15, 2046

IPA BEST BANGERS NAMED
The Islandian Pro Alliance announced the winners of the Golden Bat Awards for the Ruthlandian and Tycobbian Unions. Rocky Rapids' Marty Featherstone copped the RU honor, while Josh Stevens of Red Bluff picked up the TU trophy. They were both first-time recipients.

Marty Featherstone, a 27-year-old second baseman, led the Snappers to Ruthlandian West division title. He played in 148 games, batted .303, stroked 39 homers, drove in 128 runs and scored 119 times. Featherstone is a .297 career hitter and three-time All-Star. He has played for Rocky Rapids for eight seasons. Featherstone topped the IPA with 119 runs and came in third with 128 RBIs.

Second in the RU Golden Bat balloting was Sugar Valley's talented center fielder Carl Ramsey, who paced them to another RU East title with a .297 BA, 41 roundtrippers, 129 RBIs and scored 113 runs. Ramsey was runner-up to the IPA RBI leader Jerry Culpepper of Bayview. Culpepper totaled 138.

Number three was Grand City's super first baseman Benny Hull, who excelled with 51 home runs, 125 RBIs and 94 runs, while playing in 148 games and batting .307 for the year. He was one of the few bright spots in Grand City's season. The Cybercats wound up sixth in the RU South. Hull hammered 51 out of the park, beaten only by Culpepper's 52 in the IPA rankings. He finished tied for fourth in RBIs.

The Tycobbian Golden Bat winner Josh Stevens sparked the Red Bluff Red Sox to a third straight TU North pennant. The 28-year-old first sacker has been with the club for four seasons now. He had his best year by far with a .329 BA, 49 HRs, 111 RBIs and scored 96 runs in 131 games. Stevens wound up fourth in the IPA in roundtrippers. Lifetime he is hitting only .273, but has averaged over 30 homers per season.

Turon's fine first baseman Nick Fisher ended up a close second to Stevens. Fisher batted .328 and had 35 homers, 108 RBIs and scored 100 runs to help the Typhoons to a fourth-place finish in the tough TU South, one of the strongest divisions in the IPA.

Stevens' Red Bluff teammate Fran Blanchard was the third choice in the voting. The third baseman collected 41 home runs, 100 RBIs and 92 runs in an impressive season, while participating in 148 contests.

Photos: Marty Featherstone/Josh Stevens

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, October 16, 2046

TAYLOR, YOUNGER TOP IPA PITCHERS
This year Jamie Taylor did what no other IPA pitcher had ever done - he won 30 games in a single season for the Rocky Rapids Snappers. Prior to Jamie Taylor the all-time league record was 29 set by Shane Farmer of the 2018 Pro Cup champ Turon Typhoons. For his standout season Taylor was awarded the Ruthlandian Golden Arm trophy. Gil Younger of the Hartsdale Hellcats in the Tycobbian Union did what only five other pitchers have done - won 28 games in a single year. For his superb effort Younger was proclaimed the top twirler in his league and he received the Tycobbian Golden Arm Award.

Leading Rocky Rapids to the RU West pennant, Taylor finished the year with a glorious 30-7 record with a brilliant 1.85 ERA, 28 complete games and 7 shutouts. The 30-year-old Taylor led the IPA in victories, ERA, shutouts and complete games. In his 8-year career Taylor is 171-104 with a super 2.66 ERA. Six times he has been a 20-game winner.

Younger sparked Hartsdale to the Tycobbian North title with a marvelous 28-9 mark, 2.54 ERA, 26 complete games and 5 shutouts. Younger, age 27, has compiled a 152-115 mark and a 3.30 ERA in his eight years with the Hellcats.

Valmara's fine right-hander Primo Sirak was number two in the RU Golden Arm poll, winding up with 24 wins and 8 losses and a splendid 1.96 ERA, helping the Vipers win the RU North. The IPA strikeout leader, Rusty Howard, was third in the balloting. He posted a 21-13 with an excellent 2.11 ERA for the Forest City Lumberjacks, who came in third in the RU West standings. Howard was the strikeout king with 314 Ks in 324 innings.

The Red Bluff Red Sox had the runner-up to Younger in the Tycobbian Golden Arm voting. Jud Cox chalked up a terrific 26-8 record with a great 1.88 ERA. His Red Sox won the Tycobbian East flag. Coming in third behind Younger and Cox was San Alejo's super slinger, Matt Bell, the winner of 22 games with only 9 defeats and an impressive 2.04 ERA. His Montaneros came in a very close third in the TU South.

JAMIE TAYLOR ---------------- GIL YOUNGER

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, October 17, 2046

ROOKIE HONORS TO HARDY AND WILSON
It's getting tougher and tougher in recent years for rookies in the Islandian Pro Alliance to make the rosters. The talent level this year was minimal with very few freshmen making much of an impact. Very few newcomers qualified for the Rookie of the Year Awards. Center fielder Kenny Hardy made the Waleska line-up and came away with the Ruthlandian best rookie trophy. Mahaska left fielder Roy Wilson was selected in the Tycobbian Union.

The 22-year-old Hardy was one of the leaders of the Waleska Westerners with a .301 BA. He topped the team with 37 doubles, 9 triples and 86 runs, while driving in 58. Waleska came in a close second to Claxton in the RU South Division. Far Mountain left fielder Terry Crawford was a strong second to Hardy. He led the Redhawks with 21 homers and 62 RBIs in just 115 games. Crawford batted .287 and scored 70 runs. Third in the best rookie competition was Ancona center fielder Jotaro Suzuki, who hit .341 in 64 games with 15 roundtrippers, 41 RBIs and 48 runs. Suzuki didn't join the Red Elephants until early July.

