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

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

1937 in MLB

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Ottawa continued to rule the Eastern League in 1937 with a 104-58 record for their sixth straight league title. Buffalo at 93-69 outlasted both 90-win Toronto and 89-win Montreal to get the second playoff spot. It's the first appearance for the Blue Sox since 1922 and only their third overall. The Midwest saw Cincinnati and Kansas City tie for first at 94-68; the tiebreaker going to the Reds. It's their first playoff spot since 1928 and the first for the Cougars since 1924. Defending National Association champ Indianapolis fell to sixth at 83-79.

Detroit 3B Purvis Jones won MVP in his second year with the Tigers, joining the prior offseason as a free agent after starting with Phoenix. It was his breakout year, leading in home runs (50), RBI (136), and WAR (9.2) for the first time in his career. Kansas City’s Randy Trainor won Pitcher of the Year in a fairly quiet field with only 5.1 WAR. He had a 21-9 record with 3.11 ERA.

Buffalo upset Cincinnati in the first round in five games and Kansas City swept Ottawa in a shocker. Despite their recent success, the Elks have only gotten out of the first round once in their six-year playoff streak. The NACS was a seven-game classic between two teams that had never won the NA title; and in Buffalo's case, had never even gotten to the NACS. The Cougars prevailed over the Blue Sox for their first National Association title in six NACS appearances.



The Southern League title went to Atlanta for the first time since 1928 with the Aces winning at 99-63. Charlotte took second at 97-65 for their fourth playoff berth in five years. New Orleans came up two games short of a return playoff appearance. In the Western League, Denver was first at 94-68 in their first league title since 1925. Calgary was one back to take second at 93-69, holding off defending World Series champ San Diego (91-71) and Vancouver (90-72).

The MVP went to New Orleans centerfielder Dominic McMillan, who led in hits (209) and posted a .355 average with 6.9 WAR. Atlanta’s Patrick Iannazzo won his only Pitcher of the Year. The 31-year old lefty had been a consistent middle-tier starter for a decade, but broke through to lead in ERA for the first time at 2.34, adding 26 quality starts and a 7.8 WAR.

Both first round series in the American Association were Southern League sweeps; Atlanta over Calgary and Charlotte over Denver. The AACS was a seven-game thriller claimed by the Canaries for their second AA title. Despite both ACS's going seven, the 37th World Series was a decisive sweep. Charlotte downed Kansas City for the Canaries' first MLB championship. Six of the Eight World Series titles in the 1930s have gone to the AA.





Other notes: Omaha’s Kaby Silva had a 35-game hit streak, one of a handful to reach that number. Joseph Finch of Washington and Balta Llama of Milwaukee became the 16^th and 17^th members of the MLB 500 homer club. Toronto’s Jax Snaders and Kansas City’s John burgess became the 12^th and 13^th to reach 3000 career hits.

Phil Stelluto of Pittsburgh and Pedro Gil of Brooklyn reached 1500 RBI, while Ottawa’s Robert Ross and Baltimore’s Jake Nicholson reached 1500 runs scored. Miami’s Brandon Scott became the seventh pitcher to 250 career wins.

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1938 Hall of Fame

One player was elected into MLB’s 1938 Hall of Fame Class. First baseman Ethan Lewin was elected on the first ballot at 90.9%. Starting pitcher Juan Haro was close again on his eighth try, but short at 61.3%. 1B Israel Bishop, Pitcher Ray Biedermann, and 1B Emanuel McCain each were above 50% but came short again.



Pitcher Morris Wray was dropped after his 10^th try. The lefty over 15 years with four teams had a 223-193 record, 3.88 ERA, 3261 strikeouts, and 74.1 WAR. He was a reliable pitcher for many years, but rarely elite without any signature moments. He stayed around the 40% range for his HOF attempts.

Corner outfielder Chris Louden also got dropped, peaking at 38.4%. Louden notably is the all-time walks leader, the only player to get 2000+ walks, finishing with 2106. He also had 2884 hits, 1845 runs, 423 homers, 1515 RBI, and 72.6 WAR. Good totals over 21 years, but only twice an all-star between St. Louis, Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Dallas.

Two others got to 10 ballots. Closer Jason Lewis peaked at 44.5% on his second try but was in the teens by the end. He played with 11 teams and compiled 34.3 WAR and 244 saves, twice winning Reliever of the Year. RF Ruben Castro also was dropped, peaking at 22.9%. Primarily playing with Portland, he had 2847 hits, 1351 runs, 253 home runs, 1238 RBI, a .418 average, and 54.6 WAR.

Two were inducted in the 1938 CABA Hall of Fame Class. Starting pitchers Max Ramirez got in on the first ballot at 98.9% and Sidney Chairez made it at 71.7% on the third ballot.

Jimmy Pike was dropped after his 10^th try at 62.0%, his highest tally. Between MLB and CABA, Pike had 436 saves, a 1.84 ERA, and 51.3 WAR, among the all-time closers with three Reliever of the Year awards. However, his CABA run was only nine years, making his final totals a bit too low for those skeptical on reliever recognition.

One player was added in the 1938 EAB Hall of Fame class, outfielder Sozen Murata, making it on the first ballot at 81.2%. Pitcher Ko Agano was the only other player above 50%.



Ethan “Socks” Lewin – First Baseman – Oklahoma City Outlaws - 90.9% First Ballot

Ethan Lewin was a 5’10’’, 200 pound right-handed first baseman from Rapid Valley, a small suburb of Rapid City, South Dakota. Lewin was a stellar contact hitter with very good power and a tremendous ability to avoid strikeouts. Additionally, he was a great leader and team captain. Lewin wasn’t much of a baserunner and was an okay defender at first base. He roughly split his career between first base and designed hitter.

He played college baseball at Florida and won a Silver Slugger in his junior season. This got the attention of Oklahoma City, who drafted him 17^th overall in the 1917 MLB Draft. He spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Outlaws and excelled individually, although OKC remained a bottom-tier franchise despite Lewin’s efforts. They only had three winning seasons in his tenure and never made the playoffs.

However, Lewin was elite, starting with the Rookie of the Year in 1918. He picked up American Association MVP in 1923 and 1926. In 1923, he became the first MLB hitter to earn the Triple Crown with 52 home runs, 143 RBI, and a .368 average. He also led the league in hits for the second time (228) and led in WAR at 9.5. He also led in WAR with 7.3 in 1926 and in 1920 had 155 RBI; at the time the fourth-ever 150+ RBI season.

He spent his 20s with Oklahoma City and in that time, put up 1811 hits, 953 runs, 338 home runs, 1023 RBI, a .325/.391/.560 slash and 54.1 WAR. He was a great leader and solider for the Outlaws, but finally left in free agency and joined up with Jacksonville at age 30 for the 1927 season. He put up respectable numbers in his first four years with the Gators, but the MVP caliber seasons had passed.

In 1931 at age 34, a torn Achilles tendon ended his season early. He came back in 1932 but dealt with more injuries and struggled when healthy, putting up a negative WAR season. However, he was able to get his lone World Series ring. Although he wasn’t spectacular in the playoff run, he was able to go out on top. Jacksonville released him that offseason and Lewin wisely opted for retirement.

His final statistics; 2632 hits, 1370 runs, 378 doubles, 459 home runs, 1460 RBI, only 507 strikeouts, a .321/.386/.540 slash and 72.6 WAR. Had he been on some better teams, Lewin might have been remembered higher up in the HOF rankings. But two MVPs and the first batting Triple Crown in MLB history warrants a first-ballot spot in the Hall for “Socks.”



