Classic Baseball Union

Back to Back CBU Champions!

October 31st, 2018: The Brainerd Blue Ox were too much for Brooklyn in this year’s Classic Baseball Union The CBU Championship Series. They eliminated the Blue Sox today at Jackie Robinson Field and captured the series 4-3.

The Blue Ox toppled them by the score of 2-1 in the final game of the series to collect their 2nd league championship. Their season record was 91-71 and good enough for second place in the Landis League Finley Division.

Allan Anderson is a winner.

The second straight win in Minnesota sent the entire state into jubilation. The parade crowd was littered with Blue Ox jerseys and memorabilia. Brainerd did not dominate any statistic this season, but they were just plain good at everything. The rotation was led by Jason Smith (17-13 3.46 ERA) and Allan Anderson (15-12 3.92 ERA). Nelson Sheppard closed the door in Brainerd this  season pitching in 68 games, closing out 46 of them with saves, while studding an ERA of 2.70.

With the wood the Blue Ox were less powerful, and more consistent than their championship team from a year ago. Catcher Bill Rowland crushed 22 homers, 1st-baseman Si-dao Hsia also added 22 to his career totals. Centerfielder Dan Summers did his best job to lead the team from a defensive and offensive end. The 25-year-old slugger tracked down balls in the gaps all season, and also crushed 20 homers while hitting .297.

Brainerd has won their second ever CBU Championship, and become the 2nd franchise to win back to back Championships. Tacoma last did it in 1995-96. The Giamatti League has forgotten how to win as this makes 5 straight for the Landis League. The Landis League has won 18 CBU Championships, while the Giamatti League is stuck at 7.