World Baseball Classic 52 Everything Thread

by **Liventia** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 2:28 am

What happened in the Liventian Baseball Championship this season?

Baseball Liventia has, once again, selected its World Baseball Classic team on the back of the latest Liventian Baseball Championship season. The Championship consists of 24 teams in two conferences – the National League (NBL) and Challenger League (CBL) – with two divisions of six in the NBL and three divisions of four in the CBL. There also exists a Division Two of 24 teams, with six divisions of four.

In the top tier, six teams from each conference make it into the playoffs, with the top two seeds in each league receiving a first-round bye. In the Challenger League the three division winners and next three best teams make the postseason, while in the National League the top two teams from each division plus the next two qualify. Each team plays 144 regular-season games, with the bottom team in each conference being relegated to Division Two. The big-league playoffs go: Challenge Round (wildcard, BO3); Division Series (BO5); League Championship (BO7); Grand Final (BO9).

Meanwhile, the Division Two system sees a ladder format, with only the division winners and one wildcard per conference qualifying for the playoffs. The higher seed in the first round begins the series with a two-game advantage.

As the standard of Division Two continues to grow – where last year 17 qualifying hitters surpassed .500 over a 164-game season, this year only one did – three men hit more than 100 home runs. Last year's two relegated teams, Weston East Misfits (141-23) and the Port Cartfort Saboteurs (148-16), won promotion back to the top flight, although some other teams – notable the Weston West Rams (145-19) – are beginning to make themselves known.

Impressively, Port Cartfort Saboteurs won Division Two without the services of long-term national team captain Dermot Rowntree. The Saboteurs were relegated from the LBC last season as Rowntree spent the entire season out with a torn shoulder labrum, but as Baseball Liventia does not select players from Division Two, Rowntree agreed a season-long move to the Orean Capital Tiger-Cats. More on him later.

In the top flight, both promoted teams survived – Lox Land Talons going 58–86 and Schimpol Redbirds 59–85. In the NBL, it was Bede Swordfish (51–93) who saw their four-year stay in the LBC come to an end, with national team hitter David Stelfox failing to save the team from relegation. He hit just .260 leading off, down from .317, and his national career appears to be over.

The Redbirds, meanwhile, had a last-day escape. Heading into their game against the Dover South Outer Bills (then 93–50), they needed a specific set of results – including a win against the league-leading Bills – to go their way. They shut out the Bills, 4-0, while the Colver Steamrollers fell to the Jesner Spin Doctors. That put the Steamrollers level with the Redbirds at 59–85, with Colver being relegated on head-to-head, the first time that team has been relegated.

For the second year in a row, all four teams in the CBL's Echo Division qualified for the playoffs, with the fourth-placed Salfast Manatees taking the third and last wildcard spot despite sporting a 70–74 record. They would go on to cause a big stir in the playoffs, sweeping the Challenge Round 2–0 against Pardbo Bisons, the Division Series 3–0 against the Spin Doctors, and the League Championship 4–0 against the Bills.

In the NBL, league-leading Wakeford Capitols (91–53) beat the Talbott South Hilltops 3–1 in the Division Series and swept the Talbott North Sting Rays 4–0 in the League Championship. Perhaps what they were not expecting, though, was to get taken the full distance – 9 games – in the Grand Final by the upstart Manatees. The Capitols did eventually triumph, with a 3–0 shutout in Game 9, to win the team's first LBC title.

Now, what of Rowntree? Well, in his one season with the Tiger-Cats, he led the NBL – yes, he shifted leagues from the CBL to NBL – in homers, proving that his previous power wasn't all down to playing at Port Cartfort Park, which will once again host Liventia's WBC games. He hit an LBC-high 56 home runs and drove in 126 RBI, another LBC standard for the season, in slashing .283/.336/.659. He also swiped a career-high 39 bags for his first Player of the Year season in five years. His return to Port Cartfort next season will be keenly watched to see if he can help the Saboteurs stay in the top flight.

Speaking of swiping bags, one-time national team member Kane Roskilly was one of two players to steal 100 bases this season, with the City Centre Keys centre-fielder grabbing an incredible 102 steals to his name. In the CBL, Sean Millchamp of the Bisons set a new LBC record of tallying a hit in 41 consecutive games, stretching back to last season with the Desert Counts. The previous record had been 33.

Pitching-wise, the national team's fifth starter Ashley Lutley staked his claim to be the ace as he compiled a 17–4 (2.03 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, both of which led the NBL) season for his second Pitcher of the Year accolade.

But who will the national team selectors choose? The same restrictions have stayed in place – no one on a Division Two team, no position player 33 or older (having turned 33 at any point during the season, although anyone who turned 33 after the playoffs began is eligible), and no foreign-based players.

Find out soon.

(OOC: Roster to follow soon.)

by **The Sherpa Empire** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 3:33 am

Sherpa National Baseball Team Roster

C: Nima Unnikrishnan (Bengal Tigers)
C: Pratap Johar (Delhi Rajas)
1B: Jayant Zia (Guiyang Grasshoppers)
2B: Nitish Thakuri (Bengal Tigers)
3B: Tandi Ojha (Islamabad Snow Leopards, switch hitter who can hit just about anything, even if he's just fouling it off)
SS: Kai Liao (Kunming Dragons)
IF: Dendi Shewade (Khumbu Icefall Doctors)
IF: Haider Balouch (Islamabad Snow Leopards)
IF: Kyidawa Jiang (Guilin Pangolins)
LF: Smanla Kumari (Lhasa Lamas)
RF: Zhiku Tsongba Sherpa (Jaipur Jewelers, loves to swing for the fences)
CF: Tianling Qiao (Guilin Pangolins, a pesky left-handed hitter)
OF: Namgel Rai (Lhasa Lamas)
OF: Ongchu Xiang (Fuzhou Bats)
RHP Sarki Sachdeva (Darjeeling Green Sox)
LHP Weiyun Gan (Nanjing Mandarins, diligent about going over the scouting reports, classy guy)
RHP Kami Akunjee (Khumbu Icefall Doctors, chubby slob, but can still throw a 90s fastball when he really wants to)
LHP Luochong Zhuang (Guangzhou Pirates, tall lanky guy sort of like a nerdy Chinese Randy Johnson)
RHP Daki Chuan (Guangzhou Pirates, knuckleballer, only female player on the WBC team, long relief or emergency starter)
LHP Mujibur Sitharaman (Bengal Tigers)
RHP Shubman Divekar (Delhi Rajas)
LHP Tsering Tenzing Chung (Chengdu Pandas, usually a long relief guy on his domestic club, but might see some shorter outings in the WBC since the national team has Daki Chuan)
RHP Wangdi Ai (Hangzhou Brewers, big-time fireballer)
RHP Gombu Park (Nanjing Mandarinsm, set up man)
RHP Temba Karsang Sherpa (Changsha Turtles)
LHP Panu Nong (Darjeeling Green Sox, closer)

Starting Rotation:

Weiyun Gan
Wangdi Ai
Kami Akunjee
Luochong Zhuang
Sarki Sachdeva

Coaches: Phurwa Thapa, Ayappan Banerjee, Phurba Rahman, Rinzi Gelu Chien

Manager: Chongba Lee

The teams listed after each player's name are where they play during the regular season. The "Bats" in "Fuzhou Bats" refers to the winged animal, not a baseball bat. The meaning of the name is clearer in the local languages. The Khumbu Icefall Doctors are named after the people who prepare the path for mountain climbers up the Khumbu Icefall every year at the start of climbing season, and the team's logo is a pair of picks for rock-climbing -- but the name is often shortened to "Doctors" or "Docs" and there are some pun-loving fans that wear lab coats and stethoscopes to show their support. (The capital has unusually high rates of English language literacy because people learn it to work in government and tourism.) These people are most commonly found at Syangboche, but some of them may travel elsewhere.

It's also common to find fans using prayer wheels to cheer on the team. Some people find the practice tacky and disrespectful toward religion, but people still do it. There are even special prayer wheels made for this purpose, which are about as classy as those foam hands with the pointy fingers that you sometimes see sports fans waving around.

The Sherpa Empire uses dark blue uniforms for many sports teams that represent the Empire in international competition, including the WBC teams. If you see a Sherpa sports fan wandering around with dyed blue hair, that's usually a clue that they're going to be really noisy and obnoxious. However, they could also be a racing fan who dyed their hair to look like Shuzhen Zhu.

There haven't been a lot of big changes to the roster. Last WBC, the Sherpas made a good run, despite some of their top players being suspended in a drug scandal. Some players who were brought in to fill out the roster during the drug scandal did well and have been kept on. Wangdi Ai, who was suspended, has returned to the starting rotation -- but the other players who were suspended due to positive drug tests have not returned to the national team because they have not been able to bring their performance back up to this level.

The national language is Sherpa. Nepali, Hindi, Arabic, and Mandarin are used regionally alongside Sherpa (Arabic in the West, Hindi in the South, etc.). Many people are multilingual, but it is kind of a crapshoot which languages they speak. You may find people that speak 6 different languages -- but none that are useful internationally.

Starting Line-Up

SS Liao
3B Ojha
2B Thakuri
CF Qiao
LF Kumari
RF Zhiku
1B Zia
C Unnikrishnan
pitcher

Batting Order With DH

SS Liao
3B Ojha
2B Thakuri
CF Qiao
LF Kumari
DH Rai
RF Zhiku
1B Zia
C Unnikrishnan

Stadia

Series 1 and 2 vs Abanhfleft and Liventia:
Syangboche Athletic Complex
Namche, Khumbu Capital District
Capacity 43,800
Built on a mountaintop overlooking the national capital at an elevation of 3780m (12,402ft), this is one of the most extreme hitter's parks in the world because of the high altitude and the short left field. In addition to the altitude, cold weather and high winds are common. Building a ballpark here was pure idiocy, but SIBA and the Ministry of Culture continue to use it anyway because it's the national capital. There is plenty of hot tea, chang (mild local beer), and stew for anyone who needs to warm up. Under the stadium is a museum detailing the history of baseball in the Sherpa Empire. It is common for government officials or members of the royal family to attend games, especially since the new Empress is a baseball fan.

Series 4 vs. Kytler Peninsulae:
Queen of the Hills Sports Complex
Darjeeling, Gorkhaland
Capacity 37,300
This is one of the smaller ballparks in the Empire, but its cozy feel, quaint brick work, and the pretty landscaping around the park are beloved by the fans. There are also other activities like mini-golf nearby if fans want something to do before the game. It has a short outfield, though the outfield wall is relatively tall and long fly balls often bounce off instead of going out. At an elevation of 2,042m above sea level, players and fans are unlikely to suffer severe altitude sickness, but you might still notice some effects such as fly balls carrying farther than usual or starting pitchers struggling to go deep into games.

Series 8 vs. Xanneria:
Feroz Shah Kotla Ground
Delhi Municipal District
Capacity 41,820
Built in 1883, this park has a long history hosting both cricket and baseball games. Some of that history is not particularly glamorous, as the previous owners of the Delhi Rajas were Hindu fundamentalists and advocates of caste-based eugenics. However, the current owners have done a lot to clean up the team's image. There are still a small number of far-right hooligans that didn't get the memo about creating a more welcoming environment at the ballpark -- but most locals just want to enjoy the game and they do not like the hooligans. The concession stands are stocked with lots of spicy and delicious local specialties.

Series 10 vs. Milchama
Mandarin Park
Nanjing, Jiangsu Territory
Capacity 61,443
Mandarin Park is the home stadium of the Nanjing Mandarins. It is known for its sleek modern design and was voted as having the best food of any ballpark in the Sherpa Empire. There are a wide variety of dumplings, potstickers, spring rolls, and steamed buns. The stands are decorated with red Chinese lanterns, giving the park a bit of local flair. Because it is a large park, it doesn't get many home runs. Weather in Nanjing is usually cool and damp this time of year, but not bitterly cold.

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my run-scorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: Realistic variations like putting in bench players are OK
Follow my Pitching Rotation: Follow what I have posted
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Occasional minor injuries are OK, ask first if you want to do anything major
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: If you eject a similar number of your own, and/or it's a character that I've RPed being a dumbass.
DH used at home: No
Godmod other events: No
Other Info: My team are conservative base-runners (not a lot of stealing or getting caught stealing) and they aren't too fixated on pitch counts. They usually plan on having the starter pitch 7 innings. This can vary depending on how the pitcher is doing, but pitch count doesn't play a big role in the decision.

by **Kriegiersien** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 2:23 pm

Kriegiersien Nationalteam Baseball

The best players are playing at the Olympics and the Batter Up! Baseball League is on vacation, so instead an amateur club team was send, the Schoenwetter Wolves.

As always playing in black.

COACH:
Kevin Costnotmuch

POSITION STARTERS
1B: Werner Who
2B: Will What
3B: Ikar Idontknow
SS: Inu Idontcare
RF: Ian Confused
LF: Wolf Why
CF: Bart Because
C: Todd Today

STARTING PITCHERS
P1: Torben Tomorrow
P2: Ono One
P3: Tamara Two
P4: Titus Three

Reserves:
Norbert Naturally

Schoenwetters John Babes Soda, Popcorn, Milk Pudding and Hot dogs Stadium, is a giant complex with 111.112 seats, were the dominating clubs of the ~~KBL~~ 'Batter Up! Baseball League' play, the Schoenwetter Giants, Schoenwetter Scorpions, Schoenwetter BC and the presidents club, Timesteam.
Here, in the capital, all home games will be played.

RP Permissions:
Go crazy

by **Barnettsville** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 7:04 pm

CAPITAL CITY GAZETTE

GROUP PREVIEW FOR WBC 52

ST. CATHERINE -- Barnettsville's Battling Blue Jays enter the newest World Baseball Classic looking for an elusive second championship, and their first in 30-plus competitions. Our staff at the Gazette didn't find much on the opponents will face, but we will do what we can.

Barnettsville - World Ranking: 63

We have had some success in past tournaments, but the last one was straight ugly.

South Americanastan - World Ranking: 36

The Bears are participating in their second WBC, 3rd international competition overall in their short history. We have never faced them, so it should be a competitive matchup.

Chromatika - World Ranking: 12

The hosts have played well in recent tournaments, though Barnettsville has no history against them. As we saw in our own two hostings, home field has no bearing on performance.

