ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

WALESKA WESTERNERS

Owner: Ewing Enterprises, Jock Ewing, President
GM/Manager: Roy Hobbs

Waleska is in the southwest part of Ruthlandia near the Silver Mountains and has about 113,000 inhabitants. The town name comes from the Waleska Indian phrase meaning "I don't understand", which was the reply given by the Indians, when the White Man first encountered them and asked them who they were. The Whites mistakenly took the phrase to mean their name.

The High Plains area was settled originally by ranchers to raise purebred Hereford cattle. After the ranchers came, the railroad industry built the railroads for easy transportation of the cattle to market. This attracted many wealthy men from the eastern United States and Europe, who brought with them their impeccable social amenities, culture and high society. Many cattle barons spent their summers in Waleska and winters in Europe. They created the Waleska Social Club, a lavish club furnished on a scale equal to the finest gentleman's clubs in England.

Residents enjoyed a full social life, which was unique in the western part of Ruthlandia and on par with more cultured Ruthlandian towns in the east and south. Among the earliest settlers were the ancestors of the Jock Ewing family, the owners of the Waleska Westerners of the Ruthlandian Union. The club plays in the South Division. Oil was soon discovered on the ranch lands and the rich got richer, creating a financial empire that also expanded to railroad, meat packing and processing, banking and finance.

The Ewing Family is a powerful force in the history of the Islands and its baseball development. They have three franchises in the league. Sons J. R. and Bobby have their own franchise in Ozarka and South Fork respectively. How did they get so many franchises? Money and power is the answer.

The Westerners play their games at historic Westerner Stadium (circa 1902), the oldest ballpark in the Islands. It really is a unique stadium because the power alleys are deeper than center field. The Ewings renovated it in 1980, but kept the beautiful old brick wall that runs around the entire ballpark. It was named in honor of the tough men and woman, who braved the harsh and hostile frontier environment to establish a thriving and prosperous town. One of the big events of the year is the Frontier Days celebration, a week-long event that features a world class rodeo, country music concerts and a spotlight on the good things of western life. A country band entertains the crowds at Westerner Stadium during the games, complete with steel guitar, bass fiddle and twin fiddles. What a treat to hear twin Texas fiddles play "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and see the buckaroos and their little darlings do line dances and boot-scooting boogies during the game. One of the very special treats at Westerner Stadium is the mouthwatering steak sandwiches that are grilled right in front of your eyes and noses on a huge charcoal grill. And of course, an ice cold bottle of imported Lone Star beer ("Brewed deep in the Heart of Texas") comes with it, too.

Westerner owner, Jock Ewing, was very instrumental in the IPA's coming to be. He and several other multi-millionaire cohorts,like shipbuilder Brent Steiner of Bayiew, Jorge Trujillo (former dictator, now exiled) of Belair Beach, and wealthy entertainers Louis "Sugar Lips" Charles of Bay St. Clair and Conway Birdie of Cape Coral, conceived, financed and tried to contrive the league in their image and control.

But with the "help and guidance" of talented baseball owners like Manny Earl of Sugar Valley, Rob Jackson of Forest City and Rip Calkin of La Claire, the latter more than held their own in the smoke-filled rooms of debate and won a great concession: they got John Banson installed as commissioner with almost absolute control of the IPA, a necessity considering the history and practices of the power mongers.

Waleska's club operations are run by the legendary Roy Hobbs, who starred for the Westerners from 2013 to 2031. He batted .345 in 19 seasons with 587 homers and 2037 RBIs. Hobbs was voted into the IPA Hall of Fame. The gifted center fielder led Waleska to its first Pro Cup in '28 as a player. Twice as manager the Westerners have won the IPA crown in '37 and '39. Hobbs was a 15-time All-Star, Golden Glover and won seven Golden Bat Awards in his terrific career.

Westerner Stadium (1902)

Capacity: 12,850

Left Field Line - 355
Left Field - 375
Left Center - 410
Center Field - 385
Right Center - 410
Right Field - 375
Right Field Line - 355

[Eugene Church]

Arlon Champions

Owner: Kobeer Sport and Athletic Apparel
GM/Manager: Mark Cameron

Arlon, a town of 87,000 in the Caledonia River delta in southwestern Tycobbia, is located 50 miles north of Turon, a seaport on the Kelnyck Ocean. Arlon’s basic economy is cotton and textile manufacturing, but it is also noted for thoroughbred horse racing at Derby Downs, a magnificent racetrack that features the million-dollar Islandian National Derby each April and the Kobeer Marathon each July, both sponsored by Kobeer Sport and Athletic Apparel Company. Rich alluvial cotton fields stretch for miles outside the town and are the source of its prosperity.

