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

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 EAB Hall of Fame

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Two players were added into the East Asia Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010. Pitcher Sung-Hyun Tak was the headliner with 92.2% in his debut. Two-way pitcher/outfielder Makhmud Hakim grabbed the second spot at 74.3%, crossing the 66% requirement on his third try. 3B Shigefumi Tsukehara came painfully close, but missed out with 64.3% on his third ballot. No one else was above 50% and no players were dropped from the ballot after ten failed attempts.



Sung-Hyun Tak – Starting Pitcher – Suwon Snappers – 92.2% First Ballot

Sung-Hyun Tak was a 6’0’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Incheon, South Korea. Tak threw hard with 98-100 mph peak velocity and boasted great stuff and movement with excellent control. His slider was his most deadly pitch, but he also had a strong splitter, cutter, and changeup in the arsenal. Tak’s stamina was weak compared to most EAB aces of the era and he was plagued by injuries throughout his career. When healthy though, Tak was lights out.

Tak was signed as a teenage amateur by Suwon in January 1986. He spent most of five years in their developmental academy, officially debuting in 1990 at age 21 with ten relief appearances. Tak was moved to the starting rotation in 1991 and stayed there for a decade. He had a strong debut season, taking second in 1991 Rookie of the Year voting.

In his second season, Tak led the Korea League in ERA at 1.96 and WIHIP at 0.87, taking second in Pitcher of the Year voting. Suwon also snapped a seven-year playoff drought in 1992 and won the KL pennant before falling to Kitakyushu in the EAB Championship. Tak had a great playoff run with a 1.95 ERA over 37 innings, 47 strikeouts, 194 ERA+, and 1.4 WAR. For his whole career, he was a great playoff pitcher with a 2.25 ERA over 92 innings, 111 strikeouts, 13 walks, 169 ERA+, and 2.9 WAR.

Tak also was a successful pitcher on the global stage, appearing from 1992-2001 for South Korea in the World Baseball Championship. He tossed 124 innings with an 11-5 record, 2.69 ERA, 143 strikeouts, 30 walks, 134 ERA+, 66 FIP-, and 3.8 WAR.

The Snappers were regularly a playoff team during Tak’s run with eight berths and eight division titles from 1992-2000. Apart from their 1992 pennant though, Suwon struggled to do anything in the postseason. They lost in the 1997 KLCS to Yongin while suffering first round playoff exits in each of the other appearances.

Tak led in wins in 1993 and took third in POTY voting. 1994 saw a setback as a torn biceps knocked him out for the summer. He led in WAR for the first time in 1995 with 9.8, but still was a finalist with a second place POTY finish. Tak was third in 1996 and earned a big payday for his continued success. He inked a seven-year, $24,920,000 extension with Suwon in March 1997.

In 1997, Tak led in WAR again and finally earned his first Pitcher of the Year. A torn triceps in 1998 cost him the final two months of the regular season and the playoffs. Tak bounced back with a third in 1999 POTY voting, leading in WAR for the third time.

At age 31 in 2000, Tak had perhaps his finest season with a career-best 10.0 WAR, 47 FIP-, and 27 quality starts. He led Korea in ERA (2.07), and WHIP (0.88) while leading in strikeouts for the first time with 277. Tak won his second Pitcher of the Year and fell only two wins short of the Triple Crown. This was “grace” for him, as Tak quickly fell from here thanks to injuries.

In May 2001, Tak suffered a partially torn UCL, putting him on the shelf for 10 months. He was back by spring training 2002, but wouldn’t pitch an inning in the regular season. Tak tore his flexor tendon in late March, costing him the next 13 months. He rehabbed and returned to play in 2003, but had lost a lot of velocity and stamina. Suwon used him in 50.1 innings of relief, although he did still pitch respectably in that role.

With one year left on his big contract, Suwon traded Tak in the offseason to Kawasaki for catcher prospect Shoshichi Namba. That proved a good move by the Snappers, as Namba gave them a solid decade of service behind the plate and won a Gold Glove. The Killer Whales used Tak out of the bullpen, but he struggled in only 16 innings of action.

Tak didn’t get a chance to improve over the small sample size, as a strained biceps and herniated disc kept him out most of 2004. He retired that winter at age 36. Suwon would quickly honor him for his excellent service by retiring his #30 uniform

Tak ended with a 174-77 record, 2.53 ERA, 2245.1 innings, 2499 strikeouts, 306 walks, 204/298 quality starts, 52 complete games, 150 ERA+, 63 FIP-, and 74.4 WAR. The advanced stats show how dominant Tak was in his prime, although he didn’t stick around long enough to make a dent on the al-time leaderboards. EAB’s Hall of Fame voters tended to be favorable towards guys with impressive short-bursts. Tak wasn’t an exception, receiving 92.2% and a first ballot induction in 2010.



Makhmud Hakim – Outfielder/Pitcher – Niigata Green Dragons – 74.3% Third Ballot

Makhmud Hakim was a 6’3’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher and switch-hitter from Zhuzhou, China; a prefecture-level city of 3,855,000 in the Hunan province. Hakim was a two-way player who had a full career as an outfielder and a five-year run as a starting pitcher. At the plate, he was above average to good contract skills with a nice eye and solid knack for avoiding strikeouts. Hakim also above average in terms of power, averaging 26 home runs, 26 doubles, and 9 triples per his 162 game average.

Hakim had good speed and great baserunning instincts. He made about 3/5s of his starts in right field with around 1/5 in left and the rest either as a pitcher or designated hitter. Defensively, Hakim was firmly mediocre. He worked very hard though and had outstanding durability, a rare trait from a two-way guy as they often physically break down from the workload.

As a pitcher, Hakim had excellent control and in his prime showed decent stuff and movement. He lacked the stamina expected from a starting pitcher and rarely could go deep in games, which limited his use as an arm. Hakim had a nice fastball/slider one-two punch and a rarely used changeup. The lack of diversity in his arsenal also limited his pitching opportunities. Hakim’s unique skillset made him a popular player throughout his run.

Although born in China, Hakim’s family left for Japan when he was a teenager and he ended up an EAB prospect instead of a CLB one. Hakim soared up the big board with his two-way potential and was picked third overall in the 1986 EAB Draft by Niigata. The Green Dragons kept him in developmental in 1987 and debuted him in 1988 as mostly a pinch hitter and occasional reliever.

Hakim became a full-time starter in the outfield in 1989 and held that down for the rest of his Niigata run. He would only see 42.1 innings as a pitcher in his first two full seasons with unremarkable results there. Hakim looked great as a batter though and won Japan League MVP in his second full season in 1990. He led the league in runs (113) and WAR (8.3) while posting career bests in home runs (37) and RBI (109). That season, he also set a JL single game record against Chiba with 11 RBI. That day, he was 5-5 with 4 homers, 1 double, and 5 runs scored.

This also gave Niigata its first look at contention. The Green Dragons were a 1978 expansion team and hadn’t posted a winning season up to that point. In 1990, Niigata earned the Japan League pennant, falling to Seongnam in the EAB Championship. In 1991, the Green Dragons would win it all, beating Goyang in the finale. Niigata suffered a first-round exit in 1992, then fell into mediocrity for about a decade after that.

In the 1990 run, Hakim had 23 hits, 7 doubles, 6 runs, 3 home runs, and 12 RBI in 16 playoff starts. In 1991, he won EAB Championship MVP with 15 hits, 7 runs, 4 doubles, 3 home runs, and 6 RBI at the plate. That was his first year as a full-time pitcher, excelling in the playoffs with a 1.80 ERA over 30 innings with 22 strikeouts and a 3-1 record.

In 1991, Hakim won his second league MVP, Pitcher of the Year, and two Silver Sluggers (one in RF, one as a pitcher). At the plate, he had 7.0 WAR over 128 games with a 1.023 OPS and 211 wRC+. In his first full season pitching, he led in wins at 21-3 with a 2.35 ERA over 230 innings, 189 strikeouts, 140 ERA+, and 6.4 WAR.

Hakim regressed on the mound in 1992 with a 3.86 ERA and 84 ERA+, although he still had 4.2 WAR. That was his finest hitting season though, which won him his third MVP and two more Silver Sluggers. Hakim had league and career bests in the triple slash (.393/.438/.702), OPS (1.140), wRC+ (257), and WAR (10.3). At the time, that was the second-best batting average and 10^th-best single season OPS in EAB history. The batting average still ranks eighth as of 2037.

During his MVP prime, Hakim did briefly play for his country China in the World Baseball Championship, helping them win the 1993 and 1994 world titles. He played from 1991-94 with 73 games and 63 starts, 61 hits, 35 runs, 13 doubles, 10 home runs, 29 RBI, a .245/.310/.426 slash, 113 wRC+, and 0.9 WAR. Hakim was just used as an outfielder, pitching just one inning in relief in 1993.

Hakim won another Silver Slugger as a pitcher in 1993 and posted 6.1 WAR at the plate and 4.1 on the mound. The Green Dragons fell to 79-89 and plummeted to 68-94 in 1994. Niigata figured they weren’t going to be able to keep Hakim, who was due for free agency after the 1995 campaign. At the deadline, he was sent to Kobe for pitchers Tsuneichi Kitikawa and Shogo Hino.

Hakim posted 5.5 WAR and 182 wRC+ offensively in 1994 and 1.3 WAR pitching with only 11 starts on the mound that year. Each was with Niigata, as Kobe didn’t use Hakim as a pitcher in 1994’s regular season. He did make two starts with a 1.35 ERA over 13.1 in the playoffs as the Blaze lost the JLCS to Kitakyushu.

1995 was Hakim’s sixth and final Silver Slugger (his fourth as a pitcher) and saw a third place in MVP voting. He had a nice 2.76 ERA over 224.2 innings for 3.2 WAR on the mound and 5.0 WAR, a .904 OPS, and 169 wRC+ at the plate. Kobe missed the playoffs and Hakim entered free agency after the season at age 31.

This marked the end of his East Asia Baseball Career, although he still played for another decade elsewhere. At the plate, Hakim finished with 1065 games and 935 starts, 1204 hits, 647 runs, 198 doubles, 79 home runs, 201 home runs, 596 RBI, 310 walks, 237 stolen bases, a .326/.379/.586 slash, 193 wRC+, and 49.3 WAR. Pitching, he had 1017.1 innings, a 3.07 ERA, 64-42 record, 1017.1 innings, 857 strikeouts, 107 ERA+, and 19.1 WAR.

Hakim’s Hall of Fame case was a tricky one, hurt by low accumulations from only a nine-year run. His batting stats in that stretch were outstanding, but the grand totals were much lower than many voters wanted. Hakim graded as merely above average as a pitcher, but that extra value got him to 68.4 WAR combined, putting him closer to the borderline.

Some voters held him leaving against him, but others did give Hakim some credit for his post-EAB tenure. He just missed the Hall of Fame cut at 62.4% in 2008 and 62.9% in 2009. On his third try, Hakim crossed the 66% line at 74.3% to earn a spot in the 2010 East Asia Baseball Hall of Fame.

Hakim’s career continued into America, signing a six-year, $21,840,000 deal with the Dallas Dalmatians of Major League Baseball. Dallas wanted him to focus on hitting though and his two-way exploits ended when he left Japan, apart from three innings in 2001 in a relief appearance.

The learning curve was a bit steep for Hakim, who posted a very average debut season in 1996. He was below average in 1997, but bounced back as a serviceable starter in the next four seasons with Dallas. He managed to lead the American Association in triples with 18 in 1999. The Dalmatians had playoff berths in 1996 and 1998, but couldn’t get beyond the second round.

With Dallas in total, Hakim had 941 games, 922 hits, 489 runs, 141 doubles, 52 triples, 142 home runs, 523 RBI, a .258/.318/.445 slash, 108 wRC+, and 14.7 WAR. He was a free agent again after the 2001 season at age 37. Hakim stayed in Texas, inking a two-year, $14,400,000 deal with Houston.

He would put up similar numbers in his stay with the Hornets with 301 hits, 152 runs, 49 doubles, 36 home runs, 141 RBI, a .265/.336/.424 slash, 106 wRC+, and 5.7 WAR. Hakim still had suitors as a 39-year old free agent in 2004 and snagged a two-year, $15,400,000 deal with Albuquerque. He struggled starting for the Isotopes with a 85 wRC+ and 0.1 WAR over 145 games. Hakim was cut following spring training in 2005.

Baltimore gave him a look in 2005 as a backup, playing 112 games with 38 starts and 0.8 WAR. That marked the end of his MLB tenure, which saw 1501 games, 1386 hits, 730 runs, 209 doubles, 209 home runs, 70 triples, 767 RBI, 148 stolen bases, a.256/.319/.436 slash, 106 wRC+, 21.3 WAR. It wasn’t anything special, but a quite serviceable run for a guy in his 30s.

Hakim was briefly under contract with Las Vegas in 2006, but was cut after two weeks in the minors. Hakim wasn’t ready to give up the game yet and searched worldwide for a job. He ended up in the Arab League with Kuwait, posting 0.7 WAR and 114 wRC+ over 132 games. Hakim was unsigned in 2007 and retired that winter at age 43.

For his entire hitting career, Hakim had 2698 games and 2438 starts, 2714 hits, 1433 runs, 432 doubles, 155 triples, 425 home runs, 1419 RBI, 832 walks, 420 stolen bases, a .283/.342/.493 slash, 140 wRC+, and 71.4 WAR. With the pitching stats, he had 90.5 WAR, which ranks 22^nd among all two-way players as of 2037.

