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Another season is in the books in Cobb World and after another hotly contested postseason, it's Jackson who claims the crown, making it five different champions in the last five seasons here in Cobb. Jackson beat Cheyenne and last season's NL Champ, Omaha on their way to the NLCS, winning each series in four games. They jumped out to a 3-0 lead against Portland in the NLCS, only to drop the next two before sealing the deal in Game 6. In the World Series facing Cobb's best regular season team, Cleveland, they amazing jumped out to another 3-0 series lead, and this time they were able to complete the sweep, giving Jackson their first Championship in Cobb, and Frozeherd's first Championship in Hardball Dynasty. A hearty congrats indeed! It was pitching that led the way for Jackson, as they put up an astounding 2.15 ERA this postseason, while the offense held it's out, belting out 23 Home Runs in 18 games.
Now, here's who won the major individual awards this season!
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
American League - Parker Counsell, Salt Lake City - .333 AVG 49 HR 117 44 SB
Counsell won his 2nd MVP award in Season 44, mirroring the phenomenal numbers he put up in his last MVP run in Season 42. The 24 year-old 1st baseman has a rare combination of power, speed and baserunning that makes him one of the top offensive threats in Cobb. In addition to his stat line above, it should be noted he was only caught stealing once this season. In addition to the MVP trophy, he also won his 3rd Silver Slugger, made his 3rd All-Star team and won the Home Run Derby. It will be exciting to see Counsell strive to be one of the all-time greats in Cobb. He's certainly off to a very good start.
National League - Yadier Torres, Chicago - .322 AVG 52 HR 111 RBI 21 SB
Torres was a landslide winner of the NL MVP, making him the 3rd consecutive different member of Chicago to take home the MVP award in the last three seasons. The 25 year-old left fielder put together his 2nd straight 52 home run season while anchoring the top of a solid Chicago lineup. He made his 3rd All-Star team and won his 2nd Silver Slugger in Season 44 as well. He certainly has the talent to win another, but seems he has a lot of competition from him own teammates, much less the rest of the NL!
CY YOUNG AWARD
American League - Francisley Falu, Vancouver - 19-4 2.65 ERA 170 K
It was a tight race for the AL Cy Young this season, but it was the 22 year-old hard throwing righty out of Vancouver that capture the crown, his first in his young career. The Dominican product put up some solid numbers since coming up as 20 year-old in Season 42. It finally came together for him this season, posting a career high total in Wins, ERA and WHIP, while making the All-Star team as well. All signs point to him being one of the top arms in Cobb for seasons to come.
National League - Al Osoria, Portland - 17-5 1.28 ERA 201 K
Cobb's all-time ERA leader has done it once again, posting the 3rd best ERA in Cobb history (his Season 40 mark ranks 2nd) en route to his 3rd Cy Young award. It's hard to deny him the honor with such an unbelievable stat line, including such a microscopic ERA! He also made his 5th All-Star appearance in Season 44 as well. The 30 year-old appears to be in no danger of slowing down any time soon. It will be amazing to see where his career stat line and trophy total end up.
That does it for Season 44, see you back soon for Season 45!
