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

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-26-2024, 05:45 PM

1991 in SAB

The Indian League’s 1991 division champs were the same three teams from the prior year. Defending South Asia Baseball champ Ahmedabad had the top overall record in the IL for the fourth straight year (111-51) and extended their postseason streak to seven seasons. This earned the Animals the West Division for the sixth time in that streak. Kanpur (104-58) claimed the Central Division for the fourth time in five years and Visakhapatnam (87-75) won the South Division for the third consecutive season. In the wild card race, 91-71 Delhi edged out Surat by two games, ending the Silver Sox’s wild card streak at three seasons. For the Drillers, this was their first-ever playoff berth, leaving Mumbai as the only SAB team without at least one playoff berth in SAB’s first 12 seasons.

Ahmedabad LF K.C. Choudhury won Indian League MVP for the second time. The 31-year old was the WARlord (12.5) and a Gold Glove winner while also leading in runs (125), walks (122), OBP (.428), OPS (1.068), and wRC+ (240). Choudhry added 81 stolen bases, 45 home runs, and 114 RBI. Delhi’s Sai Sameer won Pitcher of the Year. Nicknamed “Dawg,” the 26-year old righty had a league-best 14 complete games along with 9.2 WAR over 252.1 innings, 292 strikeouts, a 1.879 ERA, and 17-7 record.

Both first round playoff series were classics that needed all five games. Ahmedabad survived a fierce challenge in Delhi’s postseason debut, while Visakhapatnam upset Kanpur on the road. The Animals would cruise to a sweep over the Volts in the Indian League Championship Series to continue their dynasty. For Ahmedabad, that makes three straight IL pennants and five in six years.

The Southeast Asia League looked similar in the South Division in 1991, but different in the North. Defending SEAL champ Ho Chi Minh City was first again at 106-56, earning a third consecutive division title and an eighth playoff berth in nine years. There was a huge 20 game gap to second place, but Johor Bahru (86-76) and Phnon Penh (85-77) both continued their wild card streaks. It was the fourth consecutive one for the Pandas and the third for the Blue Wings. Vientiane at 83-79 was just outside at the end, as was three-time defending North Division Hanoi at 82-80. Dhaka ran away with the North at 107-55, setting a franchise record with an impressive turnaround after five straight losing seasons for the Dobermans. This earned Dhaka the top seed entering the playoffs.

Yangon was a non-factor at 70-92, but 2B Abdul Deepkaran still pulled off SEAL MVP honors. The 26-year old Indian won the batting title (.344) and led in hits (206). Deepkaran added 89 runs, 27 home runs, and 9.1 WAR. Pitcher of the Year was Dhaka rookie Ton Loi Hoang. He had debuted the prior year in spring training, but missed all of 1990 with a torn flexor tendon. The 24-year old Vietnamese righty returned from the injury with the league lead in wins at 20-9 and quality starts with 27. Hoang added 8.0 WAR over 238 innings with 308 strikeouts and a 2.16 ERA.

Both division champs won in the first round, but both were taken to the brink and needed all five games. Ho Chi Minh City survived Johor Bahru and Dhaka outlasted Phnon Penh. This gave the Hedgehogs their fifth consecutive appearance in the Southeast Asia League Championship Series with a shot at a three-peat. It was the fifth appearance for the Dobermans, but their first since making four straight from 1981-84. The series was a seven game classic with Dhaka winning over HCMC, giving the Dobermans their third pennant.

Despite Dhaka’s great roster, they also found themselves unable to handle the buzzsaw that is Ahmedabad. In the 12^th South Asian Championship, the Animals beat the Dobermans 4-1 for their third consecutive SAB title and their fifth in six years. At this point in history, Ahmedabad is one of only two franchises in any world league to win five overall titles in six years along with Mexico City, who had a five-peat in CABA from 1969-73. Finals MVP was pitcher Shola Ibeh, a 31-year old Nigerian who came to India after nine seasons in West African Baseball. He was 3-0 over 5 playoff starts and 37.1 innings with 38 strikeouts, four walks, and 1.4 WAR.

Other notes: VJ Williams became the first SAB player to 1000 runs scored and the second to 400 home runs. He also won his ninth Silver Slugger split between 1B and 2B. So far, nine is the most Sluggers for any player in SAB’s first 12 seasons.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-27-2024, 04:57 AM

1991 in WAB

Kumasi’s postseason streak continued to 14 seasons in 1991, the second longest streak in any world league behind only EBF’s Zurich (who got to 19 in 1991). For only the third time in that streak, the Monkeys (95-67) had the top record in the Western League. Their pitching staff had 1875 strikeouts as a team, which held until 2020 as the WL record. Second place went to 89-73 Monrovia, ending their stretch of eight straight losing seasons and an equally long playoff drought. Dakar narrowly took the third place spot and final playoff slot at 87-75, getting back-to-back berths. Defending WAB champ Conakry was stuck in a glut for fourth as they, Abidjan, and Freetown were each 84-78.

Coyotes LF Abel Alemu won Western League MVP as the 30-year old Ethiopian won the batting title at .353 and led in OBP at .384 and wRC+ at 185. He had 7.6 WAR, 211 hits, 99 runs, and 28 home runs. Dakar’s Ousseynou Darboe won back-to-back Pitcher of the Year, again leading in both ERA (1.68) and strikeouts (354). The ERA mark was the fourth lowest in WAB history to date. Darboe had 9.1 WAR and a 14-7 record over 247 innings with 27 quality starts and a 0.81 WHIP. Also of note was Monrovia closer Saidou Bolly, who won Reliever of the Year and set the WAB single season record of 51 saves. This passed the previous top mark of 50 and remains the standard as of 2037.

Dakar upset Monrovia 2-1 on the road in the wild card round, sending the Dukes to their third Western League Championship Series in four years. Despite their playoff streak, this was Kumasi’s eighth WLCS and they had gone 3-4 previously. The series went all five games with the Monkeys prevailing over Dakar for their fourth pennant (1979, 85, 87, 91).

Two-time defending Eastern League champ Port Harcourt had won their pennants as a wild card. In 1991, the Hillcats finished first in the standings for the first time since 1980, going 106-56. They were five ahead of 101-61 Lagos, who bounced back after narrowly missing the field last year. The Lizards have been to the playoffs 13 times in WAB’s first 17 seasons. Ibadan got third at 90-72 for back-to-back wild card berths, finishing three ahead of Benin City and six better than Cotonou for the last spot. Lome, who won 100+ and took first in the prior two seasons, dropped to a sixth place 80-82.

Lagos ace Paul Akpan won both Eastern League Pitcher of the Year and MVP. He’s the third WAB pitcher to win an MVP and the second pure pitcher, as last year’s MVP Rudy Bambara was a two-way guy. Akpan posted WAB’s fourth pitching Triple Crown and became the second to do it along with Kouadio Diao’s three Triple Crowns from 1977-81. The 26-year old Nigerian lefty had a 23-8 record, 1.64 ERA, and 346 strikeouts over 258.2 innings. Akpan also led in WHIP (0.73), complete games (14), shutouts (8), and WAR (7.8). His ERA was the third lowest single season in WAB to that point with Albert Kamara having the best mark of 1.49.

The wild card round had Lagos hang on at home 2-1 over Ibadan, giving the Lizards their 11^th appearance in the Eastern League Championship Series. Two-time defending EL champ Port Harcourt was actually the top seed this time, but it did them no good. Lagos swept the Hillcats for their eighth EL pennant (1977, 78, 79, 81, 83, 85, 88, 91).

Both Lagos and Kumasi had been to the West African Championship multiple times, but with very different results. Entering the 17^th finale, the Lizards had a 6-1 record in the championship, while the Monkeys had gone 0-3. The trends continued with Lagos taking the 1991 title in six games. Pitcher Messan Atte was finals MVP as the Togolese 28-year old went 4-0 in four playoff starts with a 0.90 ERA over 30 innings and 40 strikeouts. This marked the end of Kumasi’s 14-year playoff streak and while impressive, there forever remains a tinge of disappointment that they could never win it all. As of 2037, Lagos is one of two WAB to have won the championship 7+ times, only joined by Kano after the Condors’ late 1990s/early 2000s dynasty.

Other notes: Addise Assefa became the third pitcher to reach 200 wins. Catcher Guy Kamga won his eighth straight Gold Glove.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-27-2024, 12:45 PM

1991 in CLB

Dalian finished atop the Northern League standings for the third consecutive season. CLB runner-up last year and champ in 1989, the Gold Dragons finished at 93-69 atop the NL. Although they didn’t blow away the field, Dalian had the most runs scored (558) and fewest allowed (418) in the NL. At 89-73, Beijing took second to earn a semifinal berth for the first time since their mid 1980s dynasty. Five games back was Nanjing with three teams at six back. Hangzhou, the Chinese League Baseball champ last year, plummeted to an 11^th place 73-89.

Winning Northern League MVP was Dalian’s Liang Shang Guan. Nicknamed “Nightmare,” the 24-year old second baseman led the league in runs (93), hits (207), doubles (40), triples (27), total bases (325), triple slash (.359/.409/.564), OPS (.973), wRC+ (225), and WAR (12.5). Shanghai’s Zengxiang Zhang won his second Pitcher of the Year in three years. For the fifth time, he was the ERA leader, this time at 1.44. Zhang led in WHIP (0.67), K/BB (36.2), FIP- (51), and WAR (8.9). He had a 15-8 record over 249.1 innings with 326 strikeouts and only 9 walks. Zhang’s BB/9 of 0.32 is still CLB’s single-season best as of 2037.

The Southern League standings were top-heavy with three teams winning 100+ games. Wuhan and Shenzhen both finished at 105-57 with the tiebreaker giving the #1 spot to the Wolverines. This was an impressive turnaround for Wuhan, who won only 68 games the prior year and hadn’t earned a playoff spot since 1976. For the Spartans, this gave them their fourth consecutive playoff berth. Macau was third at 102-60, ending their playoff streak at three seasons. Xiamen was a distant fourth at 93-69, but notably had their own impressive rebound after taking last in 1990 at 62-100.