Roy Wilson of Mahaska only had a modest season number-wise with a .296 BA, 31 RBIs and 51 runs scored in 122 games, but they were the best showing in the Tycobbian Best Rookie voting. 20-year-old Wilson got the best of the Tuckanarra tandem of Ben Henderson and Ethan Ellingham. The two young outfielders helped the Blue Jays finish in second place in the TU East race. Henderson posted a .289 mark with 42 RBIs and 50 runs in 123 games. Ellington participated in 121 contests and compiled a .280 BA with 56 RBIs and 40 runs.

WALESKA'S KENNY HARDY - MAHASKA'S ROY WILSON

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Thursday, October 18, 2046

TOP TWIRLERS TAYLOR AND YOUNGER IPA MVPS
Both Jamie Taylor and Gil Younger had miraculous seasons. The two superb pitchers were unreal this year. Taylor had an unbelievable 30 wins for the Rocky Rapids Snappers to set an all-time IPA record and Younger wasn't far behind with 28 triumphs for the Hartsdale Hellcats. Not only have they been honored with the IPA Golden Arm Award, they have added to the accolades by being named their league's Most Valuable Player for 2046.

This year's Most Valuable Players got the best of position players. Taylor outpolled the Golden Bat winner and fellow Snapper teammate Marty Featherstone and Carl Ramsey of Sugar Valley for the Ruthlandian MVP trophy, while Younger topped Golden Bat honoree Josh Stevens of Red Bluff and Corky DiNozzo of Kenwood.

Taylor and Featherstone were prime movers in the Snappers taking the RU West flag. The record-setting Taylor compiled a fantastic 30-7 record with an outstanding 1.85 ERA, along with 7 shutouts. He topped the IPA in wins, ERA and shutouts. Featherstone chalked up a career year with a .303 BA, 39 HRs, 128 RBIs and 119 runs. The Snapper second sacker paced the IPA in runs scored and was third in runs batted in. Sugar Valley center fielder Carl Ramsey led the Rattlers to another RU East Division title with a super season. Ramsey slammed 41 home runs, batted in 129 runs, scored 113 and put up a .297 BA. Ramsey ranked second in the IPA in RBIs and was seventh in scoring runs.

The Tycobbian MVP Younger went 28-9 with a strong 2.54 ERA, leading Hartsdale to the Tycobbian North title. Red Bluff first baseman Josh Stevens was the runner-up in the balloting. He put up strong offensive stats with a .329 BA, 49 HRs, 111 RBIs and 96 runs. Stevens was fourth in homers in the IPA. DiNozzo sparked Kenwood to its fifth pennant in six years in the TU West. He batted .332 and collected 41 homers, drove in 103 runs and scored 82 for the Wildcats.

JAMIE TAYLOR ------------- GIL YOUNGER

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Friday, October 19, 2046

RU ANNOUNCES TOP GLOVES FOR 2046
Who are the Golden Glove Award winners in the Ruthlandian Union this year? They are the guys that steal outs. The Golden Glovers make spectacular plays, but they also consistently make the routine plays. Eldon Auldrige picked up his fourth Golden Glove for Ancona, his teammate Walter Glenn got his third and Golden Bat winner Marty Featherstone was named for the second time. This season in the Ruthlandian Union these defensive stalwarts made a name for themselves with their gloves:

Pitcher: Jimmy Herman (Beechwood Bobcats) 16-19/2.48 ERA/1.000 FA
Catcher: Randy Calhoun (Valmara Vipers) .203/13/51/47/.996 FA/2 PB/31.6% RTO
First Baseman: Benny Hull (Grand City Cybercats) .307/51/125/94/.996 FA
Second Baseman: Marty Featherstone (Rocky Rapids Snappers) .303/39/128/119/.982 FA
Third Baseman: Duane Hudson (Wynnamac Sundowners) .306/4/57/91/.946 FA (2-time Golden Glover)
Shortstop: Pete Hudson (Waleska Westerners) .288/3/47/53/.978 FA
Left Fielder: Eldon Aldridge (Ancona Red Elephants) .285/45/122/92/.997 FA (4-time Golden Glover)
Center Fielder: Mikah McDade (Ranford Bulls) .292/10/61/81/.991 FA
Right Fielder: Walter Glenn (Ancona Red Elephants) .308/3/58/77/1.000 FA (3-time Golden Glover)

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Friday, October 19, 2046

TU BEST FIELDERS NAMED FOR 2046
The Golden Glovers don't get the praise or accolades of the top hitters and top pitchers, but they are a vital part of their teams' success. Strong defenders make a difference in the outcome of tight games and tight pennant races. The Tycobbian Union only had two repeaters this year. Jimmy Foxx of Rolling Hills was chosen for the fourth time in his career and Warren McKenzie of White River was honored with his second trophy.

Pitcher: Alex Peters (North Hills Hawks) 16-14/3.62 ERA/.986 FA
Catcher: Adriano Lupoli (Summerland Sunsets) .226/4/47/44/.994 FA/0 PB/50.0% RTO
First Baseman: Darwin Tard (Rolling Hills Reds) .310/24/78/101/.994 FA
Second Baseman: Warren McKenzie (White River Rascals) .226/29/78/72/.990 FA (2-time Golden Glover)
Third Baseman: Ken Smith (Chicopee Braves) .288/4/57/61/.964 FA
Shortstop: Mark Brenneke (Summerland Sunsets) .269/7/34/70/.974 FA
Left Fielder: T. J. Dunn (Ozarka Naturals) .256/5/46/60/.977 FA
Center Fielder: Hector Pena (Midway Wolves) .309/14/90/104/.994 FA
Right Fielder: Jumbo Foxx (Rolling Hills Reds) .235/30/84/90/.988 FA (4-time Golden Glover)

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Saturday, October 20, 2046

SUPER SKIPPERS SELECTED BY IPA
The Islandian Pro Alliance acclaimed the top managers in its leagues, awarding the Ruthlandian Manager of the Year to Valmara's Vanya Vasylenko and the Tycobbian Manager of the Year to Will Hackett of Summerland Sunset. They are both winners for the second time in their careers. Vasylenko also won in 2043 and Hackett was honored in 2040.

