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2021 SFBL EAST-WEST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY VS LOS ANGELES GLORY HOLES

 

GAME 1

 

Neal Pittman (CHI) vs. Whit Periman (LA)

 

The Glory Holes got off to a fast start, leaving the Transit Authority in the dust and giving Periman plenty of cushion to do his thing, actually having a pretty mediocre game. But it was no matter, as LA still ended up on top by the score of 10-6, winning the opening game of Los Angeles' first appearance in the Conference Championship.

 

A three-run homerun by Coltyn Stykes in the bottom of the first kicked off the scoring for Los Angeles, as Stykes, Jeff Garman, and Joey Zurn all crossed home plate with the 413 foot shot. In the bottom of the second, Garman would single home Scott Nagao, and after a double steal with Garman and Zurn, Jeff Stainsby brought them both home with yet another three-run homerun, this one to the opposite field but having the same result, as Garman, Zurn, and Stainsby all crossed home plate to give Los Angeles a commanding 7-0 lead, and also knocking Neal Pittman out of the game after only one and one-third innings.

 

The Transit Authority finally struck back in the top of the fourth, as Anton Gonzalez doubled home Francisco Parisi, who had singled to lead off the inning. It was a small dent in the deficit they were facing, but at least it was SOMETHING.

 

Los Angeles simply built the lead back up to eight runs, thanks to a fielder's choice sacrifice by Garman that scored David Menchaca, and a Daren Scheetz triple that brought Garman home. In the very next inning for the Glory Holes, Zurn got his only RBI of the night, hitting a single to left that brought home Eric Battle from second.

 

Chicago finally learned to put some runs together in the top of the sixth, scoring three runs in that inning. Bill Quinones hit an RBI single to score Benicio Cantu, Alberto Avila hit an RBI double to bring home Parisi, and Rico Varela grounded out to the first baseman to sacrifice Quinones home, all of these at-bats happening one after another.

 

With the deficit closed to six runs, Chicago added yet another run in the top of the seventh, as Cantu reached base on an error by Menchaca, as Glynn Kortkamp scored from third. Alberto Avila's RBI single in the top of the eighth scored Quinones from third, as Whit Periman's day was done, allowing six runs in seven innings, unable to get an out in the eighth inning.

 

Ryan Fetters was able to shut the door from there, allowing no more Transit Authority members to cross home plate and giving LA the victory.

 

Zurn (.346/0/2) finished the game 4-for-5, knocking in a run and scoring twice and adding his fourth stolen base of the postseason.

 

CHICAGO 6, LOS ANGELES 10

Los Angeles leads series 1 game to 0

 

WP - Whit Periman (2-0, 7 IP, 13 HA, 6 ER, 3 BB, 4 Ks)

LP - Neal Pittman (1-1, 1 1/3 IP, 7 HA, 7 ER, 1 BB, 0 Ks)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 23 minutes

Player of the Game: Joey Zurn (4-for-5, 2 R, RBI, SB)

Game Notes: None.

TSM Quick Reference:

Joey Zurn (4-for-5, 2 R, RBI, SB)

 

GAME 2

 

George Alongi (CHI) vs. Tim Neal (LA)

 

Chicago built an early lead this time, and despite an early comeback from the Glory Holes, Bill Quinones snuffed the rooster with one swing, giving Chicago a 5-3 advantage after a three-run homerun in the fourth inning, as Chicago went on to victory by the score of 6-3, evening the best-of-seven series at one game a piece as the series is ready to transfer to Sears Field.

 

Francisco Parisi hit a sacrifice fly to bring Nino Llanes home from third as the very first run in the very top of the first inning. The Transit Authority added another run in next inning as Tim Neal threw a wild pitch during Alberto Avila's at-bat, scoring Rico Varela from third.

 

Los Angeles staged a huge comeback in the bottom of the third inning, as everybody in the Glory Holes batting order got a turn at the plate. Joey Zurn knocked in Scott Nagao with an RBI single, and Jeff Garman knocked in David Menchaca and Joey Zurn as the very next batter, giving Los Angeles a 3-2 lead.

 

The next half-inning saw Chicago take the lead back, however, as Bill Quinones slapped a three-run homerun to score Varela and Arne Snider, giving Chicago a two-run lead again. Los Angeles had no answer, as the Chicago bullpen shut them down, allowing Benicio Cantu to add an insurance run in the top of the eighth with a solo homerun to make the score 6-3, which happened to be the final score as well.

 

Joey Zurn (.355/0/3) was 2-for-5 with a run scored and a run knocked in, with one strikeout and a double in the fourth inning.

 

CHICAGO 6, LOS ANGELES 3

Series tied at 1 game a piece

 

WP - Paul Bosy (1-0, 3 IP, 1 HA, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 Ks, entered game in the fifth inning)

LP - Tim Neal (1-1, 8 IP, 8 HA, 6 ER, 1 BB, 5 Ks)

S - Tom Righini (3)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 18 minutes

Player of the Game: Bill Quinones (1-for-4, R, 3 RBI, 3-run homerun in the fourth inning)

Game Notes: None.

TSM Quick Reference:

Joey Zurn (2-for-5, R, RBI, K, 2B)

 

GAME 3

 

Gil Nowlin (LA) vs. Ronald Jahn (CHI)

 

The dust had cleared by the end of the sixth inning, and in the end, it was Los Angeles who ended up on top, advancing up two games to one on the Transit Authority with a close 5-4 victory.

 

Los Angeles scored early, as Daren Scheetz grounded out to the second baseman, scoring Joey Zurn in the process for an early 1-0 lead in the game. The Holes added three more runs in the top of the third inning, starting with Daren Scheetz hitting an RBI single to bring Jeff Garman home. Eric Battle then hit a sacrifice fly to score Jeff Stainsby, and Scott Nagao knocked in Scheetz as the very next batter to finish the scoring for that half-inning.

 

Chicago fought back to cut their deficit in half, as Glynn Kortkamp slapped a double to left-center, scoring Bill Quinones and Nino Llanes to cut the score to 4-2 in favor of LA.

 

Los Angeles increased their lead to three runs in the top of the fifth, as Eric Battle doubled down the left field line, scoring Dale Vickery.

 

Chicago finally got it back down to a one run deficit in the bottom of the sixth, as Anton Gonzalez doubled home Francisco Parisi and Gonzalez himself was doubled home by Benicio Cantu.

 

That was as close as the Transit Authority would get, however, as the LA bullpen was able to hang on from there, keeping that razor-thin lead.

 

Joey Zurn (.333/0/3) was 1-for-5 with a run scored, a strikeout, and his fifth stolen base of the postseason.

 

LOS ANGELES 5, CHICAGO 4

Los Angeles leads series 2 games to 1

 

WP - Gill Nowlin (2-0, 6 1/3 IP, 8 HA, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 Ks)

LP - Ronald Jahn (0-3, 6 1/3 IP, 10 HA, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 Ks)

S - Rafael Jimenez (2)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 39 minutes

Player of the Game: Daren Scheetz (1-for-4, 1 R, 2 RBI, K)

Game Notes: None.

TSM Quick Reference:

Joey Zurn (1-for-5, 1 R, K, SB)

 

GAME 4

 

Whit Periman (LA) vs. Neal Pittman (CHI)

 

Whit the Groundhog was off to a good start, but a 27 minute rain delay dampened Periman's ability to pitch, as he was unable to finish the fifth inning due to stamina problems. Things were still looking good as Los Angeles still had a one-run lead thanks to Jeff Stainsby's RBI single in the top of the third, but the bottom of the eighth sunk the Glory Holes as Rafael Jimenez imploded.

 

Anton Gonzalez singled home Benicio Cantu, and the next batter in Bill Quinones singled home Francisco Parisi and pinch-runner Robbie McElhinney, as Chicago suddenly found themselves with a two-run lead. Against Tim Righini, the Glory Holes couldn't get off the ground, as Chicago tied the best-of-seven series with a 3-1 victory over LA.

