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StLee
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Year 1 Offseason: September - December Transactions
8.29.2285 - TradeSunset Sarsaparilla traded 29-year-old catcher Bob Seymour to the RobCo Robots, getting 18-year-old second baseman Vincent Floyd and 17-year-old third baseman Eric Fuller in return.9.14.2285 - TradeSunset Sarsaparilla traded 27-year-old reliever Ralph Hart to the New California Republic Bears, getting 18-year-old reliever Will Stewart and 17-year-old starting pitcher Russ Hansen in return.9.27.2285 - Information leakA few of the locations for minor league affiliates were leaked publicly: Aerotech Office Park, 188 Trading Post, Mojave Outpost, and the NCR Correctional Facility. In addition, the rebuilding towns of Boulder City and Nipton both had baseball facilities built.10.5.2285 - Player DraftRound 1Round 1, Pick 1 - Nuka Cola: SP Keith HeardRound 1, Pick 2 - Sunset Sarsaparilla: SP Harry AdamsRound 1, Pick 3 - Atomic Wrangler Wranglers: SP Keith Oven LightRound 1, Pick 4 - H&H Tool Company: SP Dave DavisRound 1, Pick 5 - The Tops: CF Paul StrongRound 1, Pick 6 - Ultra Luxe: CF Rob BrownRound 1, Pick 7 - Vault-Tec Vault Boys: SP Dave YoungRound 1, Pick 8 - RobCo Robots: SP Oliver HernándezRound 1, Pick 9 - Gomorrah: SP Matt FlamethrowerRound 1, Pick 10 - King's SoI Kings: SP Lester WattsRound 1, Pick 11 - Lucky 38: SP Glenn BradyRound 1, Pick 12 - New California Republic Bears: SP I Am GodRound 2Round 2, Pick 1 - Nuka Cola: CF George HoodRound 2, Pick 2 - Sunset Sarsaparilla: SP Michael SmithRound 2, Pick 3 - Atomic Wrangler Wranglers: SP Tim BurtonRound 2, Pick 4 - H&H Tool Company: SP Lou LongRound 2, Pick 5 - The Tops: RF Nick Little PeckerRound 2, Pick 6 - Ultra Luxe: SP Broderick ThorntonRound 2, Pick 7 - Vault-Tec Vault Boys: SP Alex MartinRound 2, Pick 8 - RobCo Robots: CF Willis O'QuinnRound 2, Pick 9 - Gomorrah: CF Noel PittsRound 2, Pick 10 - King's SoI Kings: MR Paul SmileyRound 2, Pick 11 - Lucky 38: 2B William SparksRound 2, Pick 12 - New California Republic Bears: SP Mike FlowersRound 3Round 3, Pick 1 - Nuka Cola: 1B Art HydeRound 3, Pick 2 - Sunset Sarsaparilla: SP Ron DarraghRound 3, Pick 3 - Atomic Wrangler Wranglers: SP Anthony HammondRound 3, Pick 4 - H&H Tool Company: SS Mario SuárezRound 3, Pick 5 - The Tops: SS António RosadoRound 3, Pick 6 - Ultra Luxe: SP Takem NeverlifeRound 3, Pick 7 - Vault-Tec Vault Boys: 1B David SchoolskipperRound 3, Pick 8 - RobCo Robots: CF Mojave Desert BlueRound 3, Pick 9 - Gomorrah: SP Jorge LugoRound 3, Pick 10 - King's SoI Kings: CF Gunner KnifeRound 3, Pick 11 - Lucky 38: SS Ignacio AdameRound 3, Pick 12 - New California Republic Bears: CF Big Scope LionnessRound 4Round 4, Pick 1 - Nuka Cola: SP Sherman SmithRound 4, Pick 2 - Sunset Sarsaparilla: SP Darby WatsonRound 4, Pick 3 - Atomic Wrangler Wranglers: SP Logan WagnerRound 4, Pick 4 - H&H Tool Company: SP Bill LoweryRound 4, Pick 5 - The Tops: SP Kelly NovacRound 4, Pick 6 - Ultra Luxe: SP Dewey NewtonRound 4, Pick 7 - Vault-Tec Vault Boys: SP Gregg BrownRound 4, Pick 8 - RobCo Robots: SP Michael McCardleRound 4, Pick 9 - Gomorrah: SP Rob CunninghamRound 4, Pick 10 - King's SoI Kings: SP James Tee AlienRound 4, Pick 11 - Lucky 38: SP Matt GreenRound 4, Pick 12 - New California Republic Bears: SP David MartinRound 5Round 5, Pick 1 - Nuka Cola: SP Kane HortonRound 5, Pick 2 - Sunset Sarsaparilla: SP Nathaniel MurdochRound 5, Pick 3 - Atomic Wrangler Wranglers: SP Ira LewisRound 5, Pick 4 - H&H Tool Company: SS Been There Done ThatRound 5, Pick 5 - The Tops: SS Charlie MitchellRound 5, Pick 6 - Ultra Luxe: CF Rick MillsRound 5, Pick 7 - Vault-Tec Vault Boys: SS Héctor HerreraRound 5, Pick 8 - RobCo Robots: SS Bernard O'HigginsRound 5, Pick 9 - Gomorrah: 1B Brian HollandRound 5, Pick 10 - King's SoI Kings: 3B Alf DeLayerRound 5, Pick 11 - Lucky 38: CF Mark HensonRound 5, Pick 12 - New California Republic Bears: SS Ben Adams10.14.2285 - Player injuryWilliam Sewell, Ultra LuxeSewell's wife accidentally shot him thinking he was an intruder. Thankfully she only got him in the upper arm and he is expected to recover in just over a month of natural healing time.11.12.2285 - TradeThe Tops traded 35-year-old catcher Oliver Quintero to the Atomic Wrangler Wranglers, getting 19-year-old catcher Jeff Embrey and 18-year-old center fielder Bob Anderson in return.11.30.2285 - Player injuryTim Bradley, KingsBradley had a run in with a nightkin, but was able to escape with just a nip to the hand before he and a few friends blasted the creature to oblivion.12.11.2285 - Player injuryJerry McCarter, TopsMcCarter was the unfortunate victim of a giant radscorpion attack. He was saved by a hunter but suffered a debilitating injury to his left leg. He is not expected back until late April, but he may seek league-approved chems treatment to assure his recovery. -
Year 1 Offseason: Lee's Memo
The first offseason was really busy thanks to some major proposals by Lee. I will detail all of the changes that were made as well as a variety of offseason transactions, the first Mojave player draft, and the first winter meetings.Before I jump into the details, here was the memo Lee sent out to the 12 teams' owners:9.18.2285Greetings, owners!Our first season was a huge success, beyond what I thought we could achieve in the first season. I only hope it can get better. Congratulations to the NCR on taking the first Mojave Series in thrilling fashion.I look forward to the player draft that we worked out. There are some definitive gems in the first class, and now that the boys are 16-year-old men, we’ll let them play ball with the big boys. See some of you on October 5 for the draft.We will conduct our official winter meetings from December 31 of this year until January 3. Please be aware that you need at least two representatives: one from ownership/management and one from coaching/player personnel. I recommend that the owners are present. Each team will be granted two votes, along with five independent representatives for a total of 29 votes on all league referendums. It may please some of you to know that I will not have a vote on any proposed referendums.The following decrees are already set, and the meeting will be partially to iron out these details:• Each team will now be a major league team and will be granted ONE minor league team. This is to give more playing time to the players who did not make the final roster, as well as spread the league to other parts of the Mojave where it is difficult to travel to see games. Our goal is to put more asses in the parks. I have pinpointed 12 proposed locations for the minor league teams. We will work out details for where each minor league location will be affiliated.• Each team will now adopt a team name. In addition, I recommend that each team adopt its city name and then pick a nickname based on the company. That last part is not a requirement, and I will leave it up to each organization to decide what their name will be, but I think it would be a good community-building gesture to include the community name.Other than the above-mentioned objectives, we will discuss rule changes and league policies, as well as having an open trading forum.As with everything, stay safe out there and see you all at the end of the year.Comm. Lee -
Year 1 Offseason: Awards
Lefty Grove Trophy (Best Pitcher)
1. SP - Earl Robinson, Lucky 38 - 14-3, 2.30 ERA, 145 IP, 29 BB, 112 K2. SP - Donnell Dugood, NCR - 14-4, 3.03 ERA, 142.2 IP, 47 BB, 84 K3. SP - Tom Nelson, Vault-Tec - 11-8, 2.33 ERA, 154.2 IP, 18 BB, 97 KBabe Ruth Trophy (Best Hitter)1. 1B - Wayne Freeside, The Tops - .339, 29 2B, 27 HR, 76 RBI, 69 R, 53 BB2. CF - Bob Franklin, Sunset Sarsaparilla - .294, 11 2B, 3 3B, 37 HR, 107 RBI, 73 R, 31 BB, 8 SB3. CF - Jimmy LaRue, Lucky 38 - .379, 27 2B, 8 3B, 5 HR, 43 RBI, 57 R, 22 BB, 21 SBTop Rookie (Best Player Under 20)1. CF - Jimmy LaRue, Lucky 38 - .379, 27 2B, 8 3B, 5 HR, 43 RBI, 57 R, 22 BB, 21 SB2. CF - Gerardo Makejoo, NCR - .224, 22 2B, 5 3B, 2 HR, 41 RBI, 45 R, 57 BB, 9 SB3. SP - Rich Richmond, H&H Tool Company - 3-7, 3.64 ERA, 111.1 IP, 60 BB, 51 KMojave Postseason Award (Best Playoffs Performer)1. SP - Jim Ford, NCR - 3 G, 3 GS, 2-0, 0.92 ERA, 19.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 BB, 17 K2. RF - Emilio Rodriguez, NCR - 7 G, 24 AB, 9 H (.375 AVG), 3 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, 3 BB3. C - Dennis Shaft, Lucky 38 - 10 G, 32 AB, 14 H (.438 AVG), 2 2B, HR, 7 RBI, 7 R, 10 BBHonus Wagner Defense Trophy (Best Defensive Player per Position)P - David Bennett, Lucky 38C - Vincent Harvey, Atomic Wrangler1B - Rob Carlson, Gomorrah2B - Albert Molekiller, Gomorrah3B - Ted Snyder, RobCoSS - Freddy Rogers, GomorrahLF - Jason Williams, H&H Tool CompanyCF - Jacob Bednar, GomorrahRF - Nelson Johnson, Vault-Tec -
