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

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-07-2023, 12:51 PM

1981 in MLB

Prior to the 1981 season, Major League Baseball increased the minimum service time required for free agency from seven years to eight years. This put them in line with Beisbol Sudamerica, Eurasian Professional Baseball, Austronesia Professional Baseball, and Chinese League Baseball as the most restrictive. Many players were upset with the development, but were willing to budge in negotiations due to the upcoming MLB expansion. With eight new teams eventually added for the 1982 season, players were willing to accept the change for the additional MLB jobs and the extra money overall that would be brought in by the expanded markets. 1981 would also be the final season of the original four league setup of MLB, as the expansion would change each association from two leagues of 12 teams each into four divisions with seven apiece.

Although the new division titles would be valuable, each team wanted to be the final league champion. Hartford was the final Eastern League leader and had the National Association’s top record at 100-62. This snapped a 14-year playoff drought for the traditionally solid Huskies, who finished first 12 times in the EL’s 81 years. In a tight Midwest League, Minneapolis finished first at 93-69, beating Kansas City by one game and Louisville by two. Although the Moose had had wild cards and even a World Series berth more recently, it was their first ML title since 1945.

Toronto was second in the EL at 94-68 and got the first wild card. Montreal and Kansas City both at 92-70 got the next spots. The Timberwolves snapped an eight year playoff drought, while the Maples got their third straight berth and the Cougars their seventh in nine years. For the final wild card spot, Louisville and Washington tied at 91-71, while New York was one back at 90-72 with Boston and Brooklyn 89-73 and Detroit 87-75. The Admirals beat the Lynx in the one-game playoff, snapping a 13-year playoff drought in DC. Last year’s National Association champ Chicago completely imploded with the second worst record in the NA at 61-101.

National Association MVP went to Toronto LF Nelvin Oyola. A third-year graduate of Purdue, the Morelia, Mexico native was the leader in home runs (46), OBP (.413), slugging (.671), OPS (1.084), wRC+ (216), and WAR (9.6). Hartford’s Dorian Ferrer was the Pitcher of the Year. The 26-year old righty nicknamed “Clapper” was the ERA leader at 2.24 and had the most quality starts (29) and complete games (17) in the NA. Ferrer had an 18-10 record over 272.2 innings with 246 strikeouts and 6.2 WAR.

In the first round, Montreal bested Kansas City 2-0 and Washington outlasted Toronto 2-1. Both wild cards would upset the league champs in round two with the Admirals edging Hartford in five games and the Maples downing Minneapolis 3-1. This sent Montreal to the National Association Championship Series for the second time in three years, while it was Washington’s first appearance since 1966. The Maples would roll the Admirals 4-1, giving Montreal its fourth NA title in ten years. It was the ninth pennant for the Maples, tying them with Philadelphia for the most.

Las Vegas was not happy with missing the playoffs in 1980 after winning three American Association titles in the prior four years. The Vipers bounced back with an impressive 110-52 record, the best in MLB, to be the final Western League champion. Both Atlanta and defending World Series champion Dallas wanted the Southern League crown with the Aces edging the Dalmatians. At 103-59, Atlanta got their first SL since 1969 and second playoff berth in four years. Dallas was no slouch at 101-61, giving them their sixth playoff berth in seven seasons as the first wild card.

Phoenix was second in the WL at 97-65, getting the second wild card and ending a three-year playoff drought. Behind them were both Los Angeles and Oakland at 94-68 to take the remaining two spots. The next closest contender was defending AACS runner-up Houston at 89-73, plus both San Francisco and Tampa at 88-74. The Angels earned a third straight playoff berth and the Owls ended a three-year skid.

San Francisco designated hitter Joziah Perry won his third American Association MVP in four seasons. The 27-year old slugger was the leader in hits (213), home runs (55), RBI (141), total bases (421), slugging (.661), OPS (1.072), wRC+ (184), and WAR (8.6). Las Vegas’ Jonah Mors was Pitcher of the Year, also winning his third in four years. “Toro” was the leader in wins (22-6), ERA (2.36), innings (286.1), WHIP (1.02), quality starts (27), FIP- (73), and WAR (8.1). He was 17 strikeouts short of a Triple Crown season.

Phoenix swept Oakland and Los Angeles upset Dallas 2-0 in the first round. Both league champs would prevail in round two with Las Vegas sweeping the Angels and Atlanta downing the Firebirds 3-1. For the Aces, it was their first American Association Championship Series since winning in 1969, while the Vipers were hoping for their fourth title in six years. Atlanta would deny the continuation of the Vegas dynasty, taking the series 4-2. It is the third AA pennant for the Aces, joining 1969 and 1927.

In the 81^st World Series, Montreal was trying to get over the hump, having been the runner-up thrice in the last decade. Meanwhile, Atlanta was trying for only its second-ever MLB ring. The Maples took the series 4-2, giving Montreal its third MLB title (1949, 1951). In his 10^th season on the team, 1B Kymani Massey won World Series MVP. The 33-year old Curacaoan had 21 hits, 11 runs, 3 doubles, 4 home runs, and 11 RBI in 17 playoff starts. The Maples are the first Canadian World Series champ since Ottawa in 1965.

Other notes: Oklahoma City’s Zane Yarbrough threw MLB’s 14^th Perfect Game on June 26, striking out five against Las Vegas. It had been since 1971 that MLB had a perfect game, the second longest gap in MLB history. Tampa’s Declan Belazquez had a 34-game hit streak. 3B Christopher Sollinger won his eight Gold Glove. Two-way player Khalid Scott won his eighth Sliver Slugger as a pitcher.

Although MLB had gone through changes in its 81 year history, 1981 would mark the end of the original league structure with the 1982 expansion. In the Eastern League, Ottawa, Philadelphia, and Hartford each had the most first place finishes with 12 apiece. The only Midwest League team to crack double-digits was St. Louis with 11. Houston was the most dominant team with 22 Southern League titles to their name. In the Western League, San Francisco had the most with 12, followed by Los Angeles with 10.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-08-2023, 06:02 AM

1982 MLB Hall of Fame (Part 1)

The 1982 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame class was a big one with four players earning induction. Leading the way were first ballot selections in SP Jerry Addison at 98.9% and 3B Victor Pettit at 93.8%. C Galt Datsko also earned the first ballot nod, albeit at a lower mark of 71.2%; still enough to cross the 66% threshold. The fourth member barely crossed the line with reliever Kelly Hughes at 66.1% on his second attempt. 3B Benton Gibney almost made it a five man class, as he got 64.6% for his third attempt. Four other players were above 50%.

One of those was LF C.J. West, who fell off the ballot after ten attempts. West ended at 51.8% and was as high as 62.4% on his fifth attempt, usually hovering in the 50% range. In 18 years between Portland, Louisville, and Toronto, West had 2994 hits, 1482 runs, 472 doubles, 411 home runs, 1512 RBI, a .300/.367/.478 slash and 75.5 WAR. Nice totals, but he had only two Silver Sluggers, no MVPs, and no notable playoff runs, ultimately banishing him to the Hall of Very Good.

Jerry “Badger” Addison – Starting Pitcher – St. Louis Cardinals – 98.9% First Ballot

Jerry Addison was a 6’0’’, 200 pound right-handed starting pitcher from Muscatine, Iowa; a town of around 20,000 people located on the Mississippi River. Nicknamed “Badger,” Addison had electric stuff mixed with very solid movement and control. His velocity peaked in the 98-100 mph range with four pitches; fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. His fastball and slider especially were considered world class, making Addison incredibly dominant in his prime. He liked to go deep into games and stayed effective late in games, but this contributed to some injury issues in his career. Addison was also a known prankster, which made him a popular player.

Addison attended the University of Miami and saw his first issue with injuries when he missed his sophomore season to a torn labrum. He bounced back with a solid junior season and many scouts were enamored with his potential. St. Louis was one spot fond of Addison’s upside and they picked up second overall in the 1962 Major League Baseball Draft.

Addison’s rookie season was exceptional, leading the National Association in ERA, WHIP, and WAR. He made history as the first player in MLB history to win Pitcher of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season. Addison played a huge role in a remarkable turnaround for the Cardinals, who were a putrid 54-108 in 1962. In 1963, they finished 101-61 to win the Midwest League title. Addison had a 1.72 ERA in 31.1 innings in four starts, helping St. Louis to their second ever World Series title, defeating Oklahoma City for the ring.

Addison continued to excel, leading in ERA and wins the next two seasons. He won Pitcher of the Year in 1964 and 1965, as well as the 1964 National Association MVP (with a second place MVP finish in 1965). His 1.56 ERA in 1964 was a MLB single-season record that would hold until 2018 and as of 2037, is still the third best all-time. St. Louis would become a regular playoff team for the rest of his tenure, making the postseason nine times over 11 years. However, apart from the 1963 title, the Cardinals wouldn’t get out of the second round. Despite his success and the 1963 run, Addison’s playoff career stats would be weak with a 4.14 ERA over 87 innings, 1-9 record, and ERA+ of 87. Many St. Louis fans would love him for turning them into a winner, but more jaded fans would resent him for their many early playoff exits.

He’d continue to excel in the regular season, leading in ERA and WHIP both five teams each. He’d have nine seasons with a sub-three ERA and would finish second in Pitcher of the Year in 1966, 1967, and 1969; and third in 1968. Addison also pitched from 1964-75 for the United States in the World Baseball Championship, posting strong numbers with a 2.69 ERA over 106.2 innings, 13-4 record, 231 strikeouts, and 4.8 WAR. He won eight World Championships with the American team.

