International Baseball Slam XVI EVERYTHING Thread

by **Nova Anglicana** » Mon Mar 07, 2022 10:01 am

Player Profile: Danny Kennedy and Jimmy Norton

Player: Danny Kennedy

Team: Londinium Novas (Kings County Planters, AAA Maritime League)

Position: Starting Pitcher

Scouting Report: Kennedy has a lot of what he already needs to succeed in the bigs: a fastball with a shape that should miss bats, good feel for his two breaking balls (curve and slider), and good command. But what has been missing so far has been the velocity. Over the past four years, he averaged just 88 mph, dipping as low as 85 in some outings, while hitting 92 in others. But this year, he averaged 90.7 mph, a big jump after changing up his offseason workout routine and working closely with analytics guys in the Novas' organization. While ~91 isn't elite velocity, it's something he can survive on if his breaking balls play well. And the velocity might be the component he needs to get his fastball to miss more bats. It already has a good spin rate and a flat angle that works well up in the zone. He has good command of his curveball and slider, and his developing split-changeup could be a weapon for him in the future. But after four years of development, Kennedy needs to take a step forward in order to make it to the bigs. Once there, he could carve out a nice fifth starter role for himself, with the potential to be a #4 if he adds even more velocity.

Sample Outing: June 2, vs New Waterford Miners

Line: 5.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R/ER, 1 BB, 4 K

In this game against New Waterford, Kennedy was dazzling for the first four innings. He didn't walk any batters and gave up only two hits while striking out four. He even retired the first two batters in the fifth. But going into the third time through the order, hitters got familiar with him, and his velocity dropped off a bit. Hitting 90-91 in the first four innings, in the fifth, he was more like 88-89. With familiarity comes resistance to chasing, and hitters laid off his breaking balls. The top four hitters went single, double, single, single, scoring two runs before Kennedy retired the #5 man. In the fifth, he retired the first hitter before giving up back-to-back singles and walking the #9 hitter, which got him pulled. This is where a better fourth pitch could be a weapon. If he can locate the split-change for strikes at the bottom of the zone and pull it out in the middle of his outings, then he'll have more luck getting through the order. Also, he may have increased velocity, but without the stamina to maintain it, it's much more of a short-term weapon. If his velocity stays at 90-91 through six or even seven innings, he'll be much better off than the current four or five inning dropoff.

Player: Danny Kennedy

Team: Vinovium Gunners (Bathurst Phantoms, AAA Maritime League)

Position: Catcher

Scouting Report: A 3rd round pick, Norton left university after his junior year, being drafted by the Londinium Capitols. He was a bat-first prospect that the Capitols had high hopes for, but an unexpected strikeout problem meant he spent four years between A-ball Cartwright and AA Placentia. The power was there, but he was all-or-nothing, batting close to .200 with a 30% strikeout rate against lower-level opposition. While he attempted to figure out decent breaking balls, he actually became a decent framer and receiver along the way, which was surprising considering the Capitols had thought he might have to shift to first base eventually. He's not a fast runner, but that rarely matters for catchers. His breakout year came in year four of his career, hitting 26 homers and batting .248, helping to lead Placentia to a Twin Provinces League Championship. He moved up to AAA Amherst, but in two years, was only average, not even totaling 26 homers between the two seasons. The Capitols gave him his release, and he signed with the Gunners. He hit decently this year, but didn't get to the majors due to a strong year from the players in front of him. With the exit of current backup catcher John Mayberry, Norton is in line for a shot at the job. His arm strength is average for a catcher, but he'll need to improve his arm accuracy and his pop time, since one of the successful traits of any backup catcher is defense.

Sample Outing: August 1, vs Souris Spuds

Line: 1-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 K

This is a fairly typical positive outing for Norton. He won't get a lot of multi-hit games, but a .250 average is good for him and he'll provide value if he can reach that level. Yes, he struck out twice, and he still has trouble with really good velocity (95+), but he absolutely punished a lazy curveball from a Spuds reliever, driving it more than 420 feet for a three-run homer that gave the Phantoms a 6-4 lead in the 8th inning. If he's to succeed in the bigs, making sure no mistake pitches pass him by is a vital skill. On the defensive side, he nailed a runner trying to steal second in the bottom half of the 8th, but he also tried an ill-advised back-pick of a runner on first, skipping the throw past the first baseman and allowing the runner to move up to third. He's still got some improving to do, but the power is there, which is a good tool to have as a calling card.

Note: See a player you like during the profiles? TG me or send me a message on Discord asking if said player can join your league.

by **Corridor of Uncertainty** » Mon Mar 07, 2022 10:26 am

Match report from the website JustNotCricket.unc.

Excellent opening spell from McNeil guides Cricketers to victory

by **Kriegiersien** » Mon Mar 07, 2022 3:36 pm

The Bucs were celebrating the victory on their ship.

“It’s like stealing candy from kids”, laughed Macy.

“Aye, they arrrr all so young”, agreed Pops.

“When I said stealin, I meant steal bases, ye scallywags”, shouted Smutje.

“What should I do with a base. Just a useless plate.”

“Run for it. For the points, to win the game, ye idiot.”

“I prefer the tobacco 'n chewin' gum”, said Pops while putting a gum in his mouth he had snatched from an South Newlandian Pitchers.

“Ye are lucky that I hit the home run or we would have lost the match, because you are a bunch of clueless goons”, said Smutje.

“Idiots! Idiots!”, cried Pops.

“See, he agrees”, said Smutje.

“And who would question the word of a parrot?”, grumbled Wasnogood.

“Oh, shut up ye all. We have to focus to win the next match. The elephants played us really good, we arrr lucky to win. The Llamas won’t make it easier for us”, shouted Cherry, hitting a barrel with a bat.

“So many animals and they get even younger", muttered Rubert.

“Actually they arrr getting older. That is the circle of life", explained Pops.

“He means that our next enemies arrr younger than our opponents from South Newlandia, you buffoon”, Cherry facepalmed.

“Oh, that is right. Yaarrr. We will beat this puppies. And if not we can at least steal their candy again”, said Pops laughing.

