[Mattymo]

Day 2

North American/Caribbean Qualifier

Canada (2-0) 3, Dominican Republic (0-2) 2 (14)
W-Jack Graney (1-0) L-Jose Zamora (0-1)

-LF Newt Randall had game winning RBI single in 14th
-*Jose Zamora allowed only 3 runs in 13 IP

Mexico (1-1) 9, Puerto Rico (0-2) 8
W-Anibal Ayala (1-0) L-Orlando Aguirre (0-1)

-1B *Jorge Barron (MEX): 4 for 5 with 3 runs scored
-2B *David Morales (PUR): 3 for 4 with 4 RBI

United States (2-0) 10, Cuba (1-1) 2
W-Eddie Plank (1-0) L-Manny Vazquez (0-1)

-2B Jim Delahanty had a 3-run 3B in the 1st inning in which the U.S. scored 8 runs
-SP Eddie Plank allowed 2 runs on eight hits in a CG

Pool Standings after Day 2
United States 2-0; After a poor 1908 WC, the offense has scored 30 runs in 2 games
Canada 2-0; Came dangerously close to losing a pivotal game against DR
Cuba 1-1; Putting themselves in good shape to qualify for the WC
Mexico 1-1; Finally got their first win in International Competition
Puerto Rico 0-2; Damaging loss to Mexico, need major help to qualify out of this qualifier
Dominican Republic 0-2; Close but no cigar vs. Canada

[Mattymo]

Day 3

European Qualifier

Ireland 1 (2-1), France 0 (0-3)
W-Angus L'Ami (1-0) L-Nicolas Tardieu
S-Cassidy Joell (1)

-SP *Malone Sergerson (IRE) and SP *Andre Robin (FRA) each earned a ND, throwing 7 shutout innings
-C Jimmy Archer (IRE) had a pinch-hit RBI single in the 8th for the game-winner

England (3-0) 12, Scotland (1-2) 0
W-Dwaine Marfell (1-0) L-Ben MacArtney (0-1)

-SP *Dwaine Marfell (ENG): 8 IP, 5 hits, 1 BB
-CF *Toby Creed (ENG) was 4 for 5 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored

Netherlands (2-1) 2, Germany (1-2) 1
W-Dicky Goor (1-0) L-Willi Sippell (0-1)

-SP *Dicky Goor (NED): CG, 1 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 1 K
-C *Geoffrey Kulk (NED) hit a two-run 2B in the 7th to account for their only runs

Pool Standings after Day 3
England 3-0; Undefeated with France up next; all but locked up a spot in WC1909
Ireland 2-1; Big game on Day 4 vs. a scary German team with their backs against the wall
Netherlands 2-1; This team has major confidence after an upset over Germany
Germany 1-2; In serious danger of being sent to ICQ, two tough games remaining (ENG, IRE)
Scotland 1-2; Sandwiched one win between two blowout losses, needs game vs. NED
France 0-3; Has performed well, need to win a game and hope they can qualify for ICQ

[Mattymo]

Day 3

North American/Caribbean Qualifier

Dominican Republic (1-2) 6, Mexico 2
W-Marcos Garcia (1-0) L-Miguel Gonzales (0-1)
HR- DR-Carlos Rodriguez (1)

-SP *Marcos Garcia (DOM): CG, 2 R, 10 H, 0 K, 2 BB
-RF *Carlos Rodriguez (DOM) hit a 3-run HR in 1st inning

Cuba (2-1) 6, Canada (2-1) 4
W- Jose Rivera (2-0) L-Ed Pinnance (0-1)
S- Manny Galvan (1)

-3B *German Vigueras (CUB): 3 for 4, 2 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
-CF Bill O'Neill (CAN): 3 for 4, 1 R

United States (3-0) 5, Puerto Rico (1-2) 2
W-Slow Joe Doyle (1-0) L-Juan Alvarez

-SP Slow Joe Doyle (USA): CG, 2 R, 10 H, 5 K, 0 BB
-SS Honus Wagner (USA): 3 for 4 with 3 RBI

Pool Standings after Day 3
United States 3-0; Continue to be dominant, what else can you say?
Cuba 2-1: A major upset over Canada puts them in the drivers seat
Canada 2-1; Tough loss, really need to be careful against MEX on Day 4
Dominican Republic 1-2; In good shape to qualify for ICQ
Mexico 1-2; Have been inconsistent but still in a good spot
Puerto Rico 0-3; It's been a disaster so far, need major help to qualify

[Mattymo]

