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

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  • MrNFL_FanIQ
    MVP
    • Oct 2008
    • 4987

    #661
    1981 EBF Hall of Fame




    SP Joachim Muller and CL Enzo Kojic were the inductees from the European Baseball Federation’s 1981 Hall of Fame voting. Both were first ballot picks with Muller getting 94.4% and Kojic at 70.3%. No other player was above 50% and no players were dropped from the ballot after ten failed attempts.



    Joachim Muller – Pitcher – Berlin Barons – 94.4% First Ballot

    Joachim Muller was a 6’8’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Melle, a city of around 45,000 people in Lower Saxony, northwestern Germany. Muller’s command was outstanding for his entire run, but he boasted very good movement and solid stuff as well. He had three pitches and only really used two, but his slider was legendary, mixed with a 98-100 mph fastball and a rarely used changeup. Muller was also very durable and considered an ironman with 230+ innings in all but his rookie season.

    Muller’s potential was noticed as a high schooler in Germany and Berlin selected him the 1957 EBF Draft with the 19th overall pick. He spent two years on the reserve roster developing, then saw limited action in 1960 at age 22. Muller became a full-time starter in 1961 and was a fixture in the Barons rotation for the next 15 years. He didn’t often lead the conference statistically, but was the top pitcher in WAR twice, FIP- twice, ERA once, and wins once. He had ten straight seasons worth 6+ WAR and five times had 8+

    Muller won Pitcher of the Year three times in four years, taking it in 1965, 66, and 68. He also was third in 1968’s MVP voting. He threw two no-hitters with the first in 1968 with 14 strikeouts against Paris and his second in 1969 with 12 strikeouts versus Oslo. He was also a regular for Germany in the World Baseball Championship with 186 innings from 1961-75. In the WBC, he had a 13-8 record, 2.08 ERA, 191 strikeouts, and 6.0 WAR. Berlin made the playoffs five times in his career, although the Barons were never able to get beyond the conference championship. In 75.2 playoff innings, Muller had a 2.62 ERA with 76 strikeouts and 2.8 WAR.

    Muller’s peak years were in his late 20s, although he continued to be ol’ reliable into his 30s. 1973 even saw him throw a career high 295.1 innings. In 1975, his production for the first time was subpar with an ERA worse than the league average. He picked up his 3500th career strikeout this season. Muller opted to retire at age 37 and saw his #6 uniform retired by Berlin that winter.

    Muller’s career stats saw a 232-173 record, 2.78 ERA, 3933.2 innings, 3604 strikeouts to only 552 walks, 354/491 quality starts, 132 complete games, FIP- of 74, and 102.1 WAR. He was the fourth EBF pitcher to compile 100+ career WAR, the eighth to 200 wins, and the fifth to 3500+ Ks. This made him an easy first ballot Hall of Fame choice, receiving 94.4%.



    Enzo Kojic – Closer – Belgrade Bruisers – 70.3% First Ballot

    Enzo Kojic was a 5’9’’, 195 pound right-handed relief pitcher from Cacak, a city of around 100,000 people in central Serbia. Kojic was known for having terrific stuff with the one-two punch of a 98-100 mph fastball and a strong curveball. His control was solid and movement was above average, leading to a flyball tendency. Kojic was viewed as a good leader and was also considered quite durable.

    Kojic left Yugoslavia to play college baseball in England for the University of Bristol. He’d get selected in the second round of the 1958 EBF Draft by Belgrade, 45th overall. Kojic debuted in 1960, although he wouldn’t take over the closer role until 1962. A stellar 1961 postseason earned him attention as the Bruisers made it to the European Championship. In that run, he posted a 0.64 ERA with five saves in 14 innings. He’d lead the Southern Conference in saves in both 1962 and 1963, winning Reliever of the Year in 1963 and taking third in 1962. Kojic also finished second for the award in 1965.

    Kojic also pitched for Serbia from 1961-76 in the World Baseball Championship, posting 112.1 innings with 180 strikeouts and a 3.61 ERA. He suffered a major setback in 1966 with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow putting him out eight months. He bounced back with a solid 1967 and opted for free agency after the season. At age 28, Kojic went to MLB and signed with Toronto. He saw limited use in three seasons with the Timberwolves, then played 1971 for Jacksonville. His MLB excursion saw 2.8 WAR over 104.2 innings with 113 strikeouts.

    Kojic came back home to Belgrade in 1972 and spent four more seasons with the Bruisers as the closer. He was second in 1973’s Reliever of the Year voting, then won the award for the second time in 1974 with a 56 save season, second only to Romain Guy-Blache’s record of 57. Kojic also had a career best 1.17 ERA and 137 strikeouts. He struggled in the playoffs with a 5.28 ERA, but the Bruisers still picked up their first European Championship. His final season with Belgrade was 1975 and he’d pitch one more pro season in 1976 in Mexico City, retiring at age 37. The Bruisers would retire his #22 uniform for his service and role in their title season.

    Kojic’s stats in EBF for Belgrade saw 359 saves and 388 shutdowns, a 2.19 ERA, 831 innings, 1133 strikeouts, 178 walks, a FIP- of 60, and 28.3 WAR. He retired second in EBF saves behind only Roman Jongmans’ 368. Interestingly, he’d be the last reliever added to the EBF Hall of Fame until the 2010s, but Kojic’s resume was strong enough to get the first ballot nod at 70.3%.

    Comment

    • MrNFL_FanIQ
      MVP
      • Oct 2008
      • 4987

      #662
      1981 EPB Hall of Fame

      Eurasian Professional Baseball saw three pitchers receive first ballot Hall of Fame inductions with the 1981 ballot. Starter Elvin Kambarov was the leader at 88.3% with reliever Denis Mankovsky close behind at 85.0%. Starter Bataar Baatarkhuu barely joined them, crossing the 66% requirement with 66.5%. CL Joachim Kohut got 60.5% on his first attempt and starter Artyom Rudasev had 60.2% on his third. SP Eryk Wozniak also was above the 50% mark with 54.9% on his third attempt.



      One player was dropped after ten ballots with SP Alek Semyachkin, who peaked at 44.7% on his second ballot before ending at only 3.0%. Major injuries had him out of the game at age 33, but he posted a 153-124 record, 2.82 ERA, 2868 strikeouts, and 82.9 WAR. He still compiled strong numbers in a short time frame, but lacked a Pitcher of the Year or signature run to get his candidacy more oomph.



      Elvin Kambarov – Starting Pitcher – Bishkek Black Sox – 88.3% First Ballot

      Elvin Kambarov was a 5’11’’, 185 pound right-handed starting pitcher from Ust-Kamenogorsk, a city of around 400,000 in eastern Kazakhstan. Kambarov was a fireballer with an impressive 99-101 mph fastball that he mixed with a slider and changeup. His control was considered just average with below average movement, but his stuff was strong enough to make up for his deficiencies and rack up strikeouts. Kambarov was considered durable and someone who could go deep into games regularly,

      He got some attention by scouts as a teenager, getting picked in the fourth round (109th overall) by Kharkiv in the 1955 EPB Draft. Kambarov decided not to sign and ended up spending the next few years on the amateur circuit. He was next up for draft eligibility in 1960 and had greatly raised his stick, earning the 12th overall pick by Bishkek. Kambarov immediately was a full-time starter for the Black Sox, only missing time when dealing with injuries.

      Kambarov would spend a decade in Kyrgyzstan and would take second in Pitcher of the Year voting in 1964. He rarely was a league leader, but he posted six straight seasons of 6+ War for the Black Sox. It was the playoffs where Kambarov really shined with Bishkek making six straight berths from 1963-68. The Black Sox won the Asian League in 1964, 65, and 67; and won the Soviet Series in 1964 and 1967. Kambarov was finals MVP in 1965 and in 19 playoff starts, he had a 1.58 ERA, 12-3 record, 153.1 innings, 193 strikeouts, and 4.4 WAR.

      Kambarov also pitched for Kazakhstan in the World Baseball Championship from 1962-74, posting a 4.07 ERA over 148 innings with 211 strikeouts and 2.6 WAR. He had suffered a partially torn labrum in 1962, but didn’t have any issues with it again until 1969 with another partial tear. Kambarov bounced back in 1970, his final season with Bishkek, by throwing his lone no-hitter with 12 strikeouts and three walks against Novosibirsk on April 6. In total with the Black Sox, Kambarov had a 158-106 record, 2.60 ERA, 3224 strikeouts in 2426.2 innings, and 56.3 WAR. Bishkek would later retire his #31 uniform.