“Stop it with your candy. George you will begin this time. You know what I want to see”, Cherry threw him a glove and a ball.

“Do I?”, asked George.

“Yes, come to my cabin. I have to show you something, too. And bring some Rum.”

(O.O) · by **TJUN-ia** » Tue Mar 08, 2022 4:17 am

After a bit of a wait, the next generation of TJUN-ian Baseball was about to take to the Diamond one more. Yep, it's Battin' Cubs time and under the new leadership of Vojtěch Heyrovský (assisted by brother Josef), this small unit of 12 players are the ones everyone in TJUN-ia will hope will carry us on to great success in the future. But for now, they have the IBS playoffs to try and aim for. They only won a single game two years ago but with nearly half the team leaving after this edition in the United Adaikes, these guys will certainly be hungry to try and get some more experience of success in the bag.

Our first game here at Triumph Stadium in Perthdoches was against the Platypuses from an unknown nation called Lower Pottsylvania. I'm sure they're nice guys and they even managed to score 2 runs in the game, but today had to be ours no matter what. Maddison "Missy" Jembembe was starting pitcher today and as the new #1, she certainly did alright in concerning only the two runs while the bats certainly did their bit too. No DH in use, our 4 runs would come from 4 different players as Holly Davids, Svetlana Mykvinich, Palila Kalawai’a and new player Khin Marlar Tun all getting on the board.

All in all it was simply a good day to get our 2nd ever IBS win, and we'll certainly need more of that in the days to come. Up next will be the U21 side from Eshialand, who will be looking to bounce back from a surprising defeat on the opening day. GO CUBS GO!

SCHEDULE (Group D, all games at Triumph Stadium, Perthdoches)
MD1: vs Lower Pottsylvania Platypuses W 4-2 (2nd)
MD2: vs Eshialand U21s
MD3: vs Araznan Rangers
MD4: vs BC Dotivija City U18 (Dotivija)
MD5: vs Dreamcliff Blizzard (Huron League)

by **Gnejs** » Tue Mar 08, 2022 7:48 am

The Port Kejm Sentinel

Sports

Segeltorpians shocked to find city represented by team in international baseball tournament.
By: Ken Skokel

Did you know there’s an international baseball tournament going on down in United Adaikes? Odds are you didn’t. But there is. It’s called the Internatinal Baseball Slam, and apparently this is the 16th edition. Yeah, it’s a time-honored tradition. Did you know that there’s a Union team playing? Let’s not even get into the odds there; of course you didn’t. But we don’t have a national baseball team, you might be saying to yourself. And you’d be right. Because we don’t play baseball here. We might’ve heard it mentioned on occasion, as something people down south get up to on their sun-filled days of eternal summer, but we don’t play it. It’s not a Union game. This is known.

Well, that’s another thing with this International Slam. It’s open to pretty much anyone. We’re not talking senior national teams here, even though I’m sure there are such things in other places. Nah, this tournament is for backup squads, college all-stars, domestic minor leaguers, U18/U21 squads, domestic club teams, or other collections of players. Or so the website told me. And that’s where this Union team comes in, because it seems they’re very much some other collection of players.

Playing under the horridly inappropriate nickname ‘The Corsairs’, the Segeltorp Association of Friends is a group hailing from, you guessed it, our picturesque northern pearl of Segeltorp. Not much is known about the group, but our investigations are ongoing. All I know for sure is that the group is registered as a sports association with the city and that the President of the Association is one Aslak Torp.

But what does the good people of the north make of all this, with their city potentially becoming a talking point in the world of baseball? I decided to travel north to find out.

I hit the Main Street first, and there I came across Margot and Karin. The two friends were out shopping for new gloves, and they had not heard about a Segeltorp team competing in the International Slam.

“Are you serious?” Karin said while looking utterly shocked. Her friend asked whether this slam was a kids tournament, and I explained to them that it is not. The team from Segeltorp is indeed an adult group, although they might very well play against opponents bordering the categories of youths/young adults. This did not sit well with either of the two friends. “You mean they’re playing against kids? That sounds very inappropriate,” Karin remarked. Margot nodded in agreement and added “The very idea of grown men and women playing with sticks is unnatural.”

Down by the docks I got to talking with Fredrik, a middle-aged graphic designer out for a walk with his cat. Unlike his fellow Segeltorpians Karin and Margot, Fredrik does have some knowledge about baseball, however he had not heard about his hometown being represented on the international scene.

PKS: So, Fredrik, how does that make you feel? Uneasy, proud, annoyed?

Fredrik: It’s just a bit much, you know. I’m ok with people bringing up tennis when I’m abroad, but baseball? I’m not sure I wanna be that kind of guy. I mean, am I expected to start wearing a baseball cap when I travel now? And the lingo and rules. People will definitely presuppose that I know these things, and it’ll get really awkward when I talk to foreigners.

PKS: Do you travel much?

Fredrik: No, I prefer to stay at home. But still.

My next goal was talking to someone from the The City of Segeltorp, so I headed down to the town hall. They declined my request for an interview, but a very nice man from the sports administration confirmed that the association did receive a municipal grant in January, although they were not aware that they would be competing internationally and in no way represented the City in any official capacity.

Official or not, fact remains that Segeltorp - and by association the Union - has a presence at the International Baseball Slam. To get the bigger picture we had our associates at Poll Я Us conduct a rigorous poll detailing people’s feeling about baseball. The results are perhaps not surprising, but certainly not encouraging for ‘The Corsairs’.

Results of the poll:

EDIT:
After the publication of this article, news came in from United Adaikes that the Segeltorp Association of Friends unexpectedly triumphed in their opening game against a team from Oscioru. It remains to be seen whether this shocking development will have any effect on people’s view on them, and baseball in general.

Our other top sports stories:

Participants and draws for Steinigestrasse Open and Gergary Invitational released. Several surprises.

New poll shows 3 out of 4 supports Union participation in the Copa Rushmori. But few have high hopes for the results.

