CBA's first season.

Monday Division
Parker
Schmidt Division
Rogers division
Carter Division
Dawson

1997 CBA Initial Draft

The recap of the 1997 playoffs including the World series and boxes.

1997 Team Playoff Stats

Anatomy of a Startup Draft 1997 CBA draft

CBA 1997 Clemente Statistic database

CBA 1997 Staub Statistic database

Constitution of the Cyberspace Baseball Association  1997

1997 World Series recap, boxes, and descriptions.

1997 Trades

CBA PREDRAFT NEWSLETTER #3

CBA PREDRAFT NEWSLETTER #4

CBA Predraft newsletter #5

July 17th 1997 Newsletter

1997 Cyberspace Staub

First week report on Parma

by Lou Bloss

Parma, Ohio - Despite injuries to 5 starters in a 7-day span, the Parma Flamingos of the CBA have jumped out to a 6-1 record during the league's first week of play.

Ace pitcher Charles Nagy has two of Parma's wins, and closer Jose Mesa has two saves and a 0.00 ERA.

The injured players during the first seven days Jeff King, Roberto Alomar, Greg Vaughn, Vinny Castilla and Kevin Elster. The injuries have totaled 11 player days lost in only 7 games played thus far. King, Alomar and Vaughn were injured on consecutive nights during Parma's opening series of the season. The fourth game for the Flamingos this year was injury free, but it was also their only loss of the young season.

Shortstop Kevin Elster has suffered the most severe injury this year and will miss six games this week.

The Parma bats have not bneen effected by the number of wounded players as Parma batters knocked out 16 hits against the Red Sox while posting a 16-3 win.

"Some teams crumble under adversity," manager Buddy Bell said. "We seem to thrive under it, but I'd just as soon thrive without it."

After the game was over, it was rumored Flamingos hitting instructor Rocky Colavito would meet next month with Tiger Woods so the two can swap pointers on swinging the sticks.

# # #
Nagy traded to Parma

by Lou Bloss

PARMA, OHIO -- The Parma Flamingos have acquired righthanded pitcher Charles Nagy from Philadelphia for righthanded pitcher William Vanlandingham and Parma's first pick in the 1998 CBA draft. The Flamingos also receive Philly's 5th round pick next year.

The deal gives Parma a potential 20-game winner in Nagy, who won 17 games last year with the Cleveland Indians of the American League.

"We are very pleased to have Charles join our ballclub," Flamingos owner and GM, Lou Bloss, said. "Charles is probably one of the top ten pitchers in the game today and he will be the guy who anchors our rotation. With Charles, Bob Tewksbury, Terry Mulholland and Scott Erickson, we have a solid starting rotation that can match up with just about anyone in our conference. We have flexibility, too, since spot starter Rheal Cormier can come in and give us 6 innings when we need to rest someone in the rotation.

"It was a tough decision to send Bill Vanlandingham to Philly. Bill is a fine young talent who we think will do well for Philadelphia. But we felt we needed a pitcher of Nagy's calibre now, so when he became available, we inquired and reached a deal with Philly quite quickly," he said.

Nagy is scheduled to start Parma's first game ever on opening day this year. He may be the first pitcher to take the mound at Ernie Anderson Field in Parma. Construction on Anderson Field should be finished by the end of this week.

# # #
Tommy Lasorda back on duty

by Joey Santangelo & Nick Seabrook

The Villanova Wildcats' co-owners Nick Seabrook and Joey Santangelo have announced the hiring of new general manager Tommy Lasorda. "We were delighted that Mr. Lasorda took this position and are confident he is a major piece of the Wildcat puzzle." Lasorda was also ecstatic to take the job. "When Joey and Nick confronted me about the job, I didn't even hesitate in accepting." "We have a great core of players here, including the best pitcher in baseball(Greg Maddux) and the best pure hitter of modern baseball(Tony Gwynn)." "With one of the top pitching in baseball, and playing in the pitcher friendly Cat's Den, I have no doubt that we will be contenders immediately."

Lasorda got to work on his first day of the job by announcing the hiring of the franchise's first ever manager. Strikeout king Nolan Ryan is now the skipper and seems as confident as Lasorda in the team's future. "We have tremendous talent and great leadership in the clubhouse." "I look forward to working for Mr. Lasorda, he and I go fishing in the offseason and are great friends." Ryan also announced who will be working for him in the dugout. Ex-MVP Keith Hernandez will serve as the hitting coach, a consistent .300+ hitter. Ex-Met and Phillie bullpen ace Tug McGraw is now the pitching coach to help with the best pitching staff in baseball. Ex-Met speedster Mookie Wilson coaches third, eager to leave the NY Met organization. Ex-Met pinch-hitter extraordinaire Wally Backman will coach first base. Rounding out the list of hirees was Phillie legend Michael Jack Schmidt as team scout. The only one available for comment was Backman, who when reached by phone said "I can't wait to get back with the boys", referring to his ex-Met teammates.