In 1974, Addison’s production fell off a bit and some of the nagging injuries were piling up for the 32-year old ace. The Cardinals decided at the deadline to trade Addison, getting five prospects in a deal with Denver. His final stats with St. Louis would be a 200-104 record, 2.48 ERA, 2845.2 innings, 2700 strikeouts, and 85.0 WAR. Addison would eventually see his #24 uniform retired by the Cardinals and he’d be a very popular figure and ambassador for the team after his playing career.

Addison’s second half with the Dragons was uninspiring, but he started 1975 strong and Denver hoped they could get some of that old production. However, in June Addison suffered a torn rotator cuff to end his season. This injury was devastating and in his 1976 comeback attempt, he was subpar. Addison would opt to retire after the season at only age 35. His Denver run had a 23-21 record, 4.06 ERA, and 7.5 WAR.

Addison’s final stats: 223-125 record, 2.68 ERA, 3265 innings, 3053 strikeouts to 692 walks, 305/424 quality starts, 156 complete games, 72 FIP-, and 92.5 WAR. His first few seasons were legendary with one of the best starts to a career ever, although the later injuries and decline kept him from being at the top of leaderboards. Still, at retirement he had the third best ERA of any Hall of Fame starting pitcher and as of 2037, has the lowest ERA of any MLB pitcher with 200+ career wins. Addison was an easy choice for the voters, getting the first ballot nod at 98.9%.

Victor Pettit – Third Base – Pittsburgh Pirates – 93.8% First Ballot

Victor Pettit was a 6’0’’, 200 pound right-handed third baseman from Wesleyville, Pennsylvania; a borough of 3,000 people near Lake Erie. Pettit was a very good contact hitter who also reliably got you around 30 home runs and 25 doubles per season. His eye and ability to avoid strikeouts were both fairly average and his baserunning was poor. However, Pettit was a reliably solid defender at third base, where he started the vast majority of his career. He was incredibly durable at a physically demanding position, making 135+ starts in 15 different seasons. Pettit was a hard working sparkplug type, endearing him to the fans and clubhouses at each stop.

Like his Hall of Fame classmate Jerry Addison, Pettit was a Miami Hurricane, although he was there a few years earlier. Pettit won a college Silver Slugger as a freshman, ultimately putting up 164 hits, 91 runs, 42 home runs, 110 RBI, and 6.9 WAR over 143 college games. In the 1956 Major League Baseball Draft, Pittsburgh picked Pettit third overall. He spent most of 1957 in the minors with a few appearances, then would be a full-time starter from 1958 onward.

Pettit’s first full season saw 8.0 WAR and career bests in runs (106), hits (211), and batting average (.339). At age 22, this earned him the National Association MVP and his first Silver Slugger. The Pirates got to the NACS, but fell to Brooklyn. They’d make the playoffs again in 1961, 62, and 63 and earn an appearance in the 1963 NACS, but Pittsburgh never got over the hump in Pettit’s tenure. Still, he exceled, leading the NA in WAR with 10.1 in 1961. This earned Pettit his second MVP and Silver Slugger. He’d win the SS twice more in 1962 and 1963 for Pittsburgh.

Ultimately, his tenure with his original team only lasted seven seasons. Pettit’s final Pirate stats saw 1197 hits, 585 runs, 192 home runs, 640 RBI, a .315/.356/.529 slash and 45.1 WAR. At age 28, Pettit entered free agency and for the 1964 season, signed a massive eight year, $1,676,000 deal with Louisville. The Lynx had been a struggling team and they hoped Pettit could help turn it around for them. Although he performed, Louisville didn’t make the playoffs once in what was a seven-year run for Pettit.

1968 was his signature season with the Lynx with his second 10+ WAR season, as well as NA bests and career bests in slugging (.644), OPS (1.031), and wRC+ (213). Pettit also smacked a career-best 42 home runs and won his third MVP. He won Silver Sluggers in 1965, 66, and 68; giving him seven for his career. In total with Louisville, Pettit had 1147 hits, 562 runs, 209 home runs, 602 RBI, a .299/.344/.524 slash and 46.4 WAR.

Some minor injuries cost Pettit time in his final two seasons with Louisville. With one year left on his deal, the Lynx traded him before the 1971 season to Columbus for three prospects and a draft pick. He had a respectable year with the Chargers, then signed at age 36 to a three year deal with Denver. Pettit’s contact skills dropped noticeably with a .232 average with the Dragons and his last year there was plagued by injuries. He’d find a home with Seattle for his last two years, but was terrible in his last season with the Grizzlies. Still, Pettit picked up his 500^th career home run and 3000^th hit in Seattle. He’d retire after the 1976 season at age 41.

Pettit’s final stats: 3060 hits, 1494 runs, 450 doubles, 514 home runs, 1624 RBI, a .287/.330/.490 slash, 141 wRC+, and 97.0 WAR. At retirement, he had the fifth most WAR of any MLB player at third base and still sits in the top ten as of 2037. For a good decade plus, Pettit had a strong case as the best in the business at the hot corner, which earned him a first ballot Hall of Fame selection at 93.8%.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-08-2023, 05:54 PM

1982 MLB Hall of Fame (Part 2)

Galt Datsko – Catcher – Jacksonville Gators – 71.2% First Ballot

Galt Datsko was a 5’10’’, 180 pound left-handed hitting catcher from Fort Myers, Florida. Datsko was an impressive contact hitter at any position, but his bat really stood out compared to most other catchers. He also had a solid pop in his bat, averaging around 30-35 doubles and 20-30 home runs per year. Datsko was terrific at avoiding strikeouts, but only okay at drawing walks, and his baserunning speed was subpar. He was a career catcher and was average at best defensively. Datsko was sometimes considered lazy, but he was still a popular player as a catcher that could hit effectively and reliably.

Datsko played college baseball at Baylor and won two collegiate Silver Sluggers; one as a designated hitter and one at catcher. He was a rare catching prospect with an impressive bat and Jacksonville was enamored, picking him first overall in the 1961 MLB Draft. Datsko was a part-timer in his rookie season, but would become the full-time starter after that for the next 12 years with the Gators. He’d post eight seasons worth 5+ WAR and win nine Silver Sluggers (1963-68, 70-72).

Datsko was even an MVP finalist, although he never won the top award. He took third in 1965 voting, second in 1966, and second in 1967. In 1966, Datsko won a batting title at .375 and led the American Association in WAR with 8.7. He didn’t lead the AA in other seasons, but he was partially hurt by the demands of the catcher position. Datsko also played from 1964-72 for the United States in the World Baseball Championship with 90 hits, 53 runs, 22 home runs, and 55 RBI in 85 games. He was a six-time World Champion with the American team and was 1964 tournament MVP, posting 35 hits, 22 runs, 7 home runs, and 16 RBI in 22 starts.

When he was drafted, Jacksonville had been coming off nine straight losing seasons, bottoming out at 49-113. The Gators were more competitive in his run, although they’d make the playoffs only thrice. The deepest run was an AACS berth in 1967 and Southern League title. Jacksonville had fallen back a bit by 1975 and decided to trade Datsko before the season to Pittsburgh for two prospects. He’d remain popular with many Gators fans and would see his #36 uniform retired.

Now 33-years old, Datsko had seen his productivity drop in his prior two years with Jacksonville, although he had still been starter quality. He didn’t get a chance to do much with the Pirates, as a severely strained hip muscle cost him the second half of the season. Pittsburgh didn’t re-sign him and Datsko landed with San Francisco for 1976. He struggled though and ended up in a bench role. Datsko would retire after the season at age 35.

His final stats: 2134 hits, 988 runs, 389 doubles, 294 home runs, 1067 RBI, .320/.367/.521 slash, 137 wRC+, and 71.0 WAR. As of 2037, he’s the all-time leader in average and OPS among MLB catchers and at retirement, he was second in WAR only behind Gary Nodine. However, Datsko’s overall numbers were lower than most Hall of Fame hitters, in part hurt by being a catcher but also his relatively shorter career. Catchers have often had an uphill battle in getting the look they deserve, but enough Hall of Fame voters in 1982 appreciated Datsko to give him a first ballot honor at 71.2%.

Kelly “Ghost Runner” Hughes – Closer – Seattle Grizzlies – 66.1% Second Ballot

Kelly Hughes was a 6’4’’, 190 pound right-handed relief pitcher from Darlington, an industrial town of around 90,000 in England’s County Durham. Hughes had mixed English and Irish heritage, although he’d make his baseball name in the United States. Hughes had outstanding stuff with a 98-100 mph terrific fastball mixed with a strong curveball. He had very good movement and solid control to go along with it. Hughes was a durable pitcher which led to his longevity, although he was viewed as a mercenary type and didn’t typically stay in one place too long.

Hughes left England as a teenager and his strong arm earned him a college spot for Toledo. While there, he also began pitching in the World Baseball Championship, where he made 55 appearances from 1958-77. With his dual nationality, Hughes bounced between playing for England and playing for Ireland. Although a reliever as a pro, he made many starts in the WBC, posting a total 3.06 ERA over 311.1 innings with 495 strikeouts and 9.8 WAR. His early debut on the world stage and success with the Rockets got him some draft attention, although he would ultimately be a fourth round pick. Seattle selected Hughes 161^st overall in 1958’s MLB Draft.

His first run with the Grizzlies only lasted three seasons, although he took over the closer role in the second and third seasons. Hughes would be traded straight up before the 1962 season to Oklahoma City for starting pitcher Bruce Hwang. He’d take second in 1962 Reliever of the Year voting, then win the award for the first time in 1964. OKC made it to the 1963 World Series and Hughes picked up five saves in the postseason run over 15.2 innings. In total in four seasons with Oklahoma City, Hughes had a 1.89 ERA, 101 saves, 257.2 innings 320 strikeouts, and 13.7 WAR.