      Kamarov entered free agency at age 33 and returned home to Kazakhstan, signing a five-year, $780,000 deal with Almaty starting in 1971. Another partially torn labrum cost him much of his first season with the Assassins, but he came back to lead the league in strikeouts the next season with a career best 0.79 WHIP. He took third in Pitcher of the Year voting, but ultimately would never win the top award.

      His playoff exploits came up big for Almaty, helping them to Asian League titles in 1971, 72, and 73; and Soviet Series rings in 1972 and 1973. He had a 1.97 ERA over 77.2 playoff innings for the Assassins and for his entire postseason career had a 1.71 ERA, 17-6 record, 231 innings, and 285 strikeouts. His 17 wins was tied with Sergei Filatov for the most in playoff history until being passed in the mid 1990s.

      In total with Almaty, he had a 2.45 ERA, 49-30 record, 1035 strikeouts in 757 innings, and 19.8 WAR. The run ended in the summer of 1974 with a torn UCL putting him out for 14-15 months. The Assassins let him go and he would try a comeback in 1975 with Tashkent, but he struggled in one start for the Tomcats. Kambarov decided to retire after the 1975 season at age 37.

      Kambarov’s final stats: 207-136 record, 2.58 ERA, 3186.2 innings, 4262 strikeouts, 695 walks, 296/402 quality starts, 141 complete games, FIP- of 79, and 75.7 WAR. He was the 21st EPB pitcher to 200 wins and the sixth to 4000 strikeouts. Although Kambarov wasn’t generally viewed as the best pitcher in the game, his clutch playoff performances put him over the top for most of the Hall of Fame voters, giving him the first ballot nod at 88.3%.



      Demis Mankovsky – Relief Pitcher – Krasnoyarsk Cossacks – 85.0% First Ballot

      Demis Mankovsky was a 6’1’’, 200 pound left handed relief pitcher from Elkhotovo, a town of around 12,000 in Russia’s North Ossetia-Alania republic bordering Georgia. Mankovsky was known for incredible stuff with a cutter/slider combo that saw peak velocity of 98-100 mph. He had an extreme groundball tendency and relied on his stuff in his younger years, but was able to improve his control and movement in his later years. Mankovsky was an durable ironman who liked to quietly go about his business.

      Mankovsky was picked 26th overall by Krasnoyarsk in the 1957 EPB Draft. This would be his longest tenure, spending his first seven seasons with the Coassacks. He took over the closer role in his second season and won Reliever of the Year in 1961, while taking third in 1960, 1963, and 1964. Mankovsky had 23 strikeouts in 12 playoff innings in 1959 as Krasnoyarsk won the Asian League title. For his tenure with the Cossacks, he had 172 saves over 527.1 innings with a 1.74 ERA, 863 strikeouts, and 31.0 WAR. From the start, he was a regular for Russia’s World Baseball Championship team as well. From 1959-75, he made 19 starts and 30 relief appearances with a 1.96 ERA, 14-5 record, 11 saves, 188 innings, 310 strikeouts, and 8.8 WAR.

      Before the 1965 season, Krasnoyarsk traded him to Bucharest for C Ion Nicolaev and 1B Dawid Dabrowski. After one year with the Broncos, Mankovsky at age 31 signed with Kyiv for the 1966 season. He was only a middle reliever there, but felt he could still be a closer. Mankovsky signed with Ulaanbaatar in 1968 and won his second Reliever of the Year in his one season with the Boars, leading in saves for the first time.

      Minsk signed Mankovsky in 1969 and won the Soviet Series, although they rarely used him despite being healthy. He took the closer role in 1970 and posted a career-best 0.88 ERA and 40 saves, taking second in Reliever of the Year. Next was Omsk and middle relief again in 1971, but Mankovsky reclaimed a closing role in 1972.

      He then went to Tirana in 1973, Moscow in 1974, and Ulaanbaatar in 1975. He was the closer in each stop and led in saves in his final two seasons, finishing third in Reliever of the Year in 73 and second in 74. In his last season, he became the first EPB reliever to 400 career saves. Despite still posting solid stats to the end, Mankovsky was unsigned in 1976, retiring that offseason at age 41.

      Mankovsky’s final stats: 443 saves and 557 shutdowns, 1.67 ERA, 1290 innings, 2053 strikeouts to 291 walks, FIP- of 34 and 72.1 WAR. He remains the all-time WAR and strikeout leader for EPB relievers and as of 2037, was only passed by Jas Starsky for most saves. His 996 games played is also the all-time EPB record as of 2037. Mankovsky’s career was somewhat an oddity with how much he bounced around and changed roles, but he makes a case for being EPB’s all-time best reliever. The voters noticed and gave him the first ballot induction at 85.0%.



      Bataar “Fearless” Baatarkhuu – Starting Pitcher – Bishkek Black Sox – 66.5% First Ballot

      Bataar Baatarkhuu was a 5’11’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Dalanzadgad, a town of around 20,000 people in south central Mongolia. He wasn’t considered amazing at any one part of pitching, but firmly above average across the board. Baartarkhuu had 94-96 mph peak velocity with a fastball, slider, forkball, and changeup. His forkball, not a common pitch, was his most effective. Baartarkhuu was a hard worker and durable, putting in 240+ innings in every season except for his final two.

      Baartarkhuu was picked sixth overall by Bishkek in the 1958 Eurasian Professional Baseball Draft and immediately was a full-time starter, earning third in 1959 Rookie of the Year voting. He wouldn’t be an award winner or league leader in his run, but he provided the Black Sox nine solid seasons of production. Seven of his seasons were worth 5+ WAR with a career-best 7.8 WAR in his second year. He was a steady, reliable arm in the rotation for a Bishkek franchise that started to contend in the mid 1960s.

      1963 was the first playoff appearance for the Black Sox, who would earn six straight playoff South Division titles. Baartarkuu was there for the first five, which saw Asian League titles in 1964, 65, and 67; as well as Soviet Series wins in 1964 and 67. He was steady in the playoffs as well, posting a 2.45 ERA and 8-5 record over 113.2 innings with 111 strikeouts and 2.1 WAR. The 1964 run saw Baartarkhuu earn ALCS MVP, going 4-0 with a 1.48 ERA over 30.1 in that run. For his entire Bishkek run, he had a 2.88 ERA and 132-112 record, 2360 innings, 2448 strikeouts, and 53.4 WAR. The franchise would later retire his #47 uniform for his role in their 1960s success.

      Baartarkhuu would enter free agency after the 1967 season at age 32, signing a three-year, $372,000 deal with Krasnoyarsk. His debut season with the Cossacks was statistically his worth of his career to that point, although he bounced back with a solid 1969. After an alright 1970, he became a free agent again. For Krasnoyarsk, Baatarkhuu had a 36-36 record, 3.14 ERA, 757 innings, 767 strikeouts, and 12.3 WAR. He was a free agent again after the 1970 season and signed with Moscow at age 35.

      Baatarkhuu had a good season with the Mules, but struggled in the playoffs as Moscow fell to St. Petersburg in the ELCS. The Mules bought out his contract and Baartarkhuu was a free agent again. The now 36-year old signed with Minsk and spent his final four years with the Miners. He had an excellent 1973, but struggled afterward and saw his use whittled away despite being healthy. He only pitched 24.2 innings in his last season of 1975, retiring after the year at age 39. With Minsk, he had a 20-8 record, 3.03 REA, 288.1 innings, 254 strikeouts, and 6.3 WAR.

      Baartarkhuu’s final stats: 234-179 record, 2.92 ERA, 4054.2 innings, 4076 strikeouts to 767 walks, 352/510 quality starts, 137 complete games, FIP- of 86 and 82.0 WAR. He was very much a “quality start” guy who wasn’t going to dazzle you, but give you very consistent respectable numbers that Baartarkhuu was the seventh EPB pitcher to 4000 career strikeouts, but still many voters weren’t impressed by his lack of dominance and awards. Enough appreciated his reliability and his playoff role with Bishkek’s 1960s run, giving Baartarkhuu the first ballot nod, albeit barely over the 66% threshold with 66.5%. He also earns the distinction of being the first Mongolian Hall of Famer and would be the only one until 2011.