The fans seem to be just as enthused as the Wildcat staff as tickets are being sold at an astonishing rate. The Wildcats will not need to give out free hats to draw crowds, there will be plenty of sellouts. One fan, Bryan Saul, says "Yo! This team is the bomb! I already bought World Series tickets and it's not even opening day!"



Red Sox announce the new addition on staff

by Wayne McGee

After many months of searching and negotiations, The Stirling Red Sox are pleased to announce the completion of their major league coaching and training staff. The Stirling GM/Manager, Wayne McGee confirmed the following additions:

1st base coach - Dorrel ( Whitey ) Herzog
3rd base coach - Carl ( Stump ) Merrill
Bench coach - Lawrence ( Yogi ) Berra
Bullpen coach - Carlton ( Pudge ) Fisk
Pitching coach - Bill ( The Spaceman ) Lee
Hitting coach - Jose ( Coco ) Laboy
Team Doctor - Dr. Kathy Ireland M.D.
Team Nurse - Claudia Schiffer R.N.
Trainer - Cindy Crawford
Asst. Trainer - Elle MacPherson

McGee added " This coaching and support staff is by far, the most experienced and complete staff in the CBA. We look to our Bench Coach, Yogi Berra to help our younger players deal with the media and adjust to the numerous interview requests". The players view these additions with a great deal of excitment and enthusiasm!!


Alex Rodriguez tradable?
by Don Jensen

Hamilton, Ontario
Yesterday I was lucky enough to confront Johnny Bench the Harbors General Manager, as he left the podium after drafting Mark Hutton. We discussed a number of issues surrounding his team and the CBA in general. He stated " We couldn't be happier with the draft so far. Sure there are alot of players we weren't able to draft but, in a 24 team league you have to accept that." Concerning the draft itself Mr. Bench said, " We were able to draft the one player we feel will set the tone for our team. We had him number one on our list but waited until the 8th round to select him. We knew from our scouting that all the other teams had written him off as a hot dog, show off. We on the other hand greatly respect his ability and SPEED. I'm talking of course of Rickey Henderson our leadoff hitter and starting left fielder."

After listening to this misguided respect I put the name Alex Rodriguez before Johnny. " What do you want me to say about the first player ever drafted in the CBA." I asked him how important Alex was in the make up of the team. " Well.....he's no Rickey Henderson! He will play shortstop all year barring a trade." I couldn't believe my ears, was he suggesting that the Hamilton Harbors were willing to trade the best shortstop in the game today? So I asked him directly. Will you trade Alex Rodriguez and what do you expect in return? His reply was detailed and very much to the point. " Yes he is tradable, but he would come at a high price. As for what we would expect in return... A top notch starting pitcher, someone who will give us at least 200 inning. I would also demand a good shortstop in return because at this point we only have one. We could also use a secondbaseman, one who has defense, speed and a high on base. And of course We'd always be interested to a catcher. We are in a position to offer replacement players back in return with any deal including Alex Rodriguez ."

I understood what Johnny was saying but felt that a better explanation for the readers was in order. So I asked him to explain the last statement again. " I already explained, but since your simple mind can't grip it , I'll say it again. If a team offered a shortstop, catcher and starting pitcher. We would counter with Alex Rodriguez , a catcher and a starting pitcher. Whatever the team offered we would replace....Got it!!" One more question before you head back to the table. Are the Hamilton Harbors interested in draft picks, either for this years draft or next years? " No, why would anyone be interested in draft picks for next years draft? We are in a 24 team league with 34 rounds ( 33 for players and the extra for a home park ). Since you are having so much trouble understanding facts, I'll make it simple once again for you. That's 792 players drafted this year. If we protect 25 players at the end of the year that will remove the top 600 players from next years draft. Given that information, what good is a 1st or 2nd rounder next year for the 1st player draft this year? You explain that to me!" At that point Johnny turned and walked away leaving me feeling as though I had just had my intelligence questioned. He walked away before I could tell him I understood.

jensen@networx.on.ca

Ebbets Fields vs House of Pain
by Marc Wasserman


New York, NY press release..........
The Superbas are HARDCORE! Say it each time your team comes to the mean streets of Brooklyn New York. The grand opening of the real House Of Pain is a few days away. The facillity oddly reminiscent of the old confines of Ebbets field (and Coors field) , promise many high scoring, exciting games. The 'new' Murderers Row of Johnson, Hundley, Belle, Ventura threaten to become one the deadliest wrecking crews in the CBA. A trip to Brooklyn could lead to a serious mugging of the opposition. Few escape unharmed.