Max “Maniac” Ramirez – Starting Pitcher – Chihuahua Warriors – 98.9% First Ballot

Max Ramirez was a 5’10’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Alto Lucero in the coastal Mexican state of Veracruz. He was known for outstanding pitching control and being an ironman pitcher who very rarely missed a start. He didn’t have any one dominant pitch or crazy stuff, but effectively mixed a mid-90s fastball with a slider, curveball, changeup, and splitter. Additionally, Ramirez was a team captain and great leader, well respected by all who played with and against him.

After an excellent amateur career, Ramirez was the second overall pick by Chihuahua in the 1915 CABA Draft and spent nearly his entire 15-year CABA career with the Warriors. He became a full-time starter in his rookie season, but became an all-star caliber player starting in his third season. He was the Mexican League leader in quality starts five times, WAR three times, and K/BB six times. Although he never led the league in strikeouts, he consistently averaged more than one per inning and his totals added up as almost never missed a start.

Chihuahua’s only sustained success came with Ramirez as the ace. They won the North Division six times from 1920 to 1926. In 1922 and 1926, they won the Mexican League title and in 1922, the overall CABA championship. Ramirez’s playoff averages mirror his regular season averages with a 2.52 ERA, 89.1 innings, and 98 strikeouts in 12 playoff starts with the Warriors. 10 of those 12 were quality starts.

Although a consistent success and fan favorite, Ramirez didn’t win his only Pitcher of the Year until 1928 at age 35. That was his lone season leading Mexican in ERA with a career best 1.43 ERA, along with a career high 9.9 WAR. Despite this season, Chihuahua had its first losing season of the decade and would spend the next decade at the bottom of the standings.

In June 1930, Ramirez became the second CABA pitcher to pass 4000 career strikeouts. One month later, the Warriors traded their captain to Puebla for prospects. He’d finish the seasons with the Pumas and conclude his CABA run at age 37. The final line: 249-160, 2.38 ERA, 3917.2 innings with 4169 strikeouts, only 580 walks, and 99.3 WAR. He had 394 quality starts out of 502 with a 7.2 K/BB ratio.

Although the CABA run was over, Ramirez still had seven more seasons in his career. He went to MLB and signed with Hartford, spending three seasons as a respectable middle-starter for the Huskies. Hartford traded him in the 1933 offseason to Charlotte, where Ramirez spent two seasons. His production was slipping into his 40s, but he was still a reliable innings eater.

The seemingly injury proof Ramirez finally had his first major injury in the summer of 1935, suffering a torn labrum. Charlotte cut him loose, but he made a comeback and pitched in long relief the next season with Miami. He got in 16.2 innings the following year before being cut by the Mallards and finally having to call it quits; one of a select few to still play to age 45.

Between MLB and CABA, he had 318 wins, a 2.77 ERA, 4940 strikeouts, and 115.0 WAR. But his run with Chihuahua is what makes him an easy choice for a first ballot Hall of Fame spot among the CABA greats. His #17 was retired by the Warriors in 1937 and he remains one of the key faces in the franchise’s 1920s success. One of the most reliable pitchers of his era, Ramirez was a no-doubt choice.



Sidney Chairez – Starting Pitcher – Jamaica Jazz – 71.1% Third Ballot

Sidney Chairez was a 5’9’’, 185 pound right handed pitcher from the Dominican capital Santo Domingo. He threw hard with velocity in the upper 90s and had strong movement, but at times spotty control. He mixed a solid fastball, curveball, and splitter with a decent slider.

He was a two-way player in his younger days and was occasionally used as a hitter and runner. He had 38 hits in 131 career at bats with 14 stolen bases despite playing his career in a DH league. He still had negative offensive WAR for his career counting in his poor fielding as a pitcher. Still, Chairez was a hard worker and great clubhouse leader.

Chariez was drafted 23^rd overall in the 1916 CABA Draft by Jamaica and played nearly his entire pro career in Kingston. After limited action and some struggles in his first two seasons, he became a regular reliable starter for the next decade with the Jazz. He four times led the league in quality starts, but this was the only stat he’d find himself leading. Rarely dominant or exceptional, but reliably solid with poor outings few and far between. In 1920, he had his lone no-hitter against Santiago.

Jamaica was a respectable franchise in his run, but only made the playoffs once. Chairez would miss out on their first league title by one year, as the then 35-year old was traded prior to the 1930 season to Santo Domingo straight up for outfielder Genaro Govea. He pitched one season for his hometown club and decided to retire that offseason. Although he didn’t get the CABA ring, the Jazz did honor him that offseason by retiring his #54 jersey.

The final stats for Chairez: 195-137, 2.77 ERA, 3231.1 innings with 3078 strikeouts, a 1.04 WHIP, 313 quality starts out of 430, and 63.9 WAR. Much like his career, the numbers were solid and respectable, but not dominant. It took him to the third ballot to get elected and at 71.7%. He’s not at the top of the conversation for the all-time greats, but was strong enough to earn induction into CABA’s Hall of Fame.



Sozen “Iron Curtain” Murata – Right Fielder– Hamhung Heat – 81.2% First Ballot

Sozen Murata was a 6’2’’, 195 pound right-handed outfielder from Minamichita, a small Japanese town 50 minutes south of Nagoya. Murata was a prolific power hitter who could draw walks well also. He was a slow baserunner and a poor fielder who spent almost his entire career in right. But his ability to smack dingers was renowned in the earliest days of baseball in Japan.

By the time East Asia Baseball was formed in 1921, Murata was already 29-years old and known as a great hitter in the various semi-pro and disorganized pro leagues. He signed his first EAB contract with Korea’s Hamhung and spent five seasons there. This was his career peak, winning the Korea League MVP in 1923 and 1924.

In his EAB debut, he hit 55 home runs and 146 RBI. He led the league in OBP and slugging four times in his five years with the Heat and had a career high 10.7 WAR in 1923. They won the North Division three times in his run and won the EAB title in 1922, with Murata winning KLCS and EAB Championship series MVP. In his five seasons there, he had 853 hits, 220 homers, 583 RBI, a .312 average, and 43.3 WAR.

At age 34, Murata signed a four-year deal with Yokohama starting in 1926. He won his third MVP in 1927, leading Japan in homers with 51 and 95 runs. The Yellow Jackets were North Division champs all four of Murata’s seasons and win the EAB title in 1926 and 1927. In 1927, Murata won his second EAB Championship MVP.

At age 38, he left Japan and gave MLB a try, signing with Detroit for 1930. But Murata couldn’t match his EAB production and struggled. He returned to EAB in 1931 with Kobe and in 1932 with Chiba, but was a shell in his final two seasons, retiring at age 41.

Still, he was the third EAB player to 400 career home runs and 1000 RBI. His final EAB stats in 11 seasons were 1531 hits, 966 runs, 418 homers, 1012 RBI, 810 walks, a .281/.377/.569 slash, and 72.7 WAR. He did this playing with his “official” stats almost entirely in his 30s. Had EAB existed when Murata was in his 20s, he might have ended up near the top of the batting leaderboards. But still, he was a three time MVP and a key player in championship teams for both Hamhung and Yokohama, earning him his spot in the EAB Hall of Fame.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

1938 in BSA

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The Bolivar League North Division was a tight race in 1938. Caracas won its fourth division title at 87-75, finishing a game better than Maracaibo and three over defending Copa Sudamerica champ Medellin. In the South, Callao earned their first division title since the inaugural season. The Cats finished a Bolivar-best 99-63, four games ahead of last year's division champ Cali.

Cali CF Saul Vargas won his second MVP in three seasons. Still only 25, the Colombian lefty led the league and had career bests in WAR (12.0), runs (114), hits (202), average (.336), OPS (.926) and stolen bases (114). Quito sophomore Aldemar Ramires was the Pitcher of the Year. The 23-year old Quito native had a 1.95 ERA, 9.2 WAR, and 313 strikeouts in 277.1 innings.