      Comment

      • MrNFL_FanIQ
        MVP
        • Oct 2008
        • 4987

        #663
        1981 OBA Hall of Fame

        No players were added into the Oceania Baseball Association’s Hall of Fame with the 1981 voting. Pitcher Te Paoro Rangi got close though, getting 63.6% for his fourth ballot. This was a new high mark for him, with a 57.3% the prior ballot. No one else was above 50% with newcomer Danny Carrott the second highest vote getter at 48.6%.

        SP Jacob Kelly became the first to make it ten ballots and miss the cut for the OBA Hall. He was Pitcher of the Year in 1961 and 1963, but suffered from having his official career begin at age 30 with OBA’s founding. Injuries also meant he only had really five full seasons worth of production. Still, Kelly compiled 39.7 WAR over 1308.1 innings with 1308 strikeouts, a 2.49 ERA, and 84-52 record. However, he never got higher than 22.1% of the vote.

        Comment

        • MrNFL_FanIQ
          MVP
          • Oct 2008
          • 4987

          #664
          1981 APB Hall of Fame




          Austronesia Professional Baseball added its third and fourth Hall of Famers from the 1981 voting. Both were starting pitchers from Kun-Sheng Lin being a no-doubt pick at 99.3%. W.C. Yu joined him his third attempt, finally getting over the 66% hump with 69.1%. No one else was above 50% and no players were cut after ten ballots.



          Kun-Sheng “Duke” Lin – Starting Pitcher – Tainan Titans – 99.3% First Ballot

          Kun-Sheng Lin was a 5’11’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Taipei, Taiwan. His stuff was the thing of legends with a 99-101 mph fastball mixed with a stellar changeup and excellent curveball. Lin was an absolute master at changing speeds, while also having solid movement and control. In his prime, he had incredible stamina with 208 of his 327 career starts being complete games. An incredibly hard worker and adaptable pitcher, Lin’s (albeit brief) prime could arguably be the most impressive seven years any professional pitcher has strung together.

          Lin attended the Tatung Institute of Commerce and Technology in Chiayi and excelled as an amateur, earning a lot of attention ahead of the 1967 APB Draft. Tainan would select Lin third overall and he’d be an immediate star, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. He posted 7.1 WAR, which would manage to be easily his weakest APB season. That’s because Lin’s dominance in the next six years would be unprecedented.

          Lin led the Taiwan-Philippine Association in strikeouts and WAR six straight seasons, getting 400+ Ks and 12+ WAR each year. His ERA was below two each season and led the TPA four times. He also led in wins those same four years to get four Triple Crowns, something that had never been done by any professional pitcher to that point. As of 2037, he’s one of only two pitchers in any pro league to win four or more Triple Crowns. Not surprisingly, this 1969-74 stretch saw six straight Pitcher of the Year awards. In four of those seasons (1969, 1970, 1972, 1973), he also won the league MVP.

          The 1969-73 seasons were each worth more than 15+ WAR, a mark that had never been reached by any pitcher in other leagues. His best was 17.3 WAR in 1972, a year that also had a career high 511 strikeouts and 308.1 innings. His best ERA was 1.21 in 1969 with a 0.59 WHP in 1973, 12 shutouts that year, and a FIP- of 16 in 1970. As of 2037, five of the top eight all time pitching WAR seasons in APB belong to Lin. The 17.3 WAR was to that point the third best in any pitching season ever, only behind two seasons by South American legend Mohamed Ramos. Lin holds four of the top five strikeout seasons in APB with only Ramos having had a 500+ K season to that point. The 30 complete games and 12 shutouts in 1973 also remain APB records with many of his other marks being still top five.

          Despite all that, he only had one no-hitter in his career, a 13 strikeout, one walk effort in 1973 against Kaohsiung. Lin did strike out 21 in a game on three occasions, which held as the APB single-game record until 1984. Despite his dominance as well, Tainan only made the playoffs twice in his tenure. They were Association champ in 1969 with Lin posting a 0.89 ERA in 30.1 innings; the Titans falling in the APB final to Jakarta. They won the TPA again in 1972, but Lin missed the playoffs to injury. He also pitched for Taiwan in the World Baseball Championship from 1968-78, although he wasn’t amazing, posting a 3.96 ERA over 150 innings with 230 strikeouts and 3.6 WAR.

          Tainan limped to 59 wins in 1974 and hoped that moving Lin could give them pieces to rebuild with. They traded him straight up to Manila for rookie 2B Max Diama, who would go onto with eight Silver Sluggers in a fine career. Lin won his sixth and final Pitcher of the Year with the Manatees, who missed out on the postseason. Now a free agent at age 29, Lin had worldwide suitors that could offer far more money than the still fledgling APB. Thus, he left for America and signed a six-year, $3,140,000 deal with Phoenix.

          His time with the Firebirds was snake-bitten from the start as a torn meniscus in May 1975 put him out six months. Lin bounced back with a very good 1976, showing he could hold his own against the stronger competition. Various injuries cost him parts of 1977, although he had a fine postseason in helping Phoenix to an AACS appearance. Lin was off to a great start in 1978, but suffered a horrible torn rotator cuff. This wrecked him as a pitcher and he was terrible in his 1979 comeback attempt. Phoenix cut him before the 1980 season and apart from a brief month in minor league Peoria, that was it at only age 35. His Phoenix tenure had a 3.90 ERA, 39-43 record, 726.2 innings, 643 strikeouts, and 11.7 WAR.

          For his full pro career, Lin had a 178-118 record, 2.23 ERA, 2759.2 innings, 3716 strikeouts, and 113.8 WAR. In his seven APB seasons, he had a 139-75 record, 1.63 ERA, 2033 innings, 3073 strikeouts to only 293 walks, FIP- of 33, 197/230 quality starts, 166 complete games, 37 shutouts, and 102.1 WAR. Other more tenured pitchers would pass his totals, but the fact he’s even still up near the top from only SEVEN APB seasons is remarkable. His prime was maybe the best-ever for any pro pitcher, but sadly it was brief. The stingy Tainan franchise didn’t even retire his jersey number because of that briefness. But Lin still is revered as an all-time great Taiwanese pitcher and an obvious first ballot Hall of Famer at 99.3%.



          W.C. “Cactus” Yu – Starting Pitcher – Pekanbaru Palms – 69.1% Third Ballot

          W.C. Yu was a 5’11’’, 200 pound right handed pitcher from Taipei, Taiwan. Nicknamed “Cactus,” he had respectable stuff with solid control and below average movement. Yu’s velocity peaked in the 95-97 mph range with a fastball, curveball, changeup arsenal. He had strong stamina and regularly went deep into games. Yu was also considered a pretty respectable defensive pitcher.

          When Austronesia Professional Baseball was formed, Yu was already 28 years old and known as one of Taiwan’s best pitchers in the semi-pro ranks. Multiple teams wanted to sign him for the new organization and it would be Pekanbaru that got him on a two-year, $115,000 deal. It paid off immediately for the Palms, who were the first Sundaland Association Champion. Yu led the SA in strikeouts his first three seasons and posted 10+ WAR in his first two. He earned the 1965 and 1967 Pitcher of the Year awards, plus had a second place finish in 1966 and third place in 1968.

          Yu had a solid 1965 postseason with a 1.48 ERA in 24.1 innings, but the Palms fell to Taichung in the first APB Championship. They wouldn’t get back to the postseason despite Yu’s efforts. After his first four stellar seasons, the now 33-year old saw his production drop steeply. Pekanbaru, who also began to struggle as a franchise, traded Yu to Semarang before the 1971 deadline. With the Palms, he had a 114-72 record, 2.45 ERA, 1745.1 innings, 1848 strikeouts, and 42.3 WAR. Yu would be worth negative value in a half-season with Semarang, as well as in 1972 with Taichung. He was a reliever with Kaohsiung in 1973 and earned a APB ring, but this marked the end of his career at age 37.

