Baseball: The World's Game (OOTP 22 Fictional World)

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-17-2024, 05:53 PM

2021 ABF Hall of Fame

The Asian Baseball Federation added two slam dunk inductees into the Hall of Fame in 2021 with OF/DH Humayun Kahil at 98.9% and SP Zahir Nasir at 98.1%. SP Omar Ma’mur narrowly missed joining them on his third ballot, as his 63.1% was within striking distance of the 66% requirement. CF Rahman Polat also was notable at 59.7% on his debut. No other players were above 50%.

One player fell off the ballot after ten failed attempts in RP Mahgameh Nasiri, who peaked at 28.3% in his second ballot and ended at 5.3%. He won Reliever of the Year twice with Tehran, but only had nine of his 12 seasons in ABF. Nasiri had 161 saves and 226 shutdowns, 2.25 ERA, 740.1 innings, 878 strikeouts, 158 ERA+, and 14.0 WAR. It was a respectable run, but far from Hall of Fame worthy and it was surprising to some that he even lasted ten ballots.

Humayun Kahil – Outfield/Designated Hitter – Adana Axemen – 98.9% First Ballot

Humayun Kahil was a 5’11’’, 195 pound left-handed outfielder from Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city. Kahil was a tremendous contact hitter who generated impressive home run power with his stocky frame. He had 40+ home runs in 11 of his 24 seasons, averaging 44 per his 162 game average. Kahil was also solid at drawing walks, although his strikeout rate was subpar.

Kahil absolutely mashed against right-handed pitching with a career 182 wRC+ and 1.032 OPS. His career numbers against lefties were decent (118 wRC+, .766 OPS) but in his 20s, Kahil beat up lefties quite impressively as well. His power wasn’t limited to homers, getting 29 doubles and 7 triples per his 162 game average. Kahil’s speed was above average to good at best, but he was an outstanding and dangerous baserunner. Few guys ever had better timing and instincts, making Kahil one of the game’s top-ever run scorers without having blistering speed.

The downside is that Kahil was a lousy defender at any spot he tried. He made about half of his career starts in left field, about 15% in right field, and a smattering at first base. Around ¼ of his starts were as a designated hitter. In many of his seasons, he jumped around between spots depending on what the team needed. Kahil’s bat was such that he always had a spot somewhere waiting for him.

Kahil had some sporadic mostly smaller injuries, especially in his later years. However, he held up remarkably well as one of the select few to survive 24 seasons of pro baseball. Kahil was one of the most respected men in the game, known as a team captain everywhere he went. He was selfless, hard-working, adaptable, and loyal. Kahil was extremely popular over a career that spanned three continents and four leagues, becoming possibly the biggest baseball superstar ever out of Pakistan.

Although a famous figure of Pakistani baseball, Kahil never actually played for a pro team based in his country. Wherever he went though, he made it a point to come home for the World Baseball Championship. From 1998-2016, he played 175 games and started 164 with 181 hits, 123 runs, 26 doubles, 53 home runs, 102 RBI, 66 walks, 64 stolen bases, a .297/.372/.613 slash, 183 wRC+, and 10.0 WAR.

Kahil’s efforts earned Pakistan a fourth place in 2007, an elite eight in 2009, and third place in 2010. As of 2037, Kahil leads all Pakistanis in the WBC in WAR, runs, and hits. He ranks third in doubles, third in homers, and fourth in RBI. Among all position players, he’s 41^st in WAR, 65^th in hits, and 57^th in runs. Kahil was also only the 13^th player in WBC history to hit for the cycle, doing it in 2007 against Nicaragua.

Growing up in Lahore, his potential was widely broadcast even as a teenager. A scout from Adana was able to lure him to Turkey on a developmental deal signed in June 1993. Kahil didn’t need much seasoning, becoming one of the few in pro baseball history to debut at age 18. He played 131 games and started 117 in 1995, winning Rookie of the Year honors.

Kahil earned himself stardom even as a rookie, winning MVP honors of the West Asia Association Championship Series. Adana beat Isfahan for the pennant, then won their first-ever ABF Championship over Karachi. The Axemen would repeat in 1996, again beating the Carp. In these two playoff runs, Kahil had 0.8 WAR over 24 starts, 23 hits, 12 runs, 6 doubles, 3 triples, 6 home runs, and 16 RBI.

He was merely a decent starter in his first two years, but even doing that much as a teenager was unheard of. Kahil had a 5.0 WAR third season, then emerged as the top guy from 1998-2002. He led the WAA (and soon rechristened Western League) five straight years in WAR, topping 10+ each time. Kahil led in OPS, wRC+, slugging, batting average, total bases, and RBI each four times. He thrice led in OBP, twice led in home runs and runs scored, and once led in stolen bases.

Kahil won Silver Sluggers in left field all five years and won MVPs in 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2002 (and finished second in MVP voting in 2000). He posted the third-ever ABF Triple Crown for a hitter in 1999 (.365, 49 HR, 135 RBI) then did it again in 2002 (.330, 60 HR, 139 RBI). Kahil scored 133 runs in 1999, which tied ABF’s single-season record and held until 2021. As of 2037, he holds the #11, #13, and #17 best OPS single-seasons in ABF history.

2002 had his career best in homers (60), while 1999 had his bests in runs (133), hits (212), total bases (428), average (.365), OPS (1.162), and WAR (13.1). He was arguably on a stronger pace in both 2000 and 2001, but he lost around a month in both seasons to injury. Kahil was the first-ever four-time MVP in ABF and is one of only five as of 2037. The Axemen had given him an eight-year, $9,190,000 contract signed in May 1998.

Despite reaching his individual prime, Adana couldn’t match the team success he had at the start of his career. The Axemen narrowly missed the playoff from 1997-99 as Bursa began a nine-year playoff streak. The playoffs expanded in 2000 with the influx of teams from the exodus from Eurasian Professional Baseball. Adana was a wild card in 2000 and 2001, suffering a first round loss and a WLCS loss. 2002 was then the first losing season since 1987 for the Axemen, who wouldn’t be back above .500 until 2009.

A severely strained hip muscle kept Kahil out in the spring of 2003, although he notably had a 32-game hit streak that year. He was back to his elite form in 2004, matching his home run high (60) and setting a new RBI high mark of 147. Kahil also had 11.0 WAR and led in runs, batting average, and OBP. He won his sixth Silver Slugger (his first in RF) and was second in MVP voting.

Beloved by Adana fans, Kahil was now 28-years old and only one season away from being eligible for free agency. He wanted to stay loyal, but the Axemen weren’t expecting to be competitive anytime soon. Adana also figured they wouldn’t be able to afford the massive contract offers that Kahil would inevitably get. Shortly after the 2004 season, the Axemen traded Kahil within the division to Bursa for five prospects.

Bursa was the defending ABF champ and both wanted to repeat and hoped they could convince Kahil to stay. The Blue Claws set a franchise-best mark at 106-56 in 2005, but lost to Shiraz in the WLCS. Kahil won his seventh Silver Slugger and took second in MVP voting, leading in runs (112) and homers (48) while posting 9.6 WAR. He did that in only 107 games, missing the final months of the regular season and the playoffs to a bone spur in his elbow. Kahil posted his best-ever OPS (1.209) and slugging (.789) but didn’t have the plate appearances to qualify as the league leader.

Now 29-years old, Kahil was a baseball superstar and one of the most sought after free agents worldwide. His ABF career ended for now as Major League Baseball teams were primed to make him one of the richest in the game. Calgary won the bidding war at $56,500,000 over five years. Kahil would make roughly as much in just his first MLB season as he did for entire ABF tenure.

Kahil had a good debut season with 4.7 WAR for Calgary, but he was back to being elite in the next three years with each over 6.5+ WAR. He led the American Association in runs in both 2008 and 2009 and led in total bases in 2008. Both years, Kahil was third in MVP voting and won Silver Sluggers (DH in 2008, RF in 2009).

Despite his efforts and popularity in Calgary, the Cheetahs were stuck in the middle of the standings, peaking at 82-80 in 2009. Kahil declined the option fifth year of his deal, becoming a free agent again for 2010 at age 33. In four seasons for Calgary, Kahil had a strong 27.6 WAR, 748 hits, 456 runs, 115 doubles, 173 home runs, 462 RBI, a .313/.376/.597 slash, and 165 wRC+.

Up next was a four-year, $75,200,000 deal with Houston. Kahil had a very strong 2011 with 44 homers, .992 OPS, and 7.1 WAR. He was still a solid starter in the other years, but couldn’t match his Calgary peaks as he started to struggle against left-handed pitching. Houston earned three straight playoff berths from 2010-12, but was knocked out each time in round one. With the Hornets, Kahil had 628 hits, 352 runs, 83 doubles, 140 home runs, 358 RBI, a .287/.339/.536 slash, 143 wRC+, and 17.7 WAR.

That ended his MLB career after eight years with 1195 games, 1376 hits, 808 runs, 198 doubles, 313 home runs, 820 RBI, 178 stolen bases, a .300/.359/.568 slash, 154 wRC+, and 45.3 WAR. It was quite the tenure for a guy coming over in his 30s and he may have been MLB Hall of Fame worthy had his entire career came there. Kahil impressively received 20.2% in his first year in the MLB HOF ballot despite his short tenure.

Now 37-years old, Kahil returned to ABF and Adana with a hero’s welcome, signing for two years and $23,200,000. His 2014 return was rough with a torn meniscus costing him the first four months. Other injuries kept Kahil out a chunk of 2015, although he had a nice pace when healthy with 5.6 WAR over 155 games.

His leadership helped make the Axemen a contender again, ending a playoff drought back to his first stint. Adana would fall in the 2014 WLCS to Mashhad and in the 2015 WLCS to Shiraz. Kahil missed the former to injury and was respectable in the latter. His career playoff stats with the Axemen were merely decent with 37 starts, 32 hits, 21 runs, 9 doubles, 10 homers, 25 RBI, a .222/.261/.535 slash, 129 wRC+, and 1.4 WAR. Granted, Kahil’s best seasons largely happened outside of the playoff window.

Between runs with Adana, Kahil had 1857 hits, 1079 runs, 328 doubles, 91 triples, 444 home runs, 1166 RBI, 595 walks, 567 stolen bases, a .319/.382/.635 slash, 184 wRC+, and 89.0 WAR. He was a beloved franchise icon and his #32 uniform would eventually be retired. Kahil’s ABF career ended after the 2015 campaign, although he wasn’t done with pro baseball yet. The 39-year old slugger found his next home in Mexico for $15,600,000 over two years with Hermosillo.

Kahil managed to stay mostly healthy with the Hyenas, looking only decent in 2016 but pretty good in 2017. He had 282 hits, 164 runs, 32 doubles, 63 home runs, 162 RBI, a .287/.338/.524 slash, 135 wRC+, and 6.1 WAR with Hermosillo. Kahil was back on the market after that and got a one-year deal with Freetown of West Africa Baseball. This put him on a short list of pros who played in four different world leagues and who played across three continents. His time in Africa went poorly though, struggling to -1.2 WAR and a .657 OPS over 123 games and 86 starts. Kahil officially retired after the 2018 campaign at age 42.

Just in ABF, Kahil had 1992 hits, 1191 runs, 349 doubles, 94 triples, 492 home runs, 1264 RBI, 641 walks, 608 stolen bases, a .321/.384/.645 slash, 186 wRC+, and 98.7 WAR. As of 2037, Kahil ranks 17^th in WAR among position players, 75^th in hits, 37^th in runs, 27^th in home runs, and 32^nd in RBI. His counting totals are still pretty impressive even with a relatively small sample size since he left for most of his 30s.

Among all ABF batters with 3000+ plate appearances, Kahil’s 1.029 OPS still ranks 6^th. He also is 21^st in batting average, 13^th in on-base percentage, and 7^th in slugging percentage. Kahil was a no-doubter for the 2021 ABF Hall of Fame class at 98.9%. Had he played his whole career in ABF though, some think he would have ended up in the conversation for ABF’s greatest of all-time.

Kahil’s grand totals across four leagues put him as a true immortal of the game. He played 3285 games with 3736 hits, 2212 runs, 586 doubles, 147 triples, 884 home runs, 2290 RBI, 1153 walks, 904 stolen bases, a .307/.368/.598 slash, 167 wRC+, and 148.9 WAR. Few players in the entire world produced more in his era than Kahil did.

As of 2037, Kahil ranks 11^th in pro baseball history in runs scored, 28^th in games played, 20^th in hits, 29^th in home runs, 16^th in RBI, and 36^th in WAR among position players. Against all players ever, Kahil is 53^rd in career WAR. He certainly has a case as the best-ever baseball player to come out of Pakistan and deserves a mention when discussing the best of the best from all of Asia.

Zahir Nasir – Starting Pitcher – Karachi Carp – 98.1% First Ballot

Zahir Nasir was a 6’2’’ 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Mithi, a city with around 52,000 people in southeastern Pakistan. Nasir was best known for having terrific movement on his pitches, although his stuff and control were also both good to great. He had a 98-100 mph fastball, but his deadliest pitch was a filthy knuckle curve. Nasir also had a changeup and standard curveball in the arsenal.

Relative to other ABF aces, Nasir’s stamina was average at best. He also missed a number of starts in his early years to recurring back issues, but did still manage an 18-year career despite his injuries. Nasir graded as a solid defensive pitcher, but did struggle holding runners. Critics argued his work ethic and focus were often lacking. Nasir also wasn’t one to take on a leadership role, but that didn’t stop him from being one of the era’s top arms.

Nasir quickly impressed scouts as a teenager and earned a developmental deal in September 1995 with Karachi. He spent four years in the Carp academy, then debuted in 2000 at age 20 with 154 innings. Nasir wasn’t quite ready as a rookie, but held up enough to earn a full-time spot in the rotation the next year. 2002 would start an 11-year streak of seasons worth 5+ WAR. Karachi gave Nasir a three-year, $10,280,000 extension in April 2005.

