The FLB (Fictional Baseball League)

[HRBaker]

Once more, the concept of this league...

Instead of creating a fictional league where, as always, we have to play into the league long enough to see certain players develop into those interesting enough to follow, the FLB was created to start with fictional teams from movies, tv shows, novels, and games - that also provided fictional players we know something about ahead of time due to the story line.

For example, when Roy Hobbs (Movie: The Natural) comes to bat in Game One, we have an expectation for him - we're already rooting for a homerun. When Ricky Vaughn (Movie: Major League) throws his first pitch, we might actually duck and hear Harry Doyle saying "Juuuuust a bit outside, he tried the corner and missed.". You get the point.

I was going to try and develop 12 radio personalities to use for game reports, but decided that was a bit overboard, so instead I'm hiring Harry Doyle (from the Major League movie) as the league journalist to travel the country and give us a summary of each day's games. Each Game Series, the FLB will send Harry to what we feel is the most important teams to follow. In addition to the game(s) he covers, he will also summarize what happened around the league.

This league is a wide departure from what I've done in the past - I don't know if it will work - but I hope it's enjoyable.

PS: Check out the post that put this all together here...
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...nal-teams.html

Next Up? Opening Day!

[HRBaker]

Well, we sent Harry to Miami to cover the 2 game series against the New York Knights - We just wanted to see Roy Hobbs first home run of the season

[HRBaker]

Hello baseball fans! This is Harry Doyle bringing you today's games of the FLB - in fact, the very first games of the FLB.

League management (that HRBaker guy) sent me to Miami to watch the New York Giants down the Gators 6-2 as Roy Hobbs blasted his first Homerun of the young season.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic, The Durham Bulls won a 10 inning game over Detroit, 1-0 as Ebby LaLoosh (the kid that's been seen out with Annie Savoy) pitched 7 shutout innings, walking 2 and striking out 8 (whatever they were up to didn't seem to effect his game). The third and final game in the Atlantic saw the Indians beat Empire Bay 3-2, with the winning run coming in the 10th inning. Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn got the win (striking out 4 of 6 batters) and SP Eddie Harris pitched 8 strong innings giving up only 2 runs.

Over in the Pacific, California and St. Louis battled for 10 innings with the Pioneers pulling out a 7-6 win. California's Stan Patterson went 2-5, with 2 Homers and 3 RBIs in the game. The Pioneers rookie Damon Rutherford got beat up a bit pitching only 4 innings and giving up 6 runs. The Santa Barbara Seabirds shutout the Saints 4-0, with SP Larry Burns going 9 innings scattering 8 hits for the win. In the last game of the evening, the Seattle Pilots defeated San Fiero 5-4. 5 Homeruns were hit in that game.

In other news, (1) Roger Dorn* will have to wait a while longer. The Cleveland third baseman was informed this afternoon that he will miss another 4 weeks with a hamstring strain. The injury has kept him off the field since 03/29/1965. Though Dorn* had hoped to return soon, he has no choice but to be patient. "Gotta stay focused," he said. "Gotta stay positive." (2) After the end of today's game between Empire Bay and Detroit, Wayne Gilbert skipped the clubhouse and headed straight for the doctor's office. After he was removed from the game as a precaution after running the bases, the Cannons had their worst fears confirmed when it turned out to be more serious. The shortstop will miss at least 5 weeks with a knee sprain. (3a) Fans reacted with enthusiasm as news of a potential contract deal between Tony Micelli* and New York exploded on the newswires today. BNN sources tell us that the deal could involve $54,300 and that the marquee name could be calling New York home in a very short period of time, though they caution also that things could fall apart. (3b) Tony Micelli* fed rumors today that he would be calling California home next season. The loquacious second baseman said that he could see himself in a Pioneers uniform, but that it was far from a done deal. Reportedly, $54,800 in cash is on the table over a 1-year time frame. (4) Lee Van Dyke* could soon be placed on the disabled list. The Cleveland left fielder told reporters that he expects to be "out of commission" for 6 weeks because of a strained hamstring. He hasn't played since 04/03/1965 and, he said, he's "itchin' to get back out there."

Join me tomorrow when the New York Knights and Miami Gators play their 2nd and last game of this series.

HD

[HRBaker]

<<Harry Doyle: Well he's gonna walk Beck to pitch to Parkman obviously Taylor's thinking... I don't know WHAT the hell he's thinking.>>

Hello everybody. Harry Doyle here, on Day 2 of the FLB, here in Miami.

New York Knights versus Miami Gators, Game 2 of 2 game series
In today's second game between the Knights and Gators, New York won a come-from-behind victory 7-5 as Roy Hobbs slammed his 2nd(8th) and 3rd(9th) homeruns of the season. RP Will Glass got the win while RP Roy Copper took the loss. Clu Haywood (MIA) got his first Homerun of the season.

Relying on pinpoint control and a good array of pitches, Clint Gilbert of the Empire Bay Cannons held the Cleveland Indians scoreless today, 6-0. He scattered 4 hits over 9 innings and fanned 3 on his way to the 6-0 victory. The Cannons smashed 17 hits against Cleveland pitching (shakes head). Over in Detroit, the Tigers pulled out a last inning 3-2 win over the Bulls even though Crash Davis hit his first Homer of this season.

