Bywater
Bywater Bounders
July 07, 2008
MR Ayo Re-Signs with Bywater
BYWATER - A $5,660,000 package keeping Kenton Ayo a member of the Bounders has been accepted by the player and his agent. Ayo will earn $2,830,000 annually over the next 2 years. This season Ayo has made 34 relief appearances...June 23, 2008
Rockbinder Collects Hit Number 2000
It was a great day for Ralin Rockbinder of the Bywater Bounders -- but not a perfect day. He became the latest player to reach the 2000-hit mark, but his team lost the game. The 37-year-old left fielder got his...June 06, 2008
Bywater Left Fielder Nets SC Award
This week Ralin Rockbinder, left fielder for the Bywater Bounders, slashed, mashed and bashed his way to the Shire Conference Player of the Week trophy. Rockbinder put up a .517 average as he pounded out 15 hits, no home runs,...May 29, 2008
May's Top Starter Named in SC
Despite the number of years he's been in the league, Glodunter Bromburg still gets excited when he puts together a quality stretch like he had in May. The 31-year-old starter for Bywater was named Shire Conference Pitcher of the Month...May 26, 2008
Fleam Walks Away from the Game
BYWATER - Sources close to the Bywater Bounders report that first baseman Ceonvan Fleam will retire once the season is over. Fleam has put up a career batting average of .279 with 1384 hits, 74 homers and 578 RBIs....April 18, 2008
No Nosegobbler?
via Bounders Free Press BYWATER - With players across the league making their way to Spring Training, many managers are getting excited about the coming season. But Sir Ken walks like a man with much on his mind, and understandably...February 25, 2008
Bagdreg the Hated Stands Out, Choice for Best Pitcher
The Shire Conference announced the winner of the Pitcher of the Month Award for August. It went to Bagdreg the Hated of Bywater for his outstanding 5-1 record and 1.44 ERA. the Hated also chalked up 6 starts, 43.2 innings...February 07, 2008
Week's Top Performer Honored by SC
Pimpernel Oreslayer burst onto the Shire Conference stage in a big way last week. This promising rookie second baseman for Bywater garnered everyone's respect by putting up some remarkable numbers and picking up the Player of the Week trophy. The...January 31, 2008
Hot Bat Wins SC Player of the Week Honors
Ralin Rockbinder of the Bywater Bounders has just enjoyed one of the better weeks of his career. That fact was not lost on Shire Conference officials, who named him Player of the Week. Rockbinder logged a .450 batting average for...January 27, 2008
Dunharrow-Bywater Trade: the Hated for the Pink
Officials for the Dunharrow Devils confirmed that they have traded 35-year old starting pitcher Bagdreg the Hated, 24-year old right fielder Parin Ogrehammer, a 3rd round draft pick and a 4th round draft pick to the Bywater Bounders. In return,...November 12, 2007
Rockbinder Signs 3-Year Extension with Bywater
BYWATER - Team officials triumphantly announced that the Bounders and superstar center fielder Ralin Rockbinder have closed a deal on November 23rd that keeps the 35-year-old in a Bywater uniform for another 3 years. Rockbinder will earn $18,750,000 as part...November 05, 2007
SC Gandalf Pitcher Award Chosen
Bounders ace Glodunter Bromburg is the latest Shire Conference Gandalf Pitcher Award trophy winner. The Bywater star sparkled and shined on the diamond time and again this year and finished up with an outstanding 23-7 record. In 36 starts he...October 11, 2007
Howlers Crowned A Champions
The Hobbiton Howlers ignited a huge celebration on September 5th, as they beat the Lithlad Lizards 7-5 to win the Single-A League Championship Series. Hobbiton won the series 4-3, capturing the title for the 1st time. "We stepped it up...SC Top Pitcher for August Picked
Which Shire Conference hurler dominated in the month of August? According to the voters who decide the Shire Conference Pitcher of the Month award, it was Glodunter Bromburg of the Bywater Bounders. He put together a record of 6-0 with...September 27, 2007
Tinond Homers Himself Into Record Books
BYWATER - The Bywater 10-2 victory over Grey Havens on August 6 was highlighted by Vorzava Tinond's 400th career home run. His teammates congratulated him at home plate after he circled the bases. "I didn't see all of them out...September 24, 2007
Great Week for Bywater's Right Fielder
Veteran Denaigol Denaihir had a great week at the plate for the Bounders to capture the majority of votes for Player of the Week in the Shire Conference. The Bywater right fielder built a .462 average on the strength of...August 30, 2007
Taralom's Strong Week Earns SC Trophy
Lula Taralom has the tools to stick in this league for many years, but it might be a long time before she has another week to compare with this one. The 24-year-old third baseman of the Bywater Bounders dominated the...August 06, 2007
Moria Can't Buy a Hit!