Brasilia earned a fifth consecutive Brazil Division title as the defending Liga Cono Sur champ again won 106 games. Belo Horizonte was a 100+ winner for the second straight year, but again miss the cut. The South Division went to Santiago at 95-67, their fifth division title in Beisbol Sudamerica's first eight seasons.

Santiago veteran 3B Frangy Marte won his lone MVP. The 36-year old led the league in homers (42), RBI (108), WAR (10.0), OBP (.373), and OPS (.936). Brasilia had the Pitcher of the Year in Marcelito Barboza. He had been a struggling starter in his early years with Asuncion, but in his second year with the Bearcats at age 26, it finally clicked. He had a league-best 1.55 ERA and 363 strikeouts with 11.0 WAR and 32 quality starts out of 35. Almost half of his career WAR came in this season.

Caracas swept Callao in the Bolivar League Championship, giving the Colts their third league title. In a rematch of 1934 and 1936 in the Southern Cone Final, Brasilia edged Santiago in seven games. The Bearcats earned their third title in four years and would add their second Copa Sudamerica. Brasilia bested Caracas in seven games to claim the overall crown.





Other notes: Rosario's Mohammed Jimenez and Cali's Dan Altreche became the first Beisbol Sudamerica players to 300 career home runs. Mohamed Ramos of Lima upped his strikeout tally beyond 3500. It would be his last season with the Lobos, as he joined La Paz for the 1939 season. Cordoba catcher Solomon Zingerle became the first seven-time Gold Glove winner.

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1938 in EAB

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The Japan League North Division was a three-team battle with Kawasaki picking up its first-ever playoff appearance. The Killer Whales finished at 97-63, two games ahead of Yokohama and seven better than defending division champ Tokyo. The South Division also had a first-time champ in Kyoto, who led Japan with a 100-62 record. Last season's league champ Nagoya was second at 96-66. This leaves Chiba and Sendai as the only Japanese teams to not make the playoffs at least once. Both would have to wait another decade to finally snap that unfortunate streak.

Nagoya’s Si-U Gim won back-to-back MVPs. The 23-year old shortstop set a single-season record with 13.6 WAR by combining Gold Glove D with great power. Gim led in home runs (43), RBI (113), and OPS (.971). Pitcher of the Year was veteran Hiroshima ace Seung-Mo Kim. He led in ERA (1.75) for the second time in his career, also leading in wins (23) while posting 278 strikeouts and 7.8 WAR.



Hamhung was the Korea League North Division champ for the first time since their 1928 East Asia Baseball overall title. The Heat ended at 105-57, outracing last year's division champ Goyang by 10 games. Busan picked up the South Division at 105-57, putting them back in the playoffs after missing the prior two years. 1937 EAB champ Ulsan was still solid, but their 94-win season prevented them from repeating.

Winning MVP was Sung-Heun Park 1B Changwon. The 25-year old had career bests by leading Korea in home runs (51), hits (206), OPS (1.034), and WAR (9.8). Busan’s Cheol-Jung Park was Pitcher of the Year with the 29-year old pitcher having signed with the Blue Jays the prior offseason. He had 2.71 WAR with the Korea League lead in strikeouts (327), complete games (14), and WAR (8.6). This would be his career peak, as back-to-back flexor tears in 1940 and 1941 ended career prematurely.

In the first JLCS appearance for both teams, Kawasaki defeated Kyoto in five games. In the KLCS, Busan bested Hamhung in six, giving the Blue Jays their third Korean League title of the decade. They added their second EAB title, joining the 1933 championship squad, by winning in six over the Killer Whales in the finale.





Other notes: Pyongyang's Joon-Kyu Cho became the seventh EAB pitcher to 3000 career strikeouts. Ulsan's Eun-Chan Shin became the third to 200 wins. Daejeon's Yeong-Chae Sim and Suwon's Dong-Hyeok Moon became the eighth and ninth batters to 1000 runs scored.

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1938 in CABA

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The Mexican League saw the same division champions in 1938 for the fifth consecutive season. Monterrey was weaker, but the defending league champ took the North Division at 88-74. Juarez at 86-76 and Tijuana at 84-78 came close, but short. Mexico City took the South Division at 99-63, fending off 92-win Puebla and 90-win Merida.

Leon shortstop Emmanuel Zavala won his first MVP. The 26-year old led Mexico in WAR at 11.5 and added 39 home runs, 97 RBI, and a .306 average. Monterrey’s Ernesto Urbina won his third Pitcher of the Year. He led Mexico with 25 wins, a 0.88 WHIP, and 29 quality starts.



Defending Caribbean League champ Haiti won the Island Division for the second straight season as their 98-64 mark was enough to beat Puerto Rico by three games. In the Continental Division, Guatemala took the title for only the third time ever (joining 1933 and 1923). The Ghosts won 87 games, two ahead of Nicaragua and four better than last year's division champ Honduras.

Myeong-Won Lee of Haiti won his second MVP, with the 23-year old earning back-to-back honors. The Shortstop led the Caribbean League in hits (189), doubles (32), and WAR (9.4). The Herons also had Pitcher of the Year Felipe Morales winning his second straight. Morales led the league in wins (23), strikeouts (299), and quality starts (28) with a 2.49 ERA.

The fifth (and ultimately final of the 1930s) meeting between Monterrey and Mexico City in the Mexican League Championship Series would serve as the rubber match with the Aztecs having won previously in the even years and the Matadors the odd ones. Monterrey bucked the trend, taking the 1938 title in five games for their third in four years. In the Caribbean League Championship Series, Haiti took back-to-back titles, defeating Guatemala in five games. The Herons then added their first CABA Championship title in franchise history, winning a seven-game classic over Monterrey. It was the first ring as a manager for legendary pitcher Ulices Montero, who was now managing Haiti.





Other notes: Haiti's Jonny Lucero became the 11th player to join the 2000 hit club and won his 11^th and final Silver Slugger at 3B. Lucero would head to Miami and MLB in the following season.

Guatemala's Hector Recio threw a perfect game on May 30 against Costa Rica, striking out six. Santiago's Leo Antonucci became the seventh CABA pitcher to 3500 career strikeouts. Costa Rica's Domingo Huerta joined Diomar Glas as the only hitters with 500 career home runs. Kiko Velazquez became the sixth member of the 400 homer club and got his 1000th RBI. Velazquez also won his 10^th Silver Slugger at right field. Monterrey’s Kenny Dilts won his ninth Gold Glove at CF.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

1938 in MLB



Ottawa had the National Association’s best record in 1938 at 106-56, giving them seven straight playoff berths and seven straight Eastern League titles. Baltimore narrowly took second at 98-64 for their fourth-ever playoff berth, finishing a game ahead of Buffalo. In the Midwest League, Milwaukee narrowly took the crown at 91-71. Cleveland took second one game back for their first playoff berth since the 1927 World Series win for the Cobras. Minneapolis finished three games off the lead with six other teams within eight games. Defending NA champ Kansas City tied for fourth at 85-77.

Cincinnati’s Brad Berg won his second MVP in three seasons. The 29-year old first baseman led the NA in home runs (52) and RBI (139), with 8.8 WAR. Milwaukee’s Max Reaster won his second Pitcher of the Year, joining his 1933 win. Now a 35-year old veteran, Reaster was 18-7 with a 2.31 ERA and 6.8 WAR. Unfortunately, in mid-September, Reaster suffered a torn rotator cuff to end his season and essentially his career. He’d miss 1939 and struggle in a 1940 return.