Year 1 Offseason: The Historian
Lee considered the first season to be a huge success, and that could be seen by the number of people flooding into the Mojave from places that people didn't even know were civilized.However, as much as Lee thought the league was a success, there were always forces operating against his efforts. Snakes hide in bushes. And there were snakes in the league. Some could be seen for what they were. Others, well, others wore puppy skin.But we are not ready to look at that just yet. All you need to know now is that once the season was over, Lee arranged a conference he called the Winter Meetings where there would be voting on new league proposals and open market trading opportunities thanks to all the executives being gathered in a room. Lee also made it known that players were free to roam and work at their companies during the offseason, meaning there would be no chem testing, but any players bringing negative karma on themselves could be penalized later.In the meantime, a special committee of representatives from each team as well as some independent voters gathered to vote for the players of the year. Since the league was in its opening year, one award had a special first year parameter. The Top Rookie Award would be awarded to the best player under 20 years old (maximum age 19 at the time of voting). That eliminated the majority of players from Top Rookie eligibility, and a few owners scoffed at the designation. It was obvious who the top rookie would be, and a few people were still angry that player went to Lee's team, even if he had officially removed himself from executive of the team.Like I said, Lee could do a lot right for the community. However, what is right for the community is often not ideal for the elite. It was the elite Lee had to watch out for in his dealings. -
Year 1: Mojave Series, Game Seven
CHAMPS! NCR Cruises to 8-2 Game Seven VictoryJim Ford did not need much run support to earn his second victory in the Mojave Series, but he certainly got a lot of it early.The New California Republic jumped out to a 3-0 lead, and Ford did the rest in earning the deciding game seven victory. Ford pitched six innings, giving up no runs on just two hits with five strikeouts and two walks.Earl Robinson was the starter for Lucky 38 and suffered the loss. He gave up three runs on six hits with three strikeouts and three walks in five innings pitched.The NCR took the lead in the bottom of the first. With one out, Gabriel Rodriguez walked followed by a Clyde Martin double to put runners at second and third. Mike Britton then singled in Rodriguez to make it 1-0. Emilio Rodriguez then singled in Martin to make it 2-0. Following an infield error that loaded the bases, Stanford Gillespie singled in a third run. Lucky 38’s Robinson was able to get the next two batters out, but the damage was already done.Lucky 38 did not get on the scoreboard until Ford was out of the game. In the seventh inning, Duane Antqueen led off with a walk, followed by a Jimmy LaRue single. After a fielder’s choice and a LaRue steal, Dennis Shaft walked to load the bases with one out. Stu Vanstone then hit a deep fly ball to left just short of the fence, which resulted in an RBI sacrifice fly to make the score 3-1. Perry Ferguson then flew out to end the scoring threat.The Bears did not allow the Lucky 38 run to affect them. Instead, they blew the game open in the bottom of the seventh. Robert Cooper, who had relieved Robinson an inning earlier, could not escape trouble. Gabriel Rodriguez led off with a single. With one out, Cooper hit Britton with a pitch. Emilio Rodriguez then doubled in his brother for a 4-1 lead and moved Britton to third. After Jeremy Watson was intentionally walked and Gillespie struck out, Gerardo Makejoo hit an RBI single to score Britton. Emilio Rodriguez also scored on the play thanks to Jorge Garcia’s throwing error. Cooper was then pulled for Dave Witcher, who immediately gave up a two-RBI single to Rich Hall, making the score 8-1 heading into the eighth inning.Lucky 38 was able to add one more run in the ninth for the final 8-2 score. Shaft singled with two outs, followed by a walk for Vanstone. Ferguson then singled in Shaft. Jim Welch flew out to end the game, and the NCR started to celebrate. -
Year 1: Mojave Series, Game Six
Thrilling 11th Inning Ties Series 3-3For the first Mojave Series, this has been a "classic."Tied 3-3 heading into the 11th inning, Lucky 38 scored two runs in the top of the inning. However, the New California Republic had the answer, with Rich Hall hitting a two-RBI walkoff single to keep the Bears alive.The NCR had to come back two times in the game to prevent Lucky 38 from taking the series. That's where game MVP Mike Britton came into play. Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth, Britton hit a tying home run off Otis Pryor. But Britton was not done. He also hit a one-out solo home run in the 11th, leading the surge in the exciting come-from-behind victory.The rest of the 11th inning was a battle of survival for the Bears. Following Britton's homer, Emilio Rodriguez walked. With two outs, Stanford Gillespie singled and both runners advanced when Mike Duncan could not field the ball cleanly. Gerardo Makejoo then walked to load the bases before Hall's game-winning hit.The NCR was down because of allowing two runs in the top of the inning. Dennis Shaft singled to lead off the inning. After a sacrifice bunt to move Shaft to second, Perry Ferguson was intentionally walked. Vicente Palacios followed with an RBI double to give Lucky 38 a 4-3 lead. With two outs, NCR pitcher William Miller threw a wild pitch, allowing Ferguson to score.Neither team could pull away in the game. The NCR took an early lead when Emilio Rodriguez tripled to lead off the second inning, followed by an RBI single by Gillespie.Lucky 38 finally scored in the fifth inning. With two on and two outs, Duncan hit a two-RBI double for a 2-1 lead.The Bears were able to answer in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game. Jeremy Watson hit a one-out double, followed by an RBI single by Gillespie.In the eighth inning, Lucky 38 took the lead again on a solo home run by cleanup hitter John McDowell.Ken Watson, who pitched just 1/3 of an inning, was credited with the win for the NCR. Jim Crouch was the starting pitcher for the Bears, giving up two runs on four hits with six strikeouts and four walks in 6 2/3 innings.Wilfred Buckley was the starter for Lucky 38 in a short outing. He gave up one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts and a walk in six innings. Dave Witcher was the losing pitcher, three runs, two earned, on three hits with two walks in just 2/3 innings pitched.With the series tied at 3-3, the teams play the final game seven tomorrow. The winner will forever be remembered in the Mojave as champions. The loser will probably drink themselves into a coma. -
Year 1: Mojave Series, Game Five