Hakim is second in offensive WAR among all two-way guys though, as most of those in front of him had stronger and more tenured pitching runs. Hakim leaves an interesting legacy and at his peak in the early 1990s was among the most impressive players in the game.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 BSA Hall of Fame

Beisbol Sudamerica’s 2010 Hall of Fame ballot didn’t have any no-doubt guys debuting, giving the opportunity for returners to make a stand. Two of them earned induction by crossing the 66% requirement. Pitcher Orlando Salas got to 77.3% in his third ballot and 2B Leonardo Salvador earned 74.9% for his sixth attempt. Both guys were best known for their tenure with Medellin. Catcher Moises Avalos only narrowly missed the cut with 62.2% for his second ballot. Two debuting first basemen did cross the 50% mark with Nyx Navas at 54.3% and Rafael Cervantes at 54.0%.



Dropped after ten failed attempts was LF Josh “The Crow” Espinosa. He had an 18-year career between Ciudad Guayana, Caracas, and Maracaibo and won four Silver Sluggers. Espinosa had 2647 hits, 1278 runs, 456 doubles, 211 triples, 324 home runs, 1249 RBI, a .300/.340/.510 slash, 136 wRC+, and 77.8 WAR. He was very rarely a league leader and only once a MVP finalist. That and the lack of big power stats hurt Espinosa with most voters. He peaked at 45.1% in 2002 and ended at 25.1%.



Orlando Salas – Starting Pitcher – Medellin Mutiny – 77.3% Third Ballot

Orlando Salas was a 6’1’’, 195 pound right-handed pitcher from Quilpue, Chile; a city of around 150,000 inhabitants within the greater Valparaiso metropolitan area. Salas had tremendous pinpoint control and strong stuff, although his movement was lousy and he had issues allowing home runs. His fastball hit the 97-99 mph range and was mixed with a forkball, slider, curveball, and changeup.

Salas had very good stamina and was strong at holding runners, although he did run into a few major injuries. Salas was a controversial figure, known for being outspoken and a bit of a malcontent. Detractors said he was lazy, selfish, and dumb. But his talent was undeniable, leading to an impressive 15-year career.

In January 1981, a teenaged Salas was spotted and brought from Chile to Colombia. Medellin signed him as an amateur free agent and he’d ultimately spend his entire career with the Mutiny. It was a long process for Salas, who spent basically seven years in their developmental system. He did debut in 1987 at age 23, but only saw three relief appearances.

Salas saw a bit more use in 1988, but struggled with a 4.70 ERA over 59.1 innings. He looked better with a 3.73 ERA over 103.2 innings in 1989, but still was a part-timer. Salas gave up four runs in nine playoff innings that year as Medellin lost in the Bolivar League Championship Series was Ciudad Guayana. He was moved into the full-time rotation from 1990 onward.

Salas’s trouble allowing homers was a problem in his first few full seasons, allowing the most homers in the league thrice. He still provided innings and had a great K/BB, leading the league four times in that. Salas was very much a “boom or bust” type pitcher, especially in his earliest years. In 1992, he posted a career and league-best 395 strikeouts and had 5.8 WAR. Still, he allowed a career-worst 54 home runs with a 3.59 ERA and 103 ERA+.

Salas stepped up in the 1992 postseason, going 3-0 with three complete games, 4 four runs allowed, and 40 strikeouts. Medellin got back to the BLCS, but lost again versus the Giants. The Mutiny made the BLCS again in 1993, 1996, and 1998, but couldn’t get over the hump. They had a league-best 106-56 mark in 1994, but lost in the first round.

Apart from the 1992 run, Salas’s playoff stats were spotty. He had a 3.84 ERA over 82 innings, 5-5 record, 111 strikeout, 7 walks, 93 ERA+, 71 FIP-, and 2.6 WAR. He also pitched for Chile from 1988-2003 in the World Baseball Championship, but had lousy overall numbers. Salas tossed 177.1 WBC innings with a 5.02 ERA, 9-10 record, 228 strikeouts, 46 walks, 48 home runs, 73 ERA+, and 0.5 WAR.

In 1993, Salas had a career-best 2.84 ERA and led the league in wins at 20-11 and complete games at 26. He took second in Pitcher of the Year voting, which earned him a five-year, $9,660,000 extension the next summer. Salas was second again in 1994, leading in wins (24-10), innings (308), strikeouts (377), WHIP (0.91), K/BB (18.9), and complete games (25). He still also allowed a league-worst 51 homers. That was Salas’ last time as a POTY finalist.

He led in strikeouts again in 1995 and had a career-best 7.1 WAR, although his ERA worsened. He struggled in 1996 and multiple injures meant Salas only played half of the season. He stayed healthy the next three years with again inconsistent results, but did enough to earn a four-year, $9,520,000 extension after the 1998 season.

In 2000, a 36-year old Salas missed the entire season with severe shoulder inflammation. He missed a few starts in 2001, but posted a respectable effort even as his velocity declined. In 2002, a hamstring strain cost Salas a notable chunk of the season with middling results when he was healthy.

After the 2002 season, Salas was traded by Medellin to Buenos Aires for two prospects and a draft pick. He ultimately never pitched an inning for the Atlantics. In spring training 2003, Salas tore his rotator cuff and a later setback ended his career at age 39. Despite his outspoken nature, Medellin did opt to retire Salas’ #28 uniform.

Salas finished with a 184-147 record, 3.59 ERA, 3097 innings, 3561 strikeouts, 310 walks, 454 home runs allowed, 11.5 K/BB, 202/392 quality starts, 191 complete games, 101 ERA+, 88 FIP-, and 59.7 WAR. As of 2037, his ERA is the worst of any BSA Hall of Famer and his WAR is among the worst of any starters. Salas’s resume seems to be very borderline, but he did have a lot of strikeouts relative to his innings and only played games for one franchise.

Yet, the voters almost made Salas a first-ballot guy, missing the cut barely in 2008 at 63.0%. Salas dropped to 56.1% in 2009, but a quieter 2010 group allowed him to jump to 77.3%. Later scholars argue that Salas is one of the weaker inductees into BSA”s Hall of Fame, but he ultimately led the way for the 2010 ballot.



Leonardo “Golden” Salvador – Second Base – Medellin Mutiny – 74.9% Sixth Ballot

Leonardo Salvador was a 6’0’’, 200 pound right-handed second baseman from Panama City. Salvador was a great contact hitter and a master at putting the ball in play and avoiding strikeouts. He had tremendous gap power with 27 doubles and 21 triples per his 162 game average. Salvador was quick and a stellar baserunner, stealing at an impressive rate and legging out extra bags regularly.

Salvador wasn’t a home run hitter, only getting 5-10 per year. He also very rarely drew walks, giving him a weaker on-base percentage than you’d expect considering his batting averages. Salvador dealt with some small injuries off and on, but still managed to play 120+ games each year from 1983-98.

Just over half of Salvador’s career starts were at second base, where he graded out as a terrible defender. He also struggled in some starts at third base, but looked respectable at a brief stint in right field. Salvador also made about ¼ of his starts as a designated hitter. His contact skills and speed gave him a spot in the lineup despite his flaws. Salvador was also incredibly well respected, known for his great leadership and work ethic.

A teenaged Salvador was spotted and signed in October 1977 by Quito, sending him to Ecuador. He debuted in 1981 at age 20, but was mostly a pinch hitter and pinch runner in his first two seasons. Salvador played 206 games, but made only 39 starts in his initial two years. The Thunderbolts gave Salvador a full-time spot in 1983, putting him in right field. Salvador stayed in RF in 1984, then switched to second base afterward.

Quito won the Bolivar League title in 1981 and 1983, falling both years in Copa Sudamerica. Salvador was a backup in 1981, but a strong starter in the 1983 run with 18 hits, 9 runs, 6 extra base hits, 6 RBI, and 11 stolen bases with a .400 batting average. He won BLCS MVP, but they lost to Sao Paulo in the final. That season, Salvador led the league in stolen bases with 93.

Salvador picked up Silver Sluggers in 1985 and 1986. In 1986, he led the league in hits (213) and triples (30) while posting a career best .347 batting average and 6.9 WAR. Salvador also led in triples for Quito in 1987 and 1988. The Thunderbolts fell into mediocrity in Salvador’s final seasons.

Despite playing in South America, Salvador returned to his native Panama regularly for the World Baseball Championship. From 1984-99, he played 143 games with 137 starts with 183 hits, 86 runs, 29 doubles, 12 triples, 11 home runs, 54 RBI, 80 stolen bases, a .324/.350/.477 slash, 134 wRC+, and 6.0 WAR.

For Quito, Salvador had 1381 hits, 624 runs, 203 doubles, 166 tripl,es 60 home runs, 465 RBI, 538 stolen bases, a .328/.346/.498 slash, 130 wRC+, and 33.3 WAR. After the 1989 season, the soon-to-be 29-year old Salvador was entering his last year of team control. The Thunderbolts opted to trade him to Medellin for three players.

The Mutiny wanted Salvador long-term and signed him to a six-year, $7,360,000 extension before his first spring training. This would be his signature run which started as a designated hitter. Medellin moved him to third base in 1995, then back to second base in the final few seasons.

Salvador led in hits and stolen bases in 1990, hitting career bests for both (214 and 93). He also led in triples in 1991. Salvador put up steady stats for Medellin, who earned five playoff berths from 1992-98. The Mutiny couldn’t get over the hump with four losses in the BLCS and a first-round exit.

Salvador couldn’t be blamed, as his playoff starts in 40 games saw 43 hits, 20 runs, 3 doubles, 6 triples, 2 home runs, 11 RBI, 24 stolen bases, a .314/.329/.467 slash, 123 wRC+, and 1.5 WAR. Medellin was especially impressed by Salvador’s leadership and give him a three-year, $6,240,000 extension after the 1996 season.

In 1998 at age 37, Salvador won his third Silver Slugger and his lone one with Medellin. He regressed hard in 1999 and was eventually benched, posting -1.6 WAR and a .520 OPS over 104 games and 59 starts. This year, he still was able to become the 6^th member of the 3000 hit club.

Salvador retired after the 1999 season at age 38. For his Medellin run, he had 1629 hits, 744 runs, 230 doubles, 172 triples, 69 home runs, 573 RBI, 571 stolen bases, a .316/.332/.468 slash, 125 wRC+, and 32.3 WAR. The Mutiny honored Salvador by retiring his #3 uniform.

For his career, Salvador had 3010 hits, 1368 runs, 433 doubles, 338 triples, 129 home runs, 1036 RBI, 1109 stolen bases, a .322/.338/.481 slash, 127 wRC+, and 65.6 WAR. As of 2037, he still sits sixth all-time in triples, 19^th in hits, and 14^th in stolen bases. Still, by WAR and advanced stats, he’s among the weaker BSA inductees. Salvador’s lack of home run power and walks, plus poor defense, hurt his value.

Salvador’s leadership and respect earned him some voters, but many thought he was borderline. He debuted at 51.9% and grew to 58.2% and 57.5% the next two seasons. Salvador barely missed the 66% cut in 2008 at 65.4%, then dropped slightly to 61.0% in 2000. The sixth ballot finally was the winner for Salvador with 74.9%, earning his spot in the 2010 Hall of Fame class.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 EBF Hall of Fame (Part 1)

The 2010 European Baseball Federation ballot had a lot of guys on the borderline, but ultimately added three players. 1B Luigi Cuttone had a big bump on his sixth ballot, leading the group at 84.9%. Two others barely got in across the 66% requirement. 1B Peter Brikmann was the best debutant at 68.6% and RF Bernard Martin made it with 67.4% for his sixth try.



Very close but just short was LF Henrique Agnelo at 63.4% on his second ballot and SP Reggie Hobart with 61.9% for his seventh ballot. Also above 50% were pitchers Vincent Cassar at 59.2% on his seventh ballot, Nicholas Friis with 56.2% in his tenth and final try, and Viktor Fredsgaard at 54.1% on his fourth ballot.

For Friis, the 56.2% finish was a major surprise considering he dropped as low at 7.3% the prior season. He had a 14-year career with Amsterdam and won three EBF titles with the Anacondas, finishing with a 176-95 record, 3.34 ERA, 2551 innings, 2323 strikeouts, 434 walks, 115 ERA+, and 55.1 WAR. His resume very much reads as “Hall of Pretty Good.”

Also dropped after ten ballots was RF Louie Jones, who spent 11 years with Madrid and won two Silver Sluggers and two EBF titles. He had 1819 hits, 981 runs, 269 doubles, 407 home runs, 1225 RBI, a .302/.331/.562 slash, 141 wRC+, and 48.4. Jones played his final five years in AAB after falling off in EBF. He peaked at 32.6% in 2002 and finished at 26.0% as another Hall of Pretty Good guy.



Luigi Cuttone – First Base – Rome Red Wolves – 84.9% Sixth Ballot

Luigi Cuttone was a 6’1’’, 200 pound left-handed first baseman from Ferrara, a city of 132,000 inhabitants in northern Italy. On the whole, Cuttone was a solid contact hitter with nice home run power, hitting 30+ homers ten times and 40+ four times. He was very good at avoiding strikeouts, but below average at drawing walks. Cuttone’s gap power was decent with around 25-30 doubles per year. He wasn’t going to leg out extra bases often with subpar speed and horrendously clumsy baserunning.

Cuttone was far better hitting against right-handed pitching with a career .966 OPS and 163 wRC+. Versus lefties, he was a merely average .739 OPS and 106 wRC+. Cuttone was a career first baseman and a reliably solid defender, winning a Gold Glove in 1997. He had excellent durability, but fell out of full-time starting roles at times due to struggles against left-handed pitching.