Nova Anglicana - World Ranking: 4

This team is 4th for a reason: they're good. The Angels (?) have owned the Jays from what we can find, but anything's possible.

Arjunnagar - Unranked

We were able to find absolutely no information on this team.

Atheara - Unranked

The Night Watchers are appearing in their first-ever....well, everything baseball related. We should do well against them, but if all games were played on paper, Newmanistan would have a dozen titles.

by **Fondalma** » Sun Aug 22, 2021 5:41 am

OOC: I currently do not have full internet access due to a hurricane in my local area. This post will be fleshed out once I do.

FONDALMA NATIONAL BASEBALL TEAM, WBC 52

PITCHERS         | Age | B/T | Position
Dëfrim Demachi   |  24 | L/L | SP
Atintan Xhaferi  |  31 | L/R | SP
Gjallim Hamiti   |  42 | R/R | SP
Lufta Sava       |  27 | R/R | SP
Festar Thika     |  28 | L/L | SP
Minaz Kolcei     |  30 | L/L | RP / Emergency Starter
Jetbardh Berisha |  30 | R/R | RP
Kazim Dzaferi    |  32 | R/R | RP
Majmal Kolcei    |  36 | R/R | RP
Elbar Kutishi    |  26 | R/R | RP
Kenan Luga       |  26 | L/L | RP
Vesor Sadiku     |  33 | R/R | RP
Kujti Sejko      |  29 | L/L | RP (Closer)

BATTERS          | Age | B/T | Position
Premtim Chani    |  27 | R/R | C
Mbarjet Tzelili  |  41 | S/R | C/1B
Mermor Ziberi    |  32 | L/R | C
Jani Kuteli      |  23 | L/L | 1B/DH
Tritan Halii     |  29 | R/R | 2B
Bogdan Haliti    |  25 | S/R | 2B
Dushkor Lamaj    |  33 | R/R | 3B
Çelik Meco       |  32 | R/R | 3B
Azam Gjebrea     |  37 | R/R | SS
Sherif Fakaj     |  26 | L/L | LF/1B
Aniik Strakosha  |  28 | L/L | LF
Dimal Isai       |  30 | S/R | CF
Dëlir Surroi     |  39 | S/R | CF
Balish Oseku     |  21 | R/R | RF
Afzal Ramadani   |  28 | R/R | RF

by **Banija** » Sun Aug 22, 2021 10:10 am

Momentum drawn from victory at the Londinium Challenge Invitational as squad enters WBC 52 with high expectations

ISTRIA, MORAVICA- It's a different feel for this time here at the World Baseball Classic. For the second time, we enter the World Baseball Classic as the tournament's defending champions, after winning the Championship Series in six games over South Newlandia at WBC 51. But while last time it was somewhat of a surprise, this time, we enter with more confidence than we've ever had. A true feeling that this is indeed Banija's time for sustained success in baseball.

It's sustained success that is already being seen. We followed up our WBC win with a victory in the AO Baseball Series, going 4-1 in the group stages before winning three in a row to take home the regional title as well. We had won the gold medal game in that tournament by a score of 5-4. With our starter being knocked out in the first inning after allowing 3 runs to start the game, we had Duta Condé come into the game, in relief, and pitch six and two thirds innings of one run baseball, in his last ever game in a Banijan uniform. Can't deny "Mr. Main Event" his AO title, can you?

And now, we prepare for the World Baseball Classic. Our knockout stage loss at the Olympiad was fine- we got to the knockouts, and we couldn't send a full strength squad to Bunjil, with our important female players not being allowed to play. The LCI was the next time we got a full-strength squad. And that went well. It's a tournament that Ousman Kakay would like us to play in more often- get our players in shape, get our youngsters a chance to play in games for the national team, against elite competition, before the WBC starts.

The 4th annual LCI went well for that purpose. A 7-2 win over the hosts to start the tournament. And then, a rematch of the WBC Championship Series, where South Newlandia beat us in 11 innings. And a win over Le Choix to get to the Championship Series. That's where the youngsters, Xolile Gola and Zamekile Mbizo, would make their debut. The former, at the ripe young age of 23 years old. The latter? Just 19.

Ousman Kakay wanted them in the high pressure situation of a championship series. "If they're gonna be starters on this team at the WBC, they are going to be put into high pressure situations. The pressure of being on the mound in a best of 5. Maybe getting the start in a must-win. Maybe coming out of the bullpen. That's best simulated when playing for a title. Neither of them went to the AOlympics(as we used our WBC 51 roster for that tournament) so we wanted to see what we could get out of them."

All qualifiers aside, the starts from the two young pitchers were promising. Xolile Gola pitched 5 and a third innings in Game 1, and got four runs. Ousman Kakay said that she was 'wearing down' in the sixth inning, but he wanted to push her- to their team's disadvantage. Fortunately, we had the bats to win anyways. And in Game 2, we took it to South Newlandia, with Zamekile Mbizo allowing just one earned run over seven innings, as the teenager got plenty of run support in a game where we were up 5-0 after just four innings, and ended up winning by a score of 9-1.

Mixed results- but good building blocks. And the last games before the World Baseball Classic starts. The other big thing of note for this team is that for the first time, we will not play our entire home slate in Istria. The Olympic Committee of Banija spokesman said that with the sport's growing popularity across the country, it made sense to bring the team to fans. "The Istria City Baseball Diamond will always have a special place in the hearts of Banijan baseball fans, and we'll play six games there. But- it is about time we brought the game to more cities. This special set of games will garner engaged crowds, and allow the sport to be better marketed across the country."

Warrior Field in Mynda, which hosted games at the AOlympics, will host Banija's series against a dangerous, but unranked, Vangaziland squad. The Capitol Proving Grounds, down in Busukuma, will host Banija's series against Barhe, while the home series against 23rd ranked Drawkland will take place at Orange Sky Park in Sisonke. Istria will host both the first and last home series of the group stages, with Sylestone coming to town on Matchdays 4-6, while Quintessance of Dust closes out the group stages with a visit to Banija's Olympic City.

Big changes- old stars gone, and new budding stars take their place. The next generation stepping in to take their place among Banijan baseball. The big question- can they take continue down the path that the golden generation laid out for them?

by **Kohnhead** » Sun Aug 22, 2021 11:12 am

Kohnhead National Baseball Team
Nation Name: The Galactic Empire of Kohnhead
Abbreviated Name: Kohnhead
Nation Trigramme: KHD
Nickname: The Pandas(The only time it's not The Brains)
Denoym: Kohnheadian
Overall Record: 69-54
Rank: 15

Info: Kohnhead did okay at their first WBC in Newmanistan ending with a 14-16 record in the group stage good enough to finish in 5th of their 6 team group which was obviously not enough to qualify for the next round. They came into the 50th World Baseball Classic and did a lot better going 20-10 and finishing as the surprising 15 seed following the Group Stage. This however only got us into the Round of 32 given the extra field size and so we took on Tikariot in a best of five series that we just barely lost 3-2 to send us home. The team comes to the 51th WBC with optimism based on the fact that it will be our 3rd, we looked good last time, and it's hosted by South Newlandia and Tikariot the same combination of nations that we came in 4th at the 12th IBS with. Baseball was the first of the major four sports where Kohnhead has qualified for the next round with gridiron being the only other one. Last season Kohnhead went 20-10 once again in the Group Stage although it was only good enough for 3rd in a group containing Banija and South Newlandia whom would play in the finals.

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Clay Glass, 52 years old (M)
Glass will guide this team, although he was a surprise pick for the job. He rose through the ranks having first been a pitching coach before being named to the team. Glass has done a fantastic job so far and is beloved by the players.

Hitting Coach: Phoebe Chapman, 55 years old (F)

Pitching Coach: Belle Parry, 71 years old (F)

Bench Coach: Dewey Horn, 75 years old (M)

Starting Pitchers
SP-RH Ralphie Bloggs, 27 years old (M)
Bloggs is the team's ace and is one of the best players. He has five pitches but really only uses four of them his 4 seam, slider, change, and curve. His speed tops out a 95 mph normally around 93 but it's his control and movement that got him in this position. Bloggs can normally go 7 innings into games but will reach the full 9 on occasion.

SP-RH Fletcher Crouch, 22 years old (M) - Rüsselsheim Blue Sox (South Newlandia)
Crouch is a very different type of player than Bloggs and that's why he's our number 2, although he most definitely has the upside of a true number 1. Crouch has our best arm capping out a 98-99 mph at his best with a slow windup, but he can be very inaccurate and needs to develop a true secondary pitch whether it be a curve or a slider. Crouch has joined Hahn in South Newlandia as he signs for the Rüsselsheim Blue Sox just like Hahn did last season.

SP-RH Allan Fox, 22 years old (M)
Fox is a flamethrower with accuracy and stamina issues. While he can get up to 97 mph on his pitches faster than most players on the team his accuracy issues are well documented. He is a streaky player so he will follow a shutout with a 7 runs in 2 innings performance. Fox had a very good IBS which why he got promoted to the National Team for the 50th WBC and he has played himself into the third spot in the rotation surpassing Mclellan.

SP-LH Sharon Mclellan, 32 years old (F)
Mclellan is a low upside southpaw pitcher on the wrong side of 30 at this point that is an okay at best fourth pitcher in the rotation, however before long we could easily see her supplanted by Duncan Park if he outperforms her. With Mclellan you know you're going to get 6 solid innings where they score 3 or 4 runs as she tries to navigate with a slowing fastball, slider, and change.

SP-LH Duncan Park, 19 years old (M)
Park was the ace of the IBS team that did really well in Banija and replaced Murrary Marshall in the rotation. Park will be the second southpaw on the team and the streakiest pitcher although he showed some good composure at the IBS. When he's on he could be the future ace of the team, if he's off the bullpen will have a lot of work to do. Park becomes the second starting pitcher promoted from the U-21 team that has shined in recent years.

RP-RH Kara Conroy, 21 years old (F)
Conroy was the best pitcher on the U-21 team over in Banija and was a reliable reliever. She replaces Austin Sutton in the bullpen as he has elected to retire and switch to a full time coach and could be a future manager of the National Team. Conroy has a lot of stamina but will mostly be used in the earlier innings if Millington or Arroyo need rest but won't see many innings during this WBC.

RP-RH Jasmine Millington, 27 years old (F)
Jasmine Millington is the reliever called upon to go 2-3 innings if the starter can't make it far into the game and we need someone to get us through to the 7th. Millington in addition has a pretty good fastball but is most known for her screwball which is not a normal or usual pitch.

RP-LH Nela Fowler, 30 years old (F)
Fowler is really only on this team because she is a left-handed specialist and can be counted on to pitch to lefties on the other team, something none of our other pitchers can do. Fowler is really only brought in if they have a stretch of good lefties and while she will pitch against right handed batters it normally doesn't turn out well.

RP-RH Scarlett Arroyo, 22 years old (F)
Arroyo is a developing reliever who will be pitched most of the time in the 7th inning if Millington needs rest. Arroyo has the same skillset as Millington (without the screw) except that Millington can go further than Arroyo. Arroyo throws decently hard and gets good movement on her pitches and is of course only 21.

Set up Melissa Berger, 24 years old (F)
Berger is the set up pitcher for the 8th inning. She's okay with no real fastball but she makes up for it with a plethora of other pitches in her arsenal. Maddy Lane is on a short leash as the closer and Berger might have to move down there if Lane performs poorly.

CP Maddy Lane, 21 years old (F)
Lane was a very surprising call up to the National Team two Classics ago and what's even more surprising is that she's our starting closer. Lane has talent there's no question about that but she struggled in the 12th IBS and was handed this job. Yes, Lane is the closer of the future it's just I don't quite feel she is ready for this role and if she struggles Berger will have to move down to become the closer, overall it was a mixed bag at her first Classic and she outperformed expectations while also falshing her upside.

Starting Lineup
1. CF-RH Lucca Hahn, 26 years old (M) - Rüsselsheim Blue Sox (South Newlandia)
Hahn is your stereotypical leadoff center fielder and is probably the best player on the team. He has the speed, plate vision, and on base ability a leadoff hitter needs to have. Despite this he also has above average power with great contact making him a complete asset. His biggest question mark is most definitely his arm speed but he has excellent range out in the field and that's why he has gone to South Newlandia to play professionally.

2. SS-LH Jessie Cherry, 29 years old (M)
Cherry has good speed in the 2 spot as well as nice contact and the power to go deep every so often. However his fielding skills are a bit below average for a shortstop. Despite this he has the best hands in the infield except for maybe Chiara Thompson who is on the bench until she improves her hitting. This is because our infield is not very good at fielding and we will commit errors a lot more frequently than most teams.

3. 1B-LH Monica Ratliff, 30 years old (F)
Ratliff is a power hitter plain and simple who will not draw walks and is an okay fielder at best with surprising speed consider her batting order and skillset. Ratliff and Vlad Burch will lead the team in homers and rbis and it won't be close. She is however a very hit or miss type of player as most like her are.

DH-RH Callie Dudley, 22 years old (F)
Dudley is an extremely good hitter who also hits for power in the 4 spot but is highly slow and cannot field very well. However her power in the lineup will be essential so she plays out in right field when the pitcher has to hit. She is a highly regarded prospect and was the starting DH for the first time on the National Team during the 51st Classic.

5. 3B-RH Cecilia Dickerson, 24 years old (F)
Dickerson is our 5 hitter and has almost no power which is interesting for her role. Dickerson hits in this spot because of her speed, ability to draw walks, and batting average which is very high. Dickerson's greatest strength is her ability to easily hit it the other way meaning you cannot switch on her or she will hurt you.

6. RF-SH Stuart Dorsey, 27 years old (M)
Dorsey has a good amount of power as the starting RF and is a decent fielder overall, he is just a solid well rounded player in the six spot who brings good hitting and good fielding to the table. In addition Dorsey is only entering his prime, the big knock on him is he's a little injury prone. Dorsey will not play when we play without the DH with Dudley shifting into right field because we want her in the batting lineup.

7. C-RH Sandra Craft, 31 years old (F)
Craft is the catcher and is most known for her defensive prescence compared to her hitting abilities. Sandra has a very good arm and her pop time is off the charts as she stops almost everyone from stealing second. She is also good on bad pitches blocking almost all of them. At the plate it's a different story as she struggles immenslely.