From there, Nasir was third in Pitcher of the Year voting in three consecutive seasons. He led the East League in wins in 2005 and took his first ERA title in 2006 at 2.12. 2005 also saw his career best 347 strikeouts, one of only two times he got 300+. 2004 marked the start of a six-year playoff streak for Karachi, although they had first round exits in the first three seasons. The Carp had a franchise-best 111-51 in 2006, but still went one-and-done. Karachi remained a 100+ win team and first place finisher in the next three regular seasons.

The Carp got to the 2007 ELCS, but was upset by Bishkek despite having the top seed. They finally broke through and won back-to-back EL pennants in 2008 and 2009, both seasons at 105-57. Karachi lost the 2008 ABF Championship to Istanbul, but won their first-ever title in 2009 by defeating Ankara. Nasir was especially impressive in the 2009 run with a 0.84 ERA over 32.1 innings and 38 strikeouts. He won ELCS MVP that year.

For his career, Nasir was a solid playoff performer overall with a 2.15 ERA over 88 innings, 4-6 record, 107 strikeouts, 16 walks, 145 ERA+, and 2.5 WAR. Nasir also pitched very well for Pakistan in the World Baseball Championship from 2004-15, tossing 152.1 innings with a 13-4 record, 2.07 ERA, 186 strikeouts, 45 walks, 170 ERA+, and 5.2 WAR.

In May 2008, Nasir signed a new seven-year, $40,600,000 extension with Karachi. He rewarded them that year with his first Pitcher of the Year win, leading the league in ERA (1.51) and WAR (8.1). Karachi’s playoff streak ended in 2010, but they got back in 2011 as a wild card. They went one-and-done, but Nasir won his second POTY that season with career and league bests in ERA (1.45) and WAR (8.3). The 1.45 ERA ranks as the tenth best qualifying season in ABF as of 2037. Nasir also led from 2006-2012 in FIP- thanks to his great control and knack for avoiding home runs.

Karachi truly entered a rebuild after the 2012 campaign, starting a decade-plus playoff drought. Back trouble cost Nasir part of 2013 and shoulder inflammation ended his 2014 prematurely. He had one year left on his deal after the 2014 campaign, but the Carp shopped the 35-year old as their competitive window was done. Nasir was traded to Ankara on New Year’s Eve for five prospects and a second round draft pick.

With the Carp, Nasir had a 199-128 record, 2.49 ERA, 3123.2 innings, 3900 strikeouts, 659 walks, 125 ERA+, and 87.8 WAR. He was just short of becoming the sixth to win 200 games and the fourth to reach 4000 strikeouts. Karachi would later retire his #9 uniform for his impressive service during the club’s most sustained run of success.

Nasir was largely unimpressive in his one year for the Alouettes with 1.8 WAR over 135 innings. The year was notable as he reached the above-mentioned milestones and tossed his only no-hitter, striking out six and walking two against Izmir on June 6. The season saw an unfortunate end in mid-July with a partially torn UCL putting Nasir out eight months, putting his career in doubt.

He was done with ABF at this point, but did find interest in South America with a three-year, $16,800,000 deal for Quito. Nasir had part-time use with poor results in two years in Ecuador, posting a 5.21 ERA over 155.1 innings. He remained under contract in 2018, but never saw the field. Nasir retired that winter at age 39.

In ABF, Nasir finished with a 205-138 record, 88 saves, 2.50 ERA, 3258.2 innings, 4058 strikeouts, 690 walks, 313/424 quality starts, 69 complete games, 25 shutouts, 124 ERA+, 70 FIP-, and 89.7 WAR. As of 2037, Nasir is 7^th in pitching WAR, 15^th in wins, 14^th in strikeouts, and 18^th in innings pitched. Among all pitchers with 1000+ career innings, Nasir’s ERA ranks 36^th, his 0.95 WHIP is 38^th, and his opponent’s OPS of .565 is 21^st.

Nasir doesn’t likely make many top five lists when discussing ABF’s best-ever pitchers, but he’ll be on most top ten lists. He had a very impressive run and was a big reason Karachi was a consistent competitor in the 2000s. Nasir got into the Hall of Fame easily at 98.1%, making up an impressive one-two punch for the 2021 class.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-18-2024, 04:33 AM

2021 ALB Hall of Fame (Part 1)

It was a three man Hall of Fame class for Arab League Baseball in 2021, headlined by 1B Samer Al-Mousa with a near unanimous 99.1%. SP Uria Lerner was a very strong #2, debuting at 90.8%. SP Mohamed Abdou joined them on his fourth ballot at 74.4%, finally surging by the 66% requirement. CL Ramy Kayat narrowly missed the cut at 61.4% on his third try. Also above 50% was 3B Salem Aldani who debuted at 55.4%. No players fell off the ballot after ten failed tries.

Samer Al-Mousa – First Base/Designated Hitter – Riyadh Rats – 99.1% First Ballot

Samer Al-Mousa was a 6’4’’, 200 pound left-handed first baseman from Darayya, Syria; a suburb of Damascus with around 131,000 people. Al-Mousa was one of the most consistent power hitters of the early Arab League, averaging 44 home runs and 42 doubles per his 162 game average. He graded as an above average contact hitter on the whole. Al-Mousa had an alright eye for walks, but struggled greatly at avoiding strikeouts. On the basepaths, he was a big lumbering oaf with lousy speed.

All of Al-Mousa’s starts in the field came at first base with mediocre defense. He made just over 70% of his career starts at 1B with the rest as a designated hitter. Al-Mousa was considered an ironman, starting 147+ games each year from 1999-2014. He was a team captain and was well respected in the clubhouse for his leadership, work ethic, and adaptability. Al-Mousa’s strong character and ability to sock dingers made him a very popular player.

Al-Mousa grew up in Syria, but his entire pro career would take place in Saudi Arabia. He caught the eye of a Riyadh scout as a teenager and signed a developmental deal in October 1992. Al-Mousa spent most of five years in the Rats’ academy, although he did officially debut in 1997 at age 21 with three pinch hit at-bats. Al-Mousa started most of 1998 with decent results, which earned him a full-time gig for the next 16 seasons in Riyadh.

In 1999, Al-Mousa led the Eastern Conference for the first time with 48 doubles. Riyadh got their first-ever division title that year against a weak field at 82-80, but lost in the first round. The Rats got the top seed in 2002, but lost to Dubai in the conference final. These would be Al-Mousa’s only playoff appearances, as Riyadh would generally be stuck in the middle of the standings. Medina came to dominate the Saudi Division in the 2000s with Jeddah taking control in the 2010s. From 2003 to the end of Al-Mousa’s run, the Rats averaged 77.8 wins per season.

Al-Mousa would emerge as a top flight player regardless by 2001, which was his first of six seasons above 6+ WAR. It was also his first of six seasons with an OPS above one and his first of six seasons with 50+ home runs. Al-Mousa led that season with 122 runs, earning his first Silver Slugger and a third place in MVP voting. He stayed loyal to the team that gave him his big break, signing an eight-year, $8,990,000 extension that winter.

2002 would be his finest year by far, winning his lone MVP and his second Silver Slugger. Al-Mousa posted the fourth Triple Crown season by an ALB hitter with a .348 average, 62 home runs, and 141 RBI. He also led in runs (124), doubles (48), total bases (440), triple slash (.348/.433/.733), OPS (1.206), and wRC+ (226). Al-Mousa would have career bests in runs, hits (198), homers, total bases, triple slash, OPS, wRC+, and WAR (11.0).

Over his career, Al-Mousa scored 100+ runs in nine seasons, added 100+ RBI in 13 seasons, and hit 40+ homers 11 times. He won additional Silver Sluggers in 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012. The 2007 Slugger was his only one as a DH. Al-Mousa wasn’t an MVP finalist after his 2002 win, but still provided steady power. He posted a career and conference best 53 doubles in 2007 and a career high 144 RBI in 2008.

Al-Mousa remained the beloved face of Riyadh baseball even as the team was stuck in mid-tier purgatory. He signed another five-year, $14,800,000 extension in March 2009. In 2011, Al-Mousa was the third ALB slugger to reach 600 home runs and the third to 1500 RBI. He became the third to 1500 runs scored in 2013, then became the third to 700 homers later that year. Al-Mousa signed another two-year, $9,600,000 extension after the 2013 campaign.

In 2013, Al-Mousa had seen his production drop notably with career lows across the board for a full season. He fared little better in 2014 with 0.7 WAR, 100 wRC+, and 27 home runs in 2014. Riyadh kept him around as a leader and out of respect in 2015, but Al-Mousa was terrible in his limited use over 73 games. He retired at season’s end at age 39 and saw his #2 uniform immediately retired.

At retirement, Al-Mousa was third all-time in home runs, second in RBI, second in runs scored, and first in doubles. He also had the most strikeouts of any ALB batter. Al-Mousa finished with 2750 games, 2778 hits, 1641 runs, 714 doubles, 38 triples, 752 home runs, 1868 RBI, 824 walks, a .280/.353/.587 slash, 151 wRC+, and 85.3 WAR. Among batters with 3000+ plate appearances, his slugging ranks 63^rd and his .940 OPS ranks 57^th.

As of 2037, Al-Mousa ranks 6^th in games played, 11^th in runs, 21^st in hits, 6^th in doubles, 9^th in home runs, 5^th in total bases (5824), 6^th in RBI, and 15^th in WAR among position players. His 2960 strikeouts unfortunately are the second worst in ALB. Al-Mousa also does rank 14^th among all professional players in doubles and has the 34^th most strikeouts. He does also have the distinction of being one of only five players in baseball history with both 700+ career doubles and 700+ home runs.

Al-Mousa did his work almost quietly on some forgettable Riyadh teams. His power numbers didn’t get the publicity when he played against Nordine Soule during his quest to become the first 1000 home run hitter. But Al-Mousa was one of the finest sluggers of the 2000s and was rightly recognized with near unanimous induction at 99.1% to headline the Arab League’s 2021 Hall of Fame class.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-18-2024, 11:45 AM

2021 APB Hall of Fame (Part 2)

Uria Lerner – Starting Pitcher – Dubai Diamonds – 90.8% First Ballot

Uria Lerner was a 6’6’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Tel Aviv-Yafo; Israel’s most populous city. Lerner was a fireballer with incredibly overpowering stuff, but he also had excellent control and movement prior to injury. He peaked in the 99-101 mph range with a three-pitch combo of slider, forkball, and cutter. It was difficult to identify which pitch was coming until it was too late, making Lerner a major strikeout pitcher.

Lerner’s stamina was quite good early in his career, but major injuries meant he only tossed 200+ innings in five seasons. He was good at holding runners, but iffy defensively. Few guys put in more work or effort than Lerner, who was also noted for his loyalty, intelligence, and selflessness. His work ethic and raw dominance made him worthy of induction despite becoming effectively done by age 31.

Scouts quickly will hear about a guy who is tall and throws fire, especially if they live in a major metro. Dubai ended up signing a teenaged Lerner to a developmental deal in December 1997. He spent essentially four years in the Diamonds’ academy, officially debuting in 2001 with one relief appearance at age 20. Lerner also tossed 1.1 scoreless playoff innings as the Diamonds had a first round exit. Dubai made Lerner a full-time starter in 2002 with immediate success.

Lerner was Rookie of the Month five times in 2002, but the bias against pitchers winning Rookie of the Year somehow meant he finished second for ROTY. He was also second in Pitcher of the Year voting at 6.6 WAR and a conference-best 29 quality starts. Lerner had a strong showing in the playoffs with a 3-1 record over 28.2 innings, 2.83 ERA, and 37 strikeouts. This helped Dubai win their first (and only thus far) ALB Championship, beating Alexandria in the final.

The Diamonds set a franchise record at 109-53 in 2003 and again won the Eastern Conference, but this time Casablanca bested them in the Arab League Championship. Lerner was again solid in the playoffs with a 2.35 ERA over 23 innings and 35 strikeouts. He would have a decent start in 2004 and poor start in 2005, his final playoff appearances. Dubai would win four more Gulf Division titles from 2004-07, but couldn’t get out of the first round.

For his playoff career, Lerner had a 4-3 record, 3.14 ERA, 66 innings, 91 strikeouts, 16 walks, 124 ERA+, and 1.7 WAR. His role in their two pennants garnered him plenty of respect in Dubai, later getting his #9 uniform retired. Lerner also did well on the World Baseball Championship stage for his native Israel. From 2002-11, he had a 2.06 ERA over 100.2 innings, 140 strikeouts, 20 walks, 176 ERA+, and 3.5 WAR.

Lerner’s second season saw 8.0 WAR, 2.77 ERA, and 309 strikeouts, taking second again in Pitcher of the Year voting. He then posted back-to-back Triple Crown seasons, the only ALB pitcher to do so. In 2004, Lerner had a 24-7 record, 2.19 ERA, and 388 strikeouts over 267.2 innings. This season was worth 13.37 WAR; which remains ALB’s single-season best by a pitcher. The 388 Ks also rank eighth best as of 2037. Dubai gave Lerner a seven-year, $9,700,000 extension in September 2004.

His 2005 had fewer innings but was more efficient with a 21-2 record, 1.67 ERA, 362 strikeouts, and 12.3 WAR over 237.2 innings. Lerner’s ERA ranks as the sixth-best qualifying season and his opponents’ .504 OPS ranks sixth. The WAR mark was the second-best by an ALB pitcher behind only his prior year. Lerner won back-to-back Pitcher of the Year awards. He led again in WAR (8.4) and WHIP (0.85) in 2006, finishing second in POTY voting.

2007 would see the first major injury setback for Lerner at age 26. In spring training, he tore his ulnar collateral ligament, putting him out for the entire year. He rehabbed back and seemingly lost very little in 2008, leading again in WAR at 8.5 and taking his third Pitcher of the Year. This season also saw his lone no-hitter, a 14 strikeout, one walk effort against Abu Dhabi on July 24.