Cuttone emerged as one of the better hitting prospects from Italy in the 1984 EBF Draft. With the 13^th overall pick, he was selected by Rome, where he played his entire pro career. Cuttone saw limited use in his first three seasons, making only 43 starts over 242 games. The Red Wolves made him a full-time starter in 1988 and he held that role through the 1994 season.

Cuttone won Silver Sluggers in 1988, 1990, and 1991 with his lone Gold Glove in 1997. He was never an MVP finalist and rarely a league leader, but he did lead the Southern Conference in RBI in both 1990 and 1994. Cuttone also led in total bases in 1991 and had a career best 8.2 WAR, 177 wRC+, and 1.008 OPS that season. Cuttone wasn’t incredible, but he was steady with 11 seasons worth 4+ WAR.

Rome was delightfully average for Cuttone’s tenure, scoring 78.4 wins per season. The Red Wolves made the playoffs in both 1991 and 1994, but were one-and-done both times. Rome gave Cuttone an eight-year, $17,300,000 extension after the 1991 season and he remained a very popular player even as the franchise was mid.

Cuttone also had popularity among Italian fans generally for his efforts in the World Baseball Championship from 1987-98. He had 110 games and 103 starts with 118 hits, 52 runs, 18 doubles, 27 home runs, 72 RBI, a .299/.332/.554 slash, 156 wRC+, and 4.5 WAR.

By his early 30s, Cuttone started struggling more against lefties. He was used in a platoon role in 1995 and was primarily a backup in 1996 with only 21 starts. Cuttone was a full-time starter in 1997 and started most of 1998 with still respectable numbers. In 1999, he only started 17 games with very average results over 115 games. Cuttone’s contract ended there and he was unsigned in 2000 despite his efforts to find a home. He finally retired that winter at age 38.

Cuttone finished with 2041 hits, 1025 runs, 309 doubles, 406 home runs, 1246 RBI, a .320/.355/.573 slash, 154 wRC+, and 61.9 WAR. It was a nice career over a fairly short peak, but he definitely was borderline in totals. First basemen especially are often expected to have more eye-popping stats and awards. Cuttone was a good power hitter, but 400 homers is a small number compared to most of the greats at the position. He was also hurt by Rome being a relatively forgettable squad in his time.

Cuttone debuted at 47.9% in 2005 and slowly gained ground. He barely missed in 2008 at 64%, then fell slightly down in 2009 at 60.4%. Cuttone earned a big bump up with a wide open 2010 field with 84.9%, earning a sixth ballot induction to lead EBF’s 2010 Hall of Fame class.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 EBF Hall of Fame (Part 2)

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Peter Brinkmann – First Base – Lisbon Clippers – 68.6% First Ballot

Peter Brinkmann was a 6’3’’, 200 pound left-handed first baseman from Kaufungen, Germany; a town of 12,000 in the center of the country. Brinkmann was a tremendous home run hitter that hit 50+ in seven EBF Elite seasons and 40+ in 10 seasons. He was a good contact hitter against right-handed pitching with a .962 OPS and 162 wRC+, while iffy against lefties with a .718 OPS and 106 wRC+.

Brinkmann didn’t get many doubles or triples, using with around 10-20 per year. He was merely okay at drawing walks and below average at avoiding strikeouts. Brinkmann was painfully slow and a clumsy baserunner. He was a career first baseman and was mediocre defensively, but not abysmal. Brinkmann had good durability and became very popular between socking dingers and his great leadership. He was a team captain and considered a great man with a tireless work ethic and loyalty.

Brinkmann was picked coming out of high school in Germany, as his home run power potential was spotted from a young age. He was picked 20^th overall by Vienna in the 1987 EBF Draft. The Vultures kept him in developmental from 1988-90, debuting him in 1991 at age 22. Brinkmann was primarily a pinch hitter in his first two seasons with only 45 starts. He earned the starting job in 1993, posting 51 home runs and a 1.040 OPS to earn his first Silver Slugger.

Brinkmann hit 51 homers and led the Southern Conference in 1994, winning another Silver Slugger. With Vienna, he had four seasons with 45+ homers. The Vultures were stuck in the mid-tier during this point with no playoff berths. In six seasons, Brinkmann had 705 hits, 393 runs, 78 doubles, 229 home runs, 501 RBI, a .299/.342/.631 slash, 157 wRC+, and 21.9 WAR.

1997 was Brinkmann’s last year under Vienna’s control. Figuring they wouldn’t keep him, he was traded to Birmingham for two prospects and a draft pick. Brinkmann led the Northern Conference with 54 home runs, but posted a career-worst 129 wRC+ and 3.3 WAR. He struggled in three playoff starts as the Bees went one-and-done in the playoffs. Brinkmann was now a free agent at age 29 heading into 1998.

Lisbon saw Brinkmann’s potential and gave him a six-year, $12,720,000 deal. This became his signature run with an incredible debut season with 72 home runs, 130 RBI, 414 total bases, 1.089 OPS, 197 wRC+, and 8.1 WAR. That was only the fourth 70+ homer season in EBF history to that point, falling three short of Mattias Stole’s record of 75 from 1994. Brinkmann won his third Silver Slugger and was second in MVP voting.

The Clippers were on a playoff streak when Brinkmann arrived, having won conference titles in 1992, 1995, and 1997. They won the Southwest Division in his debut season, but lost in the first round. The Clippers lost in the conference final in 1999, then missed the playoffs in his remaining seasons as they hovered just above .500.

In 1999, Brinkmann topped himself and became EBF’s single season home run king with 76. This remained the EBF Elite record until 2036 and still ranks second all-time. Brinkmann also led in RBI, total bases, slugging, and wRC+ while posting a career-best 8.7 WAR. He won his lone MVP and his fourth Silver Slugger.

Brinkmann led again in home runs in 2000 and 2002 with 59 and 55, respectively. 2000 saw a career-best 155 RBI and his fifth Silver Slugger. His towering homers made his very popular in Portugal. Brinkmann was also popular back home in Germany for his work in the World Baseball Championship. From 1992-06, he played in 12 WBCs with 82 games, 64 starts, 76 hits, 53 runs, 29 home runs, 55 RBI, a .304/.375/.684 slash, 201 wRC+, and 4.2 WAR.

Brinkmann’s contact ability waned into his mid 30s. He posted a mere 1.8 ERA and 113 wRC+ in 2003, then was benched in 2004. His final season saw only 42 starts in 113 games with a 104 wRC+ and 0.7 WAR. In total with Lisbon, he had 1021 hits, 602 runs, 92 doubles, 356 home runs, 785 RBI, a .290/.324/.623 slash, 155 wRC+, and 32.7 WAR.

That marked the end of his EBF Elite career, although he was able to find a home in the newly formed European Second League. Brinkmann went to France at age 36 on a three-year, $9,600,000 deal with Lyon. The lower competition gave him more life, hitting 57 homers in 2005 and 44 in 2006. With the Lords, he had 14.9 WAR and 150 wRC+ over three years with a .249/.327/.502 slash.

Brinkmann hoped to get back to the top tier, but couldn’t. Livv signed him for 2008, but he struggled to a .187 average over 106 games and 32 starts. Brinkmann retired after the 2008 season at age 40. He had 15.7 WAR and a .816 OPS over four seasons in the Second League.

In his EBF Elite career, Brinkmann had 1875 hits, 1077 runs, 184 doubles, 639 home runs, 1398 RBI, a .289/.327/.618 slash, 153 wRC+, and 57.9 WAR. As of 2037, he’s still 15^th all-time in home runs and 31^st in slugging among all batters with 3000 plate appearances. Outside of dingers though, Brinkmann’s totals were on the low end and he lacked playoff accolades.

Crushing homers goes a long way though, especially when you become the single-season home run king. Brinkmann barely crossed the 66% line with 68.6%, but he got enough to earn a first ballot addition to join the 2010 EBF Hall of Fame class.



Bernard Martin – Right Field – Brussels Beavers – 67.4% Sixth Ballot

Bernard Martin was a 6’2’’, 200 pound switch-hitting right fielder from Brebieres, France; a commune of 5,000 people near the northern border. Martin had a strong bat, hitting 30+ home runs in 13 seasons and 40+ in five seasons. He was respectable at finding the gap with around 25 doubles per season. Martin was good at drawing walks, but he was merely an above average contact hitter with a subpar strikeout rate. He was also firmly below average on the basepaths with unimpressive speed.

Martin played exclusively in right field and was known for having an absolute cannon of an arm. However, his range and glove work were both mediocre, leading to a poor grade for his career. Martin stayed fairly durable, playing 120+ games in all but his rookie season. He was outspoken, but in a less abrasive way than most who get that label. Some could argue it contributed to his popularity during his run.

Despite growing up in a small area, Martin’s potential was noticed by scouts even in high school. He was picked 17^th overall in the 1980 EBF Draft by Brussels. He didn’t play in 1981 or 1982, debuting in 1983 at age 22. He only saw 61 games and 18 starts that first year with iffy results. Martin was a full-time starter in 1984 and emerged as a good starter by 1985.

Martin wasn’t a league leader, but he had six seasons worth 4+ WAR for Brussels. His strong effort came in 1987 with 7.8 WAR, a 1.028 OPS, 47 home runs, and 124 RBI; all career highs. Martin shared a position and conference with Sean Houston, meaning he never won a Silver Slugger in his best years as Houston won 11 straight from 1982-92. The Beavers were content with the results, giving Martin a three-year, $3,680,000 extension after the 1988 season.

Brussels wasn’t great for most of the 1980s, but found some competitiveness to start the 1990s. The Beavers earned playoff spots in 1990 with a one-and-done and 1991 with a conference finals defeat to Amsterdam. These would be Martin’s only playoff appearances. He stunk over 14 starts with a .125/.276/.250 slash. 1991 was also Martin’s weakest season with Brussels since his first full year in 1984.

The Beavers were worried Martin peaked and didn’t re-sign him after the 1991 campaign, making him a first time free agent entering his age 31 season. With Brussels, Martin had 1264 hits, 726 runs, 209 doubles, 288 home runs, 787 RBI, a .285/.359/.541 slash, 150 wRC+, and 39.1 WAR. At this point, Martin wanted to return home to his native France.

He had come home for the World Baseball Championship starting in 1987, playing through 1999 for the French team. In 95 games and 81 starts, Martin had 58 hits, 49 runs, 9 doubles, 26 home runs, 51 RBI, a .194/.294/.485 slash, 128 wRC+, and 2.3 WAR.

Martin couldn’t find a long-term deal, but inked a one year, $1,380,000 contract in 1992 for Paris. He earned an all-star game appearance with a 4.6 WAR effort in his one season for the Poodles. That effort made Marseille interested when he circled back to free agency. The Musketeers gave Martin a six-year, $10,620,000 contract.

He held down the starting gig during a down period for Marseille, who averaged 76.8 wins per season in his tenure. Martin topped 4+ WAR thrice and led the Southern Conference in 1994 with 68 walks. He also had a nice 46 home run effort in the 1995 season. In total, Martin had 871 hits, 520 runs, 122 doubles, 219 home runs, 547 RBI, a .268/.339/.520 slash, 134 wRC+, and 23.1 WAR.

Martin’s last year was his weakest with a career worst .235 batting average, although he still had 31 homers. A free agent again at age 38, he signed in 1999 with Munich. Martin fared a bit better in a part-time role with 1.8 WAR and a 134 wRC+ over 124 games and 53 starts. He was unsigned in 2000 and retired that winter at age 39.

Martin finished with 2365 hits, 1376 runs, 365 doubles, 560 home runs, 1475 RBI, 935 walks, a .278/.351/.531 slash, 143 wRC+, and 68.6 WAR. He was the 17^th to reach 500 home runs, but his stats otherwise were very borderline when compared to other EBF Hall of Famers. Martin wasn’t a league leader, lacked awards, and lacked team success. The resume on the surface reads to many as a “Hall of Good” guy.

Martin debuted at 52.8% in 2005 and fluctuated for five years, getting as close at 63.5% in 2009. 2010 had no “can’t miss” debuts, leaving an opening for Martin to just cross the 66% requirement. He did just that at 67.4% to earn a sixth ballot induction. Martin is probably one of the weakest additions in EBF’s Hall, but the man has his plaque regardless and won’t be shy in telling you about it.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 EPB Hall of Fame

In back-to-back years and for the third time in four years, Eurasian Professional Baseball didn’t add any players into its Hall of Fame. The closest to the 66% requirement was 3B Igor Urban with 60.0% in his third ballot. SP Temuujin Munkhuu grabbed 57.9% on his third try with fellow pitchers Wojciech Grzybek taking 57.5% on his second go and Mikhail Kripak at 56.1% on his fifth ballot. The best debut was closer Nijat Arzhanov at 55.8%.



Falling off the ballot after ten failed tries was pitcher Vavrik Kvocera, who had a 16 year career between EPB and MLB. Baku was his primary team with a EPB career of a 2.46 ERA, 160-132 record, 2895 innings, 3107 strikeouts, 540 walks, 157 complete games, 117 ERA+, and 64.4 WAR. Kvocera had no major awards or black ink and was mostly stuck on forgettable teams. He got as high as 45.4% on his second ballot, but generally stayed in the teens with a finish at 15.4%. A firm “Hall of Pretty Good” type player.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 OBA Hall of Fame

Pitcher Owen Killion was the lone addition for the Oceania Baseball Association Hall of Fame in 2010 with a debut at 77.7%. Closer Garnet Wallace was the closest to joining him, but fell shy of the 66% requirement with a 61.2% for his seventh ballot. That was Wallace’s best performance to date. SP Kurt Sanders was the other player above 50% with 54.1% on his sixth ballot.