In the first round, Ottawa swept Cleveland and Baltimore upset Milwaukee. In the NACS, the Elks finally overcame their playoff woes of the decade, beating the Orioles in six. It’s their first National Association title in their current playoff streak and fourth in franchise history. They’re the first NA franchise to win four titles.



The Southern League title went to Miami at 98-64, their first playoff spot since 1932. Four teams finished within four games of first with Houston taking second at 96-66. Atlanta and New Orleans both just missed at 95-67 and defending World Series champ Charlotte was 94-68. Denver won the Western League for the second straight season with a 97-65 mark. Los Angeles got the wild card at 90-72 for their first playoff appearance since 1926.

Las Vegas 1B Aubin Shrauger earned the MVP at age 26. He smacked 56 home runs and 148 RBI with an American Association best 8.0 WAR and 1.039 OPS. Ned Giles won his fourth Pitcher of the Year and first with Denver. The 29-year old Irishman in his third season with the Dragons posted an 11.0 WAR season and led the AA in wins (24), strikeouts (304), and shutouts (6).

In the first round, Denver survived Houston in five games and Los Angeles upset Miami in five. Ned Giles would throw the first playoff perfect game and first MLB perfect game since 1924 against the Hornets, striking out 13.

The Dragons would sweep the Angels in the AACS for their second American Association title. Denver added a second World Series title, taking the 38^th Fall Classic in six games against Ottawa. It’s the fifth straight World Series win for an American Association team and the AA’s seventh of the 1930s.




Other notes: Ottawa’s Robert Ross became the fourth member of the 600 home run club. Brooklyn’s Pedro Gil became the 18^th to 500 homers. San Diego’s Sergio Castro and Milwaukee’s Balta Llama made it to 1500 career RBI. Getting to 3000 career strikeouts with San Francisco’s Mark Tarkenton and Albuquerque’s Crazy Legs Snider.

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1939 Hall of Fame

For the first time since 1923, no players were inducted in the MLB Hall of Fame. The 1939 voting had Juan Haro falling just short on his ninth try with the New York Yankees pitcher getting 63.9%. Another pitcher, Ray Biedermann, was at 61.3% on his seventh try. On their first tries, 3B Franz Bolt was at 60.2% and SP Dee Walters was at 56.1%.

Two players were dropped after making it 10 years on the ballot. Closer Travis Nagai peaked at 39.6% on his debut but ended at 10%. He was a three time Reliever of the Year between MLB and CABA and had 415 career saves and a 2.06 between the two. His 254 saves in the MLB wasn’t enough to get him over the hump. 1B/DH Jean-Michel Lachance was also dropped at 8.9% on his final go, peaking at 31.2% on his second try. With Memphis, Albuquerque, and Montreal, he had 2916 hits, 1390 runs, 347 HR, 1441 RBI, a .319/.366/.492 triple slash, but only 51.4 WAR.



Two players made the CABA Hall of Fame in 1939, both first ballot guys in a relatively weak field. Pitchers Darrell Acosta made it at 75.5% and Jhon Diaz at 73.2%. One player was dropped after a 10^th ballot, closer Morgan Champney. He peaked at 34.9% on his second try with 309 saves between CABA and MLB, but not enough in either one to make the cut.

No one made the cut in the 1939 EAB Class with two coming very close on their first try. RF In-Seong Kim was at 66.0%, barely missing the 2/3s threshold, while closer Moon Kim was at 63.6%. No players were on their 10^th ballot in EAB for 1939.



Darrell Acosta – Starting Pitcher – Honduras Horsemen – 75.5% First Ballot

Darrell Acosta was a 6’0’’ 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Metepec, Mexico; part of grater Toluca. Acosta was a bit of a late bloomer, whose velocity capped out around 92-94 mph. Later in his career, Acosta developed stellar control, allowing him to find sustained consistency despite a lack of power. He mixed a fastball, slider, and changeup.

Acosta was first drafted in the 1911 CABA Draft in the third round, 64^th overall by Leon. Acosta didn’t sign with the Lions and pitched in college, getting picked again 59^th overall in the 1913 Draft by Monterrey. He spent three seasons with the Matadors as a bottom of the rotation guy, getting traded before the 1917 season to Nicaragua.

He spent six seasons with the Navigators and did alright for the struggling Nicaragua squad to finish his 20s. He put up 22.5 WAR with 3.24 ERA and 1508 over those seasons. He then went to Honduras as a 32-year old free agent to start his signature run in 1923.

He spent seven seasons with the Horsemen and was a reliable veteran starter, but not an ace. But Acosta was finally on a winner, as Honduras won five division titles during his tenure, taking the Caribbean League crown in 1924 and 1926, and the CABA crown in 1926. In nine playoff starts with the Horsemen, he six quality starts despite a 2-5 record, 70 innings, 58 strikeouts, and a 0.97 WHIP. His best season came in 1928 at age 37 with a 17-8 record, 2.28 ERA and 0.80 WHIP, placing him third in Pitcher of the Year voting.

Honduras entered a rebuilding phase in 1929 and traded the now 38-year old Acosta to Ecatepec midseason. He made three respectable postseason starts as the Explosion won the CABA title for the first time in franchise history. In 1930, he had close to a career-high 5.2 WAR at age 39 for the Explosion.

In early 1931, a torn UCL put the veteran out for the year, although he did receive his third CABA ring as the Explosion continued their dynasty and won it all again. He got his fourth ring at age 41 as Ecatepec made it three titles in four years, although he was a rarely-used reliever post injury. He tried his hand as a closer with Mexico City the next season but struggled, retiring after the 1933 campaign at age 42.

The final line for Acosta: 244-224, 3.03 ERA, 4319.2 innings, 3900 strikeouts, 559 walks, a 0.99 WHIP, 361 quality starts out of 537 and a 62.6 WAR. He was never a dominant pitcher, but he was a tenured and reliable one, respected for his contributions in his second half particularly. Helping win titles with Honduras and Ecatepec made him deserving in the eyes of the voters, getting in on the first ballot even if only at 75.5%.



Jhon Diaz – Starting Pitcher – Mexico City Aztecs – 73.2% First Ballot

Jhon Diaz was a 5’10’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Valente Diaz in the Mexican state of Veracruz. Diaz threw 97-99 mph with good control and a stellar fastball that he mixed with a respectable curveball and splitter, along with the occasional changeup.

Highly touted as an amateur, Diaz was Mexico City’s third overall pick in the 1916 CABA Draft and he’d spend nearly his entire career with the Aztecs. He only had 5.2 innings in 1917, then in his first full season in 1918 won Mexican League Rookie of the Year with a 2.79 ERA over 274 innings. He very rarely led the league in any statistics, but put up seven seasons of 5+ WAR and five of 6+ WAR, earning seven All-Star appearances.

Mexico City was a bottom-tier franchise mode of Diaz’s tenure, as he was gone just before the Kiko Velazquez dynasty began. But in 1924, Diaz had a great season in helping the Aztecs on their surprise CABA Championship run; their only playoff appearance of the 1910s or 1920s.

Diaz avoided injuries in the early part of his career, but in his 30s recurring back and elbow issues caused him to miss large chunks of the 1926, 1928, 1929, and 1931 campaigns. Mexico City let him go after the 1932 season at age 37 and Diaz pitched one year with Monterrey, where he won his 200^th game. He called it quits after 1933 at age 38.