Unfortunately the final weeks of the 2008 season, Lerner tore his UCL again. This required 14 months of rehab, costing him the entire 2009 campaign. Lerner again made an impressive comeback, winning his third ERA title in 2010 at 2.16. He had 6.1 WAR and 219 strikeouts, but saw fewer innings as a precautionary measure. Lerner’s 2011 would have a rough start with a partially torn labrum knocking him out most of the spring.

Dubai was grateful for Lerner’s efforts, but the writing was on the wall in the final year of his contract. At the 2011 trade deadline, he was shipped to Mecca for five prospects. Lerner had a solid second half for the Marksmen and was still effective when seeing the field, posting a 2.69 ERA over 127.1 innings and 4.9 WAR between teams in 2011. Lerner now became a free agent for the first time heading towards age 31. Many teams were leery of the injury history, but a few were hopeful that he might still return to his peak dominance.

Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Aces were incredibly bullish on Lerner, signing him to a five-year, $77,100,000 deal. This deal ended up being one of the all-time biggest busts in baseball history. It started amazing as Lerner’s debut start was a four-hit shutout against Orlando. In his second start, he partially tore his UCL again, knocking him out for the rest of the year.

Through the previous injuries, Lerner maintained most of his ability when he got back healthy. This time though, it absolutely tanked his control. Lerner started six games in 2013 with awful results, posting a 5.57 ERA. He suffered a partially torn labrum as well in mid April, knocking him out another five months. Atlanta hoped to recoup some of that value, but ended up cutting Lerner after struggled in 2014 spring training. For $77.1 million, the Aces got eight starts and a 4.08 ERA. Atlanta rightfully got slammed by critics for giving such a deal to a guy with a known significant injury history.

Lerner was still only 33-years old and hoped to revive his career back in ALB. Sulaymanyiah signed him and he tossed five scoreless innings of relief, but was cut in July. Doha then grabbed him for 10.1 innings before getting sidelined by a hamstring strain. Tunis signed him for 2015, but Lerner was cut in the summer after poor results in 10 relief innings. He finished the season in Baghdad with 27 innings and a 4.33 ERA.

That ended Lerner’s ALB career, but he hoped he could still catch on somewhere as a reliever. He managed to snag a one-year, $3,680,000 deal for 2016 with St. Petersburg of Eurasian Professional Baseball. The Polar Bears quickly realized he didn’t have the goods and Lerner never saw the field, although he did collect a paycheck for the full season. Lerner officially retired that winter at age 35.

For his ALB career, Lerner had a 141-46 record, 2.41 ERA, 1774.1 innings, 2337 strikeouts, 284 walks, 179/252 quality starts, 24 complete games, 10 shutouts, 163 ERA+, 55 FIP-, and 69.0 WAR. The injuries keep him from the top 100 in innings pitched, but he still ranks 18^th in pitching WAR as well as 66^th in strikeouts, 63^rd in wins.

Among all ALB pitchers with 1000+ innings, Lerner is second in ERA behind only Hall of Fame closer Khadr Seif at 2.19. Lerner also ranks second in WHIP (0.93), and third in opponent’s OPS (.577). He had a triple slash of .212/.250/.327, ranking 8^th, 2^nd, and 3^rd, respectively. Lerner’s 11.85 K/9 ranks 13^th and his 6.95 H/9 is 8^th. Among all Hall of Fame starting pitchers in world history, Lerner’s 160 ERA+ ranks 12^th best and his 55 FIP- is 18^th best.

Certainly when healthy, Lerner was among the most dominant pitchers ever. People can only wonder “what if?” had his arm not exploded multiple times. Even in a very short career, Lerner won three Pitcher of the Year awards, hit the Triple Crown twice, posted ALB’s top two pitching seasons by WAR, and won a league title. That resume was still plenty even with a shortened career, pushing Lerner to a first ballot induction at 90.8% in ALB’s 2021 Hall of Fame class.

Mohamed Abdou – Starting Pitcher – Casablanca Bruins – 74.4% Fourth Ballot

Mohamed Abdou was a 6’4’’, 200 pound left-handed pitcher from Kafr Sad, Egypt; a town of around 49,500 people within the Nile Delta. Abdou had very solid stuff, although his control and movement were above average at best. His fastball peaked in the 95-97 mph range, but was part of a four-pitch arsenal including a slider, changeup, and sinker. Each option was equally potent, making Abdou a tough one to face when he was at his best.

Abdou had strong stamina and excellent durability, tossing 200+ innings in 16 consecutive seasons. He was also great at holding runners and was considered a skilled defensive pitcher. Abdou was a team captain that was appreciated for his leadership and loyalty. Almost quietly, he emerged as one of the more reliable pitchers of his era.

Although he grew up in Egypt, his entire Arab League career would come in Morocco. Abdou was spotted and signed to a developmental deal by Casablanca in January 1993. He spent seven years in the Bruins academy and developed slowly, leading some to think he was never going to make the show. Abdou finally started to put things together by his early 20s and Casablanca deemed him ready at age 23. He was brought up for the 2000 season as a full-time starter with respectable results, taking third in Rookie of the Year voting. Abdou allowed three runs over seven innings in his one playoff start as the Bruins lost in the first round.

Abdou broke out at in 2001 with his lone Pitcher of the Year win, leading the Western Conference in WAR (7.9), strikeouts (340), innings (286), and complete games (13); all of which would be career bests for Abdou. Casablanca won the conference title, but lost to Mosul in the ALB Championship. Abdou had a decent playoff run with a 3.24 ERA over 25 innings and 33 strikeouts.

He would finish third in POTY voting in 2002 and second in 2003. Casablanca missed the 2002 playoffs, but went 108-54 in 2003 and won it all, defeating Dubai in the final. Abdou had a strong 2.18 ERA over his 20.2 playoff innings. His regular season results would remain fairly steady for the rest of the Casablanca run, but Abdou wasn’t an awards finalist for the rest of his run. He would post a 2.53 ERA in 2006, the best of his ALB tenure.

Abdou continued to generally do well in the playoffs for the Bruins. He had a 2.63 ERA over 27.1 innings in 2005 as Casablanca was defeated by Medina in the ALB Championship. After a playoff miss, the Bruins started a five-year Mediterranean Division streak in 2007. Abdou did struggle to a 6.17 ERA in 2007 as they lost in the conference final to Jerusalem. He bounced back with a 1.86 ERA in 19.1 innings in 2008 with Casablanca winning another conference title. They would be bested in the ALB Championship by Basra.

For his playoff career, Abdou had a 6-5 record, 3.00 ERA, 111 innings, 122 strikeouts, 22 walks, 127 ERA+, and 2.8 WAR. His efforts and leadership kept Casablanca as a contender in the 2000s. The Bruins would later retire Abdou’s #20 uniform for his work. The run ended after the 2008 campaign though as they couldn’t come to a long-term deal. At age 32, Abdou entered free agency for the first time. This also marked the end of his Arab League career.

With Casablanca, Abdou had a 154-84 record, 3.04 ERA, 2233.2 innings, 2614 strikeouts, 477 walks, 51 complete games, 11 shutouts, 126 ERA+, and 47.2 WAR. He certainly seemed on the Hall of Fame pace, but his spots on the ALB leaderboards would be lacking with his short tenure. As of 2037, Abdou is 59^th in pitching WAR, 46^th in strikeouts, and 38^th in wins. Notably, his ERA does rank 32^nd among all pitchers with 1000+ innings. Abdou’s .642 opponent’s OPS is 34^th and his 1.01 WHIP is 21^st.

The rest of Abdou’s career would be in Europe, beginning with a five-year, $24,200,000 deal with Seville of the European Baseball Federation. He did continue to come home to Egypt for the World Baseball Championship. Abdou was excellent on the world stage from 2002-12 with a 10-0 record, 1.69 ERA, 106.2 innings, 149 strikeouts, 26 walks, 216 ERA+, and 3.7 WAR. Among all WBC pitchers with 80+ innings, Abdou’s ERA ranks 43^rd. The unbeaten record was also notable, especially since Egypt wasn’t a powerhouse. They would earn division wins in 2003 and 2005 with Abdou.

Abdou’s production with Seville wasn’t award winning, but it was steady over four seasons with a 3.01 ERA, 57-43 record, 983.1 innings, 904 strikeouts, 175 walks, 126 ERA+, and 16.8 WAR. He managed to maintain the same ERA+ with the Stingrays that he had with Casablanca. Seville made the playoffs once in his tenure, losing in the second round of 2009 as a wild card. They hovered around .500 for the next three years.

With one year left on his deal, Abdou was traded by Seville to Lodz for two prospects. This sent him to the European Second League, but he surprisingly fared worse against the weaker competition with 2.0 WAR and a 3.50 ERA. That didn’t help Abdou’s prospects for a long-term deal returning to free agency at age 37. He did return to the EBF Elite as Lisbon gave him a one-year, $6 million contract.

Abdou had a remarkable resurgence with the Clippers, winning his lone ERA title at 2.18. This was good for a second place in Pitcher of the Year voting, although Lisbon stayed in the mid-tier. It raised his stock considerably as he returned to free agency and Tbilisi signed Abdou for two years and $20 million. He couldn’t replicate that success with the Trains, posting a career worst 4.25 ERA over 201.1 innings in 2015.

Tbilisi traded Abdou during spring training 2016 to Helsinki along with $2,930,000 to get two prospects. This ended his run in EBF’s top tier, as he was shipped back to E2L. For his EBF Elite career, Abdou saw an 84-62 record, 3.03 ERA, 1444.2 innings, 1277 strikeouts, 247 walks, 126 ERA+, and 24.3 WAR. The Honkers used Abdou as mid-relief with subpar results in 2016. He then joined Reykjavik in 2017, but struggled in only eight innings of relief. Abdou retired that winter at age 41.

Combined between ALB and the EBF Elite, Abdou had a 238-146 record, 3.03 ERA, 3678.1 innings, 3891 strikeouts, 724 walks, 108 complete games, 23 shutouts, a 126 ERA+, and 71.5 WAR. The combined resume would be good enough for most Hall of Fame voters. However, Arab League voters put little or no weight behind what Abdou accomplished playing in Europe. For many, an eight-year run just wasn’t enough even if it was strong.

However, Abdou had a Pitcher of the Year award, solid rate stats, and played an important role in landing four pennants and one ALB Championship for Casablanca. Abdou’s leadership also was a big boost as he was one of the most universally respected guys of his era. Still, he barely missed the 66% induction requirement in his first three ballots (62.6%, 65.0%, 63.2%). On the fourth go, Abdou bumped up to 74.4% to secure his spot with a rock solid 2021 class.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-18-2024, 06:21 PM

2021 AAB Hall of Fame (Part 1)

Three players gained induction into the African Association of Baseball’s Hall of Fame for 2021. Based on the numbers, it could’ve easily been only two or even six with a number of guys hovering around that 66% requirement. CL Rajab Hamadi was the only no-brainer for the voters, headlining with 91.9% on his debut. Fellow reliever Mandla Ndungane joined him with a solid 76.2% on his third try.

The third inductee was 1B Boubacar Mavinga, finally making it on his tenth and final chance at 70.0%. Mavina was the first-ever tenth ballot inductee into AAB’s Hall and prior to that, no players had been inducted beyond their fifth ballot. Three other long-tenured candidates came up just short in 2021. 1B Abebe Chekol got 65.0% on his ninth ballot, CL Abba Abdul earned 64.6% for his eighth try, and SP Alemayehu Legesse received 60.4% in his tenth and final opportunity. No one else was above 50%.

For Legesse, he had gotten as close at 61.6% the prior year and was never below 40%. Legesse won three Pitcher of the Year awards with Lubumbashi and won a title with the Loggerheads and Antananarivo. He was hurt by leaving AAB at age 34, playing his final four seasons in Europe. Legesse ended with a 168-108 record, 3.55 ERA, 2359.1 innings, 2182 strikeouts, 705 walks, 115 ERA+, and 60.3 WAR.

Legesse also had a 2.82 ERA, 5-3 record, 67 innings, and 58 strikeouts in the playoffs. The lack of longevity just sank him, although scholars often cite him as one of AAB’s most notable snubs. Legesse still ranks 17^th in pitching WAR as of 2037 with 60+ being more impressive in AAB than other leagues based on how pitchers are used. That and three POTYs seemed like it would be enough, but alas.

Catcher Denis Rakotoson was also dropped after ten ballots, peaking in his final year at 43.1% with a low of 15.8% the prior year. He was hurt by both starting his official career at age 29, plus the general anti-catcher bias voters have. Rakotoson won six Silver Sluggers and earned six Africa Series wins with Kinshasa’s dynasty. He had 1165 hits, 701 runs, 298 doubles, 249 home runs, 781 RBI, a .244/.363/.467 slash, and 49.5 WAR.

If Rakotoson had his full 20s on his resume, he almost certainly would’ve gotten the accumulations needed to even overcome the block that catchers have. He ranks third in WAR among AAB catchers as of 2037. As of 2037, the only AAB Hall of Fame catcher would be class of 2026 Steven Isaac.

Rajab Hamadi – Closer – Lubumbashi Loggerheads – 91.9% First Ballot

Rajab Hamadi was a 6’1’’, 200 pound right-handed relief pitcher from Arusha, a city with around 617,000 inhabitants in northeast Tanzania. Hamadi was a fireballer with otherworldly stuff and great movement, although his control was average at best. He had the one-two punch of a 99-101 mph fastball and a nearly as quick slider. On the scale of 1/10, some scouts rated Hamadi’s stuff as high as a 15; that’s how potent his pitches were.