Lucky 38 Pounds Out 17 Singles, Takes 3-2 AdvantageLucky 38 never found the big hit in game five of the Mojave Series, but it most certainly made up for it by getting timely hitting in defeating the New California Republic 5-3. Lucky 38 now has a 3-2 series advantage as the teams travel to the Hoover Dam for game six.Lucky 38 lead off hitter Mike Duncan earned the game's MVP award by driving in three runs on 2 for 5 hitting. He also scored a run in the deciding sixth inning.In the sixth, Lucky 38 trailed 3-1. Stu Vanstone and Perry Ferguson led off the inning with back-to-back singles. Following two straight fly outs that moved up Vanstone and allowed Ferguson to steal second, Duncan then singled in both runners to tie the game 3-3. While on base, Duncan attempted to steal second, but Jeremy Watson's throw from the plate went in to center field and Duncan advanced to third. Duane Antqueen then singled in Duncan to give Lucky 38 a 4-3 advantage.David Bennett earned the win for Lucky 38, giving up three runs on eight hits with ten strikeouts and a walk in just six innings of work. It was the fourth time this postseason a Lucky 38 player struck out 10 or more batters. Otis Pryor earned the save by pitching a perfect ninth inning.Miguel Rosa was the losing pitcher for the Bears. He gave up five runs on fifteen hits with five strikeouts and a walk in 6 2/3 innings. Mark White came on in relief to finish the game for the NCR.The Bears took the lead in the top of the second. With two outs, Gerardo Makejoo doubled, followed by an RBI single by Rosa to drive in Makejoo.Lucky 38 was able to answer in the bottom of the inning, also with two outs. Vicente Palacios and Bennett had back-to-back singles. Then Duncan drove in Palacios on an RBI single to tie the game 1-1.The NCR then answered in the third to retake the lead. With one out, Clyde Martin singled, followed by a two-run home run by Mike Britton to straight away left field.Lucky 38's fifth run came in the seventh. Vanstone hit a one-out single and then stole second base. Ferguson was then intentionally walked. After a fly out, Alfredo Flores hit a pinch-hit RBI single to score Vanstone. -
Year 1: Mojave Series, Game Four
Harris' Two-RBI Double Gives NCR 3-2 WinGeorge Harris does not get many opportunities to play, much less be a hero. So when the backup infielder came on a pinch hitter in the top of the eighth, few expected him to leave the hero.Instead, Harris lined a two-RBI double down the right field line to give the New California Republic a 3-2 lead. Stanford Gillespie and Gerardo Makejoo easily scored, and Robert Cooper, who only faced Makejoo, earned the loss for Lucky 38.Lucky 38's Earl Robinson had a no decision in the game, despite pitching well through seven innings. The bullpen, however, failed the team in the loss. For the game, Robinson pitched seven innings, giving up one earned run on four hits with five strikeouts and a walk.Bobby Lorn came on in relief in the eighth inning, giving up a single to Gillespie. He was followed by Cooper, who also gave up a single. Donald Bush then came in to give up the game-winning double, before finishing the final two innings.Lucky 38 took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. With Jimmy LaRue on first with one away, John McDowell hit a two-run home run for the lead. However, Lucky 38 would not score again.The Bears got on the board in the sixth inning. Makejoo led off the inning with a double. He was moved over to third on a sacrifice bunt, and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Joel Bowles.The series is now tied 2-2. Both teams will play tomorrow in Goodsprings to determine who has the advantage when they return to the Hoover Dam for game six. -
Year 1: Mojave Series, Game Three
Lucky 38 Scores Two in Ninth, Wins 5-3Lucky 38 lost its lead in the bottom of the eighth, but answered with two runs in the ninth to win the game. Bill Shelton suffered the loss for the New California Republic, giving up two runs in the ninth on only 1/3 innings pitched.Jim Welch, who substituted for a tired Jimmy LaRue, led off the ninth with a walk. John McDowell followed with a single. Then, Eddie Pegasus, who substituted for an injured Dennis Shaft, doubled in the go-ahead run. Following a fly out and intentional walk to load the bases, Vicente Palacios singled in a run to make it 5-3. The NCR then pulled Shelton, and the Bears were able to escape without any further damage.However, the NCR could not get a rally going as Lucky 38’s Otis Pryor retired the side in just four pitches to earn the save. Bobby Lorn was credited with the win despite giving up the tying run in the eighth, which also resulted in a blown save. That run came on a solo home run by the NCR’s Emilio Rodriguez.David Bennett of Lucky 38 and Jim Crouch of the Bears both got the start, but neither factored in the decision. Bennett pitched seven innings, giving up two earned runs on seven hits with four walks and five strikeouts. Crouch pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up three earned runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and two walks.New California Republic took the lead in the bottom of the first. With one out, Steve Davis hit a solo home run. After another out, Mike Britton singled, followed by an RBI double by Rodriguez to make it 2-0 after one inning.Lucky 38 got on the board in the third when LaRue hit an RBI ground out to score Bennett who led the inning off with a walk.In the fourth, Lucky 38 took the lead. Shaft, Perry Ferguson, and Palacios all singled to load the bases with one out. After Bennett flew out, Mike Duncan singled in Shaft and Ferguson.Duncan was the game’s MVP, going 4 for 6 with two RBI.The series now switches to Goodsprings for the next three games. -
Year 1: Mojave Series, Game Two
Lucky 38 Scores Two in Ninth, Wins 5-3Lucky 38 lost its lead in the bottom of the eighth, but answered with two runs in the ninth to win the game. Bill Shelton suffered the loss for the New California Republic, giving up two runs in the ninth on only 1/3 innings pitched.Jim Welch, who substituted for a tired Jimmy LaRue, led off the ninth with a walk. John McDowell followed with a single. Then, Eddie Pegasus, who substituted for an injured Dennis Shaft, doubled in the go-ahead run. Following a fly out and intentional walk to load the bases, Vicente Palacios singled in a run to make it 5-3. The NCR then pulled Shelton, and the Bears were able to escape without any further damage.However, the NCR could not get a rally going as Lucky 38’s Otis Pryor retired the side in just four pitches to earn the save. Bobby Lorn was credited with the win despite giving up the tying run in the eighth, which also resulted in a blown save. That run came on a solo home run by the NCR’s Emilio Rodriguez.David Bennett of Lucky 38 and Jim Crouch of the Bears both got the start, but neither factored in the decision. Bennett pitched seven innings, giving up two earned runs on seven hits with four walks and five strikeouts. Crouch pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up three earned runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and two walks.New California Republic took the lead in the bottom of the first. With one out, Steve Davis hit a solo home run. After another out, Mike Britton singled, followed by an RBI double by Rodriguez to make it 2-0 after one inning.Lucky 38 got on the board in the third when LaRue hit an RBI ground out to score Bennett who led the inning off with a walk.In the fourth, Lucky 38 took the lead. Shaft, Perry Ferguson, and Palacios all singled to load the bases with one out. After Bennett flew out, Mike Duncan singled in Shaft and Ferguson.Duncan was the game’s MVP, going 4 for 6 with two RBI.The series now switches to Goodsprings for the next three games. -
Year 1: Mojave Series, Game One
Jim Ford Pitches Eight Shutout Innings, NCR wins 3-0.Jim Ford pitched eight shutout innings, giving up only two hits with six strikeouts and three walks to earn the victory and game MVP for game one.Leading 3-0 in the top of the ninth, Miguel Rosa came in to try to close out the game. With two outs, though, Lucky 38 made some noise. Jimmy LaRue and John McDowell hit back-to-back singles, followed by a walk for Dennis Shaft to load the bases. Stu Vanstone had a chance to drive in runs, but he grounded out to second to end the game.The game was scoreless through four and a half innings before the NCR’s Emilio Rodriguez hit a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth inning.The game remained 1-0 going into the bottom of the seventh. After Mike Britton walked on four straight pitches to start the inning, Rodriguez homered again to give the Bears a 3-0 lead. Rodriguez finished the game 3 for 3 with a double tacked on to his two homers.Jimmy LaRue was the best hitter for Lucky 38, getting three of the team’s four hits, including a first-inning triple that proved to be Lucky 38’s last scoring threat before the ninth inning rally. -
Year 1: Playoffs Mojave Series Preview