1B Netani Mohammed was dropped after ten failed ballots. The Fijian lefty had a 17 year career almost entirely with Port Moresby, winning two Silver Sluggers and four Gold Gloves. He had 1868 hits, 1192 runs, 233 doubles, 466 home runs, 1096 RBI, 1081 walks, a .222/.313/.436 slash, 137 wRC+, and 66.8 WAR. Mohammed is one of a select few with 1000+ walks, but his low batting average and high strikeout rate hurt him. He also had good power, but not outstanding power expected at first base. Mohammed peaked at 35.0% in 2002 and finished with a mere 11.6%.



Owen Killion – Starting Pitcher – Brisbane Black Bears – 77.7% First Ballot

Owen Killion was a 6’0’’, 200 pound left-handed pitcher from Melbourne, Australia. He had dynamic stuff with solid control and above average movement. Killion only had 93-95 mph peak velocity, but his cutter was a tough one to crack. He also had a screwball, curveball, and circle change in the arsenal. Killion’s stamina was merely average compared to most OBA aces, but he generally stayed healthy. He was hard working and loyal, known as a quiet and humble guy that kept his head down.

Killion wasn’t a highly touted prospect, picked late in the second round of the 1991 OBA Draft. With the 33^rd overall pick, he was grabbed by Brisbane. The Black Bears didn’t use him in 1992, then made him a part-time starter with iffy results in 1993. Killion earned a full-time role for the following six seasons and led the Australasia League five times in quality starts.

Killion had five seasons worth 6.5+ WAR and topped 8+ each year from 1997-99. He was third in 1996 and 1997’s Pitcher of the Year voting. The 1996 effort earned a four-year, $4,880,000 contract extension signed that spring. In 1998, Killion led the AL with a career best 379 strikeouts and led with 8.0 WAR, winning his lone Pitcher of the Year.

Killion was arguably better in 1999 with a career best 2.13 ERA and AL best 370 strikeouts. He also tossed seven shutouts, including a no-hitter on May 20 with 11 Ks and 1 walk against Gold Coast. Killion ended up second in POTY voting, his final time as a finalist. Despite his efforts, Brisbane didn’t post a winning season during his entire tenure, peaking with a .500 mark in 1999.

In total for Brisbane, Killion had a 118-96 record, 2.64 ERA, 2042 innings, 2216 strikeouts, 345 walks, 203/257 quality starts, a 120 ERA+, and 45.5 WAR. He also played from 1995-01 for Australia in the World Baseball Championship, posting a 3.83 ERA in 49.1 innings with 72 strikeouts, 15 walks, a 96 ERA+, and 1.1 WAR.

Killion was entering the final year of his deal at age 31 in 2000. Brisbane opted to get some trade value, switching him to Port Moresby for C Hashim Muhamad and SP Gene Amezquita. The Mud Hens wanted Killion long-term and before playing a game, gave him a six-year, $14,400,000 extension. Killion had a great debut season in Papua New Guinea with a career best 9.5 WAR and 56 FIP-.

2001 was strong as well with 8.0 WAR, following by a good 2002 at 5.7 WAR. Killion regressed in 2003 with a career worst 4.35 ERA and missed the final part of the season to shoulder inflammation. Port Moresby fell towards the bottom of the standings for much of the decade.

In 2004, Killion looked cooked with a mediocre 1.2 WAR over 248 innings, a career worst along with a new low of 117 strikeouts. He opted to retire after that effort at age 35. With Port Moresby, Killion had a 69-65 record, 3.27 ERA, 1290.2 innings, 1175 strikeouts, 233 walks, 111 ERA+, and 26.5 WAR.

The final stats saw a 187-161 record, 2.89 ERA, 3332.2 innings, 3391 strikeouts, 578 walks, 312/425 quality starts, 116 ERA+, 83 FIP-, and 72.0 WAR. Killion wasn’t overly flashy and had a strong WAR despite relatively fewer innings than many other all-time aces. As of 2037, he ranked 32^nd in pitching WAR.

Some detractors thought his resume was more borderline, but you could definitely find other inductees with softer credentials. Enough were convinced that Killion had the goods. He debuted on the quiet 2010 Oceania Hall of Fame ballot at 77.7%, making him the lone inductee.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 APB Hall of Fame (Part 1)

Austronesia Professional Baseball added three players into the Hall of Fame from the 2010 voting. Two were easy first ballot adds with pitcher Wisnu Mahmudiana at 98.9% and fellow pitching Ninoy Lumar at 88.3%. OF Eli Cheng narrowly joined them on his second ballot, breaching the 66% requirement with 67.0%. Closer Chang-Heng Chang was the only other guy above 50%, taking 56.8% on his second try.



SP Carson Lim fell off the ballot after ten failed tries. He had a 14-year career and won a Pitcher of the Year in 1985 with Quezon and won in 1991 for Semarang. He had a 155-121 record, 2.46 ERA, 2346 strikeouts, 419 walks, 113 ERA+, and 60.5 WAR. Multiple injuries kept Lim from having greater tallies and his production could be hit or miss. Even the pitcher-centric APB voters though he lacked the accumulations, giving him only 11.0% on his final ballot. Lim peaked at 45.7% in 2004.



Wisnu “Roach” Mahmudiana – Starting Pitcher – Batam Blue Raiders – 98.9% First Ballot

Wisnu Mahmudiana was a 6’1’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Ponorogo, Indonesia; a regency in the East Java Province with around 950,000 people total. Mahmudiana had incredible stuff with excellent movement and very good control. His stellar fastball regularly was in the 97-99 mph range and was mixed with a strong curveball and changeup offering

Mahmudiana’s stamina was very average relative to other PAB aces, but he generally stayed healthy. He posted 200+ innings in all but his final season. Mahmudiana was an incredibly intelligent pitcher who knew how to perfectly pick his spots. He was also adaptable and loyal, becoming one of the most dominant forces of his era. Mahmudiana ended up becoming a beloved superstar of Indonesian baseball.

His excellence was noticed as he rose through the amateur ranks. By the time Mahmudiana was eligible for the 1989 APB Draft, most scouts ranked him as the top overall prospect. Batam agreed, picking him with the #1 overall pick. Mahmudiana spent his entire career with the Blue Raiders and had a full load immediately as a rookie with 208.2 innings.

Despite winning Rookie of the Month four times, he was second in Rookie of the Year voting. He helped Batam go from an atrocious 56-106 in 1989 to a Malacca League title in 1990. The Blue Raiders would earn eight playoff appearances in the 1990s. By his second season, Mahmudiana was already a bonafide ace, tossing his first of 12 seasons worth 8+ WAR. He was third in 1991’s Pitcher of the Year voting.

Mahmudiana also became a national superstar pitching for Indonesia from 1992-2003 in the World Baseball Championship. He tossed 220 innings with a 15-9 record, 2.29 ERA, 321 strikeouts, 61 walks, a 159 ERA+, 61 FIP-, and 7.9 WAR.

In 1999, he posted a 0.96 ERA over 37.1 innings with 45 strikeouts as the Indonesians defeated Nigeria for their first-ever world title. Indonesia also was the runner-up in 1997 and 2000 and a semifinalist in 1993. As of 2037, Mahmudiana leads all Indonesian pitchers in WBC history in WAR and sits second in strikeouts.

His local dominance was unmatched, winning five consecutive Pitcher of the Year awards from 1993-97. He took second in 1992, 1998, 1999, and 2000. 1997 also saw a Sundaland Association MVP win with second place MVP finishes in both 1992 and 1993. Mahmudiana led in wins thrice, ERA four times, strikeouts four times, WHIP five times, K/BB thrice, quality starts twice, FIP- five times, and WAR six times.

Mahmudiana had four seasons worth 13+ WAR, peaking with 14.0 in 1995. That was his finest season in the minds of many, winning a Triple Crown with a 22-5 record, 0.91 ERA, and 406 strikeouts. The ERA mark was the second-lowest in APB history to that point for a qualifying pitcher and still ranks fifth as of 2037.

That season saw a 0.55 WHIP, which set a new world record in any league over 162+ innings. Mahmudiana’s mark would get passed thrice in APB but held until 2014. He also set APB records in H/9 (4.08), triple slash (.136/.162/.202), and OPS (.364) that each held as all-time marks until Ching-Chen Yao’s historic 2014. Mahmudiana also crossed 400+ strikeouts thrice with a high of 441 in 1996.

Mahmudiana would throw four no-hitters and two perfect games in this stretch. In 1994, he was perfect on August 14 with 16 strikeouts against Depok. Mahmudiana had two no-nos in 1996 with a 16 K, 1 BB effort on August 1 versus Singapore and a 12 K, 2 BB game on September 8 over Depok. The second perfecto had 18 Ks on September 23, 2001 versus the Demons. Mahmudiana also had 45 consecutive scoreless innings from 8/9/99 to 9/11/99.

Perhaps most impressive was his playoff stats, posting a better postseason ERA than his regular season one. In 132.2 innings, Mahmudiana had a 1.49 ERA, 11-6 record, 173 strikeouts, 18 walks, 6 complete games, 170 ERA+, 57 FIP-, and 4.9 WAR.

Batam went 3-5 in their Sundaland Association Championship appearances, winning pennants in 1991, 1997, and 1998. Mahmudiana was especially dominant with a 4-0 record and 0.79 ERA in 34 innings in 1991 and 25 scoreless innings and a 3-0 record in 1997. In 1998, the Blue Raiders won it all, defeating Quezon in the Austronesia Championship. They fell to Cebu in 1991 and Taoyuan in 1997.

Batam locked Mahmudiana down on a seven-year, $8,190,000 extension after the 1993 season. He received another five years and $19,600,000 after the 1999 campaign. The Blue Raiders’ time in the spotlight ended as the new millennium dawned. They went 83-79 in 2000, then posted seven straight losing seasons after that.

Mahmudiana was still looking strong into his mid 30s and climbing up the leaderboards. Trouble arose in August 2002 with a partially torn labrum ending his season. That hurt his velocity significantly with 2003 seeing 94-96 mph peaks compared to his previous 97-99 mph marks. Mahmudiana looked merely average for the first time since his rookie year.

The decline worsened in 2004 and Mahmudiana was reduced to an opener role, only seeing 85.2 innings with 0.4 WAR. He retired that winter at age 38 and didn’t quite get to record chase as much as fans hoped. Mahmudiana’s #2 uniform would be immediately retired in front of a packed house. He stayed a prominent icon of Indonesian baseball for years after.

Mahmudiana finished with a 227-110 record, 1.63 ERA, 3452 innings, 4879 strikeouts, 344/424 quality starts, 130 complete games, 55 shutouts, 158 ERA+, 43 FIP-, and 143.3 WAR. He has the fifth best ERA among Hall of Fame starters and as of 2037, still ranks 11^th among all APB pitchers with 1000+ innings. His 0.76 WHIP ranks sixth best and his .480 opponent OPS is seventh still in 2037.

Mahmudiana finished just below Hadi Ningsih (144.5) for the WARlord title and ranks third in 2037. He’s 15^th in wins and ninth all-time in strikeouts. Mahmudiana also in 2037 is one of only five APB pitchers to win Pitcher of the Year five or more times.

When you add in his playoff dominance and WBC outings, Mahmudiana emerges as one of the strongest pitchers in the world during his 1990s prime. He certainly deserves consideration when discussing the inner circle pitchers in APB history. Mahmudiana was an obvious headliner for the 2010 Hall of Fame class, leading the way at 98.9%.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 APB Hall of Fame (Part 2)



Ninoy “Scoops” Lumar – Starting Pitcher – Cebu Crows – 88.3% First Ballot

Ninoy Lumar was a 6’6’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Calumpit, a municipality of just under 120,000 people in the Central Luzon part of the Philippines. The nickname “Scoops” came from his tendency to grab extra scoops of ice cream after games. He was a scrappy sparkplug type with a tireless work ethic, which served him over a brief but excellent career.

Lumar had fantastic stuff with very good movement and control. He had a stellar 97-99 mph fastball and a deadly slider as his top pitches, but his curveball and changeup were also plenty effective. Lumar had outstanding stamina in his prime and always wanted to go deep into games, leading the league five times in complete games and twice in innings pitched. However, that likely exacerbated his later rotator cuff troubles.

Lumar quickly emerged as one of the premiere prospects out of the Philippines for the 1993 APB Draft. He was taken second overall by Cebu and pitched 172 in his rookie year with okay results. Lumar was a full-time starter after and tossed 270+ innings in six of the next eight seasons. He lost part of 1996 to a strained oblique.

Cebu had won three pennants and an APB title from 1990-92, but stunk in 1993 to earn the #2 pick for Lumar. They made the playoffs in 1996, but he missed it due to a finger blister. Sadly, Lumar never got to pitch in the playoffs in his career. The Crows bounced between mediocre and mid for the remaining years of Lumar’s tenure. He even led the Taiwan-Philippine Association with 20 losses in 1997 despite posting 7.5 WAR.

Lumar earned national notoriety starting in 1996, playing for his country through 2004 in the World Baseball Championship. He was excellent on the world stage with a 1.77 ERA over 122.1 innings, 5-4 record, 159 strikeouts, 31 walks, 204 ERA+, and 4.7 WAR. Lumar tossed 29.2 scoreless innings over his first two WBCs.

