Last weekend, the managers of the Illowa APBA League met in Downers Grove, Illinois for their 49th consecutive draft. Not only that, the postseason from the previous season played out and then we got a head start on the 2023 regular season.
The IAL is a 10-team APBA basic game league that has been in existence since 1975. We are a continuous-ownership league based mostly in the Midwest and only draft rookies to replace those players who have retired or not received a card (per league rules).
IAL Postseason
The postseason teams showed up extra early this time so the IAL postseason was finished by the time I got there on Friday.
Marcus Bunch and Don Smith won their playoffs faced each other in the World Series. Marcus’ Colona Upperdeckers got off to a early lead winning three of the first four games. Don’s Molly Putts Marauders battled and won the next two, forcing a game 7.
Marcus emerged the winner vindicating his Manager of the Year nomination.
Congratulations, Marcus!
2023 IAL Draft
Once the postseason was over, we had a quick break and took care some housekeeping issues. A few teams announced uncarded players they were going to protect. I for example, am going to protect John Means who did not get a card according to league rules (hoping he comes back!)
Then the draft…
With the first pick, I chose Julio Rodriguez. No big surprise there.
Here are the first 10 picks in the 2023 IAL draft:
- Julio Rodriguez
- Spencer Strider
- Adley Rutschman
- Michael Harris
- Bobby Witt
- Gunnar Henderson
- Corbin Carroll
- George Kirby
- Joe Ryan
- William Contreras
Here is a link to the full draft.
Of note is the run on pitchers (including some relief pitchers) beginning in the second round. It picked up more in the third round.
By the way, Don Smith is the one who drafted Royals second baseman Michael Massey. I wrote about Massey on The APBA Blog last year. I gifted a framed photo I took of Massey when he played for the Illini to whoever drafted him.
Don was happy to oblige.
The 2023 IAL Season!
This is what the IAL experience is like…
Yes, lots of rolling was done!
One member of the IAL was not able to make it to weekend (glad you’re feeling better, Keith!) so five managers played 24 games during the weekend and four played 30 games.
There were a couple of big winners. Don’s Marauders who can boast 3 A starters, went 22-8. Dan Bunch’s Colona Hustlers won 19 out of 30.
As for me, I was feeling pretty good about my Thunderchickens after the draft. Better hitting, more bullpen, let’s win some games!
Well, I was holding my own for the first half of the weekend. I won five of my first 11 games. Then, my team went into a tailspin. Before I knew it, I had lost the last thirteen games of the weekend.
I haven’t done my stats yet but many of those games I was ahead my bullpen (my supposed strength, one A*, four B*s, and a C*) let me down.
My season record so far: a dismal 5-19
I am hoping a winning streak will put me back into the groove.
Nevertheless, the weekend was fun as it always is. It was great to see everyone especially my friend Brando who flew in Montana. It had been too long since I had seen him.
Thanks to the Bunch family and Rob for all the work in setting this up.
Good luck to everyone in the IAL!