Series PreviewThe first Mojave Series had a good balance in the the two teams playing, the New California Republic Bears and Lucky 38. NCR won the season series 5-3, which also helped to make up the difference in the two teams' records in the battle for regular season first place. The Bears finished 68-32, while Lucky 38 was 66-34.The two teams first played a two-game set on April 21 and 22 with the teams splitting in Goodsprings. Lucky 38 took the first game 8-2 behind solid pitching and batting from David Bennett, who went 7 1/3 innings giving up only one unearned run. He also homered and drove in four runs in the game. In the second game of the series, Donnell Dugood pitched six strong innings, giving up only one run, to earn the win and game MVP honors. The Bears only had four hits in the game, but they made them count in scoring four runs.The second series was another two game set, this time on May 11 and 12 at the Hoover Dam. Again, the teams split with NCR taking the first game 8-7 and Lucky 38 winning the second game 7-4. The first game was a back and forth affair, with NCR winning thanks to a solo home run by game MVP Clyde Martin, his second of the game, in the seventh inning. Lucky 38 won the second game by overcoming a 4-2 ninth-inning deficit to score five runs in the final inning and win it. The rally came with two outs in the inning thanks to a two-run home run by Jimmy LaRue to tie it and a three-run dinger by Dennis Shaft to prove to be the game-winning hit.The teams did not meet again until June 30 and July 1. Earl Robinson pitched eight innings for Lucky 38 in the first game, leading to a 4-2 victory in the first game. Alex Carney was the only bright spot for the Bears in the game by doubling and homering and driving in the only two runs for the NCR. In the second game of the series, the NCR won 7-5 on a walkoff three-run home run by Jay Gardner. Gardner was the backup catcher for the Bears, and was in as a replacement player in the game when he hit the game winner.With the season series tied 3-3, NCR got a much-needed late-season sweep of Lucky 38 to take the advantage in the season series and the race for first place. At the start of the series, Lucky 38 was 60-24 and the NCR was 58-26. Following the series, both teams were 60-26 and the Bears had the tie breaker for first place. NCR won the first game 5-3 thanks to Clyde Martin’s fifth-inning grand slam. In the final game of the series, the Bears won 4-0 behind 7 2/3 shutout innings from Miguel Rosa.Analyzing the teams, both were quite equal and the series was expected to go the distance with Lucky 38 getting the nod in seven games. Lucky 38 ace Earl Robinson was expected to make the difference in the series. -
Year 1: First Round, Game Three
Lucky 38 Jumps to Early Lead, Sweeps KingsLucky 38 scored four runs in the first inning and added another five in the fifth inning as it cruised to an easy 3-0 sweep of the King's School of Impersonation in the first round of the playoffs. Lucky 38 now moves on to play the New California Republic in the Mojave Series.Wilfred Buckley pitched 7 2/3 strong innings to earn the victory and game MVP honors. He gave up two runs on seven hits and struck out 12 batters in earning the victory. Bobby Lorn finished the game for Lucky 38, giving up one unearned run on three hits with three strikeouts and a walk in 1 1/3 inning. Together, Buckley and Lorn struck out 15 batters.Jeff MacTause suffered the loss for the Kings. He gave up four runs on five hits with a strikeout and a walk in three innings. The Kings used six pitchers in the game. They combined to walk six batters.Lucky 38 had its first offensive explosion in the first inning on MacTause. Mike Duncan, Duane Antqueen, and Jimmy LaRue had consecutive singles to load the bases at the start of the game. John McDowell then had an infield single to score Duncan. Dennis Shaft then followed with a bases loaded walk to score Antqueen and make it 2-0. With one out, Perry Ferguson hit into an RBI fielder's choice. Vicente Palacios finished the scoring by singling in McDowell for a 4-0 lead.In the fifth inning, Lucky 38 pulled away, scoring five runs on Kings reliever Don Snyder. Duncan and Antqueen led off with singles before LaRue struck out. Snyder then walked McDowell and Shaft to score Duncan. Stu Vanstone then followed with a bases-clearing three-RBI triple to make the score 8-0. Perry Hanke relieved Snyder but allowed another run to score when Ferguson hit into an RBI groundout.The Kings got their first run in the bottom of the seventh. Colm Warner led off the inning with a double. With two outs and Warner on third, Tim Bradley singled him in.In the eighth inning, Ed Wolf singled to start the inning. After Buckley struck out the next two batters, Ronald Draper hit an RBI double to make it 9-2 heading into the final inning.The Kings looked to make some noise in the bottom of the ninth. Lorn was relieving Buckley at the time for Lucky 38, and he looked like he might help make the game interesting. Pedro Perez led off with a single, followed by Bradley reaching on an error. After Jorge James singled, the Kings had the bases loaded with no one out. Wolf struck out, and then Ed Free hit a sacrifice fly to score Perez. Jim Seaman then struck out to end the game.Shaft was named the series MVP. He finished 4 for 9 (.444 average) with a double, a home run, four walks, seven RBI, and three runs. -
Year 1: First Round, Game Two
Lucky 38 Rallies from 5-Run Deficit, Wins 6-5Lucky 38 continued its winning ways against the King's School of Impersonation, coming back from a 5-0 deficit through four innings to win 6-5.Eddie Pegasus hit a two-RBI double in the bottom of the eighth to provide the winning runs.Ronald Cooper earned the win for Lucky 38, pitching two scoreless innings. David Bennett got the start, but was rocked for five runs, four earned, in five innings. Fungo Frazier suffered the loss for the Kings, giving up two runs on three hits in just 1/3 inning of work in the eighth.The Kings took an early lead in the first when Ed Free singled, stole second, and then scored on a Ronald Draper single. Draper was named the game's MVP after going 2 for 3 with a double, a walk, 3 RBI, and a run.In the third inning, the Kings seemed to blow the game open by scoring three runs. Free led off with a single, followed by Jim Seaman reaching on an error. Draper then doubled to drive in Free and move Seaman to third. Colm Warner then doubled in both Seaman and Draper. Lucky 38's Bennett then was able to strike out three of the next four batters to end the inning.The Kings scored their fifth and final run in the fourth inning when Draper hit an RBI sacrifice fly to score Zander Peterson.Lucky 38 finally got on the board in the bottom of the fifth. Perry Ferguson singled to lead off the inning and was moved to third on a one-out Jim Welch single. Mike Duncan then singled in Ferguson to make it 5-1 through five innings.In the sixth inning, Lucky 38 was able to score two more runs. John McDowell and Duane Antqueen hit back-to-back one-out singles. Following a ground out to move over the runners, Perry Ferguson hit a two-RBI single to make it 5-3.Lucky 38 got one run closer in the seventh inning to cut the Kings' lead to 5-4. Jimmy LaRue doubled with two outs. The Kings changed pitchers to Tony Simpson from starter Ron Franklin. However, Simpson gave up an RBI double to McDowell on his first pitch.With the win, Lucky 38 is now 10-0 on the season versus the Kings. The series now switches to the Old Mormon Fort for the next two games, assuming the Kings can win the next one. The Kings would need to win all three remaining games to win the series and move on to the MBL finals. -
Year 1: First Round, Game One
Lucky 38 Dominates, Shuts Out Kings 8-0With the help of solid pitching from Earl Robinson and a hot bat in Dennis Shaft, Lucky 38 cruised to an 8-0 victory at Goodsprings Park.Robinson pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings, giving up only two hits and a walk before being lifted in the 8th. Bobby Lorn and Otis Pryor mopped up the remaining 1 1/3 innings for the three-hit shutout.Shaft was named player of the game because of his dominating performance. He finished 3 for 4 with a double, home run, 5 RBI and two runs.The weather was not ideal for a mid-August game with a stiff breeze blowing in from center field. That made Shaft's seventh-inning three-run homer even more amazing since it was hit against the wind.For the Kings, the team was never able to get anything going. Pedro Perez was the only player to reach scoring position when he singled and moved to second on a ground out. However, Carlos Garza followed with a pinch-hit strikeout to end the threat.Game two will be played tomorrow also in Goodsprings Park. The weather is expected to be closer to normal mid-August temperatures then. -