Readers increasingly annoyed with two-sentence headlines. Read why here.

by **Cassadaigua** » Tue Mar 08, 2022 12:59 pm

Sutton Dominates, and the Heat of the Fire,
By Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

In the opening game of the International Baseball Slam, manager Samantha Owens had it pretty easy, as she never needed to make a pitching change. Caitlyn Sutton, projected as the #1 overall pick in the upcoming CBL draft showed everyone why that is the case with an absolutely dominant performance. New Britain would have no buzz* about them and they definitely did not roar like lions as the Fillies shut them down, 10-0. Thank Sutton for that, who tossed a complete game shutout while only needing 97 pitches to do so. She struck out 10, and did not walk any one. In fact, only twice in the game was a batter able to get three balls in a count against her. But Sutton was not the only one that was dominant, as the bats also came to play, jumping on the opponent with a four run first inning to the eventual ten run victory. Shelby Meyers, considered the top bat in the CBL draft, delivered a three run homer in the first, and went on to go 3-for-5 with four RBI’s.

Otherwise, I must say that one line in my last article got a lot of attention. In it, I stated, “Fairfax has not fielded a competitive team in a very long time.” Honestly, I apologize for forgetting about their 82-80 season two years ago where they slipped into the playoffs. Thanks to the playoff structure that exists per division within the CBL, that record was good enough to get the Fire into the playoffs. I’m sorry, I forgot about that as the season was an outlier to other recent years. Many fans wrote in to chew me out for the comment, but the GM of the Fairfax Fire, Frank Fisher posted on twii’tur that, “Chelsea Dufresne needs to get her head out of her Concord Heights ass. This team made the playoffs two years ago!” Yes, you did. I apologize.

This is the kind of thing that small market teams love that don’t spend money, by the way. That one fluke year where they do something good, to get fans interested and hope that energy will last a few years. Apparently based on this reaction, that fire is not out yet.

*- (OOC) So this line is understood, there is a semi pro team called the New Britain Bees IRL.

by **United Adaikes** » Tue Mar 08, 2022 4:03 pm

Start Time: 6:05 p.m., Local Time
Attendance: 55, 104
Venue: Millenium Stadium
Game Duration: 2:21

Teams			1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E
The Aháàng Excellencies	0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   0 4 1
United Adaikes Hawks	0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 X   4 8 2
WP: Kimmie Johnson (1-0) - LP: Barsim de la Rosa (0-1)

Highlights of the match:

-Daniel Robinson's double, 2 ribbies, 2 hits in 3 at-bats
-Ground Ball Double Play at the Top of the 4th Inning, No Outs, Runner in 1st Base: Winery-Strickland-Morisson
-Team is 4-11 when runners are in scoring position
-Kimmie Johnson's 1st international win, ending in a shutout

Field Condition: Dry
Start Time Weather: 16°C, Wind 0mph, No Precipitation

by **South Newlandia** » Tue Mar 08, 2022 4:27 pm

About pineapples in South Newlandia

Pineapples can be commonly found growing on the West Coast of South Newlandia, where they have favourable conditions to grow thanks to warm water brought in by the Strele Channel, the channel that separates South Newlandia from Tumbra and the rest of the continent. This means that cities like Elephant Valley, but also Burgh and other smaller cities on the West Coast are able to grow the tropical fruits. Pineapples are less common on the Southwestern Islands of South Newlandia, because the sandy ground often isn’t fertile enough to sustain large amounts of pineapples.

Along the west coast, many cities profit from growing pineapples, as they can export them into the rest of South Newlandia and Esportiva, often through the harbour of Elephant Valley. The pineapple sector is largely in the hand of small, often family-owned farms, as the South Newlandian government is careful to prevent any monopolies from developing.

Of course, the most common use of pineapples is to eat them, but there are other fun little things you can do with them. For example, pumpkins are rare in South Newlandia, so many people will carve out pineapples in the fall to make a very unique kind of jack-o-lantern, and there are even some reports of someone living in a pineapple under the sea. Pineapples are also something Elephants enjoy eating, at least in small quantities, and elephants are occasionally showing up to farms snack on some of the pineapples.

Most pineapples, however, do end up getting consumed by humans. Pineapple juice is a common drink on the West Coast, and you can pair pineapples with many different foods. While every South Newlandians favourite argument is whether it belongs on pizza, most do agree that pineapples are a great thing to add to fruit salads, yogurts, and other snacks. Pineapple slices are also an enjoyable snack by themselves.

by **StrayaRoos** » Tue Mar 08, 2022 4:31 pm

by **United Adaikes** » Tue Mar 08, 2022 5:19 pm

MD2 Cutoff

Group A
The Aháàng Excellencies 3–1 New Britain Lions
Oscioru 0–5 Cassadaigua U18s
United Adaikes Hawks 4–6 Segeltorp Association of Friends - 'The Corsairs'

Group A                                                Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD 
1 Cassadaigua U18s                                       2   2  0   15   0 +15
2 Segeltorp Association of Friends - 'The Corsairs'      2   2  0   12   9  +3
3 United Adaikes Hawks                                   2   1  1    8   6  +2
4 The Aháàng Excellencies                                2   1  1    3   5  −2
5 Oscioru                                                2   0  2    5  11  −6
6 New Britain Lions                                      2   0  2    1  13 −12

Group B
MCC Cricketers 4–3 Xanneria Maroons U23
CubeLand Slashers 4–12 BLP Neptun Taru
Nova Anglicana Lions 11–3 StrayaRoos U18 Young Emus

Group B                                                Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD 
1 MCC Cricketers                                         2   2  0   11   6  +5
2 Nova Anglicana Lions                                   2   1  1   14  10  +4
  Xanneria Maroons U23                                   2   1  1    9   5  +4
4 BLP Neptun Taru                                        2   1  1   13  10  +3
5 StrayaRoos U18 Young Emus                              2   1  1    7  13  −6
6 CubeLand Slashers                                      2   0  2    6  16 −10

Group C
San Isidro Labrador Jornaleros 6–3 South Newlandia U21s
Super-Llamaland U19s 2–6 Buccaneer Pirates
Quebec and Shingoryeo U22s 14–2 Abanhfleft Revolution All-Stars