          Yu’s final stats: 123-84 record, 2.52 ERA, 1905.2 innings, 1955 strikeouts, 159/232 quality starts, FIP- of 83, and 40.3 WAR. His totals were also hurt by starting at age 28 with a few more good years making his resume look better. In a short burst, Yu was great but his totals are still very low compared to most other Hall of Fame pitchers. His short burst doesn’t compare to the cartoonish one of his HOF classmate Kun-Sheng Lin. Still, Yu had his supporters and many voters wanted to start populating the APB Hall. After 55.7% and 55.9% in his first two tries, Yu got the bump to 69.1% to earn the Hall of Fame nod on his third ballot.

          Comment

          • MrNFL_FanIQ
            MVP
            • Oct 2008
            • 4987

            #665
            1981 World Baseball Championship




            The 35th World Baseball Championship was the first to be hosted by India with Mumbai chosen as the top site for the 1981 WBC. In Division 1, China took the top spot at 8-1, beating both Argentina and Colombia by two games. This gives the Chinese five consecutive division titles and their 12th in WBC history. After a rare elite eight miss the prior year, the United States advanced for the 31st time by dominating Division 2 at 9-0. D3 narrowly went to the Netherlands at 7-2 beating Bolivia and defending runner-up Taiwan each by one. This was the third-ever division title for the Dutch (1957, 1968). South Korea claimed D4 at 7-2, finishing one ahead of Bangladesh, the Dominican Republic, and Nigeria. The Koreans now have 12 division titles to their name.

            There was a three-way tie for the Division 5 crown at 7-2 between Mexico, Spain, and India. The tiebreaker favored the Mexicans for their 16th division title, fourth most of any country behind the US, Canada, and Brazil. D6 saw a first-time division champ in Paraguay at 8-1, who were two ahead of Australia and Ukraine. Last year’s WBC champ the Czech Republic struggled to 4-5. D7 also had a three-way tie at 7-2 with Russia, Honduras, and Canada. The Russians took the tiebreaker for their 10th division title. And in D8, it was the Philippines and Brazil even at 7-2 for first while Puerto Rico was one back. The Filipinos had the tiebreaker and earned a ninth division title.

            In the Double-Round Robin Group A, the United States and Mexico both moved forward at 4-2, while the Netherlands was 3-3 and Russia went 1-5. This sent the Americans to the semifinal for the 29th time and the Mexicans for the tenth time. In Group B, the Philippines prevailed at 5-1 and advanced along with 4-2 South Korea. China missed at 3-3 and Paraguay was 0-6. This gave the Filipinos their sixth semifinal berth and the ninth for the Koreans.

            The semifinal best-of-five series saw Mexico defeat South Korea 3-1 and the United States sweep the Philippines 3-0. SK officially took third and the Philippines fourth. This set up the 25th championship appearance for the Americans and the eighth for the Mexicans. It was the fourth time the neighbors had met in the final, although the most recent one was back in 1961.



            The US would reclaim its spot at the top, taking the World Championship series 4-2 over Mexico. This gave the Americans their 22nd title in the WBC’s 35-year history and ended their longest title drought (granted it was only four years). The Mexicans are now 4-4 all time in the championship.

            Tournament MVP was American DH Joziah Perry. A two-time American Association MVP with San Francisco, the 27-year old Californian had 25 runs, 29 hits, 12 home runs, 28 RBI, and 2.2 WAR in 23 tournament starts. The US as a team had a .316 batting average, third best in WBC history. Best Pitcher went to Kendrick Zenden, a Sint Maartener who played for the Netherlands team. A 15-year veteran reliever in MLB, Zenden tossed 18.1 scoreless innings with 30 strikeouts.



            Other notes: Paraguay became the 54th different nation to advance to the WBC elite eight at least once. Below are the all-time tournament stats. Their third place finish in 1981 allowed South Korea to move into fourth for most tournament points, just ahead of Brazil and China.

            Comment

            • MrNFL_FanIQ
              MVP
              • Oct 2008
              • 4987

              #666
              1981 in SAB




              In the second season of South Asia Baseball, Bengaluru had the top record in the Indian League. The Blazers were the first IL team to win 100+, taking the South Division at 105-57. Last year’s SAB champ Hyderabad fell to a mediocre 71-91. Jaipur won the Central Division at 91-71 and Pune claimed the West Division at 89-73. This gave the India League the same division winners from 1980 in 1981. Ahmedabad at 87-75 took the wild card spot, finishing five ahead of Mumbai and six better than Kolkata.

              Pune’s Al-Amin Kundu won Indian League MVP for back-to-back seasons. The 29-year old Bangladeshi shortstop was the leader in WAR (12.1), walks (92), OPS (.956), and wRC+ (186), adding 43 home runs and 90 RBI. Kundu also won Gold Glove again with stellar defense at short. His Purple Knights teammate Sankar Sundaram won the Pitcher of the Year. The 28-year old righty was the strikeout leader (339), WHIP leader (0.86) and FIP- leader (52), adding 7.7 WAR and a 2.22 ERA over 215 innings for a 9-7 record.

              Both first round playoff series went all five games. Pune edged Jaipur on the road and wild card Ahmedabad upset Bengaluru. In the second Indian League Championship Series, the Purple Knights took the title 4-2 over their division rival Animals.



              The best record in the Southeast Asia League was Mandalay at 98-64 atop the North Division. Both wild cards came out of the North as well with Yangon at 94-68 and Dhaka at 92-70. It is back-to-back playoff berths for both the Mammoths and the defending league champ Green Dragons. Johor Bahru earned back-to-back playoff berths as the Blue Wings won a weak South Division at 85-77. Vientiane was their closest competitor at 80-82, while defending division champ Bangkok dropped from 97 wins to 71.

              SEAL MVP went to Yangon 1B Yamin Thaw with the 32-year old Burmese lefty smacking 66 home runs, which would be the South Asia Baseball single season record until 1987. Thaw also was the leader in runs (127), RBI (126), walks (100), total bases (406), OBP (.427), slugging (.755), OPS (1.181), wRC+ (223), and WAR (12.0). Pitcher of the Year was Ho Chi Minh City’s Edward Sachi. The 31-year old Indian lefty was the WARlord (7.5) and leader in wins (17-11), WHIP (0.84) and FIP- (65). Sachi added a 2.15 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 242.2 innings.

              The wild card teams pulled off first round upsets in the postseason. Yangon grabbed a road sweep over Johor Bahru, while Dhaka edged Mandalay in five. In the Southeast Asia League Championship Series, the Dobermans dusted the defending champ Green Dragons 4-1.



              In the second South Asian Championship, Dhaka and Pune battled in a seven game classic with the Dobermans taking the crown. CF Rolando Nitikarn won both finals MVP and SEALCS MVP. The 30-year old Thai lefty in 17 playoff games had 21 hits, 15 runs, 4 doubles, 7 home runs, and 13 RBI.



              Other notes: Bangkok’s Jimmy Strong had a 25-game hitting streak, the first player to have a streak 20+ thus far in SAB.

              Comment

              • MrNFL_FanIQ
                MVP
                • Oct 2008
                • 4987

                #667
                1981 in WAB




                Abidjan matched their 112-50 record from the prior year for the best record in West African Baseball. The Athletes have made the playoffs in all seven WAB seasons so far and had the first place spot in the Western League for the fourth time. Defending WL champ Monrovia at 97-65 and Kumasi at 94-68 earned the wild card spots. The Diplomats picked up their third straight playoff berth and the Monkeys got their fourth straight.

                Western League MVP went to American 1B Dan Simko. The 34-year old was in his third year in WAB after a decade in MLB, having signed with Abidjan after two seasons with Ibadan. Simko led in runs (114), OBP (.364), OPS (.972), wRC+ (182), and WAR (8.6), adding 47 home runs and 116 RBI. Teammate Kouadio Diao won his fourth Pitcher of the Year and posted his third Triple Crown season. The 27-year old Ivorian righty had a 26-6 record, 1.96 ERA, and 365 strikeouts. Diao also was the leader in innings (285.1), WHIP (0.93), quality starts (30), and WAR (10.8).



                Lagos finished first in the Eastern League at 109-53, joining Abidjan as the only teams to make the playoffs in each WAB season. The Lizards only finished first for the second time despite being three time ELCS champs. After finishing fourth last year, Kano placed second at 106-56 for their fifth playoff berth. Benin City placed third for back-to-back seasons at 88-74. Defending WAB champion Port Harcourt dropped to fourth at 79-83.