His stamina and durability were both decent relative to most relievers. Hamadi graded as a nice defensive pitcher who was okay at holding runners. Some critics thought he was a bit dumb and selfish, but Hamadi simply overpowered most doubters and opposing hitters over a 19-year run.

Hamadi was picked with the fourth pick of the second round, 24^th overall, by Lubumbashi in AAB’s inaugural rookie draft in 1995. He saw setup use and some closing as a rookie, then was the full-time closer for the next seven years with the Loggerheads. Hamadi was the Central Conference leader in saves in both 1997 and 2002.

In 1999 and 2000, Hamadi finished second in Reliever of the Year voting. The Loggerheads earned their first-ever playoff berth in 2000, falling in the conference final to Kinshasa’s dynasty. Lubumbashi got revenge on the Sun Cats in 2001, going 105-57 and winning their first-ever Africa Series title against Johannesburg. Hamadi had a 2.70 ERA over 10 playoff innings between the runs for the Loggerheads.

2001 was his real breakout season with 41 saves, a 1.11 ERA, 81 innings, 188 strikeouts, and 6.9 WAR. Hamadi got his first Reliever of the Year and took second in Pitcher of the Year voting. His WAR total remains the second-highest by a ROTY voter in AAB as of 2037. Hamadi proceeded to win Reliever of the Year again in 2002 and 2003 for the Loggerheads with sub-two ERAs both years. He had a 49 save streak between 7/9/01 and 7/8/02. Hamadi also tossed 28 consecutive scoreless innings in mid 2002.

Lubumbashi dropped to 74-88 in Hamadi’s final year of 2003. He decided to test out free agency at age 29, ending the Loggerheads run with 257 saves, a 1.99 ERA, 566 innings, 1014 strikeouts, 295 walks, 205 ERA+, and 31.8 WAR. For his impressive eight year run and role in their first championship, Lubumbashi would retire Hamadi’s #29 uniform in 2015.

Hamadi signed a one-year deal with Dar es Salaam in 2004 at $1,240,000 and delivered. He led with a career best 43 saves, won his fourth straight Reliever of the Year, and helped the Sabercats go 114-48 en route to an Africa Series title over Kinshasa. Hamadi also became AAB’s first-ever four-time ROTY winner and was the first to reach 300 career saves.

Hamadi was merely okay in the playoffs (3.86 ERA over 11.2 innings) but his acquisition helped Dar es Salaam tie AAB’s single-season wins record to that point. While his playoff stats were never amazing, Hamadi did post strong numbers for Tanzania in the World Baseball Championship from 2001-15. He made 16 starts and 12 relief appearances for a 10-4 record, 2.32 ERA, 101 innings, 204 strikeouts, 36 walks, 152 ERA+, and 4.1 WAR.

For the next decade, Hamadi would be a journeyman who bounced around between ten different teams and three different leagues. He maintained the closer role for four more seasons, playing with Harare in 2005, Antananarivo in 2006, Addis Ababa in 2007, and Mogadishu in 2008. It would be Hamadi’s season with the Brahmas that stood out the most in this era.

Hamadi led in saves for the fourth time (39) with a career-best 0.81 ERA, 150 strikeouts, and 5.4 WAR over 89.1 innings. Not only did he win his fifth Reliever of the Year, but he was AAB’s second-ever closer to win Pitcher of the Year. Hamadi’s 0.81 ERA is the lowest-ever by a ROTY winner in AAB history as of 2037. He’s also one of only three in AAB to win ROTY five times as of present day. Addis Ababa repeated as Central Conference champ, but lost the Africa Series to Durban.

With Mogadishu in 2008, Hamadi became the first to 400 career saves, a mark no other AAB closer reached until Sipho Zuke in 2035. That would be his final year as a full-time closer, although he still pitched for another seven seasons. Hamadi signed with Johannesburg in 2009, but was traded to Athens of the European Baseball Federation in the summer. Then in 2010, he joined up with MLB’s Austin Amigos. That season would be shortened by a sprained AC joint in his shoulder.

Hamadi’s production was sporadic in this era, but still usually was decent even if he was reduced to a very limited role. He spent 2011 in Germany with Cologne, then returned to the African Association for his final four seasons. Hamadi played for Nairobi in 2012, Harare in 2013, Addis Ababa in 2014, and Antananarivo in 2015. He did struggle in his limited playoff action at the end, finishing his AAB postseason career with an unremarkable 3.70 ERA over 41.1 innings, 7 saves, 76 strikeouts, 110 ERA+, and 1.1 WAR. He retired after the 2015 season at age 41.

For his AAB career, Hamadi had a 79-70 record, 444 saves, 497 shutdowns, 1.97 ERA, 1054.1 innings, 1856 strikeouts, 489 walks, 207 ERA+, and 58.1 WAR. As of 2037, Hamadi is AAB’s career leader in saves and games pitched (887). He also dominates the rate stats among all pitchers with 1000 innings. Hamadi has the best ERA, H/9 (4.57), K/9 (15.84), opponent’s average (.150), slugging (.246), and OPS (.506). His .260 OBP ranks third best and including starters, Hamadi ranks 21^st in pitching WAR and 69^th in strikeouts.

Adding his limited EBF/MLB stints, Hamadi had 451 saves and 523 shutdowns, 1130.2 innings, 1952 strikeouts, 510 walks, 208 ERA+, and 60.5 WAR. Among all closers in baseball history as of 2037, Hamadi is 30^th in saves, 25^th in strikeouts, 45^th in shutdowns, 21^st in WAR, 16^th in ERA+, 25^th in FIP-, and 40^th in opponent’s OPS.

Many rate Hamadi as AAB’s all-time top all-time closer, although his contemporary Tewderos Tadesse has a close case, as does later 400+ save club member Sipho Zuke. Hamadi certainly stacks up favorably with some of the best relievers in any world league. Hamadi’s raw dominance was something to behold in his prime, which earned him 91.9% and the headline spot for AAB’s 2021 Hall of Fame class.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-19-2024, 04:09 AM

2021 AAB Hall of Fame (Part 2)

Mandla Ndungane – Closer – Bujumbura Bighorns – 76.2% Third Ballot

Mandla Ndungane was a 5’10’’, 170 pound right-handed relief pitcher from Kgotsong, a city of 71,000 in South Africa’s Free State province. Despite a relatively unimposing frame, Ndungane was a hard thrower with excellent stuff along with above average to good control and movement. His fastball regularly reached the 98-100 mph range and he had a strong sinker to counter it. Ndungane did also have a rarely used changeup as a third pitch.

Relative to most relievers, Ndungane’s durability was great with good stamina in the front end of his career. He was an average defender and subpar at holding runners. Ndungane was quite intelligent and was viewed by most as a great team player in the clubhouse. He didn’t have the mercenary mentality that many closers had, although he bounced around at the end of his career like many other relievers.

Ndungane’s pro career began Tanzania, as a visiting scout from Dar es Salaam signed him from South Africa to a developmental deal in April 1997. He spent five years’ in the Sabercats academy, but never pitched an inning for Dar. In January 2002, Ndungane was traded along with two other players and some cash to Bujumbura for veteran OF J.R. Adams. Ndungane debuted in 2002 at age 21 and was the full-time closer immediately for the Bighorns, holding the role eight years.

From 2004-2007, Ndungane kept his ERA below two with his career best at 1.25 in 2005. That earned him his first Reliever of the Year win. Ndungane was second in 2006 and 2007, while also finishing third in 2007’s Pitcher of the Year voting. He didn’t have the huge strikeout numbers like his Hall of Fame classmate Rajab Hamadi and thus wasn’t as often in the awards conversations.

Bujumbura was also stuck in the middle tier during Ndungane’s run, only making the playoffs once with a conference finals loss in 2007. He would only have 2.1 playoff innings for his entire career, allowing one run. Ndungane did at least get to pitch on the World Baseball Championship stage regularly for his native South Africa. From 2003-18, he made 42 appearances with 51.1 innings, 14 saves, 2.45 ERA, 68 strikeouts, 146 ERA+, and 1.1 WAR. He was there in 2005 when South Africa earned its first-ever division title.

For the Bighorns (between two runs), Ndungane had 273 saves, a 62-60 record, 673 innings, 873 strikeouts, 252 walks, 194 ERA+, and 28.4 WAR. It was impressive enough for Bujumbura to eventually retire his #18 uniform. Ndungane would leave after the 2009 season as a free agent at age 29.

He inked a one-year deal with Durban, where he won his second Reliever of the Year. This was also Ndungane’s only time leading the conference in saves (39) or games pitched (72); both career highs. It would be only his sixth best season by WAR. He wouldn’t be an awards finalist for the rest of his career. Ndungane signed with Antananarivo in 2011 and lost the closer role, although he still had a 2.20 ERA in 32.2 innings of mid relief.

Ndungane went back to Durban and was a closer again, but the Deer traded him at the deadline to Harare for prospects. He went back “home” to Bujumbura for 2013, signing a two-year, $10,600,000 deal. 2013 was his last year as a closer with decent results, joining Hamadi and Mulumba Mwamba as the only AAB relievers with 350 career saves.

In February 2014, Ndungane was traded by Bujumbura to Brussels, as AAB/EBF trades were allowed during this time. He was a solid setup man with a 1.84 ERA over 44 innings in 2014, leading the Beavers to sign him for two years and $10,500,000. Ndungane struggled to a 4.45 ERA in 56.2 innings in 2015 and Brussels voided the team option year.

Ndungane spent one more season in Europe, posting a 2.79 ERA over 61.1 innings in 2016 for Stockholm. He finished his career doing middle relief in South America, spending 2017 with Maturin and 2018 with Cordoba. Ndungane had a 3.40 ERA over 103.1 innings in Beisbol Sudamerica and a 3.11 ERA over 162 innings in the European Baseball Federation. He retired in 2018 shortly after his 38^th birthday.

For his AAB career, Ndungane had an 83-77 record, 351 saves, 380 shutdowns, 2.18 ERA, 863.2 innings, 1091 strikeouts, 328 walks, 189 ERA+, 58 FIP-, and 33.9 WAR. As of 2037, Ndungane is 5^th in saves and 7^th in games pitched (744). He didn’t have the pre-requisite 1000 innings to qualify for the rate stats leaderboard, although his ERA would rank 5^th in AAB if he counted. The combined pro career had a 97-97 record, 364 saves, 2.42 ERA, 1129 innings, 1366 strikeouts, 166 ERA+, and 37.7 WAR.

Ndungane had a fine run, but he was clearly a tier below Hamadi, Mwamba, and Tewderos Tadesse; who already had been inducted. Many voters thought the latter should be the bar for a reliever. Those three guys each had 50+ WAR compared to Ndungane’s 33.9. Jaures Ibara had also made it in at 40.0 WAR with fewer saves, albeit in his fifth try.

AAB voters were generally friendly towards closers, who were more impactful there compared to other world leagues. But critics felt that a guy who was arguably the fifth best of his era was going too far. Still in his first two ballots, Ndungane only missed the cut by less than a full point with 65.1% and 65.2%. He got a sizeable boost on his third try to 76.2%, putting him into AAB’s 2021 Hall of Fame class.

Boubacar Mavinga – First Base – Kinshasa Sun Cats – 70.0% Tenth Ballot

Boubacar Mavinga was a 6’0’’, 200 pound right-handed first baseman from Likasi, a city of around 635,000 people in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mavinga was one of the first great power hitters of the African Association, getting 45 homers per his 162 game average. He had a nice eye for drawing walks and avoiding strikeouts, but was generally a below average contact hitter. Mavinga’s 162 game average also got you 30 doubles. He wasn’t going to leg out extra bases with abysmal speed and baserunning.

All of Mavinga’s starts in the field came at first base, where he graded as a reliably average defender. He spent much of 1999 as a designated hitter, but wasn’t a DH otherwise. Mavinga’s durability was quite good, playing 135+ games in all 12 of his AAB seasons. He was a hard worker and was quite adaptable to his situation.

By the time AAB was created for the 1995 season, Mavinga was already 28-years old. He had been a successful player in the limited and disorganized semi-pro scene of the DR Congo, which made him a top target for the new league. Mavinga’s first AAB deal was for six years and $5,940,000, although he only spent four seasons in Tanzania.

1997 was Mavinga’s breakout, leading the Southern Conference in hits (163) and total bases (339). Mavinga also would post his career bests with 51 home runs and 6.0 WAR. He earned MVP honors and a Silver Slugger, helping the Sabercats to their first-ever playoff berth and conference title. They fell in the Africa Series to the fledgling Kinshasa dynasty, winning the first of its six titles in seven years. Mavinga stunk in the playoffs with Dar, going 5-38 with only singles.

Dar es Salaam fell below .500 in 1998 and looked to retool things, trading Mavinga in the offseason to Cape Town for two prospects. With the Sabercats, Mavinga had 562 hits, 349 runs, 106 doubles, 176 home runs, 459 RBI, a .249/.340/.533 slash, 145 wRC+, and 17.5 WAR. The Cowboys had been a playoff regular in early AAB and won the 1996 title, but they lost in the 1997 and 1998 conference finals.

Mavinga led with a career-best 129 runs in 1999 and posted two 5+ WAR efforts for Cape Town. They lost in the 1999 conference final to Johannesburg, then fell to 70-92 in 2000. Mavinga again struggled in the playoffs, going 4-25 with a .472 OPS. In two seasons with the Cowboys, he had 336 hits, 223 runs, 73 doubles, 78 home runs, 220 RBI, a .293/.396/.567 slash, 156 wRC+, and 11.1 WAR.

A free agent heading towards age 34, Mavinga signed a five-year, $7,800,000 deal with Kinshasa to start his most famous run. This also brought him back to home country, although he had been playing for the DR Congo in the World Baseball Championship from the beginning. From 1995-06, Mavinga had 98 WBC games, 68 hits, 42 runs, 9 doubles, 17 home runs, 41 RBI, 35 walks, a .213/.299/.414 slash, 107 wRC+, and 1.8 WAR.