 

Zurn (.308/0/3) was hitless in three at-bats with three strikeouts and a walk. Zurn took advantage of that base on balls, however, using it to earn his sixth stolen base of the season.

 

LOS ANGELES 1, CHICAGO 3

Series tied at two games a piece

 

WP - Jud Joseph (2-1, 3 IP, 0 HA, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 Ks, entered game in sixth inning)

LP - Rafael Jimenez (0-1, entered game in eighth inning)

S - Tim Righini (4)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 14 minutes

Player of the Game: Jud Joseph (18 of 29 pitches thrown for strikes)

Game Notes: 27 minute rain delay in fourth inning. Rafael Jimenez's losing streak reaches a career high eight consecutive decisions.

TSM Quick Reference:

Joey Zurn (0-for-3, BB, 3 Ks, SB)

 

GAME 5

 

Tim Neal (LA) vs. George Alongi (CHI)

 

Los Angeles got the lead in the top of the first and never looked back, keeping their distance from the Transit Authority and soundly defeating Chicago 8-4 as the Glory Holes will get an opportunity to win the Conference Championship in LA instead of winning it in Chicago.

 

Jeff Stainsby got things started for LA in the top of the first with a double down the left field line that scored Jeff Garman after Anton Gonzalez overthrew his target, allowing Garman to easily score instead of having to earn that first run of the game. Two batters later, Coltyn Stykes singled to left, scoring Stainsby. It took two more batters before more runs were scored, this time in duplicate as Eric Battle roped a double to the gap in right-center to not only score Daren Scheetz, but also Stykes. Finally, Scott Nagao wrapped things up by hitting a single to left to bring home Battle from second. All told, LA amassed five runs in that inning, quickly pulling away from Chicago as every starter in the lineup for Los Angeles got a turn at the plate in the inning, and George Alongi was unable to make it out of that inning, being replaced by Francesco Taveras after Scott Nagao knocked in the fifth run of the inning.

 

Redemption was somewhat bittersweet for the Transit Authority in the bottom half of the inning, as they were able to muster a couple of runs in their attempt to quickly make up the difference before Tim Neal could clamp down. Glynn Kortkamp doubled home Nino Llanes without any challenge from the outfield, and Francisco Parisi was able to single home Kortkamp despite a desperation throw from Zurn to try and gun down Glynn at home. An inning later, Chicago closed the deficit to two runs after Rico Varela's solo homerun with one out in the inning accounting for the third run for the Transit Authority in the game.

 

The next few innings buzzed by, eventually leading to the top of the fifth as Los Angeles once again struck and seemed to put things out of reach, going for the kill. Dale Vickery started the scoring with an RBI single that scored Scheetz, followed by a sacrifice fly from Battle that brought Stykes home. Nagao, the third batter in this succession, doubled down the left field line to score Vickery, as the circle of life is completed and Los Angeles is back to a five-run lead over the hapless Transit Authority.

 

In the bottom of the sixth, Rico Varela was able to hit homerun #2 off Tim Neal, but four runs was as close as they were going to get for the rest of the game as that ended up being the final score, as Tim Neal was finally able to silence the bats of the Transit Authority on a more permanent basis, lasting until the bottom of the ninth when Chicago actually tried to make a game out of it but left runners on first and second after Glynn Kortkamp slapped a grounder right back to the pitcher to end the game.

 

Joey Zurn (.295/0/3) went 1-for-5 with a strikeout, and was caught stealing for the third time in this postseason.

 

LOS ANGELES 8, CHICAGO 4

Los Angeles leads series 3 games to 2

 

WP - Tim Neal (2-1, 8 IP, 7 HA, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 Ks)

LP - George Alongi (1-1, 2/3 IP, 6 HA, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 Ks)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 40 minutes

Player of the Game: Eric Battle (1-for-3, 1 R, 3 RBI, K, 2B)

Game Notes: The first of Rico Varela's two homeruns was the longest homerun of his career, measuring at 449 feet.

TSM Quick Reference:

Joey Zurn (1-for-5, K, CS)

 

GAME 6

 

Ronald Jahn (CHI) vs. Gill Nowlin (LA)

 

The Glory Holes firmly placed a stake in the heart of the Transit Authority tonight, winning Game 6 with a 6-0 shutout of Chicago and advancing to the SFBL Championship for the first time in the franchise's history.

 

Los Angeles scored five runs in the first three innings and added a sixth in the bottom of the fifth in their easy manhandling of the weak Chicago pitching staff. Ronald Jahn will finish the postseason with an 0-4 record, while Gill Nowlin remains undefeated going into the League Championship against a fairly strong Columbus team. However, all signs point to a Los Angeles victory, giving the team their first title in franchise history, a great accomplishment for a team that had only been to the first round once before this season.

 

Joey Zurn (.271/0/3) was hitless in four at-bats, striking out twice and basically contributing nothing to this big victory for the Holes.

 

CHICAGO 0, LOS ANGELES 6

Los Angeles wins series 4 games to 2

 

WP - Gill Nowlin (3-0, 7 1/3 IP, 5 HA, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 Ks)

LP - Ronald Jahn (0-4, 4 2/3 IP, 9 HA, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 Ks)

 

Time of Game: 2 hours, 47 minutes

Player of the Game: Gill Nowlin (first appearance in the SFBL Championship at the age of 35)

Game Notes: 27 minute rain delay in second inning.

TSM Quick Reference:

Joey Zurn (0-for-4, 2 K)

 

2021 SFBL NORTH-SOUTH CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

COLUMBUS PRIDE VS QUAHOG QUAGMIRES

 

GAME 1

 

Nigel McClain (COL) vs. Boris Pacheco (QUA)

 

Jesse Ewiak was there for the Pride in the beginning of the game, and he was there for them in the end.

 

Leading off the scoring in the top of the first with a two-run homerun, the "Vagabond" was on base when John Scherfenberg crushed a game-winning two-run homerun in the top of the ninth, giving Columbus a 4-3 advantage that they would hold onto to win the first game of the best-of-seven between the Pride and the defending SFBL champions.

 

Ewiak's homerun in the first inning scored Raleigh Orsettig, putting Boris Pacheco in trouble early.

 

Quahog was able to get one run back in the bottom of the first as Nigel McClain threw a wild pitch during Lloyd Bazley's at-bat, allowing Timothy Marsch to score from third. Nigel was shaky that entire inning, however. After allowing a leadoff single to Marsch, Marsch stole second and then advanced to third on a wild pitch before scoring on that second wild pitch two batters later. The Quagmires tied the game in the bottom of the sixth as Nigel threw yet another wild pitch to advance Eddie Morgan to second, and Marsch then doubled to left-center to score Morgan and tie the game at two runs a piece. After throwing yet another wild pitch during Jonathan Dehn's at-bat, Dehn slapped a single to right-center, scoring Warner Eaddy from second as Nigel was done for the night, being replaced by Brendon Granados. When you don't take the wild pitches into account, it actually seems like a respectable outing for McClain.

 

Finally, a crazy top of the ninth saw Ewiak lead off the inning with a double to right-center. Then came the 397 foot homerun from Scherfenberg. Neall Isaacson followed that up with a double down the right field line, and George Mumy was intentionally walked to set up a force play. And there was a force, alright, as Michael Brennan hit a deep, deep shot to right field. But Kelvin Martinez made a miracle catch, catching both Isaacson and Mumy off-guard, as they had assumed that it was a surefire homerun. Both men were doubled up, for an amazing TRIPLE play!

 

Despite those supernatural heroics, the bottom of the ninth provided no drama as Javier Arocha gunned down the Quagmires in order, giving the Pride the victory.

