This newsletter contains series and game summaries for the 2016 NABC World Series and other playoff series. The box scores and playoff statistics are all available in the final C-file that I distributed by e-mail. Congratulations to manager Steve Davis and his top seeded Danbury Dirt Dobbers, who defeated the defending champion and 5th seeded Livonia Lynx, managed by Tom Kusch, in a 5 game series. The Lynx took the opener, but the Dobbers roared back to sweep the next 4 contests. This was the first matchup of #1 and #5 seeds in the World Series since seeding began in 2000 and the 10th title overall and third straight for a #1 seed, while a #5 seed has still never won the title. The WS games were played online via phone as all playoff games were contested either face-to-face or via a phone connection, again this season. Thanks to all playoff managers for completing the games promptly.
For Danbury manager Steve Davis, this was the fourth playoff appearance in his 6 years in the NABC, and his second title in 3 World Series appearances. Steve’s previous championship was won in 2013. The Danbury franchise has now made the playoffs 22 times in 36 years in the league, with 5 championships in 12 World Series appearances. For Livonia manager Tom Kusch, in his 33rd NABC year, this was his twenty-first playoff, and 10th finals appearance, to go with four NABC championships. The Livonia franchise now has 10 playoff runs in 17 seasons overall, plus 3 World Series titles in 7 appearances, with the most recent previous championship in 2015.
Over the course of the post-season, the Dobbers offense was led by Danny Valencia (14-37, 6r, 8rbi), Curtis Granderson (12-36, 3hr, 5rbi) and Alex Gordon (13-40, 9r) in just 9 playoff games. Danbury pitchers posted a 1.99 ERA, led by starters Rich Hill (2-0, 1.35) and David Price (2-0, 1.93). For the Lynx lineup, in 18 playoff games, Manny Machado (.265, 18-68, 4hr, 10r, 15rbi) was the most productive hitter, backed by Jose Altuve (.264, 19-72, 9r, 8rbi) and Michael Brantley (.220, 18-82, 10-2b, 8r, 9rbi). Adam Wainwright (2-1, 2.22) and Tyson Ross (2-1, 3.21) led the Lynx hurlers to an overall 3.72 ERA.
Congratulations to both Steve and Tom for making it to the finals, and thanks to all NABC managers for another great year!