Shenzhen had the Southern League’s MVP and Pitcher of the Year. For the second time in three years, MVP was Chenchao Pan. The 28-year old shortstop had a league and career best 12.4 WAR while also leading with 101 runs, 23 triples, 327 total bases, .567 slugging, .915 OPS, and 213 wRC+. Pan also had a .291 average and 33 home runs, both high numbers in the low offense atmosphere of CLB. Pan would play one more year with the Spartans before leaving for MLB in 1993. Fourth-year righty Yiping Chen was Pitcher of the Year with an 18-9 record, 1.70 ERA, and 347 strikeouts over 243 innings for 9.4 WAR.

Although the Southern League’s teams had better win-loss records, both Northern League teams won the playoff semifinal matchups for the second consecutive season. Dalian topped Shenzhen 4-2 to give the Gold Dragons a third straight finals berth, while Beijing bested Wuhan in six. The Bears grabbed their sixth finals appearance and first since the 1984-87 dynasty run.

In the 22^nd China Series, Dalian defeated Beijing 4-2 to give the Gold Dragons two titles in three years. It is their third ring overall, having also won the 1975 crown. League MVP Liang Shang Guan was China Series MVP for the second time in his career. Over 12 playoff games, he had 14 hits, 7 runs, 1 double, 2 triples, 2 RBI, 8 walks, and 7 stolen bases.

Other notes: Mingqi Dai became the seventh CLB hitter to 1000 career RBI. Baoxian He became the ninth pitcher to 3000 strikeouts. Wei Qin earned two Silver Sluggers in 1991; one as a pitcher and the other at first base. He now has seven total in his career.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-27-2024, 04:16 PM

1991 in APB

Both Taipei and Cebu were again atop their leagues within the Taiwan-Philippine Association. The Tigercats had the top overall record at 97-65 and were the only Taiwan League team above .500. This gave Taipei a fourth successive TL title. The defending TPA champ Crows won the Philippine League for the third time in four years. Cebu was 94-68, fending off solid efforts from two 90-72 squads in Davao and Zamboanga.

For the third time, Taipei 1B Eli Cheng won TPA MVP. The 29-year old lefty led the association in runs (97), home runs (52), RBI (102), and total bases (317). He added a 184 wRC+ and 6.4 WAR. This would be Cheng’s final season with the Tigercats, leaving for MLB and Las Vegas in the offseason on a seven-year, $16,960,000 deal. For the fourth time in five years, Cebu’s Alex Clavijo was Pitcher of the Year. The 27-year old lefty was one win short of back-to-back Triple Crowns with a 20-11 record, 409 strikeouts, and 1.61 WAR. Clavijo had 11.5 WAR over 279.2 innings with a 0.72 WHIP, 13.2 K/BB, and 46 FIP-.

Surabaya had the Sundaland Association’s best record at 96-66, giving the Sunbirds their first Java League title since winning the 1979 Austronesia Championship. Surabaya unseated defending APB champ Semarang for first, topping the 92-70 Sliders by four games. In the Malacca League, Batam grabbed repeat titles. At 89-73, the Blue Raiders were the only team of five above .500 in the ML.

Leading Surabaya’s success was Sundaland Association MVP Gede Mamuaya. The third-year third baseman led in WAR (10.8) and walks (69), adding 45 home runs, 100 RBI, a .927 OPS and 220 wRC+. Carson Lim won his second Pitcher of the Year, having previously won the 1985 award with Quezon. After a decade with the Zombies, Lim was traded to Semarang and led in wins (22-8), complete games (24), and shutouts. The 32-year old righty added a 1.60 ERA over 270.1 innings with 251 strikeouts and 5.8 WAR. Lim left for Zamboanga for his final four seasons, but struggled with injuries.

In a Taiwan-Philippine Association Championship rematch, Cebu was again victorious over Taipei. The Crows did it in seven games this time, earning their third pennant (1980, 90, 91). In the Sundaland Association Championship, Batam bested Surabaya 4-2. It was the third pennant for the Blue Raiders, who also got wins over the Sunbirds for their 1972 and 1973 titles.

Ahead of the 27^th Austronesia Championship, both teams were looking for their second-ever overall ring. Batam’s lone title came in 1972, while Cebu claimed the 1980 crown. After taking runner-up the prior season, it was the Crows claiming the 1991 throne in a seven game classic over the Blue Raiders. 3B Yi-Cheng Sun was finals MVP, posting 13 hits, 7 runs, 3 doubles, 1 home run, and 8 RBI over 14 playoff starts.

Other notes: Vhon Lasam became the first APB pitcher to reach 5000 strikeouts. He’d pitch one more season and finish with 5365, remaining APB’s strikeout king until passed in the early 2010s by Dedi Dewi. Lasam is still #2 as of 2037. Dave Hermillo became the second to reach 4500 Ks and became the first to 250 wins. Hermillo also had one more season and ended with 269 wins, although he’d lose the top spot by the end of the decade. He still sits fourth best as of 2037. Kuo-Long Tsai became the fifth to reach 200 wins. Stallion Ricciardi was the sixth closer to reach 300 saves.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-28-2024, 04:39 AM

1991 in OBA

Entering the 1991 season, Brisbane and Sydney were the two Australasia League teams without a single pennant over the first 32 years of the Oceania Baseball Association. The Black Bears finally came out on top, taking the first place spot at 99-63. Melbourne was second at 94-68, while two-time defending champ Gold Coast was a distant third at 86-76.
For the Snakes, they wouldn’t finally finish atop the AL until 2018.

Sydney was tied for the bottom spot at 66-96 with Auckland, but they had the Australasia League MVP Graham Chapman. It was the second MVP for the 30-year old OF, who led in 1991 in runs (91), home runs (50), walks (97), OBP (.411), OPS (1.037), wRC+ (198), and WAR (8.7). Meanwhile, Brisbane’s Danny Mallett won Pitcher of the Year in a breakout season. The 29-year old New Caledonian had a 21-12 record, 2.40 ERA, and 333 strikeouts over 304 innings with 6.3 WAR. This would be really the one standout year in an otherwise unspectacular career.

For only the third time since 1981 in the Pacific League, Honolulu wasn’t the champion. Guam came out on top at 103-59 for their first PL pennant since 1980. The Honu’s four-peat hopes were dashed despite still being a very solid 98-64. Fiji was a very distant third at 85-77. The Freedom are the lone Pacific League team without a single pennant thus far.

Leading the Golden Eagles to their title was veteran LF Adrian Delgado. Nicknamed “Skeet,” the 31-year old Cuban was in his fourth season in Guam after beginning his career for CABA’s Costa Rica Rays. Delgado led the PL In runs (98), doubles (37), average (.333), and WAR (7.9). Pitcher of the Year was fifth-year Honolulu righty Junior Fernandez. The Filipino ace led the league in wins at 22-11 as well as innings (314.1), strikeouts (352), K/BB (8.2), shutouts (7), FIP- (71) and WAR (8.6). He added a 2.46 ERA and 0.89 WHIP.

In the 32^nd Oceania Championship, Brisbane beat Guam 4-2 to become first-time champs. Finals MVP was 3B Joel Toss, a hometown hero in his eighth season with the Black Bears. He went 8-22 with three runs, 1 double, 1 home run, and 4 RBI. With the win, the only OBA teams without at least one overall title are the two teams without a finals berth at all; Sydney and Fiji.

Other notes: Christchurch’s Rex Nixon had a 31-game hit streak, setting a new OBA record. Despite the relative lowness, he’d hold the longest OBA streak until 2004. Durant Lindly became the fourth pitcher to 5000 strikeouts and the third to 250 wins. Lindly pitched one more season and finished second in the Ks leaderboard at 5220 and third in wins at 272. Neville Ryan became the third batter to 500 home runs. SS Theo Evans won his eighth Gold Glove.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-28-2024, 11:33 AM

1991 in EPB

Minsk, the European League champion in the prior three seasons with two EPB titles in that stretch, posted the EL’s best record in 1991. The Miners tied with Warsaw at 100-62 atop the North Division standings, but Minsk won the tiebreaker gave over the Wildcats. This gave the Miners an 11^th consecutive playoff berth with nine division titles in that stretch. Warsaw extended their playoff streak to four years. St. Petersburg was third in the division at 92-70, but this kept them a few games short of the second wild card. The South Division also had a tie for the top spot with both Kyiv and Bucharest at 97-65. The Kings won the tiebreaker game to return to the postseason. Since 1978, Kyiv has 12 postseason berths and six division titles. For the Broncos, they now have nine playoff berths in 11 years.

St. Petersburg LF Daniil Huseinov picked up European League MVP in his second full season. The 23-year old Belarusian lefty led the league in runs (95), home runs (52), RBI (121), total bases (348), slugging (.616), OPS (.954), wRC+ (220), and WAR (10.1). Pitcher of the Year was Minsk’s Jaylan Harrell, getting his second honor after also winning way back in 1983. The 34-year old American led in WHIP (0.77) and posted a 14-9 record over 285.1 innings with a 1.80 ERA, 365 strikeouts, and 9.0 WAR. Harrell also had a 14 strikeout, one walk no-hitter against Warsaw in the division tiebreaker game on September 26.

Both first round playoff series went all five games with the division champs surviving against the wild card teams. Minsk edged Bucharest 3-2 and Kyiv topped Warsaw 3-2, setting up yet another European League Championship Series matchup between the Miners and Kings. It was their ninth ELCS encounter with Minsk going for their 12^th pennant and Kyiv trying for their 11^th. The Miners prevailed 4-2 over the Kings for a Minsk four-peat as EL champs. They’re the first team in EPB history to win their league’s title in four successive seasons. Kyiv still leads 5-4 over Minsk in the ELCS in what would ultimately be their final encounter for the pennant.

The Asian League’s best record and the top mark in Eurasian Professional Baseball was Novosibirsk at 102-60. This won the North Division for the Nitros for the third time in four years. Both Chelyabinsk (98-64) and Irkutsk (93-69) were wild cards for back-to-back seasons. Yekaterinburg, the division champ the prior year, fell short of the second wild card by two games. In the South Division, Almaty (96-66) ended a four year playoff drought. Defending AL champ Bishkek was 90-72, six games short of the division title and three shy of the wild card. This ended the Black Sox playoff streak at five seasons.