Hughes entered free agency after the 1965 season and at age 28, signed with Washington. He’d be a Reliever of the Year finalist in both of his seasons with the Admirals, taking third in 1966 and second in 1967. 1967 saw a career-best 39 saves, the only team he led in saves. Hughes had another five postseason saves as Washington got to the 1966 World Series He had 73 saves, a 1.62 ERA, 190 strikeouts, 7.3 WAR, and 149.2 innings with the Admirals.

Hughes signed for 1968 with Oakland, but was barely used despite being healthy. He left for Charlotte in 1969, but was again barely used and eventually was traded to Atlanta in the summer. Hughes hardly saw the field with the Aces, but did earn a World Series ring with them for being rostered. He went back to Charlotte in 1970 and got a bit more use, but he would ultimately toss only 63 innings over the three year stretch.

Charlotte traded Hughes to Seattle for prospects before the 1971 season and in his return to the Puget Sound, he emerged as a closer again. He’d spent five seasons back in a prominent role and win his second Reliever of the Year award in 1971. The Grizzlies even made two AACS appearances during his return, which endeared himself enough to earn his #22 uniform’s eventual retirement. Between the two Seattle runs, Hughes had a 2.44 ERA, 179 saves, 490.2 innings, 561 strikeouts, and 23.3 WAR. He also finished with 15 career postseason saves between his various stops with a 2.56 ERA over 63.1 innings and 2.2 WAR.

Hughes’ production dropped to below average in his final season with Seattle and he was released at age 38. His MLB career was done, but he’d find work for part of the season in 1976 as the closer for New Caledonia of the Oceania Baseball Association. Hughes went back to the Western Hemisphere and signed with CABA’s Hermosillo, but he’d only pitch 7.1 innings with the Hyenas. He’d opt to retire after the 1977 campaign at age 40.

Hughes final MLB stats: 2.20 ERA, 359 saves, 961 innings, 1136 strikeouts to 273 walks, 411 shutdowns, FIP- of 50, and 45.9 WAR. He was eighth in saves at retirement and sixth among relievers in career WAR. Hughes wasn’t as dominant or as flashy as some others, but his stats were comparable to other inductees out of the bullpen. Hughes missed induction by the slimmest margin in his first ballot at 65.9%. On try #2, he was only 0.2% better, but that was enough to get him across the line and into the Hall of Fame.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-09-2023, 03:55 AM

1982 CABA Hall of Fame

Pitcher Elvys Melo was the lone inductee for the Central American Baseball Association’s Hall of Fame from the 1982 voting. Four others were above 50%, led by RF Juan Jose at 60.5% on his eighth attempt, his highest effort so far. CF Santiago Perez got 55.7% on his fifth attempt, C Sebastian Gonzalez was at 53.4% for his fourth and LF Michael Parrish received 51.0% on his ninth.

Dropped after ten ballots was catcher Hector Santana, who had an 18 year career with Tijuana as his primary team. He peaked at 51.5% on his debut ballot and typically hovered in the 40% range, finishing at 43.9%. Santana had 1998 hits, 871 runs, 228 home runs, 910 RBI, .257/.295/.407 slash and 61.3 WAR. He twice won the Gold Glove, but never won any hitting awards and had the low totals that come with the position. A lack of postseason accolades hurt him too, banishing Santana to the Hall of Very Good.

Elvys Melo – Starting Pitcher – Jamaica Jazz – 95.3% First Ballot

Elvys Melo was a 6’0’’, 185 pound right-handed pitcher from the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan. Melo was known for having excellent stuff with solid movement and an extreme groundball tendency. He had peak 97-99 mph velocity with an excellent sinker, mixed with a terrific curveball, great knuckle curve, and okay changeup. Melo’s main drawback was having often subpar control, but his stuff was stellar enough to bail him out of trouble. He was a very durable pitcher who rarely missed starts, although he didn’t go as deep into games as many of his contemporaries.

Melo was picked 16^th overall in the 1963 CABA Draft by Jamaica and became a full-time starter immediately, taking third in Rookie of the Year voting. He spent nine seasons with the Jazz with 225+ innings each year with 4+ WAR in each season. Melo was rarely dominant or a league leader, but he did top the Caribbean League in ERA in 1969 and strikeouts in 1971 with the Jazz. He also pitched in the World Baseball Championship for Puerto Rico in seven different editions of the event, posting a 3.00 ERA over 105 innings with 133 strikeouts.

Melo was never a Pitcher of the Year finalist with Jamaica, but he played a notable role as the Jazz had a near dynasty run from 1966-68. They won the Island Division each year and took the CABA Championship in 1966 and 1968. In the playoffs, Melo had a 2.97 ERA over 57.2 innings with a 5-2 record and 62 strikeouts. In total with Jamaica, he had a 137-98 record, 2.87 ERA, 2142 innings, 2432 strikeouts, and 48.7 WAR. The Jazz would also retire his #38 uniform at the end of his career.

At age 32, Melo became a free agent for the first time and would sign a five-year, $1,200,000 deal with Leon. He ultimately pitched four seasons with the Lions and was third in Pitcher of the Year voting in 1974 and 1975. Melo had a Mexican League and career-best 2.00 ERA in 1974 and 312 strikeouts in 1976. Leon made the playoffs three times in his tenure, although he missed the 1974 postseason to injury. His final start was a postseason defeat to Torreon where he allowed six runs (five earned) in 7.2 innings. Leon voided the last year of his contract and to the surprise of many, Melo decided to retire at age 36. With Leon, he had a 64-34 record, 2.63 ERA, 1117 strikeouts, and 20.2 WAR.

Melo’s final stats: 201-132 record, 2.79 ERA, 3096.1 innings, 3549 strikeouts, 948 walks, 298/408 quality starts, FIP- of 81 and 68.9 WAR. He was almost quietly good, as he wasn’t typically viewed as a top five pitcher in CABA during his run. His resume though certainly matched up well with many other Hall of Famers and he was still good in his last season, leading some to speculate what his accumulations might have been with a few more years. This was all enough to make Melo the lone member of the 1982 CABA Hall of Fame class, a firm addition at 95.3% on the first ballot.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-10-2023, 03:57 AM

1982 EAB Hall of Fame

Two players picked up first ballot inductions for East Asia Baseball’s 1982 Hall of Fame class. Pitcher Sang-Hun Joon and two-way player Totaro Uchiyama both were voted in easily with Joon at 98.9% and Uchiyama at 92.9%. Another SP, Tokutomi Ohashi, only narrowly missed the 66% cut with 64.6% on his second ballot. 1B Min-Su Namkoong also came close with 62.5% for his debut. There were no players dropped after ten ballots in the 1982 voting.

Sang-Hun Joon – Starting Pitcher - Pyongyang Pythons – 98.9% First Ballot

Sang-Hun Joon was a 6’5’’, 205 pound right-handed pitcher from Pyoktong, a county of around 35,000 in northwestern North Korea. Joon would become best known for his ironman durability and stamina, posting 250+ innings in 17 different seasons and leading the Korea League five times in both innings and complete games. Especially later in his career, Joon had excellent control as well. His stuff was solid with 96-98 mph peak velocity, although his movement was subpar. Joon’s resume was fastball, curveball, forkball, splitter, and circle change. Despite his longevity, he was criticized by some for a lack of work ethic and intelligence.

Joon was noticed coming out of high school in North Korea and was picked 17^th overall by Pyongyang in the 1954 East Asia Baseball Draft. He’d make his debut with four starts in 1956, then become a full member of the rotation midway through 1957. Joon would make 30+ appearances in every season for the next two decades, all with the Pythons. His production was spotty in his earliest years, as his lack of movement made him prone to allow home runs. Joon would lead in homers allowed in eight different seasons. However, he’d hone his control and improve his strikeout game, ultimately posting the Korea League’s best K/BB in seven different seasons.

Joon led in wins three times and strikeouts five times. He never was the WARlord and consistently posted around 4-5 per season, twice tossing 7+. Joon had nine straight seasons with 300+ Ks, peaking with 353 in 1965. Despite his longevity, Joon never won Pitcher of the Year. He was a finalist three times, taking third in 1961 and 1965, as well as second in 1967. Joon would give you remarkably reliable numbers and innings though, playing a notable role in what would become a dynasty run for Pyongyang.

The Pythons in the 1960s had nine straight postseason appearances. They’d win the Korea League title seven times and six times win the East Asian Championship, taking it all in 1961, 62, 65, 66, 67, and 68. Joon remained steady with his postseason stats looking similar to his regular season ones. He’d post a 3.46 ERA over 200.1 playoff innings with 221 strikeouts and 3.2 WAR. Nothing dominant, but steady. Joon also pitched for North Korea’s national team from 1958-76 in the World Baseball Championship. He was less successful in the WBC with a 4.63 ERA over 177 innings, 197 strikeouts, and 0.7 WAR.

Joon continued his reliable production through his 30s, only finally slowing down with a weak 1976 at age 40, his final season. With his longevity, he climbed up many of the all-time leaderboards. In 1973, he became the first EAB pitcher to 300 career wins and the first to 5000 strikeouts. He also became the second to 5000 innings and the second to 300 complete games.

Joon’s final stats saw a 346-222 record, 3.51 ERA, 5346.2 innings, 5694 strikeouts to 627 walks, 9.1 K/BB, 364/636 quality starts, 302 complete games, FIP- of 94, and 85.7 WAR. As of 2037, he’s EAB’s all-time leader in wins, innings, strikeouts, and home runs allowed (761). At induction, he had the fifth most wins of any professional pitcher and the fourth most strikeouts. However, as of 2037, he’s the only pitcher in baseball history to have allowed 700+ home runs in a career. Mainly from that, his advanced stats are unremarkable with an ERA+ of 106 and FIP- of 94, more suggestive of merely being above average. His 3.51 ERA is also the worst among EAB Hall of Famers at induction and as a result, Joon’s name isn’t brought up in the all-time conversations with the other guys with similar big totals. He’s a hard one to rank, but his totals and role in the Pyongyang dynasty still make Joon an obvious first ballot pick at 98.9%.