The fans are right on top of the action. Sal Tortagliano-Hyman had this to say...." This place is the Sh.. The Supoibers, Poibs, whatever you call em rock. The music is great, and fans are hyped. Even if they lose we dont care, the parties in the parking lot are ace. I met four chicks there last week and I sc..." NY cab driver Wah Chim Pung agreed " House of Pain wooooooooo ". Woooo? well It promises to be a great year!
MURDER INC. IN THE HOUSE OF PAIN
by Marc Wasserman


New York, NY press release..........

The Superbas. A team for the ages. Brooklyn's once proud baseball legacy has been re- charged in Brooklyn. The Superbas fine organization is scheduling a live press conference on aol.com chat room: 'superbas' in town square chat. Each night at 11:00pm beginning Fri 3-28-97. Trades will be discussed. Strat history and analysis etc....

Brooklyn is Hardcore! Lead by the infamous Mega power of ALBERT BELL, Mets fans are optimistic over the deadly firepower deploying in Brooklyn. The Superbas headquarters in fact clue you to the type of ball called hardcore. The main organizational offices are located in the old 18th armory on Bedford and Nostrand ave.

Seen sharpening his spikes, was newly signed All-star Lance Johnson. Johnson will set the table for the new "Murder Incorporated" (c) Ventura, Belle, and newly acquired Todd Hundley. These surly superstars are ready to rip, and destroy. Superbas new fan base loves the attitude. Brooklyn cab driver Sal Fonzarookee had this to say (in thick Brooklynese) "They'll moider bums like my pops used ta. When they come in to the Brooklyn "House of Pain" they'll leave in bags...If they can find enough to put in there, you know what I mean...... Added Brooklyn cabbie Shetstayn Farhat Abduud " Yes, The house of Pain! good place to take the kids."

Fan support in this long suffering baseball town has been overwhelming. Just today 24 charter bus loads of fans descended on Superba camp in Bobmurph Florida. They wanted to be part of the festive atmosphere permeating Superba Stadium complex. Ticket sales are brisk with 250 more season deals sold today raising the total to 24,000 season ticket holders. The opening of the new stadium will be announced shortly.

GM Marc Wass 

GATERS SELECT RODRIGUEZ
by Justin Gates

Phlorida War Room (AP) - The entire coaching staff and scouting team has said good-bye to their wives, and checked themselves into the Gater complex for the next month. It is a luxurious place and all, but a month is a long time. Tensions mounted the first day... The team was working furiously to get a long list of 24 names together, and the ranking was very difficult... Whether Knoblauch would be rated higher than Griffey Jr., or who was better for the long haul: Smoltz or Brown.. The point was moot.. The Gaters locked in their official order, and left it up to the gods..

Their President/Owner/Head of Scouting, Justin Gates was at the actual draft site, being held in Curling Club at Longue-Pointe. In between the 3rd and 4th picks, Gates got knocked upside his head with a folding chair. He was on the receiving end of a Belle rampage (and probably will be later in the season) But when the fracas had subsided and the time came to make his choice, Young Gates (21) strode to comissioner Lamarre and handed him the card...

"With the 24th and final pick in the 1st round of the inaugural CBA draft, the Phlorida Gaters select... from the Texas Rangers, catcher, Ivan Rodriguez!"

Gates was reached for comment later, "We are looking to build this team with young established talent. When you have a guy that is 25 and has been in the league 6 years already with the skills that Ivan has, you just can't pass him up. Especially at catcher... there aren't a lot of quality catchers out there. I'd hate to be the guy to have Rick Wilkins starting behind the plate..."

When asked about his next selection Gates had this to say, "Well we want to stay young, but we want guys with experience, especially in the post season. I'd say we're looking to get a switch-hitting third baseman, under 26 years old, that has played in the World Series. If there is anyone like that out there, we'll take him!!!"


SOME TROUBLE AT CBA DRAFT
by Gerald Benoit

(API - LONGUE-POINTE) Today at the, Cyberspace Baseball Association Foundation Draft held in the beautiful city of Longue-Pointe at the Curling club, the Hamilton Harbors had the first pick in hand. No one was really surprise when owner Dan Jensen got to the podium to announce that his team ha selected Alex Rodriguez the shortstop wonder. The second spot situation, held by the Bodega Bay Mad Birds was'nt so clear. Early rumors reported that the team intend to pick Barry Bonds or Albert Belle, also there was some phone call made between the table of the Brooklyn Superbas and Bodega Bay table, but then owner Gerald Benoit climb the podium to announce the selection of Ken Griffey jr.. Some says that upon hearing the news Bonds lost his smile and Belle hit a reporter who was taking his picture. Then it was the turn of the Red Sox Stirling, who surprise everyone by passing on the two man, when Wayne McGee announce the selection of Frank Thomas. Reportedly Bonds, shed a tear while Belle toss a camera on the sta ge missing McGee by a inch.