In his Sun Cats debut, Mavinga led the conference in both homers (49) and RBI (134). He added 40+ homers and 100+ RBI in each of the next three years and won a Silver Slugger in 2002. Perhaps most importantly, Mavinga erased the memories of bad playoff performances of earlier years. He fared quite well for the Kinshasa dynasty, who won four straight Central Conference titles (2002-05) with Mavinga and won the Africa Series in 2003 and 2004.

The 2003 run saw Mavinga claim MVP of both the conference finals over Dar es Salaam and Africa Series MVP against Antananarivo. In 11 starts, he had 16 hits, 13 runs, 6 doubles, 6 home runs, 14 RBI, and a 1.466 OPS. Over 52 playoff starts for Kinshasa, Mavinga had 49 hits, 33 runs, 12 doubles, 17 home runs, 40 RBI, 20 walks, a .272/.355/.622 slash, 156 wRC+, and 2.1 WAR.

Mavinga missed time early in 2005 to a partially torn labrum, but still had a respectable final year. In five seasons with the Sun Cats, Mavinga had 690 hits, 475 runs, 131 doubles, 214 home runs, 560 RBI, a .268/.363/.570 slash, 152 wRC+, and 24.3 WAR. While with Kinshasa, Mavinga was the first player to 1000 career RBI, the second to 1000 runs scored, and the third to reach 400 home runs.

In 2006, Mavinga signed a one-year deal with Kampala but saw his production drop with career lows in homers (32), RBI (84), OPS (.746), and WAR (1.5). His final home run on September 25 did get him to 500 exactly, the second AAB slugger to reach the mark. Mavinga wanted to still play in 2007, but had to retire that winter at age 40 after finding no suitors.

Mavinga finished with 1702 hits, 1109 runs, 331 doubles, 500 home runs, 1323 RBI, 822 walks, a .262/.356/.546 slash, 147 wRC+, and 54.4 WAR. Because he was already 28 when AAB started, the accumulations ended up on the lower end. As of 2037, Mavinga ranks 77^th in hits, 48^th in runs, 22^nd in home runs, 26^th in RBI, and 43^rd in WAR among position players. His .902 OPS is 77^th among all batters with 3000+ plate appearances.

In a vacuum, some voters looked at his final tallies and thought they were too low. A .262 batting average was also on the low end of what they found acceptable. That said, with a few more years in his early 20s, one would think Mavinga would’ve crossed the line easily. Being part of the Kinshasa dynasty, an MVP, and his 2003 Africa Series MVP all were impressive marks in their own right.

Still, Mavinga had trouble gaining traction with the Hall of Fame voters, debuting at 48.8%. He hovered between 47-57% for seven straight years before just missing in 2019 at 62.5%. Mavinga fell back to 44.8% in 2020, making it look like he was going to be left out. He got one final push in 2021 on his tenth and final ballot, surging to 70.0% to cross the 66% requirement. Mavinga earned his deserved HOF spot to cap off the three-player 2021 class and became the first-ever tenth ballot survivor in AAB history.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-19-2024, 10:02 AM

2021 World Baseball Championship

The 2021 World Baseball Championship was the 75^th edition of the event and came to Central America for the first time since 1993, this time centered around Panama City. 2021 was notably the first format change since 1977 as the field was expanded from 80 teams to 96. The eight divisions now had 12 teams each instead of 10, adding two games to the round robin format. The playoff structure was otherwise unchanged with the eight division champs still advancing to the Double Round Robin elite eight. This would remain the format until a further expansion in 2031.

In Division 1, Sweden and Cameroon tied for the top spot at 9-2 with both Australia and the Netherlands at 8-3. The Swedes won head-to-head for the tiebreaker and their sixth division title. It was Sweden’s second in four years, while the Cameroonians narrowly missed their first-ever elite eight. The Philippines secured Division 2 at 10-1, fending off 9-2 Italy and the defending world champ United States at 8-3. The Filipinos moved forward for the 15^th time and the first time since their 2015 world title. It was only the 17^th time that the Americans didn’t get to the elite eight.

Canada and Spain were even at 10-1 atop Division 3 while China was next at 8-3. The Canadians handed the Spaniards their only defeat, moving Canada forward for the 40^th time. Division 4 had last year’s runner-up Germany first at 9-2, followed by 8-3 Ecuador and 7-4 efforts by Japan and Vietnam. The Germans secured their 12^th division title.

It was the Czech Republic and India even in D5 at 8-3, while Bangladesh and Egypt just missed at 7-4. The Czechs had the tiebreaker for their fifth division title and first since 2000. Mexico at 9-2 hung on in Division 6 against 8-3 efforts by Ukraine and Angola. The Mexicans earned a fourth consecutive division title, advancing for the 33^rd time overall. Mexico is the first non-USA nation to have a 4+ year division title streak since China and Indonesia in the mid 1990s.

The first country in the 12-team division format to go unbeaten was Pakistan at 11-0 in Division 7. They earned repeat division titles and their seventh overall. Thus, three countries from the 2020 elite eight made it back in 2021, an uncommonly high number in recent memory. Lastly, Brazil won D8 at 10-1 with their nearest foe being 8-3 South Africa. The Brazilians advanced for the 34^th time and snapped a four-year drought.

Brazil crushed the Round Robin Group A field with a rare 6-0 finish, advancing to the semifinal for the 20^th time. Pakistan and Germany were both 3-3 and Czechia was 0-6. The tiebreaker sent the Pakistanis forward, preventing the Germans from a repeat final four berth. Pakistan earned its fourth semifinal and first since 2010.

Group B had Canada first 4-2 for their second semifinal in four years and 29^th overall. Mexico and Sweden were even at 3-3 and the Philippines finished 2-4. The Swedes had the tiebreaker to earn their third-ever final four appearance. They ended a very long drought, having finished fourth way back in 1953 and 1961.

Brazil bested Sweden 3-1 and Pakistan topped Canada 3-1 in the semifinals. The Brazilians picked up their eighth trip to the World Championship, although they hadn’t done it since 1990. For the Pakistanis, they became the 30^th different country to advance to the finale and the 11^th from Asia. The Canadians officially were third place for the eighth time and the Swedes matched their best-ever finish at fourth.

The 75^th World Championship was only the third time that a South American team met an Asian team in the final, joining 2016’s China versus Venezuela matchup and Brazil versus South Korea from 1969. The Brazilians ended their 30-year world title drought, defeating Pakistan 4-2. Brazil became the fifth country with 4+ world titles, joining the United States (41), Canada (7), China (6), and Mexico (4). Their three prior rings had come in a bunch (1987, 1989, 1990).

Great pitching won the day for Brazil with closer Bobby Santos winning Best Pitcher honors. An 11-year Beisbol Sudamerica veteran with Maturin, Santos made 14 appearances, allowing only one run over 33 innings for a 0.27 ERA. He had nine saves, 54 strikeouts, 9 walks, and 1.8 WAR. His teammate Tony Montes notably led all players with 69 strikeouts. Brazil as a team had 16 saves, setting a new tournament record.

Canadian first baseman Mathis Vezina was named Tournament MVP at only age 22. The 2019 National Association Rookie of the Year for Ottawa, Vezina started 21 games with 29 hits, 20 runs, 5 doubles, 13 home runs, 18 RBI, 8 walks, 1.354 OPS, and 2.4 WAR.

Other notes: The lone no-hitter in 2021 came from Bulgaria’s Dimo Antonov, striking out nine with four walks versus Australia. Below are the updated all-time tournament stats. Brazil’s title allowed them to pass China in the all-time standings and to become even for third with Mexico. The Brazilians are still the only South American team to win the world title. Colombia, Venezuela, and Chile were each defeated in their lone berth.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-19-2024, 05:51 PM

2021 in A2L

2021 was the fourth season for the African Second League and the final season prior to promotion/relegation going into effect. After being around .500 in the first three years, Nampula emerged as the Southern Conference champ at 92-70. The Pheasants edged out Blantyre (89-73), Bulawayo (88-74) and Port Elizabeth (87-75). Two-time defending conference champ Mauritius was nine away from the top spot, but that still meant a seventh place finish.

For the third time in four years, Bangui claimed the Central Conference. The Badgers finished 93-69, beating Mbuji-Mayi by eight games and Juba by nine. Reigning A2L champ Asmara dropped to 78-84 in a three-way tie for seventh.

The Second League Championship had its fourth winner in its four year run with Nampula sweeping Bangui 5-0. As of 2037, this is the only time the finale ended in a sweep. Starting in 2022, the two finalists will earn promotion to the African Association of Baseball’s First League.

Other notes: Windhoek finished 57-105, which would be the worst record in A2L history until 2029. The White Sox still hold the Southern Conference’s all-time worsts for triple slash, hits, and doubles. In the Central Conference, Mombasa’s 2021 holds conference worsts in the triple slash, runs, and hits. Their 780 runs scored is the A2L all-time worst as of 2037. Despite that, the Bisons’ pitching staff set A2L records for the best ERA and fewest earned runs allowed. Maseru’s Kali Bailey became the second player with a four home run game.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-20-2024, 05:41 AM

2021 in E2L

Cardiff claimed first place in the European Second League’s Western Conference standings at 99-63, edging out 97-65 Seville by two games. It was the first playoff berth for the Crew since getting winning the 2014 E2L title. Cardiff was relegated back in 2018. Although they’ve been an E2L playoff team six times, this was the first time the Crew took first in the standings. The Stingrays earned repeat playoff berths, having taking first the prior year.

London finished third at 90-72, getting their first playoff berth since 2015. The fourth and final playoff spot saw a tie at 87-75 between Lyon and Belfast. The Lords beat the Brewers in the one-game playoff tiebreaker to survive, earning only their second-ever playoff spot. Lyon got promoted in 2009, but hadn’t been in the postseason since getting relegated back for 2012. Falling just short were Liverpool and Nantes at 84-78 and Stockholm at 82-80.

In the Round Robin, London (5-1) and Cardiff (4-2) moved onto the Western Conference Championship while Seville (2-4) and Lyon (1-5) were eliminated. In a seven-game classic, the Monarchs outlasted the Crew despite having to be on the road. England’s capital finally earned promotion back to the European Baseball Federation’s Elite tier after an eight-year stint in the Second League.

A top heavy Eastern Conference had Chisinau and Lodz both at 104-58 with the Counts officially first via a tiebreaker. Chisinau was just sent back to E2L for the first time since 2011 and looked to make it one-and-done. The Counts had impressive pitching with a 2.43 ERA, 1013 hits allowed, 433 runs allowed, and a 6.07 H/9. Each of those was the second-best in EC history. The Legion ended a two-year playoff drought, getting their fourth berth in six years.

11 games away in third place sat 93-89 Athens for their first playoff berth in their third E2L season. Dnipro (89-73) took the final playoff spot, holding off 86-76 efforts by Riga and Vienna. The Defenders’ only other playoff berth prior was 2014. Although they missed the cut, the Roosters had their first winning record in a decade.

The Round Robin had no clear winner as all three teams finished 3-3, forcing tiebreaker formulas to decide the Eastern Conference Championship participants. The math favored Chisinau and Dnipro and eliminated Lodz and Athens. In a seven-game war, the Defenders upset the top-seeded Counts to secure their first-ever promotion.

In the Second League Championship, Dnipro defeated London 4-2. These two would be the only promoted teams in 2021 as there weren’t any additional 100+ loss teams in the EBF Elite. With the Defenders getting bumped up for the first time, that left seven teams that started in E2L and haven’t been promoted at least once over its 17-year run. (Liverpool, Tallinn, Turin, Nottingham, Nantes, Stuttgart, Lodz).

Other notes: Nottingham had 187 stolen bases, setting a Western Conference team record and getting the second most in E2L history. Leading that effort was Leonid Bostan, who set the single-season steals record at 73. Cardiff’s Zachary Brown set the E2L single-season record with 147 RBI. Brown earned the second-ever Triple Crown in E2L with 57 home runs and a .320 average. Seville’s Eldar Dordevic had a 29-game hit streak to set the E2L record.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-20-2024, 06:32 PM

2021 in AAB

Entering 2021, the only teams in the African Association of Baseball that hadn’t had a playoff berth in the prior 26 seasons was Lilongwe. The Lightning finally ended that distinction, taking first in the Southern Conference at 100-62. In second at 94-68 was Antananarivo, ending a 12-year playoff drought for the Eagles. Antananarivo allowed the fewest runs (631) with Lilongwe next (648). They finished second and third in scoring, respectively.

Defending conference champ Johannesburg was tied for third at 88-74 with Luanda. The Jackalopes had finished first in the standings six times in the prior seven years. Johannesburg underperformed their expected W/L by eight games, leading the SC in runs (808). Also notable was Dar es Salaam going from 89 wins and second place in 2020 down to 73-89 and seventh in 2021.

Southern Conference MVP went to Harare designated hitter Maninho Magaia. The 26-year old Mozambican righty led in home runs (68), RBI (152), and total bases (388). It was only the 13^th time an AAB slugger hit 68+ homers and the 12^th time someone topped 150+ RBI. Magaia added 115 runs, a 1.044 OPS, 182 wRC+, and 7.3 WAR.

Johannesburg righty Vally Nzamba won his second Pitcher of the Year in three seasons. The 30-year old Angolan righty had the most innings (243.1), quality starts (21), and shutouts (4). Nzamba had a 3.00 ERA, 16-9 record, 251 strikeouts, and 5.5 WAR.

Reigning AAB champ Kampala finished first in the Central Conference standings for the third time in four years. The Peacocks were 102-60, scoring the most runs (836) and allowing the fewest (616) in all of AAB. Lubumbashi was second at 95-67, snapping a 16-year playoff drought. Nairobi was the only other team in the hunt at 90-72. Brazzaville fell to seventh at 80-82, ending a six-year run of winning seasons. The Blowfish had earned five playoff berths with four 100+ win seasons in that run.