Totaro Uchiyama – Starting Pitcher/Third Base – Hiroshima Hammerheads – 92.9% First Ballot

Totaro Uchiyama was a 5’11’’, 205 pound right-handed pitcher and third baseman from Sakai, an important seaport of more than 800,000 people in Japan’s Osaka prefecture. Uchiyama was a two-way player who at his best could be fairly considered both a top five level pitcher and top five batter. On the mound, he wasn’t amazing at anything, but firmly solid across the board. He had 95-97 mph peak velocity and three great pitchers; a fastball, slider, and changeup.

At the plate, he was similarly viewed as not outstanding at any one thing, but generally average to above average at most facets of hitting. He had a nice pop in his bat with six 20+ home run seasons despite fewer at bats than the typical full-time position player. Uchiyama was also a very quick and savvy baserunner who typically played in the field at third base, although he sometimes was in the outfielder. He was an above average defender at third, but considered excellent defending the mound. Uchiyama won seven Gold Gloves in his career, all for his pitching defense. On top of that, he was a team captain, great leader, and hard worker, making him one of the most endearing players of the era.

Uchiyama attended Josai International University in Togane and was only a pitcher in his one college season. It was enough to earn the fourth overall pick by Hiroshima in the 1962 East Asia Baseball Draft. He’d spend his entire career with the Hammerheads and debuted in 1963, although he was terrible on the mound as a rookie and below average at the plate. The investment paid off in year two at the plate, as he had 8.1 WAR with 37 home runs in 131 games. Uchiyama was merely average on the mound this season, but it got the attention of the Japanese baseball world.

Uchiyama began to find his rhythm on the mound more in later years. He had six seasons worth 5+ pitching WAR and three worth 5+ at the plate. He never hit enough for any batting leaderboard appearances and rarely was on the pitching ones either. He’d win Gold Glove seven times as a pitcher (65-69, 72, 74) and Silver Slugger 11 times (64-72, 73, 75).

Uchiyama did lead Japan in ERA in 1966 while also leading in innings pitched twice. The 2.23 ERA and 7.0 WAR in 1966 earned him Pitcher of the Year and a second place in MVP voting. In 1968, Uchiyama won both PotY and MVP in an all-time great season. On the mound, he posted 6.4 WAR with 26 quality starts and a 2.23 ERA. At the plate, he had 7.0 WAR, a .302 average, and 30 home runs. This season was also notable as it was Hiroshima’s third Japan League title and the start of a dynasty.

The Hammerheads would take the Japan League title in 68, 69, 70, and 71. In the latter three seasons, they won the East Asian Championship as well. As a pitcher Uchiyama had a 2.91 ERA and 8-6 over 123.2 playoff innings with 96 strikeouts and 1.8 WAR. As a hitter, he had 48 games with 42 hits, 32 runs, 6 home runs, 12 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 1.6 WAR.

Hiroshima would have to rebuild after their 1972 title, in part because Uchiyama had age catch up to him. The 32-year old saw his 1973 derailed early by a torn labrum, which he was never quite the same from. He did bounce back with a good pitching season in 1974, but his batting numbers were subpar that year. Uchiyama wasn’t used as much as a hitter in his final two seasons and more arm troubles limited his pitching success. In July 1976, he underwent radial nerve decompression surgery in his pitching elbow, effectively ending his career at age 36.

As a pitcher, Uchiyama’s final stats saw a 181-147 record, 3.18 ERA, 3034 innings, 2740 strikeouts to 637 walks, 231/407 quality starts, 102 complete games, a FIP- of 88, and 56.7 WAR. At the plate, he had 1333 hits, 770 runs, 189 doubles, 229 home runs, 609 RBI, 474 stolen bases, a .265/.321/.465 slash, wRC+ of 129, and 50.0 WAR. As just a pitcher, he’d probably be a borderline case and he wouldn’t have the tallies as a hitter. But Uchiyama put up 100+ WAR between the roles with a lot of accolades and a critical role in a dynasty run for Hiroshima. The Hammerheads retired his #20 uniform and the Hall of Fame voters put him in at 92.9% on the first ballot.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-10-2023, 05:55 PM

1982 BSA Hall of Fame

Two-way player Lewis Miranda was the only player elected as part of the 1982 Beisbol Sudamerica Hall of Fame class. Miranda only barely got in with 67.9% on his second ballot. Five others were above 50% with SP Franklin Flor at 62.6% on his fifth try, SP Raimundo Rodriquez at 62.0% on his tenth and final attempt, 1B Ryan Azambuja at 58.6% for his seventh ballot, closer Jaguare Maia at 53.9% in his eighth ballot, and SP Manuel Gonzalez at 51.4 for try #2.

For Rodriquez, 62.0% was tantalizingly close, but just short. He had been at 39.6% the prior year and typically was in the 40% range. In 16 years primarily with Guayaquil, Rodriquez had two Gold Gloves along with a 214-182 record, 3.03 ERA, 3695 strikeouts in 3552 innings, and 81.1 WAR. He also won a title with the Golds in 1955, but without big playoff numbers or major accolades, Rodriquez never got over the hump despite good totals.

Lewis Miranda – Pitcher/First Baseman – Buenos Aires Atlantics – 67.9% Second Ballot

Lewis Miranda was a 6’1’’, 195 pound right-handed pitcher and first baseman from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was a two-way player who as a pitcher was known for excellent control, good movement, and above average stuff. His velocity peaked in the 94-96 mph range with a mix of slider, curveball, changeup, and cutter. At the plate, Miranda had an excellent eye for drawing walks, although his strikeout rate was still weaker than you’d expect. He was a solid contact hitter with good home run power, averaging around 20-25 home run runs per year when healthy. Miranda was a very slow baserunner and made basically all of his non-pitching starts at first base. Defensively, he was delightfully average. Most thought Miranda was a better pitcher than hitter, although his hitting career would last longer thanks to later injuries.

Miranda’s two-way efforts got attention and his hometown team Buenos Aires in particular took notice. The Atlantics picked Miranda 26^th overall in the 1960 Beisbol Sudamerica Draft. He saw limited action in his first season, then was a part-time starter in year two. By 1963, Miranda was a full-time starting pitcher with his offensive use varying a bit. On the mound, Miranda had six seasons worth 5+ WAR with another two added at the plate. He’d win seven Silver Sluggers for easily being the top hitting pitcher in Liga Cono Sur (1964, 65, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71).

In 1963, Buenos Aires won Copa Sudamerica with Miranda making three starts on the mound with a 2.35 ERA over 23 innings. This would be his only playoff experience for his entire career despite his success. The Atlantics would often be just short of winning the South Division and Miranda’s Buenos Aires run ended right before they found sustained success in the later 1970s. He did to play on the world state for Argentina in the World Baseball Championship. He pitched from 1964-72 and hit from 1964-79. On the mound, Miranda had a 2.93 ERA, 7-8 record, 116.2 innings, and 110 strikeouts with 2.6 WAR. At the plate he had 76 games, 63 hits, 41 runs, 25 home runs, 5 RBI, and 3.8 WAR.

Miranda twice won MVP. In 1964, he had 8.3 WAR on the mound with a 2.58 ERA, 20-9 record, and 274 strikeouts, while adding 5.3 WAR, 27 home runs, and a .311 batting average. In 1968, he won it again with a career-best 1.78 ERA and 23-8 record, 284 strikeouts over 272.1 innings, and 8.3 WAR pitching along with 4.8 WAR at the plate. Miranda never won Pitcher of the Year, but did take second in 1968 and saw a no-hitter with 10 strikeouts and one walk against Fortaleza. He also was third in 1969’s MVP voting. When healthy, he was one of the most valuable players in South American baseball.

Unfortunately, injuries took their toll throughout his career. 1967 saw shoulder inflammation to put him out in the second half. In 1970, bone chips in his elbow required surgery. In 1972, it was ulnar nerve entrapment costing him 1972. Miranda missed almost all of 1973 between a torn labrum and shoulder inflammation. The big one came in September 1974 with a torn rotator cuff, which put him out 13 months. This would ultimately mark the end of both his Buenos Aires career and his pitching career. Miranda would remain a popular figure with fans as a hometown hero and would see his #44 uniform retired.

With the rotator cuff tear, Buenos Aries released Miranda and the 36-year old’s baseball career was in serious jeopardy. His arm was wrecked, but Miranda felt he could still hit. In late 1975, MLB’s Nashville signed him, but he never took the field with the Knights. In 1976, Jacksonville would give him a shot. He be a full time starter at first base and was a solid starter, proving he still had value. Miranda signed with Memphis for 1977, then spent 1978-80 with Omaha. He was solid in his first three MLB seasons, although he dropped below league average in 1979 and was a bench piece by the end, retiring with the Hawks after the 1980 season at age 42. For his MLB career, he made 621 starts with 599 hits, 325 runs, 89 home runs, 326 RBI, a .255/.340/.413 slash, and 9.2 WAR.

