British Isles Baseball

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British Isles Baseball Begins!

London, England-December 18^th, 1900.

Fans across the realm rejoiced today as the first British Baseball League was announced today. Sixteen teams have signed on to participate in the historic baseball league. The team owners met in to hammer out the details of the league and after six days of discussion, the documents were signed. Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England each received four teams and will be divided into the House of Commons Conference including Wales and Ireland and the House of Lords Conference comprised of Scotland and The decidedly American sport has been a surprise hit since being imported in the past few years. Around the realm young men are strapping on their shoes and heading out to the ball diamonds for the upcoming tryouts. League officials stated that they would allow any person who was interested a fair tryout.
The new teams are:

House of Lords:

Bannockburn Highlanders
Edinburgh Shield Wall
Glasgow> Gargoyles
Stirling Chargers
Liverpool Red Coats
London Monarchs
Manchester Steam Engines
Portsmouth Beacons

House of Commons:

Cardiff Dragons
Cwmbran Kings
Dublin Fishermen
Swansea Breakers
Shannon Green Sox
Limerick Leprechauns
Pontardawe-Clydach Mystics
Kilkenny Red Devils


The inagural draft is scheduled for the 2^nd of January 1901. Each team also has three small affiliates that will be used to develop players. The highest level of teams will be based in Wales, the second level will be based in Scotland and the lowest level will be based in Ireland. Owners do not expect to turn a profit this year but as Percy Hyde, owner of the London Monarchs stated, “We are looking to the future, you understand. This game has an incredible growth potential.”

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BIBL Inaugural Draft Report:

As the dust clears from the British Isles Baseball League open tryouts, the draft order has been released. Sources say that a certain someone from Buckingham Palace was kind enough to randomly select the draft order.

1)Kilkenny Red Devils
2)Shannon Green Sox
3)Glasgow Gargoyles
4)London Monarchs
5)Bannockburn Highlanders
6)Manchester Steam Engines
7)Swansea Breakers
8)Edinburgh Shield Wall
9)Cardiff Dragons
10)Cwmbran Kings
11) Dublin Fishermen
12) Pontardawe-Clydach Mystics
13) Portsmouth Beacons
14) Stirling Chargers
15) Liverpool Red Coats
16) Limerick Leprechauns

Limerick Owner Shamus O’Shaunessey reportedly said “Oh to hell with that! Where’s the luck o’ the Irish when ya need it?” when informed of the draft order. The Kilkenny Red Devil’s owner Patrick Shea on the other hand was thrilled. “It is a great turn for our team. I couldn’t be more pleased.”
The draft is scheduled for the 2^nd of January 1901.

[Loeffle]

House of Commons is full of small market teams

Could be interesting though ...

[orin2]

Originally Posted by Loeffle

House of Commons is full of small market teams

Could be interesting though ...

Yeah there are some small towns. But just consider this alternative history and they are much bigger

[CatKnight]

I thought it was a nice touch. The 'Commons' would be the smaller market 'little guy' teams, while the 'Lords' would be the major cities. That makes sense to me.

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British Isles Baseball First Round Selections:

London, England- January 2^nd 1901

The owners of the British Isles Baseball League gathered today in their new League Headquarters for the inaugural draft. The first round was no surprise as all sixteen teams selected a starting pitcher with their pick. This was expected as each team needs four starters and quality is always scarce. Let’s take a look at the men who impressed the most during the open tryouts.
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1)Kilkenny Red Devils select SP Ellis “Sooner” Ince, 21. Ince is a local London boy who was working on the docks before the opportunity to play ball came along. “I was drinking a few pints with my friends when we heard about the open tryouts. Honestly, I was hoping to play with the London Club but for what those Irish bastards are paying me, I’ll go anywhere, even France!” Ince later apologized to the club. The scouts say the young man throws four good pitches and his best is his blazing fastball.

2)Shannon Green Sox select SP Maurice Hogbin, 23. Hogbin is one of the “London Gang” who played on a local semi-pro team during their off duty time from the docks. Hogbin and Ince were once teamates but now will be facing off against one another. “I didn’t even know I was picked,” Hogbin said. “I was blooy hung over and me ma was banging on the door when the Shannon fellow showed up. It sure beats slinging crates for a living.” Shannon sources indicate the club liked his blue collar attitude and his curveball.