Day 4

European Qualifier

Netherlands (2-1) 3, Scotland 1
W-Bjorn Berendsen (1-1) L-Adam Doig (0-2)

-SP *Bjorn Berendsen (NED): CG, 1 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 2 K
-L *Isaak van der Dusse (NED): 1-2, 2 R, 2 BB

France (1-3) 2, England (3-1) 1
W-Eric Herault (1-1) L-Kieron Mounfield (1-1)
HR- FRA: Matthieu Bru (1)

-SP *Eric Herault: CG, 1 R, 6 H, 5 BB, 1 K
-3B *Matthieu Bru: 2 for 4, GW Solo HR in 9th inning

Germany (2-2) 2, Ireland (2-2) 0
W-Jack Katoll (2-0) L-Edward Weetman (1-1)
HR- GER: Ben Koehler (1)

-SP Jack Katoll (GER): CG, 4 H, 5 K, 1 BB
-CF Ben Koehler (GER): 1-2, 2-run HR in 8th, 2 BB

Pool Standings after Day 4
England 3-1; Surprising loss to France, could clinch with a win over GER or NED win
Netherlands 3-1; Home-town team has really surprised, very close to qualifying
Germany 2-2; Needed to win vs. IRE, now it's a must-win vs. ENG
Ireland 2-2; Still have a shot with final game vs. NED
Scotland 1-3; loser of game vs. FRA will not make ICQ
France 1-3; see Scotland

[Mattymo]

Day 4

North American/Caribbean Qualifier

Cuba (3-1) 7, Puerto Rico (0-4) 5
W-Manny Vazquez (1-1) L-Juan Silva (0-2)
S-Manny Galvan (2)

-C *Francisco Garcia (CUB): 3 for 4, 2 RBI, 2 R
-CF *Gustavo Perez (PUR): 2 for 4, 3 RBI

Canada (3-1) 8, Mexico (1-3) 1
W-Win Kellum (2-0) L-Luis Fernandez (0-2)

-SP Win Kellum: CG, 1 R, 9 H, 0 BB, 6 K
-SS *Gaston Belanger: 3 for 4, 2 RBI, R

United States (4-0) 7, Dominican Republic (1-3) 1
W-Fred Beebe (2-0) L-Antonio Rivera (0-2)

-SP Fred Beebe (USA): CG, 1 R, 6 H, 13 K, 0 BB
-3B Larry Gardner (USA): 2 for 4, 1 R, 1 RBI

Pool Standings after Day 4
x-United States 4-0; Purely dominant in the NCQ, hoping it carries over to WC1909
x-Cuba 3-1; Has played surprisingly well, win over PUR was very important
x-Canada 3-1; Final game vs. USA for bragging rights only
Dominican Republic 1-3; Should be in good shape to qualify for ICQ even with a loss to PUR
Mexico 1-3; Really needs game vs. CUB because of some blowout losses
Puerto Rico 0-4; The nightmare gets worse. Must win vs. DOM to qualify for ICQ, fresh start

x-qualified for World Cup 1909

[Mattymo]

Day 5

European Qualifier

Netherlands (4-1) 4, Ireland (2-3) 3
W-Jonas van Veldhuisen (2-0) L- Jake Rushworth (0-2)
S-Herman van Dam (1)
HR- NED: Geoffrey Kulk (1)

-C *Geoffrey Kulk (NED): 3-4, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, R
-LF *Isaak van der Dusse (NED): 2-3, 2 RBI

England (4-1) 3, Germany (2-3) 2
W-Lester Challand (2-0) L-Leonhart Rumpelmeier (0-2)
S-Daniel Alder (1)

-SP *Lester Challand (ENG): 8 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 4 BB, 3 K
-3B Hobe Ferris (ENG): 2 for 4, 1 R, 1 RBI

France (2-3) 3, Scotland (1-4) 0
W-Yves Louis (1-1) L-Liam MacGillivray (1-1)

-SP *Yves Louis (FRA): CG, 0 R, 4 H, 0 BB, 1 K
-RF *Pierre-Jean Bontemps (FRA): 2-4, R, RBI

Final Pool Standings
x-England 4-1; The pitching was there with Mounfield and Challand
x-Netherlands 4-1; Surprising performance in the EQ, very deep team
x-Germany 2-3; Won tie-breaker by going 2-0 vs. IRE and FRA, disappointing performance
y-Ireland 2-3; Very up and down, will have a shot in ICQ
y-France 2-3; Came back from 0-3 to win final 2 games and qualify for ICQ
Scotland 1-4; Talk about disappointing, should have won at least 2 games

x-qualified for World Cup 1909
y-qualified for Inter-Continental Qualifier

[Mattymo]