It was his Buenos Aires run that he was judged on for Beisbol Sudamerica Hall of Fame candidacy. On the mound, he had a 145-108 record, 2.71 ERA, 2380.2 innings, 2221 strikeouts, 217/310 quality starts, an 83 FIP-, and 51.0 WAR. At the plate, he had 1040 hits, 503 runs, 158 doubles, 192 home runs, 525 RBI, a .285/.359/.498 slash, 160 wRC+, and 33.6 WAR. Miranda was a tough case for voters as the injuries kept his accumulations on both sides lower than would normally get the nod. Even the combined 87.6 WAR wasn’t a lock and in his first ballot, he only received 57.9%. With a weaker 1982 class, enough voters gave Miranda the bump to sneak across the line at 67.9% for a second ballot induction.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-11-2023, 04:45 AM

1982 EBF Hall of Fame

The 1982 voting for the European Baseball Federation Hall of Fame didn’t have any strong newcomers with the highest first ballot option getting 24.4%. It was almost an empty class, but closer Ringo Barros managed to barely cross the 66% threshold, receiving a fifth ballot induction at 66.3%. RF Paul Schlacher was close on his fifth try, but short at 64.3%. Only one other was above 50% with SP Pedro Varela at 55.3% on his ninth ballot. No one was dropped after ten ballots.

Ringo Barros – Closer – Dublin Dinos – 66.3% Fifth Ballot

Ringo Barros was a 5’11’’, 200 pound right handed closer from the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. He’d be the first Portuguese Hall of Famer, known for having great stuff along with average control and movement. Barros had a 95-97 mph fastball, but he mixed it expertly with a stellar 10/10 curveball. He was a durable and reliable reliever who was also praised for his loyalty. Barros also was considered a pretty good defensive pitcher.

He was spotted as a teenage amateur by a scout from London and signed in 1954 to their academy. Barros spent three years developing with the Monarchs, but he’d never play a game for them. In the summer of 1957, the then 20-year old was traded with another prospect to Dublin for SS Luke Linnane. Barros would go onto play all of his EBF games with the Dinos with an impressive 15 year tenure.

Barros debuted in 1958, but was primarily an unremarkable middle relief type guy for his first five seasons. He actually got more attention initially playing for Portugal in the World Baseball Championship. Barros tossed 141 innings from 1959-76 in the WBC with a 3.38 ERA, 141 innings, 211 strikeouts, and 2.7 WAR. In 1962, he won Best Pitcher award with 11 scoreless innings and 19 strikeouts. 1962 also saw a 1.47 ERA in 43 innings for Dublin and a 1.12 ERA in the postseason, helping the Dinos win the European Championship.

Barros was moved to the closer role in 1963 and would hold that spot in nine of the next ten seasons. He led the Northern Conference in saves with 42 in 1967 and 40 in 1969. In 1970, Barros earned his lone Reliever of the Year with a career high 117 strikeouts in 80.2 innings. He finished second in 1963, third in 1965, second in 1967, and second in 1969. Dublin would make it to the European Championship again in 1967 and 68, winning the title in 1967. For his playoff career, Barros had a 3.78 ERA over 33.1 innings with 49 strikeouts, but a negative -0.3 WAR. Still, his longevity earned him a lot of respect and his #31 uniform would be retired at the end of his career.

Barros struggled in his last year in Dublin with a 4.15 ERA and -1.0 WAR. The Dinos let the 36-year old go, but he’d still find work with middling results. Barros signed with CABA’s Mexicali in 1973 on a two-year deal. The Maroons traded him to Guadalajara for the 1974 season. After that, he spent his final two seasons in Australia with Adelaide. Although he wasn’t used in the final, Barros received a ring as the Aardvarks were 1976 Oceania Champions. He’d retire at age 40 after the 1976 season.

Barros final EBF stats were all with Dublin with 313 saves and 406 shutdowns, 2.52 ERA, 943.2 innings, 1206 strikeouts to 269 walks, a FIP- of 77, and 20.5 WAR. He was the fourth EBF closer to 300 saves, although the advanced stats had him as less dominant than other Hall of Fame relievers around the world. His 20.5 WAR total is the lowest of any EBF Hall of Famer as of 2037, but his tenure with one squad and multiple rings helped his candidacy. Barros saw 38.1%, 34.0%, 50.8%, and 43.2% in his first four ballots, leading most observes to think he’d miss the cut. But with a very weak 1982 field, enough came around on Barros to put him in just narrowly as a fifth ballot Hall of Famer at 66.2%.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-11-2023, 11:40 AM

1982 EPB Hall of Fame

There were three first ballot additions in 1982 to the Eurasian Professional Baseball Hall of Fame, each getting in the 80% range. At the top was SP Sebastian Weiss at 87.6%, followed by fellow SP Vladimir Hora at 85.1% and 1B Zina Gigolashvili at 82.6%. SP Eryk Wozniak almost joined them on his fourth ballot, but his 62.4% just missed the 66% cut. Closer Joachim Kohut had 58.7% on his second try and SP Artyom Rudasev received 52.5% for his fourth attempt.

Dropped after ten failed attempts was SP Inal Brezhnev, who had a 15 year career between Minsk and Budapest. He was as high at 60.1% on his second ballot and as low as 15.8% on his ninth, ending in the middle at 32.9%. Brezhnev had a 182-111 record, 2.61 ERA, 2693 strikeouts in 2760.1 innings, and 83.1 WAR. Impressive totals and he won two rings with the Miners, but the lack of major awards ultimately kept him looking from the outside.

Sebastian Weiss – Pitcher – Bratislava Blue Falcons – 87.6% First Ballot

Sebastian Weiss was a 5’8’’, 180 pound right handed pitcher from Waldsassen, a town of around 6,000 people in the southeastern German state Bavaria. Weiss was known for having stellar movement, great control, and respectable stuff. His most deadly pitch was a cut fastball with 98-100 mph peak velocity, mixed with a great changeup and an okay curveball, leading to an extreme groundball tendency. Weiss was viewed as very durable and reliable in the front end of his career.

Weiss was drafted 99^th overall in the first Eurasian Professional Baseball rookie draft in 1955. This was the first pick in the fourth round, belonging to Bratislava. Weiss debuted and split time between the rotation and bullpen as a rookie, struggling with a terrible 5.61 ERA. He’d find his rhythm the next year and be a full time starter for the rest of his time as a Blue Falcon.

Weiss had seven straight seasons with 5+ WAR, although he wasn’t a statistical leader and didn’t get much attention as Bratislava was a bottom tier team. He did have an impressive 1963 that saw a no-hitter on April 7 against Prague, followed by a perfect game on June 24 versus Kazan. Weiss joins a very small group of players in any pro league with multiple no-hitters in a season. His perfecto was the eighth in EPB history. Weiss also pitched for Germany in the World Baseball Championship from 1958-76. Primarily as a reliever, he had a 2.02 ERA over 84.2 innings with 115 strikeouts and 3.1 WAR.

For his Bratislava tenure, Weiss had a 132-118 record, 2.97 ERA, 2199.1 innings, 1988 strikeouts, and 53.8 WAR. As one of the only redeeming things from that era of Blue Falcons baseball, his #41 uniform would later get retired. Still struggling and not expecting to get a long-term deal from Weiss, Bratislava traded him before the 1965 season to Minsk. The Miners had won the European League the prior year and had been a consistent contender since EPB had started.

Weiss’ debut season with Minsk would see career bests in wins (23-5) and ERA (2.12), earning him his lone Pitcher of the Year. He also had a 2.16 ERA over 13 playoff starts in his Miners tenure with 81 strikeouts in 100 innings, helping Minsk to the Soviet Series title in 1966 and 1969. The third no-hitter of his career came on August 10, 1969 against Warsaw. Weiss had a career best 9.1 WAR as well in 1968 at age 34. In total with Minsk, Weiss had a 92-49 record, 2.36 ERA, 1278 innings, 1291 strikeouts, and 39.1 WAR.

After being quite durable for much of his career, Weiss suffered a torn labrum in April 1970, putting him out 10 months. Minsk let him go, but the now 37-year old found a home for 1971 in Yekaterinburg. Weiss made 17 starts, but was used more as a reliever with iffy results. He’d be a reliever for the rest of his career with limited action and success. Minsk re-signed him for 1972, followed by Asgabat for 1973-74. Weiss tore his UCL in May 1974, but was determined to come back. In 1975, he briefly pitched with Ufa before getting traded to finish the year back with Minsk. Weiss returned to the Alphas in 1976, but was traded and ended the season and his career with Tbilisi, retiring at age 42.

The final stats for Weiss: 236-190 record, 85 saves, 2.80 ERA, 3727 innings, 3534 strikeouts to 633 walks, 328/463 quality starts, FIP- of 74, and 95.8 WAR. He quietly put together very strong totals despite rarely being in consideration as the top pitcher in the league. The Minsk run helped get him some attention and playing a solid role in their late 1960s title runs certainly helped with many voters. Weiss picked up the first ballot induction with 87.6%.

Vladimir Hora – Starting Pitcher – Yekaterinburg Yaks – 85.1% First Ballot

Vladimir Hora was a 6’0’’, 190 pound right-handed pitcher from Sedlcany, a town of around 7,000 people in the Central Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. Hora was known for having incredible movement on his pitches, mixed with solid control and above average stuff. His velocity peaked in the 95-97 mph range with a five-pitch arsenal of curveball, screwball, forkball, changeup, and cutter. Not only were screwballs and forkballs fairly rare on their own, but almost never did a pitch throw both and did so as effectively as Hora, who was a master at drawing groundballs. He also loved going deep into games with excellent stamina.

Hora was spotted as a teenage amateur by a scout for Yekaterinburg. He signed in 1955 with the Yaks and developed for many years in their academy, finally making his debut in 1962 at age 23. Hora was iffy as a starter in his rookie year, but improved and settled into the ace role for Yekaterinburg over the next decade. From 1965-71, he had seven straight seasons worth 8+ WAR and led the Asian League in WAR four different times.