Group C                                                Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD 
1 San Isidro Labrador Jornaleros                         2   2  0   10   3  +7
2 Buccaneer Pirates                                      2   2  0   10   5  +5
3 Quebec and Shingoryeo U22s                             2   1  1   14   6  +8
4 Abanhfleft Revolution All-Stars                        2   1  1    6  14  −8
5 South Newlandia U21s                                   2   0  2    6  10  −4
6 Super-Llamaland U19s                                   2   0  2    2  10  −8

Group D
Araznan Rangers 3–6 Dreamcliff Blizzard
Lower Pottsylvania Platypuses 12–14 BC Dotivija City U18
Eshialand U21s 1–3 TJUN-ia U21 Batting Cubs

Group D                                                Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD 
1 BC Dotivija City U18                                   2   2  0   20  12  +8
2 TJUN-ia U21 Batting Cubs                               2   2  0    7   3  +4
3 Dreamcliff Blizzard                                    2   1  1    6   9  −3
4 Araznan Rangers                                        2   1  1    5   7  −2
5 Eshialand U21s                                         2   0  2    2   5  −3
6 Lower Pottsylvania Platypuses                          2   0  2   14  18  −4

by **Zaambate Te Ahaa** » Tue Mar 08, 2022 8:46 pm

"Stàarík'!" It was a little after six p.m. and the Excellencies had just gone to bat against the lions. Much as the previous night had, Felu Tasrapi went first to bat and started the game with a strike. Tíusepo was practically inventing the baseball lexicon for the Maxatanga language with every announcement, though every declaration of 'stàarík'' and 'aut'' broke his heart just a little bit, especially as he set back to deliver the announcement that Felu would receive another strike. It wasn't until Felu Tasrapi was rounding second that it dawned on him that Felu had hit the ball, and decently at that. The fans cheered, and they cheered even louder when Felu stole third when Ardang came up to bat. Pelor Dan struck "aut", but the excitement rising in Tíusepo's throat truly died when Ardang was also tagged out trying to steal second. #13 Jafir al Razid, one of the youngest players on the Excellencies, pointed his bat first at Tíusepo, and then out int the crowd calling his shot.

"Oh, young al Razid, is that a challange I see?" Tíusepo, amused, watched the young batter take stance. "Well, everybody, Jafir al Razid, #13 is calling his shot. He's gonna make me, mom and pop back home and all you watching very proud now." And the next thing Tíusepo knew, he was hollering a new phrase out loud as Tasrapi rounded first, and al Razid touched home not long behind him. "Mahi nejeje! Mahi ejeje!" Literally it meant "great run", that was how it felt in the hearts of those mBaháàï watching at home. "Oh, no, this is horrible, horrible." Tíusepo laughed through his excitement. "Now he will never let us live it down."

Jafir lit his team on fire, and they rode the buzz of that killer hit until the 7th inning, when Pelor Dan made up for his early performance with another home run. When the clock ran down a little past 8, and the final score was cemented in history, everyon rushed the field, and a great many tears were shed once the huddling throng made its way back to the dugout. None were more jovial than Jafir and Pelor, however, who posed, shaking hands, in their own frontmost row of the team photo taken for tomorrow's papers.

"Well, there you have it, sports fans, the comeback of the Aháàng nation. This is the start of a renaissance for our once mighty culture, and it was spurred by a 20 year old man named Jafir al Razid. Oh, I hope to see you all again in two days time, at which point the Excellencies will be playing their third game, against the Corsairs. I am Tíusepo, and I'll be holding my breath until then. Gods bless all of you. Niki, bless those watching as you have blessed the Excellencies tonight. Stay safe, everybody. Now for the highlight reel." Oh, buddy, Tíusepo thought as he adjusted his headscarf, and prepared to join the players for their celebrations. Tonight's review is going to be so, so solid.

Later that night, Jafir and Pelor Dan would walk together back to the hotel after a light round of drinks to celebrate. They were not the first to leave the pub, nor the last, but they were the only ones that everyone insisted on personally blessing as they walked out the door. "Oh, you know everyone will be calling you a hero back home." Pelor patted Jafir on the back, and the younger man just smiled.

"Us, Pelor, not just me. And they've already started. We are the face of the Takani regime right now, and I know you've noticed." It was true. The Excellencies were the poster children of the new monarchs, being touted every opportunity as the first wave of hero for the new Zaambate Té Aháâ. "We are the standard to which all young athletes with strive, but until a week ago no one knew our names. We didn't even make the columns until we were on the plane to Adaikes."

"But is it so bad?" Pelor hummed and shrugged. "We get paid to go on an all expenses paid trip to play baseball with some of the world's best in a country that has not recently been ravaged by civil war for a few weeks, maybe a month or so if we're really lucky." Jafir did not respond, and Pelor shrugged again. "That is as I see it. We are heros for the now, who knows how long it will last? Just go with the flow, al Razid."

Jafir still said nothing. It was nice here in United Adaikes, and the victory tonight especially felt good. He felt his presence was political, however, and that there was a pressure on him to excel. Now he chuckled, thinking of the irony of the situation. Jafir would sleep well that night, and he'd write a letter home sending all his love and a tacky keychain he bought in the hotel lobby first thing he awoke in the morning. Maybe it wasn't so bad being a statement. Perhaps Jafir would get used to being a statement. Actually, he got to thinking that he kind of liked the way that sounded, Jafir-the-Statement. After breakfast, he would write a second letter, composed for the Temple. If Jafir was to be used, he could at least get all the clout that came with his position.

by **Corridor of Uncertainty** » Wed Mar 09, 2022 3:58 am

Match report from the website JustNotCricket.unc.

Cricketers edge low scoring second Test

by **Kriegiersien** » Wed Mar 09, 2022 7:27 am

The party after the last and before the next match was well underway amongst the Bucs.

“We woooon, we won. Against a team of Llaaaamas. Dramalamas. No animal can beat me”, Rubert said grinning.

“These were no real Llamas. What is wrong with you?”, said Pops.

“They had loooong necks and noses”, Rubert whispered, his eye wide.

“Oh, have ye again eaten from the fermented pineapples ya stole from the South Newlandians? They arrrr not good for you.”

“Better than rum. Rrrrrrruuum”, said Rubert laughing.

“You have an allergy against Pineapples!”