Day 5

North American/Caribbean Qualifier

Dominican Republic (2-3) 12, Puerto Rico (0-5) 2
W-Jose Zamora (1-1) L-Orlando Aguirre (1-1)
HR- DR: Lucio Salazar (1)

-SP *Jose Zamora (DOM): CG, 2 R, 7 H, 8 BB, 2 K
-2B *Tomas Zamora (DOM): 2 for 4, 4 RBI, 2 R

Mexico (2-3) 7, Cuba (3-2) 4
W-Anibal Ayala (2-0) L-Manny Vazquez (1-2)

-1B *Jorge Barron (MEX): 2 for 5, 2 R, 1 RBI
-C *Francisco Garcia (CUB): 2 for 4, 2 RBI, R

United States (5-0) 4, Canada (3-2) 3 (12)
W-Roy Patterson (1-0) L- Ernie Ross (0-1)

-C Branch Rickey (USA): 0-4, Game-winning sac Fly in 12th
-SP Roy Patterson (USA): 12 IP, 2 ER, 15 H, 1 BB, 2 K

Final Pool Standings
x-United States 5-0; Completely dominant, their confidence will be high in WC1909
x-Cuba 3-2; Just happy to perform well in front of home fans, avoid ICQ
x-Canada 3-2; Didn't play well, but good enough to get into WC
y-Dominican Republic 2-3; Win over Puerto Rico was huge, could advance from ICQ
y-Mexico 2-3; A very unexpected 2 wins
Puerto Rico 0-5; The nightmare never ended, will miss World Cup for 1st time

x-Qualified for World Cup 1909
y-Qualified for Inter-Continental Qualifier

[Mattymo]

Inter-Continental Qualifier (Havana, Cuba)

Participants: Dominican Republic, France, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Venezuela

What’s on the line: Top 2 qualify for World Cup

What to Watch For: There's no team that really stands out in this qualifier. Japan has a solid lineup but has probably the weakest pitching of the group. Both Ireland and Dominican Republic came into their respective qualifiers expecting to make the World Cup, and both feel they can still do that. France and Mexico are both surprising entries into this qualifier. Venezuela has a large lack of depth but is on the right track.

Who to Watch:

Dominican Republic
SP *Antonio Rivera (0-2, 9.00 ERA, 9 BB, 3 K in NAQ)
CF *Claudio Garcia (4 for 18, 2 R, 1 RBI in NAQ)

France
SP *Eric Herault (1-1, 1.06 ERA, 9 BB, 3 K in EQ)
RF *Pierre-Jean Bontemps (5 for 18, 1 R, 1 RBI in EQ)

Ireland
SP *Edward Weetman (1-1, 1.08 ERA, 7 BB, 1 K in EQ)
LF Irish McIlveen (4 for 18, 1 R in EQ)

Japan
SP *Taisuke Hamada (Amateur)
LF *Oniji Nakamura (3 for 12, 3 R w/New York Giants in 1908)

Mexico
SP *Luis Fernandez (0-2, 11.25 ERA, 11 BB, 1 K in NAQ)
SS *Juan Enriquez (5 for 19, 3 RBI, 2 R in NAQ)

Venezuela
SP *Juan Dantes (3-5, 1.83 in R-ball in 1908)
SS *Julian Salas (.218, 1 HR, 12 RBI in 133 ABs w/Cleveland Indians in 1908)

[Mattymo]

Day 1

Inter-Continental Qualifier

Japan (1-0) 4, Dominican Republic (0-1) 3
W-Taisuke Hamada (1-0) L-Antonio Rivera (0-1)
S-Michinori Furukawa

-CF *Moromao Yamada (JAP): 2 for 4, 2 R, RBI, SB
-RF *Carlos Rodriguez (DR): 2 for 4, RBI

France (1-0) 4, Venezuela (0-1) 0
W-Eric Herault (1-0) L-Juan Dantes (0-1)

-SP *Eric Herault (FRA): CG, 0 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 1 K
-CF *Henri Laborde (FRA): 1 for 5, 2 RBI

Mexico (1-0) 5, Ireland (0-1) 4
W-Luis Fernandez (1-0) L-Edward Weetman (0-1)

SP *Luis Fernandez (MEX): CG, 3 ER, 10 H, 1 BB, 2 K, 2 for 4, RBI, R
LF Irish McIlveen (IRE): 2 for 5, RBI