In a very tight race Vasylenko beat out Rocky Rapids' skipper Buster Noland and Sugar Valley's Gibby Bobkins for the Ruthlandian trophy, while Hackett bested Hartsdale's Jud Turchin in the Tycobbian Union in an extremely close vote.

Vasylenko guided the Vipers to the Ruthlandian North title, beating out tough Glasco by two games. It was Valmara's third pennant in four years. Last year they won 98 games and lost out to the A's, who won 100 games and took the crown by two games. The Vipers were 95-59 this season.

Vasylenko kiddingly said after being told of the award, "So many times during the year we'd have a big series and I would tell them you've got to step it up big this week because I'm going to be outmanaged... so really step it up... I don't know if I'm a smart manager or they are a bunch of dumb bunnies... but it worked... they believed me every week."

Hackett has been at the helm of the Sunsets for 45 years and has only four pennants to show for it. During the award's interview he said, "We have been quite competitive in the TU South for about a decade now, so it's our vision every year to win the pennant... and this year we did it, but it certainly wasn't because of me... we have great pitching and play in a very tough division... six teams had winning records... still we managed to pull it out this year." Summerland came in second in 2044 and 2045 and finally move to the top of the heap this year.

[Eugene Church]

NEW YEAR IN THE IPA - YEAR 47 BEGINS!

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, March 31, 2047

IPA PREVIEW FOR NEW SEASON
The Islandian Pro Alliance will open its 47th campaign tomorrow afternoon at 32 sites around the Islands as 64 fervent clubs will try to dethrone the Pro Cup champion Hartsdale. The Hellcats captured their first-ever IPA crown by whipping the Valmara Vipers in a thrilling seven games. Hartsdale had to come back from a 3-2 deficit to win it.

RANFORD FAVORED IN SUPER TIGHT RU NORTH
In the preseason prognostications it looks like a rat race in the Ruthlandian North with as many as six clubs having a shot at the division title.

This Year's Prediction/Last Year Standings
1. Ranford Bulls - 3rd (10 GB)
2. Kilkenny Cats - 6th (20 GB)
3. Glasco Athletics - 2nd (2 GB)
4. Valmara Vipers - Champion (95-59)
5. LaGrange Sports - 4th tied (12 GB)
6. Far Mountain Redhawks - 4th tied (12 GB)
7. Taranto Tars - 7th (24 GB)
8. Ancona Red Elephants - 8th (33 GB)

WALESKA STRONG FAVORITE IN RU SOUTH
The Waleska Westerners have the best offense and the best pitching in the Ruthlandian South Division, so they got the call this year in the preseason picks over last year's winner Claxton, who is forecast to be a distant second. No other clubs are expected to contend.

This Year's Prediction/Last Year Standings
1. Waleska Westerners - 2nd tied (3 GB)
2. Claxton Diamonds - Champion (85-69)
3. St. John Crusaders - 4th (11 GB)
4. Grand City Cybercats - 6th (17 GB)
5. Valka Blackhawks - 2nd tied (3 GB)
6. Belair Beach Sunbirds - 7th (20 GB)
7. Crystal Lake Crushers - 8th (24 GB)
8. San Dimas Rancheros - 5th (13 GB)

SUGAR VALLEY EASY WINNER IN RU EAST
Nobody is in the ballpark with Sugar Valley in the Ruthlandian East this season. They won it last year by a dozen games over Eastshore. Again this season the Rattlers will reign supreme by a wide margin with its powerful pitching, home-run power and scoring ability. They have won the division in three of the last four years and finished a very close second with 96 wins the year they lost it. Sugar Valley was the Pro Cup champ in 2045, topping the Southport Sun Sox in a six-game series.

This Year's Prediction/Last Year Standings
1. Sugar Valley - Champion (93-61)
2. Wynnamac Sundowners - 3rd tied (13 GB)
3. Marston Nine - 7th (22 GB)
4. Belle Plaine Musketeers -8th (24 GB)
5. Eastshore Elegants - 2nd (12 GB)
6. Elnora All-Stars - 3rd tied (13 GB)
7. Cold Creek Catamounts - 5th (16 GB)
8. Beechwood Bobcats - 6th (21 GB)

3-TEAM BATTLE IN RU WEST
Rocky Rapids is the holdover champion of the Ruthlandian West, but this season the Snappers will be challenged by last year's nemesis and runner-up Middlefield and also by up-and-coming Forest City. The oddsmakers are saying to toss a coin and take your pick among the three contenders. The rest of the division will be playing for fourth place in the standings.

This Year's Prediction/Last Year Standings
1. Middlefield Roosters - 2nd (5 GB)
2. Rocky Rapids Snappers - Champion (94-60)
3. Forest City Lumberjacks - 3rd (12 GB)
4. Sligo Rovers - 4th (17 GB)
5. Volusia Vigilantes - 6th (22 GB)
6. Colfax Blasters - 7th (34 GB)
7. Stoner Stars - 5th (20 GB)
8. Fort Benton Defenders - 8th (37 GB)

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, March 31, 2047

IPA PREVIEW FOR NEW SEASON
The Islandian Pro Alliance will open its 47th campaign tomorrow afternoon at 32 sites around the Islands as 64 fervent clubs will try to dethrone the Pro Cup champion Hartsdale. The Hellcats captured their first-ever IPA crown by whipping the Valmara Vipers in a thrilling seven games. Hartsdale had to come back from a 3-2 deficit to win it.

HELLCATS PICKED TO REPEAT IN TU NORTH
Hartsdale dominated the Tycobbian North last season, romping and stomping everybody in sight. The Hellcats won easily by 15 games over second place Blue Lake. It won't be that way this year according to the baseball experts. Hartsdale will win, but in a fairly close race with Blue Sox. The other six clubs will be far off in the rear view mirror by season's end.