8. 2B-RH Artur Wagstaff, 25 years old (M)
Wagstaff is the same story as Sandra Craft, a better fielder than hitter although he is worse at both of them than Craft. Wagstaff doesn't have the best glove but his throws are powerful and accurate. At the plate Wagstaff can draw walks, maybe, sometimes go yard (rarely) and the hope was for Chiara Thompson to replace him. That clearly hasn't happened as she fails to take the next step hitting wise.

9. LF-RH Alvin Clayton, 22 years old (M)
Alvin Clayton is the third player from the U-21 team to be promoted to the National Team and their starting center fielder and leadoff hitter is almost a carbon copy of Lucca Hahn. However he still needs some time to adjust to the next level at the plate and isn't as fast as Hahn so he will be put into left field sending Dorsey to right field.

Lineup without DH
1. CF Lucca Hahn
2. SS Jessie Cherry
3. 1B Monica Ratliff
4. RF Callie Dudley
5. 3B Cecilia Dickerson
6. C Sandra Craft
7. 2B Artur Wagstaff
8. RF Alvin Clayton
9. Pitcher

Bench
IF-RH Chiara Thompson, 21 years old (F)
As eluded to before, Thompson has all the neessary tools to play in the field as the shortstop but has failed to show she can be even close to trusted at the plate. However Thompson is still young at 21 years old so she will get her shot at sometime in the future.

OF-LH Adrianna Holden, 34 years old (F)
Holden is not a promising option off the bench and will be replaced soon considering she couldn't win a job from Helena Mata.

1B-RH Leon Mcintrye, 31 years old (M)
Mcintrye is known for his power but struggles in all other aspects and thus is left on the bench.

C-RH Prince Santana, 24 years old (M)
Santana is the backup catcher and he doesn't offer much. As was discussed with the U-21 team the state of the catcher is not good in Kohnhead and it would be awful if Craft got injured.

CF-SH Esme Mohamed, 34 years old (F)
Mohamed is just another outfielder who at this point is last on the roster as the 26th person and probably won't ever see the field during the tournament as the coaching staff prefers Callie Dudley.

DH-RH Vlad Burch, 36 years old (M)
Burch as mentioned above is just another power hitter who used to hit in the four slot. Burch actually was a very good fielder in his early and later 20s but with age and injuries he has turned into a slow, prodding power hitter with his plate vision all but dissolved. However Burch will still send a lot deep as he swings the bat so well, he will be used as a bench option this classic as his time dwindles on the team.

Stadium:

Real Kohnhead Dressing Park, 15,000 capacity.
Dimensions
Left: 356
Center: 387
Right: 368

Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: Yes
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Eject my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes, please let me know beforehand by tg or on discord
Use DH at home: Yes, pitchers should not be hitting.

by **The Star Enpire** » Sun Aug 22, 2021 3:45 pm

The Star Enpire Dreamers

Lineup

Starting Rotation

Bullpen

Reserve Players

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No, except when no DH
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: Yes
Godmod other events: No
Use DH at home: Yes

Guide to the Star Enpire Dreamers
Welcome to the Celestial Star Enpire, where the sun is always shining! Located on the north coast of the central island of Refugia, this dreamy city-state of 628,000 souls is excited to be a part of the 52nd World Baseball Classic. This informational packet will provide everything you need to know about the Star Enpire''s team in the WBC.

Baseball in the Star Enpire
Baseball was first brought to the Star Enpire by American advisors during the mid 19th century. It has since become the most popular team sport in the country, selling nearly 200,000 tickets every year. The game is regulated by the Star Enpire International Baseball & Softball Association (SIBSA).
Everything in the Star Enpire is highly political, and bat-and-ball games are no different. The Celestial Unionists are stereotypically fans of baseball, while the Republican-Socialists are said to prefer softball. The nationalists, of course, are the only ones to play the bizarre game of Starnian-rules baseball.
Historically, the Star Enpire had only limited involvement in international sports, with the exception being the World Baseball Classic 43. Low ratings and a terrible 7-17 win-loss record convinced SIBSA not to send another team. In recent years, however, the public has started to demand more international engagement, and so the Star Enpire sent a team to the International Baseball Slam XIV, where they reached the quarterfinals. This time, ratings were high enough that SIBSA decided to send the team to the World Baseball Classic 52. We are eager to win glory on an international stage!

The Team
They are returning again from their showing in the International Baseball Slam. Some players to watch include:

The Stadium
The home stadium is Dream's Field, which has a sleek modern style and a capacity of 36,000 people. It is a very hitter's friendly park as the fence is a mere 290 m from the home plate.

This Informational Packet was brought to you by the Starnian Tourist Board. We look forward to Starnia being in your dreams!

by **Milchama** » Sun Aug 22, 2021 6:21 pm

New Sparta Forum-Democracy-Times-Tribune-Sun-Stars-Gods-Men-Tribute-Fightin'-Picayune-Post-Gazette-Chronicle-Eclipsor-Ellipsor-Report-Spin-Connector-Deflector-News-Today-Yesterday-And-Tomorrow

Sports Section

Is Milchama the best ever baseball team? An investigation

OOC: Thanks to Qazox and Schiltzberg for being good baseball historians and making my life a lot easier.

No. It's Newmanistan. Thank you please read our additional articles below you.

Just kidding, we're not Deadspin or Defector and don't do one word lists. After all, where would the RP bonus be with a one word post?

However, Newmanistan are not at this tournament as they are afraid of Milchama's return so instead we have to look at the participants and ask a slightly different question: Are Milchama the best historic team in this edition of the World Baseball Classic?

Or really, to be honest, with historic teams and rivals like Cassadaigua, Zwanzug, and Nova Anglicana here are Milchama the second best historic baseball team?

Well first we have to look at history, Milchama participated in the first 33 versions of the World Baseball Classic as well as several pre-WBC tournaments including most notably the World Cup of Baseball (because that one actually finished). During the pre-WBC era Milchama won one tournament, finished runner up in another tournament and was undefeated or were first place in their group before the tournaments were stopped by the hosts before their conclusion. So, in any historical ranking, we have to take those things in mind because, much like early 19th century baseball or Black baseball, we can't fault there pre-WBC Warriors teams for when they existed we have to compare them to what was there at the time. And look Bipedal Apes was a really good team in the WCoB even if they never competed in a WBC. I mean Bipedal Apes would be incredible baseballers because of the power alone.

During the WBC-era Milchama was again a force never finishing worse than 4th in the first 6 WBCs while winning 2 of them. After that early dominance the Warriors were never the best they were consistently a very good squad that had pretty decent results during the rest of their time in the WBC including quite a run during the 20s. So who are our contenders?

A note here: We are going to use the "WBC HOF" for our rankings calculations and who we have to be aware of for historical purposes. After all we missed the last 19 of these things so we can't be too sure who may have caught up or passed us.

Let's look at the WBC HoF. As of right now Milchama is 6th all time with 38 points in a tie with Schlitzberg. From that we can conclude that we can't be worse than 6th because every team below us would still be worse. I mean they had 19 extra editions to tie or pass us and if teams couldn't do that well then it's their fault. Therefore, we can only work with those above us because we are clearly better than those below us. Except one team and let's start with them.

1. Az-cz. Az-cz dominated the early versions of the WBC and are somehow 3 time winners despite only being around for 6 tournaments. That's a pretty incredible record. However, I'm sure y'all noticed something in that which is that Az-cz was only around for 6 tournaments. Besides being utterly dominating in the early years they never had a revival and seemed to give up just when the going would get tough. Even during that time of those first 6 tournaments Milchama won two of them and was always top 4. So, basically, the randomness of baseball made Az-cz better in the important games but in the overall standings, the Milchamian revival and the pre-WBC era dominance seems like Milchama is better. We have more HoF points for example because of our different eras of dominance.

Edge: Milchama

2. Schiltzberg. So let's go back to front in HOF points to figure this out and start with the newbies Schlitzberg. We never played Schlitzberg as their dominance was after our time. They suffer from a similar problem to Az-cz which is that while their dominance was great. They never seemed to finish worse than 3rd place in their time including a victory in their first tournament. However, they run into the same problem with Az-cz. Yeah dominating one era is nice and cool and all but could they do in another era? I don't think so and since they're also disappeared off the international scene we'll never know. So with that and the draw in points Schiltzberg is clearly a great force but just not good enough. Also, they served as president once which gave them 4 points. If that office had existed in our day we would have served at least once for 4 points so those pad their total. We're only interested in success on the field, not accomplishments off the field. It's pretty clear who is better here.

Edge: Milchama

3. Qazox. Now we get to the auld enemies. Qazox is one of our most wonderful bitter rivals and friends. Good people in Qazox and decent baseballers. Now the first thing folks will notice is that Qazox has more HoF points than we do. Since they were in the WBC for about as long, at the same time, and have more points it seems pretty clear that they would clearly be the better side. However, the WBC HoF grants points, justly, for hosting the tournament. Considering the massive early problems with the tournament, Qazox's long maintenance of various wiki pages/databases, and multiple times hosting their place in history is sealed. However, just because you hosted a tournament does not mean you were actually good. So let's calculate the Oxen's points without the 18 points they get for hosting the tournament 6 times. Well that's 45-18 or 27 points. So our Warriors are way ahead of pure baseball sport and, as was made clear in our failed hosting bid this time around, Milchama has never hosted a WBC before so we don't get any extra points for off field accomplishments. The answer here is clear.

Edge: Milchama

4. Zwangzug. The Zebras are a fun side and it's cool that they are also in this edition of the WBC as well. They also were around when we were around and we have quite a history against them so it's fun to see them back as well. They have more HoF points than us over basically the same time period and only hosted once so still come out on top even if we subtract those points from their total. This seems like a pretty straight forward narrative, Zwangzug is better. However, we need to go deeper. Why all those points? Well mostly because Zwangzug has finished third a ludicrous 7 amount of times. That gives them 21 of their 40 competitive points. While we have finished 3rd an also excessive 5 times that's still not as much as 7. Who cares about 3rd place? While that'd be great from this U21 team this cup it's not really the goal in most tournaments. We really need to look at victories right? Well Milchama has Zwangzug beat there 3-2. Moreover, the Warriors have an equal number of honors to the Zebras with 14 total honors (1st through 4th place) to the Zebras making it very clear that overall it's just a question of whether you care more about 3rd place finishes or 1st place finishes. We all know the answer here though if somebody has a better argument I could see myself persuaded.

Slight Edge: Milchama

5. Super-Llamaland. Another tough one to rank. Despite the fact that Super-Llamaland has more tournament victories than us that also comes in a particularly condensed period of time. Between WBCs 28-42 they were clearly the dominant force but since then seem to have mostly been pretty bad. Of course that dominance comes over about 30 Classics which is less than the Milchamian 33 classics. While the Tigers do lose some points for being a little era dependent, though 12 Classics is a pretty long run of dominance, they are still a pretty good team for a very long time. It's hard to say that 5 victories through 30 tournaments is worse than our 3 through 33. The only argument Milchama has is that we have more honors than them. Super-Llamaland has never come in third and only once come in 4th. Basically, if they make the semis they'll make that final. We could say that makes us better but how, after our argument against Zwangzug, make that case with a straight face? The road ends here.

Slight Edge: Super-Llamaland

6. Cassadaigua. The biggies. The Daigans have been at it for years and they are really really good. Though we had some beef with them in a long ago World Cup, the Milchamians have (mostly) grown to respect Cassadaigua as the rough tough side they are and always have been. On points it's not close as Cassadaigua has 75 to Milchama's measly 38 but again we need some context. So first, the Daigans (we know the demonym is Cassadaiguans but here at this paper we're lazy and don't feel like typing that out all the time. Also, it makes us seem folksy which causes more folks to read the paper so we're keeping it. Sorry for any offense this may cause) have hosted 6 times as well so let's take away 18 points from that total. Additionally, they have been president twice (though only 1.5 in the rankings) so that's another 6 points. So 75-24 = 51. Well that's a much closer fight and at least puts us in the same ball park, metaphorically. Let's examine those points then. The vast majority of Cassadaigua's extra points come in the 40s and 50s including an impressive run of 3rd place finishes. So much semi finals failure! We relate to this deeply. Cassadaigua have entered more WBCs than any other nation so the fact that they only have 1 more victory, 1 more second place, and 2 more third place appearances definitely work in the Warriors favor. Moreover, without their Golden Generation in the 40s the Warriors would absolutely have more points than them. The question then is do we reward the Daigans for the extra time? After all we've made the argument that Milchama have been dominant over multiple eras, and that's clear with Cassadaigua as well, or do we exclude that because of the extra cups? I say we split the difference and when we do it's clear that Milchama is better because the continued excellence for 30 cups is much better than the hit and miss Cassadaigua. Even in Milchama's last WBC, WBC 33, we still made the quarterfinals. We didn't Isolate in baseball because of bad results. With those caveats, while it's clear that Cassadaigua is a more important baseball nation, Milchama is clearly the better baseball playing nation.

Edge: Milchama

So that puts Milchama 3rd all time and 2nd in this tournament. Not a bad result for the Warriors. Hopefully, we'll be able to do as well in the actual WBC as we did in these historical rankings. I'd bet we do because that's how the Warriors play ball. Come on Milchama!

Now let's ask an important question of our readers. What do you think of these rankings? Are we right? Are we wrong? Please tell us because we want to know and argue with you about why you're wrong. Please let's get waaaay too specific about history. After all, it's baseball.

by **Eshialand** » Sun Aug 22, 2021 8:24 pm

Something Tells Me...

Continued from this Eagle's Cup RP.

George turned back around to talk to Rebecca again, still miffed that the king didn't care to tell him the good news before Rebecca did. "Anyway, tell me a bit more about the WBC!"
"Yeah, sure! I'm not so sure about the rest of the team to be honest, but I'm feeling pretty good about it... though we'll be spending an awful lot of time in Atlantian Oceania for some reason..."
"Hm?"
"Yeah, reading through our opponents is like a who's who of AO... Ranoria won the last World Bowl, then it's Delaclava..."
"Delaclava?"
"Ever played them?"
"No, not me, but I heard that Eshialand and Delaclava are pretty competitive in the hockey scene..."
"Well does that matter so much here?"
"Ha ha ha, yes. That's how it works, people always take rivalries across sports. At least in Eshialand they do."
"Oh, okay then... I don't understand it myself, but okay... then we have Sarzonia, who are..."
"Sarzonia. Yeah, no need to explain them to me."