Pool Standings after Day 1
France 1-0; Herault continues to pitch well, winning Game 1 with that pitching depth is huge
Mexico 1-0; Continue to surprise and win close games
Japan 1-0; Got it done on Day 1 but injury to Hamada could hurt a team that's not deep
Ireland 0-1; Just can't win the close games, needed a better start out of Weetman
Dominican Republic 0-1; Lack of pitching could hurt this team as it did on Day 1
Venezuela 0-1; Seemed overmatched against a a French team that isn't that strong

[Mattymo]

Day 2

Inter-Continental Qualifier

France (2-0) 3, Dominican Republic (0-2) 0
W-Eric Fabre (1-0) L-Jose Zamora (0-1)

-SP *Eric Fabre (FRA): CG, 0 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 1 K
-LF *Jean-Claude Mercier (FRA): 2 for 3, RBI

Mexico (2-0) 5, Japan (1-1) 2
W-Anibal Ayala (1-0) L-Terui Ikeda (0-1)

-SP *Anibal Ayala (MEX): CG, 1 ER, 10 H, 6 BB, 2 K
-CF *Jose Hernandez (MEX): 3 for 5, 3 RBI

Venezuela (1-1) 5, Ireland (0-2) 3
W-Trajano Kaisin (1-0) L-Jake Rushworth (0-1)

-SP *Trajano Kaisin (VEN): CG, 3 R, 10 H, 1 BB, 2 K
-CF *Gian-Andrea Pescosolido (VEN): 2 for 4, 2B, R, RBI

Pool Standings after Day 2
France 2-0; The pitching continues to be great with Fabre coming out of retirement to win
Mexico 2-0; Time to realize this team is for real, huge surprise so far in the ICQ
Venezuela 1-1; Big upset over Ireland, have a good shot
Japan 1-1; Lack of pitching showed on Day 2
Ireland 0-2; Need to win remaining 3 games just to have a chance
Dominican Republic 0-2; see Ireland

[Mattymo]

Day 3

Inter-Continental Qualifier

Dominican Republic (1-2) 6, vs. Venezuela (1-2) 0
W-Marcos Garcia (1-0) L-Raymilson Santa Iria (0-1)

-SP *Marcos Garcia (DOM): CG, 0 R, 3 H, 4 BB, 0 K
-3B *Lucio Salazar (DOM): 2 for 4, R, RBI

Mexico (3-0) 8, France (2-1) 0
W-Miguel Gonzales (1-0) L-Andre Robin (0-1)

-SP *Miguel Gonzales (MEX): CG, 0 R, 4 H, 5 BB, 1 K
-SS *Juan Enriquez (MEX): 2 for 4, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB

Japan (2-1) 6, Ireland (0-3) 5
W-Michinori Furukawa (1-0) L-Malone Sergerson (0-1)
HR- JAP: Furukawa (1)

-SP *Michinori Furukawa (JAP): CG, 10 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 for 3, HR
-1B *Tokimasa Onishi (JAP): 2 for 4, 2 RBI

Pool Standings after Day 3
Mexico 3-0; All but clinched a spot in WC1909 after win over France
France 2-1; Tough loss vs. MEX, needs at least one more win in final 2 games
Japan 2-1; Different hero each day for Japanese
Dominican Republic 1-2; Still alive after win over VEN, need to continue to take care of business
Venezuela 1-2; Still breathing but barely
Ireland 0-3; Continue to lose close games

[PhillieFever]

You're doing a great job with this,keep it up.That Canadian victory was a shocker! I bet if those teams played 100 times,the US would win 90 times ,just an unbelievable victory for the Canucks!

[Mattymo]

Originally Posted by PhillieFever

You're doing a great job with this,keep it up.That Canadian victory was a shocker! I bet if those teams played 100 times,the US would win 90 times ,just an unbelievable victory for the Canucks!

Thanks! It's been real fun to go through the qualifying process. Though I'm not a soccer fan I love the way they run their World Cup and I'm trying to replicate that the best I can. I'm looking forward to the 1909 World Cup with more teams than the previous two.