This Year's Prediction/Last Year Standings
1. Hartsdale Hellcats - Champion (98-56)
2. Blue Lake Blue Sox - 2nd (15 GB)
3. Fairfax Frogs - 4th (18 GB)
4. Oxford Red Caps - 6th (25 GB)
5. North Hill Hawks - 3rd (17 GB)
6. Luxora Zorros - 7th (29 GB)
7. White River Rascals - 5th (21 GB)
8. Mahaska Haymakers - 8th (38 GB)

SUN SOX CHOICE IN STRONG TU SOUTH
The Tycobbian South is just about the strongest division in the IPA. Last year six teams posted winning records with the title going to the Summerland Sunsets, who squeezed by in a five-team race. edging Southport by just a single game, San Alejo by three and Turon by five. The Ginza Ninjas trailed by only eight games in fifth place. Even sixth-place Cape Coral chalked a winning season with a 79-75 mark.

This season Southport is the solid choice to take the crown handily, perhaps by double digits. The Sun Sox have the superior mound staff and firepower to outdo San Alejo, expected to be the biggest challenger. The Montaneros have strong pitching and good bats, too. Last year's TU South title winner Summerland doesn't appear to have the same powerful pitching rotation of recent seasons. The Sunsets will fight it out with Turon and Cape Coral for third place.

This Year's Prediction/Last Year Standings
1. Southport Sun Sox - 2nd (1 GB)
2. San Alejo Montaneros - 3rd (3 GB)
3. Turon Typhoons - 4th (5 GB)
4. Summerland Sunsets - Champion (94-60)
5. Cape Coral Hurricanes - 6th (15 GB)
6. Ginza Ninjas - 5th (8 GB)
7. Arroyo Grande Suns - 7th (21 GB)
8. Colchester Elites - 8th (35 GB)

TUCKS BEST IN TU EAST
The professional pickers are forecasting a new champion in the Tycobbian East this season. The Tuckanarra Blue Jays are rated a good bet to knock off the Red Bluff Red Sox, who have won the last three pennants. Last year they whipped the Blue Birds by 11 games. However the Red Sox are not expected to ride off into the sunset quietly and they will certainly will be in the running along with the Hillsboro Blazers, the number three team last year. It looks like a pretty good three-team race.

The Blue Jays cannot match the Red Sox in heavy-duty firepower, but they can small ball you to death and have the best mound staff in the division. The Blazers have some long ball capability and good pitching just like Red Bluff. The Midway Wolves and High Mesa Cowboys will tangle for the fourth spot in the standings.

This Year's Prediction/Last Year Standings
1. Tuckanarra Blue Jays - 2nd (11 GB)
2. Red Bluff Red Sox - Champion (93-61)
3. Hillsboro Blazers - 3rd (15 GB)
4. Midway Wolves - 6th (24 GB)
5. High Mesa Cowboys -5th (22 GB)
6. South Fork Stallions - 4th (16 GB)
7. East Point Panthers - 8th (39 GB)
8. Ozarka Naturals - 7th (38 GB )

KENWOOD WINS AGAIN IN TU WEST
According to the media, the Kenwood Wildcats will rack up its fourth Tycobbian West title in a row and sixth in seven seasons. And the Wildcats will do it in comfortable fashion. They still are the best in the West with solid bats and solid pitching. Four other clubs will battle it out for second place. Chicopee, Rolling Hills, Denton City and Arlon are the best of the second-tier teams. Bay St. Clair, Bayview and La Claire are the also-rans.

This Year's Prediction/Last Year Standings
1. Kenwood Wildcats - Champion (92-62)
2. Chicopee Braves - 6th tied (24 GB)
3. Rolling Hills Reds - 3rd (13 GB)
4. Denton City Redbirds - 8th (30 GB)
5. Arlon Champions - 2nd (10 GB)
6. Bay St. Clair Buccaneers - 6th tied (24 GB)
7. Bayview Vikings - 5th (19 GB)
8. La Claire Lynx - 4th (16 GB)

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, May 1, 2047

IPA APRIL ROUNDUP

RUTHLANDIAN NORTH:
First place Far Mountain (19-9) is a big surprise and off to a tremendous start... is it just a quick April spurt or are the Redhawks for real?... they were picked for the second division this year (6th)... last year's champ Valmara (10-18) has floundered badly... so has this year's favorite Ranford (10-18)... solid clubs Kilkenny (14-14), Glasco (14-14) and LaGrange (17-11) are hanging close to the top... the Cats were ranked second in the polls, Athletics third and Sports were selected fifth... Taranto (15-13) had a good start for them... the Tars are picked for seventh... horrible Ancona (10-18) is playing up to expectations.

RUTHLANDIAN SOUTH:
The sixth ranked Belair Beach Sunbirds (19-9) had a great April and are perched in first place with last year's titlist Claxton (19-9)... are the Sunbirds a fluke or a bonifide contender?... favored Waleska (16-12) did well as expected, resting in the third spot in the standings... the Claxton Diamonds are rated the second best club in the division... and Grand City (16-12) is improved this season and was assigned the number four ranking in the preseason forecast... the St. John Crusaders (13-15), ranked the third best club, is below .500 in the early going... number five Valka (14-14) is holding its own so far... as forecast, Crystal Lake (13-15) and San Dimas (10-18) are pulling up the rear...

RUTHLANDIAN EAST:
Very tightly bunched race in the RU East in the opening month of play... only three games separate first from last... upstart Belle Plaine (16-12) has a slight lead over the preseason pick Sugar Valley (15-13)... the Musketeers were the fourth best club in the division according to the experts... fifth choice Eastshore (15-13) is nearby in third place...second-rated Wynnamac (14-14), third pick Marston (14-14), number six Elnora (14-14) and number seven Cold Creek (14-14) are just two games out going into May... even last place and number eight pick Beechwood (13-15) is playing nearly .500 baseball.

RUTHLANDIAN WEST:
Top pennant pick Middlefield (16-12) got off to a good start. but has two solid contenders right on their heels in Forest City (15-13) and last year's champ Rocky Rapids (14-14)... Sligo (14-14) and Colfax (14-14) are holding their own, but are not forecast to finish higher than fourth or fifth in the standings... Volusia (11-17), Stoner (10-18) and Fort Benton (10-18) are destined to finish near the bottom of the RU West.

