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Dover took the Season 21 crown, defeating Colorado Springs 4-2 in a rematch of the Season 20 World Series. This was Dover's fifth attempt at a World Series title, as they made it in seasons 4, 7, 19 and 20, unsuccessful in each of these prior attempts. But alas, after sitting at the top spot of the power rankings all season, they took home the crown in a tough series with Colorado Springs, whom after an up and down season fell just short of a repeat. Dover assembled an impressive squad that ranked near the top of the league in just about every category. The should be strong going into next season as well. Congrats to Dover and jiml60 on finally reaching the peak in what has been a long journey.
Awards were also handed out, let's see which players took home the individual hardware in Season 21.
Most Valuable Player
American League
Eugene Brantley, Tampa Bay - .303 AVG 35 HR 113 RBI
Dustan Jackson, Kansas City - .286 AVG 47 HR 130 RBI 29 SB
The AL MVP race was literally too close to call and ended up in a tie between Eugene Brantley, his first MVP win, and Dustan Jackson winning his 2nd straight MVP. Both players had outstanding seasons and in the end the voters could not decide, so they will split the honors. Brantley took home his 5th Silver Slugger award this season, while Jackson was an all-star starter, his 3rd appearance, and won his 3rd Silver Slugger award
National League - Pascual Hernandez, Buffalo - .317 AVG 60 HR 172 RBI 17 SB
It's hard to argue against Hernandez winning the MVP with the incredible numbers he put up in Season 21. He crushed the ball all season as apparent by his ridiculous numbers. This is his first MVP win, and he was an all-star starter, his 3rd appearance, and won his first Silver Slugger award. Well done, as this is one of the truly impressive seasons in recent Cobbfather history.
Cy Young Award
American League - Thomas Hutchinson, Atlanta -18-5 2.04 ERA 143 K
Hutchinson beat out perennial Cy Young Winner and greatest pitcher in Cobbfather history James Haselman to win his first Cy Young award. Hutchinson led the way for an up and coming Atlanta squad with several solid prospects. He made his 2nd all-star appearance this season and at just age 25, he has the potential to bring home a lot more hardware before his career is done.
National League - Norman LaPorta, Dover - 22-6 2.20 ERA 197 K
LaPorta was the top pitcher on the league's best team, so it seems fitting that he takes home the Cy Young award. LaPorta was acquired in Season 20 in a trade and it has paid off as hoped for. This is LaPorta's 3rd Cy Young win, his first since Season 14. He made his 6th All-Star appearance this year as well. Coming back to a solid Dover squad, he should be in the running next season as well.
Rookie of the Year
American League - Aneury Tejeda, Atlanta -12-4 2.11 ERA 151 K
Tejada's impressive rookie season earned him the AL Rookie of the Year award. His ERA was outstanding at a stunning 2.11 and that led to a solid 12-4 record. With his teammate winning the Cy Young award, it shows that Atlanta's pitching staff will be a force to be reckoned with for seasons to come.
National League - Harry Sanchez, Buffalo - 17-10 3.21 ERA 127 K
Sanchez put together a very solid season for Buffalo in his rookie campaign to take home NL Rookie of the year honors. After toiling in the minors for 6 seasons, he finally got the call in Season 21 and showed he has big league stuff. He looks like he'll be a solid middle of the rotation starter for seasons to come, and will be an asset to the Buffalo staff.
Fireman of the Year
American League - Jayson Klesko, St. Louis - 1.51 ERA 39 SV, 1st win
National League - Homer Butler, Los Angeles - 2.41 ERA, 41 SV, 2nd win
Well that does it for Season 21, looking forward to an exciting Season 22, we have a few openings, so let your friends, family, colleagues, and other world leaguemates know that Cobbfather is the place to be! Hopefully we'll have a quick rollover and be getting started soon! See you in Season 22!