The two share a quick laugh as they walk into Lucy's Diner before Rebecca continues.

"...then Venmere's the only opponent we have outside of AO."
"Where are they from?"
"10000 Islands."

George shuddered for a second. The last time he had to play a team from 10000 Islands, in fact, the only time he had played against a team from that region, was in the IAC that he so desperately wanted to forget about. A 1-1 draw. Against Malandrin. That cost the Owls the chance to get to the group stage.

"What is it George?"
"Uh... nothing. Nothing at all. Continue..."
"Okay... then lastly is Equestria, who again, probably don't need any introduction."
"Yeah, everybody knows Equestria. So, do you have any ideas about how you might finish?"
"Maybe third in the group? I don't realistically seeing us beating Sarzonia, but we could probably knock some games off the rest of them!"
"Please, third? Aim higher... I know you can." George smiles at Rebecca and the two share a moment before the waiter arrives to take their order.

Two days later, both George and Rebecca were going to completely different parts of the multiverse to participate in two completely different sporting events: the former on a plane to Græntfjall for the first match of the Eagle's Cup, and the latter on the subway to Yeshley Field in Eshialand City for the first series of the World Baseball Classic. Their lives, so intertwined for their entire lives, were now going on two completely separate journeys... but at the same time, they were more connected than ever before.

by **Chromatika** » Sun Aug 22, 2021 10:19 pm

Chromatika National Baseball Team - The Outliers
They have a name! They have a rank! Can they do better than reaching the Round of Sixteen?

Starting Lineup
1. 1B Mattieu Gammond (R/R/29) Walstreim Lions (South Newlandia)
Fielder first, batter second, Gammond is a decent enough leadoff hitter but better served as a fielder who never commits errors.
2. SS Alisen Moyamoto (L/R/28) Elephant Valley Homers (South Newlandia) CAPTAIN
The most prolific baseball player in Chromatik history, Moyamoto can do it all - hit, run, throw, everything.
3. LF George Ducat (R/R/27) Rhoni Rhonin
The master of catching long balls that are would-be-home runs, Ducat shows up for the Rhoni this past season.
4. 3B Edith Ponce (R/R/21) Hanai Heroes
Hanai's big bat, Ponce led the league in home runs and runs batted in this past season despite the team not being one of the best statistically.
5. C Laure Valle (R/L/28) Sun City Flames (South Newlandia)
A very reliable catcher who loves to throw out would be runners. Laure is decent with her bat.
6. 2B Harold Dante (R/R/30) Umbar Corsairs
A specialist who prefers to face left-handed pitchers, Dante is very streaky.
7. CF Kenra Annovar (L/L/27) Newport Dolphins (South Newlandia)
The best runner for Chromatika who just needs to get on base.
8. RF Rose Dawson (R/R/29) Felswyr Fire
A reliable hitter who's on base percentage is quite good.
9. Pitcher/Pinch-Hitter.

Bench
1. PH/IF Gregory Simons (R/L/28) Rhoni Rhonin
The best player on the bench who can play three positions in the infield if needed.
2. PH/IF Redwina Maxx (R/R/27) Shantarr Scorpions
Provides a reasonable voice from the bench. Not spectacular at anything, not bad at anything either.
3. PH/OF Dane Gilbert (R/R/21) Hanai Heroes
The master of small hits, rather good at bunts and sacrifice flies. A coach's best friend when it comes time for strategy.
4. PH/OF Nila Aspen (L/L/24) Chromia Comets
A home run or bust kind of batter with a big bat.
5. PR Mason Dirk (R/L/23) Rhoni Rhonin
The best base stealer in the CBL.

Pitching Staff
1. RHP Hillary Angelou (29) Elephant Valley United (South Newlandia)
The Ace for Chromatika. Has a wicked fastball and a serviceable changeup, loves to throw at people and make them flinch without hitting them.
2. LHP Oscar de Witt (28) Montreal Twins (Quebec)
A very reliable pitcher whose crutch is not being in his own head. He has command over four different pitches (fastball, changeup, slider, and four-seam fastball), and prefers to work people through the full count.
3. RHP Miles Savey (29) Newport Owls (South Newlandia)
Prefers to try to beat batters with pure speed.
4. RHP Jerome Delapier (22) Hanai Heroes
The Ace for the Heroes in their accumulation of their second title, Delapier has command of his pitch count and possesses the acuity to stay ahead of the count and then actually seek out contact. This does mean that he is susceptible to home runs, but there are also lots of fly balls to the outfield.
5. LHP Clara Anoyara (20) Chromia Comets
An off-speed pitcher who can throw in a variety of speeds and knows how to use each speed to the fullest extent. The downside is her lack of experience.
6. RHP Izzie Ramone (22) Felswyr Fire
Another young pitcher, Izzie has a tendency of showing up in the clutch. Doesn't really have a signature pitch, but is reliable.

Bullpen
1. RHP Beatrice Castreaux (25) Alnio Reds - Long-Term Reliever
With a great changeup and a decent enough fastball, Castreaux can fill in for three or so innings without an issue.
2. LPH Ollie Bier (24) Rhoni Rhonin - Long-Term Reliever
A young phenom who could start if he really wanted to, Bier embraces the challenge of coming into compromised situations.
3. LHP Vette Beux (28) Umbar Corsairs - Reliever
The bases-loaded specialist for the Outliers, Beux is really proficient at reading complex situations.
4. RHP Truman Savant (25) Rhoni Rhonin - Reliever
The nine-pitches to end an inning specialist who can get read if he stays for more than an inning.
5. LHP Carson Bennett (27) Felswyr Fire - Left-Handed Specialist
Self-explanatory. Likes to face batters in high pressure scenarios.
6. RHP Joseph Edward Jr. (26) Knetyohai Dynamo - Setup Man
The best Setup Man in the CBL for many years in a row.
7. RHP Hine Salle (28) Walstreim Lions (South Newlandia) - Closer
She can't be shaken.

Home Stadium: National Stadium, Cap. 44,320 Chromia, Chromatika

RP Permissions: No DH, Nothing out of the ordinary.
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes, within reason
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: Yes, within reason
Godmod other events: No
Use DH at home: No

Schedule:
Series 1: @ Nova Anglicana (04)
Series 2: vs. Arjunnagar (UR)
Series 3: @ Barnettsville (63)
Series 4: vs. South Americanastan (36)
Series 5: @ Atheara (UR)
Series 6: vs. Nova Anglicana (04)
Series 7: @ Arjunnagar (UR)
Series 8: vs. Barnettsville (63)
Series 9: @ South Americanastan (36)
Series 10: vs. Atheara (UR)

by **Murderbum** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 12:42 am

Chapter 1
19th June, 1892
Outskirts of Landivisiau

Men were rushing to take over the city as very few Republic forces held out. The strength of the Resistance only seemed to be growing and they were on the verge of another victory in the south.
While this was going on, two men stood in Resistance camps set up in the outskirts of the city. They were discussing something deeply important.

“So Petrīçk, when do you think you shall be able to return to the Bum HQ? The Elders are anxious for your presence and an update on the war.”
“Lukas, you know how much I hate those old fools. I’ll be back when I can. Do you think I enjoy fighting for months in these trenches and cities? I’d rather be in the Capitol working towards building popular support for our unpopular beliefs.”
“It’s always you and your beliefs, isn’t it? You must remember, to run a nation you need a nation first.”
“Alas, my work has been on a halt for some time now. I am eager to resume it once I return to the Capitol. With the captures of Libenstein, Geisenhausen and Rotenburg, my duties in the field should be fulfilled and I can continue to do what I wish to.”

Soon after Lukas left, Petrīçk headed out towards the city. The fight continued with blood being shed on both sides. However, the Resistance forces seemed to have both a numerical as well as tactical advantage as they held higher ground. Without much time wasted, the Republic forces finally surrendered and the Resistance took over the city.
A familiar face popped up as the victorious Resistance forces were taking the opposition forces prisoner.
Petrīçk had served as a key assistant to the Elders, overseeing most of the Political Operations in the North. He played a notable role in the infamous political victory over the Republicans in Bulgneville which was the Bum’s first ever political win. Unfortunately, with the war in the North ending in a stalemate, Petrīçk’s intentions of continuing on his political journey quickly came to a halt when he was asked to serve as the General in the Southern War efforts. Following the victory in Landivisiau, Petrīçk was talking to who appeared to be the Colonel. Their discussion soon got heated over a disagreement.

“There is no way in hell that I am sending troops to fight in Heichelheim! The trench warfare there has been deadly with hundreds of casualties every day. This has been going on since the beginning of our Southern campaign and I’m not taking an unnecessary risk now.”

“Lorentio, you need to understand that the reason Landivisiau was weak was that it had only acted as a hub for troops to be transported from the North to the South – mainly Heichelheim. With Landivisiau claimed, we can very well afford to send some men to fight in Heichelheim. You need to understand that victory there is crucial to a political victory for us.”

“I don’t care about your politics. My aim is to look after the well being of both, this contingent and its operations, and currently putting more men into Heichelheim will only escalate the situation. It will not result in a victory for us as we will be letting go of this integral hub held by the Republic.”

With a defeated look on his face, Petrīçk shook his head. Things hadn’t gone the way he wanted them to. His mind was still on his work – his work as a politician and a political theorist – and his military duties were coming in the middle of it. For this he blamed the Elders – the same Elders whose powers were due to his political prowess, but the same Elders who forced him to take up the military uniform when the time for war came. With these thoughts in his head, Petrīçk settled in for the night.

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 2:10 am

ABANHFLEFT REVOLUTION
Abanhfleft men's national baseball team

WBC 52 is the Classic of Change as some old-timers in the team have finally decided to retire from international baseball. But can the injection of new blood power this team through to the Classic this time around? Only one way to find out.

Basic Information
Name of nation: Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft
Demonym: Fleftic
Team name: Abanhfleft Revolution
Nickname: Revolutionaries (common), Revolters (derogatory)
Official history: This will be Abanhfleft's thirteenth time participating in the World Baseball Classic. It's the golden edition of the WBC, lads. At least try to look good.
Team colors: Blue, orange, and green
Style modifier: +3
Park factor: 110 (disregard if we're not doing park factors)

PITCHERS
Key: (Shirt number, pitches/bats, age)

1 - Bertram Benedetto (#19, R/R, 32)
2 - Alejandro Johnson (#20, L/L, 30)
3 - Tommy Manning (#41, R/S, 28)
4 - Yakub Petrenko (#13, R/R, 35)
5 - Milton Holmes (#98, L/L, 31)

Long Reliever - Dan Lesesne (#66, L/S, 32)
Middle Reliever - Collin Olea (#43, L/L, 34)
Middle Reliever - Freddie Rhodes (#88, R/R, 29)
Setup Receiver - Glenn Smith (#2, S/L, 30)
Closer - Peter Langford (#90, R/R, 34)

INFIELD
Catcher - Gaston Panek (#83, L/S, 32, Starter)
Catcher - Ben Anderson (#92, R/R, 27)
First Base - Elroy Combs (#5, L/L, 30, Starter)
First Base - Ernest Douthit (#89, R/L, 32)
Second Base - Yorge Freyas (#29, R/R, 32, Starter)
Second Base - Jorge Day (#30, L/S, 33)
Third Base - Kristopher Hine, (#97, S/R, 31, Starter)
Third Base - Rhett Ricker (#41, L/L, 33)
Short Stop - Giovanni Perkinson (#20, R/R, 28, Starter)
Short Stop - Delbert Ridge (#05, S/R, 28)

OUTFIELD
Left Fielder - Hashim Khateb Bansamun (#66, R/R, 30, Starter)
Left Fielder - Conrad Mason (#14, L/R, 31)
Center Fielder - Jarred Hardwick (#3, L/L, 29, Starter)
Center Fielder - Booker Draves (#64, R/S, 27)
Right Fielder - Aedan Soto (#7, L/R, 28, Starter)
Right Fielder - Eldridge Soucy III (#52, R/R, 27)

BATTING ORDER
1 - Y. FREYAS (2B, R)
2 - H. K. BANSAMUN (LF, R)
3 - J. HARDWICK (CF, L)
4 - A. SOTO (RF, R)
5 - G. PERKINSON (SS, R)
6 - E. COMBS (1B, L)
7 - G. PANEK (C, S)
8 - K. HINE (3B, R)
DH - B. DRAVES (CF, S)

In the event that a DH is not allowed, the starting pitcher takes the DH's place.

STADIA
The Abanhfleft Baseball Federation has announced that it will be using two baseball stadia as venues for the Abanhfleft Revolution's home matches.