Kobeer is also the proud owner of the Arlon Champions of the Islandian Pro Alliancem who play in the Tycobbian Union West Division. The Champions were named after the tennis shoe, “The Champion”, that started the company on the way to being one of the premier sporting and athletic apparel corporations in the country. The Champs play at Derby Downs, one of the most splendid settings in all of baseball. Derby Downs ballpark dates from 1915 and is adjacent to Arlon Derby Downs, the beautiful racetrack, whose twin green towers can be seen out over the centerfield fence. Kobeer regularly has fan appreciation days with free jerseys, caps, sweat suits and shoes just for coming to a Champions game. And in keeping with that old south Tycobbian tradition, delicious mint juleps are served at the concession stands along with other southern delicacies like fried chicken, watermelon and sweet potato pie. Tycobbians of all types love to eat and imbibe almost as much as they love Champs baseball.

Arlon is skippered by Mark Cameron, who played outfield for the team from 2033 to 2048, batting .275 in his career with 517 homers and 1421 RBIs. Cameron was a three-time All-Star and won the Tycobbian Most Valuable Player Award in 2039.

Derby Downs Park (1915)

Capacity: 10,983

Dimensions:
LF Line 330
LF 350
LCF 375
CF 402
RCF 375
RF 350
RF Line 330

[Eugene Church]

Map of Islandia

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, October 9, 2051

BRANHAM BLANKS WALESKA 1-0 IN PRO CUP OPENER
Erik Branham is just 23 years old and doing wonders in his first year with the Arlon Champions... Branham has chalked up five wins in the IPA playoffs so far.

In the opening game of the IPA Pro Cup Series at Derby Downs in Arlon, the rookie right-hander blanked Waleska 1-0, stopping them on four hits, while striking out six and walking two batters in a complete game... Branham (5-0/1.51) bested Lou Carlson (3-1/1.89) in a superb pitchers' duel.

Branham (.143) even scored the game's only run in the last of the third inning when he singled and was doubled in by 2B Carlo Campanella (.339)... Carlson was almost Branham's equal... he tossed seven innings, yielding only one run and four hits with 6 Ks and 2 walks... it was Carlson's first loss in the playoffs after three victories.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, October 10, 2051

2051 IPA PRO CUP SERIES: Game 2

WALESKA EVENS SERIES, EARNEST SPINS 3-0 SHUTOUT
After two games in the IPA Pro Cup Finals, it's all deadlocked at a game apiece... so far the Waleska Westerners and Arlon Champions have swapped shutouts... Trey Earnest spun a 3-0 shutout in game two at Arlon's Derby Downs, stopping the Champs on seven hits... Earnest (4-2/2.83) whiffed four batters and issued no walks in the game... Lonny Gray (3-3/2.15) was the loser... he allowed three runs on six hits in his seven frames, walking nobody and striking out three.

The second batter of the game Waleska RF Denver Shadwell (.200) socked a solo homer and SS Cornell Smithers (.392) singled in a second run in the opening frame, putting the Westerners in the lead 2-0... Waleska tacked on another run in the top of the seventh on three singles by Cordell Smithers, 1B Hershel Briggs (.281) and Earnest (.200).

Smithers paced the Westerners with three hits and Shadwell cracked a pair... leading the Champs at the plate was RF Cary Rockwell (.485) with three base knocks.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Thursday, October 12, 2051

2051 IPA PRO CUP SERIES: Game 3

HILBURN GIVES ARLON THE SERIES LEAD
So far in the IPA Pro Cup Finals all three games have ended up shutouts with Arlon taking two of the three games... on the road at Westerner Field, J. C. Hilburn hurled a 3-0 gem, stopping hometown Waleska on six hits to give the Champs the series' lead... Hilburn (2-2/2.57) tossed eight and two-thirds innings of scoreless ball, needing relief for the final out.