“Allergy Allegedly, Allergidely. Tihi”, Rubert fell to the floor, giggling.

“Just bring him to his cabin, to sleep it out”, commanded Cherry.

While the two left the deck, Smutje stormed in, a paper in his hand.

“Guys, I know how we win the game against Quebec. I made the calculations!”

“And how is that?”, said Cherry raising an eyebrow.

“Get on bases! It is so simple”, Smutje looked around excited.

Everyone kept quiet.

Cherry put an arm around him.
“Yes, yes it is. What would we do without you?”

“Thank you, captain.”

“So, what do ye know about Quebec?”

“You mean, the city or nation or..”

“Our next opponent, the players, tactics, line-up, strength, weaknesses.”

“Well. To be honest…. Not much...”

Cherry nodded, smiling.
“That is ok, who do ye think should be our starting pitcharrr?”

Smutje thought a bit, looking around.

“Sally?”

“Sally is great, but he started already against Newlandia, he was ok, but maybe someone else this time?”

“Rubert?”

“He has a little bit of a bad day, too many Pineapples. I think we should put him back for now.”

“George?”, this time the answer came slower, the name stretched.

“He is a bit exhausted and will be after this night, too.”

“Will I be?”, asked George with a concerned look on his face.

“Yes. So who else do ye throw into the captains hat?”, asked Cherry Smutje, still smiling.

“Macy”, said Smutje with confidence.

Macy gave him a stonecold look and a thumbs up.

“Very good idea. Well done”, Cherry pat Smutjes head.
“Than we have decided that. And now I will tell ye all the lineup and rest of the plan.”

by **Nova Anglicana** » Wed Mar 09, 2022 1:17 pm

Player Profile: Ian Klein and Gary Warren

Player: Ian Klein

Team: Truro Iron Horsemen (Portus Abonae Millers, AAA Maritime League)

Position: Starting pitcher

Scouting Report:

His long, smooth lefty arm stroke, almost a slingshot delivery, has helped him make his way through the minors, as he hides the ball effectively. His fastball isn't overpowering, as he sits in the 88-90 mph range (though he has been up to 93), but Klein commands it to his arm side and the pitch tails down and in to lefties and down and away to righties. He also has a sweeping slider that his release point makes it difficult to pick up on. So far, he's been able to get away with mostly fastball/slider, as his changeup is still in the developmental stage. righties and lefties, though. There's real reliever risk here if the changeup never pans out, but he has a great feel for locating the fastball/slider, which keeps him on the starter track, at least for now. His floor is that of an excellent lefty specialist, with the potential to be a #4/5 starter if the changeup becomes something real. He is also apparently working on a big 12-6 curveball to give batters a different look. With four usable pitches, he might be a #3. If the curve becomes his third pitch, then he has multi-inning reliever potential. All in all, he's still only 25 and has a few different paths forward as he heads into his later 20s.

Sample outing: May 9 vs Liverpool Raiders, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R/ER, 2 BB, 9 K

This is Klein at his best. This was the first time the Raiders had seen him, and the two-thirds lefty lineup was not prepared. Even the right-handers were still getting used to his delivery and pitch mix. In a sign of how tied up lefties were, he was able to rack up three strikeouts on fastballs that tailed down and in against them, which is incredible. He also showed an advanced feel for locating the slider to the back foot of right-handers, picking up a few more strikeouts that way. But Klein's slim frame is still somewhat of an issue. He walked two batters in the seventh before bouncing back to strike out the last hitter he faced, but he was lifted after throwing 103 pitches. If teams battle him, he can get fatigued and start leaving pitches over the plate. Additionally, so much of his arsenal is based on the idea that he can start a pitch in the strike zone and have it end up well outside, inducing chases. If teams are patient and can lay off the pitches outside of the zone, then he becomes more hittable when he has to locate over the plate. This type of performance shows he can be dominant against lefties and competent against righties, but he does have platoon splits and as teams get adjusted, he's going to need that third pitch. This was his best outing of the year, and it came very early on.

Player: Gary Warren

Team: Rothesay Patricians (DC Brewers, AAA Maritime League)

Position: Third base

Scouting report:

Pop is Warren’s calling card, as he's had plus raw power since high school. Even in high school, Warren was a large, strong young man, and he's only gotten stronger at university and in the minors. He is easily capable of light-tower shots when he really gets into one. The question is how often can he do that in game settings? He generated a lot of interest when he was first drafted out of university, hitting 11 homers in only 48 games as a Labrador Leaguer. But since then, he took two years to get through the TPL and now, at the end of his first Maritime League Season, he has 47 career homers, or just 36 in over 200 games since then. While his swing is a real power uppercut, it’s also grooved, which means it settles into a familiar pattern swing after swing. Because Warren struggles to make in-pitch adjustments and doesn’t cover enough of the strike zone, he can't tap in to that raw power often enough. He makes solid swing decisions, and while his power production hasn't been consistent, he has shown enough patience to make up for a sub-standard batting average. He started out as a shortstop, but quickly moved to third because of his size. He's surprisingly athletic for being so big, and he can be an above-average defender at the position if he makes a few more improvements. There have definitely been bumps in the road in his development, and the swing-and-miss could doom him to a minor league career. But if he can up his batting average a little and improve his defense a little, he's got the makings of a consistent backup. Some in the organization still see the upside of a true power bat who hits fifth in a good lineup, but he'll have to really be consistent with his power stroke and make the aforementioned adjustments.

Sample outing: July 25 vs Yarmouth Steamers, 0-3, 3 K, BB, SF

Before this game, Warren blasted a dozen balls over the fence in batting practice and boasted that he felt good. He then proceeded to strike out his first three times at bat, on a high fastball, a curve, and a slider. Those pitches hit spots his swing wasn't covering. However, he did rebound to work a walk, and, late in the game, he knocked a 399-foot sac fly on what can only be described as an awkward swing. He's got real power, he just needs it to show up consistently in-game. He also made two diving plays and showed off his arm at third. If he'd been able to make adjustments, we might be talking about a 2-3 game with a homer in addition to the walk, the power the sac fly showed, and the defense. If he can put it all together, he's got a shot at a big-league regular role, but that's a big if.

