So what happened with the Illowa APBA League playoff race? The last time I wrote about it was when my Thunderchickens finished the season against Don Smith and ended up the year with a 86-76 record. I needed to hold on to the last playoff spot, fourth place.
Well, I was in a good spot but Commissioner Mike Bunch was 80-73 with a nine game series left. But Mike’s Green Rock Bombers were facing first place Moline Upperdeckers coached by son Marcus Bunch.
Well, a big Thunderchicken thanks to Marcus! He came through to defeat the elder Bunch six games to three. Doing so put me in a solid fourth place by two games. In fact, we are two games over Dan Bunch’s Colona Hustlers who was also in the hunt. Not only did Marcus’ Upperdeckers put the Bombers down, but they won 100 games for the 2019 season going 100-62.
This means that when February 21-22 rolls around, my focus won’t just be on the draft and last-minute trades. I’ll be playing in the postseason!
My initial opponent will be the manager who helped me get this far. Marcus Bunch and the Upperdeckers will stand between me and the IAL World Series. The Upperdeckers have a starter trio of Kershaw, Verlander and Scherzer plus three A relievers. I know that Grade A pitching doesn’t stop 66-1s so let’s just continue to roll those!
Elsewhere in the postseason, Don Smith and the second place Molly Putts Marauders will be facing Rob Moore and the third place Chicago Highlanders who really came out of nowhere in the last third of the season.
The winner of those two series will face off for the World Series. Congrats to Don, Marcus and Rob!
Twin City Thunderchicken Player of the Year:
JD Martinez G:145 AB:569 R:96 H:183 2B:41 3B:0 HR:42 RBI:119 BB:49 K:133 SB:5 .322/.615/.380
Twin City Thunderchicken Pitcher of the Year:
Kyle Freeland GS:26 CG:8 IP:199 H:142 R:75 ER:66 BB:66 K:153 W:19 L:5 Sv: Sh:3 ERA:2.98
Rookie of the Year (tie)
Luke Voit G:42 AB:143 R:25 H:45 2B:4 3B:0 HR:19 RBI:34 BB:19 K:36 SB:0 .315/.741/.395
Reyes Moronta G:49 IP:64 H:39 R:24 ER:22 BB:33 K:66 W:3 L:6 Sv:24 ERA:3.09
The Illowa APBA League will convene for their 46th draft (and postseason!) on the weekend of February 21-23.
Wish me luck!