3)Glasgow Gargoyles select SP Aaron “Clang” Fremlin, 19. The selection of Fremlin caused quite a stir early in the first round as the Gargoyles passed up a number of older, more developed pitchers. “To hell with all of you,” Ronald Bruce yelled. “I like the youngster.” Fremlin himself was unavailable to comment because he was home in the village of Oldbury Smethwick. Reports indicate that during his tryout he threw three wild pitches. Scouts say the youngster has incredible movement which makes batters miss but also causes problems for the catcher. “I dinnae ken where ta ball is!” was heard more than once during “Clang’s” tryout

4)Lonon Monarchs select SP Evan “Hat” Batts, 23. Batts is the son of Earl James Batts from Southport and his selection was cause for celebration in London. “He’ll do us proud,” said an unidentified but enthusiastic fan. “Of course they chose me,” Batts said. “I’m only surprised someone didn’t pick me higher. How can a peasant like Fremlin go higher than me?” Batts doesn’t throw as hard as some but he does have deceptive movement and pinpoint control.

5)Bannockburn Highlanders select SP Ryan Attwell, 20. Atwell is another small town boy who can throw with intense velocity. He reportedly has been playing the game of baseball since it was first imported. Attwell is a school teacher in his home town and plans to continue teaching when possible. “I’m not going to waste my education. Baseball is just a game,” he said. The Highlanders like Attwell’s scholarly approach to the game.

6)Manchester Steam Engines select SP Josh “Moose” Bellows, 25. The first foreigner to be selected in the draft, Bellows hails from the tiny British posession of Aruba. “I like the baseball,” Bellows said. “I think it is an easy game to play.” Manchesterwas surely sold on the huge Bellows who stands 6’ 3” and weighs over 225 pounds. “Why, that boy is big as a moose!” said Manchester owner Franklin Wythe and the nickname has stuck. While Bellows has only three pitches, he throws them all well and has never been known to tire during a game. “I once saw him throw two games back to back, each of them ten innings without breaking into a sweat,” said one scout.

7)Swansea Breakers select SP Andrew MacAlpine, 25. “He’s got more pitches than the queen has diamonds,” gushed the scout from Swansealace. Indeed, MacAlpine, another of the famed “London Gang” can throw five different styles of pitches including the elusive forkball. “I just had a lot of time on my hands and I like to try new things. In fact, I’m working on a new pitch now,” MacAlpine said.

8)Edinburgh Shield Walls select SP Henry Gilliard, 25. The stoutly built Gilliard, a barrister in his former life, is an effective if not flashy pitcher. Sources indicate that he loves to use his pitches to try to get into people’s heads and he is not afraid to brush back a batter if necessary. “If they want to make a run at me, they can. I am not afraid,” Gilliard said. Contract negotiations are expected to take some time.

9)Cardiff Dragons select SP Ellis “Razor” Dansey, 27. Dansey’s selection has allowed him to retired from his previous employment as a barber in the tiny hamlet of High Lane, England. “I liked working as a barber but I like not working as a barber more,” Dansey said. “You get tired of the blood after a while.” Cardiffhad to go to unusual lengths to get Dansey to pitch for them as he couldn’t afford the cost of the ticket for the tryouts. “Yes, we did pay for him to come but we heard he was a bulldog on the mound and that’s the attitude we wanted.” It helps that the Razor can throw the ball anywhere with amazing speed. One scout said “That’s a steal for the ninth pick.”

10)Cwmbran Kings select SP James Ewbank, 26. Ewbank was one of the few full time players before the formation of the British Isles Baseball. He pitched for semi-pro teams in London, Dublin and >York before being selected by the Kings. He also reportedly traveled to the United States but failed to catch on with a club there. “I’ve been working on my game longer than anybody here,” Ewbank said. “I fully expect to win the Brilliant Tosser Award the first season.” Other clubs said privately that they worried about Ewbank’s arm and the wear he has put on it.

11)Dublin Fishermen select SP Pat Sheldon, 22. “Who?” asked the rest of the league when >Dublin announced their pick in the 1^st round. But locals around Wellingborough know Sheldon well. “Aye, that boy loves baseball. When he’s not farming, he’s playing ball.” Apparently the Dublin scout discovered Sheldon when his carriage broke down on the way to a semi-pro game. “Don’t worry, he’ll be a household name before long.” Perhaps. But sources say the young Fisherman has poor velocity and has unpolished mechanics.
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12)Pontardawe-Clydach Mystics select SP Marcus Bell, 23. Bell hails from Exeter where he previously was the owner of a bustling silversmithy. “I intend to keep working and play baseball,” Bell said. Indeed, his silver work is much in demand and could go higher if his baseball career takes off. Many of the London aristocracy either has or wants a piece of Bellware, as it is called. The Mystics only cared about the young man’s fastball, changeup and slider. “We feel he is in the top tier of pitchers,” said a team representative.

