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2000 A.L. DIVISION SERIES #2

CorktownBootleggers

 

Corktown Bootleggers

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Chicago Demolition

 

Demolition

 

PREVIEW –  The Mid-West Winter League is abuzz with excitement as two baseball juggernauts, the Chicago Demolition and the Corktown Bootleggers, prepare to lock horns in a best-of-seven game series to determine the American League Division Series.  Both the Chicago Demolition and Corktown Bootleggers showcased their prowess during the regular season, boasting identical records of 97-65 in their respective divisions, with the Demolition conquering the American League Central and the Bootleggers emerging triumphant in the American League East. The stage is set for an epic showdown as these two formidable franchises collide, each harboring aspirations of playoff glory.

What tips the scales in favor of the Chicago Demolition is their precious home-field advantage, secured by their razor-thin victory in the regular season series, where they narrowly outpaced the Bootleggers, winning seven of the thirteen games played. This edge could be pivotal in a high-stakes postseason encounter.

The Chicago Demolition, led by their charismatic manager, Stray Corrado, have earned a reputation for their power-packed lineup and an ace pitching rotation that’s nothing short of elite. The Demolition have proven time and again that they can both hit and pitch with the best in the league, making them a formidable force to reckon with.

On the other side, the Corktown Bootleggers, managed by the experienced skipper, Chris DeMecurio, have an equally imposing roster. They showcase a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran expertise, which has led them to claim the top spot in the highly competitive American League East.

Expect a clash of baseball philosophies, as the Demolition aim to rely on their brawny offense and dominant pitching, while the Bootleggers are set to outmaneuver with their strategic gameplay and resilient defense. This series is bound to be a showcase of baseball at its finest, filled with thrilling moments that will keep fans at the edge of their seats.

However, the path to victory won’t be an easy one for either of these Mid-West Winter League powerhouses, as looming in the wings are the California Quakes, who have already clinched their spot in the American League Championship Series. Whichever team triumphs in the Chicago vs. Corktown showdown will face the formidable Quakes, who are looking to make their mark in the postseason and prove that they are the team to beat in the American League.

As the first pitch of this Division Series approaches, fans of both the Chicago Demolition and the Corktown Bootleggers can hardly contain their excitement. This is baseball at its finest, where legends are born and dynasties are forged. Grab your peanuts and cracker jacks, because this Mid-West Winter League Division Series is here to thrill, entertain, and leave us all in awe of the great American pastime. The only question that remains is, who will emerge victorious in this epic clash of titans? The answer is just a few games away.

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N.L. DIVISION SERIES #2

valdosta  

Valdosta Bombers

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Manhattan Gas Hornets

 

manhattan

 

PREVIEW – Valdosta (85-77) vs. Manhattan (94-68)
Valdosta took the Central division Crown by 11 games, while Manhattan cleared their rivals by 8. The teams are similar in the fact that their rotations are inning eaters, but not world beaters and they both rely on their offenses to win games.
Valdosta hit .277 and scored 996 runs as a team and slugged 240 homers. Manhattan hit .296 and scored 1039 runs, but only 152 homers. Gas Hornets like to run, 152 SBs (to 93 for the Bombers). However, when it comes to pitching the team eras were rather high: Manhattan with the slight edge, 5.04 to 5.25 for Valdosta. Whew, that’s a lot of runs to counter. Bullpens – Manhattan blew 21 saves, won 30, and sported a 4.47 era. Valdosta won 31, blew 20, and had a 4.83 era.Manny Ramirez leads the Bombers with 45 homers and a .354 batting average. He drove in 134 runs. Right behind him, Bobby Abreu, .353, 34 homers and 106 RBIs. Steve Finley also cracked the 100 rbi barrier with 102 and he was one of 4 other Bombers to hit 20 or more homers. Gas Hornets had no shortage of batting heroes: Derek Jeter, 383, 152 runs scored, 15 homers, 70 RBIs. Jason Kendall, .355, 123 runs; and then Garrett Anders who hit .326, 114 runs, 37 homers and 176 RBIs!Should be an explosive series – the season series was split 6-6, so can expect anything!

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N.L. DIVISION SERIES #1

longbeach  

Long Beach Titans

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Blarney Drive Bandits

 

BlarneyDriveBandits10202016

 

PREVIEW –  This Division Series featured the teams with the 2 best records in the NL. Blarney Drive was clearly the stronger team, finishing 17 games ahead of Long Beach and dominating the season series, winning 10 of the 16 games they played.

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2000 AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD ROUND

CastleRockHounds  

Castle Rock Hounds

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Monroeville Maulers

 

Monroeville-Maulers

 

PREVIEW –  Castle Rock Hounds and HR King Barry Bonds, visit Hammer & Steel Stadium for an Mid-West Winter League Wild Card Round clash of the lumber Titans! The Mauler’s “three-four” punch of Slugger King Vladimir Guerrero, and power mate Troy Glaus, along with a scrappy supporting cast, and The Hounds adding J.T. Snow, Jermaine Dye, and Luis Gonzalez to the mix for what is expected to be a smash/bash lumber slug fest! “Pitching? Who said anything about pitching!” LoL.

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2000 NATIONAL LEAGUE WILD CARD ROUND

Winnipeg  

Winnipeg Goldeyes

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Long Beach Titans

 

longbeach

 

PREVIEW –  The NL Wild Card Series matched 2 division rivals who took opposite paths to get here. Long Beach started the season strong and limped to the finish while Winnipeg got off to a slow start and finished strong.

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2004
HALL OF FAME
BALLOT DUE
SUNDAY 12/13/2026

AT 8:00 AM - ET!

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