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It's Baseball Night in America.
THE CONTINENTAL BASEBALL ASSOCIATION
***Est. 1906***
Last edited by ThisIsFine (5/09/2024 9:06 pm)
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Looking forward to this!
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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE TEAMS OF THE CBC
Part I - Columbian League North
Chicago Emeralds
Founded: 1879
Stadium: Midwestern Insurance Field
Global Series Titles: 7 (1908-09, 1925-26, 1941, 1989, 1995)
Pennants: 7 (1908-09, 1925-26, 1941, 1989, 1995)
Playoff Appearances: 24
2023 Finish: 2nd in division (77-85), did not make Playoffs
The Darlings of Chicago's West Side, the Emeralds, like their crosstown rivals, have a complicated history full of high highs and low lows, often featuring decades-long gaps between championships. However, one thing the Ems have consistently had going for them is that by some stroke of luck, they have never lost a Global Series they appeared in. Playoff appearances have been on and off in the early years of the decade, but the loyal fans of Chicagoland are optimistic about the future.
Cincinnati Centurions
Founded: 1892
Stadium: Presidential Chili Park
Global Series Titles: 5 (1927, 1930, 1931, 1969, 2016)
Pennants: 12 (1926-28, 1930-33, 1969, 1991, 2016)
Playoff Appearances: 27
2023 Finish: 1st in division (87-75), lost to Montreal in CLDS
Named for the Roman origin of Cincinnati's name, the Centurions had a slow start to their time in the CBC. In the 1920s, however, they exploded; A powerful team that included all-time greats such as SPs Joel Delgado and Edgar Cortez, 3B Robby Macedo, and 2B Mario Morales took the Centurions to 7 Global Series and won 3 of them. They've since seen on and off success, capturing two more titles in 1969 and 2016. Currently, the team is on a hot streak, making 9 straight postseasons, leaving the citizens of Cincy to wonder how much longer this success will last.
Cleveland Cats
Founded: 1880
Stadium: Warsawski's Field
Global Series Titles: 6 (1927, 1947, 1949, 1954, 1975, 2004)
Pennants: 7 (1915, 1947, 1949, 1954, 1974, 1975, 2004)
Playoff Appearances: 25
2023 Finish: 4th in division (66-96), did not make playoffs
The Cats are a team that have seen better days. In the Cleveland Kitties' golden age of the 1940s and '50s, all-time RBI leader 1B Jesus Rivera led them to three Global Series crowns, two of which were against the powerful Penguins squad. These days, Cleveland have not made the playoffs since 2017, and they've been on a major streak of losing seasons since. "This year, things'll change" has become something of a mantra for Cats fans.
St. Louis Stallions
Founded: 1884
Stadium: Jinzi Prime Gateway
Global Series Titles: 11 (1906-07, 1918, 1922, 1932, 1956-57, 1971, 1978, 1988, 2000, 2012)
Pennants: 18 (1906-07, 1918, 1922, 1931-32, 1956-57, 1961, 1963, 1971, 1978, 1980, 1985-86, 1988, 2000, 2010, 2012)
Playoff Appearances: 48
2023 Finish: 3rd in division (66-96), did not make playoffs
The baseball team. The most successful and beloved team in CBC history, and it's not even close. Dozens of legendary figures, from 6-time Golden Bat winner RF Jim Campney to longtime home run record holder 3B Jeff Easter to powerful slugger 3B Jonathan Beekman, have made their marks on sporting history in the Gateway City. Although the Stallions slipped a bit last year, recording their most losses since 2008, St. Louis's rabid fanbase refuses to be deterred, and the Black and Gold are looking forward to another season of massive crowds cheering them on.
Last edited by ThisIsFine (5/11/2024 10:23 pm)
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Part II - Premier League West
Arizona Roadrunners
Founded: 1965
Formerly Known As: Phoenix Roadrunners (1965-1981)
Stadium: DeliveryDan Park
Global Series Titles: 0
Pennants: 4 (2001, 2018, 2021, 2023)
Playoff Appearances: 20
2023 Finish: 1st in division (87-75), lost to Miami in Global Series
The city of Phoenix was awarded a team in the 4-team expansion of 1965, and though they got off to a shaky start, the Roadrunners have been a consistently successful franchise since, especially in the 21st century. However, despite their postseason prominence, Arizona has struggled to capture the elusive Global Series ring, having made it four times, but never winning. After a particularly embarrassing championship sweep by Miami last year, the Roadrunners officially earned the title of “Bridesmaid Team”, a reputation they hope to finally shake off in 2024.