In 1998, Lumar was second in Pitcher of the Year voting. He then won the award three consecutive seasons from 1999-01, leading each season in WAR, WHIP, K/BB, and complete games. He also led twice in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched, and shutouts during that stretch. 2001 was the strongest by many measures with career bests in Ks (415), WHIP (0.73), WAR (11.6), FIP- (51), and shutouts (10).

In April 1998, Cebu gave Lumar a seven-year, $14,740,000 extension and had been very pleased with the individual results, although still frustrated by the lack of team success. Lumar also wanted to win and had been considering using his opt out after his 2002 campaign. The math changed after it was a poor season with a mere 2.6 WAR and 101 ERA+.

Even worse, Lumar’s year ended with a torn rotator cuff on September 1, putting his entire career future in doubt. Surprising many especially after a big injury, he opted for free agency at age 32. With Cebu, Lumar had a 136-114 record, 2.13 ERA, 2350 innings, 2892 strikeouts, 416 walks, 176 complete games, 47 shutouts, 127 ERA+, and 63.1 WAR. The Crows would later retire his #58 uniform.

Quezon signed Lumar to a four-year, $24,600,000 deal with hopes of recapturing the magic. They did briefly in 2003, as he posted a TPA and career-best 1.59 ERA and finished third in Pitcher of the Year voting. Forearm inflammation limited him to only 187.1 innings though, but he was still excellent in the short burst.

In 2004, Lumar looked awful to start the season, posting a terrible 3.90 ERA, 72 ERA+, and 0.7 WAR over 101.2 innings. Forearm inflammation in late May knocked him out for most of the summer. Lumar hoped to bounce back in 2005, but tore his rotator cuff for a second time in spring training. Doctors told him that was it and he officially retired that winter at age 35. With Quezon, he had 7.0 WAR in 289 innings with a 2.40 ERA and 303 strikeouts.

Lumar finished his career with a 154-129 record, 2.16 ERA, 2639 innings, 3195 strikeouts, 468 walks, 235/322 quality starts, 185 complete games, 126 ERA+, 73 FIP-, and 70.1 WAR. Lumar didn’t have the longevity to factor into a prominent leaderboard spot, but his rate stats certainly compared favorably to other APB Hall of Famers. Even though he never saw team success, three Pitcher of the Year awards are hard to argue against. Lumar received 88.3% for a first ballot induction with APB’s three-player 2010 class.



Eli Cheng – Outfield/Designated Hitter – Taipei Tigercats – 67.0% Second Ballot

Eli Cheng was a 6’3’’, 190 pound left-handed outfielder from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Cheng was an impressive slugger with an excellent eye for working counts and drawing walks. He was also an above average contact hitter with a respectable strikeout rate. Cheng hit 41 home runs per his 162 game average, which was especially impressive in the low offense world of APB. His gap power was respectable also with 25 doubles per 162.

Cheng was good both ways, but notably stronger against righties (166 wRC+, .920) compared to lefties (123 wRC+, .741). He was a very smart and crafty baserunner, but was still limited by very lackluster speed. This also made it tough to find Cheng a home defensively, as his range was atrocious.

About 1/3 of his starts were in right field with around a ¼ in left field and a small bit at first base. He was a putrid defender at any spot, although RF was marginally his best. Cheng also started about 1/3 of the time as a designated hitter, which was his most effective role. His durability was respectable and he could mash, meaning Cheng was going to find a spot in spite of his deficiencies. His towering homers made him a beloved superstar for Taiwanese baseball fans.

Cheng was a stud at Gubao High School in Taipei and quickly drew scouting attention from each of the Taiwanese teams. Taipei thought it was worth snagging him early, even if it would be a few years before he’d play. Cheng was picked 6^th overall in the 1980 APB Draft and largely sat in developmental from 1981-83. He did debut in 1982 at age 20 but only saw 20 plate appearances and two starts. In 1984, Cheng was promoted to a full-time spot.

In his rookie season, Cheng was the starting designated hitter and led the Taiwan-Philippine Association with 38 doubles, earning 1984 Rookie of the Year honors. He moved to right field in 1985 and won his first Silver Slugger, leading the TPA in slugging, OPS, and wRC+. This also earned Cheng a second place finish in MVP voting. He won another Slugger in 1986 and took home his first MVP.

Cheng’s MVP season was a Triple Crown effort with a .305 average, 44 home runs, and 102 RBI. He also led in runs, walks, total bases, triple slash, OPS, wRC+, and WAR. Taipei was still stuck in the middle tier that year despite his efforts. The team improved to 96 wins in 1987, but still saw its playoff drought extend to 17 seasons. Cheng regressed a bit that year, hampered by a torn hamstring in the spring.

1988 had Cheng’s third Silver Slugger and a third place in MVP voting despite losing six weeks to a fractured wrist. Still, Taipei ended their playoff drought and Cheng was a force in the playoffs. In 11 starts, he had 11 hits, 7 runs, 2 homers, and 4 RBI, leading the Tigercats to an APB Championship win over Semarang. Cheng was the finals MVP and cemented his spot as an all-time fave for Taipei fans.

The Tigercats won another TPA pennant in 1989, but lost the final to Medan. Cheng won his second MVP and a fourth Silver Slugger (his first as a DH), posting a second Triple Crown season with a .301 average, 51 home runs, and 108 RBI. Cheng also had a career best 10.0 WAR and led again in runs, walks, total bases, triple slash, OPS, and wRC. Taipei wanted to sign him long-term, but could only get Cheng to agree to a two-year, $3,000,000 extension in spring 1990.

1990 was a fifth Silver Slugger back in right and a third place in MVP voting. Taipei won the Taiwan League in both 1990 and 1991, but lost both years to Cebu in the Association final. For his playoff career with Taipei, Cheng had 35 starts, 27 hits, 13 runs, 4 doubles, 4 homers, 9 RBI, and 16 walks with a .214/.317/.373 slash. Outside of the 1988 run, Cheng’s playoff performances weren’t good.

He also made 62 starts from 1985-90 for Taiwan in the World Baseball Championship. Cheng was strong on the world stage, posting a .287/.453/.802 slash, 5.2 WAR, 58 hits, 47 runs, 6 doubles, 32 home runs 55 RBI, 56 walks, and 227 wRC+.

1991 was his third and final MVP and his sixth Silver Slugger, now playing at first base. Cheng led in homers, RBI, total bases, and runs for the third time. With that, his Taipei run ended with 1149 hits, 650 runs, 182 doubles, 313 home runs, 693 RBI, 549 walks, a .278/.365/.558 slash, 180 wRC+, and 54.7 WAR. Although a relatively brief run, the Tigercats later retired Cheng’s #29 uniform.

He was a free agent for the first time at age 30 and received looks from around the world. He left his home country for nine years and ended up in Sin City. Cheng signed a seven-year, $16,960,000 deal with Major League Baseball’s Las Vegas Vipers.

Cheng lost six weeks of his debut season to a strained oblique. He was healthy in 1993 in easily his finest MLB season, leading the American Association in runs (121), home runs (54), and slugging (.627). These were all career highs, as was his 123 RBI and 1.020 OPS. Cheng earned a Silver Slugger in left field and a second place finish in MVP voting. He won a second Slugger in 1995, but wasn’t a league leader for the rest of his run.

A fractured ankle cost Cheng three months in 1996 and he was never quite the same player with Las Vegas. He was a starter for two more years, but saw his power numbers noticeably dip. The Vipers made the playoffs in 1992 and 1995 with first round exits, then lost in the 1997 AACS to Los Angeles. Cheng stunk in the playoffs with an atrocious .070/.130/.093 slash in 12 starts.

For his Las Vegas run as a whole, he was a great player. Cheng had 890 hits, 561 runs, 132 doubles, 231 home runs, 638 RBI, 462 walks, a .272/.368/.528 slash, 141 wRC+, and 27.3 WAR. He was a free agent again after the 1998 season at age 37. Seattle was interested and gave Cheng two years and $8,880,000.

He was an okay starter in 1999 and missed part of the season to a sprained ankle. A week into the 2000 season, Cheng’s MLB tenure effectively ended from a torn PCL. With Seattle, he had 129 games, 118 hits, 74 runs, 19 homers, 72 RBI, 72 walks, a .260/.367/.458 slash, 118 wRC+, and 2.3 WAR. For his entire MLB tenure, Cheng had 1008 hits, 635 runs, 161 doubles, 250 home runs, 710 RBI, 534 walks, a .2771/.368/.520 slash, 138 wRC+, and 29.3 WAR.

Cheng returned home to Taiwan and hoped he could still recapture some of that magic at age 39. He was still extremely popular and both fans and teams remembered the good ol’ days. Tainan gave Cheng a one-year, $2,640,000 deal and he delivered a Silver Slugger as a DH. It was his ninth for his pro career and seventh in APB.

He left in 2002 for Taoyuan and had a respectable effort with 3.3 WAR for them. It was a two-year, $4,560,000 deal with the Tsunami, but they traded him in the offseason to Davao. Cheng’s one year for the Devil Rays was lousy with a 99 wRC+ and 0.4 WAR over 141 games. He decided to retire with that at age 41.

For his full pro career, Cheng had 2680 games, 2469 hits, 1476 runs, 395 doubles, 646 home runs, 1611 RBI, 1267 walks, a .264/.356/.519 slash, 155 wRC+, and 92.3 WAR. Combined, that is a pretty rock solid Hall of Fame case. But his APB accumulations were lower since he had only eight great years with Taipei, plus his decent final three years in his return.

In APB, Cheng had 1461 hits, 841 runs, 234 doubles, 396 home runs, 901 RBI, 733 walks, a .259/.347/.519 slash, 167 wRC+, and 62.8 WAR. As of 2037, no APB Hall of Fame hitter would get in with fewer hits or WAR, but his OPS would rank seventh among HOF members. The rate stats were excellent, but some voters couldn’t get over the short tenure. APB voters were also notoriously tough on batters and some downed Cheng for his weaker playoff runs.

Still, he had a great run to the 1988 title for Taipei, won three MVPs, and two Triple Crowns. Cheng would miss the cut in his debut, barely falling short of the 66% requirement at 64.1%. He only got a slight bump to 67.0% in 2010, but that was enough for the second ballot induction. Cheng rounded out a very impressive 2010 APB Hall of Fame class.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 CLB Hall of Fame

Chinese League Baseball had one Hall of Fame inductee in 2010, but it was an impactful one. Pitcher Jinlong Han was nearly unanimous in his debut at 99.4%. Fellow pitcher Jun Tang almost joined him on his fourth ballot, but just missed the 66% threshold at 63.7%. One other was above 50% with closer Chiang-Ho Yang debuting with 54.3%.



Dropped after ten ballots included Filipino closer Ryan Tarancon, who only had a nine-year CLB run with Wuhan. In that stretch though, he won three Reliever of the Year awards and had 289 saves, a 1.24 ERA, 712.2 innings, 995 strikeouts, 160 walks, 196 ERA+, 34 FIP-, and 36.3 WAR. He also won ROTY with OBA’s Samoa in 1997. With a few more years in China, Tarancon probably makes the cut. He hovered around the 35-45% range with a peak of 48.8% in 2002 and finish at a low of 35.1%.

Starting pitcher Tangchao Di also was dropped after ten ballots, although he peaked at 20.2% in his debut and ended with 8.8%. In a ten-year CLB run mostly with Shenzhen, he won Rookie of the Year and had a 126-72 record, 2.08 ERA, 1942.1 innings, 1964 strikeouts, 118 ERA+, 72 FIP-, and 49.8 WAR. Di wasn’t a league leader and dealt with multiple torn labrum wrecking his full potential.



Jinlong Han – Starting Pitcher – Foshan Flyers – 99.4% First Ballot

Jinlong Han was a 6’8’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Urumqi, the capital of northwestern China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Region with around four million inhabitants. Han had absolutely filthy stuff with excellent control and respectable movement. His fastball only hit the 92-94 mph range, but he had a filthy slider, plus a changeup and cutter. Han was excellent at picking his spots and changing speeds, making him a very effective pitcher.

Han also had strong stamina for much of his career, leading the league twice in complete games and five times in shutouts. He had excellent durability and could be regularly expected to give a full load. The downside was his personality, as Han was considered lazy and selfish. Regardless, Han was dominant enough to earn plenty of fans.

In the 1989 CLB Draft, Han was picked third overall by Foshan. He didn’t play in 1990 and only saw seven relief appearances in 1991 at age 21. Han was a part-time starter in 1992 and was terrible with -1.6 WAR. Some within the Flyers organization were worried they drafted a lemon. Han assuaged those worries with an excellent 1993 as a full-time starter.

Each of Han’s Foshan seasons from 1993-2001 saw 340+ strikeouts, sub-two ERAs, and 6+ WAR. He took second in Pitcher of the Year voting in 1994 and third in 1995. The next six years would see remarkable dominance. Han won five Pitcher of the Year awards (1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001). He was the first to do so in CLB history and is one of four to earn the feat as of 2037. Han was also second in Southern League MVP voting in 1996, 1997, and 2000.

During that stretch, he led in ERA four times, strikeouts thrice, WIHP thrice, wins once, quality starts twice, complete games twice, FIP- four times, and WAR thrice. Each season was worth 10+ WAR with a peak of 13.8 in 2000. He also tied the then-world record with 12 shutouts, reaching that mark in both 1997 and 2000. That remains CLB’s single-season record as of 2037.

Among his many shutouts were four no-hitters with one in 1995 against Wuhan, a 20-strikeout no-no in 1997 against Hong Kong, another one against the Wolverines in 1999, and one over Macau in 2000. 20 Ks is the no-hitter record in CLB history. Only Han and Momota Oichi have thrown four no-hitters in CLB.