BYWATER - It's a rare thing to pitch a no-hitter in baseball. It's done by the great and the not-so-great. There are times when an average pitcher will briefly be glorified by this achievement. It is not an honor reserved...June 14, 2007
Bromburg Wins 2014 Shire MVP
The voting was close, but in the end the members of the Middle Earth Baseball Writers Association and the team owners picked Bywater hurler, Glodunter Bromburg as the Shire's most valuable player. Bromburg, known as 'Songster' to teammates and fans,...June 07, 2007
Bounders Crowned Shire Champs
BYWATER - Ex-Cheese, Makk the Knife (8-17), who has never had a winning season in his 5 years in the majors, stepped it up a notch against his former team in Game 5 of the Two Towers Series, shutting down...May 28, 2007
MC Player of the Week, Chubb of Minas Morgul
Tanta Chubb stepped up to the plate in a big way last week and today she took home the Mordor Conference Player of the Week honors. The Minas Morgul second baseman ripped opposing pitchers for 13 hits in 26 at-bats...Vorzava Tinond Comes to Terms with Bounders
BYWATER - Vorzava Tinond and Bywater have come to an agreement keeping the center fielder in a Bounders uniform for another 1 year. The deal is worth $11,000,000 and a formal press conference has been scheduled for tomorrow. Batting .236...May 26, 2007
Bounders Bouncing
BYWATER - Celebrations rang out in Bywater last night at the Bounders won their division, much like MESN shockingly predicted. For a club that hasn't finished better than second previously, the Bounders shocked many by taking the title with over...April 16, 2007
Shire Conference #1 Hurler is Bromburg
Which Shire Conference hurler dominated in the month of June? According to the voters who decide the Shire Conference Pitcher of the Month award, it was Glodunter Bromburg of the Bywater Bounders. He put together a record of 5-1 with...April 05, 2007
Pulley not a bounder
BYWTER - With a two day rest between games Lester Pulley barely bothered to change out of his uniform before heading to Forodwaith's home of depravity, Forochel. However Pulley didn't travel alone and assorted teammates were spotted running in and...March 17, 2007
Iggette Responds to Rumors
via Bywater Press BYWATER - We have been made aware of rumours suggesting that Sir Kenneth has some rather old fashioned opinions of female players. Whilst he will be the first to admit to a somewhat historic approach to life...March 16, 2007
Ravenhill, Bywater agree to trade
BYWATER - The Bounders took steps to further their pennant drive today, acquiring starting pitcher, Eucalypta the Pink, and outfielders Denaigol Denaihir and Masin Oathworker from the Ravenhill Darkwings in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers and pitcher Robert...March 15, 2007
Mound Excellence Makes Bywater's Bromburg Shire Conference Top Pitcher in April
There's no doubt that Bywater Bounders starter Glodunter Bromburg earned his SC Pitcher of the Month award for April. He was sensational: In 54.2 innings, Bromburg had 35 strikeouts, a 1.65 ERA, and a 5-1 record....March 05, 2007
.421 BA Captures Shire Conference Player of the Week Crown for Tinond of Bywater
BYWATER - The Shire Conference has chosen Vorzava Tinond of the Bywater Bounders as Player of the Week. And what a week Tinond had: He hit .421, swatted 3 home runs, and drove in 5 while scoring 7 runs....February 18, 2007