[Mattymo]

Day 4

Inter-Continental Qualifier

France (3-1) 2, Ireland (0-4) 0
W-Nicolas Tardieu (1-0) L-Edward Weetman (0-2)
S-Fabrice Lasserre (1)
HR- FRA: Lionel Baillet (1)

-SP *Nicolas Tardieu (FRA): 8 IP, 0 R, 6 H, 0 BB, 0 K
-C *Lionel Baillet (FRA): 1 for 4, HR in 1st inning

Venezuela (2-2) 4, Japan (2-2) 2
W-Juan Dantes (1-1) L-Michinori Furukawa (1-1)
HR- JAP: Moromao Yamada (1)

-SP *Juan Dantes (VEN): CG, 2 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 2 K
-C *Silverio Briatori (VEN): 3 for 4, R, RBI

Dominican Republic (2-2) 17, Mexico (3-1) 5
W-Antonio Rivera (1-1) L-Anibal Ayala (1-1)

-3B *Lucio Salazar (DOM): 4 for 5, 4 RBI, 3 R
-C *Gilberto Jimenez (DOM): 4 for 5, 3 RBI, R

Pool Standings after Day 4
France 3-1; Have Herault on mound vs. JAP on Day 5, win and they're in. Lose and would likely need a DOM loss
Mexico 3-1; Beat VEN on Day 5 and they're in, blowout loss to DOM could hurt if tie-breakers come into play
Dominican Republic 2-2; Win over MEX puts them back in it, need to win vs. IRE and have MEX/FRA both lose
Japan 2-2; longshot, would need to win big over FRA and have MEX lose big vs. VEN
Venezuela 2-2; even longer shot, but big win over MEX is a must
Ireland 0-4; What a disappointing ICQ for a team that expected to be in the WC1909

tie-breakers:
1. Record vs. tied teams
2. Cumulative score
3. Runs allowed
4. World Ranking

(Ed's note: To show how close this qualifier has been; there is a legit chance there could be a 5-way tie for 1st place at 3-2. Dominican Republic is +14 in cum. score due to their blowout of MEX. France is +1, Mexico is even, Japan is -3 and Venezuela is -6.)

[Mattymo]

Day 5

Inter-Continental Qualifier

Japan (3-2) 8, France (3-2) 3
W-Teruo Ikeda (1-1) L-Eric Herault (1-1)

-1B *Tokimasa Onishi (JAP): 2 for 3, 2 RBI, R, 2B
-2B *Kenzaburo Yoshida (JAP): 2 for 3, 2 RBI, R

Venezuela (3-2) 2, Mexico (3-2) 0
W-Trajano Kaisin (2-0) L-Luis Fernandez (1-1)

-SP *Trajano Kaisin (VEN): CG, 0 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 2 K
-C *Silverio Briatori (VEN): 1 for 3, 2-run single in 6th

Dominican Republic (3-2) 1, Ireland (0-5) 0
W-Jose Zamora (1-1) L-Angus L'Ami (0-1)

-SP *Jose Zamora (DOM): CG, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 for 4, RBI
-LF *Roberto Gonzales (DOM): 2 for 2, 2 BB

Final Pool Standings
x-Dominican Republic 3-2; +15 cum. score, blowout over MEX was huge. started 0-2, won final 3
x-Japan 3-2; +2 cum. score, what an upset over France on final day
Mexico 3-2; -2 cum. score, couldn't score runs vs. VEN when it mattered
France 3-2; -4 cum. score, Eric Herault didn't come through on Day 5
Venezuela 3-2; -4 cum. score, really impressed in 1st International competition
Ireland 0-5; back to the drawing board for Irish

[Mattymo]

1909 World Cup

Welcome to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, home of the 1909 World Cup!

After perhaps the most exciting finish in the short history of the World Cup in 1907, the IBF has increased the field from 4 teams to 8 with the introduction of the European Baseball Union. For the first time England, Germany and The Netherlands will participate, having all qualified in 1908.

Defending champion Canada is back, along with Cuba, Dominican Republic and Japan. The Americans are also back, this time with something to prove after being upset in the 1907 Title Game.

This years World Cup was originally planned to be played in Puerto Rico. However, after their national team failed to qualify, the IBF was sent scrambling to find a different host site. With warm weather options limited, the Dominican Republic stepped up, with games to be played in Santo Domingo Ballpark which has served as the national team’s home park.

The landscape of baseball has quickly changed since 1907. With interest in the sport waning, attendance has receded dramatically the past two seasons in the Major Leagues. Less than 15,000 saw Game 1 of the World Series between the Philadelphia Athletics and Pittsburgh Pirates at Exposition Park.

However, the game has grown globally, as evidenced by the Qualifying Rounds. The European clubs fielded solid teams full of amateur players and represented their countries well. Also, more countries have inquired about joining the IBF, eager to join the international competitions.

Each team will play three round-robin games within their pool with the top two advancing to the semifinal round.