Shut out and held hitless for the first six innings by Kenny Foster, Arlon finally broke loose for three runs in the top of the seventh... two errors and a wild pitch accounted for the first run of the game... the Champions took the lead without the benefit of a hit... then three back-to-back base hits sent them ahead 3-0, getting RBIs from C Landon Moore (.182) and Hilburn (.308)... losing pitcher Foster (0-1/0.00) didn't allow an earned run in his six and two-thirds innings... he gave up only three hits, struck out five and walked two.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Friday, October 13, 2051

2051 IPA PRO CUP SERIES: Game 4

ARLON NEARS FIRST PRO CUP TITLE
For the first time in four games in this year's Pro Cup Finals there was no shutout... Arlon got 19 hits in game four, left 17 runners on and finally pulled away to win 6-3 in 10 innings over the Waleska Westerners at Westener Field... the victory put the Champs in the driver's seat for their first-ever Pro Cup trophy... with a three to one lead, all Arlon needs is one more win in the best-of-seven series to capture the IPA title..

After blowing a 3-0 lead in the seventh and eighth frames, the Champs cracked six straight base hits in the top on the 10th to put away the Westerners... 3B Todd Grant (.274) made it 4-3... CF Ferdie Freese (.210) added another score... and SS Timmy Tarbell (.246) ran it up to 6-3... that was all reliever Mackie McDuff (1-1/1.29) needed to wrap up the win... McDuff was the winning pitcher as he worked two scoreless innings in the ninth and tenth... he retired all six batters he faced, fanning three of them... Waleska closer Vince Gibson (1-2/3.24/1 save) took the loss as he was slammed for three runs and seven hits in his two and two-thirds innings.

Arlon outhit Waleska 19-8... 3B Todd Grant (.274) and 1B Ivan Cisneros (.284) both had four hits to spark the Champs with help from RF Cary Rockwell (.465) adding three hits and driving in three runs... Rockwell poked a three-run homer in the top of the third... 2B Carlo Campanella (.315) also had three hits... RF Gene Stevenson (.340) went 3 for 4 to pace the Westerners with 2B Hershel Briggs (.281) adding two more hits.

In the third inning Rockwell's roundtripper off starter Lou Carlson gave the Champs an early lead... Arlon's rookie phenom Erik Branham's scoreless streak ended at 16 innings, when he allowed three runs in the seventh and the eighth frames... Branham (5-0/1.76) permitted three runs on eight hits with two strikeouts and no walks, while Carlson (2-1/2.12) was tagged for three runs and 11 hits with seven Ks and three bases on balls.

Tomorrow afternoon at Westerner Field in Waleska it'll be southpaw Lanny Gray (21-14/2.89) on the mound for Arlon trying to win the first IPA title in the club's history... Gray will be opposed by Waleska right-hander Trey Earnest (18-10/2.97)... they met in game two of the series with Earnest spinning a 3-0 shutout... Earnest is 4-2 in six postseason starts with a fine 2.83 ERA, while Gray is 3-3 with a 2.15 ERA in six assignments.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Saturday, October 14, 2051

2051 IPA PRO CUP SERIES: Game 5

GRAY CLINCHES FIRST PRO CUP FOR ARLON
They are dancing in the streets of Arlon today after their Champions lived up to their name... for the first time in their 51-year history Arlon is the champion of the Islandian Pro Alliance... left-hander Lanny Gray made certain of it with a marvelous 2-0 shutout that clinched the Pro Cup for the Champs... Gray (4-2/0.72) mermerized the Waleska Westerners on 2 hits in game five of the IPA Pro Cup Finals at Westerner Field to give the visitors the series four games to one... the 35-year-old portsider walked four, but struck out nine in a superb outing... Arlon beat Trey Earnest (4-3/2.80), who allowed just two runs on four hits.

Arlon got all the runs they needed in the top of the fourth on RBI singles by SS Timmy Tarbell (.266) and 2B Carlo Campanella (.308)... they drove in 3B Todd Grant (.292) and CF Ferdie Freese (.215) with the only runs in the game... Grant and Tarbell led the Champs with two base hits each.

Winning manager Mark Cameron told the press, "We live and die with our pitchers and they certainly came through for us in the Finals... how about Gray today... he was fantastic!"

Arlon's magnificent mound corps had three shutouts in the series and held the Westerners to just 6 runs in five games with a 1.24 ERA ... Waleska batted only .177 in the series... neither club had much offense... Arlon only scored 12 runs in the Finals.

Waleska had strong pitching, too... they compiled a 1.76 ERA and held Arlon to a .241 BA... greatly inflated by 19 hits in game four... take that away and the Champions only batted .183 in the series... as it turned out the Champs had a little more spunk in their bats... that was the difference.

Disappointed Waleska skipper Roy Hobbs was shooting for the Westerners' fourth Pro Cup crown. "I honestly thought we were going to win it," the Hall of Famer summed it up, "Going in both teams were known for their pitching... and we both pitched well... Arlon was just a little bit better."