TYCOBBIAN NORTH:
Lackluster White River (17-11) has bolted to the top in first month action... the Rascals were not ranked highly in the preseason polls (7th), but got a jump on last year's Pro Cup champion Hartsdale (16-12)... probably won't last, but White River fans are excited... usual doormat Oxford (16-12) is fairly well thought of this year, ranked the fourth best club in the division... so far the Red Caps are playing very well... perennial powerhouse North Hills (16-12), which fell to third last season after dominating the TU North for well over a decade, had a good month and may still have some gas in the tank... it was also a good month for the hapless Mahaska Haymakers (14-14) as they broke even... they have been in the division cellar the past four seasons... contenders Blue Lake (12-16) and Fairfax (12-16) were both slow out of the gate.

TYCOBBIAN SOUTH:
Number two choice for the pennant San Alejo (21-7) posted an awesome April and shot ahead of heavily-favored Southport (17-11) by four games... the Sun Sox are favored to easy win this season in the IPA's toughest division... Cape Coral (15-13), defending division champ Summerland (14-14), Ginza (14-14) and Turon (13-15) will be battling for the third spot with Arroyo Grande (13-15) and Colchester (12-16) fighting it out to stay out of the basement.

TYCOBBIAN EAST:
A three-team race was forecast in the TU East between Tuckanarra, last year's winner Red Bluff and Hillsboro... The Red Sox (20-8) and Blue Jays (18-10) have lived up to their billing, but the third-ranked Blazers (11-17) haven't played up to potential... seventh rated East Point (14-14) has been the best of the rest and playing a little over their heads thus far... for five of the last six years the Defenders have been cellar-dwellers... Ozarka (12-16) is slated to be the worst team in the division this year... Midway (11-17), High Mesa (10-18) and South Fork (9-19) were ranked fourth, fifth and sixth in the preseason polls.

TYCOBBIAN WEST:
The Kenwood Wildcats are the current division winner and picked to win comfortably their sixth title in the last seven seasons... but they are getting a little bit of competition from several teams in the first month of play... Kenwood (17-11) is tied with Chicopee (17-11) with Bay St. Clair (16-12), Arlon (15-13) and Bayview (14-14) close on their trail... the Braves were ranked second in the preseason poll, the Buccaneers sixth and the Vikings seventh... the number three choice Rolling Hills (11-17) and number four rated Denton City (12-16) have started off slowly... the La Claire Lynx (8-20) are living up to their last place reputation.

ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE STANDINGS AT THE END OF APRIL

[Eugene Church]

I have been working on drafting free agents for three days now.
For whatever reason, OOTPB just doesn't create enough talented rookies recently in my league, so I have to do it manually.

The rookies in 2046 were dismal.

I will finish updating the rosters early tomorrow and then post the May standings.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Saturday, June 1, 2047

TOP CHOICES FARE WELL IN RUTHLANDIA
Overall the baseball scribes have been on target, but in a few cases they have missed their callings in their preseason choices in the Ruthlandian Union. The Ranford Bulls have been a keen disappointment in the RU North and the Far Mountain Redhawks have been surprisingly good. The Redhawks (34-23) are in first place two games up on LaGrange (32-25) and three ahead of Glasco (31-26), while the Bulls (21-36) have played very poorly and are deep in seventh place, 13 games off the pace.

Last year's division winner in the RU North and Pro Cup Finalist Valmara (26-31) fizzled badly in April, going 10-18. They already trail by 8 games. However, the Vipers showed signs of revival with a 16-13 mark in May. The Glasco Athletics posted the best record in the division this month with 17-12. Far Mountain and LaGrange were 15-14.

Preseason favorites Middlefield (37-20) and Waleska (31-26) are performing well and are in first place in the RU West and RU South respectively. The Roosters compiled a splendid 21-8 mark in May and now have a four-game edge over runner-up Volusia (33-24), five on third place and last season's champ Rocky Rapids (32-26), and six in front of fourth place Forest City (31-26). The Vigilantes were outstanding during the month with a division best 22-7 record, while the Snappers were 17-12 and Lumberjacks 16-13.

In the RU South the Waleska Westerners (31-26) are running second to upstart and perpetual also-ran Belair Beach (32-25) and reigning division winner Claxton (32-25). They are a game back of the co-leaders. Crystal Lake (30-27) is in the fourth spot, two games out and Grand City (28-29) is fifth, four games behind. After charting a great 19-9 in April, the first place Sunbirds flopped in May with a 12-17 record. The Westerners went 15-14, Crystal Lake 17-12 and Grand City only 12-17. Last year's RU South titlist and high preseason pick Claxton stumbled to 13-16 in May, but still managed to hang on to the top spot in the division, tied with underrated Belair Beach.

The Ruthlandian East is going pretty much as forecast. Only last place Elnora (24-33) looks to be out of the running. Last season's division champion Sugar Valley (29-28), heavily favored to repeat, has been a lackluster ball club so far. The Rattlers are in fifth place, but only three games back of the leaders. They were 15-13 in April and slipped to 14-15 this month.

The Marston Nine (32-25), Wynnamac Sundowners and Cold Creek Catamounts all chalked up a fine 18-11 record in May and moved up into a three-way tie for first place. The Eastshore Elegants (30-27) are just two games off the pace. They notched a 15-14 mark in May. Beechwood (28-29) and Belle Plaine (28-29) are deadlocked in sixth place, trailing by only four games. Belle Plaine led the division at the end of April, but slumped to 12-17 in May. Beechwood was 15-14 this month.