Year 1: Playoffs First Round Preview
Series PreviewThere were some teams that dominated others throughout the first Mojave Baseball League season, but none other than the Kings-Lucky 38 was a true sweep.Lucky 38 did not dominate every game in the series, but it did have two four game sweeps to hold an 8-0 season advantage over the Kings.The first sweep came in Goodsprings, Lucky38's home town, from April 30 through May 3. Lucky 38 won its games 5-4, 7-1, 8-1, 4-3. Surprisingly, the first game of the series was the Kings' best shot. Trailing 4-2 entering the 8th inning, Lucky 38 tied the game on a two-run shot from Jorge Garcia. In the bottom of the ninth, Lucky 38 won on a series of walks and sacrifice flies. Lucky 38 won the next two games thanks to dominating performances by pitchers Earl Robinson and David Bennett. In the fourth game, Lucky 38 scored four runs in the second on two two-RBI doubles by Jorge Garcia and Goofy Duncan. The Kings tried to make a come back, but could not get there.The second series took place at the Old Mormon Fort in Freeside from June 11 through 14. Lucky 38 won those games 4-0, 5-4, 6-5, 5-3. In the first game, Buck Buckley pitched eight scoreless innings to earn the dominating victory. Lucky 38 then won the second game in 10 innings on a solo home run by John McDowell. The third game was a back and forth game, though the Kings could never get a lead. Lucky 38 took a 2-0 lead, then a 4-2 lead, then a 6-4 lead and held on. The final game of the regular-season series was an epic 16 inning nail biter. The Kings tied the game 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth on a Justin Davis pinch-hit home run. Each team scored a run in the 11th to make it 3-3. Finally in the 16th inning, Lucky 38 scored two runs due to some small ball success and a balk.The Kings most certainly had a chance to win some games in the series, but overall Lucky 38 looked to have better pitching and the stronger team in their two series. Maybe things will go differently in the playoffs. It would be nicer to see a battle rather than a sweep. -
Year 1: August 2285
Final StandingsBatting LeadersPitching LeadersNews and Notes8.6.85 - Suspension (Chem use)Gomorrah’s Basket Zapp has been pitching a lot of innings lately. Now the relief pitcher will get a much-needed rest after testing positive for Hydra. The league considers Hydra to be a weaker chem and only gives a two-game suspension for a first-time offense.Zapp has been the ninth inning master for Gomorrah this season. He has 28 saves and a 1.13 ERA in 48 innings pitched this season.8.9.85 - Team achievement (Best record)It was a tight race to clinch the best record in the league, but that record is now officially in the New California Republic’s grasp. The Bears defeated Ultra Luxe 15-2 and Lucky 38 Casino fell to the Tops Casino 7-5 to give the NCR the best record and a first-round bye in the playoffs.The NCR is 68-31 with one game to play and Lucky 38 is 66-33. Lucky 38 will be the host team and play the Kings (57-42 record) in a five-game first-round playoff series. The winner of those two teams will then face the NCR in a seven-game series. -
Year 1: July 2285, Part 2
Other interesting News and NotesWednesday, July 29th, 2285RobCo Robots: Activated LF Lowell Staten from the disabled list.Sunday, July 26th, 2285Nuka Cola: Activated MR Cliff Anderson from the 60-day disabled list.H&H Tool Company: Signed MR Dan Trainyard.H&H Tool Company: Released SP Edgardo Santiago.Saturday, July 25th, 2285RobCo Robots: Placed LF Lowell Staten on the 7-day disabled list, retroactive to 07/11/2285.The H&H Tool Company traded 26-year-old starting pitcher Rob Wolfe to the Atomic Wrangler Wranglers, getting 18-year-old second baseman Ernest Emmons in return.Friday, July 24th, 2285The H&H Tool Company traded 26-year-old third baseman Vicente Palácios to the Lucky 38, getting 19-year-old right fielder Ben Sheffield in return.Tuesday, July 21st, 2285Ultra Luxe: Signed 3B Derek Keller. Commissioner Lee approved of this transaction. According to Lee: "Though Keller will not play again, I think it is good for a team to attain his rights for possible future employment. I have every bit of confidence Marjorie (Hand) can help Keller get the help he needs."Ultra Luxe: Released 1B Tom Sellers.Lucky 38: Signed SS Harry Greene.Friday, July 17th, 2285The Gomorrah traded 25-year-old catcher Joe Parker to the The Tops, getting 36-year-old reliever Jeff McKeoron and 18-year-old shortstop Mark Harris in return.Saturday, July 4th, 2285The Ultra Luxe traded 28-year-old right fielder Willard Bushby to the Gomorrah, getting 19-year-old first baseman Jesús Martínez and 20-year-old center fielder Jerry Corbett in return. This trade comes two days after Bushby was traded from Gomorrah. Apparently Gomorrah regretted including him in the four-player trade and wanted him back.Wednesday, July 1st, 2285Lucky 38: Placed MR Michael Weatherall on the 60-day disabled list. -
Year 1: July 2285
July AwardsBatter of the MonthThe Mojave Baseball League Batter of the Month has been picked for July and the honor goes to the The Tops' Wayne Freeside.He compiled a .414 batting average with 36 hits and 9 home runs, along with 24 RBIs and 18 runs scored.This year Freeside is batting .333 with 23 home runs. He has scored 59 runs and driven in 66.Pitcher of the MonthDoug King was the anchor in the Kings' bullpen last month and snatched up the Mojave Baseball League Pitcher of the Month honors for July. The 32-year-old is in the prime of his career and pitching like he intends to stay around baseball for quite some time to come.He threw 16 innings over 12 relief appearances and collected a 4-0 record with 15 strikeouts and 5 saves while etching his 0.56 ERA.King has 21 saves this year. In 43 relief appearances he has tossed 49 innings, fanned 34, and given up 14 walks with a 5-4 record. The Kings' reliever has recorded a 1.84 ERA and allowed the opposition to hit .208 when he is on the mound.News and Notes7.2.85 - Player tradeThough he shows a lot of talent and may be a premier player in the future, the Ultra Luxe’s DJ Gas Mask Cartwright was part of a mega trade today. A team spokesperson for Ultra Luxe stated that management had been butting heads with Cartwright and wanted to pass on the youngster. Now he will be a member of Gomorrah.The trade turns out to be a multiplayer megadeal for the league, maybe turning the tides for two teams fighting to get into the playoffs.Ultra Luxe traded Cartwright and starting pitcher John Harrison to Gomorrah for starting pitcher Ron Heath and outfielder Willard Bushby.On the season, the backup outfielder Cartwright is batting .261 with 7 RBI in 46 at bats. Harrison was more successful for Ultra Luxe. He is 7-3 with a 3.02 ERA in 15 starts.Heath is also having a great season on the mound. He is 6-3 with a 2.32 ERA in 13 starts on the season. His teammate Bushby is batting .261 with 7 homeruns and 30 RBI.Asked why they were willing to give up two good players for a young, troublesome Cartwright, the Gomorrah team spokesperson replied, “Cartwright will lead our team to future championships. It’s just too tough to catch the (Lucky) 38 this year. We had a chance to grab him, so we did. Harrison will help us out, too, where we won’t miss Heath as much.”The trade came on an off day, so all four players have plenty of time to meet up with their new teams and participate in tomorrow’s pairings. Gomorrah has already announced they plan to start Harrison on the mound tomorrow against Vault-Tec.7.11.85 - Player accidentRobCo almost suffered a tragedy today when outfielder Lowell Staten was accidentally shot in the chest just above his heart. Chris Parker of the reserve roster was cleaning his gun, reported to be a .44 Magnum, when it went off and shot Staten.Staten is in surgery at the time of this news post, but team officials said he is expected to live and will be given some healing chems to speed his recovery.Parker was not seen at the team warm-ups prior to the game against H&H Tool Company, and he may be dismissed from or suspended by the team.7.19.85 - Player injury (Super Mutant attack)We are not going to argue that Mojave Baseball Players are the sharpest machetes in the Legion, especially when one of its players makes a bonehead move. That is just what happened today when Atomic Wrangler relief pitcher Armor Hammer had a “disagreement” with a lady in Westside.A well-known Westside Super Mutant, Mean Sonofabitch, came to the damsel’s rescue and crushed Hammer’s ribs, meaning a long recovery time for the pitcher.Asked about the incident, Mean Sonofabitch said, “Ah helsh women when men attash em. Sheesh a liwwel girlsh. Ah helsh her.”As for Hammer, while he may be able to get away with sexually assaulting women in the Atomic Wrangler casinos, he had better learn fast that people do not put up with that **** in Westside.7.19.85 - Team achievementThe New California Republic, a team that may have a competitive advantage on most of the rest of the league, showed how good it could be by being the first team to clinch a playoff berth.The NCR defeated RobCo 4-2 to clinch the Eastern Division title. The Bears are currently 57-26 and lead both RobCo and Ultra Luxe by 19 games with just 17 more to play in the regular season.The Lucky 38 also had a chance to clinch their division, but their magic number remains at one after falling to Gomorrah 5-0.7.20.85 - Player suspension (3rd offense chem use)Derek “12 Bottles” Keller’s substance abuse demons proved to be much as the Lucky 38 was busted for the third time this season, this time only a few days after his last suspension was finished. Now Keller has earned himself a lifetime ban from the Mojave Baseball League.Keller looked to be a great father figure for the youngsters of the league as a powerful athlete. Instead, it is our hope that he is shunned by the league’s players, lest they suffer his same fate.For the record, Keller tested positive for Jet, proving that he is more than just “12 Bottles,” but a ****heap full of chems, too.7.21.85 - Team achievementJust one day removed from losing one of their best players, Lucky 38 backed into the playoffs despite being on a losing streak.After falling to the NCR 4-0, Lucky 38 clinched the division when Gomorrah was also shut out by Robco, 6-0. On the season, Lucky 38 is 60-25 and holds a one game lead over the NCR for best record in the league.7.24.85 - League announcementCommissioner Lee is on hand at the Lucky 38-RobCo tonight in Novac. Before that time, RobCo was able to make a great announcement for the league: home computers.Lee gave a short speech, along with the RobCo representatives. Basically, RobCo has been working hard to build home computers that will able to connect to a network where people can communicate to each other from the computer and read news from across the Mojave. They are calling the program the RobCo Network Center, or RNC.Part of Lee’s speech:RobCo’s announcement is exciting news for us throughout the wastes. Not only will we have 24-hour power soon, but soon we are going to live in a world where technology does not just mean death and destruction. Instead, we can communicate in a healthy way.The reason I am here giving a speech is because we have been granted a special privilege. Once the network is complete, the Mojave Baseball League RNC screen will be the first RNC screen.A few dedicated computer programmers at RobCo are working hard on making the MBL RNC screen now.The Mojave Baseball League could eventually go global if the RobCo plan goes as expected.7.29.85 - Team achievementJuly is not finished yet, but out playoffs are set. The King’s School of Impersonation Kings are the last team to clinch a playoff spot, clinching the Central Division yesterday after a 5-4 win over the Tops Casino in 11 innings.The Kings are 51-40 on the season, 10 games ahead of H&H Tool Company. -
Year 1: June 2285
June AwardsBatter of the MonthKen Turner certainly put together a successful month. It was good enough to win the MBL Batter of the Month award for June.The 29-year-old center fielder for Ultra Luxe hit .344 with 5 home runs, 14 RBIs and 18 runs scored.This season Turner has delivered 73 hits in 254 at-bats for a .287 average with 11 home runs. He is getting on base at a .361 clip and his totals also include 37 RBIs and 43 runs scored. This year Turner has played in 68 games.Pitcher of the MonthLucky 38's Bob Jackson went 4-1 in June. Now, he's the toast of the Mojave Baseball League. Today he was crowned the Pitcher of the Month for June.In 5 starts he posted a 1.85 ERA and struck out 36 batters in 39 innings.This season Jackson has worked 95 innings with 81 strikeouts en route to a 7-3 record and a 3.03 ERA.News and Notes6.1.85 - Suspension (Major chem Use)Matt Palmer, the hard-throwing leftie with the Atomic Wrangler, was caught with jet today, meaning he will serve a 15-game suspension. The suspension comes at a bad time, especially with the Wranglers in the middle of a seven-game losing streak.Palmer has been OK for the struggling casino team. He’s 3-2 on the season with a 4.24 ERA.6.2.85 - Suspension (Chem use)Just one day after a player was caught using a chem, H&H Tool Company’s Jason Williams was caught using steady. Considered to be one of the less lethal chems in the Wasteland, steady is known to enhance a person’s concentration.Williams was probably trying to improve on his putrid .235 batting average and strikeout percentage. The young outfielder has 28 hits on the season and 27 strikeouts.6.5.85 - Injury (Creature attack)Sunset Sarsaparilla’s Mike Plasmagun could’ve had it worse, but the soft drink company’s star outfielder only suffered a minor injury from a radroach attack.The team said it may hold him out of action for the next couple of days and monitor if he has any ill effects from the nasty cut on his left calf.Plasmagun said that he was helping a young lady who was cornered by the dirty pest, but he failed to finish it off before it snapped at him and just catch his leg.Radroaches are a bad enough pest in the Mojave. We don’t need them gnawing on our players.6.7.85 - Suspension (Chem use)The King’s School of Impersonation may have to find someone to impersonate a bullpen catcher for a few days as backup catcher Evan Pryor was busted for steady use. The little used youngster was probably just bored, but he’ll have to sit out without his uniform on for the next few days.6.8.85 - Suspension (Major chem use)Perhaps the biggest chem bust of the season came today when Lucky 38’s Derek “12 Bottles” Keller was caught using Psycho.Keller, who won May’s Player of the Month Award, will now miss the next 20 games of the season. It is also a big blow for Lucky 38 since Keller leads the team in several key categories, including homeruns (13) and RBI (49).Psycho carries the most severe penalty of all chems because of users’ unpredictable behavior following its use. Players found to have used psycho are permanently banned from the league if they have just two more incidents.6.8.85 - Commissioner Press ConferenceThough the league was going great, Lee was determined to address some issues and states of events throughout the league. At the halfway point of the season, he gave a speech recorded onto holotape and broadcast over the Mojave radio stations. Though his speech was much longer, I will only share the highlights of the speech below.Commissioner Lee’s State of the League Address:I am pleased with the league’s progress so far. There have been a lot of exciting games. I know the players are learning, but we can all see how much better they were from the first baseball camps until now. …Just last week I was at the Kings and HHT game, and what a battle! The pitches looked like cazadores buzzing around. I can’t wait to see both teams play again. …The investigators have given me reports on some of the incidents that have taken place. Though we do not yet know who is responsible for the series of events, we do know for sure there were planned attacks. The deathclaw that attacked members of the NCR team and killed Mr. Bowen was a human-owned deathclaw, not one of the wild. We know this based on certain whip streaks and other markings found on the deathclaw. … The person or people responsible will be punished by the NCR Army. I hope, I really, really hope, that no one involved in the Mojave Baseball League is responsible. …Another pressing issue is something we anticipated could and would be a problem. Chems. So far, the number of suspensions for chem positives has been low, but it would be ideal to see that number decrease to almost nothing. The Mojave will be a lot better place when the stink of chems has been swept away. … Yes, I know some chems are helpful, but even those can be addictive. We have weighed the