Official name: National Baseball Stadium
Capacity: est. 60,000
Record attendance: 65,233 (Effelenendro Islanders vs. Pilken Blue Sox, 19 October 2022)
Operators: Abanhfleft Baseball Federation, Effelenendro Islanders (for games against big teams)

Official name: Stadion Memoriam de December 27
Capacity: est. 26,500
Record attendance: 37,084 (Verbergerkinnh Cubs vs. Copper Cuprum Miners; October 5, 2022)
Operators: Verbergerkinnh Cubs[/spoiler]

RP PERMISSIONS
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes, within reason
Choose my lineup: No, please stick to the starters as much as possible
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes, you must follow it to the letter
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but TG me first
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: No
Godmod other events: Yes, except killing my players or coaching staff, and please TG me before doing this
Use DH at home: If I can use a DH at your home then you can use a DH at mine. If I can't use a DH at your home then you can't use a DH at mine.

by **Magnecia** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 4:51 am

Republic of Magnecia National Baseball Team

Team Info
Full Nation Name: United Republic of Magnecia
Short Nation Name: Magnecia
Trigram: URM
Confederation: ABA
Federation: The Baseball Association
Manager: Orlando Pesci

Coaching Staff
Manager: Orlando Pesci(56 years)
Hitting Coach: Mike Bloomberg(48 years)
Bullpen Coach: Jason Rodrigues(42 years)
Pitching Coach: Bernard Marshall(51 years)
Bench Coach: Tony Wallace(47 years)
First Base Coach: Virgil De Beek(48 years)
Third Base Coach: Peter Skylar(55 years)

Starting Pitchers
#32 Alan Campbell (36 years), unattached
#6 Leo Caparzo (31 years), Worcester Thrashers
#22 Jesse Romney(28 years), Landon Bay Lightning
#14 Nick Baz(23 years), Oakswood Owls
#15 Tony Dickinson(26 years), Leeland Black Sox

Bullpen
#24 Paul Ryan(32 years), Leeland Black Sox
#44 Brian Faulkner(30 years), Westwood Hurricane
#48 Herod Charlton(29 years), Las Orleons Patriots
#12 Frank Austin(28 years), Landon Bay Lightning
#7 Mosley Sterling(34 years), York Yankees
#33 Ashton Young(31 years), Hopdale Rhinos
#46 Jared Boucher(29 years), Worcester Thrasher

Catchers:
#34 Jim Adams(33 years), Parrington Power
#2 Todd Murphy(30 years), Houston White Jays

Infielders:
#11 Tim Cruz(28 years), Leeland Black Sox
#8 Jack Abbott(33 years), Boxnet Eagles
#22 Jason De Amanda(27 years), Marebone Tigers
#28 Martin Alessandro(33 years), Cottington Cougars
#34 Ben Anderson(20 years), Delburg Dynamos(association)

Outfielders:
#9 Archie Christian(29 years), Delbrug Dynamos
#21 Mathew Paulson(28 years), Marebone Tigers
#42 Nick Alvarez(32 years), Boxnet Eagles
#3 Doe Doss(29 years), Sanchago Warriors
#23 Lee Faulkner(26 years), Sanchago Warriors

Batting Order
1. SS: Tim Cruz
2. CF: Archie Christian
3. 2B: Martin Alessandro
4. C: Jim Adams
5. RF: Nick Alvarez
6. LF: Doe Doss
7. 3B: Jason De Amanda
8. 1B: Jack Abbott
9. Pitcher/ DH: Ben Anderson(incase DH is allowed)

Stadium:

45,000 capacity, Maze Field, Leeland, Magnecia

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes(But do inform me via TG or Discord before doing so)
RP injuries to my players: Yes( No deaths or career ending injuries)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: Yes
Godmod other events: No
Use DH at home: Yes

by **Cassadaigua** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 7:37 am

Team Cassadaigua
Official Roster for World Baseball Classic 52

Home Stadium is the 70,000+ seat Dagan Airways Stadium in Concord Heights

DH: YES (For the first time in our nation’s history)
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: It is posted here.
Follow my Pitching Rotation: It is posted here.
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: Yes only if you make it exciting!
Godmod other events: Yes as long as no one dies or is seriously hurt.

Coach- Maddie Polanco- 12th Classic with Cassadaigua, Bench Coach of Super-Llamaland's WBC 40 Championship squad among other accolades with Super-Llamaland, and led Cassadaigua to the semis in each of WBC 41 and 42, plus runner up performances in WBC 46, 48, and 49 before FINALLY winning the WBC with the Fillies in the WBC 50.

Starting Rotation (Stats in the last Cassadagan season included)
SP- #33- Brianna Shirley, 30, LHP, Concord Heights Royals, (23-6, 2.21 ERA, 253 K’s)
SP- #35- Jessica Ashfield, 31, RHP, New Lakeland Tycoons, (21-4, 2.37 ERA, 240 K’s)
SP- #28- Jennifer Mandrick, 24, RHP, North Granby Bobcats (22-4, 2.29 ERA, 248 K’s)
SP- #40- Hannah Phelan, 29, LHP, Concord Heights Royals (20-6, 2.40 ERA, 222 K’s)
SP- #45- Kelsey Thomassen, 24, RHP, Brattleboro Brats (19-5, 2.38 ERA, 230 K’s)*

Bullpen
RP- #31- Victoria Vassar, 29, RHP, Winchester Gamblers, Anytime Relief
RP- #26- Stacie Harper, 21, LHP, Concord Heights Royals, Anytime Relief (SP at home being groomed for the rotation here)*
RP- #38- Suzi Newkirk, 27, LHP, New Lakeland Tycoons, Long Relief
RP- #30- Zoey Valor, 22, RHP, Columbia Attack Geese, Long Relief
RP- #27- Kiersten Bell, 22, Plymouth Pilots, Short Relief*
RP- #36- Madison Mahoney, 30, LHP, Grande Mountain Huskies, Short Relief
RP- #34- Danielle Simms, 30, RHP, Grande Mountain Huskies, Set-up Reliever
CP- #43- Becca Fischer, 32, LHP, New Lakeland Tycoons, Closer

Here is our lineup with the players stats from the most recently completed season in Cassadaigua. All players are switch hitters, you don’t get to this level in Cassadaigua without having that ability.

1) #5- Katie Stephens- CF, Concord Heights Royals, 28 (.329, 13 HR, 75 RBI, 82 SB)
2) #3- Rachel Kessler- SS, Starkville Brown Birds, 31 (.361, 16 HR, 83 RBI, 42 SB)
3) #16- Tori Fullerton- LF, Victoriaville Venom, 30 (.328, 30 HR, 102 RBI, 18 SB)
4) #1- Ashley McKnight- DH, North Granby Bobcats, 22 (.340, 41 HR, 125 RBI, 17 SB)
5) #14- Steffie Kennedy- RF, Brattleboro Brats, 28 (.334, 32 HR, 107 RBI, 45 SB)
6) #15- Chloe Sorenston- 2B, East Amherst Bison, 24 (.320, 13 HR, 76 RBI, 9 SB)
7) #9- Kaitlin Beane- 1B, Victoriaville Venom, 29 (.307, 15 HR, 83 RBI, 2 SB)
8) #22- Sarah Peluso- 3B, North Granby Bobcats, 22 (.295, 21 HR, 90 RBI, 3 SB)
9) #55- Melanie Putnam- C, Victoriaville Venom, 27 (.285, 17 HR, 75 RBI, 5 SB)

The DH is being used for the first time due to the need to get Ashley McKnight’s bat in the lineup.

When the DH is not used, the lineup remains the same with Fullerton now playing 1B, McKnight in left and Beane out of the lineup. Peluso is moved to #8, and the pitcher hits 9th.

Bench:
#29- Hannah Patterson- C, Starksville Brown Birds, 21*
#25- Natalia Coleman- 1B/3B, Goffstown Demons, 23*
#4- Erin Jeffries- 2B/SS, Northbury Red Foxes, 29
#2- Adriana Vazquez- OF, Columbia Attack Geese, 29
#11- Avery Breen- OF, Starkville Brown Birds, 32
#12- Sarah Millerson- Utility, Grande Mountain Huskies, 30
#13- Hailey Morris- Utility, Grande Mountain Huskies, 22

*- WBC Rookie

Approaches: Maddie Polanco relies heavily on analytics defensively, employing shifts with a very high level of frequency if the situation seems to call for it. However, in terms of baserunning, she puts a lot of the away and goes with the feel of the game and trust in her players. Starting pitchers will generally be taken out when they get around 100 pitches, but if they are doing well, they will be allowed to stay in up to around 120 pitches.

by **The 189** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:41 am

Home Field: ----------- a.k.a. Reclamation Stadium.
Capacity 5,800.
Reclamation Stadium is near the dump where the 189 landed when they originally arrived on Earth. It may be in an unclaimed area of Esportiva, or slightly outside Esportiva, depending on how broadly you define the region.

Some of the 189 are now working on a new settlement in Anaia, on the coast south of Legalese, but that settlement does not have its own ballpark yet, so they will continue to play all games at their original settlement around the dump. WBC fans who want to watch a game should come to Reclamation; immigrants or refugees who want to live under the 189's protection should go to Port Anaia. People who want to stash money in an off-shore bank should also check out Port Anaia.

Team Manager: -----

Starting Line-up:
LF --------
Originally built as a sexbot, but not designed to service humans. She looks like a female --------, a little over 6 feet tall with long tentacles and a glossy shell on her back. Her skin is very realistic, so she can be easily mistaken for a living creature. Great dexterity with her tentacles, decent contact hitter, but not necessarily the best range as a fielder.

SS ----------
Originally a military medical robot designed to rescue wounded from combat zones and treat their injuries. Around 7 feet tall with a very chunky build. One of the fastest base-runners on the team. Hits for power, but might strike out sometimes because the heaviness of its arms makes it hard to respond quickly if a pitch breaks in an unexpected way. Grounds crews may be annoyed at how much it chews up the grass when it lumbers around the field on defense.

1B --------
Another sexbot similar to --------.

C ----------
An autonomous earth-mover. It's not very fast, but it is very tough. Don't bother trying to knock it aside when you slide into home.

2B --------
Originally a fire-fighting robot, around 5 feet tall with a rough and rugged look. A versatile player that is decent across the board.

RF -------
A cleaning robot, short and squat with very long arms. It can chase pitches well outside the strike zone and still hit them, and its long reach is also useful in the field. However, it runs the bases like a floor polisher. Because it is a floor polisher.

CF --------
Originally built to work a customer service counter at a bank, it looks like an alien creature with tentacles -- similar to the sexbots, but a little shorter and stockier. Moves a bit faster than the sexbots. As a batter, it is very patient, not swinging at crap; but sometimes it makes only weak contact with the ball because it swung too late.

3B ------
A cute little robot about 3 feet tall with a shiny garnet-red casing, originally built to help excavate archaeological sites. The small strike zone and the agility of this machine leave pitchers no room for error. However, its small size makes it ineffectual as a fielder. Sometimes it just can't reach the ball.

P --------
A piece of machinery from a car factory, around 6 feet tall and mounted on wheels. Throws hard, usually keeps it in the zone, but has not grasped the finer points of how to confuse batters with off-speed pitches. A little clumsy batting, fielding, and base-running.

Additional Notes:
All players can switch hit, and they are about equally good (or bad) from both sides of the plate. There is no bench, pitching rotation, or bullpen because the 189 are durable enough to play without substitutions. There are no jersey numbers because the 189 do not wear jerseys. Your nation's fans or media can make up their own nicknames for the players if they find the color sequences too awkward.

The home plate umpire is a 3 foot tall robot named -----. Like most of the 189, it is easily confused by human speech, so it may be more confused than offended if you start yelling at it to argue a call.

The food delivery drone ------ will be selling snacks for any spectators who get hungry during the game.

Most of the 189 do not have the ability to detect sound. They rely exclusively on visual communication, or human-made devices with dictation software.

The 189 have the same roster as last year because they don't age. They just need maintenance sometimes.

RP Permissions:
Choose my run-scorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: You can change the batting order, but please use the fielding positions that I have given
Follow my Pitching Rotation: N/A
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: You can RP them getting scuffed up, having parts knocked loose, or needing minor repairs -- but nothing that would take them out for multiple games
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: Maximum of 1 per game. The manager or the food delivery bot can replace ejected players. The 189 are not aggressive, but they could get ejected due to misunderstandings.
DH used at home: No
Godmod other events: No

by **Tikariot** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 10:21 am

Tikariot Roster
Trigramme: TKT
Nickname: The Owls
Group stage record: 59-31
Playoff record: 9-13
Team info: After winning the International Baseball Slam XI with their senior team in their first ever international outing and then reaching the Round of 16 of the World Baseball Classic 49, Tikariot suffered what some newspapers have now dubbed as "Margaret's Law", with a strong group stage and then a Round of 16 exit at the 50th anniversary edition of the World Baseball Classic as well, something that was repeated for a third time in a row at the World Baseball Classic 51 in Tikariot and South Newlandia. Now the question is, can they break the spell the fourth time around?

COACH
Manager: Jonathan Villiers, 44 - Taking over from Graham McCrory in an attempt to break the Round of 16 curse, Villiers is a former national team first baseman, who has made a name for himself for thinking outside the box and sometimes refusing to acknowledge the existence of a box.

ROSTER
Starters
LF #12 Michael Romanov, 32, R - Avanaroch Nightwatch
Tikariot's biggest offensive threat, Romanov has been the runaway home run leader of the TBL. With an incredibly powerful swing he has been dubbed the 'Romanov Rocket' that also has resulted in several doubles and even triples as well as a few injuries in opposing players when hit by the ball. Defensively he is less reliable, mostly due to his lack of speed, even though his arm is very capable. He proved himself as the team leader with his experience and competitive fire smouldering inside him.

RF #31 Emilia Chamberlain, 22, L - Thorncliff Venom
Twin sister of Vedonia Chamberlain, she might not be as much of a breakthrough star, but still has seen a remarkable rise to fame within the league. What she lacks in power on the plate, she makes up for with her ability to hit the ball to any side of the ball park, making her a nightmare to defend against. She also throws with extreme precision, which has gotten the Venom several outs that can be attributed to that.

3B #26 Foster Fleming, 22, L - Avanaroch Nightwatch
Foster Fleming has been one of the budding stars of the TBL, but he surpassed even the most optimistic expectations. He promises to grow into an all-rounder, who can contribute both offensively and defensively. Blessed with a strong arm he can cross the diamond with ease and precision also is always good for a home run, unfortunately he is not the most disciplined player and tends to get distracted more than he should. Despite his young age he is, however, the league leader in stolen bases.

C #22 William Carruthers, 31, R - Tikariot Thunderforge
One of the biggest enigmas of the Tikariotian team, Carruthers personifies genius and insanity like no other. He calls the game with the best of them, being one of the TBL's base stealers' nightmares, if it was not for some inexplicable easy errors that some attribute to a few too many stray balls hitting him where they shouldn't. Same goes for his offensive game, which can either be magnificent or go horribly wrong.

CF #67 JJ Bernardetti, 25, R - Port Rhovanyon Paladins
Has a cannon of an arm being able to reach any of the bases from almost anywhere on the outfield, but still has some issues with the precision of his aim. Spotty hitter, often either scoring the homer or going for the strike out.

1B #88 Bronson Ghirardello, 28, R - Elephant Valley United (South Newlandia)
Possesses incredible reflexes, which serve him very well on first base, however his arm is his biggest weakness. He will get the ball where it has to go, but lacks the power to go for the quick throws. His reflexes also help him at the plate being able to adjust to the opposing pitcher very well.

2B #42 Vedonia Chamberlain, 22, R - Thorncliff Venom
Twin sister of Emilia Chamberlain, Vedonia had been a diamond in the rough for a few seasons before finally seeing her breakthrough in the TBL. Blessed with speed, her biggest asset is agility, though. She is able to catch balls and translate them into throws very quickly and accurately, having given her team a remarkable double-play ratio. Combined with Ghirardello great reflexes to catch balls that might be a little off the beaten path coming his way on first base, these two have formed a formidable team.