A very special thanks to knuckler for the beautiful new Arlon logo... apparently knuckler knew Arlon would win the Pro Cup... he included it on the logo he created weeks ago.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, October 15, 2051

BRANHAM VOTED THE PRO CUP MVP
It was not a unamimous choice for the baseball scribes. In the vote, the pollsters selected Arlon's fabulous rookie Erik Branham over the veteran Lanny Gray in the IPA Pro Cup Most Valuable Player balloting. Branham was named on 56 ballots and Gray on 42. The other two votes went to position players Ivan Cisneros and Carlo Campanella.

It was not an easy decision to make... Branham, a 23-year-old right-hander, went unbeaten in seven starts in the Pro Cup playoffs, charting a 5-0 record with two shutouts and a sterling 1.76 ERA... Gray, a 35-year-old southpaw, was equally as brilliant with three shutouts and a 0.72 ERA in six starts... however, Gray was only 4-2 record-wise, a crucial element in the balloting... he lost two close games, 1-0 and 3-0... Cisneros and Campanella were the best run providers for the new IPA champion... first baseman Cisneros hit .268 with 3 homers, 12 RBIs and 11 runs scored, while second baseman Campanella hit .308 with 2 roundtrippers, 13 runs and 7 RBIs.

During the regular season Erik Branham was 22-13 in 39 starts with a 2.09 ERA... Lonnie Gray chalked up a 21-14 mark and a 2.89 ERA... Ivan Cisneros had a fairly good year with a .271 BA, 20 homers, 87 RBIs and 99 runs, while Campanella batted only a modest .258 with 6 home runs, 40 RBIs and scored 75 runs.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, October 15, 2051

IPA ANNOUNCES MAJOR AWARD WINNERS

Ruthlandian Union

GOLDEN BAT TROPHY GOES TO TARANTO'S TOYOTA
2051 was a special season for Taranto left fielder Kuma Toyoto and it was capped off today with the announcement that he was named the winner of the Ruthlandian Union Golden Bat Award. Toyoto is a first-time winner. The 24-year-old Toyota compiled a .307 batting average and a .371 on-base percentage this year. In 139 games he piled up 160 hits, 23 doubles, 3 triples and 54 home runs, 124 RBIs and 105 runs. He topped the RU in roundtrippers and was third in RBIs. In his 4 seasons in the IPA Toyota has hit .304 with 111 homers and 314 RBIs. Runners-up in the balloting were Belle Plaine's hot-hitting first baseman Chuck Gregory (.360 BA/32 HR/102 RBI/98 runs) and Grand City's fine first sacker Benny Hull (.321 BA/38 HR/127 RBI/92 runs). Hull took the Golden Bat twice previously... in '46 and '49.

HAWK BEST RU TWIRLER
For the third time in four years Ralph Hawk of the Ranford Bulls has pitched his way to the Ruthlandian Union Golden Arm trophy. He won it in 2048, 2049 and now in 2051. At age 33 Hawk recorded a 24-7 mark with an impressive 1.94 ERA. The ace left-hander led the IPA with 280 strikeouts and came in third in ERA. He sparked the Bulls to a great season. They racked up 100 wins and finished third in the tough RU North, where Valmara posted 104 victories and second place Glasco won 101. Overall, his lifetime record is 248-142 with with a standout 2.46 ERA in 14 seasons with Ranford. Hawk's biggest competitors were Valmara's Primo Sirak (26-6/2.52) and Marston rookie Seth Garber (24-10/2.79).

TOWNER TOP ROOK IN RU
It was a tight race for the Ruthlandian Union Rookie of the Year between three players with the honor going to Mylon Towner, shortstop for the Marston Nine. The 23-year-old Towner hit at a .274 clip in 141 games with 160 hits, 10 home runs, 88 runs and 69 RBIs. Second and third in the voting were San Dimas catcher Yunesky Villanueva (.304 BA/3 HR/50 RBI/72 runs) and Sugar Valley right fielder Tyler Alban (.289 BA/15 HR/60 RBI/52 runs).