In 1965, Hora won Pitcher of the Year for the first time, leading in wins (25-11) and innings (304.1) with 28 complete games. He’d finish second in voting in 1968, then win the award for the second time in 1971 with career bests in ERA (1.90), strikeouts (358), and WAR (12.7). Hora also was second in MVP voting in 1971. During this run, he also pitched for the Czech National Team in the World Baseball Championship. From 1962-76, he had 170 innings with a 3.76 ERA, 183 strikeouts, and 4.6 WAR.

Yekaterinburg was a contender during Hora’s best years, making the playoffs nine straight years from 1964-72. The Yaks won the Asian League title in 1968 and 1970 and took home the Soviet Series title in 1970. In the playoffs, Hora had a 6-7 record, 2.99 ERA, 141.2 innings, 157 strikeouts, and 4.0 WAR. He signed a big four-year, $852,000 contract extension before the 1971 season as the Yaks expected more great things into the 1970s. However, things would start to go south for Yekaterinburg with a playoff drought from 1973-84.

Hora had his first major setback in April 1972 as shoulder inflammation knocked him out almost the entire season. He bounced back in 1973 at age 34 with a full respectable season, although it was notably weaker than his previously high standard. In May 1974, a torn flexor tendon ended his season and ultimately his time with Yekaterinburg. In total with the Yaks, Hora had a 213-128 record, 2.67 ERA, 3129.2 innings, 3194 strikeouts, and 84.8 WAR. A few years later, the Yaks retired his #10 uniform.

Hora wasn’t ready to call it quits at age 36, but Yekaterinburg let him go. He signed for 1975 with Moscow on a three-year, $626,000 deal with the defending EPB champion Mules hoping he’d return to form. He missed two months and the playoff run to various injuries, but gave Moscow some decent innings in 1975 en route to a Soviet Series title. Hora could rarely crack the lineup and mostly saw relief in 1976 with poor results and he retired after the season at age 38.

Hora’s final stats: 223-142 record, 2.73 ERA, 3383.1 innings, 3427 strikeouts to 663 walks, 280/396 quality starts, 226 complete games, and 86.2 WAR. Like his Hall of Fame classmate Sebastian Weiss, Hora almost quietly put together an excellent resume, although he did get more attention thanks to his great run with Yekaterinburg. This earned the first ballot induction for Hora with 85.1% of the vote.

Zina Gigolashvili – First Baseman – Tbilisi Trains – 82.6% First Ballot

Zina Gigolashvili was a 6’0’’, 205 pound left-handed first baseman from Ozurgeti, a town of around 14,000 people in western Georgia. He was a prolific home run hitter who smacked 40+ in 12 different seasons and 50+ thrice. Gigolashvili was also very good at drawing walks, but he did strike out a lot and was often viewed as a subpar contact hitter. He was very slow and didn’t double very often with his power often being homer-or-bust. Gigolashvili exclusively played at first base in his career and was slightly below average defensively, but not atrocious. He was also considered an ironman, playing 140+ games in all 17 of his full seasons.

Gigolashvili quickly drew tons of attention as an amateur in the Caucasus region and his home country team Tbilisi took notice especially. The Trains were terrible in their first few seasons and had the #1 overall pick in the 1958 Eurasian Professional Baseball Draft, which allowed them to select Gigolashvili. He served in a bench role in his rookie season as Tbilisi didn’t want to rush him. He took over the starting job in year two and was a starter for the rest of his career. With the Trains, this would be a nine season tenure. Gigolashvili also played for Georgia in the World Baseball Championship when they qualified, which was five times. He posted 20 hits, 14 runs, 12 home runs, and 19 RBI in 28 games.

Gigolashvili’s power became evident right away as he smacked 56 home runs in 1961, setting the EPB record through its first seven seasons. With the competition at first base and his other deficits, Gigolashvili would only win Silver Slugger twice; in 1962 and 1971. Being with Tbilisi also made him often overlooked in the MVP conservation. Although the Trains improved in his run, they only made the playoffs once with a first round exit in 1965. Still, Gigolashvili led the Asian League four times in home runs. In total with Tbilisi, he had 1107 hits, 697 runs, 365 home runs, 781 RBI, a .242/.311/.521 slash and 37.1 WAR. The Trains would later retire the #18 uniform for their home country favorite.

Entering 1968, the 32-year old Gigolashvili had only one year left on his contract and Tbilisi seemed unlikely and unable to match his forthcoming free agent demands. The Trains traded him to Tirana for three prospects, one of which was 1990 Hall of Fame inductee Sergiu Onisie, who would be an excellent closer for Tbilisi and others. His one year with the Trojans actually had the worst homer output of his career at 34, but Gigolashvili did help Tirana to a division title. They went one-and-done and he entered free agency, inking a four-year, $560,000 deal with perennial power Minsk.

Gigolashvili had four strong seasons with the Miners, but 1971 was something special. Despite being a career .236 hitter, he put it all together for a Triple Crown season with a .309/.383/.706 slash, 65 home runs, 139 RBI, and 11.1 WAR. This destroyed his home run record and stood as the EPB high mark until 1986. Gigolashvili’s 1.088 OPS was also a single season record and that stood until 1984. Unsurprisingly, this earned him his lone MVP. Minsk made the playoffs each of his four years and took the 1969 Soviet Series title. In total with the Miners, Gigolashvili had 548 hits, 345 runs, 189 home runs, 410 RBI, a .250/.329/.545 slash and 24.1 WAR.

He fell back to his more typical stats the year after the Triple Crown in 1972 and became a free agent at age 37. Moscow signed him to a three-year, $664,000 deal and although he wasn’t quite as dominant, he still delivered solid power. Gigolashvili got two more rings as the Mules won it all in 1974 and 1975. He had a solid 1974 postseason with 5 home runs and 11 RBI in 15 starts. For his career, Gigolashvili’s playoff numbers were 82 games, 54 hits, 27 runs, 18 home runs, 37 RBI, and 1.3 WAR. In total in Moscow, he had 352 hits, 223 runs, 117 home runs, 255 RBI, and 10.2 WAR.

Gigolashvili also became the first EPB hitter to 700 career home runs and the first to 1500 RBI in his last year with the Mules. He became a free agent again at age 40 and signed with Yekaterinburg, but age finally caught up and he struggled to a 15 home run season with the Yaks. He opted to retire after this season at age 40.

Gigolashvili’s final stats: 2230 hits, 1398 runs, 279 doubles, 720 home runs, 1559 RBI, 967 walks, 2901 strikeouts, a .236/.312/.501 slash, 143 wRC+, and 76.1 WAR. Despite the prolific power, the advanced stats aren’t remarkable due to his high strikeout rate and low contact ability. Still, he retired as EPB’s home run king and still sits third all-time as of 2037. Gigolashvili was also the RBI leader at retirement and fourth in runs scored; still sitting in the top ten for both decades later. He also retired with the most strikeouts of any EPB batter and would be third among Hall of Famers as of 2037. Some voters still poo-poo’d him for his flaws, but you couldn’t leave this guy out and he earned the first ballot induction at 82.6%.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-12-2023, 04:48 AM

1982 OBA Hall of Fame

Pitcher Sakeo Rasalato was the lone inductee into the Oceania Baseball Association’s 1982 Hall of Fame class. He was a first ballot nod at 94.3%. Fellow pitcher Te Paoro Rangi barely missed the 66% threshold with 65.8% on his fifth ballot. Two others were above 50% with closer Neemia Tala’apitaga at 54.7% on his tenth ballot and RF Danny Carrott at 51.9% for his second.

Tala’apitaga was dropped from the ballot with his peak at 55.3% on his eighth attempt, usually hovering between 30-50%. The right-handed Samoan began his career at age 28 and only had eight seasons, hurting his totals. Still, he had 189 saves, a 1.89 ERA, 724 strikeouts, and 21.7 WAR in that stretch with two rings and a Reliever of the Year. He needed a few more years of production though get in.

A similar fate was suffered by SS Vae Afatia, also dropped after ten tries. The American Samoan peaked at 29.2% on his debut though. His OBA run was eight seasons with Perth, followed by three poor years in MLB’s Montreal. With the Penguins, he had 1000 hits, 494 runs, 180 home runs, 599 RBI, 60.1 WAR, two Gold Gloves, six Silver Sluggers, and one MVP. With a few more seasons to add the tallies, Afatia also might have gotten in, but his peak was too short to earn a real look.

Sakeo Rasalato – Starting Pitcher – Guadalcanal Green Jackets – 94.3% First Ballot

Sakeo Rasalato was a 5’10’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Nemby, part of Fiji’s Central Division which includes the capital Suva. Rasalato had an interesting skillset with excellent control, solid stuff, but terrible movement that led to giving up home runs. His velocity peaked at 92-94 mph, but he was excellent at changing speeds with his fastball, slider, changeup combo. Rasalato had an extreme flyball tendency, but his control was good enough to still get a lot of strikeouts. He also had terrific stamina and durability and led the Pacific League in innings pitched five straight seasons, tossing 300+ in seven seasons. The knock on him was that he was disloyal and unmotivated, which led to Rasalato bouncing around later in his career.

Rasalato was picked 12^th overall by Guadalcanal in the 1963 Oceania Baseball Association Draft and would be best known for his time there. He immediately was the ace of the rotation, winning 1964 Rookie of the Year and taking second in Pitcher of the Year voting. Rasalato would led the PL in strikeouts four of the next five seasons and post three 10+ WAR seasons. In 1966, he earned a Triple Crown with a 26-8 record, 1.50 ERA, and 374 strikeouts. His 13.9 WAR was a single-season record at the time as well. Rasalato won Pitcher of the Year in both 1966 and 1967, while taking second in 1965.