PRESEASON PICKS DOING WELL IN TYCOBBIA
Most of the perennial powers and preseason picks are taking care of business as usual in the Tycobbian Union. However, there are two underrated clubs making things quite interesting in the early going. White River, picked near the bottom in the Tycobbian North, has surprised and is leading Pro Cup champion Hartsdale by two games at the end of May. The Bayview Vikings, chosen to finish seventh, are posing a threat and running second to the tough Kenwood Wildcats in the TU West, only three games back in the race.

The powerhouse Hartsdale Hellcats (33-24), given a good shot at repeating in the TU North and getting a shot at winning two straight Pro Cups, are playing very well and is in second place behind unheralded and red-hot White River (35-22). Aging North Hills (30-27) is in third place and five games out, but is not fated to be a serious contender as usual. The Fairfax Frogs (30-27) are tied with them. In May the Rascals were 18-11, the Hellcats 17-12, the Hawks 14-15 and the Frogs 18-11.

Most years it's tough to win the Tycobbian South, one of the best divisions in the IPA. The Southport Sun Sox (38-19), a strong choice to run away with the pennant this year, has played at a torrid pace the first two months, but hasn't opened up much of a lead on its arch nemesis, the San Alejo Montaneros (37-20), who are only one game behind them. Cape Coral (32-25) and Ginza (31-26) are hanging nearby in third and fourth place. Last season's division winner Summerland (28-29) has faltered this year and is tied for fifth with Turon (28-29).

In May Southport soared to 21-8 to move past April leader San Alejo, which was 16-13. Both Cape Coral and Ginza were a solid 17-12. Turon posted a 15-14 mark this month, while defending division champ Summerland was 14-15.

The Tuckanarra Blue Jays (38-19) and Red Bluff Red Sox (38-19) were the critics' choice as the top two teams in the Tycobbian East this season and that has proved to be the case. They are the two elite clubs and seem to have the division all to themselves. Third place South Fork (29-28) is already nine games behind the leaders, while fourth place belongs to High Mesa (28-29), 10 games out. For the month the Blue Jays were a very strong 21-8, the Red Sox were 18-11, the Stallions 20-9 and the Cowboys 18-11.

The Kenwood Wildcats (33-24) continue to dominate the Tycobbian West. They have taken the division five of the last six seasons and are resting a comfortable three games in front of the upstart Bayview Vikings (30-27) and Arlon Champions (30-27), who are tied for the second spot. None of the other five clubs appear to be in contention. During this month the Wildcats were 16-13, the Vikings 16-13 and the Champs 15-14.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, June 16, 2047

STARS SELECTED FOR IPA ALL-STAR GAME
The stars will be shining brightly in Hartsdale this Wednesday afternoon at the 47th annual Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star classic. The Tycobbian Stars will host the Ruthlandian Stars at Pioneer Park, the home of the Pro Cup titlist, the Hartsdale Hellcats. League officials announced the rosters of the two All-Star squads today. Tycobbia has a decided edge in the series with a 30 wins in 46 contests. The Tycobbian All-Stars have won the last two years.

IPA superstar Jerry Culpepper made the TU Stars for the 14th time in his legendary career. Corky DiNozzo is appearing for the 10th time with five players being selected seven times each: Wayman Stetson, Stan Ferguson, C. C. Kingsford, William Snyder and Sogo Takagi. At 36 Vasilis Vlachos is the oldest on the Tycobbian All-Stars and Rodger Parsons and Rudy Mellancamp are the youngest at 25.

Leading the Ruthlandian Stars will be Jojo DeLucca, who has been chosen nine times, making his eighth appearance is Cannon Johnson, Jason Butler had made the team on six occasions and Denny Simmons has been picked five times. Jody Friday is 37 and the oldest player in the game, while the Ruthlandian youngsters are D'Wayne Dotson and Jotaro Suzuki, both just 25.

The opposing skippers are Vanya Vasylenko of the Valmara Vipers and Jud Turchin of the Hartsdale Hellcats. They faced each other in the Pro Cup Finals with Turchin guiding his Hellcats to a six-game victory in the series

RUTHLANDIAN ALL-STARS:
SP James Long (Middlefield) (13-3/2.25) (3-time All-Star)
SP Valdek Savisaar (Eastshore) (13-2/3.10)
SP Felix Delatte (Marston) (11-3/2.27)
SP Chuck Steinhauer (Far Mountain) (12-1/1.39)
SP Dirk Halstad (Rocky Rapids) (11-3/2.17) (2-time All-Star)
SP Niles Nilsen (Waleska) (11-5/2.43)
CL Josh Crosby (Crystal Lake) (7-2/1.82/10 saves)
CL Jody Friday (Eastshore) (6-1/1.43/10 saves) (2-time All-Star)
C Johnny McDonald (Middlefield) (.331/3/26/35) (2-time All-Star)
C George Ruffino (Volusia) (.293/17/59/31) (2-time All-Star)
C Cannon Johnson (Elnora) (.256/15/42/40) (8-time All-Star)
1B Jojo DeLucca (Claxton) (.307/21/64/50) (9-time All-Star)
1B Kris Wilson (Volusia) (.338/7/40/46) (3-time All-Star)
2B Richie Fry (Sugar Valley) (.336/4/35/41) (2-time All-Star)
2B Cazzie Carvalho (Volusia) (.292/9/55/39) (2-time All-Star)
2B Marty Featherstone (Rocky Rapids) (.277/12/47/50) (4-time All-Star)
3B Gary Armitage (Marston) (.336/15/42/63)
3B Denny Simmons (Sligo) (.285/9/43/36) (5-time All-Star)
SS Ken Jensen (Valmara) (.306/4/35/48) (2-time All-Star)
SS Herbie Gruen (St. John) (.294/12/52/56)
LF Skeets Blackstone (St. John) (.391/7/34/36)
LF D'Wayne Dotson (Marston) (.295/10/45/53)
CF Jotaro Suzuki (Ancona) (.322/10/34/52)
CF Don Ritchie (Valmara) (.325/5/44/52) (2-time All-Star)
RF Sidney Conner (Middlefield) (.304/26/69/57)
RF Derrick Damon (Taranto) (.325/8/44/50) (2-time All-Star)
RF Preston Davies (Elnora) (.335/14/35/42) (2-time All-Star)
RF Troy McFarland (Eastshore) (.282/17/52/50) (3-time All-Star)