The final line for Diaz was 209-188, 2.71 ERA, 3645.2 innings, 3434 strikeouts, 629 walks, 1.01 WHIP, 317 quality starts out of 449, and a 74.6 WAR. He was arguably more impressive than his HOF classmate Darrell Acosta, although not as tenured. But he was a well-liked pitcher with his #23 retired by the Aztecs. Diaz was a solid enough performer over a 16-year career to get selected at 73.2% on the first ballot to the CABA Hall of Fame.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

1939 in BSA

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1939 in the Bolivar League saw two teams earn their first-ever divisional title. In the North Division, Barquisimeto took the top spot at 105-57, a huge turnaround from their 65-win season the prior year. Maracaibo was the closest competition at 96 wins. Defending champ Caracas meanwhile collapsed to the bottom of the standings at 61-101. Meanwhile in the South, La Paz was first at 105-57 with defending division champ Callao going 80-82. Cali was the other contender at 92-70, but couldn't keep up with the Pump Jacks.

Strikeout machine Mohamed Ramos returned to his home country of Bolivia by signing with La Paz in 1939 and the Pump Jacks were immediately rewarded. The 30-year old left won his fourth Pitcher of the Year and was Bolivar League MVP with a career best 1.10 ERA over 295.2 innings with 474 strikeouts, all 33 starts quality stars, and 14.4 WAR.



Liga Cono Sur also had two first time division champions in 1939. After finishing second with 100+ win seasons the prior two years, Belo Horizonte finally prevailed in the Brazil Division, going 100-62. They outlasted 96-win Salvador, while the Brasilia dynasty officially ended as the Bearcats took fourth at 88 wins. The Southern Division was weak with only one team above .500 in Asuncion, who advanced at 84-78. Last year's winner Santiago finished three games back.

The Hogs had the league MVP in 1B Yuri Assuncao. He led the league in runs (94), OBP (.367), slugging (.598), OPS (.966), wRC+ (224) and WAR (10.9) with 42 home runs and 104 RBI. Pitcher of the Year went to Rio de Janeiro’s Timoteo Caruso in his fourth season. Caruso led the Southern Cone in ERA (1.4), WHIP (0.7) and WAR (11.5) with 340 strikeouts over 250.1 innings.

The four new postseason faces made for excellent baseball as each playoff series went seven games. La Paz bested Barquisimeto, sending a Bolivian team to Copa Sudamerica for the first time. Belo Horizonte outlasted a solid effort from Asuncion. In Copa Sudamerica, the Pump Jacks beat the Hogs to claim their first overall title.





Other notes: Three perfect games occured in Beisbol Sudamerica in the 1939 season. On April 18, Cordoba's Hernan Trevino struck out 12 against Belo Horizonte. On July 16, Rio de Janeiro's Fernandinho Fuentes struck out 11 against Brasília. Then on September 3, Adriano Sauzedo of the Redbirds had nine Ks in a perfecto against Rosario.

Adding more accolades to his La Paz debut, Mohamed Ramos passed 4000 career strikeouts in 1939. Juan Pablo Chavez of Barquisimeto became the third hitter to 300 career home runs. Aitor Rangel and Chano Angel both reached 300 career saves three days apart. Angel earned his fifth Reliever of the Year, posting 6.3 WAR in his lone season with Barquisimeto. Bogota’s Aimar Palamino (SS) became the first seven-time Silver Slugger winner,

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

1939 in EAB

World War II is often marked as having started in 1939 with Germany's invasion of Poland. Japan had already been fighting in China for a few years prior and would soon ramp up the Pacific Theatre. Baseball would continue within the East Asia Baseball structure throughout the entirety of the war with the main baseball-specific impact being EAB players being forbidden to leave for other leagues and players being imported from other leagues. The nature of EAB meant there were incredibly few non-Japanese/Korean players already though compared to the more diversified rosters in MLB, CABA, and BSA.



In the Japan League, defending league champ Kawasaki again was North Division champion, finishing at 92-70 with seven games ahead of Yokohama. In a very competitive South Division, nine games separated first from last place. Hiroshima took the top spot at 91-71, joining 1922 as their only playoff appearances. They were two games better than last year’s division champ Kyoto and Kitakyushu; four ahead of Fukuoka, five on Kobe, eight on Nagoya, and nine on Osaka.

Orange Sox first baseman Yu-Jin Kim won the league MVP, with the 25-year old leading Japan in runs (106), homers (51), RBI (128), walks (69), OPS (1.008), wRC+ (226) and WAR (8.9). Kobe’s Drew St. Louis won his second Pitcher of the Year, leading with a career-best 1.43 ERA. The 25-year old Trinidadian also led Japan in strikeouts (a career-high 366), plus a 9.9 WAR.



Goyang took the Korea League North Division at 94-68 for their third division title in four seasons. Defending EAB champ Busan won back-to-back South Divisions and their sixth title in eight seasons. The Blue Jays at 101-61 had the best record in Korea, finishing eight ahead of Gwangju.

Green Sox DH Byung-Oh Tan led the league in runs for the fifth straight season, earning the 26-year old his first league MVP. Tan also was the league leader in hits (225), WAR (9.3), average (.363), and OBP (.400), while adding 40 home runs and 110 RBI. Tan also earned his sixth Silver Slugger as a designated hitter. Blue Jays ace Yu-Geon Moon became a four time Pitcher of the Year winner. The 31-year old led in ERA (2.13) for the fifth time in his career, also adding 273 strikeouts, 26 quality starts, and 8.0 WAR.

The JLCS went to Hiroshima for the first time in franchise history as the Hammerheads defeated defending champ Kawasaki in six games. The KLCS was claimed by Busan in seven games over Goyang, giving the Blue Jays back-to-back Korea League titles. In the East Asian Championship, Hiroshima topped Busan in six for their first overall title.





Other notes: Hiroshima’s Kazuo Ogiwara became the first four-time Reliever of the Year winner. On April 18, Fukuoka’s Tokinari Ito threw a perfect game with nine strikeouts against Kobe. Danzu Min became the seventh EAB player to 400 career home runs. Changwon’s Hyeong-Jun Sim became the fourth pitcher to 200 career wins.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

1939 in CABA

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Monterrey picked up a sixth consecutive Mexican League North Division title in 1939, although the defending league champ had their weakest year in the run at 88-74. They narrowly finished ahead of Juarez (86-76) and Tijuana (84-78). In the South Division, Leon snapped Mexico City’s South Division streak as the Lions won it at 100-62, four better than the Aztecs. It’s Leon’s second-ever postseason appearance, joining the 1927 Mexican League title year.

Juarez LF Jeong-Hyeon Pin was the MVP with the 26-year old Korean leading Mexico in runs (111), doubles (36), RBI (115), and OPS (.992) with 8.3 WAR and 48 home runs. Leon’s Martin Duenas got his lone Pitcher of the Year with the 26-year old leading in wins (21) with a 2.38 ERA, 238 strikeouts and 4.5 WAR.



Defending CABA champ Haiti earned a third straight Caribbean League Island Division title in 1939 with their best record in franchise history at 107-55. Puerto Rico was second again at 95 wins. In the Continental Division, Honduras won the division for the second time in three years. The Horsemen at 93-69 were six games ahead of Guatemala.
Jamaica LF Danys Vera won his first MVP. Vera led the Caribbean in WAR (10.1), triples (23), OBP (.376), slugging (.671), and OPS (1.047). The 27-year old also had 43 home runs and 100 RBI in his final CABA season, as he’d head to America and Charlotte the following season. Alonso De La Garza was the Pitcher of the Year and Rookie of the Year for Salvador. De La Garza in an impressive debut led in ERA (2.22), WAR (9.3) and FIP- (58) with 17complete games.

Monterrey entered the sixth straight MLCS, but newcomer Leon edged them in seven games for their second-ever league title. Meanwhile, Honduras denied Haiti’s bid for a Caribbean League three-peat, as the Horsemen won in six games for their sixth league title and first since 1926. The CABA Championship was a seven-game classic claimed by Leon for the Lions’ first overall title.