                Eastern League MVP was Lagos SS Ismael Sidi. In his second year with the Lizards, the 27-year old Mauritanian was the leader in hits (206) and average (.334), adding 7.0 WAR. Kano’s Jackson Manirakiza was the Pitcher of the Year. Nicknamed “Rainmaker,” the 31-year old Burundian lefty led in strikeouts (274), K/BB (7.0), WHIP (0.96), FIP- (62), and WAR (7.4). In his second year with the Condors, he also had a 2.74 ERA in 223 innings and 17-7 record.

                In the WL’s wild card round, Kumasi upset Monrovia in three games. Abidjan took out the Monkeys 3-1 in the Western League Championship Series. The Athletes are now three time WL champs, having also won in 1975 and 1978. In the EL, Kano swept Benin City in the wild card round. However, Lagos clipped the Condors 3-1 in the Eastern League Championship Series. The Lizards are now four time EL champs (1977, 78, 79, 81).



                In the seventh West African Championship, it was a rematch of the 1978 edition which the Lizards won. Lagos edged Abidjan 4-3 in a classic to give the Lizards three WAB titles in four years (78, 79, 81). Lagos would be the only WAB team to win three titles in a four year stretch until Kano’s dynasty of the late 1990s and early 2000s.



                Other notes: Abidjan’s Albert Kamara threw WAB’s eighth Perfect Game on July 26, striking out 13 against Accra. Power Bonou and Axel Kouachou became the first pitchers to 2000 career strikeouts in WAB. Stephen Tshukudu, Mario Duc, and George Nandjou became the first batters to 300 career home runs.

                Comment

                • MrNFL_FanIQ
                  MVP
                  • Oct 2008
                  • 4987

                  #668
                  1981 in CLB




                  Harbin finished atop the CLB Northern League for back-to-back seasons with the 1980 runner-up finishing at 101-61. Second was Hangzhou at 93-69, putting the Hens in the playoffs for the third time in four years after narrowly missing last year. Close behind but just missing the playoff cut was Xi’an at91-71, Qingdao at 90-72, and Zhengzhou at 87-75. Jinan, who won 96 games last year and earned a playoff spot, fell off a cliff for an 11th play 67-95.

                  Nick Wei became the first four-time MVP winner in Chinese League Baseball history. The Hangzhou center fielder and pitcher previously won the award three straight years from 1976-78. The 29-year old at a batter had 7.8 WAR with 133 hits, 21 home runs, and a .288/.309/.468 slash in 117 starts. On the mound, he had a 2.31 ERA and 17-6 record over 269.1 innings with 290 strikeouts and 5.8 WAR.

                  Xi’an’s Guodong Lin won back-to-back NL Pitcher of the Year awards and made pro baseball history in the process. On April 30, Lin had the 10th CLB Perfect Game, striking out nine against Hangzhou. Then on June 7, Lin had another Perfect Game, this time with nine strikeouts also against the Hens. He joined OBA’s Te Paoro Rangi and EAB’s Katsunari Fujiwara and Moon Kim as the only pitchers in any league to this point to throw two Perfect Games. While others would join the list, Lin remains the only one as of 2037 to have both in the same season. The 27-year old righty was the WARlord (10.8) and leader in ERA (1.13), wins (22-4), WHIP (0.63), K/BB (20.1), and shutouts (9). Lin added 341 strikeouts in 270 innings.



                  The Southern League had an incredibly tight battle for the two playoff spots. Guangzhou, Xiamen, and Wuhan each finished tied at 91-71, while Changsha was only two behind and each of Chengdu, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen were three back. In the first tie-breaker game, Xiamen defeated Wuhan, officially giving the Mutts the SL title. The second tiebreaker game saw Guangzhou edge the Wolverines. It was Xiamen’s first playoff berth and the first since 1974 for the Gamecocks. Last year’s CLB champion Foshan was a non-factor, taking ninth at 74-88.

                  Guangzhou LF Chaoqing Yang won the Southern League MVP. The 27-year old nicknamed “the Warden,” was the leader in WAR (11.9), wRC+ (205), triple slash (.322/.394/.601), OPS (.995), total bases (342), runs (95), and hits (183). He also added 32 home runs and 89 RBI. Shenzhen’s Zhiyuan Lai won his third Pitcher of the Year, having previously won back in 1977 and 1975. The 30-year old led in ERA for the third time in his career, this time with 1.22. He also led in strikeouts (307), and WHIP (0.68), adding 10.0 WAR and a 17-11 record with 10 saves in 222 innings.

                  Both of the semifinal matchups ended up being uneventful sweeps in favor of the first place team. Harbin rolled Guangzhou and Xiamen smacked Hangzhou 4-0. This gave the Hellcats back-to-back China Series appearances and their third overall, having lost in both 1980 and 1973. For Xiamen, this was their first finals berth. The 12th China Series would go to Haribn 4-2 over Xiamen. Finals MVP went to pitcher Xinxin Sun, who tossed 10.2 scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts.






                  Other notes: In addition to Guodong Lin’s two Perfect Games, Encai Pang would toss the 12th Perfect on June 27. He fanned 18 against Tianjin, tying the CLB single-game strikeout record of 18 and setting the record for most Ks in a no-hitter. Hangzhou’s Zhijian Dong also tied the single-game strikeout record of 18 three different times in 1981. Dong became the first pitcher to 3000 career strikeouts in CLB. 1B Shenchao An won his 11th Gold Glove. MVP Nick Wei won his ninth Silver Slugger.

                  Comment

                  • MrNFL_FanIQ
                    MVP
                    • Oct 2008
                    • 4987

                    #669
                    1981 in APB




                    Taichung took the Taiwan League title for the first time since 1967. The Toucans had the best record in the Taiwan-Philippine Association at 102-60, scoring the most runs (628) and allowing the fewest (437). Last year’s TL winner Taoyuan fell hard to 70-92. In the Philippine League, Zamboanga had an impressive bounce back. After winning only 56 games in 1980, the Zebras took first place at 89-73. They were five games ahead of defending Austronesia Champion Cebu and six ahead of Davao.

                    TPA MVP went to Taichung’s Chang-Rong Chang. A second-year first baseman, Chang impressively won MVP despite missing seven weeks to a strained hamstring. In 118 games, he had 7.4 WAR, a .304/.352/.626 slash, 37 home runs, and 86 RBI. Zamboanga’s Vhon Lasam won his second Pitcher of the Year in three years. The 26-year old lefty was the leader in strikeouts (417), innings (289), WHIP (0.79), quality starts (29), FIP- (41), and WAR (12.8). He added a 1.84 ERA and 20-10 record, missing out on the Triple Crown by one position in both ERA and wins.



                    Medan won the Malacca League for back-to-back seasons and had the Sundaland Association’s top record at 103-59. Singapore had a franchise record 95-67 season, but remained the lone team in Austronesia Professional Baseball without a playoff berth yet. Bandung won the Java League at 84-78, topping Surabaya by four games. The Blackhawks grabbed their first playoff spot since 1974. Last year’s SA champ Semarang fell to 70-92.

                    The Marlins had the MVP and Pitcher of the Year. The MVP went to 1B Tunggul Widhyasari for back-to-back seasons, as he posted his second straight Triple Crown season. Widhyasari was the leader in runs (100), hits (177), doubles (35), home runs (43), RBI (100), walks (69), total bases (349), triple slash (.306/.380/.603), OPS (.983), wRC+ (237), and WAR (10.1). Second year pitcher Ryco Bujang was the Pitcher of the Year, leading in wins at 17-5 and K/BB at 11.4. He had a 1.37 ERA over 256.2 innings with 318 strikeouts and 9.3 WAR.

                    The Taiwan-Philippine Association final went seven games for back-to-back editions. Taichung outlasted Zamboanga to give the Toucans their first title since winning the first two in 1965 and 1966. The Sundaland Association Championship was far less dramatic as Medan swept Bandung. The Marlins earned their second title, having also won in 1966 over the Blackhawks.