Denver Dinos
Founded: 1956
Stadium: Catbird Caps Park
Global Series Titles: 0
Pennants: 2 (1968-69)
Playoff Appearances: 16
2023 Finish: 4th in division (69-93), did not make playoffs
Simply put, the Denver Dinos are not a very good team, and they never have been. Their last trips to the Global Series ended with 7th game losses to then-Kansas City in 1968 and Cincinnati in 1969. They haven’t been very good since, only securing 16 postseason berths. Only time will tell if the Dinos will turn things around soon.
Los Angeles Suns
Founded: 1976
Formerly Known As: California Suns (1985-86), Santa Ana Suns (1987-1990), Orange County Suns (1991-2000)
Stadium: Joya Tacos SunPark
Global Series Titles: 0
Pennants: 1 (2011)
Playoff Appearances: 9
2023 Finish: 2nd in division (80-82), lost to Arizona in PLPS
One of the CBC’s smaller teams, the Suns are the second team of Los Angeles, although their name is somewhat misleading, as they’re actually based in the city of Santa Ana in neighboring Orange County. They’ve been lucky enough to have a few real gems in their roster over the years, such as Hall of Fame SP Sebastian Dam and hometown (ok, he was actually born in Rancho Cucamonga and raised in El Toro/Lake Forest) hero 3B Wilson Montalvo. Their only GS saw a 4-1 series loss to Carolina, but fans in OC still hope for another “Miracle of ‘11”, especially after last year’s playoff run.
San Francisco Wolves
Founded: 1877
Formerly Known As: Philadelphia Wolves (1906-1954)
Stadium: Skoop Field
Global Series Titles: 6 (1920, 1923, 1936, 1960, 1961, 1980)
Pennants: 12 (1914, 1919-20, 1923-24, 1927, 1930, 1936, 1955, 1960-61, 1964, 1980, 1982, 2006)
Playoff Appearances: 34
2023 Finish: 3rd in division (79-83), did not make playoffs
Nicknamed the Wolves for their drab gray uniforms and scrappy clothing in the 1890s, the Philadelphia Wolves were a force to be reckoned with in the early 20th century. However, after the 1930s, the team fell into a deep slump, falling behind the crosstown Minutemen in popularity. In the 1950s, the team was sold and moved to the west coast, where they instantly picked up the CL Pennant. Since then, they’ve had plenty of success with greats like 2B Alex Martinez and SP Alejandro Van Winkle. These days, they’ve fallen a bit behind, and they’ll need to shape up if they want to grab playoff berths in the highly-competitive PL West.
Last edited by ThisIsFine (5/11/2024 10:24 pm)
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Good start so far, can't wait to see what you have cooked for a DC team (and a Tampa team, it looks like)
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Part III - Columbian League South
Atlanta Peaches
Founded: 1965
Stadium: UniCard Field
Global Series Titles: 0
Pennants: 4 (1999, 2015)
Playoff Appearances: 12
2023 Finish: 4th in division (73-89), did not make playoffs
In a city where the football Titans are on fire and the basketball Colonels are reigning champs, the Peaches have difficulty staying relevant. Even though they have attracted a pretty big fanbase, Atlanta has been a lousy club, with only twelve postseasons to their name. The only truly notable player they have produced is 1993 Triple Crown winner SP Andres Pena
Memphis Blues
Founded: 1976
Formerly Known As: Tennessee Blues (2008-2023)
Stadium: UMart Coliseum
Global Series Titles: 0
Pennants: 1 (1983)
Playoff Appearances: 17
2023 Finish: 3rd in division (77-85), did not make playoffs
The Memphis Blues have stuck around since the Bicentennial, a strictly middle of the pack team with a loyal fanbase. The Blues are notable for their miracle 1983 season, in which they not only topped their division for their first playoff appearance, but went all the way to the Global Series to challenge Boston and the Penguins. Sadly, though, it was not meant to be, and the Penguins prevailed in a hard-fought 7 games. Nevertheless, the Spirit of ‘83 persists on Beale Street, even if good baseball doesn’t.