Other notes: Merida’s Emmanuel Reyes became the new single-season home run leader in CABA, mashing 60 dingers. The previous record was Caligula Davalos with 57 back in 1912. On July 27, Tyshawn Shaw threw a perfect game for Guadalajara, striking out nine against Mexicali. Havana’s Martin Campos became the eighth player to 3500 career strikeouts. Nicaragua’s Egor Guzman became the seventh to 400 home runs and also crossed 1000 RBI. Crossing 2000 career hits in 1939 were Kiko Velazquez, Mason Mick, and Domingo Huerta.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

1939 in MLB

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1939 in the National Association saw three 100+ win teams battling for the Eastern League title. Baltimore ended up taking first at 108-54 for back-to-back playoff berths and their third league title. Ottawa and Boston finished tied at 104 wins and in a one-game tiebreaker, the Elks beat the Red Sox to extend their playoff streak to eight seasons. It is the longest postseason appearance streak in MLB history and is their first of the run not as EL champ.

Although the teams had fewer wins, the Midwest League race was also an intense three-team battle. Cincinnati took the title at 92-70, their second playoff appearance in three seasons and only second-ever ML title (1919). Milwaukee and Columbus tied for second at 90 wins and in the one-game playoff spot for the wildcard spot, the Mustangs prevailed. This puts the defending ML champ back in the postseason.

Cincinnati RF Stan Provost won the MVP in his final year with the Reds, as he’d sign with Minneapolis in the offseason. The 26-year old had a .390 batting average, barely behind the single-season record of Jimmy Miller from 1912 (.3902 versus .3900). Provost also led the NA in hits (234), doubles (43), RBI (159), OBP (.451), slugging (.665), and OPS (1.116), wRC+ (217), and 11.0 WAR. The 159 RBI was the third most in a single-season. 30-year old Ottawa pitcher Cam Sherburne won his second Pitcher of the Year, posting a 21-6 record, 2.20 ERA and 7.1 WAR.

In the first round of the playoffs, Cincinnati knocked out Ottawa in four games and Baltimore swept Milwaukee. In the National Association Championship Series, the Orioles downed the Reds in five, giving Baltimore its third NA title and first since 1923.



In the Southern League, 1937 World Series champ Charlotte picked up the 1939 league title at 98-64. Houston at 89-73 beat Dallas by one game and Atlanta by five for the second place spot. The Hornets have made the playoffs a record 21 times in MLB’s first 39 seasons. The American Association leader by far was Western League champ Las Vegas with a franchise-best 110-52 mark. It’s the fifth playoff appearance for the Vipers and first WL crown. Vancouver at 97-65 took second place; two games ahead of last year’s World Series champ Denver. It’s the first time in the playoffs since 1912 for the Volcanoes and fourth playoff appearance overall.

Las Vegas DH Aubin Shrauger earned back-to-back MVPs, leading the American Association again in home runs (49) and RBI (153) while adding a .988 OPS and 6.9 WAR. Charlotte’s Domingo Martinez won Pitcher of the Year with the 28-year old leading the AA in wins (22) and strikeouts (267).

Despite their regular season success, Las Vegas was stunned in the first round in five games by Houston. Vancouver upset Charlotte with a sweep as well, followed by the Volcanoes taking the AACS in six games over the Hornets for Vancouver’s first American Association title. The 39^th World Series was a seven-game classic. Game seven went 11 innings with Baltimore prevailing 8-7 for their second MLB title and the first title for a NA team since 1933.





Other notes: Provost and Shrauger’s 150+ RBI seasons were the first time someone crossed that mark in MLB since Elijah Cashman in 1927. Balthasar Sharp and Rafael Becerra became the 19^th and 20^th MLB players to 500 career home runs with Becerra also passing 1500 RBI. Pedro Gil and Sergio Castro each crossed 1500 runs scored.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

1940 MLB Hall of Fame

Two players earned induction into the 1940 MLB Hall of Fame, both on the first ballot. Pitcher Derek Edwards was a no-doubter at 98.6% with closer Armen Eberhardt getting 81.7%. Ray Biedermann on his eighth try got to 60.2% but was still short of the 2/3 threshold. Closer Paul Leo, Starter Juan Haro, 3B Franz Bolt, and Starter Dee Walters were the other players over 50%.



For Juan Haro, it was his final chance, dropped after his 10^th ballot. He had peaked the prior season at 63.9%. Over 18 years with the New York Yankees, Houston, Denver, and Phoenix, the Cuban righty had a 236-187 record, 3.51 ERA, 2308 strikeouts, and 87.7 WAR. He also was part of the early 1910s Houston dynasty, but was never dominant, keeping him just out of the HOF. Another starter dropped on the 10^th ballot was Jeremiah Jaiboon, who peaked the prior season at 52.4%. Jaiboon twice won Pitcher of the Year with Washington and had a 189-135 record, 2.90 ERA, 1948 strikeouts, and 69.4 WAR. He won two rings between the Admirals and Denver, but retiring at age 34 kept him from accumulating more impressive totals.

Three others made it to the 10^th ballot but were dropped at single-digit percentages. Phillies pitcher Eric Roman was the 1917 Pitcher of the Year with a career 169-119 record, 3.17 ERA, 2161 strikeouts, and 56.2 WAR; but he never got above 30%. Pitcher Dave Potochnik peaked at 30.8% on his second try and had a 17-year career with Washington and others. He had a 235-187 record, 3.52 ERA, 2478 strikeouts, and 63.3 WAR. And RF Christian Poirier peaked on his debut just below 20%. Between Montreal and Houston in 17 years, he had 2969 hits, 1424 runs, 260 homers, 1293 RBI, .304 average, and 58.8 WAR.



Derek Edwards – Starting Pitcher – Buffalo Blue Sox – 98.6% First Ballot

Derek Edwards was a 5’10’’, 180 pound left-handed pitcher from New York City. Edwards was renowned as one of the best control pitchers of all-time, while also boasting solid movement and 96-98 mph velocity. He mixed up a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. Not a dominant strikeout guy, but ultimately one of the best pitchers of the era, as well as a pretty good fielder. He became a fan favorite as a hard-working reliable ace.

Edwards played college baseball at Texas Tech and was the second overall pick in the 1918 MLB Draft by Buffalo. He spent a decade with the Blue Sox and won two of his four Pitcher of the Year awards while there. In his sophomore season, he won the award and led the National Association with a 2.15 ERA and 28 quality starts. He led in ERA again and won the PotY in 1926 with a 2.10 ERA and a career-best 10.3 WAR. He led the NA in WAR four times with Buffalo.

The Blue Sox made the playoffs but had first round exits in 1921 and 1922, the only postseason berths during Edwards’ run. They weren’t bottom-tier when he was their like the prior decade, but typically were a middling squad. With Edwards’ free agency lingering , Buffalo traded him to Montreal for the 1929 season. He spent one season with the Maples, then at age 32, signed with St. Louis in free agency for the 1930 season. He hoped that the Cardinals, who won 105 games the prior year,

Edwards won his third and fourth Pitcher of the Year awards in his first two seasons with the Cardinals, posting 8.3 WAR and 7.1 WAR. In 1931, he was the NA leader with a career best 1.87 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. However, the Cardinals run was a disappointment as they were a wild card his first year, then fell into mediocrity soon after. His third season with them had a 9-16 record despite posting 8.5 WAR. Edwards started to struggle with the team in year four, getting traded that offseason to Houston. He bounced back with a decent 1934 in his one year with the Hornets; picking up his 250^th career win. Edwards opted for retirement at age 36 that offseason.