Asian League MVP was a repeat winner to Chelyabinsk’s Nikolay Denisov. The 26-year old Russian led in hits (227), runs (113), doubles (45), triples (39), total bases (374), stolen bases (85), average (.359), and WAR (10.7). The 39 triples was a new EPB single-season record and remains the top mark as of 2037. The 227 hits were second most in a season to date behind his own 231 from the prior year. Pitcher of the Year was Irkutsk’s Levka Khagba. The 25-year old nicknamed “Baby Bull” led in ERA (1.69) and quality starts (31). Khagba also had a 19-7 record over 277.2 innings with 266 strikeouts and 6.8 WAR.

In the first round of the playoffs, Novosibirsk survived 3-2 over Irkutsk, sending the Nitros to the Asian League Championship Series for the second time in four years. Wild card Chelyabinsk stunned Almaty with a road sweep, giving the Cadets their first ALCS berth since winning it all in 1978. Chelyabinsk would upset Novosibirsk 4-2 in the ALCS for the Cadets’ third-ever pennant, as they also won back in 1962.

The 1991 Eurasian Professional Baseball Championship was the 37^th final, although it was the first without the Soviet Series name due to the fall of the USSR. Minsk and Chelyabinsk had met once before with the Miners sweeping the Cadets in 1962. This one went all seven games, but the final result was the same. Minsk earned repeat rings and became the first EPB team to win three championships in four years. The Miners have eight titles to their name (1956, 62, 66, 69, 85, 88, 90, 91) which passes Kyiv for the most of any EPB team. A big playoff performer was American Ron Dunn, who defected in 1989 after an unremarkable MLB run. The journeyman was ELCS MVP and in 17 playoff starts had 23 hits, 7 runs, 4 doubles, 4 home runs, and 11 RBI.

Other notes: Ismo Kantelus became the 17^th batter to reach 2500 career hits.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-28-2024, 03:57 PM

1991 in EBF

Before the 1991 season, the European Baseball Federation followed the general trend of the other leagues in the Global Baseball Alliance by extending the years of service required for free agency. EBF had been at six years, which was the second lowest behind CABA’s five years. They expanded the limit to seven years, which still wasn’t the most restrictive with a number of leagues up at eight years.

Both Birmingham and Brussels finished 100-62 in 1991, but the #1 seed in the Northern Conference went to the Bees. Birmingham won the British Isles Division after missing the postseason in the prior two years. The Beavers earned back-to-back playoff spots, but it was their first Northwest Division title since 1978. Divisional power Rotterdam was 95-67, taking the wild card by eight games over Amsterdam and Belfast. The Ravens secured a sixth playoff appearance in the last seven years. The North Central Division had Berlin back on top after missing the field the prior year. At 95-67, the Barons picked up their fifth division title in six years. Hamburg, the conference champ last year, limped to a lackluster 75-87.

Birmingham had the top awards with Sean Houston earning his record seventh Northern Conference MVP. It was the final MVP for the 32-year old Scottish right fielder, although he had another six seasons left in his run. Houston led in home runs (58), RBI (148), total bases (417), slugging (.700), and OPS (1.091) while posting 8.0 WAR. It was Houston’s seventh time as the NC home run leader and he crossed both 500 career homers and 2000 hits this season. Teammate Lindsey Brampton won his first of what would be many Pitcher of the Year awards. The 23-year old London native led in ERA (1.78), strikeouts (436), and WHIP (0.87). Brampton added a 19-7 record and 12 saves over 248.1 innings with 9.3 WAR.

In the first round of the playoffs, Birmingham survived in five games against Rotterdam while Brussels bested Berlin 3-1. This was the Bees’ first Northern Conference Championship berth since 1985 and the first for the Beavers since their 1978 title. Birmingham prevailed 4-2 in the final against Brussels to claim only their second-ever NC pennant (1974).

The race for the #1 seed in the Southern Conference was intense between Munich and Lisbon. The Mavericks took it at 108-54, earning an impressive ninth successive Southeast Division title. The Clippers won their second Southwest Division title in three years with their 106-56 mark. Defending European Champion Madrid, the division winner last year, was 87-75. This put them seven games shy of the wild card. In the South Central Division, Munich’s record division title and postseason streak increased to a remarkable 19 seasons. The Mountaineers were 100-62, finishing six ahead of 94-68 Rome. That mark was enough for the Red Wolves to end a 22-year playoff drought dating back to their 1968 EBF title season. The only EBF teams that had a longer active drought were Belfast (1961) and Malta (zero playoff appearances).

Southern Conference MVP was Munich RF Udo Gottschall. The 26-year old German righty won his third Gold Glove and led in stolen bases (122) and batting average (.361). He was only the sixth player in EBF to that point to steal 120+ bases in a season. Gottschall also had 211 hits, 107 runs, 19 home runs, 123 RBI, and 10.2 WAR. Rome’s Tommaso Notti was the Pitcher of the Year in his first full season in the rotation. The 22-year old Italian was their 14^th overall pick in the 1988 EBF Draft and had mostly been used in the bullpen for his first two seasons. Notti broke out to lead in WAR at 8.5 over 281.1 innings with 280 strikeouts, a 22-11 record and 3.20 ERA.

Munich would sweep Rome in the first round while Lisbon ousted Zurich 3-1. This gave the Mavericks their fourth consecutive Southern Conference Championship appearance and set up a rematch of 1989 with the Clippers. Munich had won in 1988, but lost in both 89 and 90. The Mavericks got back to the winner’s circle in 1991, topping Lisbon 4-2. It is the fifth conference pennant for Munich, who also won in 1951, 52, and 1971.

In the 42^nd European Championship, Birmingham won its first-ever overall title with the Bees beating Munich 4-1. NC MVP Sean Houston was also the finals MVP, posting 29 hits, 19 runs, 5 doubles, 9 home runs, and 23 RBI over 16 playoff starts. This set EBF playoff records for HR, RBI and total bases (67). The latter two marks are still all-time bests as of 2037. Led by Houston and Lindsey Brampton’s strikeout prowess, this began an impressive streak of 1990s dominance for Birmingham. It was only the third time an English team was the champ with London’s 1973 and 1953 wins.

Other notes: Lisbon’s Alvin Ospina had a 41-game hitting streak in the late summer, tying the second-longest mark in EBF history. It was still eight away from Rudjer Bosnjak’s all-time mark of 49 in 1960. Jacob Ronnberg became the seventh batter to 600 career home runs. Ronnberg also won his record 13^th Silver Slugger at RF, passing Gabriel Staudt for the most at any position. The adjacent RF Silver Slugger winner was Sean Houston, getting his 10^th. 1B Oliver Michaelsen won his ninth Gold Glove, a record for the position.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-29-2024, 04:08 AM

1991 in BSA

Defending Bolivar League champion Lima was the only team from last year’s BL playoff field to make it back in 1991. The Lobos finished 97-65 for the league’s best record and the Peru-Bolivia Division title. Lima earned a fourth consecutive playoff berth with the result and their third division win in that stretch. Last year’s division winner La Paz was a distant second along with Callao at 85-77. Ciudad Gauyana won the Venezuela Division and Guayaquil won the Colombia-Ecuador division with both teams at 93-69. This ended a ten year playoff drought for the Golds, while the Giants earned their fourth berth in five years. Both teams won their division by two games with Maracaibo and Bogota each finishing 91-71. They met in a tiebreaker game for the wild card which went to the Bats. Bogota returns to the playoffs after a two season layoff.

Valencia was middling, but they had the Bolivar League MVP in Hernando De La Rosa. The 30-year old Venezuelan right fielder led in hits (197), total bases (385), and WAR (8.4). De La Rosa also had 38 home runs, 118 RBI, and 1.008 OPS. Pitcher of Year was Lima’s Barbaro Cardoso, who had a career year that accounted for about 1/3 of his career WAR with 7.2. He led in wins (25-5) and ERA (2.34), while adding 294 strikeouts over 281.1 innings. Cardoso would suffer radial nerve decompression surgery the next season and was out of the game by 1994.

Both divisional series matchups were sweeps as Lima rolled Bogota and Ciudad Guayana ousted Guayaquil. For the Giants, this was their third Bolivar League Championship Series appearance in five years, while the Lobos were looking for back-to-back pennants. Lima would succeed in the BLCS 4-2 over Ciudad Guayana to win their fourth pennant (1935, 68, 90, 91).

The best record in Beisbol Sudamerica was in the Southern Cone League with Rosario at 100-62. The Robins earned their third Southeast Division title in five years. The second best record in the league was in the same division with Rio de Janeiro at 94-68. This secured the wild card for the Redbirds, their first playoff appearance since 1975. Defending Copa Sudamerica winner Sao Paulo was five back on the wild card at 89-73, ending their postseason streak at five seasons. Concepcion won the South Central Division at 92-70 for their fifth appearance in six years. Santiago fell three games short at 89-73. In the North Division, Belo Horizonte won a tight field at 91-71. The Hogs were one ahead of Brasilia and three better than Recife. BH won the North Division for the third time in four years.

Rosario’s Jairo Vicente was the Southern Cone League MVP for back-to-back seasons. The 30-year old Venezuelan lefty led in home runs (59), RBI (130), runs (111), total bases (399), slugging (.677), OPS (1.059), and wRC+ (217) while adding 9.6 WAR. This was Vicente’s final season in BSA, as he’d leave for MLB’s Hartford in the offseason on a six-year, $14,580,000 deal. Santiago’s Arnau Emilio won Pitcher of the Year. The hometown veteran hero led in wins at 22-9, WHIP (0.89), and quality starts (30). Emilio added 7.7 WAR over 280.2 innings with a 2.15 ERA.

Rio de Janeiro stunned their division rival Rosario 3-1 in the divisional round, giving the Redbirds their first Southern Cone Championship appearance in 16 years. Belo Horizonte would go on the road to best Concepcion 3-1 to earn a repeat finals appearance. The Hogs would edge Rio in a seven game classic for their fifth pennant. It was Belo Horizonte’s first LCS win since all the way back in 1952.

The Hogs also took their first Copa Sudamerica since 1952, as they beat Lima 4-1. Belo Horizonte is now 4-1 in their finals appearances win with rings from 1948, 1950, 1952, and now 1991. Rookie Leo Montemayor was the finals MVP, stepping up after making only one start and 18 appearances in the regular season. In 16 games and seven playoff starts, the Ecuadoran first baseman had 11 hits, 6 runs, 2 doubles, 4 home runs, and 5 RBI.