TOYOTA ALSO ACCLAIMED RU MVP
Taranto's terrific slugger Kuma Toyota went double dipping in the awards' season by also capturing the Ruthlandian Union Most Valuable Player honor. Toyota earlier had been named the RU Golden Bat winner. The Tars' left fielder led the Ruthlandian Union with 54 roundtrippers and wound up third in RBIs with 124. For the year Toyota batted .307 and paced Taranto to a fifth-place finish in the highly-regarded RU North Division. To win the MVP trophy he beat out two strong contenders in Golden Arm winner Ralph Hawk (24-7/1.94) of Ranford and Primo Sirak (26-6/2.52) of Valmara. Hawk helped his Bulls come in a very strong second to pennant-winning Valmara. Sirak was a prime ingredient to the Vipers' division title.

Tycobbian Union

MOXLEY MOPS UP TYCOBBIAN AWARDS
First baseman Ernie Moxley of the Hillsboro Blazers copped two of the main Tycobbian awards this season. The 33-year-old led the IPA homers and runs batted in and corraled the TU Golden Bat Award as well as the much-desired TU Most Valuable Player trophy. Moxley scorched the opposition for a .298 batting average in 146 games, picking up 170 hits, 31 doubles, 58 homers and 147 RBIs, while scoring 103 runs. For the first time in Hillsboro's history it won the Tycobbian East Division crown and qualified for the IPA Pro Cup playoffs. Moxley edged out two talented pitchers for the MVP trophy. Arlon rookie Erik Branham (22-12/2.09) and San Alejo veteran Will McKinney (29-3/1.68) were number two and number three in the MVP poll. Branham also won the TU Rookie of the Year Award and McKinney was honored with the TU Golden Arm trophy. Both of them sparked their clubs to division flags.

In the Tycobbian Golden Bat competition, Moxley got the best of Sogo Takagi (.333 BA/34 HR/107 RBI/119 runs), left fielder of the Ginza Ninjas, and San Alejo center fielder Pablo Teixeira (.315 BA/37 HR/104 RBI/116 runs). Ginza finished a strong third in the TU South to division winner San Alejo and runner-up Turon.

MONTIES' MCKINNEY TU KING OF THE HILL
For the third time in his iconic career San Alejo southpaw Will McKinney has gathered in the Tycobbian Golden Arm Award. The 31-year-old also captured it in '48 and '50. McKinney was magnificent this season for the Monteneros with a splendid 29-3 record and a super-low 1.68 ERA. McKinney topped the IPA in victories and ERA this year, while helping San Alejo win the TU South Division. In his 10-year career McKinney has compiled a fine 235-106 record with a 2.50 ERA. Six times he has made the All-Star team and he was the Tycobbian Rookie of the Year in 2042. Young Tuffy Hammel (27-9/2.32) of High Mesa was ranked second in the Golden Arm voting with veteran Sonny Wheat (26-6/2.51) of the Red Bluff Red Sox in third place.

ARLON ACE BRANHAM NAMED TOP TU ROOKIE
The best newcomer in the Tycobbian Union was Arlon's phenomenal 23-year-old right-hander Erik Branham. He easily outdid his closest competitors with a 22-12 mark and a great 2.09 ERA in his first season in the IPA. Branham paced the Champs to the Tycobbian West title and ultimately leading them to their first-ever Pro Cup championship. He also was voted the Pro Cup Most Valuable Player. Quite a remarkable achievement for a freshman. Winding up second in the Rookie poll was White River portsider Artie Wynyard (16-7/2.60/3 saves). He was a vital part of the Rascals winning the TU North Division. In the third spot was Ozarka catcher Tuffy Palmeiro, who hit .338 with 7 homers, 50 RBIs and 70 runs in 133 games. The Naturals broke even for the year, but wound up seventh in the hotly-contested Tycobbian East.

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, October 16, 2051

GOLDEN RETRIEVERS ANNOUNCED BY IPA
The Islandian Pro Alliance has given out Golden Gloves to the top glovemen in the Islands. The Ruthlandian Union and Tycobbian best defenders were announced today at the league headquarters in Marson.There were lots of newcomers to the Golden Glovers this season, but no rookies made the squads. Top Ruthlandian returnees were Jojo DeLucca (Claxton) and Walter Glenn (Ancona), who got their sixth Glove Gloves. Valmara's Ken Jensen and Far Mountain's Frank Penn were honored for the fourth time in their careers. Rocco Bertera (Mahaska) led the Tycobbian top defenders, making the team for the fourth time.