Although he wasn’t the flashiest pitcher, few were as consistent or reliable and it showed in his final stats. Edwards had a 255-186 record, 2.81 ERA, 4189.1 innings, 2988 strikeouts to only 638 walks for 4.7 K/BB ratio, 394/543 quality starts, and a 113.8 WAR. At retirement, he was one of six pitchers with 100+ career WAR and was third all-time behind only Bailey Johnson and Newton Persaud. Even as other pitchers joined the HOF ranks, his ERA and walk tally would remain impressive on the leaderboards.

His #1 was retired by Buffalo in 1934 and would be their only retired number of the 20^th Century. The lack of playing for prominent teams hurts him in some of the inner-circle discussions, but Derek Edwards certainly was an elite pitcher of the 1920s and more than deserving of an induction at 98.6%.



Armen “Skip” Eberhardt – Closer – Hartford Huskies – 81.7% First Ballot

Armen Eberhardt was a 6’2’’, 195 pound right-handed relief pitcher from Eugene, Oregon. He had one of the best fastballs you’ll ever see, consistently hovering around triple digits. He could spot it well, which made him a strong relief pitcher for 20 years. His other pitch was a solid splitter, but having only two pitches sent him to the bullpen despite Eberhardt earning the NCAA Pitcher of the Year as a sophomore in 1912 for Mississippi State.

His college success made him attractive, but he was immediately slotted into a bullpen role. His home-state team Portland picked him 34^th overall in the 1913 MLB Draft and he spent seven seasons with the Pacifics. In his fourth season, he won his lone Reliever of the Year award with a 0.70 ERA over 77.1 innings, 31 saves, 114 strikeouts, and 5.2 WAR. He would lead the American Association in saves three times with the Pacifics,

This was during Portland’s successful late 1910s run, which saw an AA title in 1916 and two other AACS appearances in 1918 and 1919. With the Pacifics, he had 178 saves, a 1.86 ERA, 530 strikeouts over 397.1 innings, 181 shutdowns, and 18.7 WAR. Statistically, you could argue that was his best team, although he was officially inducted with Hartford, who Eberhardt signed with for the 1921 season.

He also spent seven seasons with the Huskies and was the starting closer for all but the first year there. He came in just after their playoff run ended though, as Hartford was consistently just outside of the playoffs in the 1920s. Still, Eberhardt was reliable as he pitched into his 30s, posting 172 saves and a 1.95 ERA with the Huskies, adding 466.1 innings, 564 strikeouts, and 18.3 WAR. He earned saves #300 and #350 with Hartford, becoming only the fifth player to have crossed 350 at the time.

Eberhardt signed with Jacksonville for 1928 and that was his last season as a closer. But he would bounce around the league until age 41, playing for Montreal, San Francisco, Brooklyn, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Charlotte, Toronto, and Columbus. He finished with 373 saves, a 2.29 ERA, 1313 strikeouts over 1151 innings, a 1.05 WHIP, 433 shutdowns, and 39.5 WAR. Getting above 350 saves is the mark that the voters had generally set as the magic number for relief pitchers and Eberhardt secured a first ballot induction as a result.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

1940 Hall of Fame (CABA/EAB)

Two players made it into CABA’s 1940 Hall of Fame Class. Outfielder Victor Valenzuela was a first ballot selection at 95.5%. Also just reaching the threshold on his third try was starting pitcher Lian Llames.



Three players made it to the 10^th ballot and were dropped, each finishing in single-digits. Ecatepec pitcher Colt Kasper finished with a 177-152 record, 2.94 ERA, and 45.8 WAR with 3138 strikeouts. He peaked at 31% on his first two goes on the ballot. Closer T.J. Heredia finished with 20.5 WAR and 204 saves with a 1.99 ERA in 12 seasons with Santiago. He also peaked on his debut at 33%. Hernan Tarrayo was another closer who finished with 176 saves and a 1.85 ERA in a 15-year career between both CABA and MLB, winning Reliever of the Year in 1922.


The 1940 EAB Hall of Fame inducted pitcher Chikara Ohkubo at 99.1% on the first ballot. Two got close on their second try but just fell short of the 2/3s threshold with closer Moon Kim at 64.1% and RF In-Seong Kim at 62.0%.



Victor “Mr. Reliable” Valenzuela – Outfielder – Guadalajara Hellhounds – 95.5% First Ballot

Victor Valenzuela was a 6’1’’, 200 pound left-handed outfielder from Culiacan in northwest Mexico. He was nicknamed “Mr. Reliable” and that was a very fitting moniker for one of the best and most consistent baseball players in CABA history. Valenzuela was an excellent contact hitter with great gap power and speed. He started in right field generally in the first half of his career and in center fielder in the latter half. He was regarded as a terrific defensive right fielder, winning six Gold Gloves, while also respectable in center.

Valenzuela was such a highly touted prospect that he was drafted fourth overall by Guadalajara out of high school in 1913, where he’d spend his entire CABA career minus his final season. He spent 1914 training and debuted at age 19 in 1915 seeing limited action. He became a starter the next season in 1916 and by 1917, he was an all-star and Gold Glove winner. In 1919, the Hellhounds started their signature run of the era and Valenzuela was instrumental in that success. Guadalajara made the playoffs seven times in eight years from 1919 to 1926; winning the Mexican League title in 1920, 21, and 25; and adding the CABA crown in 1920 and 21.

Over his run, Valenzuela won seven Silver Sluggers and six Gold Gloves. His first of four batting titles came in 1919 at only age 23. He led Mexico in runs scored thrice, hits twice, triples three times, and WAR five times. Valenzuela won four MVPs, spread out over a decade; 1920, 1923, 1926, and 1930. In 1920, on the way to the first CABA title for the Hellhounds, he career bests in WAR (11.8), runs (99), and hits (200).

Mr. Reliable put up consistent strong production for almost 15 years. His last MVP came at age 34 with a 9.8 WAR season, setting career highs in OBP (.393), OPS (.982) and triples (29). But the 1930s marked a downturn for the Hellhounds and Valenzuela’s production began to falter in his mid 30s. Hamstring trouble caused him to miss about half of his final year with Guadalajara in 1933. He was released at the end of the season and then spent 1934 with Havana. But at age 38, he only played 39 games with little production, retiring at the end of the season.

Unsurprisingly, Guadalajara retired his #24 and he remains a beloved icon of the franchise from its dynasty run. He finished with 2914 career hits, which was the all-time CABA record at retirement. He added 1345 runs, 424 doubles, 335 triples, 267 home runs, 1172 RBI, a .294/.343/.485 slash, 952 stolen bases, and 131.1 WAR. He retired the all-time batting WARlord, although Kiko Vleazquez would throne him shortly after. His 335 triples was second most all-time and he was one of only two players with 900+ stolen bases at retirement. One of the inner-circle Hall of Fame outfielders of CABA’s early years, Valenzuela forever will be known among the best to ever do it.



Lian Llanes – Starting Pitcher – Mexico City Aztecs – 69.2% Third Ballot

Lian Llanes was a 6’2’’, 200 pound left-handed starting pitcher from Havana, Cuba. He had 92-94 mph velocity with above average to good movement and control. Llanes had five pitches he mixed in his repertoire; a fastball, slider, forkball, changeup, and splitter.

Llanes was drafted fifth overall in the 1918 CABA Draft by Haiti. He had a solid debut for the Herons, earning Caribbean League Rookie of the Year honors. But he saw less use in year #2 and was traded in January 1921 to Mexico City to begin what would become his signature run. Llanes led Mexico with a 1.39 ERA and 0.81 WHIP in his Aztecs debut, earning his lone career Pitcher of the Year. Llanes spent six seasons with the Aztecs as a solid start and in 1924, was a big part in Mexico City’s surprise CABA championship run.