Other notes: Two perfect games happened in 1991, brining BSA’s total to 42. On July 20, Bogota’s Lukas Espinal fanned nine against Lima. On September 28, Guayaquil’s Genesio Luis struck out eight versus Cali. Wilfredo Casacubierta became the 14^th pitcher to 4500 strikeouts and the tenth pitcher to 250 wins. Emanuel Ajanel and Tobias Condori both joined the 500 home run club, bringing it to 26 members.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-29-2024, 12:44 PM

1991 in EAB

Defending Japan League champion Niigata set a franchise record at 106-56, posting 1991’s top overall mark in East Asia Baseball. The Green Dragons won the North Division by a 25 game margin and had 15 more wins than the next best team in the JL. That was 91-71 Yokohama, who had back-to-back Capital Division titles and their fourth in six years. The Yellow Jackets were 5.5 games ahead of Chiba. Kitakyushu claimed the West Division at 88-74 for repeat titles as well, besting Fukuoka by five games. The Central Division had Kobe first at 86-76, barely squeaking by Kyoto. The Blaze ended a six-year playoff drought, while Osaka had their six-year streak ended with a 75-87 finish.

Two-way star Makhmud Hakim of Niigata won Japan league MVP for back-to-back seasons and also won Pitcher of the Year for the first time. At the plate in 128 games, the 26-year old Chinese switch hitter had 25 home runs, 85 RBI, a .347/.401/.622 slash, 211 wRC+, and 7.0 WAR. In his first year as a full-time starting pitcher as well, he led in wins at 21-3 and posted a 2.35 ERA over 230 innings with 189 strikeouts and 6.4 WAR. The combined effort allowed him to beat Tsukasa Kato’s powerful effort in the MVP race. The 30-year old first baseman had signed with Kitakyushu after eight years with Hiroshima and smacked 66 home runs with 126 RBI and a 1.031 OPS. Kato led the JL in home runs for the sixth consecutive season.

Niigata defeated Kobe 3-1 in the first round to earn back-to-back Japan League Championship Series berths. Kitakyushu outlasted Yokohama 3-2, which set up a JLCS rematch. The Green Dragons prevailed again, becoming repeat champs by winning the series 4-2.

Defending East Asian Champion Seongnam improved their record to 105-59, a new franchise best. This won the North Division for the Spiders and gave them the top seed in the Korea League. Both wild cards were in the North with Goyang at 99-63 and Bucheon at 93-69. This gave the Bolts repeat playoff berths and was the second in four years for the Green Sox. Hamhung, the division winner four of the prior five years, fell to a middling 76-86. Gwangju was a repeat South Division champ at 101-61, finishing 17 games ahead of their closest competitor Jeonju.

Veteran Jun-Seong “Sonny” Noi had a remarkable career resurgence at age 37, winning Korea League MVP with Gwangju. It was Noi’s second MVP with the other being all the way back in 1980 with Changwon. Noi led in 1991 in hits (209), stolen bases (101), and average (.362), while adding 23 home runs, 107 RBI, and 8.2 WAR. Noi also joined the 3000 hit club this season as the 13th member. Incheon’s Ha-Ram Lee won his second Pitcher of the Year in three years and posted EAB’s 12th Triple Crown season for a pitcher. The 25-year old Lee had a 19-7 record, 1.83 ERA, and 342 strikeouts over 250.2 innings. He was also the league leader in WHIP (0.75), quality starts (27), FIP- (54), and WAR (9.6). Lee also had a no-hitter on September 10 with 16 strikeouts and one walk against Pyongyang.

Seongnam survived in a five game battle with Bucheon in the first round to earn repeat Korea League Championship Series berths. Goyang upset Gwangju on the road 3-1 for their second KLCS since 1988. The Green Sox shocked the Spiders by sweeping them in the KLCS for Goyang’s first-ever KL pennant. With the Green Sox pennant, that leaves Daejeon as the only original EAB team without a single league title over EAB’s 71 year history.

Goyang wouldn’t get their first East Asian Championship though, running into the Niigata buzzsaw. The Green Dragons swept the Green Sox to secure their first overall title, becoming the second expansion team to win the ring along with Jeonju. League MVP Makhmud Hakim was finals MVP with a 1.80 ERA on the mound over four playoff starts and 30 innings with 22 strikeouts. At the plate in 13 games, Hakim had 15 hits, 7 runs, 4 doubles, 3 home runs, and 6 RBI.

Other notes: Seung-Yu Moon and KL MVP Jun-Seong Noi both crossed 3000 career hits, making the club have 13 members. Sanetomo Hatta had a four home run game on June 25. Seizo Shinad became the 23rd EAB batter to 600 home runs. LF Yeo-Min Kwan won his 11th and final Gold Glove. 3B Sukejuro Sakamoto and CF Yuma Akasaka earned their seventh Silver Sluggers.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-29-2024, 06:22 PM

1991 in CABA

It was a three-team race for the Mexican League’s North Division in 1991. Defending CABA champion Monterrey narrowly took first at 97-65 for their fourth consecutive playoff berth. Torreon secured back-to-back wild cards at 96-66, one behind the Matadors but one ahead of Tijuana. The only team above .500 in the South Division was 90-72 Leon. This gave the Lions their first playoff spot in five years and was their first division title since 1979. Last year’s division winner and league runner-up Guadalajara fell to 76-86.

Tijuana’s Dion Juarez won Mexican League MVP with impressive power. In his second full season, the 25-year old Mexican right fielder led the ML in runs (124), home runs (62), RBI (132), total bases (420), slugging (.687), OPS (1.046), OPS (1.046), wRC+ (214), and WAR (10.1). Torreon’s Matias Flores was Pitcher of the Year with the 24-year old lefty leading with a 1.80 ERA. He had an 18-4 record over 225 innings with 348 strikeouts and 8.9 WAR.

Leon swept Torreon in the wild card round, but they were no match for Monterrey. The Matadors swept the Lions in the Mexican League Championship Series to earn repeat pennants. This was Monterrey’s 12^th Mexican League title, tying them with Mexico City for the most.

CABA’s best record went to Santo Domingo at 106-56 to earn a third consecutive Caribbean League Island Division title. Haiti was a distant second in the division at 90-72, but this earned them the wild card by three games over Bahamas and four over Trinidad. This was the Herons’ first playoff appearance since 1980. Honduras dominated the Continental Division at 95-67 for their third playoff berth in four years. Nicaragua, who won the CL pennant the prior two seasons, dropped to third in the division at 79-83.

Santo Domingo CF Hugh Boerboom was Caribbean League MVP. The 28-year old Aruban led the league in runs (117), home runs (56), total bases (365), and slugging (.629). He added 121 RBI and 6.3 WAR. Haiti’s Marvin Ramos won Pitcher of the Year honors in his third season. The 24-year old Dominican righty won the ERA title (2.52) and led in quality starts (27), innings (274.2), and WAR (6.5). Ramos added a 19-8 record and 260 strikeouts.

Honduras and Haiti went the distance in the wild card round with the Horsemen surviving and advancing. This gave Honduras repeat appearances in the Caribbean League Championship Series berth, while Santo Domingo was making their second in three years. These were the two most successful franchises in CL history facing off again, as both had won 12 pennants. They hadn’t faced off in the finale since their four battles in five years from 1958-62. In the CLCS, the Horsemen upset the Dolphins 4-2 for their first pennant since 1963.

This was the third time that Monterrey and Honduras faced off in the CABA championship, with the Horsemen winning both the 1958 and 1963 encounters. In the 81^st Central American Baseball Association Championship, Monterrey secured back-to-back titles by besting Honduras 4-2. CF Marco Castillo was the finals MVP, getting 5 hits, 4 runs, 2 home runs, and 3 RBI over 10 playoff starts. The Matadors won their fifth CABA crown (1937, 55, 57, 90, 91).

Other notes: Honduras’ Victor Alvares threw CABA’s 30^th perfect game, striking out nine on September 12 against Haiti. Yohnny Galez won his seventh Silver Slugger and his fourth as a designated hitter.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-30-2024, 04:30 AM

1991 in MLB

The two best records in the National Association were in a battle for the East Division title. New York secured the #1 seed at 103-59 for their second division title in three years. Defending World Series champ Virginia Beach was three back at 100-62, easily taking the first wild card. The Vikings grabbed their third division title in four years, but despite having two World Series rings, they still haven’t gotten a division title yet. Philadelphia (88-74) was also in the wild card mix from the East Division, but ended up two games short.

The Northeast Division had Ottawa narrowly take the title at 91-71, one game ahead of Toronto. The Elks secured their ninth playoff appearance in the last 12 seasons. The Timberwolves picked up the second wild card and ended a three season playoff drought. Hartford at 84-78 was unable to extend its postseason streak to three years. However, Kansas City and Chicago both extended their streaks to three as well as four in five years. The Cougars were 91-71 to take the Lower Midwest Division by nine games over Cincinnati. The Cubs at 86-76 got the Upper Midwest title by three over last year’s NACS finalist Winnipeg and by four games over Cleveland.

National Association MVP went to Ottawa veteran first baseman Noah Karla. The 30-year old switch hitter from Montreal led the NA in runs (109) and total bases (352), while adding 32 home runs, 107 RBI, a .339/.384/.560 slash and 7.8 WAR. New York’s Benjamin Justinussen won Pitcher of the Year for the second time in three years. The 28-year old righty from the Faroe Islands led in WHIP at 0.87, posting a 16-8 record over 219.1 innings with a 2.22 ERA, 211 strikeouts, and 6.4 WAR. Sadly, this was the peak for Justinussen, who suffered a torn rotator cuff in spring training the next season. He’d then tear his labrum twice and was out of the majors by 1995.

In the first round of the playoffs, Virginia Beach bested Chicago 2-1 and Ottawa ousted Toronto 2-1. New York survived a five game classic over their divisional foe Vikings, while Kansas City topped Ottawa 3-1. This gave the Yankees their second National Association Championship Series appearance in three years, while it was the first for the Cougars since winning the pennant in 1976. KC would prevail 4-2 over NY in the NACS to give the Cougars their fifth NA crown (1937, 61, 62, 76, 91).