intensity of chems and how some can be used for performance enhancement. All suspensions are based on our suspension chart. …Looking forward, we are seeking to expand our league more when possible. We have a large base of reserve players who would rather play than watch, so we might try to add a junior league as early as next season to give players a chance to play more. Also, we would love to find more sponsors to pay even more of our citizens to play ball for a portion of the season. …I have been proud to see what the Mojave is becoming. More and more people are finding their way out of caves and irradiated dwellings and locating to our cleaner, healthier corner of the world. We still have no idea what the state of affairs out east are. As far as I know, and I am not in the center of things to know, the NCR is not expanding farther east just yet, but trying to establish a strong infrastructure here around New Vegas. That seems to be the current priority before expanding east. We may have to start calling New Vegas the Gateway to the East. …Of course I am happy that Lucky 38 is doing well. I am the person who helped to put part of the team together, but now I am not making any front office decisions. Those are all Ms. Cass’ to make, along with her staff. …I thank you fans of the Mojave for coming out to the games and supporting us. Hopefully more and more people can start making their way to the park as time goes on. Again, thank you to the players for doing such a great job, and I look forward to the second half of the season. Good bye.6.15.85 - Suspension (Chem use)The Atomic Wrangler’s Rich Eaton became yet another victim to the league’s anti-chem policy. Eaton was found to have used a stimpak without team doctors’ consent following a reported domestic situation.Eaton, who has been solid for the Wranglers, will now serve an automatic five-game suspension because of his chem use.6.18.85 - Suspension (player fight)Gomorrah’s Clay Holden and the Kings’ Tony Simpson were suspended today based on a fist fight the players had prior to their teams’ game yesterday.Reportedly Holden made fun of the “old man’s stupid haircut.” The two had words and then began fighting before being broken up by guard super mutants.Because he started the fight, Holden gets the boot for three games, while Simpson will sit out two games. Both suspensions begin today, though neither team has a game.6.19.85 - Suspension (Chem use)The daily physical toll is starting to have an effect on players. Today the toll came with a tax. Sunset Sarsaparilla’s Carlos Colon was found to have used Med-X recently. Because the pitcher was caught, he will now lose the next five games due to an automatic suspension.6.25.85 - Suspension (2nd offense chem use)Terrible news for Lucky 38 and star third baseman Derek Keller. Keller is currently serving a 20-game suspension for Psycho use. Well, things just got more serious as Keller was found to be in possession of and under the influence of Mentats. Though not as serious as Psycho, Keller is on a three strikes system now. If he were to be caught with any more chems, he would be permanently suspended from the league.Keller now has five additional games tacked on to his suspension, and he will be required to enter an offseason rehab program, assuming he is not busted for chem use one more time. What a dumb ass!6.25.85 - Suspension (Chem use)RobCo’s Albert Hernandez has been a seldom-used player on the season. Perhaps he was trying to get a jump with his chance to play a game yesterday under the lights, but the backup second baseman has now been suspended a game due to Cateye use.Cateye is a weak chem that helps people to see better in poor light. Perhaps Hernandez needs to use more since he couldn’t see the league tester making his rounds before the game.6.25.85 - Suspension (Chem use)It’s been a busy day for the MBL chem testers. The third positive of the day is the Tops’ Josh Spread. The outfielder was found to have Steady in his system and will now be suspended for the next four games.When asked about it, Spread did not appear to be steady on his feet. Perhaps the bottle of whisky he had in his hand causing his tipsiness, though. -
Year 1: May 2285
May AwardsBatter of the MonthDerek Keller has a lot going for him. The Lucky 38 third baseman was just picked him as the MBL’s top hitter for May.In 25 games last month, this outstanding player batted .344 with 7 home runs, 31 RBIs and 21 runs scored.Keller is hitting .325 this year with 11 home runs, 46 RBIs and 31 runs scored. He has 50 hits in 154 at-bats, 32 walks and a .436 on-base percentage. Keller has played in 44 games.Pitcher of the Month35-year-olds don't often go 6-0 in and haul away the best pitcher award, but Lucky 38’s Earl Robinson did all that. Now, he's the toast of the Mojave Baseball League. Today he was crowned the Pitcher of the Month for May.In 6 starts he posted a 1.90 ERA and struck out 28 batters in 42.2 innings.To date this year, Robinson shows a 9-1 record, 10 starts, 69.2 innings, 59 strikeouts and a 1.81 ERA.News and Notes5.1.85 - Player DeathThe Mojave Baseball League has suffered its second tragedy when NCR pitcher Derrek Bowen and teammates were attacked outside of Jacobstown by a lone deathclaw. Though other NCR players involved in defending themselves only suffered a few scrapes and bruises, Bowen was pronounced dead at the scene.NCR is currently visiting Jacobstown to take on Tops. It is the second incident involving an NCR player being injured. Just over a week ago, NCR pitcher Will Stewart was shot by a Tops debt collector.Commissioner Lee is expected to make it into Jacobstown later today to address the issue. For now, NCR is minus its closer. Bowen was having a great start to his MBL career, recording eight saves in eight opportunities.5.6.85 - Player Suspension (Chem Use)The hits keep on coming for the NCR as relief pitcher Jeff Downs tested positive for Rocket, considered to be one of the more serious chems by the Mojave Baseball League.Due to his positive test, Downs is suspended for an automatic 15 games beginning today. The NCR has already been short-handed at pitcher because of a number of incidents. Downs is now the second NCR pitcher to be found guilty of using a chem. Recently pitcher Will Stewart was shot in the knee and Derrek Bowen was killed by a deathclaw.5.9.85 - Commissioner Press ReleaseCommissioner Lee made two announcements today, both involving the NCR in some way.Following the death of pitcher Derrek Bowen of the NCR, Lee put out a mandatory curfew for all players beginning today. Also, Lee announced that the deathclaw incident had the look of a setup. Super Mutant patrols keep a constant eye on Jacobstown and any deathclaw in the area entering without detection is considered to be suspicious. Lee said he would continue investigating to see if there was indeed foul play in Bowen’s death and the injury of several of his teammates.Lee also announced the immediate firing of the coaching staff of the NCR. Replacement coaches would be selected, but Lee has temporary coaches in North Vegas to manage the NCR players for the next couple of days. The NCR is visiting North Vegas to take on H&H Tool Company.5.24.85 - Player Suspended (Chem Use)Nuka Cola’s Marcos Hernandez has tested positive for Buffout, his first offense. The NC closer has been outstanding so far this year, recording six saves in 13 appearances so far this year.As a first offense for Buffout use, Hernandez will sacrifice 10 games in the middle of the season. -
Year 1: 2285