Although Bujumbura was at .500, their superstar third baseman Warren Biloa won his fourth consecutive Central Conference MVP. He became the sixth AAB player with four MVPs and the first to do it consecutively. The 29-year old Central African led in runs (119), homers (54), RBI (133), total bases (393), slugging (.706), OPS (1.103), wRC+ (185), and WAR (8.5). The Bighorns committed to Biloa long-term in May with a seven-year, $61,300,000 extension.

Kampala’s Ermias Tadele won his second Pitcher of the Year, having previously gotten it in his 2018 Peacocks debut. The 33-year old Ethiopian lefty led in ERA (2.33), WHIP (0.91), K/BB (6.6), quality starts (22), FIP- (55), and WAR (9.3). It was Tadele’s second ERA title and his fifth straight year as the WARlord. He also had 279 strikeouts over 239.2 innings for a 174 ERA+ and 20-8 record.

Lilongwe defeated Antananarivo 4-2 in the Southern Conference Championship for their first-ever pennant. This left Kigali and Bujumbura as the remaining AAB teams without at least one pennant. Kampala survived in a seven-game classic with Lubumbashi to earn their third Central Conference Championship win in four years.

Kampala officially declared itself a dynasty by winning the 27^th Africa Series 5-3 against Lilongwe. The Peacocks became the third franchise in AAB history to win three titles in a four year stretch (2018, 2020, 2021) and became the fifth franchise to earn a repeat. The Central Conference continued its general dominance, claiming 19 of AAB’s 27 titles thus far.

Catcher Alexandre Selemani repeated as the Africa Series MVP. The 26-year old from the Republic of the Congo started 14 playoff games with 14 hits, 5 runs, 5 doubles, 3 homers, and 8 RBI. Pitcher of the Year Ermias Tadele also had a strong playoff showing with two of his four starts being shutouts. He set an AAB postseason record for innings (34), going 3-0 with a 1.06 ERA and 21 strikeouts. In defeat, Lilongwe’s Jabir Hassen had 25 hits, one short of the AAB playoff record. He did set a new record for singles at 17.

Other notes: Durban’s Rio Manuel tossed AAB’s fourth perfect game on May 19, striking out 15 against Luanda. This would be the final AAB perfect game until 2036. Kinshasa’s Reginald Ulengo threw his second no-hitter, having also tossed one a decade prior. He joined Pacifique Hadi as the only AAB aces to throw multiple no-hitters. Ulengo and Tadele became the 11^th and 12^th AAB pitchers to reach 2500 strikeouts.

Addis Ababa’s offense had a .211 batting average and 1097 hits, the second-lowest in AAB history behind the Brahmas’ 2018 campaign. After having a historic dynasty from 2006-14, AA has averaged an abysmal 54.25 wins per season in their last four seasons. The Brahmas need to get their affairs in order quickly as next season begins promotion/relegation with the African Second League.

Kaunda Kalinga became the fourth member of the 800 home run club. He played one more year and ended at 821, retiring fourth behind Mwarami Tale (968), Felix Chaula (925), and Luke Tembo (893). Patrick Babila became the tenth to reach 500 homers. Cape Town’s Amos Chumo and Lilongwe’s Lubomir Javorsky both had four home run games, an achievement now reached 11 times in AAB. LF Roddy Mukeshimana won his eighth Silver Slugger. __________________

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-21-2024, 06:04 AM

2021 in ALB

Defending Arab League Western Conference champ Cairo had the top seed in 2021, winning their fifth consecutive Nile Division title at 100-62. The Pharaohs allowed the fewest runs (649) and scored the second most (851) in the conference. This guaranteed a fifth consecutive appearance in the Western Conference Final. The division title took some work for Cairo though, holding off a 94-68 effort by Khartoum. The Cottonmouths’ playoff drought grew to 22 years, although this was their best effort in that stretch.

Algiers ended a 14-year playoff drought and won the Mediterranean Division at 98-64. It was an impressive turnaround for the Arsenal, who finished 75-89 the prior year. Casablanca led in scoring (865), but came up three games shy at 95-67. The Bruins had their seventh straight winning season, but their playoff drought grew to four seasons. Tripoli, who had won the division in the prior three seasons, fell down to 83-79.

The Levant Division also had a significant playoff drought snapped. Jerusalem finished first at 89-73 to end a 13-year skid going back to 2007. The Jets were 12 games ahead of second place Damascus, who had their first losing season since 2013 at 78-84. Last year’s division champ Amman dropped to 75-87.

Cairo designated hitter Hazem Ibrahim became a two-time Western Conference MVP, having previously won in 2018. The 28-year old Egyptian righty led in RBI (145), OBP (.417), OPS (1.119), wRC+ (187), and WAR (8.1). Ibrahim added 120 runs, 59 home runs, and a .339 average, falling one homer and seven average points shy of a Triple Crown. He stayed with the Pharaohs for one more season, then left for Major League Baseball on a seven-year, $177 million deal with Phoenix.

In only his third full season, Algiers lefty Muhammad Nour won Pitcher of the Year. The 23-year old Algerian was the WARlord (9.7) and led in quality starts (25), and FIP- (52). Nour pitched 236.1 innings with a 2.63 ERA, 163 ERA+, 17-9 record, and 312 strikeouts. After the prior season, the Arsenal made sure to have Nour committed for the long haul with a seven-year, $38,680,000 extension.

Jerusalem upset Algiers 2-1 in the first round, sending the Jets to their first Western Conference Final since 2007. Top seed Cairo held firm 3-1 against Jerusalem for repeat pennants. The Pharaohs became six-time conference champs (1990, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2020, 2021).

Defending Arab League champ Basra had ALB’s best overall record at 102-60, winning the Mesopotamia Division for the fourth straight year. It was the first time since 2012 that the Bulldogs got the #1 seed, guaranteeing a third consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference Final. Basra allowed the fewest runs in ALB at 606, winning the division by 17 games over Kuwait. Mosul, who gave the Bulldogs a run last year at 100-62, dropped to 81-81 in 2021.

Jeddah now stood alone with the longest playoff streak in ALB history, taking the Saudi Division for the 11^th consecutive season. The Jackals finished 92-70, topping Medina by eight games. A competitive Gulf Division had Muscat (89-73) ahead of Abu Dhabi (86-76) and defending winner Dubai (80-82). The Threshers were the first of the 2016 expansion teams to earn a playoff spot. Muscat led ALB in runs scored (870) and set a new ALB record for hits with 1726.

Leading Muscat’s offensive efforts was Eastern Conference MVP Walid Bennani in only his second full season. The 23-year old Tunisian left fielder led in home runs (67), slugging (.692), OPS (1.073), and wRC+ (166). Bennani had 128 RBI, 126 runs, 6.2 WAR, and also hit for the cycle in September. He was one of the Threshers’ first-ever amateur signings and was now a top talent. In the offseason, Muscat signed Bennani to an eight-year, $40,340,000 extension.

In a split season, Raafat Kada earned Pitcher of the Year honors. The 26-year old Tunisian started with Bahrain, but the struggling Blitz traded him near the deadline for prospects to Jeddah. Kada led in ERA (2.15), quality starts (26), and WAR (8.2). He posted an 18-4 record over 217.2 innings with 236 strikeouts and a 201 ERA+. The Jackals wanted more than a rental, extending Kada four years at $38,400,000 in the offseason.

Jeddah swept Muscat in the first round, earning their seventh Eastern Conference Final appearance in nine years. The Jackals met Basra for the third year in a row with the Bulldogs winning in 2020 and Jeddah taking it in 2019. Those prior seasons, the Jackals had home field advantage. Basra had it in 2021 and were favorites, but Jeddah pulled off the upset 3-2 for their third pennant in four years. The Jackals now were five-time conference champs with each title during their current playoff streak (2013, 14, 18, 19, 21).

The 32^nd Arab League Championship was an all-time classic that went all seven games. For only the second time, game seven required extra innings. Jeddah had been on the losing side of a 17-inning game seven two years prior against Tripoli. This time, the Jackals were on the winning side, taking the final 5-3 over Cairo in ten innings.

Jeddah became four-time Arab League champs (2013, 2014, 2018, 2021), tying them with Medina and Basra for the second most. Casablanca remains the leader at five titles. The Jackals are also the only ALB team with four titles over a nine year span. Cairo remains seemingly unable to win the big one, falling to 0-5 in their finals tries.

Other notes: Ali Jassem, Yahya bin Hakam, and Tarek Abdel Rahman each joined the 700 home run club, making that group six strong. Rauf Salah and bin Hakim made it seven guys with 1500 runs scored. Jassem became the 12^th to 1500 RBI. Bin Hakim won his ninth Silver Slugger at first base.

Damascus stole only 68 bases all season, setting the ALB all-time low. Three players had a six-hit game in the same year for the first time in ALB history. For the first time since 2013, there were zero no-hitters thrown. SS Ahmed Musa won his eighth Gold Glove.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-21-2024, 11:14 AM

2021 in ABF

The East League had the exact same four playoff teams from the prior year, although the positions were swapped a bit. Faisalabad did again win the South Division, but this time they were the #1 seed at 106-56. The Fire earned their third straight playoff berth and led the EL in both runs scored (712) and fewest allowed (486). Defending Asian Baseball Federation champ Bishkek was a wild card in 2020, but won the North Division in 2021 at 104-58. The Black Sox secured their third playoff berth in four years.

Last year’s top seed Dushanbe dropped from 110 wins to 93-69, but that still got them the first wild card. The Dynamo playoff streak grew to nine seasons, tying the ABF record set by both Bursa (1997-2005) and Isfahan (1995-2003). Almaty and Rawalpindi tied for the second wild card at 90-72. Tiebreaker games aren’t used for ABF wild cards with the Assassins advancing on tiebreaker formula. Shymkent was also in the mix at 87-75, an impressive finish for a second year expansion team.

East League MVP went to 1B Habib Saquib in his lone season for Bishkek. The 32-year old Pakistani spent his first decade with Tehran, winning MVP for them in 2017. In the last year of an eight-year deal for 2021, the Tarpons traded him in the offseason to the Black Sox for prospects. For Bishkek, Saquib led in runs (113), home runs (57), total bases (409), slugging (.691), OPS (1.071), wRC+ (224), and WAR (9.4). He also had 126 RBI and a .318 average.

Saquib had the awards sweep, earning his third career Gold Glove and his fifth Silver Slugger in addition to the MVP. He also reached the 400 home run and 1000 RBI milestones. The extremely popular slugger would have no shortage of suitors in the offseason, eventually signing with Tabriz at five years and $63 million.

Pitcher of the Year was Faisalabad’s Christian Stewart in his second year with the Fire. The 30-year old righty was an American from Chicago who had seen an interesting pro career thus far. He began in MLB with Columbus and led the National Association in WAR at 8.5 in 2015. Stewart would miss all of 2016 from a torn labrum, then posted mediocre results over his remaining MLB seasons between the Chargers and New York.

Stewart became a free agent and Faisalabad was quite interested for 2020, signing him at $65,800,000 over seven years. He had the most losses in the EL in 2020 at 9-19, but was a victim of poor run support as he still managed a 2.78 ERA and 6.0 WAR. The support flipped in 2021, leading in wins (23-5) and quality starts (28). Stewart had a 1.87 ERA over 245.2 innings, 308 strikeouts, 186 ERA+, and 7.1 WAR.

The top seeds prevailed in the first round with Faisalabad over Almaty 3-1 and Bishkek over Dushanbe 3-2. The Black Sox kept their repeat bid alive and the Fire earned their second East League Championship Series berth in three years. Faisalabad defeated Bishkek 4-2 in the ELCS to claim their third pennant (2011, 2014, 2021). The Fire are the first Pakistani team to win the pennant since their 2014 title.

The West League also saw limited turnover with three of the four playoff teams extending significant streaks. Tabriz took the top seed and the Central Division for the fourth straight year, finishing 109-53. The Tiger Sharks’ playoff streak grew to six seasons, tying for the fewest runs allowed at 564 with Baku. Asgabat gave them a strong run in the division at 101-61, taking the first wild card to also extend a playoff streak to six seasons.

Izmir won the West Division at 98-64, scoring the most runs in the league at 843. Defending WL champ Bursa was eight games back at 90-72. The Blue Claws ended up two games short of the second wild card behind Mashhad at 92-70. The Mercury hadn’t posted a winning season since 2015 and hadn’t made the playoffs since 2014.

For the third consecutive year, Izmir third baseman Hakan Mocuk was West League MVP. The 27-year old Turkish righty led in home runs (53) and RBI (154). Mocuk had only the sixth-ever 150+ RBI season in ABF, falling four short of the single-season record. Mocuk added 108 runs, .312/.351/.649 slash, 161 wRC+, and 7.6 WAR. Notably, Mocuk’s leadoff guy Deniz Bayraktar scored 137 runs, setting a new ABF single-season record, topping the previous best of 133.

Pitcher of the Year also saw a third consecutive victory for Tabriz righty Hafez Farzani. The 27-year old Iranian righty also posted a third Triple Crown in a row, joining CABA legend Junior Vergara and EAB’s Do-Kyun Lee as the only pitchers to pull that off. Farzani’s 2021 saw a 24-6 record, 2.09 ERA, and 374 strikeouts in 237.1 innings. He also led in K/BB (14.4) and WAR (7.2) with a 193 ERA+. Unfortunately for Farzani, he would suffer a torn rotator cuff in summer 2022 that knocked him out 13 months. He managed a few more respectable seasons after that, but never reclaimed elite form.

Wild card Mashhad shocked top seed Tabriz with a first round sweep, sending the Mercury to their first West League Championship Series since their 2014 pennant. Izmir outlasted Asgabat 3-2 in a fierce battle for their second WLCS in three years. The Ice Caps snuffed out any additional Mashhad magic, taking the series firmly 4-1. This was Izmir’s second pennant, joining their 1991 campaign.