The power in the American Association in 1991 was split between the Northwest and Southeast Divisions. Denver won the Northwest at 101-61 and took the #1 overall seed. This was the fourth consecutive playoff berth for the 1989 World Series champion Dragons. Atlanta won the Southeast at 100-62 to extend their division title streak to five seasons, the longest playoff streak active in MLB. Tampa was one back at 99-63, securing the first wild card for their second berth in three years. Edmonton was four behind Denver at 97-65, which nabbed the second wild card for the Eels. Edmonton earend a third berth in four years. Seattle (93-69), Las Vegas (91-71), Charlotte (89-73), and San Diego (89-73) were the other teams in the wild card mix who fell short. Notably for the Grizzlies, they saw an impressive improvement from 68 wins to 93, although they still missed the postseason.

Defending American Association champ Los Angeles won the Southwest Division at 97-65, topping the Vipers by six games and the Seals by eight. The Angels picked up a third straight playoff appearance. Dallas won a tight South Central Division at 87-75, edging both New Orleans and Austin by two games each. This was the Dalmatians’ first playoff appearance in a decade. Last year’s division winner Houston dropped to fourth at 78-84.

Catcher Hui-Yun Han of Atlanta won the American Association MVP. The 27-year old South Korean led the AA in doubles (55), average (.374), slugging (.646), OPS (1.063), wRC+ (185), and WAR (11.0). His 55 doubles fell one short of Isaiah Gilbert’s single-season record set in 1973. Han also had 212 hits, 101 runs, 31 home runs, and 119 RBI. Han set MLB single-season records for a catcher in slugging, OPS, hits, doubles, RBI, and WAR.

Pitcher of the Year also saw a record setting campaign from Austin’s T.J. Nakabayashi. Nicknamed “Hitman,” the 30-year old righty from the Solomon Islands posted 12.6 WAR, setting a MLB single-season record for a pitcher which still holds as of 2037. He also led in wins (24-10), strikeouts (314), quality starts (28), and shutouts (6). Although Nakabayashi won his first POTY, he led the AA in strikeouts for the sixth time. His 2.47 ERA over 295.1 innings was second by only nine points, keeping him from a Triple Crown.

Tampa swept Dallas in round one and Los Angeles outlasted Edmonton 2-1. Denver survived in a five game challenge from the Thunderbirds in round two, giving the Dragons their second American Association Championship Series appearance in three years. Atlanta edged the Angels 3-2 in a classic, sending the Aces to the AACS for the third time in five years. Yet again, Atlanta would be thwarted as Denver took the title in a seven game thriller. This gave the Dragons two pennants in three years, as well as their fifth AA crown overall (1925, 38, 62, 89, 91).

The 91^st World Series was not the first time that Denver and Kansas City had met in the Fall Classic, as the Dragons won in seven over the Cougars back in 1962. Denver was hoping to win its second ring in three years, while KC had gone 0-4 in their prior appearances. The Cougars finally secured their first-ever title with a lopsided sweep of the Dragons. RF Nathaniel Clay was both World Series MVP and NACS MVP. The 29-year old had 19 hits, 8 runs, 2 doubles, 2 home runs, and 8 RBI in 14 playoff starts.

Other notes: With Kansas City’s title, 38 of MLB’s 56 teams have a World Series, including 37 of the original 48 teams. Of the originals, the eleven teams without a ring to this point are Buffalo, Brooklyn, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Columbus, Minneapolis, Omaha, San Antonio, Portland, Seattle, and Oakland. Of those teams, five have never gotten to the World Series: Buffalo, Omaha, San Antonio, Seattle, and Oakland.

Bentley Wade and Roy Cote both reached 3000 career hits, making it 49 members of the club in MLB. Cote and Cade Parker both crossed 1500 runs scored, a feat achieved by 88 batters. Joining the 500 home run club were Jayden Slater and Armand Whipple, making that club 62 members strong. Mason Wilkinson won his eighth Silver Slugger at catcher.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-30-2024, 11:58 AM

1992 MLB Hall of Fame

The 1992 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame class had two inductees. Two-way star Khaled Scott was a no-doubter at 98.6% on the first ballot. He was joined by LF Tim Morgan, who got the bump up to 76.5% for a third ballot nod. 1B Edward Torres was close to the 66% mark on his second try, but was short at 61.6%. Five others finished above 50%.

The ballot saw a major cleaning with six players being removed following ten failed attempts. Five of those guys finished with 45% or greater on their final attempt and those guys had reasons to hold out hope. The highest finisher was 2B Bobby Davis at 59.6% in his final go. Davis started at only 39%, but got as high as 61.8% on his eighth ballot. In 20 years primarily with San Francisco, he had 3264 hits, 1533 runs, 504 doubles, 297 home runs, 1457 RBI, .a .296/.359/.429 slash, 111 wRC+, and 59.5 WAR. The low WAR total from being a poor fielder and the advanced stats suggested more sustained above averageness. 3000+ hits was a big number, but not a lock for the MLB voter. Davis’ lack of awards or big seasons ultimately kept him just on the outside.

It is very difficult for catchers to get in and both Gavin Geogham and Earl Tucker missed out, in part hurt by having to compete with each other. Geoghan got as high as 63.7% in his ninth attempt, posting 1675 hits, 831 runs, 269 doubles, 182 home runs, 880 RBI, a .300/.380/.462 slash, 146 wRC+, and 60.9 WAR. He had five Silver Sluggers and a MVP over his 15 years with Ottawa, but the demands of the position and a relatively early end to his career meant Geoghan’s accumulations were too low for many voters. Meanwhile Tucker peaked at 54.7% in 1991 and ended at 49.6%. He lacked the accolades, but had the longevity over 20 years primarily with Oakland. Tucker had 2497 hits, 947 runs, 396 doubles, 160 home runs, 1050 RBI, a .304/.347/.419 slash, 111 wRC+, and 61.6 WAR. But again, the low accumulations that come with being a catcher remains a big obstacle for perspective Hall of Famers.

Another player dropped was Elliot Fisher, who had one MVP and Silver Slugger over a 17 year career with three teams. His 50.4% finish was his highest vote total after generally hovering in the 40s. Fisher had 2365 hits, 1311 runs, 548 home runs, 1484 RBI, a .277/.347/.511 slash, 150 wRC+, and 68.1 WAR. Good power numbers in a vacuum, but still not incredible for a first baseman.

Another 1B dropped was Eloy Kolman, who finished at 45% and generally bounced around the 30-45% range. The Sint Maartener had longevity over 20 years to get 3105 hits, 1511 runs, 588 doubles, 471 home runs, 1605 RBI, a .285/.346/.476 slash, 130 wRC+, and 70.0 WAR. At retirement, he had the fourth most doubles of any MLB player and is still eighth as of 2037. But his only accolade was one Silver Slugger and his accumulations didn’t sway the voters by themselves.

The one other player dropped after ten ballots was RF Branson Burns, who ended at 5.7% and peaked only at 16.6%. He was unique in that all of his production was in his 20s, falling off hard and out of the game after his age 31 season. In only 11 years, Burns had 1820 hits, 1023 runs, 350 home runs, 1071 RBI, a .301/.370/.539 slash, 145 wRC+, and 50.7 WAR. He might have had a shot if he would have lasted a few more years, but his sudden decline doomed him.

Khaled Scott – Pitcher/Outfielder – Kansas City Cougars – 98.6% First Ballot

Khaled Scott was a 5’9’’, 185 pound two-way player from Houston, Texas. Despite his frame, Scott would be one of the most unique successes in Major League Baseball History. His best asset was his right arm and incredible stamina on the mound, as he led the National Association five times in innings pitched and eight times in complete games. Scott was a hard thrower with 99-101 mph peak velocity, but he also had very good control and solid movement. His fastball and cutter were his most impressive pitches, although his slider and changeup could beat you too.

Scott was also very athletic generally, emerging as one of the better baserunners and base stealers in the game. Most of his starts defensively were in right field, where he was considered a very good gloveman. Scott spent some time in center and a small amount at first base with less success. Scott was a switch hitter and was very much a league average batter, but rarely does one find a league average bat that is a great pitcher and defender. His durability was also incredible, allowing him to be out there almost every day contributing in some capacity.

Scott attended Arizona State and was a two-way guy even as a Sun Devil. He was second as a freshman in college MVP voting. Over three seasons at the plate, he had 98 games, 114 hits, 74 runs, 34 home runs, 78 RBI, a .348/.385/.713 slash, and 5.9 WAR. On the mound, Scott had a 22-12 record in 38 starts with a 2.07 ERA, 291 innings, 255 strikeouts, and 11.1 WAR. In the 1972 MLB Draft, Kansas City selected Scott with the seventh overall pick. Almost his entire career would be with the Cougars, where he’d become a popular player and later see his #44 uniform retired.

Scott’s arrival marked a turnaround for KC, who had five straight losing seasons prior to his debut. From 1973-81, the Cougars made the playoffs seven times. He was a full-time pitcher immediately and had 30+ starts and 245+ innings in all of his 14 pro seasons. Scott had 118 games at the plate as a rookie, then made 100+ starts each season from 1974-82. He won 11 straight Silver Sluggers from 1974-84 as a pitcher, which is a MLB record for the position. Scott had 5.6 WAR on the mound as a rookie, earning 1973 Rookie of the Year.

1975 was Scott’s finest season, winning National Association MVP and taking third in Pitcher of the Year voting. He led in wins at 22-9 and had 6.7 WAR pitching along with 3.3 WAR offensively. Scott regularly threw a lot of innings and put up positive value offensively and in the field. Kansas City couldn’t get beyond the second round in Scott’s first three seasons.

In 1976, the Cougars got over the hump and won the NA pennant. They would fall in the World Series to Las Vegas. Scott had a huge postseason, going 4-1 on the mound with a 1.74 ERA, 44 strikeouts, and 2.0 WAR. At the plate, he added 19 hits, 11 runs, and 5 RBI. Because of this run, KC signed Scott to a six-year, $3,662,000 contract extension.

Scott remained solid and Kansas City made the playoffs thrice more while he was there, but they never made another deep run during his tenure. In 1981, he would throw a no-hitter with four strikeouts and two walks against Hartford Prior to the 1982 season, the Cougars signed him on a four-year, $4,000,000 contract extension.