 

Austin Sly (.200/0/0) was hitless in four at-bats with three strikeouts. Ewiak (.480/4/11), the team leader in batting average, homeruns and RBI in the postseason, was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two runs knocked in with his two-run homerun and also being on base for that game-winning homerun.

 

Timothy Marsch (.485/0/6) was 3-for-4 with one run knocked in and another scored on the strength of his sixth inning double. Marsch also stole his fourth base of the postseason, but was caught trying to steal his fifth, his first time caught stealing in the postseason. Jonathan Dehn got one hit in three at-bats with a run knocked in and a walk, stealing his third base of the postseason.

 

COLUMBUS 4, QUAHOG 3

Columbus leads series 1 game to 0

 

WP - Brendon Granados (1-0, entered game in the eighth inning)

LP - Geordie Cavell (1-2, entered game in the ninth inning)

S - Javier Arocha (1)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 22 minutes

Player of the Game: Jesse Ewiak (2-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, 2-run homerun in first inning)

Game Notes: None.

TSM Quick Reference:

Austin Sly (0-for-4, 3 K)

Jesse Ewiak (2-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, 2-run HR)

Nigel McClain (ND, 7 2/3 IP, 7 HA, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 Ks)

Timothy Marsch (3-for-4, R, RBI, K, 2B, SB)

Jonathan Dehn (1-for-3, RBI, BB, SB)

 

GAME 2

 

Roberto Velez (COL) vs. Berry Odell (QUA)

 

Columbus opened up their offense on Berry Odell early, and Roberto Velez shut the door on Quahog, as Columbus dominated Game 2, jumping out to a two-games-to-zero lead in the best-of-seven series with an 8-1 blowout of the defending champion Quagmires.

 

Neall Isaacson started the offense for the Pride with a three-run homerun to deep right, scoring Jesse Ewiak, John Scherfenberg, and himself.

 

Quahog fired back with their only run of the game, as Jonathan Dehn hit a sacrifice grounder to score Timothy Marsch from third, cutting the deficit to two runs.

 

Columbus added another run in the top of the third as Raleigh Orsettig doubled Austin Sly home after Sly reached base to leadoff the inning thanks to a throwing error by Jamaal Scrivener. In the very next inning, Sly was involved yet again, this time hitting a two-run homerun down the left field line to score Michael Brennan and himself, making the lead five runs at a score of 6-1. Fabio Pena doubled home Aires Albertus in the top of the fifth, mercifully ending Berry Odell's start at four and two-thirds innings. Sly was not done, however, leading off the top of the sixth with his second homerun of the game, a solo homerun that gave Columbus a seven-run lead. From there, the game went into a scoring stasis, as both teams' bullpens were good enough to more or less shut the door on each other, which obviously gave Columbus the overwhelming advantage and eventually the victory in Game 2.

 

Austin Sly (.267/2/3) was 3-for-5 on the day, with three runs scored and three more knocked in, as his two homeruns were more than enough for him to be recognized as the player of the game, a rare performance stat for Austin. Jesse Ewiak (.433/4/11) actually had an off-day, going 1-for-5 with a run scored.

 

Timothy Marsch (.486/0/6) was 2-for-4 with a run scored and a strikeout, not to mention his fifth stolen base of the postseason. Jonathan Dehn (.333/0/9) was 1-for-3, knocking in a run and drawing one walk.

 

COLUMBUS 8, QUAHOG 1

Columbus leads series 2 games to 0

 

WP - Roberto Velez (2-0, 8 IP, 4 HA, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 Ks)

LP - Berry Odell (0-2, 4 2/3 IP, 8 HA, 7 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 3 Ks)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 36 minutes

Player of the Game: Austin Sly (3-for-5, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR [two-run homerun in the fourth inning and a solo homerun in the sixth inning])

Game Notes: None.

TSM Quick Reference:

Austin Sly (3-for-5, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR)

Jesse Ewiak (1-for-5, R)

Timothy Marsch (2-for-4, R, K, SB)

Jonathan Dehn (1-for-3, RBI, BB)

 

GAME 3

 

Frigid Soul (QUA) vs. Joseph Mason (COL)

 

Quahog established a big lead early, and despite the best efforts of the Pride, they were unable to make a comeback, falling short with four runs in the ninth inning only able to earn them a 10-9 loss, as Columbus now only has a two games to one lead in the best-of-seven series to decide who will be representing the North-South in the SFBL Championship.

 

The Quagmires fast start was a five-run opening inning, starting with a leadoff homerun from Timothy Marsch. Three batters later, Lloyd Bazley doubled down the left field line, scoring Mike Armstrong from second. Hadley Reabold was walked as the next batter, and Antonio Frades was walked as well, scoring Dehn from third as the bases were loaded. Another walk from Joseph Mason brought home Lloyd Bazley, and Eddie Morgan hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Hadley Reabold as the fifth and final run of the inning. That was enough to get Joseph Mason out of the game, however, as he choked big time, unable to even get out of the first inning.

 

In the bottom half of this inning, Columbus immediately cut their deficit back down to four runs as Jesse Ewiak hit a single to right-center to bring home Austin Sly from second without a challenge from the outfield. The Pride continued to close the gap, as Michael Brennan doubled down the right field line to score George Mumy and Aires Albertus reached base two batters later thanks to an error from leftfielder Eddie Morgan, allowing Brennan to score from third to cut the Quagmires' lead down to a mere two runs. Another run in the bottom of the third thanks to a sacrifice grounder from George Mumy scored John Scherfenberg as the fourth run for Columbus, cutting the deficit to only one run.

 

Quahog kept their distance, as Jamaal Scrivener grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Hadley Reabold from third to keep the defending champions ahead by two runs. In the fifth inning, Quahog added yet another run thanks to a sacrifice fly from Jonathan Dehn, scoring Timothy Marsch from third after his triple to lead off the inning.

 

Columbus came right back in the bottom of the fifth, however, as George Mumy grounded into a fielder's choice to score Jesse Ewiak from third and cut Quahog's lead back down to two runs.

 

Quahog continued to stay one step ahead of the Pride, however, as Antonio Frades doubled down the left field line to score Hadley Reabold from first despite a challenge from John Scherfenberg, making the score 8-5 in favor of the Quagmires. Both teams were finally silenced offensively until the top of the eighth, when Quahog finally got their five-run lead back in the form of a two-run homerun by Kelvin Martinez, seemingly shutting the door on Columbus for good as Martinez and Bazley crossed home.

 

But Columbus saved the best for last, as Austin Sly led off the bottom of the ninth with a single to center. Jon Daubard then came on to hopefully shut the door, but he quickly walked Raleigh Orsettig to put runners on first and second. Jesse Ewiak came up but hit a sacrifice fly to DEEP left-center, allowing Austin Sly to advance to third and put runners on the corners. John Scherfenberg stepped to the plate and jacked a three-run homerun without breaking a sweat, suddenly cutting Quahog's lead down to two runs. With that, Geordie Cavell entered the game for a save opportunity...and promptly allowed a solo homerun to Neall Isaacson. The Pride fans were in hysterics, but they were quickly silenced as Cavell mowed down Mumy and Brennan with two straight swinging strikeouts, ending the comeback right in its tracks as Quahog was able to hang on despite the wild finish.

 

Timothy Marsch (.488/1/7) was 3-for-6 with two runs scored, an RBI, and a strikeout. Marsch was a double short of the cycle, hitting a fifth inning triple and a solo homerun to start the game. Jonathan Dehn (.303/0/10) was hitless in three at-bats, drawing two walks and knocking in a run, along with scoring once himself. Dehn has now hit three sacrifice flies in the postseason.

 

Austin Sly (.314/2/3) was 3-for-5 with two runs scored and a strikeout, hitting a double in the first inning. Jesse Ewiak (.429/4/12) was 2-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI, along with a strikeout. Ewiak hit his fourth double of the postseason, and also got his second stolen base of the postseason.