                    The 17th Austronesia Championship was a rematch of the second, which saw Medan earn their lone title over Taichung. The Toucans were looking for their second title, having been the inaugural champ. The series went the distance and came down to the final at-bat. In the bottom of the ninth, 1B Jeremiah San Isidro had a walk off RBI single to give Taichung the 2-1 win and the championship. He had been the Association Championship MVP, posting 14 hits, 6 runs, 4 home runs, and 10 RBI in 14 playoff starts. San Isidro had been a July acquisition in a trade with Cebu.



                    Other notes: San Isidro also had a four home run game during the regular season back on June 5 while playing for Cebu. He became the first APB player with a four homer game and would be the only one until 2030. The seventh APB Perfect Game came on April 6 as Pekanbaru’s Ervin Tat struck out 10 against Medan.

                    On April 11, Kim Shin Pan became the first APB hitter to 1000 runs scored for a career. Abracham Gumelar joined him five days later. Gumelar also earned his 2000th hit in June and would finish the year with his 11th Silver Slugger. Ardan Riyadi and Angelo Mula both got to 2000 hits in the late summer, making it five batters to do so in APB. Chun-Chia Lan became the fifth to 400 career home runs. Ary Mustofa became the fourth pitcher to 3000 strikeouts. 1B Kent Wang won his 12th Gold Glove. CF DJ Licerio won his eighth Silver Slugger.

                    Comment

                    • MrNFL_FanIQ
                      MVP
                      • Oct 2008
                      • 4987

                      #670
                      1981 in OBA



                      Auckland won the Australasia League in 1981 for their third league title (1965, 1975). The Avengers finished at 97-65, nine games better than second place Gold Coast. Auckland had the most runs scored (637) and fewest allowed (503). Defending AL champ Christchurch dropped to sixth place at 78-84.

                      Gold Coast’s Neville Ryan was the Australasia League MVP in his third season. The left fielder from Sydney was the leader in home runs (47), RBI (125), total bases (348), slugging (.621), OPS (.967), wRC+ (184), and WAR (8.5). Adelaide’s Tarzan Rao won back-to-back Pitcher of the Year. The 28-year old Ni-Vanuatu was the leader in ERA (1.55), innings (349.1), strikeouts (46), quality starts (37), complete games (26), shutouts (7), FIP- (51), and WAR (13.9). The WAR mark was the third best pitching season in OBA history to that point. His 349 innings tied Jason Sims’ world record mark from 177,



                      Honolulu took a competitive Pacific League with a 93-69 record, besting Port Moresby by four games. It is the third league title for the Honu, who haven’t done it since the 1962 and 1963 seasons. Guam, who had won back-to-back Oceania Championships, finished fourth in the standings at 82-80. The Golden Eagles had bad luck according to the expected wins, which suggested they should’ve won eight more games and Honolulu should’ve lost seven more.

                      Tahiti LF Quentin Basa earned the Pacific League MVP in only his second season. The 22-year old Filipino lefty led in wRC+ at 179, adding 8.6 WAR, a .289/.336/.528 slash, and 37 home runs. Honolulu’s Tanera Matiu took Pitcher of the Year. The 27-year old from New Zealand was the strikeout leader (366) and WARlord (8.5), adding a 2.28 ERA and 15-10 record in 264.1 innings.

                      The 22nd Oceania Championship was the third finals appearance for both Auckland and Honolulu, but both were shooting for their first ring. The Avengers would win it firmly 4-1 with playoff MVP going to pitcher Nigel Chalmers. The left-handed Englishman had two starts with 11 innings, a 1.64 ERA, and 11 strikeouts.





                      Other notes: Chalmers won his 200th game in June, the fourth OBA pitcher to reach the mark. Brad Nelson became the second pitcher to 4500 career strikeouts. Dede Hayati and Yul Saitz became the fifth and sixth batters to 2000 career hits. Hayati also became the seventh to 1000 runs scored.

                      Comment

                      • MrNFL_FanIQ
                        MVP
                        • Oct 2008
                        • 4987

                        #671
                        1981 in EPB




                        Minsk bounced back from a rare losing season in 1980 to post the best record in the EPB European League. The Miners finished 103-59, winning the North Division for the 15th time. Bucharest claimed the South Division at 102-60 for their first playoff berth since 1961. Kyiv at 99-63 earned the first wild card and a fourth consecutive playoff berth. For the second wild card spot, Moscow (92-70) edged out defending Soviet Series champ Kharkiv (91-71) and Prague (90-72). It is the second playoff berth in three years for the Mules.

                        European League MVP went to Minsk third year RF Leonid Zadorozhniy. The right-handed hitting Ukrainian was the leader in WAR (8.8), wRC+ (199), average (.327), OBP (.374), and OPS (.965), adding 37 home runs and 102 RBI. Pitcher of the Year was Bucharest’s Xaxhi Maho. In his second season, the 23-year old Albanian lefty was the leader in ERA (1.72) and wins at 23-4. Maho added 266 strikeouts over 256.1 innings with 8.7 WAR.

                        Minsk handled their divisional foe Moscow with a first round sweep, while Kyiv upset Bucharest 3-2. This set up the sixth time that the Miners and Kings had met in the European League Championship Series. Kyiv led the series 3-2 having won the most recent battle only two years prior. Both franchises had been regulars in the ELCS with Minsk making its 15th appearance and Kyiv its ninth. This meeting was a seven game classic with the Miners taking game seven 2-1 on a walkoff. It was Minsk’s seventh title, but first since 1969.



                        The best record in all of Eurasian Professional Baseball came from the Asian League’s Dushanbe. The Dynamo were 108-54 to take the South Division and their fourth playoff berth in six years. Asgabat, who won the division the prior two seasons, was still solid and easily grabbed the first wild card at 101-61. The second wild card also came from the South with Tashkent taking it at 91-71 for their third berth in five years. Defending AL champ Bishkek was five back at 86-76. In the North Division, Krasnoyarsk was first at 90-72 to end a six-year playoff drought. Omsk and Yekaterinburg were both five games off the lead, while last year’s division winner Irkutsk fell below .500.

                        Asgabat had the Asian League’s MVP and Pitcher of the Year. 28-year old Uzbek catcher Stefan Sanginov was the MVP, leading in WAR (7.0) while adding a .285/.359/.445 slash and 156 wRC+. Yerbol Tulegenov was the Pitcher of the Year in his fourth season. The Kyrgyz righty was the strikeout leader at 386 and leader in WAR (11.0) and FIP- (48). He added a 1.90 ERA and 20-7 record over 270.2 innings.

                        Dushanbe survived in five games against Tashkent in the first round, while Asgabat swept Krasnoyarsk. This sent the Alphas to their third straight Asian League Championship Series and fourth overall. For the Dynamo, it was their sixth ALCS berth. Dushanbe would dominate to take the series 4-1 over Asgabat, giving the Dynamo their third AL title (1958, 1960).



                        In the 27th Soviet Series, Dushanbe and Minsk’s battle was the first to go all seven games since 1975. The Dynamo prevailed 4-3 in the end to take their second EPB title, joining the 1960 ring. CF Martin Alban was finals MVP with the 35-year old American in his fourth EPB season after a decade with MLB’s Atlanta. In 17 playoff games, he had 23 hits, 11 runs, 4 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs, and 5 RBI.



                        Other notes: Yekaterinburg’s Nandor Dombi threw EPB’s 20th Perfect Game on July 20 with 11 strikeouts against Bishkek. Ivan Valev, Ermin Ismayilov, and Konrad Mazur became the eighth, ninth, and tenth EPB batters to 500 career home runs. Patryk Cebulak became the eighth to 2500 hits. SS Nazar Gogunov won his 11th Gold Glove and LF Artyom Kahn won his ninth.

                        Comment

                        • MrNFL_FanIQ
                          MVP
                          • Oct 2008
                          • 4987

                          #672
                          1981 in EBF




                          Glasgow took the top seed in the EBF Northern Conference in 1981, winning the British Isles Division for the sixth straight year. The Highlanders were 102-60, their fourth 100+ win season in that stretch. In the Northwest Division, Luxembourg finished first at 97-65 to snap a five-year playoff drought. Brussels was 89-73, good enough for the wild card, while defending European Champion Rotterdam fell short by three games. Dublin was four off the wild card and Birmingham was five back. In the North Central Division, Copenhagen took first at 92-70. For the Corsairs, their only other playoff berth came when the won the EBF title in the inaugural 1950 season. Stockholm, who had a seven-year playoff streak entering the year, dropped to 80-82 for their first losing season in a decade.