In 1927 at age 31, Llanes left for free agency to Honduras. He spent three seasons with the Horsemen, but was a back-of-the-rotation level player. In 1930, he spent one season with Leon. In 1931, he joined back with Mexico City and had a mini resurgence with a 4.8 WAR season at age 35. He struggled in 1932 and would be done at the close of that season. With the Aztecs, Llanes had a 118-64 record, 2.37 ERA, 35.5 WAR with 1634 strikeouts.

The final career numbers are 179-118, a 2.54 ERA, 2806 innings with 2510 strikeouts and 519 walks, a 1.01 WHIP, 262 quality starts out of 382, and 47.8 WAR. His totals are among the weakest of the inducted HOF starters and after a 50.2% debut ballot and 43.8% in year two, many commentators expected he’d never make the cut. But Llanes picked up support for 69.2% in year three, putting him into the Hall of Fame.



Chikara Ohkubo – Starting Pitcher – Hamhung Heat – 99.1% First Ballot

Chikara Ohkubo was a 5’11’’, 195 pound right-handed pitcher from Sagamihara, Japan; part of the greater Tokyo area. Ohkubo was known for having excellent movement and solid control with velocity topping out around 95-97 mph. He alternated a fastball, slider, forkball, and changeup; and could beat you with each of them equally. Ohkubo also was a very good defender, earning two Gold Gloves at pitcher.

By the time East Asia Baseball was officially formed, Ohkubo was already 27-years old and established in the amateur and semi-pro ranks as an ace. For the EAB debut season in 1921, he signed with Busan. He had a no-hitter in this season and led Korea in WAR (11.7) and strikeouts (313). He would lead the league in strikeouts in his first five EAB seasons and seven times total, while also starting his EAB run with nine straight seasons of 10+ WAR.

After two seasons with the Blue Jays, he signed with Hamhung, where he spent the rest of his career. His first year with the Heat saw his first of four Pitcher of the Year Award, adding additional awards in 1925, 1927, and 1931. The Heat were a EAB power in the first decade of EAB, making five playoff appearances in Ohkubo’s run and winning the EAB Championship in 1928. His second no-hitter came in 1925.

Hamhung remained a winning team, but couldn’t get by Pyongyang in the 1930s. Ohkubo kept dominating until his last three seasons, where his productivity began to wane. He mainly spent his last year largely in relief, retiring after the 1934 season at age 40. He was the first EAB pitcher to 3500 career strikeouts and 200 wins.

The final line: 249-114, 2.25 ERA, 3372.2 innings, 3843 strikeouts with 603 walks, 322/422 quality starts and 126.9 WAR. At retirement, he was the Pitching WARlord and would finish the century second all-time. His stats are favorable on the all-time leaderboards and this is with him not starting the EAB counting stats until age 27. Had he added a few more years in his 20s, he might be the undisputed GOAT pitcher. Still, Mount Rushmore conversations of EAB pitchers usually include Ohkubo, a legendary name in the early years of EAB.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

1940 in BSA

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The Bolivar League saw a record-setting season in 1940 from defending Copa Sudamerica winner La Paz. The Pump Jacks set a Beisbol Sudamerica record with a 122-40 season. Medellin's 118 wins in 1934 was the previous high mark. That stands as the BSA record a century later and between the four existing major organizations is tied for the winningest season along with the 1926 Hamhung Heat of EAB. The Bolivar North Division had a first time winner in 1940 as Maracaibo took the title at 98-64, eight games better than last year's division champ Barquisimeto.

Barquisimeto outfielder Matias Aramo won the MVP in his third season, leading the Bolivar League in home runs (53), RBI (105), runs (98), and slugging (.590). He had the first 50+ homer season since 1932. 30-year old La Paz pitcher Pascal Aguirre beat out teammate Mohamed Ramos for the Pitcher of the Year. In his last season with the Pump Jacks, Aguirre led in wins (26), ERA (1.56) and innings pitched (300). Ramos, meanwhile, was dominant again with 485 strikeouts and 13.4 WAR.



Liga Cono Sur had Fortaleza take the Brazil Division for the first time since 1933, finishing 93-69. Rio de Janeiro was two games behind and defending league champ Belo Horizonte fell to 80-82. Cordoba won the Southern Division for the second time, posting a league-best 104-58 record.

Salvador two-way player Ignacio Rola won league MVP. The 26-year old Brazilian posted 6.6 WAR and a 2.19 ERA pitching over 270.2 innings, while adding 140 hits and 4.3 WAR as a hitter in the outfield. Rio de Janeiro’s Timoteo Caruso won his second straight Pitcher of the Year. He again led the league in ERA at 1.39, while adding the lead in strikeouts (383), K/BB (10.9), FIP- (37) and WAR (10.9).

In the Bolivar League Championship, La Paz earned back-to-back titles by beating Maracaibo in five games. The Southern Cone went to Fortaleza for the second time in franchise history as they downed Cordoba in five. The Foxes put up a solid effort in Copa Sudamerica, but the Pump Jacks prevailed for back-to-back titles in six games. WIth the overall title and a 122-40 record, the 1940 La Paz Pump Jacks have a solid resume to be the greatest South American baseball team of all-time.





Other notes: Mohamed Ramos in his continued dominance passed 4500 career strikeouts and also became the first BSA pitcher to 200 career wins. Cali's Virsimo Ibarra joined him with win #200 later in the year and also became the second to 3000 Ks. Maracaibo's David Silva became the fourth BSA batter to 300 home runs. Chano Angel, this season with Maracaibo, won his record sixth Reliever of the Year Award.

[MrNFL_FanIQ]

1940 in EAB

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Kawasaki in 1940 won its third straight Japan League North Division, going 94-68 to finish eight games better than Yokoahama. Japan's best record overall was the South Division champ Nagoya at 109-53, getting their first playoff spot since taking the 1937 league title. Last year's East Asia Champ Hiroshima fell off hard to a 76-win season and wouldn't make the playoffs again until 1959.

Nagoya shortstop Si-U Gim won his third MVP award at only age 25. He led in WAR again with 12.0 while adding 46 home runs, 93 RBI, and 171 hits. Kobe’s Drew St. Louis won his third Pitcher of the Year, the Trinidadian still only 26 years old. He led in strikeouts (360) for the fourth straight season and in WAR (9.3) for the third straight season.



Two-time Defending Korea League champ Busan earned a third-straight south division title at 98-64, eight ahead of Changwon. Seongnam won the North Division at 99-63 for the franchise's first playoff berth in its 20-year history. Last year's division champ Goyang was a distant second at 84 wins.

Goyang LF Byung-Oh Tan won back-to-back league MVPs with the league lead in hits (208), average (.354) and WAR (9.3). Busan’s Yu-Geon Moon became a five-time Pitcher of the Year as he achieved the fifth EAB Triple Crown and the first since 1927. Moon had a 23-5 record, 1.90 ERA, and 330 strikeouts with 28 quality starts and a career-best 9.2 WAR.

The JLCS was a seven game classic with Nagoya edging Kawasaki, making the Nightowls the first four-time Japan League champ (31, 34, 37, 40). Busan made it a three-peat in the KLCS with a six-game series victory against Seongnam. The Blue Jays now hold five Korean titles, leading all teams. In the East Asian Championship, Nagoya swept Busan to give the Nightowls a third overall title. They are the first franchise to win the EAB final three times.





Other notes: Pyongyang's Joon-Kyu Cho became the fourth EAB pitcher to 3500 career strikeouts. Hiroshima's Seung-Mo Kim and Seoul's Seong-Yeon Lee joined the 3000 strikeout club. Hualyu Lu made it to 400 home runs for Hiroshima. The 6th, 7th, and 8th members of the 2000 hit club were Sung-Man Hyon (Busan), Yerong-Chae Sim (Yongin) and Shosuke Hirai (Sapporo).