Dunharrow trades Tookes to Bounders
DUNHARROW - Robert Tookes, journeyman pitcher, was sent to Bywater today in exchange for minor league reliever, Virgil Root, and a 3rd round draft pick. Tookes, 31, who was purchased from Moria just this past offseason for $2.5 million, has...February 13, 2007
Ugbag Blacktooth Landing in Bywater
BYWATER - SION reports that the Bywater Bounders have just agreed with catcher Ugbag Blacktooth on a contract, signing the free agent to a $44,440,000 deal for 4 years, which equals $11,110,000 per season. Sources indicate that both sides are...December 21, 2006
July's Top SC Pitcher Crowned: Glodunter Bromburg of the Bywater Bounders Honored
In the month of July, Glodunter Bromburg was certainly in a groove. The Bywater starter posted 4 wins and was saddled with no losses last month. He compiled a minuscule 0.92 ERA and dished out 32 Ks. Not surprisingly, he...December 04, 2006
SC Pitcher of the Month Award Goes to Glodunter Bromburg from Bywater
Glodunter Bromburg took a turn in the spotlight earlier today when he nabbed the SC Pitcher of the Month award for June. The 27-year-old Bywater Bounders starter is a relative newcomer to the league, but nonetheless racked up an impressive...November 27, 2006
Fleam of the Bounders Wins Shire Conference Player of the Week
Like a battering ram, Ceonvan Fleam hit the baseball with brutal efficiency last week, gaining himself the Shire Conference Player of the Week title for that stretch. The Bywater Bounders first baseman rapped the ball at a .417 pace with...October 14, 2006
Bromburg Backs Bywater
via Bywater Times BYWATER - With the big contracts of free agency still buzzing in the air, Sir Ken Iggette proved he was anything but silly when he announced Bywater's ace starter Glodunter Bromburg had signed a massive seven year...If Bromburg is happy in Bywater then Sir Ken is more than happy to have him there.
"This is an amazing deal for us. Glodunter is such an amazing talent, I remember being blown away by him right from the very first time I saw him. We've worked really hard with him over the years and he's like one of the family, so for him to talk about ending his career here makes a lot of people very happy."
Not that everyone will be happy with the deal though - namely most managers in the league. Bromburg made his major league debut with an ERA of just 3.07 before switching to become a starter the next year when he claimed 12 wins.
In 2012 there were a few rumours of unrest in the clubhouse as Bugrin Spinner was pushed into the second spot in the rotation by Bromburg. Spinner was a popular player, but between the ever more frequent arguments and his wage demands the Bounders eventually decided to trade him to Lothlorien. Spinner than became a free agent at the end of the season with even more rumours of attitude problems hanging over him.
"Bugrin is a great player, no-one can argue with that, but he forced us to make a decision so we did," said Iggette. "Of course it was a shame when he left, but he struggled to compete with Glod and I think that hurt him."
With Spinner now playing for divisional rivals Wilderland any tension between the players will possibly go through the roof. It's unsure when, or even if, the two will start against each other, but it's likely to be a real grudge match.
