News

Print

All-Star Break Rundown: Record Chases, Award Races

By:Alex Xanthakis
Dalton Ponce (St. Mary's CA) is one of several Big Train players that could challenge league records this season.

Wednesday night was the Cal Ripken League All-Star Game, in which the Maryland All-Stars, featuring Big Train's players, triumphed 12-3. That game marks a significant turning point in any baseball season: the season is two thirds over, and the dust is starting to settle. It's at this point that award races, record chases, and the like become viable points of conversation as the season winds down. So, let's take a look at some things to watch out for to close out the Big Train season.

Firstly, it should be pointed out Gio Diaz (St. Mary's CA) already has a record. He broke the single-season CRCBL steals record by stealing his 32nd base in the most recent regular-season game. Sitting at 33 steals now, he has a chance to break the Big Train career record of 38, set by Jonnie Knoble (BT 2004-05).

Another hot candidate to break a CRCBL record this season is Kobe Kato (Arizona). Now, at first glance, it may seem like a daunting task--his average is currently .455, and he cannot allow it to dip below .433, which is the league's record. Keeping up that pace will be difficult, and he has little room for error. However, he does also have a shot at the Big Train single-season average record of .417, set a year ago by Justin Wylie. 

But a record Kato may have better odds at is perhaps the single season on-base percentage record. Currently, he rocks a .630, which is vastly higher than the .552 league record. With 11 games remaining and 29 in the books, he has a pretty legitimate chance to get that one. His ability to draw walks and consistently reach base seems solid enough that, even given a slump, with only a fraction of the schedule remaining he'll contend to set the record.

Aside from Kato and Diaz, no other batters truly have a chance at records, but Jacob Southern's (Jacksonville) name has floated around in the early league MVP conversations, as he leads the league with seven homers and 29 RBIs, and ranks seventh among qualifiers with a .344 average. 

As far as pitchers, both Chase Lee (Alabama) and Dalton Ponce (St. Mary's CA) have some shot at the CRCBL's single-season strikeout record. The record was set in 2010 by Max Knowles with the Alexandria Aces at 60 strikeouts. Currently, Lee's 40 has him on pace for roughly 55. Ponce's total (43) has him on pace for 59, but he may also not see enough starts to hit that projected pace. For either player to break the record, they'd have to one-up their previously impressive performance, so it'll be difficult--but within reach.

Jacob McCarvel (California Baptist) currently has a 0.00 ERA, which would tie him for the league's record. Yes, a 0.00 ERA has been achieved for a full season in the past, so McCarvel would not be the first. It's worth noting that a Big Train pitcher has notched a 0.00 ERA in each of the last two seasons (Stephen Schoch in 2017 and Ryan Metz in 2018), but neither of them threw enough innings to qualify for the title. As of now, McCarvel is well short of qualifying as well. 

And finally, going back to Ponce--for a record he likely has a better chance at--if he can win two more games on the season, he'll tie the CRCBL league record of seven wins in a season. He currently has five and will likely see at least two more starts.

That's a brief tour through some of the storylines developing around the Big Train currently. With the last stretch of the season ready to kick off, gear up for Friday's game against Alexandria, which would be an excellent opportunity to watch all of your favorite players continue in their quest for greatness.

Share This Article




Past News

Search Archive »

Browse by Year »

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011

Browse by Month »

September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
December 2022
November 2022
September 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
March 2020
February 2020
October 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
November 2016
September 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
September 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
November 2013
September 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
December 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
December 2011

facebook
twitter
You Tube
Instagram
Phone
Number 11
Number 21
Number 40
Number 42
Number 5
Number 7