Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report

[Hapshoops32]

Console: PS4
Game: MLB 14
Sliders: Using a combo of several slider sets
Difficulty: Hitting - Veteran, Fielding - Veteran (Pitching - N/A) (I plan to up the difficulty if the success level gets to be unfair and unrealistic.

Hello, everyone. Thought I'd give it another go as far as posting a dynasty in this forum. In this case, as you can see, it's a Road to the Show story. Admittedly, it's an RTTS player that I've already started up - so you will be joining in early on in the career, but not the very beginning. Hopefully, that's not too much of a sticking point for anyone deciding to follow. Also, for more information, i've got a page going on dynastynation.net. There will be more stats and info if anyone is interested.

BACK STORY:



Chase was drafted in the 2nd round (55th overall) by the New York Yankees in the 2013 Amateur Draft. After signing a few weeks later, he was brought in for low-A ball and by the time 2014 rolled around, the organization decided he was good enough to start the season with AA Trenton. Just over a month later, the meteoric rise continued, as the shortstop was promoted to AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Happel had a successful year in the minors, hitting over .300 and driving in more than 50 runs. That earned him an invite to Spring Training. With legendary Yankee Derek Jeter lost to retirement and no solid replacement brought in during the offseason, Happel found himself in a position where he'd be starting 2015 with the big club - as the starting shortstop. His first season in the MLB has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride full of inconsistency. The Yankees have followed suit, struggling to get to the .500 mark. The calendar is about to turn to June. Can Happel fill the shoes of one of the best players to ever wear the pinstripes? Can he help the Yankees in their drive for a 28th World Series Championship? Those questions and much more will be answered along the way, and I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I do playing it and sharing it with you.

[Hapshoops32]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report





BRONX, New York (DN) - Two clubs fighting to climb up the standings nearly started a brawl on the field after a pitch got too close for comfort for Yankees rookie Chase Happel.  However, cooler heads prevailed and it was the Yankees who got back in the win column with a 5-1 victory.

It was clear that a sense of desperation was beginning to set in on both sides.  Baltimore and New York have both fallen below the .500 mark.  And, with the calendar switching to June soon, falling farther behind could prove disasterous.

"I realize it's only May, but both teams wanted this win badly, and the emotion attached to this game show that," said Yanks Manager Joe Girardi.

So, tensions were already high.  Add in a tightly played contest between American League East rivals, and you have a tinder box that's ready to explode.

Chase Happel crosses the plate with the go-ahead run in the 7th inning. (HapsCareers32 / DN)

That came to a head in the eighth inning.  A one-run game quickly exploded into a comfortable four-run lead for the Bronx Bombers thanks to back-to-back home runs off the bats of Jacoby Ellsbury and Mark Teixeira.  It appears that did not sit well with Orioles pitcher Rich Hill.  His second pitch to Happel was high and way inside, forcing the rookie to dive to the ground to get out of the way.

"I get that stuff like that is part of the game, but it's still cowardly if you ask me," commented an angry Happel.  "If you don't like it, strike me out.  Don't give up the damn home runs.  How about that?  Instead, you're going to throw at me because my teammates did their job and performed under pressure?  That's crap, plain and simple."

Hill denied any attempt to hit Happel, "He's just mad because it was near his head.  I get that.  But, I didn't throw at him.  I was trying to get inside on him, and it slipped out of my hand.  End of story.  He can cry about it all he wants.  Facts are facts."

Both benches came on to the field, but despite some heated conversations and pushing and shoving, nothing else came of it and no ejections were necessary.  The 19-year-old shortstop then got some revenge on Hill by lacing a 2-1 pitch down the right field line for a double.

"That one felt pretty damn good," admitted Happel.

Happel showed his heart and his hustle, sliding into second base for a double just a couple pitches after nearly being plunked in the head.. (HapsCareers32 / DN)

The rookie also played another role in New York's big win.  With the score tied at one, he started a rally in the seventh inning by drawing a one out walk against Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, who had a no-hitter going until the sixth inning.  Carlos Beltran then laced a single just fair down the first base line, allowing Happel to advance to third base.  He would score the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by D.J. Peterson.

That was more than enough for New York starter C.C. Sabathia, who looked a lot more like his old self.  The veteran lefty tossed a complete game, giving up just the one run and five hits.

As it turned out, the Yankees would win by a more comfortable margin.  But, the significance of the win, and the fight back attitude of Happel and his teammates, could go a long way to turning around what's been a difficult start to the season.