 

QUAHOG 10, COLUMBUS 9

Columbus leads series 2 games to 1

 

WP - Reid Aiderholt (1-0, entered game in the fifth inning)

LP - Joseph Mason (0-2, 2/3 IP, 3 HA, 5 ER, 4 BB, 0 Ks)

S - Geordie Cavell (1)

 

Time of Game: 4 hours, 39 minutes

Player of the Game: Kelvin Martinez (2-for-2, 1 R, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 2-run homerun in the eighth inning)

Game Notes: 42 minute rain delay in second inning.

TSM Quick Reference:

Timothy Marsch (3-for-6, 2 R, 1 RBI, K, 3B, HR)

Jonathan Dehn (0-for-3, R, RBI, 2 BB)

Frigid Soul (ND, 4 IP, 7 HA, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 Ks)

Austin Sly (3-for-5, 2 R, K, 2B)

Jesse Ewiak (2-for-5, R, RBI, K, 2B, SB)

 

GAME 4

 

Boris Pacheco (QUA) vs. Nigel McClain (COL)

 

Skeptics had their doubts about whether or not Nigel could pull it off. With a chance to advance to a potentially series-ending showdown in Game 5, Nigel was given a high-pressure slot in the pitching rotation.

 

And for once, Nigel managed to not crumble. After allowing two runs in the top of the second, Nigel shut the door, making it through the first seven innings and most of the eighth before finally being replaced, as Columbus built up their run total, eventually settling on seven as Quahog was left in the dust, the defending champions suffering a 7-2 loss with the chance of being eliminated at Applewhite Field in Game 5.

 

Quahog scored first in the top of the second, as Jamaal Scrivener singled down the right field line to score Hadley Reabold from third. The very next batter was Eddie Morgan, and during his at-bat Jamaal was able to steal second. This put him into scoring position for Eddie's single down the first base line that would eventually score Jamaal as the second run of the game for the Quagmires.

 

Columbus' answer came in the latter half of the third inning, as Fabio Pena started things off right with a big 416 foot solo homerun. Later in the inning, Jesse Ewiak would ground into a fielder's choice, as Raleigh Orsettig would be forced out at second base but Austin Sly would score from third without a scratch on him, tying the game at two runs a piece after three innings.

 

Both teams continued at a stalemate until the bottom of the sixth broke things wide open for Columbus. A pair of walks to begin the inning led to a bloop single from Neall Isaacson that loaded up the bases for George Mumy, who was an unlikely candidate to whack a 400 foot monster shot in the power alley in left to give Columbus a commanding four-run lead. The shocked Quagmires were not prepared for damage control, leaving themselves wide open for a two-out solo homerun from Neall Isaacson after the seventh inning stretch, further complicating matters as the 7-2 score would eventually become the final score, Quahog unable to get anything going against Columbus' pitching on this night.

 

Timothy Marsch (.444/1/7) was hitless in four at-bats, striking out twice. Jonathan Dehn (.270/0/10) suffered an identical fate, as he was hitless in four at-bats but with only one strikeout.

 

Austin Sly (.300/2/3) was 1-for-5 with a run scored and two strikeouts. Jesse Ewiak (.395/4/13) was hitless in three at-bats, but made the most out of his at-bats, drawing one walk and later scoring in that inning, and getting his lone RBI from the fielder's choice situation in the bottom of the third inning. Nigel McClain remains undefeated in the postseason with a record of 2-0, pitching seven and two-thirds innings with two earned runs on seven hits allowed, with seven men struck out and one walked. Nigel's postseason ERA is now down to a slim 2.89.

 

QUAHOG 2, COLUMBUS 7

Columbus leads series 3 games to 1

 

WP - Nigel McClain (2-0, 7 2/3 IP, 7 HA, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 Ks)

LP - Boris Pacheco (1-1, 5 IP, 3 HA, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 Ks)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 12 minutes

Player of the Game: George Mumy (1-for-4, R, 4 RBI, K, Grand Slam Homerun in sixth inning)

Game Notes: None.

TSM Quick Reference:

Timothy Marsch (0-for-4, 2 K)

Jonathan Dehn (0-for-4, K)

Austin Sly (1-for-5, R, 2 Ks)

Jesse Ewiak (0-for-3, R, RBI, BB)

Nigel McClain (Win, 2-0, 7 2/3 IP, 7 HA, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 Ks)

 

GAME 5

 

Berry Odell (QUA) vs. Roberto Velez (COL)

 

It took some work, but Columbus was eventually able to get the job done, eliminating Quahog from the postseason with a 5-4 victory and advancing to the SFBL Championship.

 

Quahog scored first under adverse conditions, having just seen their teammate Timothy Marsch get a little angry and find himself getting ejected for arguing a strike three call. Jonathan Dehn would triple to center field, however, bringing home Mike Armstrong and Antonio Frades as the Quagmires quickly had a 2-0 lead. Quahog added another run in the top of the fifth with a sacrifice fly from Frades that brought Armstrong across the plate.

 

Columbus decided to start playing some offense themselves at this point, fighting back with back-to-back two-out homeruns from Micahel Brennan and Austin Sly to cut the Quagmires' lead to a mere one run.

 

The Quagmires kept their distance, however, as Eddie Morgan slammed a solo homerun in the top of the sixth to reset the lead back to two runs in favor of the defending SFBL champions.

 

The Pride refused to be left in the dust, though, and this was made evident by a ball crushed to right field by John Scherfenberg to lead off the bottom of the sixth, landing 408 feet later as Columbus was once again within a run of the Quagmires.

 

Both offenses calmed down for a moment, but once Berry Odell left the mound for Quahog, all hell broke lose. John Scherfenberg reached base against Jose Feliciano, who quickly found himself on the bench as Geordie Cavell came in. He got the second out of the inning, but then allowed a two-run homerun to George Mumy, the very same Mumy who hit that big Grand Slam homerun the previous night to put Columbus ahead for good. Now it had put them ahead 5-4, and they were now three outs away from the SFBL Championship Series. Javier Arocha entered the game in the top of the ninth, and the rest was elementary as Quahog went down in order in that inning, and found themselves eliminated despite being favored as the team to repeat as champions this year.

 

Prior to his ejection, Marsch (.429/1/7) was hitless in two at-bats, but that one strikeout was a huge one. Jonathan Dehn (.317/0/12) continued to lead the team in RBI as he got another two of them today in his 3-for-4 day, which included a triple and, unfortunately, his first two times caught stealing on the basepaths.

 

Austin Sly (.318/3/4) was 2-for-4 with a run scored, an RBI, and a strikeout, as Austin managed that fifth inning homerun, his third of the postseason. Jesse Ewiak (.381/4/13) was 1-for-4 with a striekout as his batting average, once astronomical, has suddenly returned back to earth.

 

QUAHOG 4, COLUMBUS 5

Columbus wins series 4 games to 1

 

WP - Brendon Granados (2-0, entered game in eighth inning)

LP - Geordie Cavell (1-3, entered game in eighth inning)

S - Javier Arocha (2)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 11 minutes

Player of the Game: John Scherfenberg (4-for-4, 2 R, 1 RBI, SB, solo homerun in sixth inning)

Game Notes: Timothy Marsch was ejected in the third inning for arguing a strike three call.

TSM Quick Reference:

Timothy Marsch (0-for-2, K)

Jonathan Dehn (3-for-4, 2 RBI, 3B, 2 CS)

Austin Sly (2-for-4, R, RBI, K, 2B, HR)

Jesse Ewiak (1-for-4, K)

 

2021 SFBL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

LOS ANGELES GLORY HOLES (EAST-WEST) VS COLUMBUS PRIDE (NORTH-SOUTH)

 

GAME 1

 

Nigel McClain (COL) vs. Whit Periman (LA)

 

Nigel didn't have a terrible outing, but considering his competition, he could've brought more to the table. Fortunately, his bullpen stepped in to help out and the Pride offense did a number on the LA bullpen, leading to a come from behind victory with three runs in the top of the ninth giving Columbus a 6-3 victory in Game 1 of the SFBL Championship, putting the underdog Pride out to a fast start.