The 37^th Asian Baseball Federation Championship had Faisalabad defeat Izmir 4-2, moving the Fire to 3-0 in the finals with wins in 2011 and 2014. The 2014 finals MVP Rafkat Kudaybergenov won the honor again in 2021 in his 17^th year with Faisalabad. The 35-year old Uzbek first baseman in 16 playoff starts had 19 hits, 10 runs, 4 doubles, 4 homers, and 19 RBI. Pitcher Haroon Kundi also played a big role, winning ELCS MVP with two shutouts in his four playoff starts. Kundi was 3-0 with a 1.16 ERA over 31 innings and 42 strikeouts.

Other notes: ABF’s 15^th perfect game came on September 6 from Bishkek’s Nhanoglan Mamytov, striking out 11 against Almaty. Isfahan had 95 triples as a team, setting a new ABF record. Mehmet Fatih Canaydin and Ziad Tarkhan both reached 2500 hits, making five to do so in ABF. Majd Bsharri and Shadi Alam became the 10^th and 11^th members of the 500 home run club.

Hossein Hatami became the eighth pitcher to 4000 career strikeouts. Ananthakrisnan Khan became the second to 300 career saves. 3B Eser Naspolatli extended his ABF Gold Gloves record by winning his 13^th. RF Hana Zuhair won his ninth consecutive Gold Glove.

SS Nizami Aghazade won his eighth Silver Slugger. It was a “down year” for the seven-time MVP at only 8.9 WAR, which would’ve been higher if not for a fractured hand that cost him two months. At age 33, he became tied as ABF’s career WARlord at 117.2 along with teammate Ziad Tarkhan. Tarkhan had passed Petri Viskari’s 114.5 the prior year. Tarkhan would actually drop slightly to 117.1 with one more season, while Aghazade would lap the field with continued dominance.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-21-2024, 05:34 PM

2021 in SAB

Three of the Indian League’s four playoff teams in 2021 earned repeat berths with the lone exception being Kolkata. The Cosmos took the top seed at 102-60, winning the Central Division and ending a five-year playoff drought. The Central also featured the battle for the wild card with Delhi (92-70) edging Jaipur (90-72) for the spot. Defending South Asia Baseball champ Nagpur won the South Division by 13 games at 93-69. The Patriots earned their third consecutive division title and fourth straight playoff berth.

The West Division had a tie between Pune and Ahmedabad at 85-77 with both teams trying to extend their playoff streak to three seasons. In a one-game tiebreaker, the Purple Knights ousted the Animals to advance. Nagpur allowed the fewest runs (549) in the IL while Chennai (702) scored the most. The Cows struggled to 72-90 despite their offense, allowing the most runs by a large margin at 782.

Ahmedabad 1B Abhiji Srivas won his fourth consecutive Indian League MVP, becoming the seventh player in SAB history with 4+ MVPs. The 26-year old lefty led in runs (109), home runs (52), OBP (.400), slugging (.695), OPS (1.095), wRC+ (224), and WAR (9.8). Srivas also ranked second in both batting average (.331) and RBI (115). The Animals gave Srivas an eight-year, $89,600,000 deal the prior summer to lock him up.

Although Lucknow struggled to 72-90, veteran righty Ravi Cittabhoga earned Pitcher of the Year in his ninth year for the Larks. The 31-year old Indian led in ERA (1.76), shutouts (4), FIP- (43), and WAR (9.5). Cittabhoga added a 14-10 record, 12 saves, 219.2 innings, 298 strikeouts, and 203 ERA+. Lucknow extended him in spring 2020 at seven years and $52,300,000.

Wild card Delhi upset their divisional foe and top seed Kolkata with a 3-0 sweep, sending the Drillers to their first Indian League Championship Series berth since 2013. Nagpur edged Pune 3-2 on the other side to continue the Patriots’ repeat bid. Delhi again dominated on the road, taking the ILCS 4-1 over the reigning champ Nagpur. The Drillers earned their first-ever Indian League pennant, leaving Chennai, Surat, and Lucknow as the only IL teams without a title.

The Southeast Asia League also had three of four teams earn repeat playoff berths. The division champs remained the same, although they switched seeds. Hai Phong got the #1 spot atop the North Division at 101-61, leading the league in scoring at 820 runs. Meanwhile Da Nang repeated as South Division champs at 96-66. The Nailers edged out Yangon (95-67) by one game.

The defending SEAL champ Green Dragons allowed the fewest runs (597) and took the first wild card, extending their world record playoff streak to 27 seasons. There was an eight game drop to the second wild card spot, which saw five teams in the mix. Dhaka (87-75) narrowly beat out 86-76 efforts by both Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane, an 85-77 Hanoi, and 83-79 Chittagong. The Dobermans ended a seven-year playoff drought, while the Vampires saw their five-year streak snapped.

Designated Hitter Duc Son repeated as Southeast Asia League in his second year with Yangon. The 30-year old Vietnamese righty led again in home runs (63), RBI (149), total bases (425), slugging (.707), OPS (1.069), and wRC+ (184). Son added 113 runs, a .328 average, and 7.9 WAR.

The Green Dragons also had Pitcher of the Year Huynh Pham, winning the award for the sixth time. He joined Zainal bin Aziz (8) as the only aces to win the award 6+ times in SAB. It was the second award for Pham since singing with Yangon in 2018, having previously won with Vientiane in 2012, 13, 16, and 17. The 34-year old lefty had an 18-8 record, 2.54 ERA, 234 innings, 279 strikeouts, and 6.2 WAR. Pham was no longer a full-time two-way starter, but he also played 48 games and started 13 in the field with a 1.106 OPS and 2.0 WAR.

Dhaka shocked division foe Hai Phong 3-2 in the first round, earning their first SEAL Championship trip since winning it all in 2011. Da Nang ousted defending champ Yangon 3-1 on the other side. The Nailers’ only other LCS berth was in their inaugural 2004 campaign. The Dobermans earned the road series win 4-2 over Da Nang to grab their sixth pennant (1981, 1984, 1991, 2002, 2011, 2021).

The 42^nd South Asia Baseball Championship saw a first time winner as Delhi outlasted Dhaka in a seven-game classic. The Drillers became the 14^th different franchise to win the SAB title and the sixth different champ in six years. This also gave the Indian League four straight titles. LF Binh Su Bac won finals and ILCS MVP honors with 15 starts, 25 hits, 12 runs, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 3 homers, and 11 RBI. This was Bac’s seventh and final year for the Drillers, as the 26-year old would earn a big eight-year, $72.8 million deal with Yangon.

Other notes: Hanoi slugger Majed Darwish became the professional baseball world home run king, passing Arab League legend Nordine Soule’s 1073. Darwish hit 42 in 2021 at age 38, giving him 1078 for his career. Darwish also ended the year at 2549 RBI, joining Soule, Ju-Won Yoo, and Prometheo Garcia as the only players in world history above 2500. He now ranks second all-time with only Garcia (2618) ahead.

Darwish also ended the year with 2259 runs scored, placing him fourth all-time between Garcia (2374), Stan Provost (2348), and Ratan Canduri (2334). This was Canduri’s final year, retiring at age 44 after 25 SAB seasons. In addition to retiring as the runs leader, Canduri was SAB’s WARlord (169.07) and walks leader (1735). He retired second in SAB hits (3770) behind Manju Abbas’ 3897. Canduri also retired third in world history in homers (1049) and fifth in RBI (2496); second in SAB only to Darwish.

As of 2037 among all players in world history, Canduri ranks 16^th in WAR, 9^th in walks, 5^th in homers, 7^th in RBI, 6^th in runs, 17^th in hits, and 50^th in doubles. His 1.047 OPS also ranks 14^th among world Hall of Famers and his 187 wRC+ is 33^rd. In other milestones, Lwin Swe Ko became the eighth SAB slugger to 700 career home runs. Javin Sita was the 23^rd to reach 2500 hits. 2B Nyi Moe Win won his eighth Silver Slugger.

Tamin Hasan was the fourth pitcher to 4000 career strikeouts. Huynh Pham became the 13^th to 3500 strikeouts and the 8^th to 200 wins. RF Bobby Pacubas won his ninth consecutive Gold Glove. Ryan Raji and Saipul Lee both had four home run games in 2021. It has happened nine times in SAB now with 2021 being the only time it happened twice in the same year. Phnom Penh’s pitching staff had 1151 strikeouts and a 7.26 K/9, which was an all-time SAB team worst.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-22-2024, 06:07 AM

2021 in WAB

Defending West African Baseball champion Conakry and Bamako went down to the wire for the West League’s top seed in 2021. The Bullfrogs narrowly took it at 98-64, growing their playoff streak to seven years in the process; the longest active streak in WAB. Bamako guaranteed their fourth WLCS appearance of that run and their 11^th WLCS appearance overall.

The Coyotes, last year’s runner-up in the Baseball Grand Championship. finished one game behind Bamako at 97-65, growing their playoff streak to five. The Bullfrogs allowed the fewest runs (678) in the WL with Conakry second (693), while tied for second in runs scored at 860.

Nouakchott was the top scoring team at 868 with them and Abidjan finishing even at 93-69 for the remaining playoff spots. The tiebreaker formula officially gave third place and the home field advantage in the first round to the Athletes. The Night Riders’ playoff streak grew to three years and Abidjan got their third berth in four years. The only other teams remotely in the playoff race were Bouake (86-76) and Cape Verde (85-77).

Vulcans third baseman Okoro Yusuf repeated as Western League MVP. The 24-year old Nigerian led in the triple slash (.397/.456/.721), OPS (1.177), wRC+ (203), and WAR (9.7). His effort was a top ten all-time WAB season for batting average, OBP, and OPS to that point. Yusuf added 43 home runs, 117 RBI, and 106 runs, losing some tallies to a fractured thumb in the final month. His continued dominance opened up the checkbook for Cape Verde, signing Yusuf in the summer to an eight-year, $113,500,000 extension.

Bamako’s Theo Mauger earned Pitcher of the Year in his second season for the Bullfrogs. The 36-year old righty was the first notable baseball pro from Guernsey, a tiny British island territory south of the United Kingdom. Mauger’s first decade was as a respectable starter for MLB’s Nashville Knights. He came to WAB in 2017 with Kumasi, then joined with Bamako in a 2020 trade.

In 2021, Mauger led the WL in wins (19-6), strikeouts (300), innings (243.1), quality starts (21), complete games (7), and shutouts (3). One of the shutouts came on May 20 in a 16 strikeout, 1 walk no-hitter over Benin City. Mauger added a 3.29 ERA, 138 ERA+, and 6.7 WAR. He would spent four more seasons in WAB, signing with Abidjan in the offseason.

The Athletes topped Nouakchott 2-0 in the first round and gave Conakry a fight in round two. However, the reigning champ Coyotes prevailed 2-1 for their third straight Western League Championship Series, setting up a rematch of 2019 with Bamako. The series went all five games with the Bullfrogs again defeating Conakry, giving Bamako its fourth pennant in seven years (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021). It was the Bullfrogs’ eighth WL title overall, having also won in 1976, 1983, 1986, and 2003.

Defending Eastern League champ Yaounde finished first in the EL at 96-66, guaranteeing a fourth consecutive ELCS trip. The Yellow Birds again had WAB’s top offense, leading all teams with 949 runs scored. Three games back at 93-69 were both Kano and Libreville with the tiebreaker formula giving the Condors second place and the Lakers third. Kano’s playoff streak grew to six seasons while Libreville got repeat berths. The Lakers allowed the fewest runs in the EL at 708.

Six teams were within five games of the fourth and final playoff spot. Douala (88-74) finally got their first-ever playoff berth, edging out last year’s first place team Ouagadougou (87-75), Port Harcourt (85-77), Lome (84-78), Cotonou (83-79), and Niamey (83-79). The Dingos were the only WAB team including expansion teams that had never been in the playoffs over WAB’s first 46 seasons. By falling one game short, the Osprey’s playoff streak snapped at three seasons. Although they missed for the third year in a row, the Copperheads continued the longest active streak of winning seasons in WAB at 13 years.

Leading Douala’s turnaround was Eastern League MVP Rasaq Kadir. The 26-year old Nigerian center fielder led in triples (26) while adding 110 runs, 58 doubles, 30 home runs, 115 RBI, a 1.042 OPS, 161 wRC+, and 8.0 WAR. Kadir was the #4 draft pick in 2015 by the Dingos and would remain committed, inking an eight-year, $118 million extension in April 2022.

Niamey’s Sabado Balde won his second Pitcher of the Year in three years. The 29-year old Bissau-Guinean lefty led in strikeouts (335), K/BB (11.2), quality starts (21), FIP- (71), and WAR (7.4). Balde posted a 2.86 ERA over 251.1 innings, 18-11 record, and 162 ERA+. He was one point away from the ERA title and was second in wins.

Douala’s first-ever playoff wins would have to come another year, getting swept in the first round by Libreville. The Lakers kept the momentum going and won 2-1 at Kano, giving Libreville its second-ever ELCS try (2016). The magic quickly ran out with Yaounde rolling to a 3-0 sweep. The Yellow Birds repeated as EL champs and won their third pennant in four years.

In the 47^th West African Championship, Yaounde beat Bamako 4-2 to become two-time WAB champs, joining their 2018 trophy. The Bullfrogs remained seemingly cursed in the finale, falling to 0-8 all-time in the championship. The only team in all of pro baseball to have more runner-up finishes without winning once was MLB’s Indianapolis at 0-9. RF Shafiu Hassan was finals MVP in his ninth season for the Yellow Birds. In 9 playoff starts, Hassan had 11 hits, 8 runs, 6 homers, 1 double, and 9 RBI.

