The Illowa APBA League finished its 47th regular season last weekend. It wasn’t until the very last series that we knew who the four playoff teams would be.
Since July, the top five in the standings stayed the same… until last weekend. Chuck Lucas’ Northside Hitmen defeated Rob Moore’s Chicago Highlanders 7 games to 2. That put him above Don Smith’s Molly Putts Marauders by two games.
Congratulations to Dennis Jennings and Dan Bunch who were 1-2 in the standings. Dennis’ Global Glaciers went an amazing 112-50 for the season behind Fernando Tatis’ 57 HR and 152 rbis. The Glaciers were also helped by Yu Darvish’ 20-4 and 2.06 ERA campaign.
Dan Bunch’s Colona Hustlers went 108-54 (first place in any other season). The Hustlers were helped by George Springer’s 53 HR and Jose Abreu’s 49 dingers. As a team, the Hustlers slugged an even .500. Games were rarely close with this team but if they were, Codi Heuer (league-leading 40 saves) was on hand.
My Twin City Thunderchickens can be found a full 23 games behind the Hustlers. However, it’s still good for third place and a playoff spot. Luke Voit slugged a league-leading 58 homers and Manny Machado went yard 44 times.
Finally, Chuck’s Northside Hitmen are just a game back of me at 84-78. Trevor Story (30 HR, 107 runs) and Mike Trout (43 HR, 102 rbis) paved the way for Northside’s success.
Postseason
As the second and third place finishers, Dan and I will be facing off in the playoffs. Dennis and Chuck will also take each other on. The winners of each will play in the IAL World Series.
The postseason will be played on or by February 18.
IAL Awards
This just in… the 2021 IAL awards have been announced.
Freddie Freeman was chosen as the MVP and Yu Darvish was unanimously picked as the Cy Young honoree. Three managers share the Manager of the Year award. Congrats to Dennis and Dan!
Catcher Salvador Perez (10) Unanimous
Firstbase Freddie Freeman (9), Jose Abreu (1)
Secondbase Brandon Lowe (10) Unanimous
Thirdbase Manny Machado (10) Unanimous
Shortstop Fernando Tatis (9), Trea Turner (1)
Outfield George Springer (9)
Outfield Ronald Acuna (9)
Outfield Mike Trout (6)
Outfield Juan Soto (3), Bryce Harper (1), Whit Merrifield (1), Michael Conforto (1)
Right Hander Yu Darvish (9), Aaron Nola (1)
Left Hander Max Fried (10) Unanimous
Rookie Jake Cronenworth (3), Codi Heuer (3), Alec Buhm (2), Luis Robert (1), Tony Gonsolin (1)
Fireman Codi Heuer (10) Unanimous
M V P Freddie Freeman (7), Fernando Tatis (2), Jose Abreu (1)
Cy Young Yu Darvish (10) Unanimous
Manager Dennis Jennings (3), Dan Bunch (3), Tom Nelshoppen (3), Mike Bunch (1)
Congrats to Dennis, Dan and Chuck! See you in the postseason!