 

McClain was shellacked for three runs in the bottom of the 2nd, leaving Columbus at a disadvantage quickly, one that didn't get better by the time "Scrooge" left in the bottom of the seventh. In fact, Columbus' comeback was only a short time away, as Austin Sly's solo homernu in the top of the eighth tied the game, and RBI singles worth one and two runs each by Aires Albertus and Michael Brennan, respectively, brought Columbus to the lead for the first time since the top of the first, a lead they would be able to hold for Javier Arocha's third save of the postseason. Furthermore, Brendon Granados is 3-0 in the postseason, getting several of the no-decisions that starting pitchers like Nigel are throwing to him in the late innings.

 

If Game 1 is any indication, Columbus are far from the underdogs, thanks to the power of Michael Brennan, the contact of Jesse Ewiak, and the surefire bullpen.

 

Austin Sly (.306/4/5) was 1-for-5 with a couple of strikeouts, as his only hit in the game was the game-tying solo homerun in the eighth. Jesse Ewiak (.348/4/13) was hitless in four at-bats with a strikeout.

 

Joey Zurn (.245/0/4) was hitless in five at-bats, but did hit a sacrifice grounder to drive in his fourth RBI of the postseason.

 

On the mound, Nigel received yet another no-decision, pitching six and two-thirds innings. He allowed three earned runs on two hits, walking four and striking out five as his postseason ERA moves to 3.12.

 

COLUMBUS 6, LOS ANGELES 3

Columbus leads series 1 game to 0

 

WP - Brendon Granados (3-0, entered game in the eighth inning)

LP - Sesar Machuca (0-2, entered game in the eighth inning)

S - Javier Arocha (3)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 51 minutes

Player of the Game: Michael Brennan (2-for-4, 2B, K, 3 RBI)

Game Notes: None

TSM Player Quick Reference

Austin Sly (1-for-5, R, RBI, 2 Ks, HR)

Jesse Ewiak (0-for-4, K)

Nigel McClain (ND, 6 2/3 IP, 2 HA, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 Ks)

Joey Zurn (0-for-5, RBI)

 

GAME 2

 

Roberto Velez (COL) vs. Tim Neal (LA)

 

After being dispatched with a comeback late in Game 1, the Glory Holes made it clear that they were going to put the game out of reach before such a comeback could occur.

 

With a three-run first inning and four runs in the fourth inning, Los Angeles cut it close but was, indeed, able to pick up a 9-7 victory, splitting a game each with Columbus at Larry Flynt Field as the series will now head to Applewhite Field for three games at Columbus' home.

 

Despite it being a losing effort, Jesse Ewiak's (.360/5/17) was rejuvenated as he went 2-for-4 with a run scored and four RBI. The first RBI came on a sacrifice fly to right-center that brought in Austin Sly to third. He hit a double in the fourth inning to score Sly, and then hit a two-run homerun in the sixth inning to once again bring Sly and himself across home plate. Sly (.321/4/5) didn't get an RBI of his own, but did go 2-for-4 with three runs scored and a walk, able to muster a double of his own to lead off the first inning and eventually lead to the sacrifice fly that would bring him home, not to mention the other two times such an event happened in this game.

 

Joey Zurn (.241/0/4) was 1-for-5 with a run scored and a strikeout. Zurn stole his 7th base of the postseason, scoring when Jeff Garman doubled to the left-center gap, scoring Zurn from second after he had hit a single to lead off the bottom of the first.

 

COLUMBUS 7, LOS ANGELES 9

Series tied at 1 game a piece

 

WP - Freddy Renteria (1-0, entered game in 7th inning)

LP - Manuel Hernandez (0-1, entered game in 7th inning)

S - Rafael Jimenez (3)

 

Time of Game: 4 hours, 5 minutes

Player of the Game: Jesse Ewiak (2-for-4, R, 4 RBI, 2B, two-run homerun in sixth inning)

Game Notes: None.

TSM Player Quick Reference

Austin Sly (2-for-4, 3 R, BB, 2B)

Jesse Ewiak (2-for-4, R, 4 RBI, 2B, 2-R HR)

Joey Zurn (1-for-5, R, K, SB)

 

GAME 3

 

Gil Nowlin (LA) vs. Joseph Mason (COL)

 

Once again, Columbus was allowed to roam free late in the game, and once again, it came back to bite Los Angeles in the posterior.

 

Scoring two runs in the top of the eighth, Los Angeles seemed to have things wrapped up, but Rafael Jimenez blew a save to lose his ninth consecutive decision, extending his career high as Columbus scored two runs of their own to win 5-4 and take a 2-game-to-1 lead in the best-of-seven series to decide the league champion.

 

Columbus had maintained a 3-2 lead until Joseph Mason self-destructed in the top of the eighth, resulting in Brendon Granados facing a bases-loaded situation with only one out in the inning. Jeff Garman walked to score Daren Scheetz from third, and Dale Vickery singled home Eric Battle. Finally, Scott Nagao grounded into a 3-6-3 double play to end the inning, but the damage had seemed to be done, although not to Brendon Granados' perfect record.

 

The win for the Columbus crowd came on a rather strange note, as Jesse Ewiak singled to centerfield to score pinch runner Bob Baca, but with Austin Sly on third and Jesse Ewiak on first, things did not look good for the Glory Holes when Rafael Jimenez hit John Scherfenberg with a pitch. Freddy Renteria was able to get Neall Isaacson to hit a lineout to the shortstop, but Andrew Horvath ended up playing with the strike zone too much, issuing a walk to George Mumy as Austin Sly crossed the plate as the game-winning run, sinking LA.

 

Joey Zurn (.238/0/4) was 1-for-5 with a strikeout, getting caught stealing for the fourth time in the postseason.

 

Austin Sly (.316/4/5) was 1-for-4 with a run scored, a walk, and a strikeout. Of course, Austin's only run scored was when he was able to reach base on that walk in the bottom of the ninth and later cross home because of a walk issued by a completely different pitcher. Jesse Ewiak (.400/5/19) continues one of the most amazing postseasons in recent memory, going 4-for-5 with a couple of RBI, bringing his total RBI in the postseason dangerously close to 20.

 

LOS ANGELES 4, COLUMBUS 5

Columbus leads series 2 games to 1

 

WP - Brendon Granados (4-0, entered game in the eighth inning)

LP - Rafael Jimenez (0-2, entered game in the ninth inning)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 36 minutes

Player of the Game: Jesse Ewiak (4-for-5, 2 RBI)

Game Notes: Rafael Jimenez' losing streak reaches a career high 9 consecutive decisions.

TSM Player Quick Reference

Joey Zurn (1-for-5, K)

Austin Sly (1-for-4, R, BB, K)

Jesse Ewiak (4-for-5, 2 RBI)

 

GAME 4

 

Whit Periman (LA) vs. Nigel McClain (COL)

 

Nigel actually outpitched Whit Periman this time around, but it simply wasn't enough to earn him a decision. Fortunately, Columbus was able to build on that great pitching performance keeping the LA offense under control. Unfortunately, they managed to shell Manuel Hernandez for one run in the top of the ninth, and with a one-run lead, Columbus knew that the pressure was on.

 

And they performed beautifully, as Jesse Ewiak doubled to right-center to put runners on second and third for John Scherfenberg to hit a single to center, bringing both Sly and the game-winning run in Ewiak home as Columbus now has a chance to win another SFBL Championship in the a-little-too-friendly confines of Applewhite Field!