Guadalcanal would win the Pacific League title in 1964, 66, and 68. In 66 and 68, they were the Oceania Champions as well. Rasalato was 5-1 in the playoffs, but had an iffy 3.66 ERA over 51.2 innings with 47 strikeouts. For his Green Jackets tenure, he had a 135-89 record, 2.41 ERA, 2221 innings, 2502 strikeouts to 376 walks, and 61.4 WAR. After his stellar first four seasons, Rasalato saw his issues allowing home runs increase while his strikeout tallies fell off a bit. His final season with Guadalcnal in 1970 was statistically his weakest, although he certainly still was worthy of a rotation spot.

Personality clashes and diminishing production with free agency looming meant the Green Jackets would trade Rasalato before the 1971 season, moving the 30-year old to Christchurch for prospects. He had one iffy year with the Chinooks, then signed a three-year, $504,000 deal with Sydney. Rasalato stunk with the Snakes though and was traded before the 1973 season to Samoa. He was more effective with the Sun Sox, but was limited to a more part-time role. Rasalato would earn an OBA ring with Samoa in 1973, but his OBA run would end after the 1974 season.

Rasalato would play another seven seasons of pro baseball, although he’d bounce around as a spot starter and reliever mostly in Central America. He spent 1975 with Puerto Rico, then was traded for 1976 to Mexico City. Rasalato signed in 1977 with Haiti, but was moved midseason to Jamaica. He pitched for Havana in 1978, then returned to PR in 1979. Rasalato signed with Nicaragua in 1980, but was sent to the Aztecs at the deadline. In 1981, MLB’s Denver gave him a shot, but he was cut after three relief appearances. He’d finish the year in minor league Birmingham and retire at age 40. For his entire post OBA tenure, he had only 5.9 WAR over 1050.1 innings with a 4.09 ERA in CABA.

For his OBA run, Rasalato had a 182-142 record, 2.62 ERA, 3155.2 innings, 3545 strikeouts to 533 walks, 292/394 quality starts, 122 complete games, FIP- of 81, and 72.5 WAR. In his first few seasons with Guadalcanal, he was historically dominant. Even with his OBA run only lasting a decade, the numbers caught the voter’s eyes. That, plus helping the Green Jackets get two rings sold most of the detractors and Rasalato was inducted on the first ballot at 94.3%.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-12-2023, 02:22 PM

1982 APB Hall of Fame

Austronesia Professional Baseball wouldn’t induct anyone into the Hall of Fame with the 1982 voting. The only guy who really got somewhat close was SP Vitorio Pinga, receiving 54.0% on his third ballot. Only three others were narrowly above 1/3s of the vote. No one was dropped after ten ballots.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-13-2023, 03:47 AM

1982 World Baseball Championship

The 36^th World Baseball Championship was the second to be hosted by an African nation with Accra, Ghana serving as the primary city. In Division 1, Colombia took first at 7-2, edging out 6-3 efforts by Paraguay and Belarus. It is the 10^th time advancing to the elite eight for the Colombians, snapping a drought back to 1973. The defending champion United States picked up Division 2 at 8-1, topping 6-3 runs from New Zealand and Nicaragua. The Americans have now been a quarterfinalist 32 times. In D3, Nigeria and Sweden tied for first at 7-2, while China, France, and Ghana were each 6-3. The tiebreaker went to the Nigerians for their second division title. The result also snapped China’s title streak at five years.

Division 4 was an absolute mess with seven nations finishing at 5-4; Denmark, Ecuador, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Niger, and Norway. After a very complex tiebreaker, the unexpected winner was Niger, earning it’s first-ever division title. This also marks the first time that two African nations have made it to the quarterfinal. D5 saw a three-way tie at the top with Australia, South Korea, and Ukraine all at 7-2. The Australians moved forward on the tiebreaker for only their third division title, joining their 1978 and 1962 efforts.

Defending runner-up Mexico cruised to the Division 6 title at 9-0, the only nation to go undefeated in the group stage. It is the 17^th time the Mexicans have been in the elite eight. In Division 7, three nations were 6-3 with Indonesia, Northern Ireland, and the Philippines. The Indonesians moved forward on the tiebreaker for their fifth division title. Lastly in Division 8, Brazil prevailed at 8-1, topping a solid 7-2 Singapore. The Brazilians have 18 elite eight appearances, third most of any country behind only the US and Canada.

In Round Robin Group A, Colombia, Mexico, and Australia were all 4-2 while Niger was 0-6. Again, tiebreakers were needed to decide who advances and it was ultimately Australia and Colombia pushed through, while Mexico was denied. This gave the Colombians their seventh semifinal berth and the Australians their first. In Group B, the United States and Indonesia advanced each finishing 4-2, while Brazil was 3-3 and Nigeria was 1-5. The Americans earned a 30^th semifinal appearance and the Indonesians earned their fourth.

In the semifinals, the US held off a feisty challenge from Colombia 3-2, giving the Americans their 26^th championship appearance. Australia defeated Indonesia 3-1 to send the Aussies to their first finals berth. Colombia officially was third; their fifth time finishing there; while Indonesia was fourth for the second time.

The Australians were the 16^th unique country to earn a spot in the World Championship. However, the United States continued its dominance, taking the 36^th World Championship 4-2. The Americans now have 23 world titles to their names. Australia LF Neville Ryan was the Tournament MVP. The 26-year old defending Australasia League MVP with Gold Coast played 25 games with 35 hits, 26 runs, 19 home runs, 36 RBI, a .376/.454/1.011 slash, and 2.8 WAR. Ryan fell one short of Connor Neumeyer’s 1972 homer record. Best Pitcher went to Niger’s Salifou Souley, a third-year pitcher with Dakar who ultimately had a journeyman career. He had a great tournament though with 15.2 scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts four walks, and seven hits.

Other notes: Niger became the 55^th different country to advance to the elite eight. Canada’s Jojo Quevillon had a 22 strikeout performance in only eight innings against Croatia. It is the ninth time in WBC history that a pitcher had 22+ Ks in a game. American Cade Parker became only the second player to hit for the cycle in the WBC, doing it in the semifinal against Colombia.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-13-2023, 06:06 PM

1982 in SAB

The Indian League in its third season saw the exact same playoff teams from the second season. Defending league champ Pune picked up the West Division title at 102-60, while Ahmedabad at 92-70 was once again the wild card. Their closest wild card competitor was Visakhapatnam at 89-73. The Volts finished well behind 102-60 Bengaluru for the South Division title. In the Central Division, Jaipur prevailed at 85-77, six ahead of second best Delhi. The Blazers, Jokers, and Purple Knights have made the playoffs in each of the first three seasons of South Asia Baseball.

Pune had the MVP and Pitcher of the Year as Al-Amin Kundu and Sankar Sundaram both repeated as the award winners. For Kundu, he’s been the IL MVP in all three seasons so far. The Bangladeshi shortstop was the leader in home runs (54), RBI (126), slugging (.658), OPS (1.029), wRC+ (201), and WAR (12.2). For Sundaram, the 28-year old Indian was the strikeout leader (366) with the best WHIP (0.85), FIP- (53), and WAR (9.0). He added a 2.34 ERA over 238 innings with a 17-9 record. Also of note, Pedro Heredia won his third Reliever of the Year with his third team since joining SAB. The 32-year old Argentine has won the award an unprecedented nine times when adding his six trophies in Beisbol Sudamerica.

Both first round series went all five games with Pune edging division foe Ahmedabad and Bengaluru surviving against Jaipur. The Blazers pummeled the Purple Knights in the Indian League Championship Series with a sweep, giving Bengaluru its first IL title.

The top three records in the Southeast Asia League were in the North Division. Yangon won the division at 100-62 and is the only SEAL team to make the playoffs each of the first three years. Defending SAB champ Dhaka took the first wild card at 97-65, while Kathmandu earned their first playoff berth with a 89-73 record for the second spot. Kuala Lumpur won the South Division at 88-74, three ahead of Ho Chi Minh City. For the Leopards, it is their first playoff berth.

Dhaka CF Rolando Nitikarn was the Southeast Asia League MVP. The 31-year old Thai lefty led in WAR (8.0) and won his second Gold Glove. He also led in stolen bases with 84 and added 38 home runs and 93 runs scored. Kuala Lumpur’s Anukarsa Mahajan was the Pitcher of the Year. The 30 year old Indian righty led in ERA at 2.14, adding a 16-12 record over 257 innings, 278 strikeouts, and 6.6 WAR.

Yangon survived in five games over Kathmandu in the first round, while Dhaka dominated Kuala Lumpur in a sweep. The Green Dragons downed the Dobermans 4-1 in the Southeast Asia League Championship Series, becoming two time league champs.

However, Yangon would still have to wait for their first overall SAB ring. Bengaluru bounced the Green Dragons 4-1 to take the third South Asia Championship. 1B Arseni Logofet was an unlikely finals MVP. He was a 26-year old Russian who joined the Blazers in 1980 after washing out of Eurasian Professional Baseball and had been primarily a backup. He made 14 playoff starts though and picked up 16 hits, 6 runs, 5 home runs, and 12 RBI.

Other notes: Kuala Lumpur’s Raul Abeyta pitched 21 complete games, which still stands as the SAB season record as of 2037. Hanoi’s Kelsey Vo struck out 19 against Johor Bahru, setting the record thus far in SAB.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-14-2023, 04:25 AM

1982 in WAB

Defending Western League champ Abidjan had the top record in the WL for the fifth time and earned their eighth playoff berth in West Africa Baseball’s first eight seasons. The Athletes dropped from their 112 win seasons in the prior two years, but still had the top spot firmly at 103-59. Kumasi and Monrovia again were the wild cards with the Monkeys getting their fifth straight playoff berth and the Diplomats their fourth. Kumasi finished second at 96-66, while Monrovia was 90-72. The Diplomats narrowly took the final playoff spot with Nouakchott one game behind and Bamako five back.