[Mattymo]

1909 World Cup Participants and Preview

Pool A


Cuba

Highest finish: 2nd place in 1904
Most recent: 0-3 in pool play in 1907

Top Pitcher: *Jose Rivera (Rookie League player in Philadelphia Phillies org.)
Top Hitter: *Francisco Garcia (played in 129 games with Brooklyn Superbas in 1909)

Outlook: Cuba has two Major League players, Garcia and *Miguel Angel Costello. Unfortunately they are both catchers, so Costello doesn’t get a lot of opportunity to play. 1B *Alfredo Hernandez returns, as well as SS *German Vigueras. The pitching remains slim with Rivera joining *Manny Vazquez and *Juan Mateo as starters. All three started in the ’07 Cup.

Expectation: After performing well in the Qualifier and finishing 3-2, including a win over Canada, Cuba can erase a 7-game losing streak in the World Cup. They are stuck in Pool A with the United States, but will compete with the Netherlands for a semi-final berth.

Japan

Most Recent: Lost in Qualifying round in 1904

Top Pitcher: SP *Yoshi Murakawa (Amateur)
Top Hitter: LF *Oniji Nakamura (33 ABs w/ New York Giants in 1909)

Outlook: This club is led by major leaguers Nakamura and SS
*Rikiya Hirano (New York Giants), as well as minor leaguers RF *Sadatake Kawashima and C *Tokimasa Onishi. While they do have firepower offensively, the pitching is very young and inexperienced. Murakawa, *Terui Ikeda and *Taisuke Hamada are all amateurs, and all very young.

Expectation: The world was shocked with Japan advanced out of the Inter-Continental Qualifier. The offense is as good as anyone’s but the pitching is very poor. They’ll be lucky to get a win.

Netherlands

Top Pitcher: SP *Bjorn Berendsen (Amateur)
Top Hitter: LF *Isaak van der Dusse (.265, 15 RBI w/St. Louis Cardinals in 1909)

Outlook: Amateurs *Jonas van Veldhuizen and *Dicky Goor join Berendsen in the rotation, but all three have International experience after last year’s qualifier. Van der Dusse is a legit Major Leaguer and will have to carry the offense. Minor Leaguers 1B *Bertil Muelmeester and CF *Kenny de Jager are solid players as well.

Expectation: The Dutch team was arguably the best team in the European Qualifier last year. They could give Cuba a run for their money for advancement out of Pool A.

United States

Titles: 3 (1902-1906)
Most Recent: Lost 1907 Title Game.

Top Pitcher: SP Slow Joe Doyle (20-13, 1.80 ERA with New York Highlanders in 1909)
Top Hitter: CF Tris Speaker (.334, 79 RBI w/Boston Americans in 1909)

Outlook: The Americans arrive in Santo Domingo with a huge chip on their shoulder. They will turn to young pitchers Doyle, Elmer Steele (Boston Americans) and Jack Coombs (Philadelphia Athletics) to return the World Cup Title to the U.S. While most of their problems in 1907 were offensively, they really broke out in the NAQ of 1908, scoring 46 runs in 5 games. They bring possibly their most potent lineup yet, with Speaker, Frank Chance (Chicago Cubs) and newcomer RF Beals Becker (Pittsburgh Pirates) ready to drive in runs. Veterans Honus Wagner (Pirates) and LF Mike Donlin (New York Highlanders) will look to set the table.

Expectation: Finish undefeated and avenge their loss in 1907. It’s what these guys have worked toward.



Pool B

Canada

Highest finish: Won Title in 1907

Top Pitcher: Russ Ford (New York Highlanders AAA player)
Top Hitter: C Nig Clarke (Cleveland Indians; .261 w/24 RBI in 1909)

Outlook: Canada’s defense of its title rests in the hands of its solid, but unspectacular, pitching staff. Win Kellum (Cleveland Indians AAA) is back but is coming off a season that saw no Major League starts. Rookie Russ Ford is the new ace while Alex Hardy returns to round out the staff. Offensively, all the usual suspects are back for Canada. Nig Clarke (Cleveland Indians) missed 1907 with an injury but is back behind the plate, teaming up with Bunk Congalton (St. Louis Browns) to form a strong middle of the lineup. 1907 hero *Tom Joly is back as well. Rookie CF Bill O’Hara will bat leadoff in his first World Cup.

Expectation: Canada is the class of Pool B and should advance to the semifinals no problem. There’s no reason why they can’t do the unthinkable and win the Title yet again, but don’t count on it. However, anything less than second would be disappointing.