August 09, 2006
Bounders Trade Spinner
BYWATER - The Bounders announced a deal today that sends Bugrin Spinner, the talented but injury-prone lefty, to Lothlorien in exchange for pitchers Phaimina Fadrielindë and Cristian Estrella. Spinner, 29, is on the last year of his $17.5 million contract....August 03, 2006
Spinner (BYW) and Chubb (MIN) win P.O.W. award
It's the 1st time that the Shire Conference Player of the Week award goes to Bywater's pitcher Bugrin Spinner. Bugrin went 2-0 with an ERA of 0.00, while fanning 16 in 15 innings of work. He hurled a shutout as...April 27, 2006
Bywater's Bromburg out for 8-9 weeks
BYWATER - Bywater is without its ace Glodunter Bromburg for at least 8-9 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Lelyan Mariner in a game against Moria. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left...March 30, 2006
Bugrin Spinner fires 2-hitter against Dagorlad
BYWATER - Bugrin Spinner took the mound on July 8 and never left. And Dagorlad hitters couldn't touch him at all. Bywater's right-hander gave up just 2 hits in his 2nd shutout of the season. He now has 2 career...March 23, 2006
Guril and the Smasher win Player of the Week award
Sortai Guril from Bywater wins his 1st Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the Shire Conference. Sortai went 14 for 27 (.519), while hitting 5 HR and collecting 9 RBI. The Player...March 13, 2006
Bywater's Pulley out for 7 weeks
BYWATER - Bywater's first baseman Lester Pulley hurt himself in the 8th inning on June 8 while making a routine throw to first base. He experienced serious pain and had to leave the game. Lester Pulley will miss at least...March 09, 2006
Pulley (BYW) and Imrilron (MIN) win P.O.W. award
Bywater's first baseman Lester Pulley had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the Shire Conference Player of the Week. Lester was on fire, hitting .345 with 6 HR and 12 RBI. The Player of the Week award...March 02, 2006
Minas Morgul's Chubb wins Player of the Week award
The Shire Conference's best player of the week was Bywater's Lester Pulley, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. Lester went 12 for 28 (.429), while hitting 2 HR and collecting 10 RBI. This year Pulley...February 13, 2006
Bugrin Spinner dominates Carrock, gives up just 2 hits
BYWATER - Bywater's right-hander Bugrin Spinner will never forget this day. The 28-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Carrock on April 17. Spinner (2-2) struck out 9 and issued 2 BB, throwing 65 of 106 pitches...February 09, 2006
Bounders New Look
via The Bywater Gazette and Mail BYWATER - The good people of Bywater were shocked to hear their team labelled upstarts by the MESN team earlier this week who ranked the Bounders a lowly 17th in their annual pre-season analysis....In search of answers we went to the often empty stadium itself to talk with those inside the franchise to see what they made of it all. Off-season trade Rockback certainly seemed happy.
"Believe it or not the fans are great; they seem to make the most of the empty seats and really get behind the team. I always remember that no matter how poorly the Bounders were doing the visiting team were in for a rough time, I couldn't be happier to know they'll be cheering for me this season."
Rockback may be onto something. The Bounder's stadium has often been called imposing by players not used to such a large field and when the crowd goes wild you see another side to the quiet town of Bywater. Adding a star like Rockback to the roster certainly seems to be going down well. Sir Ken was quick to praise his major signing.
"Ever since Golliaf retired we've been looking for a real anchor to play behind the plate and when Oranges broke his foot we had to do something. Rockback was offered to us and we just couldn't ignore a player like that."
Yet despite a big trade the Bounders played it cool with the free agents.
"Yeah there were some interesting players on offer but we've been working with a lot of youngsters and we saw it was their time. Let's be honest here, if you look at the kids we promoted and the guys ending their careers in the pool and I think we made the right choice."
And few would argue with Sir Ken over that. It's no secret that various teams have enquired about Pulley and Taralom's availability over the past season, probably just as much to avoid playing against them as to play with them. Let's not over hype these future stars though, they both show incredible talent but the big leagues are a big jump. And this could be what stops the Bounders from repeating last years run. Although the team was still has players like Spinner and Thoirney worrying those at the plate they lost a lot of hitting power in when Fleam left and joined division rivals the Archers, and one of their early academy players Thugast went to Old Forest in the trade to acquire Rockback.
The Bounders certainly have some talent in their team, it's just a case of will it gell? Let's not forget that part of last seasons successes came from the team being so established, this off-season has seen some of their most significant restructuring and it's got to be a gamble. But don't say that in Bywater. This proud little town is looking to the future and they like what they see. They've spruced up their image as well as the locker room. If their plan works, there may be some upsets.