"Games like this can prove to be a turning point.  Or, they can mean absolutely nothing.  Just because we had a good, high emotion win today doesn't mean that it's all going to fall into our lap now.  We need to play good baseball.  Hopefully, we can build on this," commented Girardi.

The Yanks now head out for three game set in Tampa Bay before meeting up with the Orioles once again, this time in Baltimore.

[Hapshoops32]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report



Happel Sparks Offense as Yanks Take 2 of 3
Bronx Bombers Gaining Ground in AL East

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (OS) - A 16-8 drubbing is part of what could be a statement series for the Yankees. New York managed to win two out of three games against the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

"After that Baltimore series, we really wanted to build some momentum," said Yanks shortstop Chase Happel. "We played really well over the last three games, and it feels like we're starting to turn the tide in a big way."

Happel lead the way in an extra innings victory to open the series. He also contributed to Thursday night's blowout win. Below is a recap of the three game set at Tropicana Field.

[Hapshoops32]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report



MAY RECAP

[Hapshoops32]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report



ROUGH ROAD: YANKS SUFFER 2ND STRAIGHT LOSS
Happel, Offense Struggle in Clutch Situations

BALTIMORE, Maryland (OS) - New York gets June off to a tough start, dropping a frustrating 3-1 contest to the Orioles to fall into last place in the A.L. East.

Baltimore has been a thorn in the Yankees side all season long, and that continued Monday afternoon at Camden Yards.  The Bronx Bombers bats were silenced by starter Steve Johnson, despite loading the bases in two separate innings.

"We just didn't take advantage of the situations right in front of us," commented young shortstop Chase Happel.  "I had a couple of chances to help us out today with runners in scoring position, and I just didn't get it done, plain and simple."

Specifically, Happel came up with the bases jammed with two outs in the top of the first inning but only managed a weak grounder to end the inning.  In the eighth, trailing by two runs, the 19-year-old had runners at first and second with one out.  However, could not even move the runners up, going down swinging.

The loss follows an 11-3 drubbing of New York in the previous game.  The Yanks now head off to Atlanta for the first half of a home-and-home series with the Braves.  Here is a look back at the series against the O's.

[redsrulenc]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report

I may not comment in on this much, but I saw that no one had commented yet and wanted to show you some love for doing a RTTS when there aren't that many going on right now on here. Good luck in your career!

[Hapshoops32]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report

Thanks for checking in, redsrulenc! Your Myrtle Beach dynasty caught my eye as well - very cool that you're doing a franchise from a minor league team's perspective. Definitely very unique!

[redsrulenc]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report

Thanks for checking in, redsrulenc! Your Myrtle Beach dynasty caught my eye as well - very cool that you're doing a franchise from a minor league team's perspective. Definitely very unique!

Thanks a lot. That, paired up with my old Louisville Bats AAA dynasty shine a little light on the minor leagues, which was one of my plans all along. Glad to hear it caught your eye.

[Deuce2223]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report

Have to be honest I am not a Yankee fan whatsoever, but you have a very nice layout and trying to follow in the footsteps of Jeter are big shoes to fill, but so far it looks like Happel is playing well enough to be considered in the A.L. ROY talks.

[Hapshoops32]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report

It's funny that you say that, Deuce. I HATE the Yankees... I'm a big Red Sox and Phillies fan, so I really don't like the Yankees at all. I was so disappointed when they drafted my guy lol. But, seeing as I was a shortstop, I thought it would at least make a good story to tell with the Jeter angle, though I didn't expect to make it to the big leagues exactly the first year after he retired. We'll see what happens. Funny enough, I made a pitcher in MLB 09 - started in Oakland, but got traded to the Yankees. A year or two later, I pitched my first and only perfect game in any mode on The Show - against the Red Sox! I was almost disappointed, because I didn't want to do it against one of my favorite teams, lol.

[Hapshoops32]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report

[Hapshoops32]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report



YANKEES CRUSHED IN HOME AND HOME SERIES
Braves Take 3 of 4 From New York

BRONX, New York (OS) - It was a frustrating series for Chase Happel and his Bronx Bombers, as they were dominated in just about every aspect of baseball while dropping three contests to Atlanta.

"I think it's safe to say that we're all glad to be done with that team for a while," commented Happel. "They beat us pretty good. I'm glad we were able to come away with the win today and kind of stop the bleeding. But man, we just need to play a lot better baseball."