Dominican Republic

Highest finish: 4th place in 1902
Most recent: 0-2 in 1906

Top Pitcher: SP *Antonio Rivera (minor league in Brooklyn Superbas org.)
Top Hitter: CF *Claudio Garcia (78 ABs w/Detroit Tigers in 1909, .192 average)

Outlook: Garcia will have to lead this team as the only Major Leaguer on the roster. RF *Carlos Rodriguez and 1B *Arturo Martinez are solid players who will have to step up. The pitching is young and thin, with 21-year old *Adrian Correa and 18 year-old Jose Zamora joining Rivera in the rotation.

Expectation: After missing the World Cup twice in a row, the Dominicans return after a great comeback in the Inter-Continental Qualifier of 1908, winning their final 2 games to qualify. The main goal is to gain some experience and sneak out with a win. Don’t expect this team to advance.

England

Top Pitcher: SP *Kieron Mounfield (Amateur)
Top Hitter: 1B Dave Brain (131 ABs, 14 RBI w/Chicago White Sox in 1909)

Outlook: Brain, LF Ned Crompton (St. Louis Browns), C Al Shaw and 3B Hobe Ferris (Boston Red Sox) are all Major League caliber players and make this lineup very solid. The pitching was great in the European Qualifier in 1908 with Mounfield and *Lester Challand gaining valuable experience. 23-year old *Mason Rabjohns gets the call as the #3 starter.

Expectation: With so many good hitters, England’s window of opportunity is now. They could give Canada a run for their money in Pool B and they are expected to advance.

Germany

Top Pitcher: SP Jack Katoll (former Major Leaguer, 52 career ML wins)
Top Hitter: CF Ben Koehler (Chicago Cuba AAA player, 67 career ML hits)

Outlook: Big Jack Katoll won two games in the European Qualifier as Germany was lucky to advance. They’re going to need *Harvey Stoffler and *Hunfried Braunsteiner to step up if they have any hope of advancing. Ben Koehler anchors a lineup full of amateurs. Watch for LF *Andreas Jerratsch, he’s a solid player.

Expectation: The Germans have limited talent but a guy like Katoll could bring them a long way. Don’t expect them to advance, but don’t be surprised if they do.

[Mattymo]

Day 1

Pool A

United States (1-0) 9 Netherlands (0-1) 0
W-Slow Joe Doyle (1-0) L-Jonas van Veldhuizen (0-1)

Slow Joe Doyle scattered six hits in a complete game effort as the United States won their first ever matchup with a European team. Beals Becker (USA) had two hits and three RBI while Honus Wagner (USA) was 2 for 3 with an RBI and run scored. RF Joe Jackson added two runs scored for the Americans. *Isaak van der Dusse and *Kenny de Jager had two hits apiece for The Netherlands.

Cuba (1-0) 7, Japan (0-1) 0
W-Jose Rivera (1-0) L-Yoshi Murakawa (0-1)

*Jose Rivera threw a complete game shutout, allowing just seven hits and a walk, as Cuba won a World Cup game for the first time since 1904. *German Vigueras had a two-run double and *Jose Escamilla had two hits for Cuba. *Rikiya Hirano had two hits for Japan.

Pool A Standings after Day 1
United States 1-0
Cuba 1-0
Japan 0-1
Netherlands 0-1

Pool B

Canada (1-0) 2, Germany (0-1) 0
W-Russ Ford (1-0) L-Jack Katoll (0-1)

Russ Ford struck out five, allowing just six hits in a complete game as Canada began their title defense with a win over Germany. Ford also added two hits for Canada, who got an RBI single from Nig Clarke. *Norbert Schroder had two hits for Germany, who got a complete game effort from Big Jack Katoll who allowed just two runs on eight hits.

England (1-0) 3, Dominican Republic (0-2) 2
W-Kieron Mounfield (1-0) L-Antonio Rivera (0-1)
S- Daniel Alder (1)
HR- DOM: Arturo Martinez (1)

Harry Smith had a pinch-hit RBI single in the 8th inning to break a tie as England won their first ever World Cup game. Kieron Mounfield allowed only two runs on nine hits to earn the win while Hobe Ferris had two hits and two runs scored and Ned Crompton was 2 for 4 for England. *Arturo Martinez had three hits, including a solo homer, and *Claudio Garcia had two hits for the Dominicans.