Miami Herons
Founded: 1965
Stadium: Hirsch Field
Global Series Titles: 4 (1984-85, 2013, 2023)
Pennants: (1984-85, 1992, 2002, 2013, 2023)
Playoff Appearances: 24
2023 Finish: 2nd in division (85-77), won Global Series against Arizona
The team in Tampa has the title of Florida, but any Miamian is quick to tell you that the top team in the Sunshine State is the Miami Herons. They’re not entirely incorrect, either: Miami loves it’s birds, and famed pitcher Brent Prestwich took to team to phenomenal success, including back-to-back championships, in the 1980s. The city’s excitement is only growing, as the Herons come off a phenomenal 2023 season as defending champs.
New Orleans Gators
Founded: 1969
Stadium: Frycan Stadium
Global Series Titles: 1 (2018)
Pennants: 4 (2018, 2019)
Playoff Appearances: 23
2023 Finish: 1st in division (86-76), lost to Miami in CLKOS
For the first time in forever, the New Orleans Gators are the most successful pro team in Louisana, and they’re not quite sure where to go from here. Although they had multiple winning seasons and a few good players on the team historically, like SP Ray Warner, the Gators did not see their first GS until 2018. That year, they beat the Roadrunners 4 games to 2 for their first ever championship crown. They tried to repeat the feat next year, but lost 2-4 to Toronto. Last year, they won the CL South, giving fans hope that the recent bout of postseason berths isn’t fleeting.
Last edited by ThisIsFine (5/11/2024 10:24 pm)
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Part IV - Premier League East
Boston Penguins
Founded: 1901
Stadium: Autocovered.com Park
Global Series Titles: 7 (1907, 1958-59, 1962-63, 1983, 2003)
Pennants: 14 (1906-07, 1909-10, 1912, 1949, 1954, 1958-59, 1962-63, 1983, 1997, 2003, 2012-2013)
Playoff Appearances: 34
2023 Finish: 4th in division (72-90), did not make playoffs
The Boston Penguins were one of the charter members of the Premier League, founded to spite the Bluebirds across town. They got their nickname from the frigid weather of their West End home and won the 1906 Global Series. However, they soon suffered a decades-long championship drought, not winning another title until 1958. The Penguins have been able to win several more Global Series since then, but with a mini-drought setting in since 2003, fans are left wondering when their next shot at a championship will be.
Detroit Huskies
Founded: 1901
Stadium: Gyps Park
Global Series Titles: 3 (1919, 1955, 1965)
Pennants: 9 (1917-20, 1923, 1955, 1957, 1965, 2009)
Playoff Appearances: 31
2023 Finish: 1st in division (87-75), lost to LA Suns in PLDS
Even though they have been around since the dawn of the Premier League, and even though they have fostered such legends as SP John Hutchinson, SP Cole Hensley and all-time home run leader 1B Alberto Ramirez, the Huskies have been pretty lackluster. Detroit only have 3 Global Series crowns to their name, the last coming in 1965. They didn’t make the championship again until 44 years later, and they ended up losing to the unstoppable Carolina team. The Huskies continue to search for another Premier League pennant to this day.
New York Barons
Founded: 1901
Stadium: Zorro Mobile Castle
Global Series Titles: 5 (1924, 1939, 1948, 2008, 2010)
Pennants: 11 (1924-25, 1939-40, 1946-48, 2008, 2010, 2022)
Playoff Appearances: 25
2023 Finish: 2nd in division (81-81), lost to Washington in PLKOS
The New York Barons are perhaps one of the classiest teams in the league. Originally based in Queens, although controversially relocating to Manhattan in the 1950s to fill the void left by the vacating Falcons, the Barons have taken 5 Global Series victories, tying with the neighboring Cannons. They’re desperate to be the first to get to 6, and they came extremely close in 2022, only to be undone by the San Diego squad. However, things are looking up in the Big Apple, and maybe this year will be their year.
Philadelphia Minutemen
Founded: 1901
Stadium: New Beers Field
Global Series Titles: 4 (1911, 1942, 1951, 1952)
Pennants: 9 (1908, 1911, 1935, 1942, 1950-52, 1976-77)
Playoff Appearances: 33
2023 Finish: 3rd in division (71-91), did not make playoffs
The Philadelphia Minutemen have been struggling for decades with one of the most famous curses in sports: the Wolfpack Curse. The story goes that after the Minutemen’s superior squad stole fans (and their money) away from their crosstown rivals and caused them to leave for San Francisco, the Wolves’ bitter remaining fans cursed the team, claiming they’d never win another championship again after the Wolves left. True to their word, the 1952 title win over the Cannons was their last, and Philadelphia has not held the trophy since. Even in the Bicentennial year, the curse remained unbroken, and the following year’s repeat loss to Los Angeles is their last appearance in the series. Philadelphia fans are desperately hoping the Minutemen can find their way back soon, especially after a streak of losing seasons.