Note: See a player you like during the profiles? TG me or send me a message on Discord asking if said player can join your league.

(O.O) · by **TJUN-ia** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:43 am

After a good opening day victory over the Platypuses, the Battin' Cubs of TJUN-ia were certainly happy after scoring their 2nd ever win as a program. Vojtěch Heyrovský was happy as well, winning his first game as manager and all that, and he certainly knew that getting a positive mindset into this team was going to be key for further development, especially as the retirements in the senior team may be upcoming in the future. But still, a job still has to be done and four more games at least.

Our 2nd game here at Triumph Stadium in Perthdoches, United Adaikes was against the U21s of Eshialand, meaning we had a U21 vs U21 Game on our hands. Kimi Holvanen, leaving after this tournament, was the starter for this one and only conceding a single run to a baseball program with as much promise as Eshialand's is certainly another good sign that the experienced members of this team took a step up. While they got 1, we got three and all of them thanks to a 3-run bomb from Anastasia Mykvinich in the 5th. We get only 1 win in four games two years ago and now, we get 2 wins in two - certainly a transformation for the better.

Perthdoches has certainly seen a good start by these Cubs, but we still have to keep it up if we want to make absolutely sure that we will be moving on. Up next will be the Araznan Rangers, a new team looking to improve off of their 1-1 start. GO CUBS GO!

SCHEDULE (Group D, all games at Triumph Stadium, Perthdoches)
MD1: vs Lower Pottsylvania Platypuses W 4-2 (2nd)
MD2: vs Eshialand U21s W 3-1 (2nd)
MD3: vs Araznan Rangers
MD4: vs BC Dotivija City U18 (Dotivija)
MD5: vs Dreamcliff Blizzard (Huron League)

by **Zaambate Te Ahaa** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:46 am

"Faxala hòna and buenas días, sports fans, I am Tíusepo, and if you don't know me then soon you will love me. Let me tell you who you do know and love, however, everybody's favorite first to bat, he has yet to be struck out in the IBS, he's here and he is ready to get the show on the road, it is number 4, Felu Tasrapi." Tíusepo slapped Felu on the chest, who, already nervous, took a look of surprise but kept his chest puffed out in pride. Tasrapi removed his forest green colored cap, and displayed the palm of his right hand, fingers slightly curved in a display of blessing. In a fluid motion, his hand came down and into Tíusepo's, and they shook hands for all watching at home. "Felu, comrade, we are not here to admire the Adaikes sunrise, however."

"No, no, but it is nice to play at sunrise and not sunset for once. It is a break for us, you know? Today, there are no hard acts for us to follow, and the shoes the other teams fill will be smaller as well, truly an easier day for all involved." He placed the cap upon his head once more, and fixed it with a laugh and a smile. His whole uniform was a light, sandy color, almost a shade of cream from his shirt down to his deep red shoes.

"Ah, so you expect to congratulating the Corsairs at the end of this match? In but a few short moments, young Tasrapi, you will go to face your opponents, and friendly smiles will not subdue such a band as they. No pressure, comrade, but those Segeltorp gentlefellows are currently undefeated." Tíusepo raised his eyebrow, and returned the mic to Felu.

"But there have only been two matches so far! We are not so far behind them!" The batter protested, still smiling, wagging his finger into the camera as if in playful intimidation. "I have said all my prayers to Niki today, and i have dreamed of the laurel on my brow."

"It is true that as it stands the Excellencies are currently qualifying to move on to the next stage of the games, however even a well played failure against the Corsairs may be enough to change that. They have proven Niki's favor is theirs as much as it is yours." Tíu now warned the young man, gesturing in the vague direction of the Corsairs.

"And it is very good for them. They arr very good players, and have performed better than us thus far. But I am here to bring glory to my country, and I will not allow my head to swim with fears of failure. I am here to have fun, and my heart will be hardened with sportsmanship, but not submission to the Corsairs."

"Have you any parting words for the people at home, and the Corsairs? You must return to your practicing, and I wish not to keep you any further."

"To those at home, I say, get ready. Soon, the games will begin again, and you will not wish to leave your seat for comodities. Get the chips and dip ready, and turn your phone to silent. To the Corsairs? Good luck, my friends, and offer us no quarter. Have fun, and we look forward to facing you shortly." Felu nodded and tipped his hat, and ran off to join his team for their last minute warm ups.

"And there you have it sports fans, the Excellencies are ready for their day and they wish the best to their opponents as well. Who will Niki and Apálõ choose for victory today? Time will tell. I am Tíusepo, your gracious host, and when we return we will have our cake and eat it to, as the mighty Aháàng Excellencies will be facing down the Segeltorp Association of Friend Corsairs. It's hot, it's next, but first a few words from our sponsors."

by **Gnejs** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 11:15 am

Two down

Birgitte wiped the sweat from her forehead as she lounged on the grass in a quaint little park just opposite to the team’s living quarters. The second game was over, and again they had emerged victorious. I felt unreal. Not in the way you sometimes say things feel unreal, like you’re trying to communicate a sense of being overwhelmed, it really felt like reality had been warped and she was walking around in this bizzarro world where she didn’t really belong.

She almost started laughing when she thought back on that first Wednesday night at Sailor’s Park. None of them really had any expectations back then. Apart from maybe Aslak. But even he must’ve had doubts. It had been really awkward at first, a group of grownup strangers playing a kids game in the park. The looks passing people had given them hadn’t made it any easier either. Anyone over the age of 14 playing with sticks and balls in the park were either students doing a round of BeerBall or some weird misfit. Why? Unclear. It’s just not the Union way.

But it didn’t take them very long to shake that initial feeling of embarrassment, and 20 minutes in they were all enjoying themselves immensely. It wasn’t that surprising really; there’s obviously a reason why kids love playing burnball in park. Baseball wasn’t a kids game in the same way, of course, she knew that. She knew it back then, but even more so now after being swept up in the crazy world of the Slam.