Other notes: Lawrence Nassif became WAB’s all-time hits king, passing Darwin Morris’s 3288 and finishing the season at 3390. Nassif also joined Morris as the only WAB sluggers with 2000 RBI. He ended the year at 2076, within striking distance of Morris’s 2129. Nassif also ended the season with 639 doubles, putting him close to Jack Kiadii’s WAB record 659. Fares Belaid became the third to 3000 career hits at only age 32, leading the league for the tenth time and for the eighth straight year.

Belaid’s 254 hits in 2021 were the 12^th most in a single-season by any player in world history to that point. Yet, it was a down year for him, as he’d topped that mark five times. Belaid did score a career best 148 runs in 2021, four behind Morris’s 152 from 2011 for the WAB single-second record. Belaid and Mandjou Adado became the 5^th and 6^th to reach 1500 runs scored. Belaid also won his seventh Silver Slugger (his 6^th as a DH).

Douala 3B Adrian Kollie set WAB’s single-season record for doubles with 70, beating Florencio Hernandez’ record of 68 from 1998. Kollie was only the third in world history to reach the mark, joining ABF’s Gokhan Karatas (72 in 1990) and AAB’s Stefan Cejka (71 in 1996). As of 2037, Kollie’s season is one of only eight in world history with 70+ doubles.

Abidjan’s Mokhtar Abdoulaye tossed WAB’s 19^th perfect game on September 28, striking out 15 against Kumasi. Aliassou Lankoande and Ibrahim Sani became the 11^th and 12^th members of the 500 home run club. Sani also won his eighth Silver Slugger in left field. Mohamed Traore became the 17^th to reach 2500 hits. Christopher Larbi became only the 6^th pitcher to 200 wins, finishing his career with 208. 3B Seidath Boni won his tenth consecutive Gold Glove, a position record.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-22-2024, 12:24 PM

2021 in CLB

Changchun had Chinese League Baseball’s best record in 2021 by a healthy margin atop the Northern League at 107-55. The Camels earned their fourth playoff berth in six years and finished first for the third time of that run. Changchun allowed the fewest runs at 401 and scored the third most at 566. Reigning CLB champ Shenyang finished second by a solid margin at 95-67, but were still 12 away from the Camels. The Swans grew their playoff streak to five seasons and led in runs scored at 577.

The remaining playoff spots went to Nanjing (89-73) and Shijiazhuang (87-75) with both teams getting their third playoff berth in four years. Next closest were Harbin (83-79), Beijing (82-80), and Zhengzhou (81-81). Last year’s NL runner-up Xi’an fell to 14^th at 72-90. Hangzhou also went from a wild card the prior year down to only 78-84.

Legendary Shenyang two-way star Chuchuan Cao repeated as Northern League MVP, winning it for the fifth time (2013, 15, 17, 20, 21). He was second in Pitcher of the Year voting, denying that repeat and a possible sixth POTY. On the mound, the 32-year old lefty led in pitching WAR (9.9) for the eighth time in his decade-long career. Cao also led in innings pitched (289), K/BB (13.1), quality starts (29), and complete games (26), tying CLB’s single-season CG record. He had a 1.96 ERA, 141 ERA+, 19-11 record, and 327 strikeouts.

Cao won his ninth Silver Slugger, playing 78 games in left field in addition to his pitching starts. At the plate, he had 6.1 WAR, a 160 wRC+, 21 home runs, 63 RBI, and 64 runs. Cao had a combined 16.0 WAR, which was the sixth-best of his career and the 25^th-best for any player in any world league. This gave Cao a combined 158.3 WAR for his career, passing SS Junjie Hsiung’s 152.6 as the all-time CLB WARlord.

This would be Cao’s final CLB season, finishing on the mound with a 177-88 record, 1.75 ERA, 2566.2 innings, 3242 strikeouts, 149 ERA+, and 97.2 WAR. At the plate, he had 1252 games, a .292/.333/.486 slash, 174 wRC+, 61.1 WAR, 153 homers, 444 stolen bases, and 586 RBI. As of 2037, he ranks 5^th in pitching WAR and 13^th in strikeouts. Cao’s baseball career would continue in Australia, signing in the offseason with OBA’s Sydney Snakes at $43,200,000 over four years.

Beating Cao for Pitcher of the Year was Shijiazhuang righty Len Goh. The 29-year old Hongkonger led in ERA (1.40) and WHIP (0.77). Goh posted a 13-7 record over 238 innings, 280 strikeouts, 195 ERA+, and 8.4 WAR. He was in his eighth year for the Serpents, signing a five-year, $60,300,000 extension after the 2019 campaign.

In the Round Robin, Nanjing was the top team at 4-2 to earn their second semifinal trip in four years. Shenyang and Shijiazhuang tied at 3-3 while top seed Changchun fared worst at 2-4 despite their regular season dominance. The Swans advanced to their fifth straight semifinal via the tiebreaker, but their repeat bid was denied 4-2 by Nanjing in a rematch of the 2018 semi. The Nuggets earned their fifth trip to the China Series (1070, 1982, 1996, 2018, 2021).

In a tight race for the Southern League’s top spot, Hong Kong (94-68) edged out Foshan (92-70). Both teams grew their playoff streaks to four years, although this was HK’s first time leading the standings in that run. For the remaining two playoff spots, there were six teams within five games of each other. Advancing both at 87-75 were Guangzhou and Kunming. The Gamecocks ended a three year playoff drought and the Muscles stopped a four-year skid..

Falling just short were Changsha (85-77), Xiamen (85-77), Dongguan (83-79), and Nanning (82-80). Defending SL camp Macau also fell short at 80-82 and Shantou’s five-year playoff streak ended with their 78-84 finish. Despite missing the playoffs, the Donkeys scored the most runs in CLB at 591 and the Mutts allowed the fewest at 401.

Southern League MVP went to Changsha LF Tao Cai in only his third season. The 24-year old righty led in home runs (59), RBI (126), runs (109), total bases (395), slugging (.671), and OPS (1.036). Cai had a .302 batting average, 215 wRC+, and 11.6 WAR. He missed out on the WARlord by a fraction to Kunming’s Shimin Loy, who finished third in MVP voting.

Loy’s season was especially significant though as it was his rookie year, having been picked #1 by the Muscle in 2020. He set the new CLB record for WAR by a Rookie of the Year winner, beating Cheng Kang’s 10.8 from 2012. It was among the best rookie years in any world league, although it was still behind the all-time mark of 13.9 by ABF stud Nizami Aghazade in 2012.

Repeating as Pitcher of the Year was Hong Kong righty Dalong Li. The seventh-year righty led in wins (20-6), WHIP (0.79), quality starts (30), FIP- (60), and WAR (7.7). Li posted a 1.82 ERA over 238 innings with 235 strikeouts and a 157 ERA+. He agreed to a four-year, $44,700,000 extension with the Champions in the offseason.

Top seed Hong Kong took top honors in the Round Robin at 4-2, while Guangzhou and Foshan were 3-3 and Kunming was 2-4. The tiebreaker favored the Gamecocks over the Flyers, giving Guangzhou its second semifinal in five years. The Champions got their third semifinal try in four years and again prevailed, although they needed all seven games to outlast the Gamecocks. HK earned its seventh trip to the China Series (1978, 1982, 1997, 2007, 2018, 2019, 2021).

The 52^nd China Series was the third finals meeting between Nanjing and Hong Kong. Back in 1982, the Champions won their first-ever title by beating the Nuggets 4-2. More recently in 2018, Nanjing swept HK to win its second title, putting the trophy next to their 1996 win. 2021 followed the same script as 2018 with a Nuggets sweep. Seventh-year LF Xun Luo was finals MVP, getting 10 hits, 7 runs, 2 homers, and 8 RBI over 16 playoff games.

Other notes: Zhen Zhang became the 10^th member of the 400 home run club, the 14^th to 2000 hits, the 11^th to 1000 RBI, and the 13^th to 1000 runs scored. Boyu Long and Cheng Kang also reached 1000 RBI, making 13 players to do so. Zhang (CF) and Long (RF) both won their eighth Silver Sluggers.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 12-22-2024, 08:20 PM

2021 in APB

2021 seemed like a possible changing of the guard in the Taiwan-Philippine Association as the two 2007 expansion teams earned their first-ever playoff berths. The #1 seed went to Cagayan de Oro in the Philippine League at 97-66, who needed a one-game tiebreaker to defeat Zamboanga. Defending PL champ Manila was also competitive at 91-71. The Critters outperformed their expected win/loss by 11 games to take the top spot.

Hsinchu won the Taiwan League by a healthy margin at 93-69 with a powerful offense. The Sweathogs scored 670 runs, 122 more than any other team in Austronesia Professional Baseball. Defending APB champ Taipei was second at 85-77, ending their record nine-year playoff streak. The Tigercats still grew their run of winning seasons to 14.

Repeating as Taiwan-Philippine Association MVP was Hsinchu DH Binh Tang. The 21-year old Vietnamese lefty missed a month to a fractured wrist, but still led in the triple slash (.331/.396/.583), OPS (.979), and wRC+ (200). Tang had 8.3 WAR, 90 runs, 30 home runs, and 89 RBI. He soon earned the nickname “The King” for good reason, as this 8.3 WAR season would be his lowest output for the next 14 years.

Zamboanga ace Ching-Chen Yao won his ninth Pitcher of the Year award and his seventh consecutive. He became only the fourth pitcher in all of pro baseball history to win the award 9+ times, joining EPB’s Matvey Ivanov (11), CABA/MLB legend Junior Vergara (10), and BSA’s Lazaro Rodriguez (9). Amazingly, this was actually the lowest full-season WAR in Yao’s career to that point, despite leading the TPA again at 9.7.

Yao won his seventh ERA title at 1.41 and led in strikeouts (306) for the ninth time. He also led in WHIP (0.65) and FIP- (39). Over 216.2 innings, Yao had a 13-6 record and 200 ERA+. Still only 33-years old, the Zebras lefty also threw his second no-hitter on September 4 with 10 strikeouts and 2 walks against Tainan. Yao moved to 136.7 career WAR, which ranked fourth in APB and was within striking distance of Hadi Ningsih’s top mark of 144.49.

Two-time defending Sundaland Association champ Palembang earned their fourth consecutive Java Sea League crown. The Panthers at 101-61 earned the top overall seed, beating Bandung by seven games in the division race. Kuala Lumpur dominated the Malacca League at 98-64, earning their second-ever ML title (2015). The Leopards also posted their best-ever record since joining APB. Singapore was a very distant second at 82-80, while last year’s ML winner Medan fell to 75-87.

In only his third season, Kuala Lumpur CF Adam Mapiut won Sundaland Association MVP. The 22-yeaer old Filipino had 9.1 WAR, a 190 wRC+, .807 OPS, 34 home runs, 81 RBI, and 73 runs. Also worth noting, his Leopards teammate Syanhaz Noor won a fourth consecutive Reliever of the Year. Noor was the eighth APB closer to win the award 4+ times.

Palembang righty Yen Ling Lam earned Pitcher of the Year with a blistering 1.11 ERA, which was the 16^th lowest qualifying season in the incredibly low scoring APB. The 30-year old from Singapore had a 16-5 record over 211.1 innings, 276 strikeouts, 225 ERA+, and 8.1 WAR. After eight years with the Panthers, Lam would leave in the offseason on a huge six-year, $92,600,000 deal to return home to Singapore. Multiple injuries unfortunately would mean he’d only make 34 appearances in two seasons with the Sharks, making that deal an all-time bust.

With both shooting for their first-ever pennant, the Taiwan-Philippine Association Championship was a classic. Hsinchu outlasted Cagayan de Oro to advance in seven games. Meanwhile the Sundaland Association Championship wasn’t at all competitive with Palembang sweeping Kuala Lumpur. The Panthers posted the second-ever three-peat in SA history, joining Jakarta’s 1968-70 run. Palembang won its seventh pennant (1974, 1976, 1978, 2005, 2019, 2020, 2021)

Palembang became two-time APB champions, winning the 57^th Austronesia Championship 4-2 over Hsinchu. The Panthers won their second title in three years, the first to do so since Davao’s 2009-10 repeat. 2B Nanda Dhvanamodin won finals MVP in his seventh season for Palembang. The 29-year old Indian in 10 playoff starts had 16 hits, 5 runs, 1 double, 1 triple, and 9 stolen bases.

Other notes: Singapore’s Wil Tabaldo became APB’s all-time RBI leader at 1438, passing the previous best of 1426 by Abracham Gumelar. He had already taken the home run king crown the prior year, finishing 2021 with 663. With 42 homers and 95 RBI in 2021, the 34-year old slugger led in homers for the 11^th consecutive season and led in RBI for the 11^th time in 12 years.

2021 had APB’s 44^th and 45^th perfect games thrown within the same week. On August 16, Pekanbaru’s Muhammad Liaw did it with seven strikeouts against Johor Bahru. Then on August 22, Zamboanga’s Elroy Ejusquiza fanned 14 versus Cebu. Kuala Lumpur’s Ferry Iilang threw his second no-hitter on September 26, having previously done it in 2019. Raja Kamal became the 19^th pitcher to 4000 career strikeouts and Gosner Rahmawati was the 25^th to reach 200 wins.

RF Shih-Chieh Tseng won his position-record 13^th Gold Glove, becoming the third player to win 13+ at any position in APB. 1B Widodo Megawati won his 11^th consecutive Gold Glove. LF Lin Hu won his seventh Silver Slugger.

Batam had an all-time poor offense, setting Sundaland Association worsts in batting average (.180), runs scored (344), and hits (938) while posting the second-worst slugging percentage (.278). The Blue Raiders’ hits and average mark still rank as the worst as of 2037. Taichung set a new Taiwan-Philippine Association worst with 132 doubles, which remains the low as of 2037. On the pitching side, the Toucans’ Sharin Sha’ari had a 3-27 record, setting the APB single-season worst for losses.

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