                          Leading Copenhagen’s efforts was Northern Conference MVP Wojtek Napierkowski. The 26-year old Polish third baseman was the WARlord at 10.1 and leader in wRC+ at 196, adding 57 home runs and 126 RBI. His 57 homers was actually third in the conference behing Thomas Muller’s 61 and John McLendon’s 65. The 65 for Birmingham’s McLendon was the second most in an EBF season to date behind Orion McIntyre’s 68 in 1951. Luxembourg’s Greg Saint-Pierre won his third Pitcher of the Year. The 31-year old French lefty led in ERA (1.92), innings (299.2), WHIP (0.88), quality starts (31), complete games (17), and shutouts (5). He added 7.4 WAR and 329 strikeouts with a 19-12 record.

                          Glasgow survived their first round series in five games against Brussels while Luxembourg bested Copenhagen 3-2. This sent the Highlanders to the Northern Conference Championship for the seventh time and second time in three years. For the Lancers, their only other appearance was their 1971 win. The series went all seven games with the finale requiring 12 innings. Luxembourg prevailed 4-3 to earn their second NC crown.



                          Marseille had the best record in the Southern Conference for back-to-back seasons and posted the top mark in all the EBF. The Musketeers were 108-54 to earn the Southwest Division title. Madrid at 92-70 had a solid season, but ended up five games shy of the wild card. Last year’s wild card Lisbon dropped to 80-82. In a strong Southeast Division, Athens took first at 101-61 to extended their division title streak to five seasons. Belgrade was 97-65 to earn the wild card, fending off a 91-71 Munich and 90-72 Vienna. The Bruisers snapped a four year playoff drought. Defending SC champ Zurich again prevailed in the South Central Division, this time at 96-66. This gave the Mountaineers nine straight division titles, setting a new EBF record. Their nine straight playoff berths tied Vienna’s 1965-73 run as EBF’s longest to date.

                          Jacob “Rowdy” Ronnberg won the Southern Conference MVP for Marseille. The 25-year old Swedish right fielder was the leader in runs (123), total bases (410), average (.349), slugging (.754), OPS (1.150), wRC+ (221), and WAR (12.4). He added 51 home runs, 123 RBI, and his fourth Gold Glove. Zurich’s Jean-Luc Roch won his sixth Pitcher of the Year, becoming the first EBF pitcher to win six times. The 30-year old French lefty was the leader in WAR (11.3), strikeouts (420), WHIP (0.77), K/BB (17.5), FIP- (53), and wins (24-7). He added a 2.03 ERA in 284 innings. It was the eighth time in his career that Roch led in strikeouts and his ninth straight season worth 10+ WAR. Also of note, Barcelona’s Harry Almeida won his fourth Reliever of the Year, joining Hakki Polat as the only four time winners so far in EBF.

                          Marseille outlasted Zurich in the first round 3-2, while Belgrade upset their division rival Athens 3-1. For the Bruisers, this was their fourth Southern Conference Championship berth and back-to-back for the Musketeers. Marseille had been snake-bitten with a 1-7 record in their prior eight conference finals berths and had gotten swept the prior year. The Musketeers finally got over the hump, taking the 1981 final 4-2 over Belgrade. Their other title had come back in 1966.



                          Marseille would add their first-ever European Championship for a celebration in Southern France. The Musketeers won the 32nd European Championship in a thrilling seven games over Luxembourg. Marseille is the second French champion, joining Paris’ 1970 effort. Leading the way was 2B J.F. Bourelly, the SCC MVP, posting 17 hits, 9 runs, 2 doubles, 4 triples, 3 home runs, and 9 RBI in 18 playoff starts.



                          Other notes: Two still-standing playoff records were set in 1981. Luxembourg 2B Stan de Vries hit 8 triples and Marseille’s Martin Cornu had 10 saves in 12 appearances. Glasgow’s Uwe Deckers had the 18th EBF Perfect Game, striking out eight against Brussels on July 15. Alejandro Canas became the first pitcher to 5000 career strikeouts and would retire with the lead at 5071. He’d sit third as of 2037. Jean-Luc Roch became the fourth to 4000 strikeouts. Roch and Torger Thelin became the 13th and 14th pitchers to 200 wins.

                          Comment

                          • MrNFL_FanIQ
                            MVP
                            • Oct 2008
                            • 4987

                            #673
                            1981 in BSA




                            The four best records in the Bolivar League in 1981 came from a loaded North Division. Bogota and their powerhouse offense took the top spot with 819 runs scored and a 104-58 record, snapping a seven-year playoff drought for the Bats. Defending league champ Barquisimeto was close behind but second at 100-62, while Medellin was 96-66 and Valencia was 91-71. Meanwhile in the South Division, Quito took first at 87-75 to snap a six-year playoff drought. Last year’s division champ Guayaquil took second at 81-81.

                            Bogota DH Bastian Martin won back-to-back Bolivar League MVP awards. The 28-year old Uruguayan was the leader in runs (115), hits (226), RBI (129), walks (86), total bases (373), average (.367), OBP (.446), OPS (1.053), wRC+ (188), and WAR (9.9). His 42 home runs was five short of earning a Triple Crown. Meanwhile, Valencia’s Lazaro Rodriguez was only one win short of a Pitching Triple Crown. The 30-year old Paraguayan won a historic seventh Pitcher of the Year, tying the most by legends Mohamed Ramos and Laurenco Cedillo. Rodriguez was the leader in ERA (1.86), strikeouts (379), WHIP (0.82), K/BB (14.0), complete games (18), shutouts (7), FIP- (50), and WAR (10.0), adding a 22-6 record over 251 innings. It was his eighth straight season leading the Bolivar League in strikeouts and ninth straight leading in WAR.



                            Salvador won the Brazil Division for the third straight season as the 1979 Copa Sudamerica winner had the Southern Cone League’s best record at 106-56. Fortaleza and Sao Paulo each had nice seasons, but their 96-66 efforts were still ten games away. Defending cup champ Buenos Aires saw their six-year South Division streak end as they limped to 81-81. Montevideo took first at 94-68, beating Asuncion by eight games. The Venom were the only original team that hadn’t made the playoffs once in BSA’s first 50 seasons.

                            Leading Montevideo was league MVP Felipe Caban. The 26-year old Paraguayan LF was the leader in runs (103), hits (228), RBI (121), total bases (394), average (.372), slugging (.643), OPS (1.043), wRC+ (215), and WAR (10.4). He also added 38 home runs and 36 doubles, along with an impressive 33 game hitting streak. Pitcher of the Year was Recife’s Wilfredo Casacubierta. Nicknamed “mustache,” he pitched the most innings at 283.2, getting 364 strikeouts and 8.6 WAR with a 2.03 ERA and 20-11 record.

                            In the Bolivar League Championship Series, Bogota was making its sixth appearance and Quito its fifth. The Thunderbolts upset the Bats 4-2 for their fourth league title, joining the 1963-65 dynasty run. Salvador would deny newcomer Montevideo its first Southern Cone League title as the Storm claimed the series 4-1. This gave Salvador its second title in three years and fifth overall (1949, 62, 73, 79).



                            In the 51st Copa Sudamerica, Salvador won its second title in three seasons. The Storm stopped Quito 4-2 to make Salvador four-time cup champs, having also won it in 1949, 1973, and 1979. Six-time league MVP Valor Melo was the finals MVP with an impressive 8 home runs, 17 RBI, 16 hits, and 13 runs in 11 playoff starts. This tied the Beisbol Sudamerica records for most home runs and RBI in the playoffs, with both marks getting passed later on with expanded postseasons. This ultimately was the final title for Salvador in the 20th century, but the Melo era remains a celebrated one for Storm fans.



                            Other notes: Valor Melo passed 600 career home runs and 2000 hits. He was the sixth BSA batter to 600 dingers. Niculao Semide became the fifth to 1500 runs scored. Semide also won his 13th Silver Slugger, although it was his first since being moved from second base to first base. Lazaro Rodriguez crossed 4000 strikeouts and 200 wins. 3B Leonardo Valdez won his ninth Gold Glove.