April AwardsPlayer of the MonthBob Franklin put up some good numbers in April and earned the MBL Batter of the Month award.He was one of Sunset Sarsaparilla's offensive leaders with a .325 average in 19 games. He also racked up 8 home runs, 21 RBIs, and 15 runs scored.Pitcher of the MonthIn April Nuka Cola's José Rosales earned a 4-1 mark in 5 starts. He threw 37.1 innings, struck out 38 and compiled a solid 1.69 ERA.News and Notes4.9.85The 2285 season has just started, and Sunset Sarsaparilla has already suffered a loss to a player due to Mojave wildlife.Relief pitcher Jason Wilson was stung by a bark scorpion and has been hospitalized due to an allergic reaction to the sting. Sunset Sarsaparilla management immediately placed Wilson on the disabled list after the injury, meaning he will be out at least seven days. Wilson is expected to make a full recovery from his mishap.Nellis Air Force Base officials are investigating how a bark scorpion was able to penetrate its perimeter to be on the base. Right now officials are considering that the scorpion may have been smuggled onto the property. We will keep you updated if we learn more.4.13.85Bill Cross may never be a Mojave Baseball League star, but he will go down in league history for a first.Cross is the first player found guilty of violating the league’s anti-chem policy. The Tops’ outfielder tested positive for using Med-X. Med-X is a healing chem that can cause players to recover quickly from an injury. According to league policy, using quick-healing drugs violate the natural order of the league, and are thus banned.Because of his violation, Cross will be suspended five games and is considered a first-time offender. He will now be placed on a watch list. Further violations could result in longer suspensions or an eventual banning from the league.4.17.85Jim Crouch, a top pitcher for the NCR, was suspended five games for using a Doctor’s Bag following his April 14 start against Nuka-Cola. Crouch was pulled in the game after seven innings and 104 pitches. Instead of icing his arm like was suggested for arm soreness by the league office, Crouch took the quick approach and used a Doctor’s Bag instead. Doctor’s Bags are usually preserved for crippling injuries. Crouch’s quick approach means he will lose five games, beginning today, which means he will miss his next scheduled start.4.23.85The New California Republic’s Will Stewart was already on a short leash after publically questioning the decision to keep him on the reserve roster. Now the young NCR soldier has something else to answer for.An unnamed debt collector from the New Vegas Strip didn’t take Stewart’s life, but he did take out Stewart’s left knee, which will cause the NCR pitcher to sit out for a lengthy amount of time. While a chem will allow Stewart to recover, he will not be allowed to use that chem for more than a month.Stewart will probably have to meet with team and league officials to resolve his gambling debt. We’ll let you know if anything more comes up in this story.4.25.85Commissioner Lee spoke out today about the importance of league ball players to remain diligent in upholding loftier morals than the “old days” of the Mojave. Babin pointed out that player chem use was bad enough, but having players nearly murdered could be detrimental to the league.With the incident that happened two days ago with the NCR’s Will Stewart, NCR investigators have traced the debt collector to the Tops Casino.“We’re investigating where the command to assault our player came from,” Lee said. “Right now, ownership claims no responsibility, but we need to see if there will be conflicting interests in the situation. This is really unfortunate to happen within the first month of the league.”4.28.85The Kings’ Ron Franklin, who was scheduled to pitch today against Gomorrah, is instead recovering in an Old Mormon Fort medical tent after being attacked by a Golden Gecko just north of Freeside.Franklin, who is a popular act at the King’s School of Impersonation and now a popular pitcher for the Kings, has had been reprimanded before for his tendency to wander and isolate himself from others. He has reported before that he was once saved by a wandering group of NCR rangers when he found himself cornered by a family of radscorpions.It is not known how long Franklin will miss, but it could be significant time this season. -
Year 1
News and ReportsJanuary 1 through April 1, 22852.26.85Lucky 38 is the first unlucky team to lose a player this season, and it’s still more than a month before the season begins.According to team reports, starting pitcher Michael Weatherall has an alcohol addiction and will be sent to a rehabilitation facility for a month.After his return, he will be given about two weeks to get into baseball shape, and will be eligible for a start around mid-April.According to anonymous source in the team office: “He won’t be there for the opener, but I could see him back about a week into the season. We could use him in our pitching lineup.”Lee's Journal3.16.2285One thing the Mojave has no shortage of is talkers. Over the years there has been nothing to do but talk, I guess. So getting a crew of announcers and people willing to talk about the game once they learned it was one of the easiest things I could do in preparing for the baseball league.Thankfully we found Poseidon early. He was able to figure out how to make new holotapes to hold more than four hours worth of recorded code, so I recorded a few broadcasts of some exhibition games. I replayed the holotapes over and over and then simulated plays over and over.Jerry the Punk, a kid I found in Red Rock Canyon a few years back, was the most natural person to emulate my broadcast style. Maybe the kid can't write a good poem to save his life, but he can sure talk about what's happening right in front of him. After a few live events, I named Jerry the Punk the MBL Broadcast President and got him to start training others. Now we have four main broadcasters with another three rotating alternates. We still have some infrastructure improvements to make to broadcast out to the entire desert, but at least we now have radio available when games start. By next season I hope to have 12 or more permanent announcers to put the entire league on regional radio. -
The Historian: Part V
After the teams were signed on to be part of the league, teams started putting together their rosters. There were certain first rights privileges for teams, minus the NCR mentioned before, where employees and citizens had the rights to play for their own team.For example, Sunset Sarsaparilla signed two guys to their team based on employee and citizen rights. Angel Polanco, a hard-throwing pitcher, was hired to work in the Sunset Sarsaparilla factory. Because he was employed by SS, they had rights to sign him. Likewise, Mike Plasmagun settled at the Nellis Air Force Base following an injury he suffered as a member of the NCR. Because he lived at Nellis Air Force Base, he was able to play for Sunset Sarsaparilla, whose home field was at the Nellis AFB.Lee also instituted secondary towns for some teams, which helped out the Tops Casino. Tops was located in Jacobstown, so it was harder to find players. Lee named settlements, like The Trading Post and any people living in the rebuilding of Boulder City and Nipton.Once teams were together and practicing with their official rosters, Lee observed each team, as well as having scouts from the eight teams to determine if any teams seemed to be unevenly balanced. Lee also had his assistants check on all players to determine if they met the employee/citizenship standards.After everything was settled, the Mojave Baseball League was ready to begin play, first starting with exhibitions. The first official exhibition of finalized rosters was Lucky 38 visiting the Kings at the Old Mormon Fort. Lucky 38’s Jimmy LaRue did what he does best, getting two hits, one a double. Earl Robinson and Jeff MacTause pitched excellent games, giving up a combined four runs and nine hits in 14 2/3 innings pitching. Lucky 38 pulled it out 3-1. The park had 679 people in attendance to watch the start of what was going to be a great league, in my opinion.Some of the first problems started to arise during the exhibition time, but Lee determined that no official suspensions could begin until the season year, meaning no chem positives or other offenses that could result in a suspension could be implemented until January 1, 2285.That rule would have been great for Terry Fatknuckle, a burly catcher for H&H Tool Company. He was caught using Jet several times while a member of the ball team. However, before any league intervention could take place, he overdosed on Jet and died on October 13, 2284. Fatknuckle was expected to be a middle of the lineup type hitter for HHT, but his overdose and death meant that Lee and his administration of baseballers still had some demons to exorcise before the league began.Luckily, Fatknuckle was the only player to die before the league began. But there were incidents, many, many incidents. I will chronicle those as best I can in the first six years of Mojave baseball.
Fallout: New Vegas' Mojave Baseball League [Retired]
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Year 1 Offseason: Winter Meetings