After a brief pause it was the turn of Dan Noonan owner of the Louisville Mob Squad to make his selection, to the relief of most of the crowd they pick Barry Bonds who upon hearing the news burst into tears, shouting "They love me, I'm still in the top 5!, I'm still in the top 5!". Photograph and Cameraman quickly move out of the way of angry Albert Belle who suddenly feel the need to smash something. Jeff Boutet got to the mike to announce that the Limoilou Wendingo was picking Barry Larkin, a member of the security staff got to the podium to announce that the men washroom was unusable now, because of an "incident" involving Mr. Belle. At this point much of the photograph and cameraman decided to leave, just in case he has'nt cooled off. Then Cory Light elected to stay at his table, when Albert Belle step on the podium with a baseball bat, Light proceed to announce that his team the Bashers of Kilgore has selected Chuck Knoblauch. Upon which Belle declared "You don't think I'm a bashers?", Belle than us e his bat to hit the podium mike merely 430 feet from the podium, landing near the entrance of the Curling Club.



Then to everyone release (relief?), Mark Wasserman of the Superbas Champion got up and slowly walk to the podium. Glazing at Belle as he pass him he walked to the microphone stand and there was a brief moment of confusion when official tried to find another microphone. Finally Wasserman put is hand around his mouth and shouted loud and clear that is team would take Albert Belle. Everyone stand-up in applause at the gesture. Belle who was now smiling with all his teeth step out of the podium and walk straight up t o the group of journalists still there. They all take a step back but Belle reassured them. "I just want to be interviewed..", he said. Some of the guys passed away, other were mefiant but they manage to uttered a question about what he was feeling. Belle respond; "I'm really happy to go to a team like the Superbas, They were my first choice all along. Even if I was goofing around earlier, really I'm just happy to be with them".



In the mean time the round was going on with the choice of Greg Maddux, Jeff Bagwell, Ellis Burks, Mike Piazza, Gary Sheffield, John Smoltz, Roberto Alomar, Pedro J Martinez, Jim Thome, Derek Jeter, Mark McGwire, Craig Biggio, Juan Gonzalez, Mo Vaughn, Kenny Lofton, Kevin Brown, and Ivan Rodriguez to conclude the evening.



The pick that surprise most is maybe the 15th pick of Pedro Martinez. Scout as him rated for the late secound or middle third round. Another surprise is the 22nd pick of Kenny Lofton by the Philly Phantastic who probably made the steel of this round. Lofton was highly rated and some said that he's the best fantasy baseball player available.

 

Team rosters & Owner e-mail adress
Conference Division Team E-Mail Owner
Rusty Staub
Conference Andre Dawson
Division Limoilou Wendigo (LWD) Boutet, Jeff
Quebec Capitales (QCD) Boutin, Christian
Longue-Pointe Hitmen (LHD) Lamarre, Claude
Brooklyn Superbas (BSD) Wasserman, Mark
Gary Carter
Division Canadian River Valley Ball Yard Rats (CBC) Covert, Dave
Phlorida Gaters (PGC) Gates, Justin
Cooperstown Iron Horses (CIC) Owens, Scott
Villanova Wildcats (VWC) Santangelo, Joey
Steve Rogers
Division Hamilton Harbours (HHR) Jensen, Don
Bodega Bay Mad Birds (BMR) Benoit, Gerald
Hooterville Canonballs (HCR) Bloss, Eric
Montecito Habaneros (MHR) Capp, Ray
Roberto Clemente
Conference Mike Schmidt
Division Philly Phantastics (PPS) Hite, Rob
Louisville Mob Squad (LMS) Noonan, Dan
Ottawa Otters (OOS) Jung, Jack
Stirling Red Sox (SRS) McGee, Wayne
Dave Parker
Division Parma Flamingos (PFP) Bloss, Lou
Sunville SunJewel (SSP) Jones, Keith B.
Hicksville Ragin Rednecks (HRP) Mason, Greg
Alexandria Assault (AAP) Calder, Jon
Rick Monday
Division Vancouver Storm (VSM) Dino Barnab‚
Memphis Mafia (MMM) Davis Jr., Donald P.
Kilgore Bashers (KBM) Light, Cory
Southwest Lizard Kings (SLM) Lindner, Erik
 

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