Western League MVP was third year Kumasi RF Austin Massaquoi. The 23-year old Sierra Leonean had 7.2 WAR, a .291/.390/.536 slash, 36 home runs, and 101 RBI. Pitcher of the Year went to Abidjan’s Albert Kamara for the second time in three years. The 25-year old righty also from Sierra Leone was the leader in wins (24-8), ERA (2.09), WHIP (0.81), K/BB (11.4), quality starts (28), FIP- (65), and WAR (8.5). He pitched 267 innings and was second in strikeouts at 320.

In the wild card round, Monrovia upset Kumasi in three games, sending the Diplomats to the Western League Championship Series for the third time in four years. Abidjan would defeat Monrovia 3-1 to give the Athletes back-to-back WL titles. They’ve also won four of the first eight WLCS.

Benin City earned a third straight playoff berth and their fifth overall, but 1982 saw their first time atop the Eastern League standings. The Blue Devils were 98-64, allowing the fewest runs in the EL at 570. 1980 champ Port Harcourt, who dropped to below .500 in 1981, earned the second place spot at 94-68. Ouagadougou finished third at 91-71 in an impressive turnaround for a franchise that had been cartoonishly bad and hadn’t won more than 69 games in a season prior. Lagos, who had won the EL four of the last five seasons, missed the playoffs for the first time at 80-82. With the Lizards’ down year, Abidjan is the only WAB team left to have made the playoffs in each season.

Helping Ouagadougou’s turnaround was second year LF Oparaku Stone, who won Eastern League MVP and became WAB’s first Triple Crown winning batter. The 24-year old Nigerian had a .330/.389/.688 slash with 59 home runs, 147 RBI, 123 runs, 426 total bases, a 1.077 OPS, 197 wRC+, and 9.5 WAR. Stone had a strange career as he’d post 21.9 WAR in his first three seasons, then only 8.1 total for the next decade. Pitcher of the Year was Port Harcourt’s Marcus Nyathi, winning it for the third time in his career. It was a great comeback season for the 30-year old Motswana after a torn UCL ended his 1981 after two starts. In his return, Nyathi was the ERA leader at 2.78 and leader in WHIP (0.98) and FIP- (64). He added 7.3 WAR, 230 innings, 279 strikeouts, and a 17-4 record.

Port Harcourt swept Ouagadougou in the wild card round. In the Eastern League Championship Series, the Hillcats would upset Benin City 3-2, giving Port Harcourt its second title in three years. PH couldn’t hang with Abidjan though in the eighth West African Championship. The Athletes took the finale 4-1 to take their first overall ring after failing in their three prior finals appearances. SS Amin Elamin was the finals MVP with the 35-year old Sudanese righty had six hits, four runs, and one home run in nine playoff starts.

Other notes: Kumasi’s ninth Perfect Game was thrown by Kumasi’s Issaka Camara on April 8 with 11 strikeouts against Freetown. Power Bonou became the first pitcher to 2500 career strikeouts. LF Arafat Soumah won his seventh Gold Glove.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-14-2023, 06:15 PM

1982 in CLB

Qingdao finished first in the Chinese Northern League in 1982 to earn their first-ever playoff berth. The Devils finished at 100-62 and had the most runs scored in the NL at 615. Nanjing at 95-67 took the second place spot, snapping an eight-year playoff drought. Defending Chinese League Baseball champion Harbin fell short of the Nuggets by one game at 94-68. There was a nine game drop to fourth place Jinan and Tianjin. With Qingdao’s playoff berth, that leaves Shenyang as the only CLB team without at least one playoff appearance through CLB’s first 13 seasons.

Northern League MVP went to Jinan 2B Charlie Zhang. The 27-year old lefty was the WARlord at 11.7 and led with 93 runs scored, adding 37 home runs and a 192 wRC+. Xi’an’s Guodong Lin won his third straight Pitcher of the Year, leading in strikeouts (331), WHIP (0.78), quality starts (30), and innings (287). Lin had a 1.91 ERA, 17-11 record, and 7.0 WAR.

Chengdu took their second playoff berth in three years and for the first time had the top mark in the Southern League, finishing 101-61. After just missing the postseason field the last three years, Hong Kong took the second place at 95-67. The Champions were four games ahead of Foshan and Wuhan to earn the slot. Last year’s CLB runner-up Xiamen dropped to sixth at 83-79.

Chengdu RF Haojian Yu won the Southern League MVP. The 27-year old righty was the leader in WAR (9.7), slugging (.562), OPS (.928), wRC+ (217), total bases (314), runs (86), and RBI (104). Yu added 35 home runs and a .297 average. Shenzhen’s Xinyu Dai secured Pitcher of the Year, falling four strikeouts short of a Triple Crown season. The 26-year old ace had a 19-12 record, 1.32 ERA, and 318 strikeouts in 260 innings. Dai was the league leader in WHIP (0.74), complete games (18), FIP- (51), and WAR (9.5).

The semifinals had upsets as both second place teams knocked out their first place counterpart from the other league. Hong Kong handled Qingdao 4-1, while Nanjing edged Chengdu in a seven game thriller. Both teams earned their second China Series appearance with the Champions being the 1978 runner-up and the Nuggets the inaugural runner-up in 1970.

The 13^th China Series was won 4-2 by Hong Kong, led by Mongolian LF Dolgoon Bolorsukh. The 39-year old was unsigned in 1981, then started 1982 with Xiamen before being traded to the Champions. Bolorsukh was the postseason hero, also winning semifinal MVP with 14 hits, 9 runs, 8 home runs, and 12 RBI in 11 playoff games. It was a remarkable way to close the veteran’s career. No CLB player would have 8 HRs in a playoff run again until 2003.

Other notes: Bolorsukh and Xinze Yan became the first CLB batters to 1000 career RBI. Yan also became the first to 1000 runs scored. Zhijian Dong was the first pitcher to 200 career wins. Zhiyuan Lai became the second to 3000 strikeouts. 1B Shenchao An won his record 12^th Gold Glove. Two-way player Nick Wei won his 10^th Silver Slugger as a pitcher.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 11-15-2023, 04:44 AM

1982 in APB

Taoyuan had an impressive bounce back season to take the Taiwan League title in 1982. After a surprisingly bad 70-92 mark the prior year, the Tsunami took the top spot at 94-68. Defending Austronesian champion Taichung was close behind, but fell short by two games at 92-70. The top record in the Taiwan-Philippine Association would go to Quezon with a 104-58 mark atop the Philippine League. Entering the season, the Zombies were the only TPA team that hadn’t made the playoffs at least once in the prior 17 seasons of Austronesia Professional Baseball. Defending PL champ Zamboanga was a distant second at 87-75.

Leading Quezon’s efforts was TPA MVP Indra Gunalan. A third-year first baseman from Jakarta, Gunalan was the leader in WAR (8.2), RBI (105), total bases (357), slugging (.617), OPS (.963), wRC+ (199), and WAR (8.2). He added a .313 average and 39 home runs. Pitcher of the Year was Zamboanga’s Dave Hermillo. A 27-year old Filipino righty nicknamed “Shoebox,” Hermillo led in WAR (10.7), wins (22-11), ERA (1.44), and innings (299.1). He added 339 strikeouts and 20 complete games with eight shutouts. Also of note, Taoyuan’s Ting-Wei Ping won his fourth Reliever of the Year, posting an impressive 0.88 ERA and 40 saves over 81.2 innings with 154 strikeouts.

The only Sundaland Association team entering the season without a single playoff berth was Singapore. The Sharks reversed their fortunes and took a competitive Malacca League at 92-70. They ended off Batam at 87-75, Pekanbaru at 86-76, and defending Association champ Medan at 84-78. In the Java League, Jakarta took first at 86-76, seven games ahead of Surabaya. For the Jaguars, this ended an 11-year playoff drought dating back to their 1968-70 dynasty. Last year’s Java League winner Bandung finished third at 76-86.

Although they missed the playoffs, Pekanbaru’s Ahmad Syahmi Rusli came away with both Sundaland Association MVP and Pitcher of the Year. He had an incredible 0.89 ERA, which set a single-season APB record for qualifying pitchers and was the second lowest ever in any pro league behind CLB’s Zhiyuan Lai’s 0.70 in 1975. Rusli’s mark would remain the APB record until 2014. The 25-year old Singaporean nicknamed “Oz,” also led in strikeouts (363), WAR (13.1), and had a bonkers FIP- of 7. Rusli had a 15-7 record over 222.1 innings. Sadly, injuries would derail his career and he’d never again throw 200+ innings in a season.

Taoyuan downed Quezon 4-1 in the Taiwan-Philippine Association Championship, giving the Tsunami their third TPA title (1971, 1978). Jakarta would cruise to a sweep over Singapore in the Sundaland Association final, making the Jaguars a four-time champion (1968-70). In the 18^th Austronesia Championship, Taoyuan toppled Jakarta in five games to earn their second APB ring (1978). Finals MVP went to CF Ying-Chieh Tsai, who would go onto win 15 Gold Gloves in his career. In the 1982 playoffs, Tsai made 10 starts with 9 hits, 5 runs, 2 home runs, 2 triples, and 6 RBI.

Other notes: Batam’s Ed Arua had the ninth APB Perfect Game on September 4 against Surabaya. Arua’s was especially notable as the game went extras, striking out 14 batters over 10 innings. Romeo Arguello became the sixth APB batter to 2000 career hits. Po-Yu Shao became the third to 1000 runs scored and Chun-Chia Lan became the seventh to 1000 RBI. Lee Tira became the first reliever to 300 career saves. 1B Kent Wang won his 13^th Gold Glove. CF DJ Licerio won his ninth Silver Slugger.

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