Scott had a brief resurgence into the spotlight in 1984 at age 32, taking second in Pitcher of the Year voting and third in MVP voting. He had a career best 25-7 record with 23 complete games, 296.2 innings, and 7.5 WAR. He also added 2.0 WAR at the plate in what would be his final full season as a hitter.

He had another great year on the mound in 1985 with 7.5 WAR, although he saw less time and success at the plate. The Cougars were stuck just outside of the playoff field and in 1986, Scott’s velocity suddenly dropped to around the 95-97 mph mark. He also no longer was used in the field with his only hitting coming with his pitching starts. His pitching numbers were still decent, but Kansas City surprised Scott and many in MLB by releasing him in June.

Ottawa signed Scott two weeks later and he finished the season with the Elks. Ottawa won the National Association pennant, falling in the World Series to Calgary. Scott made five starts in the postseason, but struggled with a 5.87 ERA. The Elks didn’t re-sign him and Scott went unsigned in 1987. He wanted to still play, but couldn’t find any suitors and opted to retire in the winter of 1987 at age 36.

Scott’s final pitching stats: 269-149 record, 3.25 ERA, 3801.1 innings, 2921 strikeouts to 799 walks, 297/467 quality starts, 248 complete games, 86 FIP-, and 78.0 WAR. There were certainly far more dominant pitchers in his era, but he offered reliable innings and probably had the resume purely on the mound. At the plate, Scott added 1376 hits, 727 runs, 209 doubles, 156 home runs, 678 RBI, 316 stolen bases, and 28.3 WAR. This put him over the top and put him in the conversation as MLB’s best-ever two-way guy. Dylan D’Ippolito was the other MLB two-way Hall of Famer and while he had a more impressive peak, he finished with lower accumulations. Scott earned his spot at 98.6% as one of MLB’s most unique inductees.

Tim Morgan – Outfield – Los Angeles Angels – 76.5% Third Ballot

Tim Morgan was a 6’4’’, 190 pound left-handed corner outfielder from Lacey, Washington; a suburb of the capital Olympia with around 53,000 people. Morgan had an incredible eye for drawing walks, leading the league eight times in walks drawn. He was merely above average at contract and middling at avoiding strikeouts, but Morgan made the most of his at bats. He had solid speed and baserunning ability and was respectable at getting extra bases. Morgan averaged around 30 home runs and around 25 doubles/triples per season. He made about 3/5 of his starts in left field with the rest in right field. Morgan was a poor defender and was criticized for a lack of hustle by detractors. He had very good durability though and his offensive value made Morgan a very popular player with most fans.

Morgan played college baseball with TCU and in 136 college games had 144 hits, 103 runs, 32 doubles, 33 home runs, 89 RBI, 100 walks, a .299/.422/.575 slash and 8.7 WAR. This made him one of the tip top prospects ahead of the 1963 MLB Draft. Los Angeles selected Morgan second overall and he made 119 starts as a rookie, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. He was a full-time starter for 14 seasons with the Angels, only missing a few weeks here or there to injuries.

Morgan led the American Association in OBP in 1969 and 1970 and led in walks drawn four times with LA. He picked up his two Silver Sluggers in 1968 and 1969. Morgan made five appearances from 1964-68 for the United States team in the World Baseball Championship. In 65 games and 54 starts, he had 40 hits, 43 runs, 21 home runs, 43 RBI, 48 walks, a .227/.389/.619 slash and 3.2 WAR. He won four rings with the American team (64, 65, 66, 68).

Morgan never was a MVP finalist though and had to deal with the tough competition of the position. But he was a very important part of an impressive run for the Angels, who made the playoffs six times from 1968-74. LA won three World Series titles in this stretch, taking it in 1968, 1973, and 1974. In his playoff career, Morgan had 52 starts with 41 hits, 28 runs, 13 home runs, 40 RBI, 32 walks, a .220/.339/.446 slash, and 1.1 WAR. After the 1969 season, Morgan was locked in long-term on an eight-year, $2,432,000 contract extension.

In 1975, the 32-year old Morgan led in runs for the only times with 116. After their 1973-73 titles, the Angels spent the next four years in the mid-tier just outside of the postseason. Morgan’s contract ran out after the 1977 season and he opted to try to free agency. With Los Angeles, Morgan had 1979 hits, 1221 runs, 306 doubles, 355 home runs, 1120 RBI, 1184 walks, a .285/.393/.499 slash, 140 wRC+, and 57.6 WAR.

At age 35, Morgan signed a three-year, $1,770,000 deal with Indianapolis. The Racers were fresh off a National Association pennant win, but they would be stuck in the mid-tier for Morgan’s tenure. He’d ultimately play seven seasons in Indy and had an impressive resurgence in 1981 with a career-best 40 home runs. Morgan led in walks each year from 1980-83, but he suddenly declined significantly in 1984. He was reduced to a bench role this season and retired that winter at age 42. With the Racers, Morgan had 802 hits, 557 runs, 98 doubles, 175 home runs, 484 RBI, 549 walks, a .239/.353/.442 slash, and 19.8 WAR.

In total, Morgan had 2781 hits, 1778 runs, 404 doubles, 530 triples, 1604 RBI, 1733 walks, 304 stolen bases, .270/.380/.480 slash, 138 wRC+, and 77.4 WAR. At induction, Morgan was fourth all-time in walks drawn and 18th in runs scored. He was one of a select group with 1500+ runs, 500+ home runs, and 1500+ career RBI. However, Morgan didn’t have the big awards and that, plus his poor fielding and perceived lack of hustle, cost him support with many voters. Morgan barely missed the cut on his first two attempts with 64.7% and 65.6%. His third ballot got him the bump needed to get in at 76.5% and earn a spot in the 1992 MLB Hall of Fame.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-30-2024, 05:54 PM

1992 CABA Hall of Fame

Two first basemen made up the 1992 Hall of Fame Class for the Central American Baseball Association. CABA home run king and RBI leader Solomon Aragon was nearly unanimous with 99.7% and was joined by Raioby Barajas, who also received a first ballot selection with 85.8%. CF Wilmer Mora missed out narrowly with 60.4% in his fifth ballot. The only other player above 50% was catcher Hansel Morel at 53.8% in his second attempt.

One player fell off the ballot after ten failed tries. Closer Emanuel Saucedo debuted at 30.8%, but only fell and ended at 5.7%. He won three Reliever of the Year awards and was dominant in six seasons with Jamaica, leading in saves four times. But the second half of his career was unremarkable and split between MLB and CABA. He had 254 saves, 2.21 ERA, 1167 strikeouts over 729.2 innings with 28.0 WAR over a split career.

Solomon Aragon – First Base – Mexico City Aztecs – 99.7% First Ballot

Solomon Aragon was a 6’7’’, 200 pound right-handed first baseman from San Lucas Sacatepequez; a town of around 20,000 people in south central Guatemala. The tall Aragon was one of the most consistent contact and power hitters of his era, regularly hitting around 40 home runs per year with around a .300 average and 30 doubles. Despite his strengths, he was merely okay at drawing walks and avoiding strikeouts. Aragon was a slow and sluggish baserunner, but was considered a steady and average defender. He was exclusively a first baseman in his career and was an ironman. Aragon had a 20 year stretch with 140+ games and 135+ starts. A very hard worker, Aragon was one of the most popular players of his era in CABA.

Aragon was spotted in his late teens as a top prospect in Central America, getting picked 27^th by Honduras in the 1962 CABA Draft. He spent two seasons in the Horsemen’s developmental system and officially debuted at age 22 in 1965 with a few pinch hit appearances. This was near the end of their dynasty run and open spots in the lineup were hard to come by. Looking to extend their short-term competitive window, Aragon was traded before the 1966 season to Mexico City with another prospect in exchange for veteran catcher Enrique Ruiz.

Aragon would become a critical part of the dynasty run for the Aztecs, who would win seven consecutive Mexican League titles from 1967-73 with CABA championship rings in each season sans 1968. He was used as a pinch hitter primarily in 1966, but became the full-time starter from 1967 onward. Aragon won a batting title in 1969 and his first Silver Slugger in 1971. Although he didn’t win many regular season accolades with Mexico City, his postseason heroics would make him beloved by Aztecs fans.

Aragon was the 1968 MLCS MVP, 1970 CABA Championship MVP, 1972 MLCS MVP, and 1972 CABA Championship MVP. In total with Mexico City in the playoffs, he played 69 games with 84 hits, 46 runs, 16 doubles, 20 home runs, 62 RBI, a .332/.388/.632 slash, 188 wRC+, and 3.5 WAR. Aragon began getting more award attention by this point, taking second in 1971 and 1972 for league MVP voting. In total with the Aztecs, he had 1184 hits, 605 runs, 223 doubles, 244 home runs, 680 RBI, a .321/.378/.593 slash, and 42.3 WAR.

Although remembered by many as a key part of the Mexico City dynasty, Aragon’s run was only seven seasons. He would be gone for their final title in 1973, as he opted for free agency at 30. Aragon signed with Puerto Rico on an eight-year, $2,360,000 contract. The Pelicans run was his most impressive for individual accolades, winning Silver Sluggers in 1973, 74, 75, 76, and 79. Aragon was second in 1974’s MVP voting, but again fell short of the top award. He led the Caribbean League with a career best 138 RBI that year and matched his career high of 46 home runs. In 1976, he led in hits with 200 and led with 38 doubles in 1977.

Puerto Rico would make the CLCS in 1974, but were otherwise a middling franchise despite Aragon’s efforts. He continued his steady reliable efforts, posting 1299 hits, 628 runs, 199 doubles, 273 home runs, 779 RBI, a .307/.348/.562 slash, 147 wRC+, and 37.8 WAR. Aragon opted out of the final year of his contract and was a free agent again before the 1980 season. Now 37 years old, Santo Domingo signed him on a three-year, $1,314,000 deal.

Aragon’s signing helped put the Dolphins over the top, as they began their own dynasty run in the 1980s. Santo Domingo won five Caribbean League titles from 1981-85 and won the CABA title in 1982, 84, and 85. Aragon won Silver Slugger in 1981 (his seventh) and was the CLCS MVP in 1984. His numbers weren’t as dominant in this later run, but he was again steady and still very reliable even into his early 40s. Aragon signed a three-year extension after the 1982 season and ultimately played seven seasons with SD.