SS #2 Carlton Baines, 29, L - Elephant Valley United (South Newlandia)
If there is something Baines excels in, it is speed. He reads the game extremely well and manages to to reach balls (and sometimes bases) that he rationally should not be able to. On the plate he is sketchy at best, adopting an all or nothing attitude that so far has not been to his advantage. When he does make it to a base, though, he uses his speed to steal them very efficiently.

Reserves
RF #33 Yevani Fernandez, 29, L - Alcassar Eagles
Also called the Iceman, Fernandez is one player that will not crack under pressure, even if he is one strike away from the team losing the game. His composure has unnerved opposing pitchers many times and while he is not the most powerful of hitters, his aim is uncanny and he can spot holes in the opponent's defense easily. He rose to prominence with his incredible catch in the third game of the semis of the International Baseball Slam XI, where he stole a surefire homerun and sealed his team's road to the finals. Injury problems have sidelined him for parts of the last season, making him the designated hitter more often than not.

OF #20 Steven Marangoudakis, 30, R - Baraldhur Behemoths
Marangoudakis is the designated hitter of the Tikariot Thunderforge, but has excelled offensively as one of the biggest surprises in the team. With a good eye for the ball and a powerful swing, he can hit with the best of them. The defensive side is his biggest weakness so far, where is average speed has gotten the better of him more than once, but he has been running extra shifts with the fitness coaches to improve in this sector.

OF #52 Kieran Fletcher, 23, L - Kinjestad Peacocks (South Newlandia)
Fletcher is somewhat the opposite of Marangoudakis, being blessed with speed and amazing catching skills, however his offensive play is sketchy and has so far kept him out of regular first team action.

OF #33 Søren Christensen, 26, R - Morannon Militia
Christensen is a solid outfield allrounder who, while not known for any particularly outstanding skills, will get the job done wherever the coaches stick him, making him a very dependable squad player, something that might be worth gold in an event as big and long as the WBC.

2B #7 Vincent Pelmore, 27, L - Oriannor Mountaineers
A rock solid player both offensively and defensively. He will get the job done very unspectacularly and rarely will excite the crowd, but he is as dependable as they come.

IF #6 Corey Allen, 29, L - Paladon Citadels
Allen is small, but quick, making up for his lack in size with speed. Given his stature he has had problems with high balls in the past, but if any ground balls come his way, he's your man. Offensively he has a strong swing, just lacks a bit of precision.

IF #16 Stuart Hernandez, 27, R - St. Riecarn Saints (South Newlandia)
Dependable allrounder with a strong arm and precise throw. He is known to mar excellent performances with sometimes very avoidable errors, but if he is on par, he can double play with the best of them. A solid hitter he is not known for many home runs, but his precise swing has him high in the double statistics in the league.

IF #26 Faitalia Letutusa, 25, R - Alcassar Eagles
Letutusa is the only professional player from the Cardannon Archipelago to date in an almost unchanged roster for the WBC51. He is not great in his defensive play outside of his speed, but there are very few players in the nation with a harder swing than Letutusa. With him it is either homerun or at least extra base hit or nothing.

C #27 Rutger Heidenfeld, 31, L - Soharr Scimitars
Heidenfeld is the almost polar opposite to William Carruthers. Where Carruthers is quirky and unique, Heidenfeld is the grey mouse that nobody hardly notices. He is not known for any flamboyant plays, but while he does not show the flashes of brilliance the starting catcher is capable of, he does not have any of the defensive liabilities either.

Starting pitchers
RHP #37 Patrick Lundgren, 26 - Tikariot Thunderforge
Lundgren has the hardest pitch on the team, but while his fastballs should require a gun licence, he is prone to wild pitches that have spelled trouble for his catcher more than the coaches would like to admit, but has been working successfully to reduce these over the course of the last few months. He has been improving his curveball over the last season and is also quite capable with his slider.

LHP #72 Graham Pettersson, 33 - Avanaroch Nightwatch
While not excelling in any of his pitches, Pettersson is a wylie veteran that is very unpredictable with which kind of throw he'll come up with next. He works extremely well with Carruthers in calling the game and this unpredictability is his biggest asset.

LHP #18 Garrett Yarbrough, 30 - Baraldhur Behemoths
Yarbrough has the potential to become the team's top pitcher with a very strong fastball and excellent ball control with both slider and curveball, with the occasional sinker, but his biggest weakness are his nerves. Whereas Pettersson is unpredictable for opponents, Yarbrough can become unpredictable for his own team once things begin to go sideways. He has been working on it under the tutelage of Stevens, even with Stevens having retired from the national team, and it clearly shows.

RHP #9 Jayson Carfield, 25 - Xanark Sluggers
Originally a long reliever, Carfield has been promoted to starting pitcher after Anthony Garcia had shown major inconsistencies in his play. A versatile pitcher he has a strong curveball and slider and passable palmball. Despite his age he has has a very calm demeanor, which has helped him during high pressure situations.

RHP #3 Jean-Francois Beauregard, 26 - Paladon Citadels
The successor to De'Andre Stevens both in the Tikariotian league as well as the national team has been making some waves nationally with a wicked fastball with exceptional spin, a tricky slider and what is almost more important, incredible stamina, which means that he can throw further into the game as most other starters.

Bullpen
Long reliever: RHP #11 Tuva Wikberg, 23 - Fastball, curveball. - Ceramadhion Vipers
Long reliever: LHP #1 Santiago Mantillo, 29 - Cutter, screwball. - Emerald Coast Phantoms
Left-handed specialist: LHP #17 Randall McCarthy, 27 - Splitter, slider, palmball. Tikariot Thunderforge
Middle reliever: RHP #41 Devon Cargill, 24 - Sinker, curveball, changeup. - Paladon Citadels
Set up reliever: RHP #13 Flint Carmona, 26 - Knuckle curveball, sinker, changeup. Tovaca Tigers
Closer: LHP #32 Nicholas Canterbury, 28 - Fastball, sinker-slider. Very precise. - Silicon Valley Wizards

Starting lineup (with DH)
1. LF Michael Romanov (R)
2. 1B Bronson Ghirardello (R)
3. RF Emilia Chamberlain (L)
4. 3B Foster Fleming (L)
5. 2B Vedonia Chamberlain (R)
6. SS Carlton Baines (L)
7. DH Yevani Fernandez (L)
8. CF JJ Bernardetti (R)
9. C William Carruthers (R)

Starting lineup (without DH)
1. LF Michael Romanov (R)
2. 1B Bronson Ghirardello (R)
3. RF Emilia Chamberlain (L)
4. 3B Foster Fleming (L)
5. 2B Vedonia Chamberlain (R)
6. SS Carlton Baines (L)
7. CF JJ Bernardetti (R)
8. C William Carruthers (R)
9. Pitcher

Stadium:
Oceanview Park is part of Port Rhovanyon's Sports City, a large area close to the ocean front, where several sports facilities are centrally located. The proximity of the 36,000 seater stadium to the ocean front has proven to be a challenge for both pitchers and hitters with a tendency for unpredictable wind currents to interfere with play, leading to a Park Factor of 125.

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: Yes, within reason
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes, within reason
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: TG for approval
Godmod other events: TG for approval
Use DH at home: Yes

by **Tikariot** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 10:26 am

Walking with Shadows
--- Chapter XXII ---

Chapter I - Chapter II - Chapter III - Chapter IV - Chapter V - Chapter VI - Chapter VII – Chapter VIII – Chapter IX – Chapter X – Chapter XI – Chapter XII – Chapter XIII – Chapter XIV – Chapter XV – Chapter XVI – Chapter XVII – Chapter XVIII – Chapter XIX – Chapter XX – Chapter XXI

James awakes to the smell of bacon and eggs being decidedly stronger than before. He carefully opens his eyes to see two steaming plates full of it in front of him and Sophia, who is also stirring, the scent having reached through the heavy blanket of sleep. A heavy thump from under the table announces that somebody else has woken up as well, but did not calculate the height of the table well as the low whine of Nurisema indicates. Across the room, Sanford is sitting at his table with a smile on his face.

“And so the sleeping beauties awaken. Eat before it gets cold!”

The two look at each other and with a shrug dig into the meal, which reminds them of how starved they actually are. Nurisema is not helping, however, by attempting to stick his head between them from under the table, moving the table in the process, until Sophia tells him to just come around with an exasperated sigh.

“So, what did you find out?”

“Well, we have the text, all in Latin,” James says between two bites, “but it looks like we’ll be headed into the mountains.”

“Mountains?” Sophia and Sanford exclaim in unison.

“Yes, Tallavia.”

“There’s nothing left of that place, isn’t that what your source told you?”

“Yeh, but some time during the night when I woke up smelling bacon—that was one of the most delicious dreams I must have ever had to even smell it—”

“That wasn’t a dream, that was me,” Sanford interjects.

“I just tried a quick search of Tallavia before I apparently fell asleep again, and there are some hints that it wasn’t completely razed, but ‘only’ destroyed.”

Sophia looks at him. “When was that? Where was I? I didn’t even notice!”

“You were on my shoulder, sleeping.”

“I was—Oh.” Her fork briefly stops halfway to her mouth.

With a smile James continues. “I couldn’t find anything more concrete, so we might need to dig deeper to find out more, just so we don’t go out there for nothing.”

“Awright, I’m on it.” Sanford begins to type away on his laptop while James and Sophia finish their breakfast.

*****

“I got something!” James exclaims with a smile on his face. “Looks like the History department of the Uni of Paladon had done some studies and there are ruins left, just in a hard-to-get-to location on good days and right now definitely isn’t good days. I’ll download the maps and info, so we can all look at them.”

“Great. I’ve got the text in English now, too, and it’s referencing streets and buildings, maybe the maps can help, because it doesn’t even say what we’re looking for.”

“Jeez, they really wanted to make sure that people wouldn’t just stroll in and grab whatever it is. And you know what, we should try and get this stuff printed, too, going with where Tallavia is located, I really don’t think we’ll have cell reception or power. Guess a trip to the library again. When do they open?”

Sanford looks at his watch. “Unless they have a really early bird special, I don’t think they’re open at 7.”

“Crap. They open at 8, ok, that’s not too bad at least. I’ll copy everything on a stick, so we can be quick. I have old maps, some more info on the city and the Order there, they even had a diagram of the monastery, depending on what’s left of it. Oh, definitely need to print the text, too, anything else I’m forgetting here?”

Sophia shakes her head. “Not that I could think of.”

James looks over at Thibodeaux, but the Emerald Coaster only shakes his head as well. “OK, I’ve also downloaded a map of how to get there, because I’m not sure a road map would show the location of the ruins.”

Before he has even finished, Sophia closes her laptop and begins to unplug everything. “Then what are we waiting for? We can get our supplies before the library opens, so we can save some time!”

Sanford’s eyes meet James and he wordlessly points at Sophia and mouths an “efficient”, which makes James snicker, causing Sophia to halt her movement and look at him. “What?”

“Oh, nothing, nothing.”

She casts a doubtful look at him. “Mhm.”

*****

The attendant at the 25/8 corner store does not look happy to be there and the pile of Beast Energy cans behind the counter hints at a rough night of likely not a lot of customers. While Crowe is filling up the tank of the van, James, Sophia and Sanford are gathering up some supplies for the trek into the mountains, food, drink, a few thermos. One of the TVs in the store is on a news channel and the situation has not gotten any better in the last few days, with the rain still coming down mercilessly and without any improvements in sight. The state of emergency has been extended even further with floods and landslide even more prevalent now.

James and Sanford look at each other and say in unison: “We need more stuff.”

As they walk back to the car and van, Sanford motions for everybody to come closer. “Alright, the weather is going to continue like this and we’re going into the mountains, so we’ll go stop by Tool Depot and OmniMart and get blankets, rope, shovels, you know what, a diesel generator, even though we could probably go for a hydro plant.” He laughs. “Let’s get rolling!”

by **Sylestone** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 2:59 pm

SYLESTONE NATIONAL ~~CRICKET~~ BASEBALL TEAM

The 52nd World Baseball Classic

For the 52nd edition of the World Baseball Classic and the second Sylestone will be participating in, the western Esportivan nation will be sending their national cricket team, alongside a series of other prominent cricketers throughout the nation to fill in the gaps for the 25-player roster. Over the course of the tournament, the players are likely to make a large portion of mistakes, often mixing the two sports up, which will undoubtedly create much entertainment for crowds. Especially if they know their cricket knowledge.

Nickname: The Hawthorns
Coach: Jake Fielder

~~BOWLERS~~ PITCHERS

Name				Age		Gender		Pitching Arm	Batting Hand
Joshua Vilesti			31		M		R		R
Talvin Mankira			27		M		L		L
Broughton Hall			21		M		R		R
Norbert Pistecial		22		M		L		L
Georgia Haines			28		F		R		R
Zangj Jonjaakh			32		M		R		R
Leo Codrington			25		M		R		R
Malcolm Marshall		30		M		R		R
Juan de Polo			25		M		R		R
Samuel Scron			23		M		R		R
Phoebe Wright			31		F		R		L

There are many familiar names within this pitching lineup. The likes of Joshua Vilesti and Broughton Hall are among the most prominent bowlers in the island nation, with the latter only having an average of 17.25 and an economy rate of 6.90 in T20 internationals. His ability to impart spin onto the ball will be detrimental, perhaps even being able to move the ball both ways through the air. Joshua Vilesti, Zangj Jonjaakh, Leo Codrington and Malcolm Marshall don’t typically impart much guile onto the ball, but instead trick the batters with their accuracy. The rest are all different, looking to try and trick the batters into a mistake with a series of devious tricks that are commonplace in cricket, but maybe not so much in baseball.

~~WICKETKEEPERS~~ CATCHERS

Name				Age		Gender		Batting Hand
Luke Tiati			27		M		L
Yash Ubuni			34		M		R

One of Sylestone’s biggest names in cricket, Luke Tiati, will be playing as the starting catcher for their national baseball team, after years of experience as Sylestone’s national wicketkeeper. He will provide safe hands and barely miss a thing, even with an alien mit on instead of his typical wicketkeeping gloves. Tiati’s batting will also be a handful, with the ability to bisect gaps with ease with a cricket bat. Now all he needs to do is transfer this across to baseball, and he should be fine. Ubuni, on the other hand, is a renowned hitter with the ability to make a few game-changing strikes every now and again to put his nation on the front foot. In cricket, he doesn’t quite possess the wicketkeeping abilities of Tiati, but he will certainly be a handful as the backup catcher in baseball.