February 02, 2006
Rockback sent to Bywater
OLD FOREST - Future Hall-of-Fame catcher, Rafur "Rocky" Rockback, was traded by the Merry Fellows to Bywater in a deal that sent the 4-time All-Star to the Bounders along with reliever Kenton Ayo. In exchange, Bywater gives up minor league...January 20, 2006
Bywater defeats Bree
BYWATER - The Bywater Bounders picked up from their hot regular season finish to win the first round of the playoffs against Bree. Bywater took their first Fellowship Series title since 2003. It looked like the Cheese might stop the...Game 2 looked to be a similar struggle when, with the score tied 1-1 in the 5th, Neegar Nosegobbler broke open the game with a 2-run double. Bywater won 6-3.
In Game 3 with Bree up 4-3 in the 9th, Duuk Braingobber looked to have put the game away with a 2-run shot off Fisil Goldworthy. But Fionduil allowed 3 hits and with 2 men on Ceonvan Fleam sent a homer down the left field line for 3 runs and a Bywater win.
In Game 4, the Cheese had starter Dejatok Belebrildur cruising with 11 strikeouts and a 3-3 tie, but the Bounders struck hard in the 8th, scoring 8 runs, including a Thoma Thugast grand slam, for the 11-4 win.
Finally, in Game 5, it was Arwodur vs. Spinner again. Arwodur only pitched 1 inning before complaining of a sore back, leaving the game in the hands of the Bree bullpen who held the Bounders scoreless until the 8th. Dejath Belarà, Fradrak Demongobbler and Halleron Troublemaker pitched brilliantly, but Spinner tossed a 4-hit shutout, striking out 10. The only run of the game came on a Tinond homer in the 8th, giving Bywater the victory.
January 18, 2006
Elrond Manager Awards Announced
League officials announced the winners of the Elrond Manager of the Year in a news briefing late this afternoon. In the Shire Conference, the award goes to Bywater's Sir Kenneth Iggette. Sir Ken led his troops to their first playoff...January 17, 2006
Shadowfax and Gwaihir Awards handed out
The winners of the two league awards that are based purely upon stats were acknowledged in a press briefing by SGCBL officials today. The Shadowfax Award for stolen bases was presented to Bree's Kobur Hammermaker and to Anson Banks of...January 16, 2006
Bywater's Vorzava Tinond has great day, hits three longballs
BYWATER - Vorzava Tinond was in a groove on September 29, and the results spoke for themselves. He powered Bywater to a 5-4 win over Lake Town by homering three times. In the 1st inning he unloaded a two-run homerun...Bounders take Shire Wild Card
BYWATER - With their 9-1 victory over Wilderland on September 26, the Bywater Bounders clinched the Shire Wild Card spot and their first trip to the playoffs since 2003. Surprising everyone, save for the Bywater fans, Bugrin Spinner (21-7) nailed...January 09, 2006
Player of the Week honors go to Gàril and Hearteater
The Shire Conference's best player of the week was Bywater's Savia Gàril, who wins the award for the 2nd time in his career. Savia pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .632 with 1 HR and 4 RBI while slugging 1.053. Pruugor Hearteater...January 02, 2006
Spinner (BYW) and Grailas (MM) win monthly pitcher award
Bywater's pitcher Bugrin Spinner is the Shire Conference winner of the Pitcher of the Month award in August. He had an ERA of just 1.57 in 46 innings of work in which he struck out 40 hitters. His record in...December 19, 2005
Vorzava Tinond will miss 5 weeks
BYWATER - Bywater's centerfielder Vorzava Tinond hurt himself in the 1st inning while diving for a batted ball. He got up slowly and had to leave the game. Vorzava Tinond will miss at least 5 weeks. After being examined by...October 17, 2005
Gàril and Solomon win Player of the Week award
Savia Gàril wins his 1st Player of the Week award. Shire Conference pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. In 29 at bats he hit .483 with 1 HR and 5 RBI. It's the 1st...September 20, 2005
Gwaihir Reliever Awards announced
MIDDLE EARTH - The winners of the 2009 Gwaihir Reliever Awards, given to the best relievers in each Conference, were announced today. The Shire Conference winner is Amon Thoirney of Bywater. He had a record of 8-3 with an ERA...September 15, 2005