 

Joey Zurn (.224/0/4) was hitless in four at-bats, but did managed to score once in the top of the sixth when he reached base on a bobbled ball by shortstop Michael Brennan.

 

Austin Sly (.317/4/5) was 1-for-3 with a run scored himself, as he was caught stealing for the first time in the postseason. Jesse Ewiak (.390/5/19) was 1-for-4 with a strikeout and a run scored, hitting that ninth inning double to set things up for the big game-winner from John Scherfenberg.

 

Nigel McClain had a very nice outing, pitching eight full innings, allowing two runs--only one of them earned--on three hits, walking two and striking out nine as his postseason ERA has suddenly plummeted to 2.74.

 

LOS ANGELES 3, COLUMBUS 4

Columbus leads series 3 games to 1

 

WP - Javier Arocha (2-0)

LP - Sesar Machuca (0-3)

 

Time of Game: 2 hours, 45 minutes

Player of the Game: Nigel McClain (ND, 8 IP, 3 HA, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 Ks)

Game Notes: None.

TSM Player Quick Reference

Nigel McClain (ND, 8 IP, 3 HA, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 Ks)

Joey Zurn (0-for-4, R)

Austin Sly (1-for-3, R)

Jesse Ewiak (1-for-4, K, R, 2B)

 

GAME 5

 

Tim Neal (LA) vs. Roberto Velez (COL)

 

LA piled on the runs early to support their boy Tim Neal, but it simply wasn't enough as Columbus just racked up runs on Neal when he showed the first sign of weakness, and Los Angeles was unable to score in the last six innings as Columbus was able to capture the SFBL Championship by winning three straight games at home, sending the Pride into a big ol' frenzy with an 8-7 victory and another championship for the franchise.

 

Fittingly, Brendon Granados won his fifth game of the postseason, managing to remain undefeated throughout, having only pitched nine and one-thirds innings, but a quality nine and one-third nonetheless.

 

Joey Zurn (.222/0/6) was 1-for-5 with a run scored, two RBI and two strikeouts, with both RBI coming from a triple in the second inning that cleared the bases of the two baserunners that were currently on.

 

Austin Sly (.328/4/5) was 2-for-4, scoring one run and drawing one walk while striking out once as well. Austin Sly hit a sixth inning double and also committed an error in the outfield. Jesse Ewiak (.391/5/19) finished the postseason just under the .400 mark, going 2-for-5.

 

LOS ANGELES 7, COLUMBUS 8

Columbus wins series 4 games to 1

 

WP - Brendon Granados (5-0, entered game in eighth inning)

LP - Leon Niekerk (0-1, entered game in seventh inning)

S - Javier Arocha (4)

 

Time of Game: 3 hours, 10 minutes

Player of the Game: Neall Isaacson (2-for-3, 4 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2 HR [solo homeruns in second inning and fifth inning])

Game Notes: None.

TSM Player Quick Reference

Joey Zurn (1-for-5, 1 R, 2 RBI, 2 Ks, 3B)

Austin Sly (2-for-4, R, BB, K, 2B)

Jesse Ewiak (2-for-5)

[the.weej 0]

Yeah Nigel! I guess it's just as well I didn't see the trade deadline post, considering how things turned out. But shit, for a while it didn't look like Columbus was even going to make the playoffs.

 

A shame he didn't more than two decisions, but hey, TWO RINGS! IN YOUR FACE, ZENON!

 

-Z

[Sly 0]

...

 

YAY~!

[A Happy Medium 0]

Dammit.

[Sly 0]

Take that~! Munchie.

[Lightning Flik 0]

Hey Evo, what are my chances of retiring this end season?

 

And what are my chances of making the HoF?

[Guest Evolution]

END-OF-SEASON AWARDS

 

Big Stick Award winners announced

 

Another season for the ages earned Memphis' first baseman Robert Henderson the North-South Big Stick Award this year. Robert has gone 194 for 593 (.327) this season, hitting 44 longballs and driving in 137 runs. He has scored 137 runs on his own as well. He's 10th in the North-South in batting, 1st in homeruns and 2nd in RBI! Henderson wins the award for the seventh time in his 13-year career.

 

East-West Fresh Fish Award:

Chris Panky (MON)!

He batted .314 in 573 AB, with 4 homers and 62 RBI.

 

North-South Fresh Fish Award:

Michael Brennan (COL)!

He batted .228 in 413 AB, with 11 homers and 89 RBI.

 

East-West Rocket Wrist Award:

Whit Periman (LA)!

He had a record of 21-5 with an ERA of 2.41 and 1 shutouts.

In 35 games started, he pitched 261.1 innings, fanning 237 and walking 53 batters.

 

East-West Big Stick Award:

Dave Sospiri (OKL)!

He batted .320 in 603 AB, with 43 homers and 134 RBI.

 

North-South Rocket Wrist Award:

Eugene Viljoen (MEM)!

He had a record of 19-7 with an ERA of 2.93 and 1 shutouts.

In 35 games started, he pitched 221.1 innings, fanning 215 and walking 22 batters.

 

North-South Big Stick Award:

Robert Henderson (MEM)!

He batted .327 in 593 AB, with 44 homers and 137 RBI.

 

East-West Glass Ceiling Award Winners:

Pitcher: Ken Pfleiderer (MON)

Catcher: Dan Downey (SEA)

First Base: Alex Mcconnaughey (DEN)

Second Base: Luciano Bubela (BOS)

Third Base: Eric Battle (LA)

Shortstop: Federico Labastida (PHO)

Leftfield: Paul Cannington (LV)

Centerfield: Nino Llanes (CHI)

Rightfield: Justin Smith (BOS)

 

North-South Glass Ceiling Award Winners:

Pitcher: Harry Mckern (CHA)

Catcher: Johnny Williamsson (VAN)

First Base: Gregorio Perez (DET)

Second Base: Fausto Amaral (CHA)

Third Base: Mike Van Siclen (NRL)

Shortstop: Pablo Madera (NRL)

Leftfield: Joe Larkin (MEX)

Centerfield: Nat Mortensen (VAN)

Rightfield: Mark Terry (MEX)

 

TSM Big Stick Award (* Denotes Player Won SFBL Big Stick)

2003: John Duran, BOS, (567 AB, .295 AVG, 22 HR, 84 RBI, 97 R, 167 Hits, .811 OPS)

2004: RJ Frost, VAN, (576 AB, .323 AVG, 20 HR, 101 RBI, 96 R, 186 Hits, .881 OPS)

2005: Shiro Suzuki, PHO, (640 AB, .334 AVG, 16 HR, 114 RBI, 108 R, 214 Hits, .884 OPS)

2006: Shiro Suzuki, PHO, (595 AB, .343 AVG, 26 HR, 113 RBI, 119 R, 204 Hits, .993 OPS) *

2007: RJ Frost, VAN, (596 AB, .329 AVG, 33 HR, 139 RBI, 110 R, 196 Hits, .984 OPS) *

2008: David Hunter, ATL, (652 AB, .314 AVG, 29 HR, 100 RBI, 114 R, 205 Hits, .891 OPS)

2009: Carlos DeSantis, ATL, (593 AB, .342 AVG, 50 HR, 142 RBI, 132 R, 203 Hits, 1.091 OPS) *

2010: Carlos DeSantis, ATL, (488 AB, .381 AVG, 39 HR, 140 RBI, 99 R, 186 Hits, 1.131 OPS) *

2011: Carlos DeSantis, ATL, (611 AB, .393 AVG, 37 HR, 143 RBI, 144 R, 240 Hits, 1.119 OPS) *

2012: Carlos DeSantis, ATL, (604 AB, .361 AVG, 43 HR, 149 RBI, 140 R, 218 Hits, 1.087 OPS) *

2013: Robert Henderson, COL, (623 AB, .364 AVG, 44 HR, 126 RBI, 134 R, 227 Hits, 1.060 OPS)