INFIELDERS

Name				Age		Gender		Batting Hand
Liam Afosha			28		M		R
Daniel Fomleya			33		M		L
Sean Lake			30		M		R
Patrick Shotenham		23		M		R
Mitchell Stein			25		M		L
Chloe Anderson			22		F		L

Unlike in cricket, these typical batsmen have been elected due to their role as an infielder, rather than their position and role in the batting order. It will take some getting used to, especially for viewers and followers at home, but as time progresses they should be able to understand a bit better. All six designated infielders, whether starting or not, have some of the sharpest reflexes and catching skills in Sylestone’s cricket team, so there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be able to transfer that across to baseball, considered the “other” bat-and-ball sport in the nation. As for batting, every starter save Daniel Fomleya will more often than not hit a big ball, while Fomleya prefers to try and bisect gaps instead of going long. Chloe Anderson will provide a backup for first base for Fomleya, with each being left-handed throwers, but considering the rest are all right-handed (even Mitchell Stein, despite batting left-handed), they can play any other position.

OUTFIELDERS

Name				Age		Gender		Batting Hand
Lachlan Cocrine			24		M		R
Jack Martin			20		M		L
Simon Monteane			30		M		R
Erin Hosbury			19		F		R
Samuel Asaskia			24		M		R

As was the case with the infielders, these players have been selected for being superb in the outfield when playing cricket domestically or internationally, rather than their exploits in the batting lineup, despite this being a major factor, too. Lachlan Cocrine is arguably Sylestone’s best hitter and could play in that designated hitter role, but his abilities in the outfield across all cricket formats has ensured him of a starting position in the outfielder role for the World Baseball Classic. Jack Martin and Simon Monteane are in a similar boat, tending on the aggressive side when batting, but are both highly acceptable outfielders.

DESIGNATED ~~SLOGGER~~ HITTER

Name				Age		Gender		Batting Hand
Oliver Edwards			20		M		R

The final player to make up Sylestone’s squad will be Oliver Edwards, their designated hitter. In cricket, Edwards is widely renowned for being his nation’s most prominent power hitter, with a strike rate of 178.33 from eight innings in the T20 format. Like Cocrine, he will almost always go for the big blow, looking to try and grab at least one home run for his side when batting with his favourite shot, the loft over ~~mid-on~~ the gap between second and third base. However, his fielding exploits aren’t quite as well-known and as a result, will be playing in this role when possible.

STARTING BATTING ORDERS

Without DH

Daniel Fomleya
Patrick Shotenham
Lachlan Cocrine
Jack Martin
Chloe Anderson
Liam Afosha
Luke Tiati
Simon Monteane
Starting Pitcher

With DH

Daniel Fomleya
Patrick Shotenham
Lachlan Cocrine
Oliver Edwards (DH)
Jack Martin
Chloe Anderson
Luke Tiati
Liam Afosha
Simon Monteane

HOME GROUND:

As baseball isn't necessarily followed in Sylestone, only one ground, located in the capital city of Avondale, will be in use for the 52nd World Baseball Classic. It will be called the Avondale Baseball Stadium (ABS), and has a capacity of just 21,000 people, due to the relative unpopularity of the sport. The atmosphere, though, is guaranteed to be strong, with Sylestoneans always looking to get behind their team in whatever way they can.

RP PERMISSIONS:

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Of course.
Choose my lineup: Yes. The above lineup is only a guide and can be dismantled to your heart's content. Each player can effectively bat in each position. 
Follow my pitching rotation: Pick your own. I'm not fazed.
Godmod scoring events: Duh. Yes. 
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but I decide the length. TG me if you have something relatively drastic in mind. 
Godmod injuries to my players: See above.
Eject my players: TG me first and let me know what you have in mind. 
Godmod other events: Please do! Let me know if you have something drastic in mind and take into account that I do not tolerate killing or accusations of cheating.
Use DH at home: Yes.

by **Milchama** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 4:21 pm

New Sparta Forum-Democracy-Times-Tribune-Sun-Stars-Gods-Men-Tribute-Fightin'-Picayune-Post-Gazette-Chronicle-Eclipsor-Ellipsor-Report-Spin-Connector-Deflector-News-Today-Yesterday-And-Tomorrow

Sports Section

Milchama to host Sylestone in cross cultural sports exchange

The newly created Milchama International Cricket Team will be playing Sylestone in an unprecedented tour. The Sylestone Hawthorns national cricket team has decided, for some unknown reason, to play in the World Baseball Classic. Since Milchama is also just coming out of international isolation to play the MBL invited the Hawthorns to play a couple of friendly matches against the Warriors in baseball and cricket. Sylestone accepted the invitation and the tour will commence shortly before the start of the World Baseball Classic.

The tour will be one baseball game and one test match. Why a test match? Per the BCM (Board of Milchamian Cricket) "It'd be cool to have our first cricket international be a test match." Why only one baseball game? Per the MBL and BCM, "That's what they wanted. I know that Sylestone came here to get top class Milchamian coaching on their baseball skills but were looking at competing privately as compared to more public games." There was also some talk about being on real diamonds as compared to ovals which are completely different shapes.

There, of course, is one more question, why is the Milchamian cricket team playing baseball? Because we can. Manager Jackson Henrique of the U21 team that will compete in the WBC did not want to "distract" his team by playing in his words, "A bunch of fake baseballers who we'd beat in jeans." The cricket team was much more accommodating as they want to get international competition and would totally play baseball to get in a test match. As Captain Hayden March said, "We understand how the world of cricket works. To get Sylestone to actually play us, at home, in a test match would take my whole career. This one baseball game let's us play them much earlier than we would otherwise."

Tickets are available now for the games in Alexandria. We're definitely excited to see some high quality cricket and some mediocre baseball here in Milchama in the coming weeks.

by **Cassadaigua** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 5:14 pm

Team Cassadaigua to use DH,
By Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

With the rapid ascension of Ashley McKnight to superstardom, Maddie Polanco was left with a difficult decision regarding the 22-year old member of the North Granby Bobcats. McKnight appeared on the roster last Classic off the bench and had some clutch hits over the course of that Classic. She was 20 then, still learning how everything worked at this level, so there was no controversy about Tori Fullerton, Katie Stephens, and Steffie Kennedy making up the outfield. Now, for the 52nd Classic all three of those starters are crucial players to the lineup and still in the prime of their careers. Polanco had to do something, and after much contemplation, the decision would be that Cassadaigua would use the DH for WBC 52. “I know that the nation takes a lot of pride in not having the DH in our own league, and that most people are against it. But the fact is, in the World Baseball Classic, this is something that you are allowed to use for your roster, and we would be foolish to not use it.” Of course, there will be no DH at some stadiums as The 189 and Murderbum do not use the DH. It is unknown right now whether or not Hebitaka and Hannasea will use it or not. Super-Llamaland, the five time champion, does use the DH, so we can be glad for that.

When the DH is not used, all four of the outfielders will still be in the lineup, but Tori Fullerton will play first base. Fullerton has played the position off and on, mostly when she was younger as now that she is an established outfielder, there is no point in putting her back unless there was a major need for it. This is why Polanco did not just declare Fullerton the starting 1B to begin with and not use the DH. “I talked with Tori, and she was very willing to play the position. It was the better option than moving the other outfielders.”

World Baseball Classic 52 gets underway tonight with the Fillies hosting The 189 for a three game set to start it off. The 189 is the pot 3 team, and this team of robots have been making progress recently within the tournament.

by **Sylestone** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 5:46 pm

The Sylestonean > Sport > Baseball > WBC 52

SYLESTONE TO TOUR MILCHAMA IN CRICKET, BASEBALL AFTER JOINING 52ND WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC

AVONDALE, SYLESTONE - Today’s surprise announcement is one that comes as a shock to Sylestone’s sporting fans, with the national cricket team officially signing up for the 52nd World Baseball Classic, to be hosted in Chromatika. The Hawthorns have been drawn into a group with the likes of world number one Banija, after defeating a determined South Newlandia in the final a couple of years ago, held at Port Rhovanyon, Tikariot. Alongside the Banijans, eternal shall-never-make-it-past-the-round-of-16ers Drawkland are in pot two, while Quintessence of Dust are the pot three side in the group, ranked 24th in the multiverse, one rank below the Drawkians. These two sides will provide a massive task for the Hawthorns to take down, but one that is far from impossible.

After a poor tournament with a sentient side in the 50th edition of the World Baseball Classic, Sylestone still have a little bit of rank to ensure they come in as a pot four side, where they would be considered as having an outside chance of qualifying for the round of 32, if they can take some points over Quintessence of Dust and Drawkland, perhaps even finishing as one of the best two fourth-placed finishers or even higher, with a big chunk of luck. Especially if they can beat the two unranked sides, Barhe and Vangaziland. Considering the Hawthorns are just as “unranked” as those two nations, though, luck is highly probable to not be on their side.

But they still have a chance. And when Milchama, a nation returning after aeons on hiatus, offered to host the squad in a game of baseball and cricket across the region in Atlantian Oceania, there was no hesitation in its acceptance. There, the side would go through a few days of supremely generous training with some experienced Milchamian coaches to get them ready for the brutality of the competition and to actually, you know, teach them how to play baseball, before the Sylestoneans would take on the Milchamian national cricket team in a single, mediocre game of baseball in Alexandria before moving on to a game of test cricket, which will undoubtedly possess far more quality gameplay than the shitshow the baseball game will be. Which, of course, will make it hilarious to watch.

by **Norrhem** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 6:22 pm

Norrhem Roster
Trigramme: NRH
Nickname: Drakkar

COACH
Manager: Frithjof Hammarsson, 65 - Stoic coach of the team, puts great emphasis on discipline and has one facial expression: none.

ROSTER
Starters
LF #12 Sture Holmgard, 25, R - Skalaholt Northmen
RF #33 Adrian Lestander, 30, L - Jarnsvik Eagles
3B #26 Andreas Rosenblad, 33, L - Lagarfors Ravens
C #22 Kim Saugstad, 22, R - Svartstrand Swords
CF #67 Zackarias Andreasson, 22, R - Brattsjö Bears
1B #88 Birger Huselius, 20, R - Jarnsvik Eagles
2B #7 Jacob Bjarnstad, 25, L - Arlsfara Vipers
SS #2 Samuel Olvegard, 27, L - Arnarfell Lions

Reserves
OF #20 Kristoffer Wahlin, 28, R - Bergsvall Wolves
OF #52 Johan Wahlgren, 21, L - Svartstrand Swords
OF #33 Sebastian Lindberg, 24, R - Skarrsholm Panthers
OF #4 Chrille Andren, 29, L - Skalaholt Northmen
IF #6 Pontus Johansson, 27, L - Jarnsvik Eagles
IF #16 Olof Skarp, 25, R - Skarrsholm Panthers
IF #26 Theodor Westerholm, 23, R - Varnsryd Swallows
IF #71 Casper Widner, 22, L - Lagarfors Ravens
C #27 Andreas Rambin, 29, L - Stefansberg Hummingbirds

Starting pitchers
RHP #4 Ingvar Hallingström, 34 - Brattsjö Bears
RHP #37 Otto Almgren, 24 - Arlsfara Vipers
LHP #72 Håkan Swärdh, 31 - Arnarfell Lions
LHP #18 Erik Fredheim, 28 - Skalaholt Northmen
RHP #9 Per-Olof Nordahl, 23 - Skarrsholm Panthers

Bullpen
Long reliever: RHP #11 Arnar Skogsgard, 30 - Varnsryd Swallows
Long reliever: LHP #1 Bo Ravelli, 27 - Bergsvall Wolves
Left-handed specialist: LHP #17 Bertil Axberg, 25 - Jarnsvik Eagles
Middle reliever: RHP #41 Andreas Borkesson, 22 - Svartstrand Swords
Set up reliever: RHP #13 Christian Björknesjö, 24 - Hervanger Trouts
Closer: LHP #3 Hans Arnesson, 25 - Korfholm Breakers

Starting lineup (with DH)
1. LF Sture Holmgard (R)
2. 1B Birger Huselius (R)
3. RF Adrian Lestander (L)
4. 3B Andreas Rosenblad (L)
5. DH Sebastian Lindberg (R)
6. 2B Jacob Bjarnstad (L)
7. SS Samuel Olvegard (L)
8. CF Zackarias Andreasson (R)
9. C Kim Saugstad (R)

Starting lineup (without DH)
1. LF Sture Holmgard (R)
2. 1B Birger Huselius (R)
3. RF Adrian Lestander (L)
4. 3B Andreas Rosenblad (L)
5. CF Zackarias Andreasson (R)
6. 2B Jacob Bjarnstad (L)
7. SS Samuel Olvegard (L)
8. C Kim Saugstad (R)
9. Pitcher

Stadium
The home games will be played in the Brattholts Globen, an indoor venue in the Norrish capital Brattholt. It seats 17,000 people and is a very modern facility.