TYCOBBIAN ALL-STARS:
SP Jud Cox (Red Bluff) (12-4/0.85) (4-time All-Star)
SP Matt Bell (San Alejo) (13-3/1.27) (2-time All-Star)
SP Billy Hoover (Southport) (11-6/1.88) (2-time All-Star)
SP Will McKinney (San Alejo) (11-4/1.97) (3-time All-Star)
SP Rudy Mellancamp (Oxford) (10-7/2.09)
SP Perry Givens (Hartsdale) (13-3/2.73)
CL Hal Combs (Southport) (6-3/1.83/15 saves)
CL Terry Sawyer (Fairfax) (10-4/2.25/9 saves)
C Corky DiNozzo (Kenwood) (.291/20/55/42) (10-time All-Star)
C Vasilis Vlachos (Southport) (.294/12/50/43)
C Juan Luis Barcelona (Blue Lake) (.272/6/39/42) (2-time All-Star)
1B Wayman Stetson (Denton City) (.324/26/67/55) (7-time All-Star)
1B Stan Ferguson (Cape Coral) (.348/20/62/45) (7-time All-Star)
1B Rodger Parsons (Tuckanarra) (.325/10/53/54)
2B Alex Abbotson (Summerland) (.315/26/77/41)
2B Zack Mason (Bayview) (.327/6/34/45)
3B Jerry Culpepper (Bayview) (.31/32/87/58) (14-time All-Star)
3B Al Salisbury (Turon) (.316/15/45/58)
SS C. C. Kingsford (Turon) (.336/21/61/59) (7-time All-Star)
SS Andreas Stokke (Bayview) (.315/23/65/49) (2-time All-Star)
SS Kunta Burton (White River) (.286/0/16/58)
LF Rikky Van Dalen (Cape Coral) (.326/17/56/59) (5-time All-Star)
LF Billy Joe Hickman (White River) (.314/25/64/54) (4-time All-Star)
CF Paulo Teixeira (San Alejo) (.314/23/58/63) (4-time All-Star)
CF Rusty Hunter (Bayview) (.298/2/23/65)
RF David Kelso (Red Bluff) (.320/31/68/55) (5-time All-Star)
RF William Snyder (Cape Coral) (.321/9/59/58) (7-time All-Star)
RF Sogo Takagi (Ginza) (.339/29/73/62) (7-time All-Star)

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, June 19, 2047

TU STARS OUTSHINE RU STARS 7-3
For the third consecutive year the Tycobbian All-Stars topped the Ruthlandian All-Stars. It's the 31st win in the series for them. Ruthlandia has only won 16 times. The game was played at Pioneer Park, home of the current IPA Pro Cup champion Hartsdale Hellcats.

Tycobbian banged out 15 hits in a 7-3 victory with Wayman Stetson (Denton City) slugging a 2-run homer and David Kelso (Red Bluff) rapping two doubles and driving in a pair of scores. Rikki Van Dalen (Cape Coral) and Paolo Teixeira (San Alejo) also chipped in two hits apiece. Stetson scored twice and was the game's Most Valuable Player. Alex Abbotson (Summerland) chalked up two RBIs for the TU All-Stars.

Matt Bell worked two scoreless innings, the third and fourth frames, for the victory, while starter James Long (Middlefield) was the losing hurler. He was belted for three runs and six hits in just two innings. Starter Billy Hoover (Southport) also hurled two scoreless frames for the winners. Tycobbia ran up a 5-0 lead after four innings and were never really challenged. Ruthlandia made it a little closer with two runs in the ninth. The RU All-Stars were held to eight hits with Cannon Johnson getting two of them.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Monday, July 1, 2047

IPA ROUNDUP REPORT

FM REDHAWKS ON RAMPAGE IN RU NORTH
The Far Mountain Redhawks (54-29) skied high in June with a great 20-8 record and made shambles of the pennant race. The Redhawks rampaged to a 10-game bulge over runner-up Glasco (44-39). Defending division champ Valmara (43-40) is playing better after a slow start in April, but it is still 11 games off the pace. Preseason favorite Ranford (32-51) has been a complete bust and is wallowing in seventh place.

Far Mountain is led by the fine pitching of All-Star Curt Steinhauer (13-2/1.53), Stan Smith (12-4/3.53) and Jonas Glover (12-6/3.56)... the Redhawk lineup isn't very impressive stats-wise (.256 BA), but it's productive and ranks first in the RU in scoring runs.

BB SUNBIRDS ROOSTED AT TOP OF RU SOUTH
It's been well over a decade since the Belair Beach Sunbirds (45-38) have graced the Ruthlandian South first division. Actually, the last time they were in the pennant race was way back in 2034 when they came in third in the standings. They have climbed up from seventh place last year (20 GB) to the top spot, topping preseason pick Waleska (43-40) and Crystal Lake (43-40) by two games at the end of June. Crystal Lake is another great turnaround story - last year they wound up in the celler (24 GB). Last season pennant winner Claxton (41-42) is tied for fourth this year with Grand City (41-42), but is only four games back... the Diamonds were terrible this month, falling to 9-17.