2014: Robert Henderson, VAN, (622 AB, .405 AVG, 45 HR, 119 RBI, 143 R, 252 Hits, 1.159 OPS) *

2015: Robert Henderson, VAN, (620 AB, .400 AVG, 48 HR, 143 RBI, 139 R, 248 Hits, 1.174 OPS) *

2016: Robert Henderson, VAN, (617 AB, .382 AVG, 44 HR, 129 RBI, 133 R, 236 Hits, 1.120 OPS) *

2017: Robert Henderson, NRL, (650 AB, .351 AVG, 50 HR, 151 RBI, 130 R, 228 Hits, 1.039 OPS) *

2018: Robert Henderson, MEM, (633 AB, .367 AVG, 50 HR, 139 RBI, 129 R, 232 Hits, 1.086 OPS) *

2019: Robert Henderson, MEM, (611 AB, .370 AVG, 56 HR, 176 RBI, 136 R, 226 Hits, 1.146 OPS) *

2020: Edward James, PHI, (611 AB, .296 AVG, 37 HR, 116 RBI, 120 R, 181 Hits, .900 OPS)

2021: Robert Henderson, MEM, (593 AB, .327 AVG, 44 HR, 137 RBI, 137 R, 194 Hits, 1.016 OPS)

 

TSM Rocket Wrist Award (* Denotes Player Won SFBL Rocket Wrist)

2003: NO PITCHERS

2004: Ben Dover, COL, (Record: 6-12, 4.76 ERA, 192.2 IP, 128 Ks, 89 BB)

2005: Ben Dover, COL, (Record: 13-15, 4.58 ERA, 238 IP, 156 Ks, 100 BB)

2006: Eric LeBeau, ATL, (Record: 10-11, 4.84 ERA, 199 IP, 135 Ks, 92 BB)

2007: Giant Gonzales, SEA, (Record: 13-9, 3.92 ERA, 200 IP, 173 Ks, 69 BB)

2008: Giant Gonzales, SEA, (Record: 11-11, 4.84 ERA, 217.2 IP, 154 Ks, 67 BB)

2009: Giant Gonzales, ATL, (Record: 15-8, 3.83 ERA, 240 IP, 177 Ks, 66 BB)

2010: Eric LeBeau, ATL, (Record: 13-7, 3.71 ERA, 186.2 IP, 128 Ks, 64 BB)

2011: Eric LeBeau, ATL, (Record: 22-8, 3.05 ERA, 277.2 IP, 177 Ks, 74 BB) *

2012: Marvin Jenkins, LV, (Record: 23-8, 3.31, 236.1 IP, 154 Ks, 75 BB)

2013: Eric LeBeau, ATL, (Record: 22-11, 2.90 ERA, 270.1 IP, 186 Ks, 77 BB) *

2014: Eric LeBeau, ATL, (Record: 16-17, 4.32 ERA, 262.1 IP, 180 Ks, 65 BB)

2015: Peter Kostka, COL, (Record: 14-6, 2.80 ERA, 202.2 IP, 164 Ks, 39 BB)

2016: Peter Kostka, LV, (Record: 19-8, 2.73 ERA, 241.0 IP, 160 Ks, 35 BB)

2017: Marvin Jenkins, OKL, (Record: 12-9, 3.16 ERA, 216.2 IP, 118 Ks, 92 BB)

2018: Marvin Jenkins, OKL, (Record: 14-10, 2.84 ERA, 215.2 IP, 145 Ks, 100 BB)

2019: Peter Kostka, PHI, (Record: 11-4, 2.56 ERA, 147.2 IP, 110 Ks, 31 BB)

2020: Marvin Jenkins, OKL, (Record: 16-10, 3.67 ERA, 216.0 IP, 151 Ks, 88 BB)

2021: Nigel McClain, COL, (Record: 15-11, 3.79 ERA, 197.0 IP, 174 Ks, 47 BB)

 

2021 All-SFBL 1st Team

 

C: Timothy Marsch (Quahog)

1B: Robert Henderson (Memphis)

2B: Harry Bleise (Houston)

3B: Edward James (Mexico City)

SS: Robert Gennari (Boston)

LF: Dave Sospiri (Oklahoma)

CF: Jonathan Dehn (Quahog)

RF: Austin Sly (Columbus

SP: Timothy Foster (Phoenix)

MR: Brendon Granados (Columbus)

CL: Fred Sanford (New Orleans)

 

2021 All-SFBL 2nd Team

 

C: Dan Downey (Seattle)

1B: Weston Tonkens (Charlotte)

2B: Fernando Ornelas (Memphis)

3B: Robert Gridderson (Memphis)

SS: Heath Heistand (Detroit)

LF: John Scherfenberg (Columbus)

CF: Manny Donato (Memphis)

RF: Balesio Varela (Vancouver)

SP: Eugene Viljoen (Memphis)

MR: Matthew Faivre (Las Vegas)

CL: Tim Righini (Chicago)

 

2021 All-SFBL 3rd Team

 

C: Jerrold Mauder (Philadelphia)

1B: Jesse Ewiak (Columbus)

2B: Neall Isaacson (Columbus)

3B: Steve Hatfield (Atlanta)

SS: Eli Huerta (Charlotte)

LF: Joey Zurn (Los Angeles)

CF: Jason Hensarling (Baltimore)

RF: Jose Etenza (Denver)

SP: Binky Musty (New York)

MR: Jim Field (Denver)

CL: Robbie Brookover (Denver)

 

RETIREMENTS

 

With the conclusion of the 2021 season, Joseph Corbin, Carlos DeSantis, RJ Frost and David Hunter all retired.

 

ARBITRATION

 

BOS: Christian Fury gets a new one-year contract worth $3,956,071 through salary arbitration.

NY: Adam West gets a new one-year contract worth $4,519,286 through salary arbitration.

OKL: Charlie Simmons gets a new one-year contract worth $3,135,000 through salary arbitration.

COL: Jesse Ewiak gets a new one-year contract worth $4,030,714 through salary arbitration.

QUA: Jonathan Dehn gets a new one-year contract worth $4,030,714 through salary arbitration.

QUA: Frigid Soul gets a new one-year contract worth $4,105,357 through salary arbitration.

 

FREE AGENTS

 

Charlie Matthews, Ann Onita, and Paco Fernandez are the free agents this year. I expect something only from Paco, but if anyone else has a preference of which team they'd like to go to, speak now or forever hold your peace.

[Guest Evolution]

FREE AGENTS

 

Ann Onita was quick to sign to a new team:

 

Boston : P Ann Onita, 2,729,200 per year, for 4 years.

 

Charlie Matthews took a little bit more convincing, before moving to his seventh team:

 

Seattle : C Charlie Matthews, 1,428,200 per year, for 3 years.

 

Paco Fernandez was the true holdout, waiting for the last few days of the period before finally returning to an old friend:

 

Baltimore : 3B Paco Fernandez, 6,700,000 per year, for 3 years.

 

AMATEUR DRAFT

 

As the 10th pick in the first round, Andrew Blackwell was selected by the DMV.

 

As the 20th pick in the first round, Chris Stanton was selected by the Chicago Transit Authority.

 

In a rather curious pick, the very next selection went to Charlotte, who chose RJ Frost Jr., presumably the son of the now Hall Of Fame first baseman.

 

Finally, as the 19th pick of the 7th round as one of the worst draft performances by a TSM players, the Baltimore Crime Spree finally selected Constantine Mussolini.

 

That's the 163rd overall pick, for those of you wondering.

 

And now, for the fun part:

 

SPRING TRAINING

 

20 Points to divide among four categories.

 

For batters:

 

Contact Hitting

Power Hitting

Strike Zone Judgment

Defense

 

For pitchers:

 

Pure Stuff

Pitching Velocity

Pitching Control

Stamina

 

Of course, you can use five points to learn a new position/role, but that will leave 15 points for you to distribute among the remaining four categories.