In 1999, Han threw only the third Triple Crown season in CLB history with a 21-12 record, 1.33 ERA, and 382 strikeouts. He missed it by one win in 2000, which was his finest season. Han set career bests in ERA (0.94), innings (287.2), strikeouts (403), WHIP (0.58), complete games (26), shutouts (12), FIP- (32), and WAR (13.8).

That WHIP mark remains CLB’s single-season record as of 2037. Han also set still standing lows for opponents OBP (.170), opponents slugging (.200), and opponents OPS (.369). It was the second lowest batting average (.137) allowed in CLB. It was only the fourth-ever 400+ strikeout season in CLB and ranks third all-time in WAR. The case could be made for it being the most impressive season ever by a CLB pitcher.

Foshan was awful in Han’s early years, but earned four playoff berths from 1996-2000. They advanced to the semifinal each year, but never could advance to the China Series. Han’s playoff stats were relatively underwhelming considering his other dominance, posting a 3-3 record over 66.2 innings, 2.02 ERA and 114 ERA+, 83 strikeouts, 8 walks, and 3.0 WAR. His 4 complete games and 38 FIP- suggests he might have gotten some bad bounces.

The Flyers gave Han a four-year, $12,720,000 extension after the 1997 season. They tried to lock him down beyond that, but Han wanted to secure the bag. Just about every CLB team was interested and many from other leagues wanted him too. Han entered free agency after the 2001 season and left China for his age 32 season and beyond.

With Foshan, Han finished with a 161-104 record, 1.69 ERA, 2612.1 innings, 3509 strikeouts, 434 walks, 259/298 quality starts, 166 complete games, 63 shutouts, 142 ERA+, 57 FIP-, and 88.4 WAR. Despite leaving early, Han still ranks seventh all-time in strikeouts and eighth in pitching WAR as of 2037. He’s also the career shutouts leader and ranks 12^th in ERA among all pitchers with 1000+ career innings.

Some suggest Han could have had a shot at being CLB’s all-time GOAT pitcher had he stayed. He certainly would’ve been even more prominent on the leaderboards. Regardless, his decade of dominance made him a no-doubt Hall of Famer. Han was nearly unanimous at 99.4% as the lone CLB inductee in 2010.

Han’s career continued as he moved to the United States and Major League Baseball, inking a six-year, $50,100,000 with St. Louis. He would come back to China for the World Baseball Championship from 2002-05, posting a 10-5 record over 114.1 innings, 3.46 ERA, 142 strikeouts, 33 walks, 104 ERA+, and 1.7 WAR. Han earned a world championship ring with China’s 2002 squad.

Han wasn’t a Pitcher of the Year finalist at any point for the Cardinals, but he acclimated fairly well initially with 7.4 WAR and 6.5 WAR in his first two seasons. Han’s stats drifted more towards league average marks for his final four seasons, although he still reliably delivered consistent innings each year.

The major highlight of his tenure came on April 18, 2005 against Ottawa. Han tossed only the 18^th perfect game in MLB history, striking out seven against the Elks. Having five total no-hitters and no-nos in multiple leagues put Han in very rarified air in baseball history.

Beyond that, it was an unremarkable time for St. Louis. They won two division titles in Han’s tenure, but went one-and-done both times. He had one playoff start in 2003, giving up two runs in five innings. In total with the Cardinals, Han had a 69-76 record, 3.33 ERA, 1471.1 innings, 1191 strikeouts, 311 walks, 108/211 quality starts, 100 ERA+, 90 FIP-, and 27.1 WAR.

Han was a free agent for 2008 and Montreal gave him two years and $15,400,000. He looked decent in four starts, but the Maples surprisingly released him in late April. Han finished spent the rest of 2008 in minor league Charleston and pitched in 2009 for minor league Madison. After looking subpar in both stints, he officially retired at age 39. Han returned home to China and Foshan honored him by retiring his #4 uniform.

For his entire pro baseball career, Han had a 233-180 record, 2.29 ERA, 4115.1 innings, 4713 strikeouts, 752 walks, 370/513 quality starts, 204 complete games, 72 shutouts, 123 ERA+, 69 FIP-, and 116.2 WAR. Certainly, Han goes down as one of the world’s most impressive pitchers from his era.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 WAB Hall of Fame (Part 1)

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West African Baseball added three players into the Hall of Fame in 2010 with each sitting in the 70-75% range. Pitcher Rick Agyemang had the top mark with a debut at 75.2%. Center fielder Aijboye Okemmiri was close behind with a 74.0% debut. First baseman Daouda Kadri was third with 72.1%, finally crossing the 66% requirement on his eighth ballot. Pitcher Angelo Costa barely missed the cut at 65.5% for his second ballot. 2B Hamza Seidu was also above 50% on his second try at 57.7%. No players were dropped after ten failed ballots in 2010.



Rick Agyemang – Starting Pitcher – Abidjan Athletes – 75.2% First Ballot

Rick Agyemang was a 5’10’’, 200 pound left-handed pitcher from Tema, Ghana; a city of roughly 160,000 within the Greater Accra area. Agyemang had respectable stuff with above average control, although his control was often subpar. His fastball hit 95-97 mph regularly and was mixed in with a slider and changeup. Agyemang had pretty good stamina relative to other WAB aces and had excellent durability in his younger years.

Agyemang’s professional career began in Mali when he was signed in August 1984 as a teenage amateur by Bamako. He spent five full seasons in the Bullfrogs academy before debuting in 1990 at age 22. Agyemang was a full-time starter immediately, although control issues plagued him early on. He led the league with 99 walks in his debut season and didn’t post strong value until his third season.

Although he didn’t play in his native Ghana, Agyemang represented his native country from 1991-2004 in the World Baseball Championship. He tossed 112.1 innings with a 4.09 ERA, 114 strikeouts, 48 walks, 88 ERA+, and 0.8 WAR.

Bamako’s only playoff appearance during Agyemang’s tenure was a wild card round loss in 1992, which saw him get rocked in his one start. He had a respectable 1992 and 1993 campaign, then started to look like a proper ace in 1994. A 5.6 WAR season earned him a second place in Pitcher of the Year voting.

1995 was Agyemang’s last season under contract with Bamako, who didn’t have the desire to give him a big contract. He was traded in early June to Lagos with OF Alebiosu Alfa for C Teva Ioane and P Houssein Saores. With the Bullfrogs, Agyemang had a 67-60 record, 3.40 ERA, 1225.2 innings, 1302 strikeouts, 412 walks, 112 ERA+, and 16.2 WAR.

Agyemang struggled in his few months with the Lizards, posting a lousy 4.72 ERA. Lagos’ just missed the playoffs and Agyemang entered free agency at age 28. His weak season had lowered his stock some, but Abidjan still saw plenty of potential. They signed Agyemang to a six-year, $8,840,000 deal to begin what would be his signature run. He was going to a contender, as the Athletes had just won their fourth straight Western League pennant.

1996 was a respectable debut for Agyemang, although Abidjan lost in the wild card round and he got roughed up in his lone playoff start. 1997 was stronger with a new career best 6.5 WAR, but Abidjan’s playoff streak was snapped as they fell one game short at 95-67. The Athletes made it back with four straight berths from 1998-2001.

In 1998, Agyemang led in wins with a career best 21-5 and had career highs in strikeouts (288), innings (267.1), and WAR (7.0). He took third in Pitcher of the Year voting, but wasn’t used in the playoffs as Abidjan lost in the wild card round. Agyemang had a decent 1999, but finally stepped up in the postseason. In four playoff starts, he had a 3-1 record over 27.1 innings, 29 strikeouts, and a 1.32 ERA. Abidjan won the WL pennant, but lost the WAB Championship against Kano’s dynasty.

The Athletes upset 125-win Kano in the 2000 WAB Championship, then lost in a rematch with the Condors in 2001. Agyemang was unremarkable in those playoff runs, finishing his postseason career with a 3.82 ERA over 61.1 innings. In 2001, Agyemang was third in POTY voting. He finished his Abidjan tenure with a 99-56 record, 3.21 ERA, 1418 innings, 1544 strikeouts, 361 walks, 120 ERA+, and 31.4 WAR.

Agyemang was a free agent again at age 34 and signed a four-year, $11,200,000 deal with Cotonou. The Copperheads had just snapped a 13-year playoff drought and hoped that Agyemang could help them contend more. Sadly, it didn’t pay off as they were merely above average in his first two seasons and then back to the bottom after that.

The deal was snake-bitten though due to Agyemang suffering a torn labrum in late January during the World Baseball Championship. He missed most of the 2002 season and looked middling in his limited action. Agyemang would surprise many with a stellar bounce-back season in 2003. He won his lone ERA title at 2.48 and led in WHIP at 1.00. That effort gave Agyemang his only Pitcher of the Year win at age 35. The season also saw a no-hitter with 11 strikeouts and 4 walks against Ibadan in May.

Agyemang’s success was short lived, as he got wrecked to start 2004. Cotonou eventually had to bench him, finishing with a 5.38 ERA and -1.7 WAR over 88.2 innings. He retired from the game that winter at age 37. With the Copperheads, Agyemang h ad a 26-18 record, 3.45 ERA, 412.2 innings, 429 strikeouts, 113 ERA+, and 4.6 WAR.

The final stats for Agyemang: 197-143 record, 3.37 ERA, 3188 innings, 3435 strikeouts, 919 walks, 250/416 quality starts, 114 ERA+, 92 FIP-, and 52.8 WAR. It was an interesting career as he generally didn’t lead any leaderboards. Almost quietly, Agyemang ended up 13^th in strikeouts and 12^th in wins still as of 2037. He ranks 47^th in pitching WAR though and advanced stats suggest a more above average final grade.

Still, tenure has value. Agyemang also was visible in the back-end of Abidjan’s title runs of the era and did have both a POTY and no-hitter to his name. On his Hall of Fame ballot debut, Agyemang received 75.2%, earning the lead spot for the three-player 2010 class.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 WAB Hall of Fame (Part 2)

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Ajiboye Okemmiri – Center Field – Abidjan Athletes – 74.0% First Ballot

Ajiboye Okemmiri was a 6’0’’, 185 pound left-handed hitting center fielder from Idanre, Nigeria, a city with nearly 130,000 inhabitants in the country’s southwest. Okemmiri has very good home run power with average contact kills and an above average to good eye. He was especially strong against right-handing pitching with a .920 career OBP and 150 wRC+, while posting a lackluster .671 OPS and 90 wRC+ versus lefties.

Okemmiri did struggle with strikeouts, but he hit the ball hard when he made contact. His power was mainly focused on homers, topping 40+ six times and 30+ 13 times. Okemmiri didn’t find the gap too often, only averaging around 20-25 doubles/triples per season. Despite playing center field, his running speed on the basepaths was merely average.

His range in center was weaker than you’d like, although his arm and glove work were okay. Okemmiri graded as firmly below average defensively, but played almost his entire career in center. He handled the physical demands of the position fairly well for the most part. Some did criticize Okemmiri for a lack of hustle, but his natural talent carried him a long way.

Okemmiri was noticed by a scout from Abidjan and brought to the Ivory Coast in September 1984 as a teenage free agent. He officially debuted in 1988 at age 20, but only saw 24 games and three starts in his first two seasons. Okemmiri was a part-time starter in 1990 with a nice effort, earning the full-time gig from 1991 through 2004.

In 1991, Okemmiri led the Western League in home runs (50) and RBI (132) with career bests in both, earning a Silver Slugger. He would earn additional Sluggers in 1992 and 1993 as Abidjan began their dynasty run. The Athletes knew Okemmiri was going to be a big piece of that run, giving him a five-year, $3,878,000 extension after the 1992 season.

In 1993, Okemmiri snagged his lone MVP, leading in runs scored (102) and homers (46). The runs mark was a career best, as was his 166 hits, .290 average, .947 OPS, and 7.3 WAR. From 1992-2001, Abidjan made the playoffs each year but 1997. They won the WLCS four straight seasons from 1992-95 and won the WAB Championship in 1994.

Okemmiri was a strong playoff performer in the 1992-95 run with 1.5 WAR over 42 starts. He was less impressive in the middle runs, but was strong again in 2001. Abidjan won WL pennants from 1999-01 and won the WAB title in 2000 with a huge upset over 125-win Kano. In his playoff career, Okemmiri had 69 starts, 66 hits, 40 runs, 9 doubles, 5 triples, 16 gome runs, 38 RBI, a .256/.323/.516 slash, 130 wRC+, and 2.0 WAR.

He also played from 1991-2000 in the World Baseball Championship for Nigeria with mixed results. Okemmiri had 81 games and 59 starts in the WBC, recording 45 hits, 28 runs, 10 doubles, 16 home runs, 31 RBI, a .210/.309/.481 slash, 128 wRC+, and 1.9 WAR.

1994 and 1995 were down years because of injuries. Okemmiri missed parts of 1994 to a fractured thumb and a bone spur in his elbow, then lost a bit of 1995 to a fractured foot. He actually opted out of his contract following the 1994 season, but inked a new four-year, $5,740,000 deal with Abidjan.

Okemmiri was good and steady in his late 20s and early 30s, although he wasn’t a league leader. He did win Silver Sluggers in 1999 and 2003, giving him five for his career. The final one in 2003 came at right field and not center. Abidjan rewarded him after the 1998 campaign with a six-year, $13,680,000 extension which carried him through the 2004 campaign.