Ruthlandian Union Golden Glove Team:
P: Darek Polaski - Valmara Vipers (22-14/2.31) (.986 FA) (first-time winner)
C: Frank Penn - Far Mountain Redhawks (.299/7/56/81) (.996 FA/9 PB/44.4% RTO) (4-time winner)
1B: Wayman Stetson - Valmara Vipers (.294/36/137/77) (.994 FA) (2-time winner)
2B: Jojo DeLucca - Claxton Diamonds (.299/22/110/77) (.975 FA) (6-time winner)
3B: Fred Allison - LaGrange Sports (.250/5/54/71) (.951 FA) (first-time winner)
SS: Ken Jensen - Valmara Vipers (.289/10/62/95) (.970 FA) (4-time winner)
LF: Walter Glenn - Ancona Red Elephants (.279/3/47/72) (.997 FA) (6-time winner)
CF: Johnny Wyatt - Middlefield Roosters (.260/46/123/95) (.991 FA) (first-time winner)
RF: Cris Hershey - St. John Crusaders (.331/14/86/80) (.989 FA) (first-time winner)

Tycobbian Union Golden Glove Team:
P: Steve Cooper - Hillsboro Blazers (21-10/2.44) (1.000 FA) (first-time winner)
C: Johnny Samarin - Mahaska Haymakers (.279/8/59/57) (.994 FA/5 PB/37.8% RTO) (first-time winner)
1B: Ernie Moxley - Hillsboro Blazers (.298/58/147/103) (.995 FA) (first-time winner)
2B: Randy Sweetland - High Mesa Cowboys (.287/4/56/91) (.984 FA) (first-time winner)
3B: Kax Clark - Midway Wolves (.316/9/97/97) (.973 FA) (2-time winner)
SS: Rocco Bertara - Mahaska Haymakers (.255/8/55/64) (.976 FA) (4-time winner)
LF: Marki Heinsohn - Cape Coral Hurricanes (.311/24/100/99) (..990 FA) (first-time winner)
CF: Eddy Spafford - Turon Typhoons (.279/7/58/118) (.987 FA) (2-time winner)
RF: Chuck Coltharpe - North Hills Hawks (.297/34/95/99) (.986 FA) (2-time winner)

[Eugene Church]

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Saturday, October 28, 2051

BEST SKIPPERS PROCLAIMED IN IPA
The Islandian Pro Alliance announced this year's best managers yesterday at the league headquarters in Marston. This year's honors went to Charles Darby of the Glasco Athletics and Andy Jefferson of the Hillsboro Blazers. This was the second time Darby captured the honor as he was also honored in 2045, while it was Jefferson's first time to win.

Darby was chosen the Ruthlandian Union Manager of the Year for rejuvenating the Glasco A's. They went from 82-72, fifth place in the tough RU North Division, to a splendid 101-53 mark, yet still couldn't beat out the powerful Valmara Vipers, who took the division crown for the fourth straight season with a 104-50 record. Valmara's skipper Vanya Vasylenko came in a close second for the top manager trophy. It was the fourth year in a row his Vipers have won 100 or more games. Third in the balloting was another RU North manager, Chris Bernhoffer of the Ranford Bulls, who improved from 97-57 to 100-54, but finished third to Valmara and Glasco.

Charles Darby spent 18 years in the IPA with three clubs... he started with Glasco for six years and played the last 11 for Sugar Valley, winding up with a 241-226 mark and a 4.06 lifetime ERA... he was twice an All-Star... in 2001 and 2011.

The Tycobbian Union Manager of the Year Award was given to Andy Jefferson of the Hillsboro Blazers of the the TU East Division... he led the Blazers to their first pennant in the club's history... they rose up from 75-79 and last place to the top spot with a 98-56 turnaround season... Jefferson was a solid first baseman for 12 years with Hillsboro, batting .292 in his career with 320 homers and 845 RBIs.

Runner-up in the top manager poll was Arlon's Mark Cameron, who piloted the Champs to a tremendous year... they won the Tycobbian West with an 86-66 record, moving up from 70-84 the year previously, 29 games out of first place... and even more important, Arlon captured its first Pro Cup with a surprising performance in the playoffs... third in the voting was the head man of the Mahaska Haymakers, Travis Tuttle. Under his tutelage the Haymakers improved from 68-86 and fifth place, 34 GB, to 87-67 and second place, finishing 10 GB the strong White River Rascals.

[Eugene Church]

I'm busy at work on the IPA logos and jerseys.
Several of our great Modders are making me jerseys and caps for the IPA, something I have never had... I have always used the lackluster game-generated jerseys and caps.

I really think the new customed-made jerseys and caps will really add some pzazz to the old IPA.

I'm excited about them.