 

I'm expecting some good participation here, so let's hope for the best.

[Der Kommissar 0]

Pour Andre Chevailer:

 

Contact Hitting - 6

Power Hitting - 6

Strike Zone Judgment - 4

Defense - 4

[the.weej 0]

Nigel McClain:

 

Pure Stuff - 5

Pitching Velocity - 3

Pitching Control - 4

Stamina - 8

 

Gotta' get that duration back up. Here's hoping with everything he's got to build on so far, this'll be the year Nigel guns for the Rocket Wrist.

 

-Z

[Angel_Grace_Blue 0]

Para Tiny Gonzales:

 

Pure Stuff - 6

Pitching Velocity - 0

Pitching Control - 8

Stamina - 6

 

He always seems to have really high walk numbers, so I'm trying to help the little fella out.

[hhh6294 0]

so now that Corbin's dysmal career is over can I post my new guy?

[Lightning Flik 0]

Edward James:

Power Hitting - 20

 

Come on, I'm trying to make a new Barry Bonds here.

[Sly 0]

Die, Flik, Die.

 

... and how come it says

 

"Divisional Series:

Philadelphia (0) against Los Angeles (0)

Chicago (0) against Oklahoma (0)

Memphis (0) against Quahog (0)

Columbus (0) against Charlotte (0)

Conference Championship:

World Championship:

WINNER : Quahog"

 

on the main site?

 

 

Austin Sly:

Contact Hitting - 8

Power Hitting - 7

Strike Zone Judgment - 5

Defense - 0

[Lightning Flik 0]

Die, Flik, Die.

 

... and how come it says

 

World Championship:

WINNER : Quahog"

First of all, you ain't seen what I'm planning on doing for my pitcher. Once James retires of course.

 

Second, I either make James the Bond of our league, or he'll retire quicker. Since everyone's got a DH spot, I think its safe for me to be the long bomb man!

 

Third, Quahog won the World Championship. Didn't you read? I got myself my second title.

[Guest Evolution]

TheSFBL.com actually hasn't been updated yet to reflect Columbus as the real champions. In fact, the next update will be before/after Spring Training, with a brand new look for the TSM Players page.

[Guest Evolution]

so now that Corbin's dysmal career is over can I post my new guy?

Yes, you'll be the first draftee of 2024.

[KingPK 0]

Pure Stuff - 6

Pitching Velocity - 4

Pitching Control - 6

Stamina - 4

[jesse_ewiak 0]

Just call me 'Mr. October'...

 

Contact Hitting - 6

Power Hitting - 7

Strike Zone Judgment - 5

Defense - 2

[Lightning Flik 0]

BTW Evo, can you just like make me the Bonds of the SFBL? *wink, wink; nudge, nudge*

 

I mean, I'm quite sure I can make up the attitude of Bonds and easily write up amusing mock-interviews if you do.

[A Happy Medium 0]

Contact Hitting 7

Power Hitting 5

Strike Zone Judgment 3

Defense 5

[hhh6294 0]

First Name: Christopher

Last Name: Trepanier

Nickname: “Oddball”

Number: 33

Origin: Canada

Birth date: 4/28

Age to start: 22

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 212

Bats: Left

Throws: Left

Position: Starting Pitcher

 

****

 

Duration ~ 2

 

Holding Runners ~ 1

 

Groundball% ~ 1

 

Avoiding hits vs. Left-handed hitters ~ 0

Right-handed hitters ~ 1

talent ~ 2

 

Avoiding homeruns vs. Left-handed hitters ~ 0

vs. Right-handed hitters ~ 1

talent ~ 2

 

Getting strikeouts vs. Left-handed hitters ~ 0

vs. Right-handed hitters ~ 0

talent ~ 1

 

*** All pitchers are allowed 2-4 pitches (pitches do not cost any points, just pick 2-4)

Fastball

Changeup

Slider

Screwball

 

 

 

Both batters and pitchers fill this out

 

Loyalty: Normal

Needs winner: Yes

Leader ability: Some ability

Clutch performance: Great

Consistency: Good

 

 

 

Picture:

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

Chris Stanton:

 

 

Pure Stuff: +5

Pitching Velocity: +3

Pitching Control: +7

Stamina: +5

[TheBostonStrangler 0]

For Patrick Hannon:

 

Contact Hitting: 6

Power Hitting: 8

Strike Zone Judgment: 4

Defense: 2

[Guest Evolution]

I've only got 11 people for Spring Training, but I'll go ahead with it tomorrow night, with or without anybody else (Jenkins? LeBeau?)

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

Hadn't noticed this had been updated lately

 

Marvin "Mr. Hates October" Jenkins

 

Pure Stuff - 4

Pitching Velocity - 2

Pitching Control - 7

Stamina - 7

[Vasarian_Brandy 0]

Sorry, guys, sorry... Haven't been getting updates.

 

SPRING TRAINING for Christian Fury

 

20 Points to divide among four categories.

 

For batters:

 

Contact Hitting 7

Power Hitting 6

Strike Zone Judgment 5

Defense 2

[Guest eppeedancer]

spring training for timothy marsch

Contact Hitting 6

Power Hitting 4

Strike Zone Judgment 4

Defense 6

[Guest Evolution]

SPRING TRAINING

 

Eric LeBeau has good pitching sessions!

 

Ann Onita has lost some throwing velocity.

Ann Onita has improved her control!

 

Christian Fury has good batting practice sessions!

Christian Fury displays more power in batting practice!

 

Chris Stanton has lost some throwing velocity.

Chris Stanton has improved his control!

 

Nigel McClain has lost some control.

 

Jesse Ewiak displays more power in batting practice!

Jesse Ewiak showed good strike zone judgement!

 

Austin Sly defense at Rightfield suffers.

Austin Sly displays more power in batting practice!

 

Logan Caldwell has poor batting practice sessions.

Logan Caldwell showed good strike zone judgement!

 

Patrick Hannon defense at Third Base suffers.

Patrick Hannon has good batting practice sessions!

Patrick Hannon displays more power in batting practice!

 

Joey Zurn has good batting practice sessions!

Joey Zurn displays more power in batting practice!

 

Edward James defense at Third Base suffers.

Edward James has poor batting practice sessions.

Edward James displays more power in batting practice!

Edward James displayed poor strike zone judgement!

 

Tiny Gonzales has good pitching sessions!

Tiny Gonzales has lost some throwing velocity.

Tiny Gonzales has improved his control!

 

Andre Chevalier has good batting practice sessions!

Andre Chevalier displays more power in batting practice!

 

Adam West has good batting practice sessions!

Adam West displays more power in batting practice!

Adam West showed good strike zone judgement!

 

Marvin Jenkins has poor pitching sessions.

Marvin Jenkins has lost some throwing velocity.

Marvin Jenkins has improved his control!

 

Gabriel Cirillo improves his stamina.

Gabriel Cirillo has lost some throwing velocity.

 

Peter Kostka has good pitching sessions!

Peter Kostka has lost some throwing velocity.

Peter Kostka has improved his control!

 

Timothy Marsch showed good strike zone judgement!

 

Jonathan Dehn has good batting practice sessions!

Jonathan Dehn displays more power in batting practice!

Jonathan Dehn displayed poor strike zone judgement!

 

Charlie Matthews has poor batting practice sessions.

Charlie Matthews displayed poor strike zone judgement!

 

http://www.thesfbl.com/tsm/tsmplayers.htm

[Angel_Grace_Blue 0]

I know I've said it like eighty times, though most of those were for Atlanta, but this is the Crunk Machine's year!

 

Screw the Big Red Machine, bring on the Big Crunk Machine!

 

Keep it Crunk!

 

 

!! ! !!!!

 

!!!!!!!! !!!!!! !!

 

!