In the playoffs with the Dolphins, he had 65 starts, 54 hits, 27 runs, 10 doubles, 12 home runs, 38 RBI, a .214/.237/.405 slash and 0.5 WAR. Although less dominant than his Mexico City heroics, this helped Aragon emerge as CABA’s most prolific playoff hitter. He had eight CABA rings and 10 league titles to his name with 152 hits, 80 runs, 27 doubles, 33 home runs, 105 RBI, a .278/.317/.512 slash, and 4.4 WAR. At retirement, Aragon was the CABA playoff leader in runs, hits, doubles, home runs, and RBI. As of 2037, he still has the most RBI and remains top four in the other stats.

In total with Santo Domingo, Aragon had 1133 hits, 546 runs, 160 doubles, 255 home runs, 676 RBI, a .285/.315/.527 slash, 138 wRC+, and 28.5 WAR. He reached a number of impressive milestones with the Dolphins, becoming the third CABA hitter to 3500 hits, the third to 700 home runs, the third to 2000 RBI, and the seventh to 1500 runs scored.

In 1985, Aragon passed Prometheo Garcia as the CABA home run king (Garcia had more when counting his MLB run, but ended with 753 in CABA). He hit 44 home runs at age 42, but notably became the all-time leader despite never leading the league or hitting 50. Aragon was the model of consistency with ten seasons of 40+ homers. He finally struggled and was a sub-par hitter for the first time in 1986, but this final season allowed him to pass Wesley Dubar for the all-time RBI mark. Aragon retired after the season at age 44.

Aragon’s final stats: 3619 hits, 1780 runs, 585 doubles, 772 home runs, 2137 RBI, a .304/.347/.559 slash, 152 wRC+, and 108.7 WAR. At induction, he was CABA’s all-time leader in home runs, RBI, games played, and at-bats. He was fourth in runs scored, second in hits, and second in doubles. Despite those tallies, he was only 12^th in batting WAR, damaged by his poor baserunning, lack of walks, and average defense at first. As of 2037, Aragon is third in homers and RBI, fourth in hits, third in games played, and fourth in doubles. He was the model of consistency and reliability, as well as a clutch performer in the postseason, but the lack of MVPs and black ink keep him out of the GOAT hitter conversations despite the tallies. A true ironman, Aragon was a Hall of Fame lock at 99.7%.

Rafioby “Wall” Barajas – First Base – Hermosillo Hyenas – 85.8% First Ballot

Rafioby Barajas was a 6’2’’, 195 pound right-handed first baseman from Tehuacan, a city of around 250,000 people in the Mexican state of Puebla. At the plate, Barajas wasn’t incredible, but he was a reliable solid contact and power hitter. His career batting average was just below .300 while averaging around 30 home runs and 30 doubles per season. Barajas was middling at drawing walks and avoiding strikeouts and was also a slow baserunner. His nickname “Wall” came from his tremendous defense at first base. Barajas spent his entire career there and is considered by many as the greatest defensive 1B in CABA history. Like his Hall of Fame classmate Solomon Aragon, Barajas was also an ironman. He made 140+ starts in every season sans his final year.

Barajas was one of the premiere Mexican prospects in the 1968 CABA Draft. He was picked 4^th overall by Hermosillo and would spend his entire 18 year pro career with the Hyenas, becoming one of the most popular players in Mexican baseball. He was a full-time starter immediately and took second in 1969’s Rookie of the Year voting.

Barajas also won his first Gold Glove in 1969. He’d miss it in 1970, but would he’d rattle off 13 straight from 1971-83. As of 2037, his 14 Gold Gloves is the most for any CABA player at any position. As of 2037, Barajas is also one of only five players across all of the world leagues to have 14+ Gold Gloves specifically at first base. His 100.7 Zone Rating is the top mark at the position in CABA history by a strong margin (next closest is 69.8) and he’s the CABA leader in assists at first base with 1729.

His defense got a lot of deserved attention, but Barajas wasn’t a scrub as a hitter. He was never a league leader, but he won three Silver Sluggers at the competitive position, coming in 1972, 1974, and 1982. Barajas did not win MVP, but was third in 1972 voting. After that season, Hermosillo locked him up long-term with an eight-year, $2,812,000 contract extension. He was beloved by Hyenas fans and one of the few reasons to come to the ballpark, as Hermosillo consistently stunk in his tenure. From 1969-79, they had no playoff appearances and only twice finished above .500.

Barajas remained a steady presence into the 1980s and into his 30s as fortunes finally changed for Hermosillo. In 1980, the Hyenas snapped a 16-year playoff drought and won their first Mexican League pennant since 1947. From 1980-86, Hermosillo earned five playoff appearances with ML titles in 1980, 83, and 85; plus a CABA Championship in 1983. Barajas was MLCS MVP in 1980 and played a big role in their postseason success. In 57 playoff games, he had 63 hits, 33 runs, 11 doubles, 9 home runs, 45 RBI, a .292/.328/.495 slash, and 2.1 WAR.

That run cemented his status as a beloved figure in Mexican baseball, helping turn a begotten franchise into a winner. In his later years, he also played for Mexico in the World Baseball Championship, earning nationwide appreciation. In 96 starts from 1978-84, Barajas had 91 hits, 64 runs, 14 doubles, 35 home runs, 74 RBI, a .269/.346/.627 slash, and 4.8 WAR. He also had a World Championship ring, helping the Mexican team to the 1978 title.

Barajas’ longevity got him to milestones late in his run, crossing 1500 RBI in 1984, 500 home runs in 1985, and 3000 hits in 1986. He ended up splitting time in the lineup in his final year of 1986 despite seemingly still having similar success to his prior years. Barajas became a free agent after the season and wanted to carry on, but he couldn’t find a suitor in 1987. He retired that winter at age 41.

Barajas final stats: 3011 hits, 1329 runs, 485 doubles, 516 home runs, 1697 RBI, a .296/.340/.507 slash, 150 wRC+, and 95.5 WAR. At induction, he was seventh all-time in hits, sixth in RBI, and 20^th in hitting WAR. Barajas took a different path to greatness than his HOF classmate Aragon, but he also had an impressive career and played a big role in the postseason. Hermosillo retired his #36 uniform and he remains the franchise leader in games played and hits as of 2037. Only a small group of voters held his lack of offensive accolades against him, as Barajas was a first ballot selection at 85.8%.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-31-2024, 04:59 AM

1992 EAB Hall of Fame

East Asia Baseball inducted two players into the Hall of Fame from the 1992 ballot. Both guys got in on the first ballot with SP So-Woong Hong at 83.7% and 3B Min-Hwi Eun at 80.5%. SP Ho-In Koh missed it by the slimmest possible margin on his third try at 66.0%. Generally, 66% is the threshold, but that was his number when you rounded up, so he was left out. One other pitcher was above 50% with Kunizo Tsuda receiving 55.3% on his fourth ballot.

Two players fell off the ballot after ten failed tries. SP Cheng Yang peaked at 40.8% on his third ballot before ending at a low of 11.3%. He had a 14-year career in total, but four seasons were in MLB as well. In EAB with Busan and Daegu, he had one Pitcher of the Year award, 116-94 record, 2.98 ERA, 2012 innings, 2108 strikeouts, and 45.0 WAR. He won two titles with the Blue Jays and would have been on his way had he stayed and/or had more longevity.

Another pitcher was dropped in Chae-Heui Song, who peaked at 28.7% in his second go and ended at 4.6%. In 18 seasons, he had eight EAB championship rings between Pyongyang and Daegu, posting a 210-143 record, 3.18 ERA, 3218 innings, 2776 strikeouts, and 67.8 WAR. Song was never a league leader or awards finalist, which hurt him with most voters despite decent accumulations and his many rings.

So-Woong Hong – Starting Pitcher – Kobe Blaze – 83.7% First Ballot

So-Woong Hong was a 6’3’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Wonsan, a city of around 330,000 people on the eastern coast of North Korea. Hong’s biggest strengths were solid control and movement, which made up for having merely above average stuff. His velocity only peaked in the 93-95 mph range but he had an incredible changeup that he fooled batters with between his sinker and slider offerings. Hong was also known for excellent stamina, leading the league three times in innings pitched. He was a durable and intelligent pitcher that was also effective at holding runners.

Hong was spotted as a teenage amateur by a scout from Kobe, who signed him in 1967 at age 16 and brought him from North Korea to Japan. After spending four years in their academy, he debuted in 1971 at age 21 for the Blaze, splitting time between the rotation and bullpen. Hong was a full-time starter for the rest of his career, tossing 245+ innings in all but one season over the next 15 years. He was iffy as a rookie, but delivered an excellent sophomore season with a league-best 25 quality starts, taking second in Pitcher of the Year voting.

In 1974, Hong earned his first Pitcher of the Year award with 7.0 WAR, a 21-9 record, 2.51 ERA, and 26 quality starts. He won for a second time in 1976, leading again in innings pitched and posting career bests in wins (23-10), ERA (2.36), and WAR (8.0). Kobe had five consecutive seasons with 90+ wins in this stretch, but couldn’t make the playoffs as they were stuck against Kyoto’s dynasty run. In total with the Blaze, Hong had a 102-70 record, 2.87 ERA, 1483 strikeouts, and 36.0 WAR. He decided to enter free agency after the 1977 season at age 28.

Hong wanted to return home to North Korea and both of the countries’ teams; Pyongyang and Hamhung, were very interested in grabbing him. He had returned home for the World Baseball Championship and ultimately played from 1972-85 for the DPRK. In 157 innings, he had a 3.32 ERA, 6-10 record, 168 strikeouts, and 3.6 WAR in the WBC. Hong ultimately signed with the Pythons to a six-year, $2,420,000 deal. Pyongyang had just come off of winning the EAB title in 1977 in a bounce back year.

The Pythons were good in Hong’s first two years there, but just outside of the playoffs. He took third in Pitcher of the Year voting in 1978, his last time as a finalist. Pyongyang then fell off hard and began an unprecedented streak of mediocrity. Hong wasn’t to blame, posting a 2.89 ERA and 62-47 in four seasons with 1084 innings, 917 strikeouts, and 21.5 WAR. The Pythons opted to move Hong before the 1982 season to Seongnam in exchange for two prospects.