[Eugene Church]

Still updating the jerseys and the logos... it's slow process... I have to do it manually for each team... the Modders did a super job on them... I will share their great work once I have all 64 teams done.

Another project will be the IPA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team... I'm going to pick the top players of each decade... and then pick an All-Time Team from those.

[Eugene Church]

Note from EC: I'm starting a new feature in the IPA Dynasty... I will post stories from the past periodically... Hope you like it.

Yesterday in the IPA

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, October 9, 2001

Volusia Sweeps Pro Cup Series from Ginza
It's over and how sweep it is! The Volusia Vigilantes defeated the Ginza Ninjas for the fourth straight time to capture the first-ever Islandian Pro Cup Series in a sweep. The V's ace, Raul Sandoval (4-1 1.50), took the hill and brought home the trophy. Sandoval worked eight innings in the 4-2 triumph, permitted 11 hits, but only two runs. He stranded 11 Ninjas on the bases. After Sandoval gave up two back-to-back singles to start the ninth, manager Alfonso Feliz made the easy call - he summoned his splendid closer in from the bullpen for the 57th time this season and Ricky Moreno did it again. Moreno (2-0 0.00) sealed the game and the championship. He got the first out on a liner to short, then wrapped up the title with a double play ball. Moreno did not give up a run in 13 innings and seven playoff relief appearances. It was his fifth save in the playoffs, giving him a total of 31 for the season.

As they did in game three, the Ninjas drew first blood when right fielder Takashi Fujimoto (.262) hit a solo homer in the first inning. But it was short-lived - the Vigilantes took the lead right back with three runs in the bottom of the inning and never relinquished it. Shortstop Scooter Perez (.371) and left fielder Winky Rush (.310) led off the inning with singles. First baseman Alejandro Salazar (.308) then doubled Perez home to tie it, second baseman Francisco Abreu (.364) drove in Rush on a grounder to first and right fielder Jesus Arroyo (.315) singled in Salazar for a 3-1 lead. In the fourth Ginza cut it to 3-2 when first baseman Kenshin Yamamoto (.262) doubled with one out, went to third on a single by center fielder Nick Winters (.300) and came home when shortstop Scooter Perez booted a grounder. Volusia tallied its final run in the fifth when Arroyo was hit by pitch with the bases loaded. Ninja starter Toshiharu Ito (1-3 1.57) did not fare well and sustained the loss. He gave up four runs and seven hits in six innings.

The V's ignited a huge celebration as they beat Ginza 4-2 to win the Islandian Pro Cup Series. Volusia won the series 4-0, capturing the first-ever Islandian Pro Cup. "We stepped it up at the right time...now we're the champs...it's a great feeling," the victorious manager Alfonso Feliz exclaimed to the press. The champs finished the regular season 78-72 and claimed second place in the Ruthlandian Union North, 5 games in back of the Far Mountain Redhawks (83-67).

In the jubilant clubhouse after the decisive game, the Vigilantes general manager Juan-Carlos De la Hoya proudly stated, "I am so happy for our city. Our great fans deserve this. I just hope they don't tear up the town celebrating too much." Volusia won 12 of 15 playoff games, defeating Marston 4-2 in the Elite 8, Far Mountain 4-1 in the Final 4 and sweeping Ginza 4-0. Ginza finished up with an 8-9 playoff record, whipping Fairfax 4-3 in the first round and South Fork 4-2 in round two. The Ninjas were 81-69 in the regular season, 5 games behind the Tycobbian East Division winner, the South Fork Stallions (86-64).

[Eugene Church]

Yesterday in the IPA

The Islandian Times

Thursday, October 11, 2001

V's Abreu MVP in Playoffs
The Volusia Vigilantes had a whole host of heroes in their playoff run to the Islandian Pro Cup crown. The V's swept the Ginza Ninjas of the Tycobbian Union East in four games and were sparked by second baseman Francisco Abreu, who was selected the Islandian Pro Cup Series Most Valuable Player in a vote by BNN. The 26-year-old Abreu received 25 votes in the poll of the baseball journalists and broadcasters. It was a close vote with six players in the running. Pitchers Raul Sandoval and Tommy Betanzos had 23 and 22 votes respectively, reliever Ricky Moreno 19 votes, first baseman Alejandro Salazar 18 votes and shortstop Scooter Perez accumulated 17 votes.

