We Got Wood - 42.56 - Alpine Valley wins AA Championship!

[7teen]

Behind a veteran roster led by some BBA veterans and potential hall of famers, the Alpine Valley Snow Creatures of the Portland Lumberjacks farm system has claimed the Double-A championship! The Snow Creatures took down the Charleston Clippers of the Vancouver Mounties farm system 3 games to 1 in the best of 5 series to win the Warren Cox League Final Judgement title!

"It's a great feeling to win a championship, regardless of the level I suppose" said league MVP and 8 WAR contributor Albert Gaona. "I've said it many times, this isn't how I expected my year to play out. But once it got rolling, I couldn't imagine it playing out any other way. And to have spent it with some of these other great guys made it all the special." Gaona's comment wrapped up with hugs from Carlton Winson and Alfredo Salazar, both who opted to end their BBA careers following the AA title run.

"It's just time" said Winson of his retirement announcement. "Alfredo announced his a few weeks ago and I think the time for me has come too. "I'm 39 years old, the odds of me getting back to the BBA are probably slim to none at this point so I think the timing is right. It's clearly an odd way to right the final chapter of my career, but I guess that's what will make it even more special and unique" said the former EBA star, turned BBA star, turned AA Champion.

The team's high powered offense led them into and through the post-season. AV swept through the Santa Cruz Spartans in the opening round with a 2 game sweep. After dropping the second game to Trois-Riveieres in the second round 16-14, the River Monsters cruised to a 12-6 win in the clincher to advance to the title round. The Snow Creatures dropped game 1 to Charleston 5-1, but then swept the final 3 games by the scores of 12-6, 14-4, and 12-6 to claim the title. Alpine Valley scored 8 or more runs in 7 of the team's 9 post-season games.

Alpine Valley joins the Bend Wild Things as farm teams within the Portland organization to claim a title. Bend won the rookie league crown in 2040, behind another veteran led roster.

Albert Gaona, after claiming the season MVP award, also won the Final Judgement MVP. He hit .406/.596/.688 in the post-season.