Illowa APBA League

Brad Radke won three games, Billy Wagner saved three games, Ichiro got 9 hits, and in his last two at-bats as a Marauder, Troy Glaus hit two key pinch hit homeruns.

This was pretty much how manager Don Smith and his Molly Putts Marauders won in the regular season and that's how they won in the World Series.  The Marauders defeated the Chicago Highlanders in a very exciting series which required two come-from-behind wins in games six and seven.  The Marauders relied on good timing as the Highlanders out-scored them 33-24 and out-hit them 53-49.

It was Manager Smith's first World Series victory since 30 years ago when he was skipper of the Davenport Fire.  "I won the World Series 30 years ago, and I have finally done it again. That means I’ll win again in 2035, when I’m 87, quipped Smith.

Troy Glaus was chosen Series MVP for his last-minute heroics. 

Congratulations to Don Smith and all the other playoff team managers for a job well done in 2005!

1B Howard First Rookie Taken in '06 Draft

In the strongest draft in recent memory, firstbaseman Ryan Howard was the first draft choice.  The State Street Sluggers, living up to their name, chose Howard who has a predicted to have good power potential.  Howard was followed by pitcher Scott Kazmir and catcher Joe Mauer. 

Teddy Ballgame does a better job reviewing the draft than I so read his interesting, sometimes humorous, often times maddening 2006 IAL Rookie Draft Review.