After the 2001 WL pennant, Abidjan fell towards the middle of the standings and missed the playoffs from 2002-04. Okemmiri chugged along, becoming the third WAB batter to 500 career home runs and the eighth to 2000 hits. Okemmiri was heading towards age 37 when his deal expired after a decent 2004 campaign. That would mark the end of his time in WAB.

Okemmiri wanted to keep playing, but had trouble finding anyone interested in his asking price. The newly formed European Second League was looking for experienced veteran players and Okemmiri ended up in France. He signed a three-year, $14,280,000 deal with Toulouse for one last final major payday.

Once the bag was secured, Okemmiri stunk it up for the Toads. He was only a part-time starter in 2005 and 2006 and mediocre when he did play. Toulouse eventually benched him and he saw only three games in 2007. With Toulouse, he posted -1.0 WAR, a .186/.283/.366 slash, and 93 wRC+. Okemmiri retired after the 2007 campaign at age 39.

Abidjan remembered him fondly though, retiring his #41 uniform that winter. Okemmiri finished his WAB career with 2036 hits, 1264 runs, 289 doubles, 559 home runs, 1393 RBI, 743 walks, 234 stolen bases, a .263/.334/.533 slash, 138 wRC+, and 63.6 WAR. Many of the accumulations would be dwarfed in later years, but Okemmiri was second in homers at retirement.

As of 2037, he’s 21^st in homers and 40^th in WAR among position players. Okemmiri didn’t have big eye-popping numbers, but he was a strong reliable contributor during a decade of success for Abidjan. That was enough for 74.0% of the vote in 2010, giving Okemmiri a first-ballot nod.



Daouda Kadri – First Base – Ibadan Iguanas – 72.1% Eighth Ballot

Daouda Kadri was a 6’3’’, 200 pound right-handed first baseman from Cotonou, the largest city in Benin. Kadri was a solid power hitter with a very good eye for drawing walks. His strikeout rate was poor though and he was a merely above average contact hitter. Kadri averaged 34 home runs and 33 doubles per his 162 game average. While great at finding the gap, he wasn’t going to leg out extra bases as he was laughably slow and clumsy.

Kadri never played anywhere else defensively than first base, although he did make a few starts as a designated hitter. Despite his general sluggishness, Kadri graded out as a reliably average gloveman. He had very good durability and started 140+ games each year from 1988-2001.

Kadri drew plenty of notice dominating the amateur scene in Benin, becoming a top prospect ahead of the 1984 WAB Draft. He was picked third overall by Freetown, beginning his pro career in Sierra Leone. The Foresters used him sparingly as a rookie with 96 games and 48 starts, seeing mixed results. Kadri was the full-time starter from then after, but he missed part of 1986 to a strained MCL and part of 1987 to a concussion. Kadri would look like an ironman after that, playing 145+ games in each of his remaining WAB seasons.

Freetown wasn’t a particularly competitive team during Kadri’s run and didn’t make the playoffs. By the end of his brief run though, he was drawing plenty of attention. Kadri won Silver Sluggers in 1990 and 1991. In 1990, he was the Western League’s leader in RBI and total bases. He posted three straight 5+ WAR seasons to end his run with Freetown and was becoming a popular player.

In total for the Foresters, Kadri had 926 hits, 514 runs, 194 doubles, 210 home runs, 603 RBI, a .264/.325/.507 slash, 135 wRC+, and 24.7 WAR. He would be 29 years old when he hit free agency after the 1991 campaign. Ibadan won the sweepstakes for Kadri with a seven-year, $7,720,000 deal. The Iguanas had been a wild card in back-to-back seasons and hoped to get over the playoff hump.

Kadri helped them do that, earning three straight Eastern League Championship Series berths to start his run. They lost in 1992, but won the pennant in 1993 and 1994. In 1993, Ibadan earned their first WAB Championship, beating Abidjan in the final. The Athletes got revenge in the 1994 rematch. Kadri was ELCS MVP in the 1994 run.

1992 was Kadri’s best individual season and the closest he came to winning MVP, taking second. He earned his third Silver Slugger, leading the league in runs, doubles, homers, RBI, total bases, slugging, OPS, and wRC+. This also saw a career best 8.7 WAR and .315 batting average. Kadri in 1993 had career highs in homers (46) and RBI (148). He remained quite solid in the following years, but wasn’t a league leader or award winner.

The Iguanas lost in the wild card round in 1995, then won another EL pennant in 1996 before losing the WAB final to Accra. 1997 was Kadri’s last year and saw another wild card round defeat as Kano began their dynasty. In his playoff career, Kadri had 45 starts, 50 hits, 24 runs, 6 doubles, 14 home runs, 39 RBI, a .278/.305/.556 slash, 144 wRC+, and 1.7 WAR.

That marked the end of his career in Africa, although Kadri still had five more years of baseball ahead. The 35-year old free agent ended up finding a home in Ukraine, signing for three years and $5,620,000 with Kharikiv. Kadri was okay in 1998, but was quite solid in 1999 and 2000 with 4+ WAR in both years.

Kadri played a big role in a dynasty run for Kharkiv. The Killer Bees won the Eurasian Professional Baseball Championship in 1998 and 1999, then moved to European Professional Baseball in the great 2000 exodus. In their EBF debut, Kharkiv won it all for a third straight title. Kadri was the ELCS MVP in 1999 and brought his overall ring total to four.

In 48 playoff starts, he had 42 hits, 17 runs, 8 doubles, 6 home runs, 21 RBI, a .241/.311/.391 slash, 109 wRC+, and 1.0 WAR. In total for Kharkiv, Kadri had 406 hits, 228 runs, 65 doubles, 74 home runs, 242 RBI, a .254/.345/.440 slash, 140 wRC+, and 11.9 WAR. He served his purpose well and was now a free agent again at age 38.

Having proven himself on the EBF stage, Zurich gave Kadri a one-year, $2,880,000 deal. He was decent with a 2.8 WAR season starting for the Mountaineers. After that, Kadri ended up in Australia for OBA’s Gold Coast on a one-year, $1,860,000 deal. He fractured his tibia and missed part of the spring, but still mustered 2.0 WAR in 116 games. Kadri opted to retire that winter at age 40.

For his entire pro baseball career, Kadri had 2552 hits, 1415 runs, 530 doubles, 552 home runs, 1683 RBI, 1001 walks, a .267/.338/.504 slash, 141 wRC+, and 73.8 WAR. His final WAB tally though missed out on five years of accumulations, making Kadri more borderline. He had 1909 hits, 1063 runs, 411 doubles, 437 home runs, 1310 RBI, 694 walks, a .270/.338/.524 slash, 144 wRC+, and 57.2 WAR.

Most voters thought Kadri’s resume was as borderline as you could get and he bounced around for eight ballots. He debuted at 54.9%, then dropped to 49.8% in 2004. Kadri was in the upper 50s the next two years, then suffered repeated heartbreak. From 2007-2009, he was within 1% thrice of breaching the 66% requirement. On his eighth go in 2010, Kadri finally bumped up to 72.1% as the third player in the 2010 WAB Hall of Fame class.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 SAB Hall of Fame

South Asia Baseball had two inductees on their debut ballots for the 2010 Hall of Fame class. CF Van Loi Phung was a no-doubter and nearly unanimous at 99.4%. Pitcher Tanvir Hosen joined him with a respectable 77.5%. SP Jalal Mohammad narrowly missed the 66% requirement with 62.8% in his debut. Catcher Kumar Patel got 59.5% on his third go and 1B Sunil Lamichhane took 59.2% on his second try.



SP Joe Manavendra was dropped after ten failed tries. He was part of four titles for Ahmedabad and pitched 11 seasons between the Animals and Ho Chi Minh City, but had very few innings due to major injuries. Manavendra had a 125-52 record, 2.73 ERA, 1612.1 innings, 1924 strikeouts, 432 walks, 126 ERA+, 75 FIP-, and 40.9 WAR. He was effectively done after his age 31 season and didn’t have the tenure to make the cut. Manavendra peaked at 26.5% in his debut and ended at 9.0%.



Van Loi Phung – Center Field – Chittagong Commandos – 99.4% First Ballot

Van Loi Phung was a 5’10’’, 175 pound right-handed center fielder from Haiphong, Vietnam’s third largest city. Phung was a great contact hitter with a solid eye with a decent strikeout rate. Despite his smaller stature, Phung had a very strong bat. He regularly hit 30+ home runs and topped 40+ five times. Phung could also find the gap effectively, averaging around 40-50 doubles/triples most seasons.

Phung wasn’t a burner, but he had above average speed with solid baserunning instincts. He had plenty of range as a career center fielder and graded out as an excellent defender, winning eight Gold Gloves in his career. Phung was fairly durable and was scrappy with a tireless work ethic. These attributes made Phung one of the most impactful and popular players of South Asia Baseball’s first two decades.

Many scouts quickly saw Phung’s potential as a possible five-tool guy. He ended up in Bangladesh when picked fifth overall by Chittagong in the 1982 SAB Draft. Phung was a full-time starter immediately and an all-star right away, winning 1983 Rookie of the Year. In his second year, he led the Southeast Asia League in WAR for the first of seven times. Phung won a Gold Glove, but didn’t have his power stroke quite yet.

He found it in major fashion in 1985 with a career best 53 home runs, 142 RBI, and 435 total bases. Phung also led the league and had career highs in runs (122), triple slash (.354/.404/.717), OPS (1.120), wRC+ (208), and WAR (13.5). The WAR mark in 2037 still ranks as the sixth highest among all SAB position players. Phung had the awards sweep, winning MVP, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove.

That effort also gave Chittagong its first-ever winning season and playoff berth as a wild card, although they lost the SEAL Championship to Hanoi. Phung did his part in 10 playoff starts with a .343/.425/.657 slash and 202 wRC+. The Commandos would be stuck in the middle lower tier for the rest of Phung’s run despite his tremendous success.

He was becoming a baseball superstar in all of Southeast Asia, but was especially popular in his native Vietnam. Phung played for his country from 1982-2004 in the World Baseball Championship with 197 games and 190 starts, 180 hits, 111 runs, 32 doubles, 46 home runs, 103 RBI, 79 walks, a .252/.336/.496 slash, 140 wRC+, and 7.0 WAR.

Phung led in WAR again in 1986 and 1987 for Chittagong. 1987 was his second MVP, as he also led in runs, RBI, total bases, OPS, and wRC+. Phung won another Silver Slugger in 1987 and earned six consecutive Gold Gloves from 1984-1989. In total for the Commandos, Phung had 1269 hits, 678 runs, 237 doubles, 60 triples, 241 home runs, 736 RBI, 216 stolen bases, a .313/.369/.579 slash, 164 wRC+, and 67.9 WAR.

Chittagong didn’t have the funds to give Phung the massive contact he was likely due with free agency looming. His last season with the Commandos was 1989, entering free agency at age 29. In this era of SAB, Ahmedabad and Ho Chi Minh City established dynasties and hoovered up all of the money. The majority of big-time free agents were limited to one of the two evil empires. Phung was no exception.

Phung couldn’t come to terms with them or any other team and sat out the 1990 season, although he still played in the WBC. After taking the year off, Ahmedabad finally lured Phung back on a two-year, $1,300,000 deal. Phung led the Indian League with a career high 46 doubles and won a batting title with a .344 average. He breached 10+ WAR for the sixth time, winning a Silver Slugger and taking second in MVP voting.

Ahmedabad won the SAB Championship in 1991 for a three-peat and their fifth ring in six years. Phung’s great numbers came despite missing most of the fall and almost all of the postseason between a hamstring strain and elbow strain. He didn’t meet the vesting criteria for the second year of the deal and ended up a free agent again at age 31.

This time, Phung switched to the other dynasty, getting a six-year, $4,610,000 deal from Ho Chi Minh City. As a megastar already in Vietnam, the Hedgehogs and their fans had been itching to bring Phung in. He would lead SEAL in WAR in 1992, 1993, and 1995; posting 8+ WAR in all five years he ended up playing in that run.

Phung won his third MVP in 1992 and his fourth in 1995, while taking third in 1996’s voting. He also won Silver Sluggers in all five years of this run and grabbed Gold Gloves in 1992 and 1993. This gave Phung eight Silver Sluggers and eight Gold Gloves over his impressive career.

HCMC continued its dominance of SEAL, winning league pennants in 1992, 1994, and 1995. They had a record 126-36 mark in 1993, but suffered a stunning first round upset loss. The Hedgehogs were defeated in the 1996 LCS by Yangon. In each of their SAB Championship berths, they fell against Ahmedabad. Phung was great in his role, winning 1994 LCS MVP and posting 2.4 WAR over 59 starts in the run.

Phung was on pace in 1996 to maybe have his best season yet, but back spasms kept him out more than two months. He still got third in MVP voting in only 103 games. Ultimately, he didn’t reach the criteria for the sixth season of the deal and was a free agent again in 1997 at age 36. At this point, Phung effectively retired from the game.

He left open the possibility of a comeback and certainly was still plenty talented. However, dealing with the bidding wars and politics of the big two was annoying for Phung. He stayed in shape and still played for Vietnam in the World Baseball Championship, but he was gone from SAB three years from 1997-99.

Now 39 years old, Phung was lured back in 2000 on a one year deal with Ahmedabad. He missed some time to an elbow strain and showed some rust, posting easily the lowest WAR of his career with 3.3. Phung was relegated to a part-time role with only seven games and five starts in the playoffs. The Animals lost the SAB final that year to Ho Chi Minh City.