Vorzava Tinond clubs three rockets
LAKE TOWN - Bywater's centerfielder Vorzava Tinond showed the world why he is one of the most amazing sluggers in a 9-5 win over Lake Town on September 30. He almost knockes the cover off the ball, resulting in three...September 01, 2005
Nosegobbler (BYW) and Stinkblossom (MM) win P.O.W. award
Neegar Nosegobbler wins his 3rd Player of the Week award. Shire Conference pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Neegar went 13 for 24 (.542), while hitting 3 HR and collecting 8 RBI. Nosegobbler has...July 21, 2005
Nosegobbler and Gandilhil win P.O.W. award
The Shire Conference Player of the Week award goes to Neegar Nosegobbler, Bywater's starting shortstop. Neegar pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .600 with 2 HR and 9 RBI while slugging 1.040. He hit in every game this week and extended his...June 10, 2005
Bounders Sign Pitchers
BYWATER - Sir Kenneth Iggettte's crew opened their wallets to acquire 2 free agent pitchers during the off-season. Joining the Bywater squad will be Ulor "Popcorn" Témir and Isond Imrudur. Each signed a $10 million contract for 2 years. Témir,...May 19, 2005
Bywater's Elvilmambor out for 4 weeks
BYWATER - Bywater is without its left-hander Galilden Elvilmambor for at least 4 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Bifur Iceycryer in a game against Carrock on September 19. His face showed signs of pain immediately after...May 02, 2005
Vorzava Tinond stars with cycle against Bucklebury
BUCKLEBURY - Bywater's centerfielder Vorzava Tinond accomplished a difficult feat in a game against Bucklebury on August 19, hitting for the cycle to improve his career batting average to .238! A single in the 2nd off Gugnar Goblinback accounted for...April 03, 2005
Bounders Training Film Leaked
BYWATER - Frustrated by poor performances last season the Bounders took drastic measures - hiring some of the greatest minds in baseball to try and lift the team to success this year. Many felt the Bounders had done too good...December 30, 2004
Bounders Bulletins
BYWATER - Little has been heard of Ken Iggette recently, so it was decided that someone needed to find out what had been happening in the offices of the Bywater Bounders. Some had been worrying that Sir Ken had...October 20, 2004
Bounders Ban Dairy
By Merimas Tussock BYWATER - Following recent events, the Bywater Bounders have taken some rather unusual action. They've banned all dairy products from Green Hill Field. While some teams have been monitoring their players' diets, the Bounders felt the...October 18, 2004
Bounders Bulletins
By Merimas Tussock BYWATER - Bywater bounds into the new season full of hope and joy, the question is whether or not the fans will be disappointed. Bywater have taken a softly, softly approach to the off-season, trying to...Many of the Bounders will be glad to hear of this era of stability, given Sir Ken's brutality at times in the past. However, that temper can't be far away, so they'd probably be wise not to take things too easily. Many pundits suggest that there are a few players who have survived this long largely thanks to the stability drive. However some might question just how much stability there's been, given some of the changes that have happened. Green Hill Field has grown to ensure more fans can get great views of the team, provided they come back to the club that is. Few like to admit it but with the demand for rings on the decline, cash won't last forever in Bywater.
That could also explain the other big change within the franchise. The Westmarch Warriors marched out of town and all the way to the island of Bhangbhangduc, where it's hoped the fledgling A-Team will learn some peace and tranquility. Between the added merchandising the move should generate and the development potential of the new location, there are hopes that the youth team will become more of an asset to the Bounders.
It certainly looks like Interesting Times in Bywater.