13)Portsmouth Beacons select SP Morgan “The Magician” Ley, 22. Ley is known as the magician because he has been striking out batters for a few years now. The young man’s devastating slider and changeup fools batters time and again. When he’s not pitching Ley works on his family’s sheep farm in Halesowen. “I’m hoping to help my family buy a bigger place. And maybe a new glove for me,” the soft spoken Magician said.
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14)Stirling Chargers select SP Doug Maddaford, 23. Maddaford was not impressive during his tryout because he was badly suffering from a case of the flu. Still, the 23 year old managed to show enough to be selected by the Chargers late in the first round. “We’re sure he has a big upside,” Chargers staff said. And they better be right because other sources indicate that the illness might be more serious that expected.
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15)Liverpool Red Coats select SP Ronald “Bubba” Taylor, 24. There’s little doubt that Bubba was the hardest throwing pitcher available in the draft. He can sling a fastball at unmatched speed but he does struggle from time to time with his control. He’s also been known to charge the batter if taunted. “Yeah, I do that,” Bubba said. “I get so mad sometimes I see red. They kicked me out of the last league I was in. I told those chaps it was uncalled for, that guy lived.” The Red Coats went for big reward with >Taylor’s selection but many worry about his dangerous attitude.

16)Limerick Leprechauns select SP Aaron “Rogue” Johnstone, 29. The elder statesman of the first round, Johnstone’s nickname comes from his service in the Royal Navy. Public documents show that Johnstone disobeyed orders while he was a Captain in the Navy, pursuing enemy ships beyond his cruising grounds. Johnstone was drummed out of the Navy but his popularity is huge. After his release from prison, Johnstone kept playing the game he had learned there and is now one of the top pitchers. Many of the other teams selecting before Limerick shied away from Johnstone due to his past and his age. “It doesn’t bother me,” Johnstone said. “I’m happy to be a part of the Leprechauns. You could say I feel lucky!”

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British Isles Baseball Inaugural Draft Round Two:

Using the serpentine method, Limerick finds themselves in the position to pick again right away after the popular Johnstone pick.

1)Limerick Leprechauns select CL Morann McLaughlin, 23. MacLaughlin is both the first Irishman and the first non-starting pitcher selected. McLaughlin hails from Cork where he was previously a professional boxer. His twisted nose and toothy smile go along with his easy going nature. “I da tahink, ta I c’na pley b’byl,” MacLaughlin said after hearing of his selection. His brother who usually acts as his cut man will become his agent and stated that McLaughlin will continue to box as well, at least that’s what we think he said.

2)Liverpool Red Coats select RF Josh Silcock, 24. Silcock is the first fielder selected and there is no doubt that his reputation and popularity played into the Red Coat’s selection. Silcock is well known as being “London’s Fastest Man”. He’s been in over one hundred foot races and never lost one. Silcock is also known for his ready smile and his ability to make the ladies swoon over him. The blonde haired blue eyed 24 year old will roam the vast expanse in right field in Liverpool.

3)Stirling Chargers select MR Evan “Baby Face” Mullock, 22. The owners were laughing as the Chargers introduced their second round selection. Mullock does indeed have a very young face and league officials made his mother vouch for his age. “No way he’s 22,” one scout said in private. “He’s more like sixteen at most.” Either way, the young reliever has a wicked curveball and could end up as a starter. “Please, don’t call me Babyface,” the youngster said. Sadly, it looks like the nickname is sticking.
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4)Portsmouth Beacons select C Darren Boam, 25.The Brawny Boam stands a hair over six feet and makes for a large target as he crouches behind home plate. On source says that Boam has such a strong arm that he can throw from home plate to the wall in Center Field… from his knees! “I don’t know what he’s been eating but I wish I could get me some,” said a jealous fellow player. During his tryout Boam also showed an impressive eye and the ability to drive the ball to all corners of the field. Look for big things from this big man.

5)Pontardawe-Clydach Mystics select SS Aaron Farrall. This was a shocking pick by the Mystics. Farrall showed up at an open tryout hosted by the Mystics, the Kings and the Monarchs. “I’ve never played the game before but the money sounded real good,” Farrell said. “I’ve played a few other sports and I just thought I could pick it up fast.” Indeed the ultimate rookie showed incredibly fast hands and was able to pick up any fastball that was thrown his way. The question is whether he will be able to pick up the nuances of the game. Stay tuned!