The Hedgehogs would bring him back in 2001 and he returned to form. Phung posted 7.4 WAR and won his ninth and final Silver Slugger. He was merely okay in the playoffs as HCMC was upset by Yangon in the LCS. Phung was used as a part-time role in 2002, only playing 96 games with 61 starts. HCMC again suffered an upset loss in the LCS, this time against Dhaka.

Between his Ho Chi Minh City stints, Phung had 1048 hits, 611 runs, 190 doubles, 240 home runs, 610 RBI, 112 stolen bases, a .309/.370/.599 slash, 174 wRC+, and 58.6 WAR. Phung was a free agent again at age 42 and Ahmedabad gave him another look, this time at three years and $6,840,000.

Phung was used only as a part-time starter in two more seasons with the Animals, posting playable numbers. Ahmedabad was upset in the Indian League final by Bengaluru in 2003, then lost in the first round in 2004. Despite being on the dynasty teams, Phung’s luck was bad for winning it all. The Animals’ 1991 title was his only SAB ring.

The career playoff numbers were solid though with 105 games, 99 starts, 106 hits, 52 runs, 24 doubles, 18 home runs, 49 RBI, a .282/.346/.500 slash, 146 wRC+, and 4.2 WAR. Phung retired after the 2004 season at age 44. Between the three stints with Ahmedabad, he had 424 hits, 216 runs, 98 doubles, 71 home runs, 222 RBI, 122 walks, a .286/.343/.521 slash, 172 wRC+, and 17.3 WAR.

Phung’s final stats had 2449 games, 2741 hits, 1505 runs, 525 doubles, 117 triples, 552 home runs, 1568 RBI, 796 walks, 378 stolen bases, a .307/.365/.577 slash, 169 wRC+, and 143.7 WAR. He was the sixth to reach 500 home runs, the third to 1500 runs scored, the second to 1500 RBI, and the second to 2500 hits. At retirement, he had just passed V.J. Williams as the all-time WARlord at 143.7, aided by his years of stellar defense in center field.

As of 2037, Phung is fifth in WAR among position players, 20^th in hits, 22^nd in runs, 21^st in RBI, and 30^th in home runs. Had he not missed a few seasons, Phung might feature more prominently in GOAT-level conversations. Either way, he was one of the absolute top-tier guys from his era and a Hall of Fame lock. Phung headlined SAB’s 2010 ballot with a near unanimous selection at 99.4%.



Tanvir Hosen – Starting Pitcher – Surat Silver Sox – 77.5% First Ballot

Tanvir Hosen was a 6’7’’, 195 pound left-handed pitcher from Domar, an upazila of roughly 250,000 in northern Bangladesh. Hosen had good stuff, solid control, and above average movement. His velocity only peaked in the 92-94 mph range, but Hosen had a six pitch arsenal with each having respectable potency. His sinker was his strongest pitch, but Hosen also had a slider, curveball, forkball, changeup, and splitter. His stamina was among the strongest in the league and Hosen went deeper more often than most SAB aces.

Hosen was also known as a tremendous defensive pitcher and a master at holding runners. He won seven Gold Gloves in his career with wins in 1996, 97, 99, 2001, 02, 03, and 04. Hosen also great durability and tossed 200+ innings in all but two seasons. He was loyal, adaptable, and worked hard, making him well liked in the clubhouse.

Hosen was spotted as a teenage amateur in Bangladesh by a scout visiting from Surat. He signed in September 1988 and moved to India, spending three seasons in the Silver Sox developmental system. Hosen debuted in 1992 at age 21 as a part-time starter and held his own. Surat made him a regular in the rotation for his remaining six seasons there.

Hosen wasn’t generally dominant, but he posted three seasons worth 4.5+ WAR with Surat. He led the Indian League twice in innings pitched, once in quality starts, and once in complete games. He also led in losses once, not helped by the Silver Sox stinking during his run. Surat didn’t make the playoffs in his tenure and averaged only 73.4 wins per season.

Two of Hosen’s Gold Gloves came with Surat, but he otherwise wasn’t in awards conversations. He did also go home to Bangladesh for the World Baseball Championship from 1993-2004. Hosen tossed 151.2 WBC innings with a 5-10 record, 3.20 ERA, 165 strikeouts, 41 walks, 112 ERA+, and 3.5 WAR.

With Surat, Hosen had a 93-93 record, 2.89 ERA, 1652 innings, 1781 strikeouts, 1781 strikeouts, 357 walks, 152/217 quality starts, 49 complete games, 108 ERA+, and 30.9 WAR. He generally had nice things to say about the organization and even opted to be inducted in Silver Sox colors, despite having a more dominant and high profile run with Ho Chi Minh City.

Surat couldn’t afford to keep him and Hosen became a free agent at age 28 in 1999. He went to the Hedgehogs on a six-year, $9,600,000 deal. Hosen debuted with his best season by WAR with a Southeast Asia League best 7.5. This also had a career best in strikeouts at 320. Hosen took third in Pitcher of the Year voting and won a Gold Glove.

HCMC won the SEAL title, losing in the 1999 SAB Championship to Ahmedabad. Hosen stunk in the playoffs thought with a 6.85 EERA in 23.2 innings. He redeemed himself in 2000, leading that season in wins and shutouts. Hosen posted a 2.10 ERA in 30 playoff innings with 35 strikeouts, helping the Hedgehogs knock off the Animals in that year’s final.

Hosen was third in 2003 Pitcher of the Year voting with a career best 2.08 ERA. His playoff stats were mixed in the other runs, finishing with an 8-5 record, 3.75 ERA, 110.1 innings, 129 strikeouts, 16 walks, 97 ERA+, and 0.7 WAR. The Hedgehogs lost in the SEAL Championship in 2001 and 2002, but won the SAB Championship in 2003.

In 2004, a 33-year old Hosen left Ho Chi Minh City, but not by choice. South Asia Baseball expanded by four teams and Hosen was picked fourth overall by Nagpur in the expansion draft. He ended up pitching 127 innings for the Patriots with nice results, posting a 2.62 ERA, 152 strikeouts, and 4.0 WAR.

HCMC wanted Hosen back though and in late June, made a trade with Nagpur. The Hedgehogs sent over five prospects to get Hosen and $4,320,000. He finished the season with a combined 2.57 ERA and helped HCMC win back-to-back SAB Championships. They were excited to keep him for the run, giving Hosen a four-year, $9,280,000 extension in late September.

Oddly enough, 2004 would be his final season. Hosen was under contract in 2005, but never took the field. He hadn’t suffered a major injury to anyone’s knowledge, but when he reported to spring training, his velocity was now peaking at 85-87 mph. Hosen had to retire that winter at age 35, finishing his HCMC run with a 94-32 record, 2.94 ERA, 1232.2 innings, 1944 strikeouts, 184 walks, 106/158 quality starts, 125 ERA+, and 34.2 WAR.

For his career, Hosen had a 194-129 record, 2.90 ERA, 3011.2 innings, 3427 strikeouts, 560 walks, 268/391 quality starts, 93 complete games, 30 shutouts, 115 ERA+, 80 FIP-, and a nice 69.0 WAR. Before the sudden decline, Hosen was on pace to potentially reach some notable spots on the leaderboards.

Still, as of 2037 he’s 20^th in pitching WAR, 26^th in strikeouts, and 20^th in wins. Hosen managed to post a fine career that the voters recognized, getting 77.5% in his ballot debut. This made Hosen the second member of SAB’s 2010 Hall of Fame class.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 ABF Hall of Fame

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The Asian Baseball Federation didn’t add anyone into the Hall of Fame for the first time since 2007. The 2010 ballot was easily the weakest since the earliest days of voting with no one even at 50%. The top two barely crossed 1/3 of the vote with LF Pouya Malek at 34.6% on his second try and 1B Mohammed Khan with 34.0% for his third attempt. The best debut was 1B Haroon Yahya at a paltry 21.6%. No one was dropped after ten failed ballots.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 ALB Hall of Fame

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Pitcher Ilwad Maxamed became the fifth member of the Arab League Baseball Hall of Fame, finally making the cut on his sixth ballot. He only barely breached the 66% requirement at 68.8%. Closer Khadr Seif fell painfully short with 65.2% for his second try. Closer Khemais Khalid had 58.0% on his sixth ballot and SP Nacerdine Rahim was at 53.9% on his fifth try. The best debut was SP Radwan Daoudi, barely staying on the ballot at 7.1%. No one was dropped after ten failed attempts.



Ilwad Maxamed – Starting Pitcher – Casablanca Bruins – 68.8% Sixth Ballot

Ilwad Maxamed was a 5’9’’, 195 pound left-handed pitcher from Bosaso, historically known as Bender Cassim. It is a city in northeastern Somalia with around 700,000. Maxamed wasn’t outstanding at anything, but he was generally above average to good in terms of stuff, movement, and control. His fastball hit the 94-96 mph range and was mixed with a curveball and changeup. Maxamed’s changeup was considered his most deadly pitch.

Maxamed did have excellent stamina and durability, leading the conference twice in innings and four times in complete games. He had excellent durability and regularly started 32+ games until his final season. Maxamed was a team captain and well respected across the game for his leadership and work ethic.

By the time Arab League Baseball started for the 1990 season, Maxamed was established in the various semi-pro and barnstorming leagues of the region. He was already 29 years old, but viewed as a potential ace for the new league. Maxamed’s first ALB deal was signed for five years and $3,970,000 with Casablanca, sending him the Somali westward to Morocco.

In his five seasons with the Bruins, Maxamed led the Western Conference in shutouts each year, complete games four times, wins twice, and innings twice. Each season was worth 5+ WAR with a career best 7.8 WAR in 1991. Maxamed was third in Pitcher of the Year voting in both 1992 and 1993, but never won the top honor. Among his shutouts was a no-hitter with 10 strikeouts and no walks on September 23, 1991 versus Damascus.

Casablanca would be one of the first successful franchises and Maxamed played a big role. The Bruins earned conference finals berths in 1990, 92, 93, and 94. They won pennants in 1993 and 1994 and earned their first Arab League Championship ring in 1994 against Medina, preventing a three-peat by the Mastodons.

In seven playoff starts, Maxamed had a 4-2 record, 2.49 ERA, 47 innings, 34 strikeouts, 11 walks, 142 ERA+, and 1.1 WAR. In total for Casablanca, Maxamed had a 94-52 record, 3.08 ERA, 1329 innings, 1306 strikeouts, 271 walks, 112/173 quality starts, 60 complete games, 22 shutouts, 112 ERA+, and 29.1 WAR.

His deal expired after the 1994 campaign and Maxamed was a free agent at age 34. Next up was a move to Egypt and a five-year, $7,400,000 deal with Cairo. Maxamed led in wins in 1996 and topped 4+ WAR four times, peaking with 6.1 in 1995. He otherwise wasn’t a league leader or awards candidate with the Pharaohs.

Cairo was the Western Conference runner-up in 1995, then won the ALB Championship in 1996. Maxamed had a 2.95 ERA over his 36.2 playoff innings for the Pharaohs, striking out 41 with 5 walks, a 129 ERA+, and 1.8 WAR. His role in leading two teams to titles garnered plenty of respect. Cairo remained good for his final three years, but couldn’t overcome a fledgling Khartoum squad in the Nile Division.

For his playoff career, Maxamed had a 6-3 record, 2.69 ERA, 83.2 innings, 75 strikeouts, 16 walks, 136 ERA+, 64 FIP-, and 2.8 WAR. He was moved to a part-time role in his last year with Cairo, finishing his tenure there with a 71-55 record, 3.78 ERA, 1122.1 innings, 996 strikeouts, 245 walks, 94/160 quality starts, 102 ERA+, and 22.9 WAR.

Maxamed was now 39 years old and still trying to play somewhere. He ended up in Russia with Samara, who just joined Eurasian Professional Baseball as an expansion team following the great exodus that winter of teams to EBF and ABF. The new Steelers squad gave Maxamed three years and $5,880,000, expecting him to help them establish themselves.

Sadly, Maxamed never played an inning for Samara. He suffered rotator cuff inflammation in spring training and never could get it to go away. A setback in May led to doctors telling Maxamed he had to retire from the game at age 39.

Maxamed finished with a 165-107 record, 3.40 ERA, 2451.1 innings, 2302 strikeouts, 516 walks, 206/333 quality starts, 80 complete games, 29 shutouts, 107 ERA+, 84 FIP-, and 52.0 WAR. Like many early days guys, Maxamed was hurt by starting his official career at age 29, thus making his final accumulations on the lower end. Advanced stats also suggested that he might have been a “Hall of Pretty Good” type guy and he lacked the awards and big stats.

Still, Maxamed had very strong playoff numbers, helping two franchises win rings. His leadership and respect across the game were major plusses. Maxamed would debut with a mere 40.2% in 2005, although he slowly climbed his way up.

By 2009, Maxamed got to 62.1%, just missing the 66% requirement. With no impressive debuts in 2010, Maxamed got the bump he needed to 68.8%. With that, he earned a sixth ballot addition as the lone 2010 inductee for the Arab League Baseball Hall of Fame.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

2010 AAB Hall of Fame

2010 didn’t mark the first inductee into the African Association of Baseball Hall of Fame. It was notable though as previously, no one had gotten above 40%. In 2010, four players breached that mark, led by debuting CF Bawaka Ngoie at 53.6%.



Three returners set new highs with SP Hendrik Jongman at 49.4% on his third ballot, SP Ahmed Hussen Rooble with 45.2% for his third go, and 1B Laurent Kouakou at 41.8% on his fourth ballot. CL Markus Shahanga also breached the 1/3 mark with a 38.8% debut.