October 06, 2004
Bounders Bulletins
By Merimas Tussock BYWATER - A calm has been cast over Bywater of late. With the sale of Dryadpoker last season, many were wondering just what was going on in the heads of those in charge. However, the team...Although acknowledged as a prime pitcher, Dryadpoker never quite reached his full potential in Bywater. There were many rumours of problems with his teammates, and now that he's gone there have been anonymous comments about his attitude towards the other players. An unidentified player has said that, "Dryadpoker was a jerk. He kept strutting around like he owned the place, thought he was better than the rest of us. He never even tried while he was here; the team was struggling and you look to guys like that to help you out but all he could do was brag about his new 18 horse power cart or how he was planning to extend his tree-house, again! We really noticed it when the Witch-King arrived. He's an old guy who's achieved much more that Grikak but he treated us with respect. He helps the rookies you know? That guy managed 15 wins last season and did much more for us than Grikak ever did. Jerk."
Sir Ken is another reported to be glad that Dryadpoker's gone, despite his claims that they always got on well together. Few would've ever suggested that Kevin had a problem with Grikak, especially after he signed the contract for $20M, however it seems that eventually even Kevin had to admit that Dryadpoker was underperforming and gave in to Sir Ken's request to restructure things further.
Now fans are wondering if the new season will see a turn-around in the Bounder's fortunes. Local historians suggest that the Dark Lord's bride returning to the league is a good omen; reminding many that the Bounder's best year to date occurred whilst she was holed up in Lonely Mountain. At least one local priest is concerned by this though; pointing out that Kevin has recently expressed a certain disregard for law and order and has forbidden him from blessing the team's bats.
However the local law enforcement officers have said there's nothing to worry about. "We're still tryin' to work out where they got all that wood for that there new sauna they got themselves. We ain't saying Kevin's a wrongun' or nuffin', just that someone should remember selling that much wood." When asked if there was any further news on the ent families that mysteriously vanished just before Kevin was able to buy their land for stadium developments the officer declined to comment.
January 25, 2004
Bounding to the Top in 2005
By Merimas Tussock BYWATER - With the new season around the corner, the question on everyone's lips is can the Bounders recover from last year's collapse, and the answer most people have is "maybe". The franchise has certainly made...Such talk may impress some people, but it's expected even more will be won over by some of the signings that have been made. And the biggest talking point in taverns around Bywater must be the arrival of Elrilmer Elriawyn from Misty Mountain. Some have suggested that The Witch King is too old and will be eating into the team's wages too much, but most people seem confident that this 2-time All-star player and winner of the 2003 Gandalf Pitcher Award will be sending the Bounders to new levels. Whatever happens, everyone agrees he's big news. Elriawyn's arrival was largely funded by a sponsorship agreement with Hobbiton Cobblers; with Elriawyn also making an undisclosed sum from their forthcoming "Hair Elriawyn" range.
But the progress hasn't stopped there. The Bounders also snapped up a couple of players in free agency to help strengthen the team in other areas, including former All-star player Paurk Goblinshaker who should help provide some much needed depth in the outfield. But even with these changes you can't help but feel there are gaps in the team still.
Time will tell if the Bounders are making progress, but this reporter is hopeful.
November 25, 2003
Bywater's Slipping Fortunes
By Merimas Tussock BYWATER - Yet another losing week has seen Bywater drop to a .500 record for the year, and unless they improve next week will pick up a losing record for the first time. In truth it...November 20, 2003
Bywater Shatters Attendance Record
BYWATER - Despite their winning percentage of .522 (59-54), the Bounders playoff hopes aren't looking too good these days, with their division rival the Wargs of Wilderland holding a 13 game lead and being 10 games behind Bree in...November 11, 2003
Bounding to the Top
By Merimas Tussock BYWATER - An average 3-3 week may not seem that good, but going on recent Bounder form, the team is pretty happy with the result. That said, the team's biggest rivals both managed to pull further...October 29, 2003
Bounders Launch Mirkwood Investigation
By Merimas Tussock BYWATER - Strange things happened when Mirkwood came to visit Bywater recently. In both games the Bounders starting pitcher was pulled before the 3rd inning with a mysterious injury. The Bounders took a good lead in...October 07, 2003
Bounder Healer Resigns Over Injury Fears
By Merimas Tussock BYWATER - Bywater managed to retain second place in the Hobbit Division thanks to a moderate 3-3 week, although Wilderland's 5-1 means the Bounders will have to work even if they want to reclaim first place....The team's injury worries continued as they travelled to Lake Town; with Vorzava Tinond bruising his hand while making a catch, and Gorolbo Gollialf bruising his hip in a collision with a reckless Archer at home plate. This time the Bounders kept up a strong performance, though, and managed to keep the loss to a respectable 7-5 despite the Archer's advantages. Unfortunately the Archers built on that victory the next day, as they romped to a 9-5 victory. The Bounders actually held a reasonable 4-3 lead going into the bottom of the 4th when the venerable Vishnak Spearpunisher decided to do something special before he retired. With 5 RBIs and 3 HRs the Archers were 8-4 up by the top of the 6th and the game was as good as over.