But they had started out small. The first step was to get to know each other and get a feel for the game. They had played burnball, basically, with a few modifications. For starters they rearranged the bases into that strange diamond shape, where the fourth base kind of disappeared by morphing into the the batters starting position. It was strange, but you got used to it. It was the ball being thrown right at you when you’re hitting that really made people jump. After Aslak realized a pitcher’s true purpose, he’d made great effort to fill that kind of shoes. He seemed to get in the groove fairly quickly, although he did struggle with getting much power in his throws in the beginning. Birgitte had heard from Baard that he spent pretty much every waking hour practicing. A perk of being unemployed, you could say.

Birgitte didn’t have the opportunity to put that much effort into it, but she’d still spent considerable hours during evenings and nights practicing with a bat. It wasn’t quite like returning a serve, despite Aslak’s reassurances, but it wasn’t completely different either. In any case she and a few of the others did benefit greatly from having access to the Ecpatia TK training facility and their tennis ball machines after hours. It wasn’t like being up against a real pitcher, but it was a pretty good proxy for practicing on your swing. And it had produced results. The entire old tennis gang had been able to produce some great hits during the first games. Birgitte had all but given up on doing anything serious sports wise after she got kicked out of the Elite Programme at the Ecpatia Academy of Excellence five years ago. She only signed up for this Slam affair because her old friend Jakob had asked her, but after two games of baseball she realized she loved it. She was too old to make any big career out of this, she knew that. But she was starting to get around to Aslak’s dream of making baseball a new national pastime in the Union.

by **StrayaRoos** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 3:02 pm

*REPORT CENSORED*

BY THE ORDER OF THE ROOSIAN GOVERNMENT

by **South Newlandia** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 4:09 pm

DAM BREAK IN OSTREKA

After warnings around the East of South Newlandia following constant rainfall in the Southeast that rivers may go way above their normal size, a dam protecting the small city of Ostreka has been destroyed according to camera footage. This has caused the Kizuka River to break a dam to the Northeast of Ostreka. The city of 12,000 had been evacuated following alarms hours ago, but reports indicate there may still be hundreds of citizens remained in their homes. Firefighters and a special section of the South Newlandian defence branch intended to protect civilians in catastrophes are working around the clock. President Nia Freeman has requested aid from the Esportivan Union, as the damages are yet to be estimated, but could be the worst in the history of South Newlandia. As of now, no casualties have been confirmed. More as this situation develops.

by **United Adaikes** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 4:22 pm

MD3 Cutoff

Group A
Segeltorp Association of Friends - 'The Corsairs' 3–1 The Aháàng Excellencies
Cassadaigua U18s 1–2 United Adaikes Hawks
New Britain Lions 5–6 Oscioru

Group A                                                Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD 
1 Segeltorp Association of Friends - 'The Corsairs'      3   3  0   15  10  +5
2 United Adaikes Hawks                                   3   2  1   10   7  +3
3 Cassadaigua U18s                                       3   2  1   16   2 +14
4 The Aháàng Excellencies                                3   1  2    4   8  −4
5 Oscioru                                                3   1  2   11  16  −5
6 New Britain Lions                                      3   0  3    6  19 −13

Group B
StrayaRoos U18 Young Emus 4–5 MCC Cricketers
BLP Neptun Taru 4–8 Nova Anglicana Lions
Xanneria Maroons U23 0–1 CubeLand Slashers

Group B                                                Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD 
1 MCC Cricketers                                         3   3  0   16  10  +6
2 Nova Anglicana Lions                                   3   2  1   22  14  +8
3 Xanneria Maroons U23                                   3   1  2    9   6  +3
4 BLP Neptun Taru                                        3   1  2   17  18  −1
5 StrayaRoos U18 Young Emus                              3   1  2   11  18  −7
6 CubeLand Slashers                                      3   1  2    7  16  −9

Group C
Abanhfleft Revolution All-Stars 4–3 San Isidro Labrador Jornaleros
Buccaneer Pirates 6–5 Quebec and Shingoryeo U22s
South Newlandia U21s 6–2 Super-Llamaland U19s

Group C                                                Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD 
1 Buccaneer Pirates                                      3   3  0   16  10  +6
2 Abanhfleft Revolution All-Stars                        3   2  1   10  17  −7
3 San Isidro Labrador Jornaleros                         3   2  1   13   7  +6
4 Quebec and Shingoryeo U22s                             3   1  2   19  12  +7
5 South Newlandia U21s                                   3   1  2   12  12   0
6 Super-Llamaland U19s                                   3   0  3    4  16 −12

Group D
TJUN-ia U21 Batting Cubs 8–3 Araznan Rangers
BC Dotivija City U18 2–0 Eshialand U21s
Dreamcliff Blizzard 8–1 Lower Pottsylvania Platypuses

Group D                                                Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD 
1 BC Dotivija City U18                                   3   3  0   22  12 +10
2 TJUN-ia U21 Batting Cubs                               3   3  0   15   6  +9
3 Dreamcliff Blizzard                                    3   2  1   14  10  +4
4 Araznan Rangers                                        3   1  2    8  15  −7
5 Eshialand U21s                                         3   0  3    2   7  −5
6 Lower Pottsylvania Platypuses                          3   0  3   15  26 −11

by **Zaambate Te Ahaa** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 5:36 pm

"Tíusepo keeping alive his day job today by speaking now with V.I.P. and fan favorite, number 13, Jafir al Razid. Young Jafir, congratulations on your home run today, truly your performance brought the match to life. And yet, it was not enough, and in the end victory belonged to the Corsairs. Tell me, young Jafir, how are you feeling?"

"Honestly, Tíu," Jafir nodded respectfully to the crowd at home. "I feel good. I feel like despite the loss that it was not a deficiency of our skill, but the magnitude of theirs that factored, the Corsairs played really well, and at the end of the game the board said they played well enough. But I feel like over the past week, the past three games, we have been given perspective of what we were up against in the IBS, and now we will have the advantage of this perspective moving forward into our match with the team from Oscioru in a few days. We now know how not to over nor underestimate our opponent and as it stands we are still qualifying for to move ahead in the tourney, and that makes it a good day when the sun has set."

"Ah, yes, for now you are poised to advance, however it is indeed the Oscioru team that is but one run behind you on the charts, meaning a loss tomorrow will usurp your position and remove you from your seat of safety. Does the Oscioru performace tonight alarm you at all, Jafir?"