Abreu hit .364 with three home runs and three doubles, driving in 13 runs and scoring 11 times in 15 playoff games. Sandoval compiled an outstanding 4-1 record with a sensational 1.50 ERA and three complete games in six starts. Betanzos equaled Sandoval with a 4-1 won-lost mark and an impressive 2.21 ERA in five starts. Closer Moreno was brilliant, winning two games and saving 5. Moreno appeared in 7 games and did not give up a run in 13 innings. Salazar batted .308, hit five doubles and four homers with 10 RBIs and scored 9 times. Perez collected a .371 average, five doubles, two triples, four RBIs and scored 12 runs.

Volusia manager Alfonso Felix told reporters, "They all deserved the award. It truly was a team effort."

[Eugene Church]

Yesterday in the IPA

The Islandian Times

Friday, October 12, 2001

Colfax's Cole Cops RU Golden Bat Award
It will be quite a star-studded affair this weekend at the BNN annual awards dinner. All of the major award winners will be there to be honored for their outstanding achievements in the 2001 season. One of them will be Dennis Cole of the Colfax Blasters, who will be presented the Ruthlandian Union Golden Bat Award.

The 32-year-old Colfax first baseman ended the year with a .323 batting average, 161 hits, 39 home runs, 128 RBIs, .474 OBP and scored 116 times.

Alan Hansen of Bayview Wins TU Best Bat Trophy
The top batter in the Tycobbian Union in 2001 was Bayview's gifted second baseman Alan Hansen. For his standout play, he was voted the Golden Bat Award. He led the league in batting average, hits, runs scored and walks. Hansen was second in stolen bases.

Hansen starred this season with a .371 batting average, 206 hits, 51 RBIs, .481 OBP and 129 runs scored. He played in 144 games and completed the season with 26 doubles, 9 triples, one home run and 64 stolen bases.

[Eugene Church]

Yesterday in the IPA

The Islandian Times

Saturday, October 13, 2001

Golden Arm Award Presented to Sugar Valley Star
The stars will be shining brightly this weekend at the BNN annual awards dinner. All of the major award winners will be there to be honored for their outstanding achievements in the 2001 season. One of them will be Ron Benson of the Sugar Valley Rattlers, who will receive the Ruthlandian Union Golden Arm Award.

He was the league's premier pitcher this past season with a 23-12 mark. He started 39 games, hurled 305 innings, fanned 268 strikeouts and crafted a 2.92 ERA. The 26-year-old Rattlers ace also held opponents to a .232 average and hurled three shutouts.

Benson led the IPA in wins, innings and strikeouts. He was second in complete games with 19.

South Fork's Battle Elbows His Way To TU Golden Arm Honors
Flint Battle of the South Fork Stallions dazzled the Tycobbian Union in 2001, stacking up win after win, finishing the season with 20 victories and 11 losses, numbers good enough to reap the Tycobbian Union Golden Arm Award.

Battle made 36 starts, hurled 282 innings and three shutouts, yielded 244 hits, struck out 165 batters, walked 80 and ended up with a 2.71 ERA. Teams hit .237 against him.

This weekend the 33-year-old righthander will be honored by BNN at its annual awards banquet.

[Eugene Church]

Yesterday in the IPA

The Islandian Union

Sunday, October 14, 2001

Sugar Valley's Bird Rakes in RU Rookie Award
The Ruthlandian Union's premier rookie will be honored this weekend at the annual BNN awards dinner. The 2001 trophy winner is Flipper Bird, 21-year-old shortstop for the Sugar Valley Rattlers.

He took the Rookie of the Year Award by batting .290 and collecting 163 hits, 29 doubles, 18 triples, 21 home runs, 61 RBIs, 59 walks, 102 runs scored and a .364 on-base percentage. Bird also stole 27 bases and participated in 143 games.

Hellcat Weaver Picks Up TU Rookie of the Year Award
Today BNN announced the winner of the Rookie of the Year Award. The premier rookie in the Tycobbian Union was the outstanding Hartsdale third baseman Whiz Weaver.

It was quite a year for the 19-year-old infielder. He finished out the regular season with a .289 batting average, 32 doubles, 3 triples and 27 home runs. Weaver also had 80 RBIs and scored 74 times, while playing in 138 games. He was also named the best fielding third baseman in the TU and was named a Golden Glove Award winner.

[Eugene Church]

ATTENTION;

I have to put my computer in for repairs... so I won't be able to post for 3-4 days.

The Islandian Pro Alliance will return Monday or Tuesday.

I thought I would post my new IPA league logo.

I used justafan's great logo creator.

I know the fabulous modders could do a much better logo, but this is the best I could do.