                            Comment

                            • MrNFL_FanIQ
                              MVP
                              • Oct 2008
                              • 4987

                              #674
                              1981 in EAB




                              Sapporo earned a third straight North Division title at 102-60, which was the top record in the entire Japan League. Kobe earned back-to-back Central Division titles with their 97-65 mark. Kawasaki claimed the Capital Division at 93-69 for their second playoff berth in three years, while last year’s winner Chiba was second at 83-79. Kitakyushu secured a third West Division in four years by going 91-71. Last year’s East Asian Champion Fukuoka dropped to 80-82.

                              Yokohama RF Makata Araki won his second Japan League MVP. The 32-year old lefty was the leader in OBP (.403), slugging (.696), OPS (1.100), wRC+ (221), and walks drawn (69). He added 10.0 WAR, 53 home runs, and 94 RBI. Pitcher of the Year went to Sapporo’s Katsuo Nakayama, who joined the Swordfish the prior year in a trade with Kitakyushu. It was the second PotY for Nakayama, who also won back in 1975 with Tokyo. The 33-year old had a 2.20 ERA and 15-8 record over 254 innings with 239 strikeouts and 5.3 WAR.

                              Both first round series went the distance as Sapporo survived Kitakyushu and Kobe downed Kawasaki. This gave the Swordfish back-to-back shots at the Japan League Championship Series, while it was the Blaze’s first appearance since 1965. Sapporo took the title 4-3 over Kobe, giving the Swordfish a record ninth Japan League title. Despite their historical success, this was their first JL pennant since 1956; 24 years prior.



                              The Korea League’s best record went to 106-56 Seoul, earning the North Division title and their third playoff berth in four years. That was also a franchise record for wins by the Seahawks. Daejeon won its second South Division in three years as the Ducks set their own franchise high mark at 105-57. Both division champs won by double-digits, but the battle for the two wild card spots was intense. Defending KL champ Busan took the first spot at 95-67, followed by both Suwon and Changwon at 94-68, Yongin at 93-69, and Seongnam at 92-70. A rule change a few years prior during the expansion eliminated one-game playoffs for wild card spots. The tiebreaker between the Snappers and Crabs went to Suwon, giving them their third straight playoff appearance.

                              Seongnam’s Byung-Il Jun won the Korea League MVP. The 24-year old first baseman was the leader in RBI (139), total bases (396), triple slash (.363/.435/.676), OPS (1.110), wRC+ (187), and WAR (8.3). His 50 home runs was one short of first place and a Triple Crown. Changwon’s Seung-Yu Woo was Pitcher of the Year for back-to-back seasons and narrowly missed a Triple Crown himself as he was second in ERA. He had a 26-7 record, 2.20 ERA, and 345 strikeouts over 299 innings. He also led in WHIP (0.82), quality starts (27), complete games (22), and WAR (10.0).

                              Despite the impressive stats for the division winners, both were swept in the first round with Suwon surprising Seoul and Busan stunning Daejeon. This set up a Korea League Championship Series rematch as the Blue Jays looked to repeat and the Snappers wanted to avoid falling for the third straight year. Oddly enough, this was fifth time they had met in the KLCS, including three battles in the 1930s. This time, Suwon prevailed 4-2 for only their second-ever Korea League title (1935).



                              Suwon wouldn’t get their first overall title as Sapporo took the 61st East Asian Championship 4-3. 2B Yoichi Kimura won finals MVP with 26 hits, 14 runs, 3 home runs, and 10 RBI in 19 playoff starts. It is the fifth title for the Swordfish, who also won in 1932, 47, 49, and 51. Their five titles is tied with Hiroshima for the most by a Japan League team.



                              Other notes: Hyeog-Jun Wi joined Lei Meng as the only EAB batters with 800 career home runs. He’d play two more seasons and finish with 873, just behind Meng’s record of 897. Two postseason records were set in 1981 that still stand. Kobe’s Tokinobu Chiba had a 1.691 OPS and Sapporo’s Katsuo Nakayama pitched 48 innings. For the third straight season, there was not a no-hitter thrown all season. LF Ki-Chun Park won his 11th Gold Glove.

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                              • MrNFL_FanIQ
                                MVP
                                • Oct 2008
                                • 4987

                                #675
                                1981 in CABA




                                Three years removed from their back-to-back CABA Championships, Juarez found itself back atop the Mexican League North Division. After missing the playoffs in the prior two seasons, the Jesters had the best record in the ML at 101-61. Hermosillo, the league champ the prior year, finished 95-67 and comfortably took the wild card. Torreon, the division winner in 1980, fell to 85-77. Mexico City took the South Division at 93-69, besting Puebla by seven games. It was the first playoff berth since 1974 for the Aztecs. Ecatepec, last year’s division winner, dropped to 81-81.

                                Although they missed the playoffs, the Pumas had the MVP and Pitcher of the Year. RF Ruben Chavez won the former with the 29-year old leading the league with 53 home runs. He added 8.6 WAR and a .328 average with 99 RBI. Junior Vergara won his third straight Pitcher of the Year and posted a third straight Triple Crown with an 18-4 record, 1.66 ERA, and 359 strikeouts. He also led in WAR (9.5) FIP- (52), and WHIP (0.78) over 248.2 innings.

                                Wild card Hermosillo upset Mexico City 3-2, sending the defending CABA champs back to the Mexican League Championship Series. The MLCS was a seven game classic with Juarez dethroning the Hyenas for their fourth league title in eight years. The Jesters took game seven 7-6 on a dramatic walk off RBI double by SS Jesus Pineda. Juarez now has six Mexican League titles (1912, 62, 74, 77, 78, 81).



                                The top record in all of CABA was Guatemala’s 106-56 atop the Caribbean League’s Continental Division. For the Ghosts, it is their 12th playoff berth in the last 17 seasons. Honduras (90-72) and Nicaragua (89-73), were both in the wild card race, but ultimately came up short. Santo Domingo won the Island Division at 97-65, ending a four-year playoff drought for the Dolphins. Defending CABA champ Jamaica finished 92-70 to pick up the wild card and a third playoff berth in four seasons.

                                Santo Domingo RF Lobo Villanueva won his third consecutive Caribbean League MVP. The 28-year old Nicaraguan lefty led in home runs (50), RBI (129), total bases (391), slugging (.670), OPS (1.045), wRC+ (182), and WAR (7.3). His .339 batting average left him just four points shy of a Triple Crown. Guatemala’s Simon Pech came out of nowhere to win Pitcher of the Year. He had seen seven starts in 1978 at age 22, but didn’t pitch in 1979 or 1980. In 1981, he led the league with a 2.32 ERA over 209.2 innings with 6.1 WAR, 231 strikeouts, and a 17-7 record.

                                Santo Domingo survived in the wild card round 3-2 over division foe Jamaica. Guatemala would be a heavy favorite in the Caribbean League Championship Series, but the Dolphins downed them 4-2. The Dominican capital now has nine Caribbean League titles (1917, 18, 27, 57, 60, 61, 62, 76, 81). The Ghosts are the runner-up for the third time in four seasons.



                                In the 71th Central American Baseball Association Championship, Juarez defeated Santo Domingo in six games. American LF Rex Perkins was an unexpected playoff hero, having only started 41 games in the regular season. The Kansas grad never made it to the MLB, but was in his third season with the Jesters. In 10 playoff games, he had 14 hits, 8 runs, 3 doubles, and 2 triples. For his efforts, Perkins was traded to Salvador in December. It is the third title for Juarez, who also won in 1977 and 1978. The Jesters are the third team in CABA history to win three rings in a five-year stretch, joining Mexico City’s 1969-73 five-peat and Ecatepec’s three titles from 1929-32.



                                Other notes: In his final season, Wesley Dubar scored his 2000th run. He’d retire the CABA leader all-time with 2028 and would remain the leader until passed by Matias Esquilin in the 2020s. Solomon Aragon joined Dubar and six others as a member of the 600 home run club. Hermosillo’s Mesquito Delion had a 32-game hitting streak, the fourth longest streak in CABA history to date. The record is Ivan Iniguez’s 38 in 1911. 1B Rafioby Barajas won his 12th Gold Glove.

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