The Spiders hoped Hong would get them over the hump, as they had narrowly missed ending a decade-long playoff drought in the prior year. Statistically, Hong had two very average years in Seongnam, but he gave them steady innings. The Spiders prevailed and won the Korea League title in both 1982 and 1983. They came up short versus Kawasaki in the 1982 EAB final, but won the 1983 championship against Sapporo. In 70 playoff innings over his run, Hong had a 4-3 record, 3.60 ERA, 50 strikeouts, and 0.3 WAR. He posted a 7.8 WAR, 3.80 ERA, 379 strikeouts, and 23-22 record for his Seongnam tenure.

His original Pyongyang deal expired and the Spiders let him enter free agency at age 35. Hong signed a four-year, $2,760,000 deal with Hamhung. He provided league average production in three seasons with the Heat, even leading the league in innings in his final season. Hamhung made the 1986 playoffs, but were knocked out with Hong struggling in his one start. This was ultimately his final start, as he opted to retire at age 37 instead of hanging around. He had a 3.92 ERA, 39-46 record, 776 innings, 622 strikeouts, and 11.2 WAR with the Heat.

Hong’s final overall stats: 226-185 record, 3.18 ERA, 4063 innings, 3401 strikeouts to 721 walks, 309/488 quality starts, 156 complete games, 87 FIP-, and 76.6 WAR. He quietly accumulated some solid totals and Is on a short list of guys with multiple Pitcher of the Year awards. His stats don’t place him among the absolute upper echelon of Hall of Famers, but Hong didn’t look out of place compared to the standard of previously inductees. The voters were sold and gave Hong a first ballot induction with 83.7%.

Min-Hwi Eun – Third Base – Kyoto Kamikaze – 80.5 First Ballot

Min-Hwi Eun was a 5’11’’, 200 pound right-handed third baseman from Ulsan, South Korea. Eun emerged as a very good contact hitter with a solid pop in his bat. He averaged around 30 home runs and around 35 doubles/triples pet year. Eun had an average eye and decent ability at avoiding strikeouts. He wasn’t a speedster, but had decent wheels with strong baserunning instincts. Eun was a career third baseman with a strong arm, although he graded out as just below average for his career defensively. He was a scrappy and loyal player, which made him a fan favorite throughout his run.

Eun was spotted as a teenage amateur and signed in 1963 by Kyoto, spending two decades ultimately in the organization. He would be a late bloomer though despite making his official debut at age 20 with two at-bats in 1966. Eun made appearances over the next five years off-and-on, but couldn’t crack the starting lineup fulltime. He finally won the job in 1972, but missed more than half the season with knee issues.

1973 was Eun’s first full season as a starter at age 27 and he delivered a Silver Slugger winning season and their first playoff berth since 1966. This helped convince Kyoto to give him a four-year contract extension early in 1974 worth $1,294,000. Eun had an impressive 9.5 WAR campaign and won Silver Slugger again. The Kamikaze went on a tear and won their first-ever EAB Championship. Eun was finals MVP, posting 13 hits, 5 runs, 4 doubles, 3 home runs, and 6 RBI in the postseason.

1975 would be Eun’s finest season individually and the only time he was a league leader. He led in multiple stats though with the most hits (216), WAR (11.8), and bases (402) while also leading in average (.362), OBP (.402), OPS (1.075), and wRC+ (214). Eun also smacked 47 home runs with 112 RBI, both career bests. This earned him his lone MVP and his third Silver Slugger. Kyoto made the playoffs again, but fell this year in the JLCS despite Eun winning the series MVP.

Eun had made them a consistent contender though with the Kamikaze winning two more JL pennants in 1976 and 1977, along with the 1976 EAB title. Eun was a Silver Slugger winner again in both years, giving him five for his career. In the playoffs, he had 51 games with 58 hits, 21 runs, 13 doubles, 10 home runs, 31 RBI, a .314/.352/.568 slash, and 2.1 WAR. Eun also returned home to South Korea for the World Baseball Championship from 1972-85. In 70 games and 49 starts, he had 56 this, 28 runs, 8 doubles, 19 home runs, 38 RBI, a .295/.333/.647 slash, and 2.7 WAR.

Eun signed another four-year extension before the 1978 season and continued to be a very solid player for Kyoto, although their competitive window ended. They finished the 1970s as an average team, then plummeted to the bottom of the standings by the early 1980s. Eun was still a solid contributor in this run and even busted out an impressive 8.0 WAR season in 1982 at age 36. In total with the Kamikaze, Eun had 2147 hits, 1043 runs, 406 doubles, 364 home runs, 1102 RBI, a .313/.352/.549 slash, and 85.0 WAR.

Eun finally left for free agency after the 1983 season, although he remained very popular with Kyoto fans for his role in their great dynasty run. The franchise would later retire his #30 uniform. He had a very solid 1984 season with Daegu, who finished in the middle of the pack. The Diamondbacks traded Eun to Changwon for three prospects. He had a decent 1985 with the middling Crabs, but struggled in 1986 and was ultimately benched. That winter, Eun retired from the game at age 40.

Eun’s final stats: 2497 hits, 1217 runs, 473 doubles, 427 home runs, 1301 RBI, a .309/.349/545 slash, 157 wRC+, and 93.5 WAR. He never dominated the leaderboards or put up massive stats, but Eun at induction had the fourth most WAR all-time in EAB at third base. He was a fan favorite and a critical player in Kyoto’s three Japan League titles in the 1970s. This earned Eun the first ballot Hall of Fame honor with 80.5% of the vote.

**MrNFL_FanIQ** · 01-31-2024, 11:53 AM

1992 BSA Hall of Fame

Pitcher Eusebio Mendoza was the lone inductee into the Beisbol Sudamerica Hall of Fame in 1992. He was a first ballot nod, but by the slimmest possible margins with 66.7%. 1B Cy Cavazos was close enough on his ninth try, but still short with 62.0%. Two others were above 50% with RF Jasper Saucedo at 56.1% on his second ballot and SP Robinson Moreira at 50.6% for his third attempt.

One player was dropped after ten ballots in SP Pizarro Salinas, who had a 12-yaer career with five teams. Salinas had a 182-118 record, 2.94 ERA, 2827.2 innings, 2663 strikeouts, and 54.3 WAR. A nice career, but he lacked big stats and accolades, plus he was dinged for bouncing around in his career. Salinas debuted with 28.6% and bottomed out at 8.6%.

Eusebio Mendoza – Pitcher – Brasilia Bearcats – 66.7% First Ballot

Eusebio Mendoza was a 6’1’’, 205 pound right-handed pitcher from Comodoro Rivadavia, a city with around 180,000 people in southeastern Argentina. It is the most populous city in the world south of the 45th parallel. Mendoza had excellent stuff and very good control, although his movement was terrible. He had 96-98 mph peak velocity on his fastball and mixed it with a splitter, cutter, and changeup. Mendoza had an extreme flyball tendency and had troubles allowing home runs, allowing the most in the league four times. However, his stuff and control gave him a very good K/BB ratio and allowed him to succeed. Mendoza also had great stamina and durability along with a tireless work ethic.

As a 16-year old, he was noticed by a scout visiting Argentina from Fortaleza. Mendoza singed in late 1967 with the Foxes and made his debut in 1971 at age 20. He made a few spot starts in his first three seasons as the team didn’t think he was quite ready for a full-time spot. Mendoza received a Copa Sudamerica ring as the Foxes won the 1972 title, although he didn’t participate in the postseason. Unfortunately for Mendoza, he wouldn’t have a single playoff start in his career.

Mendoza became a full-time starter in 1974 and 1975 and was one of the best strikeout pitchers in the Southern Cone League. This also marked the start of his time with Argentina in the World Baseball Championship. From 1974-85, Mendoza had a 4.52 ERA over 71.2 innings with 108 strikeouts and 1.0 WAR. He regressed a bit in 1976 and was later split between the rotation and bullpen. In total with the Foxes, Mendoza had a 45-52 record, 3.58 ERA, 852.1 innings, 1148 strikeouts, and 13.7 WAR.

Mendoza’s woes allowing home runs made Fortaleza leery of giving him a long-term deal. After the 1976 season, he was traded straight up to Brasilia for pitcher Israel Roldan. The Bearcats made him a full-time starter again and he showed some flashes. In 1978, Mendoza had a career-best 2.43 ERA with a league-best 379 strikeouts, 8.1 WAR, and 0.86 WHIP. He took second in Pitcher of the Year voting. 1979 saw him lead in strikeouts and innings, but also in home runs allowed at 57.

In 1980, Mendoza made history with the 34th perfect game in Beisbol Sudamerica history. He did on April 22 with 16 strikeouts against Santiago. Five days later, Brasilia rewarded him with a three-year, $1,328,000 contract extension. That season saw a career and league best 393 strikeouts, but it would be his last great season. Mendoza spent two more seasons with the Bearcats as a full-time starter with the team stuck in the middle of the standings.

Mendoza stuck around three more seasons with Brasilia, but his productivity dropped significantly and he was relegated to spot starts and long relief. In total with the Bearcats, he had a 127-99 record, 3.19 ERA, 2001 innings, 2680 strikeouts to 285 walks, and 31.6 WAR. Mendoza was liked enough by Brasilia that they would later retire his #1 uniform. He signed in 1986 with Rosario and had sporadic and unremarkable use. After going unsigned in 1987, Mendoza retired at age 36.

Mendoza’s final stats: 174-158 record, 3.32 ERA, 2937.2 innings, 3910 strikeouts to 474 walks, 491 home runs allowed, 227/356 quality starts, 100 complete games, a FIP- of 93, and 45.9 WAR. As of 2037, he has the worst WAR of any starting pitcher in the BSA Hall of Fame and one of the weakest ERAs. The advanced stats are not kind to Mendoza with a career ERA+ of 101. Many modern lists cite him among the least deserving of the BSA Hall of Famers. But he had an impressive strikeout rate and came close to 4000 career Ks despite having much fewer innings than the other guys to reach that milestone. Mendoza was also well liked among his peers and the 1992 ballot had no standouts. This helped him get in on the first ballot no less, but barely at 66.7%.

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

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