Bywater's swingers managed to end the week on a high note as the road trip lead them on to Cirith Ungol--although the pitchers from both sides would probably rather forget the game, with the Bounders managing an average ERA of 7.30 and the Spiders 7.37, as the batters of both teams racked up a few personal bests. The Spiders took a pretty convincing early lead, but the Bounders bounced back in the end to take the game 20-12.
Away from the field Dr. Tamuríl Elensar, who was only hired at the start of the season, resigned by mutual consent. In a statement the team said, "Following the recent run of events the good doctor decided to take a less demanding position in her home town of Archet. Obviously having started her career in Bree-land with the Cheese, it's hoped that fans in the area will have forgiven and forgotten the incidents of last year."
October 02, 2003
Bounding to the Top
By Merimas Tussock BYWATER - They say a change is as good as rest, and Bywater proved the point this week with a 4-2 romp on the road, putting them at the top of the Hobbit Division. Grikak Dryadpoker...Gwulas Gream started the week badly after being ejected during the 8-2 win over Rivendell, and Nifur Ringbearer followed a couple of games later. Hitting Coach Jefferson Catoe said, "The ump was a joke! The guy had to play to the home crowd and kept calling strikes! Even my grandma could see they were balls. I wanted to wrap a bat 'round his neck."
Having won the first game 8-2 Catoe wasn't the only person wondering what happened as the Bounders lost the next two games 2-6 and 0-2, totalling a 2-8 defeat. The team could still see the light side of matters when Gream put in his best performance of the week the day after his ejection; he was heard to joke that "if getting thrown out helps my game this much I'll try it more often."
Luckily the team calmed down during the journey to Moria and managed to avoid further troubles and managed a run of great games including Nudak Gnomechewer striking out 11 Miners in the first game and Grikak Dryadpoker's shutout in the last. The second game was more about reminding everyone how Bywater have earnt the highest batting average in the league and the second highest run total by knocking in 11 runs including 3 homers.
Not all the action happened in the ballparks this week though with star left-fielder Haleogrin Grolas taking the short trip down the road to set up home in the Old Forest and taking budding reliever Woprak Trollraper with him. Making the return trip were hot young stars Pork Halflingbasher and Sortai Guril who both have a good future ahead of them and should bolster the outfield, although both need a little more experience before they're ready for the majors.
Bywater also picked up pitchers Erirag Bugsmasher and Lawrence Baize; both add a new depth to the starting rotation and should keep the established guys on their toes after the slow start this season. When asked how Halflingbasher was settling in his coach David Mcquaid said, "He was upset that Tom [Bombadil] traded him and insisted on playing at AAA, which he's not quite ready for. But he's young, and we thought it best that he learns from his mistakes. Now he's settled a bit and calmed down, he's happy to spend a bit more time at AA."
Leonard Roderick, who will be taking Pork under his wing from next week, was enthusiastic about the newcomer. "He's a great asset and we're happy to have him onboard. All that fuss about his family and the name just distracted from the potential the kid has. Obviously it's upset a few of the fans but we've bashed many halflings in the diamond before, and Pork looks like the orc for us. Once he remembers what our uniform looks like, there shouldn't be any problems. Until then our mages have made sure there shouldn't be any accidents."