6)Dublin Fishermen select CF Corey Kirsopp, 22. Kirsopp is attempting to make the jump from football to baseball. He is a speedy forward known for his attacking style between the lines. “I think he’ll do well. I know he’s actually played the game before, unlike some other picks I could name,” one scout said. And Kirsopp’s name is most well known from his winning goal against lace w:st="on">Francelace> last year. “People love him!” said a representative from the Fishermen.

7)Cwambran Kings select CF Joel Milk, 23. Milk is one of the few Americans to be found in the draft pool. He was in England to study at Oxford when the tryouts were held and decided to see if he had the stuff. “This is a real honor to be playing here. I want to show everyone how an American plays this game.” Milk is said to have all the tools and is nearly as fast as Red Coat Josh Silock. Fans are already clammoring for a matchup between the two.

8)CardiffKings select SS Stewart Pateshall, 27. One of the older players in the draft, Pateshall impressed the Kings with his superior work in the field. He was able to track down balls that no other player could reach and his arm was strong enough that a number of teams considered him as a pitching prospect. “Sure, we might look at him down the road as a pitcher too. Why not?” Cardiff representatives said. As for Pateshall he had this to say: “I’m just glad not to be chasing pigs for a living anymore.”

9)Edinburgh Shield Wall select SS Jamie Carney, 20. Carney never intended to try out himself. He was accompanying his Uncle “Big” Bill Carney and joined in when he saw how much fun everyone was having. Scouts saw immediately that Jamie was the more talented of the two even at his young age. He is not the offensive threat that some might be but he was comfortable at every infield position. The only problem with Carney is that he has to get permission from his father before he can sign.
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10)Swansea Breakers select C Noah Hogbin, 24. Hogbin was a surprise in that he was not selected higher in the draft. His tryout in Waleslace> was spectacular as he made contact with twenty-one straight pitches. His hands are so quick, something that Hogbin says comes from his days spent fishing off the coast of Wales. “You’ve got to be fast to catch a fish,” Hogbin said.

11)Manchester Steam Engines select C Lester Furlonger, 24. Furlonger made something of a splash when he heard he would no longer be walking as a bobby in Birmingham. “I jumped right into my pond. I don’t know what I was doing. I was just so happy.” Scouts loved Furlonger’s patience at the plate and his long arms reach. “He’ll hit for a high average and drive in a lot of runs,” a scout said. Some people worry that Furlong’s arm, broken by a criminal in a robbery, is not strong enough. Others say he is fully healed.

12)Bannockburn Highlandsers select 2B Albert Breakspear, 24. The powerful Breakspear, who hails from Bannockburn, was a local favorite in the Highlander games where he holds the record in the boulder toss. He’s sure to pack the fans into the ballpark. Breakspear also shows surprising nimbleness from a man who stands 6’1”. Breakspear is also known as a man who loves to have a pint… or sixteen.

13)London Monarchs select MR Dermontt Penwarden, 18. The young Penwarden is a 6’4” giant of a boy who has the potential to be an amazing star. But opinions varied greatly over whether London reached too high with this pick. None of the scouts believed that Penwarden is ready for the big club. Penwarden is just finishing up his last year at the HolyBrookAcademy and plans to give baseball a go. He is also regarded as a championship rower and some worry the boy could go that route.
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14)Glasgow Gargoyles select MR Clive “Mule” Ulrich, 20. Ulrich is a young but fully developed pitcher who speaks very little and throws a blistering fastball. He developed his powerful arms by working as a blacksmith for much of his life. “I like the horses,” Ulrich said. Reports indicate that Ulrich is still trying to decide whether to actually play ball this season which has the Gargoyles very worried.

15)Shannon Green Sox select 2B David Bucknell, 23. Bucknell goes by the name “Stonehands” in the semi-pro league he played in before being selected by Glasgow. However, the name stands for two things. He is a less than adept 2B and there is already talk of moving him to 1B. He also is known for his ability to flatten anyone who makes a crack about his defense. On the other hand, Bucknell is an offensive powerhouse who can hit the ball to all fields with power. He could challenge for a number of awards, just not the defensive ones.
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16)Kilkenny Red Devils select 2B Trevor Lewell, 26. Lewell is something of a known commodity to the BIBL owners as he managed to play professional baseball inAmerica for the past three years. Reports indicate that he was effective but not stellar in his time in the colonies. “He’ll be a steady factor in the clubhouse,” Red Devils reps said.