DCL BASEBALL: 3 Teams Have Dominated the League for 15 Years

To dominate means to be in control or have the power to defeat. 

From 1998 to 2005, West Jacksonport won four titles, Institute two, and Maplewood and Washington Island one each. West Jacksonport’s last title was in 2005. Since that time – 15 seasons – only three teams have won the league title. Egg Harbor holds six of those titles, Sister Bay five and Kolberg four.

Barring some strange things happening this year, it should be Sister Bay or Kolberg winning the 2022 crown, which would extend that streak to 16 seasons. Clearly, these teams have dominated the league recently.

Speaking of dominating, the Swami was a perfect 4-0 for the second straight week, bringing his season record to 32-8. Let’s take a look at Week 11.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Institute (2-8) @ Baileys Harbor (0-10)

Another Friday-night tilt for these two teams. The Cubs hit the ball well last week, with Kyle Ploor leading the way with four hits. However, getting those hitters to cross home plate proved to be a tough task in their home loss to the Ports. 

The As got in front of the Mets early but couldn’t hold on. Starting fast is one thing, but until they can keep it going for all nine innings, this will continue to be a long season. I said at the beginning of the season that I thought the As would crack the win column this year, and as a former Cubbie, this one does worry me just a little. The As have called some games early this year with the recent run scoring rule after seven innings. This one will go all nine. 

Swami says: Cubs.

SUNDAY

Egg Harbor (4-6) @ West Jacksonport (6-4)

The Indians’ title hopes are now over, and their focus shifts to making the playoffs, which will not be an easy task. They need to catch two of the teams they’re trailing by two games, and one just happens to be the Ports.

The Ports were without a couple of players Friday night, including starting pitcher Luke Steebs, and it showed a little. However, Derek Niedzwiecki was there to save the day with four hits, including a home run, and he pitched the final three innings of relief. 

When the Indians are right, they can be dangerous, but a loss here will most likely end their playoff hopes.

Swami says: Ports.

Sister Bay (7-3) @ Kolberg (9-1)

Well, here we go. This will most likely be the final roadblock for the Braves’ chances at a title. With only three games after this week, to include two against the bottom two teams in the league, a Braves win should seal the deal. 

They beat the Bays the first time around in Sister Bay. The Bays are still the champs until they no longer get off the mat, and a big win over a pesky Island team proved that they aren’t ready to hand over the trophy just yet. Stewart Larson was one of three Bays to go deep in Sunday’s win, and they will need all hands on deck for this one.

The Bays have been a great team during the past decade, but I think it’s just Kolberg’s year, and the Braves have been playing like it.

Swami says: Braves.

Maplewood (6-4) @ Washington Island (6-4) 

Another marquee game with the upstart Mets taking the boat ride to the island. The Mets dispatched the As, but now things get a little tougher. I was one of those who didn’t see the Mets coming this year, but here they are, tied for the final playoff spot with two other teams. The beauty is that they play both of those teams the next two weeks and basically control their own destiny. 

The Islanders lost to the Bays at home and thus most likely ended their title dreams. However, with a win Sunday and a Bays loss, they could be staring at a potential home game in the first round of the playoffs – something the Island would love. They have only one more road game at Egg Harbor to contend with, and they could very easily get a Kolberg team with the title already in hand in week 13. 

The Islanders blew open a tight game between these two the first time around, and although I love to see the Mets doing well this year, this one could get away from them again. 

Swami says: Islanders.

Week 10 Results

West Jacksonport 9, Institute 5

Kolberg 12, Egg Harbor 3

Sister Bay 10, Washington Island 4

Maplewood 15, Baileys Harbor 2

Standings

Kolberg 9-1

Sister Bay 7-3

Washington Island 6-4

Maplewood 6-4

West Jacksonport 6-4

Egg Harbor 4-6

Institute 2-8

Baileys Harbor 0-10