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Part V - Columbian League East
Baltimore Admirals
Founded: 1873
Stadium: Dazzle Park
Global Series Titles: 7 (1928-29, 1933, 1992, 1996-97, 2006)
Pennants: 14 (1928-29, 1933, 1958-60, 1962, 1967, 1992, 1994, 1996-97, 2006-07)
Playoff Appearances: 35
2023 Finish: 3rd in division (89-73), lost to Montreal in CLKOS
Even though titles have come once in a blue moon for the Admirals, the city of Baltimore has never stopped loving their team, even in the presence of more successful acts like the CFA’s Demons. With 7 Global Series under their belt, coming decades apart, the Admirals are one of the most successful teams in CBC history. Having SP Marcos Ortega, the winningest pitcher in history, on the roster in the 1920s and ‘30s certainly helped. Baltimore has not returned to the Global Series since their 2006 triumph over the Wolves, but their 5-year playoff streak remains unbroken.
Carolina Corsairs
Founded: 1995
Stadium: Corsair Stadium
Global Series Titles: 3 (2009, 2011, 2014)
Pennants: 3 (2009, 2011, 2014)
Playoff Appearances: 12
2023 Finish: 2nd in division (96-66), lost to Cincinnati in CLKOS
Named for the famed pirate Blackbeard, the Corsairs are one of the younger and more successful expansion franchises in the CBC. Coming into the league alongside Florida in 1995, the Corsairs exploded in the mid-2000s under the leadership of bold CF Steve Ryan, bagging three GS wins. The Corsairs are another team that has never lost a championship series they appeared in. Now, with Steve Ryan gone, Carolina looks towards the future uncertainly.
Montreal Bluebirds (Bluebirds de Montréal)
Founded: 1871
Formerly known as: Boston Bluebirds (1906-1942)
Stadium: Centre Location Horizon
Global Series Titles: 3 (1910, 1913, 1950)
Pennants: 9 (1910-11, 1913, 1948, 1950, 1953, 1965, 1984, 1998)
Playoff Appearances: 28
2023 Finish: 1st in division (101-61), lost to Miami in CLPS
With their tiny yet loyal fanbase in the hockey-obsessed city of Montreal, Les Bluebirds represent the oldest existing franchise in pro baseball. Originally, the team was based in South Boston, and were a force in the league with the legendary CF Jesse Dow and SP Kyle Scott. The victories were short-lived though, as the team slid towards the bottom of the Columbian League standings starting in the 1920s and fans stopped coming to games. During WWII, in an unprecedented move, the Bluebirds were moved to Montreal to see if baseball could survive up north. They won a seven-game championship over the Philadelphia Minutemen in 1950, but have not caught another one since, even though they have returned to the Global Series multiple times. The Bluebirds have found themselves to be largely overshadowed by their dominating and far more popular rivals in Toronto.
New York Cannons
Founded: 1890
Formerly Known As: Brooklyn Cannons (1906-1955)
Stadium: Atlantic Stadium
Global Series Titles: 5 (1916-17, 1934-35, 1973)
Pennants: 10 (1916-17, 1934-35, 1937-38, 1951-52, 1970, 1973)
Playoff Appearances: 24
2023 Finish: 4th in division (76-86), did not make playoffs
The Cannons are based in Brooklyn, out of oldest stadium in the entire league, located right on Atlantic Avenue. Like their rivals, the Barons, the Cannons capitalized off of the Falcons’ move to California. However, they did this by renaming to the New York Cannons, rather than switching boroughs. The Cannons have won 5 Global Series, tying with the Barons. Unfortunately, they have not won a Global Series or a pennant since 1973, and their last postseason in 2015 ended with an early exit at the hands of the Cats.
Last edited by ThisIsFine (5/14/2024 12:42 am)
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So I have to ask, where in Carolina are the Corsairs?
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Dan O'Mac wrote:
So I have to ask, where in Carolina are the Corsairs?
Judging by the map, Charlotte. I like it! Three GS wins is three more championships than the city has in real life. Go Corsairs!