Over in the Pacific League, the St. Louis Wolves won a 1-0 game where Norman "Nobody" Ody's solo homerun won the game against the California. Pioneers SP Mickey Halifax lost his first start, but pitched well; 9 innings, 2 hits and 1 run. The Packers beat the Pilots 3-2, and Santa Barbara won its second game 5-3 to capture first place. The Seabirds CF Jake McIntosh went 4 for 4 with 2 runs and 4 RBIs.

Well, off we go to California where the 2nd place Pioneers will host the first place Seabirds for 3 games. Tune in to FLB Radio, AM 1490, at 7:05 EST, 4:05 PST Tomorrow! (Noooo, that's NOT the Wolves pitcher. Have another drink!)

[HRBaker]

<<Harry Doyle: Well fans, Roger Dorn has done a little redecorating around the ballpark. The outfield walls now look like the yellow pages. And any of you folks having trouble finding a good proctologist, might want to come down here and check out the area around the 375 foot sign. As for the game, we've got a real nailbiter here tonight. It's a lot closer than that 11-2 score.>>

Hello Pioneer fans. Harry Doyle here, game 1 of 3 in Pioneer Park.

Santa Barbara versus California Pioneers, Game 1 of 3 game series
This first game of the year between these two clubs went entirely to the Pioneers, 7-1. Ira Woodward (CAL) scattered 4 hots and only gave up 1 run, while striking out 9. RF Andy Bowman was the only Seabird to put up a big enough number to record - 3 for 4 (all singles). SS Axel Rawlings (CAL) picked up his first homer of the season.

Elsewhere in the Pacific, San Fiero put down the Saints 7-1 for thier 2nd win of the season and the Saints 3rd loss. RF Michael Pennebaker (SF) went 1 for 5 (.167ba) while C Jack Parkman (LS) was 1 for 4 (.167ba). St. Louis pounded Seattle 8-1. CF Benny "Because" Ausett and LF Walt "Why" Yokum collected homeruns for the win.

In the Atlantic League, Durham slipped by Empire Bay 2-1 in a come from behind victory. The Knights won their 3rd game in as many challenges, beating the Indians 6-4. RF Roy Hobbs collected his 4th Homerun while CF Bump Bailey was 2 for 4. Hobbs and Bailey are both hitting over .400. The last game in the Pacific was Detroit at Miami as the Gators shutout the Tigers 2-0. SP Peter MsDonald got the win, giving up only 2 hits in only 98 pitches. Roy Copper got his first save.

No other news in the league worth printing (or that I can report without getting fired). Tune in tomorrow to FLB Radio, AM 1490, at 7:05 EST, 4:05 PST for Game 2.

[HRBaker]

<<Harry Doyle: You know I used to hate Parkman when he was with the A's. It's amazing how a new uniform can change your attitude about a guy. [covers Mic] Harry Doyle: He's still a dick.>>

Hello Pioneer fans. Harry Doyle here, game 2 of 3 in Pioneer Park - AND WHAT A GAME IT WAS!!

Santa Barbara versus California Pioneers, Game 1 of 2 game series

As if a 17-2 ballgame wouldn't be news enough, this game has a bit of everything. Let's begin; P Sam Malone got the call to start for the Seabirds. After a tame 1st inning (other than a hit batter ((Grammercy Locke), things got interesting. In the top of the 2nd, the Seabirds scored a run, and went into the bottom of the inning leading 1-0. Here's how it went with Malone and 2 relievers pitching in the top of the 2nd... 17 batters come to the plate, 12 runs, 11 hits, 2 lob. (It looked like they put a batting machine on the mound.) As if that wasn't enough excitement... Two outs start the top of the 3rd, then Logan faces Jake McIntosh and gives up a 408 foot homerun to make the score 13-2. Next batter, Andy Bowman, and with a 2/2 count, Logan hits him with a pitch. All hell breaks loose as Bowman charges the mound and the benches clear.

Andy Bowman of Santa Barbara and Dave Logan* of California have been sanctioned by the league office for causing the ruckus at Nat Bailey Stadium yesterday. Both players have been given 6-game suspensions for instigating the fight and subsequent free-for-all.

For a while I thought I was at a boxing match.

Two other games in the Pacific League; St. Louis won their second game against Seattle 7-0 with Tommy "Tomorrow" Sparrow winning his first game. San Fiero beat the Saints for the second time 11-4.

Over in the Atlantic League, the Knights won Game 2 of the series with Cleveland, 8-7. Roy Hobbs was 1 for 4, but is still batting .412. Miami beat the Tigers, also for the second time, 6-3. Miami's Clu Haywood hit his 2nd Homerun. And the Durham Bulls won their second game with the Cannons, 4-3 with Crash Davis getting his 2nd Homer.

Tune in tomorrow to FLB Radio, AM 1490, at 7:05 EST, 4:05 PST for Game 3.

[HRBaker]

Week 1 0f 24

Note: Format change...

Due to the limited interest in the Harry Doyle daily reporting, I'm changing the format to a weekly summary (24 per season). I will still add in some original journalism to highlight certain events in the season, but a majority of the weekly summaries will be cut and paste to make it more manageable.

[HRBaker]

Week 2 of 24

[HRBaker]

Week 3 of 24