Pool B standings after Day 1
Canada 1-0
England 1-0
Dominican Republic 0-1
Germany 0-1

[Mattymo]

Day 2

Pool A

United States (2-0) 14, Japan (0-2) 1
W-Elmer Steele (1-0) L-Teruo Ikeda (0-1)

Elmer Steele allowed just one unearned run in nine innings, Tris Speaker had four hits and 2 RBI and Joe Jackson had three hits and an RBI as the United States continued its dominance in this year's World Cup. Ted Easterly had three hits and Mike Donlin two hits and two RBI for the Americans. *Rikiya Hirano and *Tokimasa Onishi had two hits apiece for Japan.

Netherlands (1-1) 4, Cuba (1-1) 3
W-Bjorn Berendsen (1-0) L-Manny Vazquez (0-1)
S-Herman van Dam (1)

*Bjorn Berendsen held Cuba scoreless over six innings, allowing just two hits, as the Netherlands held on for a 4-3 win. *Bertil Muelmeester had two hits and an RBI for the Dutch team, while *Isaak van der Dusse and *Moritz Lips had two hits apiece. *Alfredo Hernandez and *Jose Escamilla each had an RBI for Cuba.

Pool A standings after Day 2
United States (2-0)
Netherlands (1-1)
Cuba (1-1)
Japan (0-2)

Pool B

Canada (2-0) 9, England (1-1) 2
W-Win Kellum (1-0) L-Mason Rabjohns (0-1)

Larry McLean had three hits, three RBI and three runs scored and Win Kellum allowed just two runs in nine innings as Canada improved to 2-0 in pool play. Nig Clarke had three hits and three runs scored while *Tom Joly had two hits and scored twice for the Canadians. *Stewart Beans was 3 for 4 for England.

Germany (1-1) 10, Dominican Republic (0-2) 3
W-Harvey Stoffler (1-0) L-Adrian Correa (0-1)

*Harvey Stoffler allowed just two runs in seven innings, striking out one, as Germany scored seven runs in the ninth inning to get its first World Cup victory. Ben Koehler was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI, while Bill Miller and *Huburtus Reinhard each had two RBI for Germany. *Adrian Correa allowed three runs in seven innings for Dominican Republic. *Arturo Martinez and *Pancho Cruz had two hits apiece for the Dominicans.

Pool B standings after Day 2
Canada (2-0)
Germany (1-1)
England (1-1)
Dominican Republic (0-2)

[Mattymo]

Day 3

Pool A

United States (3-0) 4, Cuba (1-2) 2
W-Jack Coombs (1-0) L-Antonio Davila (0-1)

"Shoeless" Joe Jackson scored on Mike Donlin's bases loaded walk in the 7th inning as the Americans finish pool play undefeated and head to the semifinals. Jack Coombs allowed just three runs in nine innings, striking out five, and three hits and scored twice. *German Vigueras had two hits and *Alfonso Tavaras had two RBI for Cuba.

Japan (1-2) 8, Netherlands (1-2) 1
W-Taisuke Hamada (1-0) L-Dicky Goor (0-1)
HR- JAP: Rikiya Hirano (1)

*Rikiya Hirano was a perfect 5 for 5, including a homer, with three RBI and two runs scored as Japan won their first ever World Cup game. *Taisuke Hamada gave up just one run in nine innings and *Oniji Nakumura drove in three for the Japanese. *Kenny de Jager had two hits for the Dutch. Both teams failed to advance with Cuba winning the tie-breaker.

Final Pool A standings
United States (3-0)
Cuba (1-2, +5 cum. score)
Japan (1-2, -13 cum. score)
Netherlands (1-2, -15 cum. score)


Pool B

England (2-1) 6, Germany (1-2) 4
W-Lester Challand (1-0) L-Hunfried Braunsteiner (0-1)
S-Daniel Alder (2)

Dave Brain had three hits, two runs scored and an RBI as England clinched a spot in the semifinals and will play the United States. *Lester Challand allowed three earned runs in seven innings to get the win while Toby Creed and *George Kinsey had two RBI apiece for the English. Ben Koehler had two hits, Bill Miller two RBI for the Germans.

Canada (3-0) 13, Dominican Republic (0-3) 6
W-Alex Hardy (1-0) L-Jose Zamora (0-1)
HR- CAN: Larry McLean (1)

Larry McLean had five hits and two RBI, including a ninth inning home run, as Canada finished pool play undefeated. *Tom Joly had three RBI while Bunk Congalton and Nig Clarke had two RBI apiece. *Arturo Martinez and *Lucio Salazar each had three hits for Dominican Republic, who finishes winless.

Final Pool B standings
Canada (3-0)
England (2-1)
Germany (1-2)
Dominican Republic (0-3)