"No, not at all. They play good baseball, so do we. We can not be discounted and our advance can not be halted." Jafir spoke firmly, politely into the camera as he kept his hands folded before him.

"Perhaps then it is both teams who have their work cut out for them. You must be diligent in your training young Jafir, and this will lead you to success." Tíusepo placed his hand on the young man's shoulder, as a father would his son. "But please, tell everyone at home about yourself. We are all dying to become aquainted with our star player."

"My name is Jafir al Razzid, I am 20 years old, I..." Jafir paused, and laughed. He was no public speaker, but Tíusepo had made him feel comfortable up until now. Jafir was used to a private lifestyle, quiet. "I do volunteer work at my local library in East District, in Sânkot', and my primary income comes from a bakery that I also work for. My parents are from Embisu, but I was born in Sânkot'. In my spare time I play baseball."

"Oh, are you any good?" It was quicker than thinking for Tíu, flicking the microphone back to him for the quickest moment.

"I like to think so." Jafir laughed. "I have a mother and father, a brother, and a beautiful girlfriend at home, and I miss them every day. They are the reason I play, and I only regret they can not enjoy beautiful Thraproy with me. I have sent word to the temple, I wish to dedicate my name to Apálõ. I have requested my blessed name to be Jafir-the-Statement." A bold choice to reveal it on live television before the temple could even approve it or deny it. No matter now how the Temple responded,it was in the minds of millions at home, and so Jafir-the-Statement he was.

"Well there you have it everybody. He's a sly guy with a soft side and he likes home runs all day long and seeks to prove his dedication to Apálõ. What a man! Come back and see him and the Excellencies play once more against the team from Oscioru, and stay further tuned for the nail biting conclusion of the qualifiers. It fast approaches, and I fast depart. Have a blessed night, sports fans."

(O.O) · by **TJUN-ia** » Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:39 pm

After a good win over Eshialand's U21 side, the Battin Cubs of TJUN-ia's U21s were certainly enjoying life here at Triumph Stadium in the United Adaikes. Vojtěch Heyrovský could certainly see that his way of doing things was working to some effect on this program and he could certainly feel that the feeling of "just a developmental" was fading to a more "stars of tomorrow" feel. That is certainly powerful for a youth team to feel, but how much would that affect this team's performance?

Today's game was against the Rangers from Araznan, a new nation looking to make its mark. This would be Douglas Sherman
vs our new pitcher in Yolande Sirapui, and to say this one was interesting would be an understatement. Considering this was her debut at the plate, concerning only 3 runs wasn't too bad at all - those runs coming from a 3-run bomb by William J. As for us? We managed 8 runs...E I G H T. 3-run bomb by Palila Kalawai’a, 2-runs from Martina Andrade de Souza and 1 each from Khin Marlar Tun, Anastasia Mykvinich and Santino Fenatti. It was a dynamite performance by the Cubs overall and certainly our best win thus far...our 4th in history and one that secured us a spot in our first IBS playoffs.

With that glass ceiling broken, attention now comes to trying to get as high of seeding as possible - and what better way of doing that in an undefeated vs undefeated match. Yes, next time is 3-0 vs 3-0 as the undefeated Battin' Cubs of TJUN-ia U21 take on the undefeated U18s of BC Dotivija City from...Dotivija. Two teams enter, one will leave 4-0...let's see who! GO CUBS GO!

SCHEDULE (Group D, all games at Triumph Stadium, Perthdoches)
MD1: vs Lower Pottsylvania Platypuses W 4-2 (2nd)
MD2: vs Eshialand U21s W 3-1 (2nd)
MD3: vs Araznan Rangers W 8-3 (2nd)
MD4: vs BC Dotivija City U18 (Dotivija)
MD5: vs Dreamcliff Blizzard (Huron League)

by **Kriegiersien** » Fri Mar 11, 2022 3:09 pm

Cherry went to every Batter of her team, gave him a bat and then a photo.

“What's this?”, asked Slimfinger.

“We play against the title defender and now it is important to step up our game. Yo, Slim, have a photo of Chiemeka Watkins and everyone else has a player to take care of. Me included.”
She showed them her photo of Alexis Socia.

“But..”, Pops scratched his head in confusion. “This is no football or basketball, where you guard an opponent.”

“Nonono. Ye don’t guard them. Ye use your baseball bats and take care of yer target”, explained Cherry.

Everyone looked around, searching for help in the other faces if they understood right.

“The old pirate way. Let’s see if they's can hold their's batting order after ye arrrr done with them. But be sneaky.”

by **Srednjaci** » Sat Mar 12, 2022 12:32 am

BASEBALL ASSOCIATION SREDNJACI

International Baseball Slam XVI

Our young baseball players are playing well in this competition.
Players composed of clubs from the domestic league, but also the league from Dotiv, represent our baseball under a unique name, Neptune Taru.

Many are certainly wondering why Neptune Taru, why not the Srednjaci U21?
At the session of the executive board of the national baseball association and the presidency of the clubs in the city of Taru, a strategy for the development of baseball in the country was agreed upon. Our league has not yet experienced the development of this sport like leagues in other sports. The league has a lot of players from 35 to 40 years old. After all, most of these players are actually semi-professionals and amateurs. But without them, the clubs would not have a sufficient number of players and therefore the league would be unsustainable.
Many players of these older generations are dentists, masons, taxi drivers, so they come from various other professions. Young players are the first generation of professionalism. Therefore, it was decided that the national team will not be sent until the league is become profesional.
The association has selected its scouts who have the task of being in the matches of the domestic league and foreign leagues in which our players play, accompany the players and propose to the association players who could represent the united league Neptune Taru.
The name of our first baseball league is the Neptune League.

by **Corridor of Uncertainty** » Sat Mar 12, 2022 12:15 pm

Match report from the website JustNotCricket.unc.

Cricketers claim series with narrow win

International Baseball Slam XVI EVERYTHING Thread

Batter Up!: A Good Start To The 2nd Go Around!

Batter Up!: Another Day, Another Good Performance

Loss To the Lions

Batter Up!: Moving On Up In Perthdoches

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