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: Yes, within reason
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes, within reason
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: TG for approval
Godmod other events: TG for approval
Use DH at home: Yes

by **Quebec and Shingoryeo** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 7:23 pm

Quebec and Shingoryeo National Baseball Team

Nickname: Grim Reapers
Acronym: QUE
Denonym: Quebecois (Preferred), Quebecer (that's fine)

Home Colours: Blue, White and Yellow
Away Colours:Red, Black and White
Official Supporters Group: The Bubonic Plague
WBC Season : December 2049-February 2050
Stadium: Commonwealth Park, Montreal, Montreal (Cap. 67,930, Park Factor: 111)
Style Mod: -2

Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Sung Joon-Yeol, 53 - Farrer University (Collegiate)
Bench Coach: Gabriel-Henri Matsumoto, 54 - M - Sherbrooke Raiders
Pitching Coach: Choe Bong-Hak, 45 - M - California City Dodgers
Fielding Coach: Hannah Ahn-Allen, 41 - California University (Collegiate)
Hitting Coach: Grazibella Tuzzio, 55 - F - Ottawa Eagles
Battery Coach: Katie McLelland-Gong, 50 - F - Moncton Dinos
Bullpen Coach: Eric Beland-Michaud, 52 - M - Montreal Twins

Pitching rotation (6)
#99 - FIRST - LHP - Baek Nam-Soo, 20 - M - New Lakeland Tycoons (Cassadaigua)
#61 - SECOND - LHP - Kim Gi-Joong, 28 - M - Ottawa Eagles
#4 - THIRD - RHP - Kevin Buchanan, 27 - M - Kingston Blue Jays
#13 - FOURTH - LHP - Karine Bessette, 31 - F - Victoriaville Venom (Cassadaigua)
#15 - FIFTH - RHP - Eric Neeson-Gallagher, 23 - California City Dodgers
#61 - SIXTH - RHP - Mathieu Berard, 26 - M - Saguenay Lions

Bullpen (8)
Long Relief : #47 - LHP - Marc-Andre Hosmer, 22 - Montreal Twins
Long Relief : #19 - RHP - So Eung-Ran, 33 - F - Halifax Giants
Middle Relief : #40 - RHP - Lara Yoon, 25 - F - Winnipeg Rangers
Middle Relief : #46 - RHP (SIDEARM) - Devon Ackie, 22 - Winnipeg Rangers
Short Relief/One Point Pitcher : #57 - LHP - Samuel-Lee Akers, 24 - Montreal Twins
Setup Man : #23 - RHP - Nadine Seo, 34 - F - Halifax Giants - SIDEARM
Setup Man : #20 - RHP - Jang Hyo-Seung, 30 - M - Elephant Valley Homers (South Newlandia)
Closer : #18 - RHP - Alexandre Farias, 28 - M - Levis Wyverns - SIDEARM

Catchers (3) - Throws/Bats
#28 - R/R - Alphonse Courtenall-Watson, 22 - Halifax Giants
#25 - R/S - Kelsey Altherr, 29 - F - Moncton Dinos
#47 - R/R - Horace Choo, 31 - M - Elephant Valley Homers (South Newlandia)

Infielders (7) - Throws/Bats
#6 - R/R - 2B/SS - Kang Sang-Jae, 24 - Prince Eric Athletics
#34 - R/L - 1B/DH - Hecto Guerrero Katič, 23 - M - Montreal Twins
#7 - R/R - SS - Gregory Reynolds-Walusimbi, 28 - M - Kingston Tigers
#14 - R/S - 2B/SS - Anika Nesterovic, 22 - California City Dodgers
#10 - R/R - 3B - Heo Myeong-Shin, 29 - M - Concord Heights Royals (Cassadaigua)
#49 - L/L - DH/1B - Samuel Maybin, 23 - Ottawa Eagles

Outfielders (5) - Throws/Bats
#5 - R/L - RF/1B/LF - Kang Ye-Rim, 26 - F - Attawapiskat Wiz
#11 - R/S - CF - Samuel Carlini-Mwambutsya, 28 - M - Kingston Blue Jays
#8 - R/R - CF/RF - Park Jeong-Gyu, 23 - Quebec Bears
#52 - L/L - LF/RF - Theo-Alexandre Pinson, 29 - M - Brattleboro Brats (Cassadaigua)
#34 - L/L - OF - Jean-Noel Bellefeuille, 21 - Moncton Dinos

Notes on our Grim Reapers

Traditionally, the Grim Reapers have taken the pitcher use with great dose of liberalism. Assuming the pitcher has a solid game, the pitching count is loosely observed, and it's absolutely in sight for the starter to go well into seventh or even eighth inning. That said, it is just as likely for the starting pitcher to get yanked within first three innings if one allows too many runs early into the game, which of course have happened before. In those cases, expect at three to five pitchers to be used for remainder of the game.

The Grim Reapers, as with their equivalents in other sports, are very aggressive- it's in their playing colours and will stay like that forever. While they do lack fast players, most of the outfielders and some infielders do have very good sense in stealing bases or making right decisions when taking risks, so while an occasional whoopsie-daisie with early outs do happen, it's not be all end all. Of course, we also have to remember that this is counted into the selection criteria, which means that both the infielders and outfielders are expected to be proficient in defence and even prepare for multiple positions. This is more the case with infielders than outfielders, but both have seen flexible use of such players before anyway.

Of course, there is a bit of complicated situation with the Quebecois history and geographic realities. Traditionally, baseball has been a fairly racially and regionally ubiquitous sport in Quebec, though there are strong regional and ethnic elements that are noticeable to it. Traditionally, there is strong sense of regional pride that derives from many of the iconic QBO franchises that have defined its history, as six regions traditionally dominate in both high school and pro baseball output, which reflects well into the first round of QBO Drafts. There is somewhat divide between those of Central Quebec (Montreal Twins vs. Quebec Bears), Southwest (Kingston Tigers vs. Kingston Blue Jays), Manitoba (California City Dodgers), Southeast (Halifax Giants), Northwest (Attawapiskat Wiz) and Northeast (Ottawa Eagles). There are minor stylistic differences between the regions and how their players' play, but those don't factor as much as how they used to be. Ethnically, the sport does have more Korean-Quebecois players in general rule of thumb, though that means little in this day and age where most Quebecois, whether Indigenous, Caucasian, Korean or of other Commonwealth origins, are fairly mixed-raced. Still, Korean is the lingua franca of the baseball diamond and that continues to be a defining feature of the Quebecois baseball scene as whole.

Starting Lineup (Position, Bats)
1: Carlini-Mwambutsya (CF, S)
2: Guerrero Katič (1B, L)
3: M.S. Heo (3B, R)
4. Y.R. Kang (RF, L)
5: Pinson (LF, L)
6: Maybin (DH, L)
7: Reynolds-Walusimbi (SS, R)
8: Altherr (C, R)
9: S.J. Kang (2B, R)

If the DH is not being used on away venue of concern, Guerrero-Katič will alternate with either T.A. Pinson on RF/LF or A. Langford on 1B.

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: Sure
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod injuries to my players: No!
Eject my players: Go ahead
Godmod other events: TG me in advance
Use DH at home: Hellyeah!

by **Ranoria** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 8:18 pm

Introducing, the one and only...
Ranorian Krauts,
the international arm of the Federation of Ranorian Baseball.

And, in all reality, not the only Krauts. 'Krauts' has become the moniker for all professional Ranorian national teams at this point

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my run scorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No
Follow my pitching rotation: Do what you want with it! Have fun
Godmod scoring events: Yep
RP injuries to my players: Yep, shoot me a DM or TG please!
Godmod injuries to my players: Yep, shoot me a DM or TG please!
Eject my players: Yep, shoot me a DM or TG please!
Godmod other events: Sure! Get in touch with me for anything crazy
Use DH at home: Ranoria=No DH. Up to you at yours, I suppose
Special Note: No Covid stuff. There is no COVID in Ranoria, just like there is no war in Ba Sing Se

Style Modifier: 0

Records:

WBC 44: 12-18; Team MVP: Leonardo Harrison
WBC 49: 15-15; Team MVP: Leonardo Harrison
WBC 50: 19-11; Team MVP: Leonardo Harrison
WBC 51: 14-16; Team MVP: Nicholas Lux     

Overall: 60-60

Home field: Constance Airlines Field
Ranoria City, Ranoria

Background

The Ranorian Krauts are a privately funded team, supported by the joint funds of the Federation of Ranorian Baseball. In their first attempt, in the 44th edition, was a disaster. No talented players agreed to sign up with the exception of Leonardo Harrison. Predictably, the team finished a paltry 12-18 record, with Harrison being the only bright spot, 19 at the time. However, five years later, they fielded a stronger squad, with star players from home along with Ranorians playing abroad. As such, the team gave us a better showing with a somewhat successful 15-15 campaign in the World Baseball Classic 49, they were able to generate some level of intrigue from the nation as a whole.

The concept of starting a national team started when the Federation saw the massive dollars that Ranoria’s internationally competing Gridiron teams were raking in, and decided that, should they field such a team, they would be able to generate revenue in the country by piquing its interest. So far, they’re right, but a true run would be indicative of baseball emerging as a truly impactful sport in Ranorian culture.

Now, World Baseball Classic 50 was something else entirely. Leonardo Harrison initially issued a guarantee that the team would not only win 20 games in the group stage, but would advance in the knockout rounds. Well, we stumbled out of the gate a bit with a 9-10 record, so that didn't happen, but everything changed after that. Our Krauts went on a 10-1 tear to end the group stage and secure a spot in the knockout stages, where they managed to knock off one of the best teams in baseball: The Sherpa Empire. Now, Newmanistan would proceed to thrash us in the second round, but that's alright!

After such an electrifying finish showed that we can compete with the best of the best, baseball quickly became more mainstream in the nation, with highlight videos peppering television and social media while plans to construct legitimate stadiums are going on. As a result, visiting teams will be treated to the brand-new Constance Airlines Field in Ranoria City rather than the dingy Cardinal Auditorium of past editions as the Krauts look to bounce back from a 14-16 run in WBC 51.

So, with all the excitement...what can the Krauts bring to the table in the 52nd edition of the World Baseball Classic?

Constance Airlines Field is the beating heart of the expanding Federation of Ranorian Baseball, and the largest stadium of several new fields being built. International competition - a 19-11 run with a knockout stage victory included - in this competition's 50th edition helped to spark that expansion, but a 14-16 run the next go round was a disappointment. Leonardo Harrison and crew will be hard pressed to prove that World Baseball Classic 50 was no fluke, but if there's a team to do it, this is the one.

Capacity: 42,150
Left: 313 feet
Left Centre power alley: 395 feet
Centre: 406 feet
Right Centre power alley: 383 feet
Right: 314 feet
Walls: ~9 feet high

Coaching Staff:

Manager/HC: Henderson Mausse
Bench Coach: Jonas Nuhl
First Base: Brandon Bolan
Third Base: Justin Cruz
Hitting: Noah Hess
Pitching: Alfred Arnoldi
Bullpen: Hugo Fromm

Position    Number     Name            Ht.     Wt.   Age           Team
Catcher     16      Nicholas Lux       5-10    205    27     Ranoria City Sluggers
1st Base     7   Abraham Leinhardt      6      205    31     Vricksinburg Blaze
2nd Base     13   Philip Franklin      6-2     195    30     Cleveland Thunder
Shortstop    2   Leonardo Harrison     6-2     215    28     Nashville Maestros
3rd Base     99    Jesse Griffith      6-4     195    18     Cincinnati Warbirds
L. Field     41     Tim von Kuhn       6-3     240    37     Moncton Dinos (Quebec)
C. field     51     Judas Acker         6      200    25     Cleveland Thunder
R. Field     22      Rubin Graves      6-2     205    29     Edmunton Rebels
DH           42   Wolfram von Kuhn     6-4     245    39     Raleigh Firstmates

Leonardo Harrison: A fluid athlete on pace to be one of the best players in Ranorian history...not that that's saying much. At shortstop, he's the centerpiece of the defense, and he's been playing professionally since he was just under 17 years old. Ranorian baseball has become more mainstream in large part due to his efforts. With an explosion of revenue however, his market-resetting contract has quickly become obsolete, and he's looking to get out of it for more money.

Tim von Kuhn: There's a reason he's hiding in left field. Von Kuhn is deceptively quick, but he's here because he can swing very, very hard. He and his brother, Wolfram, have won plenty of championships off of sheer batting prowess. It's made for some exciting championships to be sure, especially if both happen to be playing defense, as opponents will pick on their ineptitude for fielding while they hammer away homers. Tim von Kuhn has been playing for the QBO's Moncton Dinos for most of his professional career, while Wolfram was never quite good enough to get out of Ranoria.

Nicholas Lux: Essentially the consensus second best player in Ranoria..Until he signed in Quebec. Expect a good hitting percentage and more than enough homers to keep you on your toes. Much faster than his frame would have you believe. Known as the "mercenary" to Ranorian fans after taking a blockbuster contract to play in Quebec's QBO rather than Ranoria's fledgling Federation.

Jesse Griffith: Do you believe in taking chances? That's what the Krauts did with this signing. Griffith is the youngest man (er, boy?) to ever play professional Ranorian baseball, at just 15 years old. Griffith was streaky in his first pair of seasons on the team, but the past two seasons have seen him develop into a bona-fide power hitter with plenty of consistent hitting and solid instincts in the field.

Judas Acker: Considered an up and comer for the Thunder, this youngster managed to break his way into the Krauts's starting lineup last season. The centerfielder is easily the fastest player on the team, able to cover plenty of ground fielding or stealing.

Position    Number     Name            Ht.     Wt.   Age           Team
Catcher      77    Philbert Kelsin     6-2    210    28    Ranoria City Sluggers
Infield      19    Arthur Jackson      5-9    175    28    Vricksinburg Blaze
Infield      6     Maximus Tillman     5-11   190    35    Raleigh Firstmates
Outfield     55    Damian Horace       5-11   190    31     Edmunton Rebels
Outfield     30  Stephen Reichenbach   5-10   185    29    Nashville Maestros
Outfield     59     Tristen Feng       6-1    205    30    Cincinnati Warbirds

Starters
Strength   Number        Name            Ht.     Wt.   Age         Team
Fastball     60       Tommy Verona      6-4      220    30    California City Dodgers (Quebec)
Fastball     55       Erik Schmidt      6-5      225    27        Banija
Fastball     71       Parker Majors     6-4      215    26        Banija
Fastball     86       John Stallone     6-1      215    29    Edmunton Rebels
Fastball     70       Erin Phelps       6-2      215    28    Cleveland Rebels

Bullpen
Role       Number        Name            Ht.     Wt.   Age         Team
Reliever     73     Thomas Barnet        6-1      200    25    Nashville Maestros
Fastball     64     Corey Nielman        6-3      195    23    Vricksinburg Blaze
Reliever    68     Sylvester Wayne      6-4      210    32    Vricksinburg Blaze
Closer       62     Brady Behringer      6-2      190    23    Ranoria City Sluggers
Reliever    68     Alabaster Cappa      6-3      190    27    Nashville Maestros

Normal Starting Lineup

DH Starting Lineup

Nicholas Lux
Leonardo Harrison
Wolfram von Kuhn
Tim von Kuhn
Philip Franklin
Jesse Griffith
Judas Acker
Abraham Leinhardt
Rubin Graves

Nicholas Lux
Leonardo Harrison
Tim von Kuhn
Philip Franklin
Jesse Griffith
Judas Acker
Abraham Leinhardt
Rubin Graves
Pitcher

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