It's the Sunbird bats that are keeping them on top... All-Star 3B Jason Butler, 1B Shannon Stewart (.317/9/41/41) and CF Norm Ellis (.317/14/36/36) are the prime run producers... starter Kevin Tolbert (10-7/2.65) and closer Tom Cook (2-1/1.92/11 saves) have been the best pitchers... Belair Beach will probably have to get better work from their mound staff to beat out Waleska, which has better starting pitching with the trio of All-Star Niles Nielsen (11-5/2.43), Jeff Woodruff (8-8/2.71) and Tony Haskell (9-5/3.45)... Crystal Lake has two solid starters in Dave McCauley (11-8/2.96) and Manuel Hinojosa (7-4/2.58)... All-Star closer Josh Crosby (7-2/1.82/10 saves) has been a standout, too... the Crushers' offense is however suspect... the Grand City Cybercats are in the same boat with two solid starters in Jimmy Engels (11-8/2.84) and Kenny Morrow (9-9/3.21), but absolutely no offense... the Claxton Diamonds need improvement on the mound to challenge... vets All-Star 1B Jojo DeLucca (.307/21/64/50) and LF Foxy Fuchs (.258/14/50/36) are the only reliable threats in the line-up... the pennant race is still a toss-up... it just depends on who gets hot down the stretch... the Waleska Westerners get a slight nod.

MARSTON UP BY 4 IN RU EAST
After years of decadence, the Marston Nine (49-34) is another hapless club that is on the rise. They have had only two good seasons in the last two decades - a fourth place finish in 2038 and the pennant-winning year in 2028. Right now Marston is four games in front of defending division winner Sugar Valley (45-38) and Beechwood (45-38), who are tied for the runner-up spot. Lurching only five games out and tied for fourth are the Wynnamac Sundowners (44-39) and Eastshore Elegants (44-39)... even sixth place Cold Creek (42-41) and seventh place Belle Plaine (41-42) are still in the chase... and if they get on a good winning streak even celler-dwelling Elnora (38-45) could do an about-face. Marston registered a 17-9 mark last month, while Sugar Valley was 16-10 and Beechwood 17-9.

Marston is a well-balanced club with very good pitching and solid hitting... leading the hurlers are All-Star Felix Delatte (13-3/2.25) and Jean-Noel Waldron (10-6/3.68), along with bullpen ace Kiki Vuk (7-1/1.25/6 saves)... leading the hitters are All-Star LF D'Wayne Dotson (.295/10/45/53), All-Star 3B Gary Armitage (.336/15/42/63) and SS Stan Mila (.308/10/51/32).

The Sugar Valley Rattlers' top batsmen are All-Star 2B Richie Fry (.336/4/35/41), playing-manager and superstar RF Bobby Gamble (.276/12/45/46) and LF Walt Hanson (.313/6/33/27)... star CF Carl Ramsey is hitting a lowly .227, but is the club leader with 17 roundtrippers, 55 RBIs and 59 runs... C Delmer Campbell has contributed 10 homers, 30 RBIs and a .294 BA.

ROOSTERS LEAD DWINDLES IN RU WEST
The favorite in the Ruthlandian West Division, the Middlefield Roosters (51-32), had a so-so month in June, going 14-12, but still has a two-game edge over the hot Forest City Lumberjacks (49-34), who went 18-8 for the month. The third place Rocky Rapids Snappers (47-36) also got closer to the top spot with a 16-10 mark and are only four games out. Colfax (46-37) is in the fourth spot, trailing by five games. The Blasters posted a 17-9 record in June. The Sligo Rovers (45-38) and Volusia Vigilantes (45-38) also have winning records and are tied for fifth, but slipped to 12-14 for the month.

The Roosters are a powerhouse with standout pitching and strong bats... leading pitchers are All-Star James Long (14-4/2.29) and Larry Wheelhouse (12-9/2.60), along with closer Ray Owens (4-3/1.60/11 saves)... the explosive batting order includes All-Star C Johnny McDonald (.331/3/26/35), SS Jimmy Beach (.314/12/41/39), All-Star RF Sidney Conner (.304/26/69/57), LF Norman Antonioni (.275/21/44/44), 3B Ike Gary (.274/8/41/40) and CF Russell Martin (.285/10/22/39).

Forest City depends almost totally on its super duper mound corps with the likes of starters Omar Cordero (15-5/2.99), Rusty Howard (9-9/2.78), Walter Gibbons (7-5/3.13) and John McKee (6-6/3.35)... plus a strong bullpen with Richie Meyers (4-4/2.97/10 saves and Jimmy Kirkpatrick (6-3/2.56/2 saves)... Cordero is the IPA leader with 15 victories... the offense is quite mediocre, batting just .252 for average with very little firepower.

Rocky Rapids have good pitching with All-Star Dirk Halstad (13-4/2.39), Buster Noland (11-5/3.14) and Jamie Taylor (10-11/2.57)... Taylor won 30 games last year, a new all-time IPA mark, but has had tough luck this year... the top reliever is Steve Owens (4-0/2.89/13 saves)... the Snappers are only adequate at the plate with All-Star 2B Marty Featherstone (.277/12/47/50), RF Buddy Hamilton (.323/11/34/32) and 1B Masaharu Kawasaki (.261/13/53/42).

The Colfax Blasters have three solid starters with Ray Maxon (11-5/2.42), Red McCallum (9-5/2.41) and Ryan Petersen (6-2/3.42)... the offense is pretty good with RF Stu Richardson (.327/5/26/24), 3B Cramer Landis (.324/8/26/49) and 1B Les Haynes (.311/5/28/23)... LF Robb Maddux (.247/12/54/39) and C Darrell Dillon (.243/10/34/37) have also added some punch to the line-up.

Three All-Stars pace the Volusia Vigilantes: C George Ruffino (.293/17/59/31), 2B Cazzie Carvalho (.292/9/55/39) and 1B Kris Wilson (.338/7/40/46)... SS Duane Blayney (.304/16/43/48) and RF Lonnie Womack (.292/11/40/55) are solid sticks, too... the V's have a quality mound staff, too, with Drew Selby (13-5/3.30), Will Thompson (11-8/2.79) and rookie Alvaro Spinosa (8-5/2.57).

The top performers for the Sligo Rovers are All-Star 1B Denny Simmons (.285/9/43/36) and 3B Blayne Carnick (.320/5/30/22), along with Mickey Walsh (10-6/2.16) and Art Hacker (11-7/3.49) on the hill.

RUTHLANDIAN STANDINGS AS OF JULY 1, 2047