New York was able to salvage the final matchup in its 4 game set with the Braves. Happel was one of the big contributors, as he went 3-for-4 at the plate with the go-ahead RBI double in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Atlanta stole the previous game at Yankee Stadium thanks to a ninth inning blowup by David Price and the bullpen. And the Braves swept both of their home games. Here is a recap of the forgettable four games against Atlanta:

[Hapshoops32]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report

[Hapshoops32]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report





YANKEES SUFFER MASSIVE COLLAPSE IN 9TH
A's Finish Off 4 Game Sweep at the Stadium

BRONX, New York - The Yankees managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on Monday afternoon. After fighting their way back with a tremendous comeback in the bottom of the eighth, New York simply fell apart in the final frame, giving up a whopping 7 runs to lose 10-4 in a terribly disappointing series finale against Oakland.

"That's really about as frustrating as it gets in this game," admitted Yanks Manager Joe Girardi, who could do nothing more than shake his head and let out a sheepish laugh. "Baseball can be a funny and cruel game. I don't think anyone in the clubhouse is laughing right now, though."

"It's hard, when you fight so much to come back and get it done. Then, just when you think you've gotten over the hump, bang! The rug gets taken out from under you," commented Yankees shortstop Chase Happel. "We had it. I thought we absolutely had it and felt like maybe luck was going to start turning our way. It didn't work out that way, though, and now we just have to try and forget about it and move on."

Happel comes across with the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th.. (Hapshoops32 / Operation Sports)

Happel was a big reason why his club took a lead into the ninth inning in the first place. The Bronx Bombers were trailing 3-1 to start the bottom of the eighth. Ramon Flores started the rally with a one out single. After pinch hitter Alex Rodriguez popped out, Brett Gardner doubled home Flores to cut the deficit to one. Then Happel stepped up to the plate and promptly delivered a game-tying double down the third base line. It was his second RBI of the game and the second time the rookie came through with a clutch base hit to tie the contest.

Jacoby Ellsbury also collected a big hit, smacking a single to center field that brought Happel home with the go-ahead run. It was the first time the Yankees held a lead for the entire four game series against the Athletics.

That lead wouldn't last very long.

In the top of the ninth, David Robertson came on to close things out. But, all he did was open the door for Oakland. A two-run triple, a pair of two-run home runs and an RBI double added up to the final devastating blow to the Yanks, sending their shocked fans home wondering what hit them. Jed Lowrie was one of the players that hit New York, and hard. The shortstop had two dingers in the contest, including a blast in the 9th that gave the A's some insurance.

"Give them some credit," said Happel. "When we took the lead, they fought right back. They didn't just roll over. They're a good team, and as hard as it is to accept, today can be a learning lesson for us. The bottom line is that we have to start playing better baseball. We can roll over from here, or we can start fighting back."

The loss is just part of what was a dismal series and a terrible start to the month of June. New York is 1-8 since the calendar flipped from May. After being within striking distance of a .500 record, the Bronx Bombers have dropped to a season-worst 10 games below .500.

"We've dug ourselves a bit of a whole," quipped Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury. "But, we're not buried yet. It's not September. We've got plenty of talent on this team, it's' just time that people start living up to their potential."

Next, New York hosts a brief two game Interleague set against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here is a look back at a series to forget against Oakland:

[Hapshoops32]

Re: Chasing History: A Road to the Show Report



PITTSBURGH SERIES RECAP
Yankees Settle for Split After Blowout Loss

BRONX, New York (June 11, 2015) - Just when New York fans could start to feel good about themselves, a 14-2 drubbing at the hands of the Pirates Thursday night was more than enough to dampen everyone's spirits again.

For the second start in a row, Yankees starter Michael Pineda was pummeled like a pinata as Pittsburgh pushed across 6 runs against him in less than four innings of work. When all was said and done, the Pirates run total looked more like a football score, and they racked up an eye popping 21 hits.

"We just can't seem to get any positive momentum," said Yanks skipper Joe Girardi. "As soon as we take a step forward, we take two leaps backward. It's frustrating right now, to say the least."

The positive step came by way of a well-pitched and well-played 3-2 victory over their National League foes on the previous night. For Chase Happel, it was an equally frustrating series. The 19-year-old rookie was just 1-for-7 with a walk in the two games against Pittsburgh.

"I think everyone's just pressing right now, including me," commented Happel. "It can't get much worse for us this month, so hopefully we can win a couple of games and turn things around."

PLAY OF THE SERIES: