The Idaho Steelheads made an unlikely run to the championship in 2038.
-The club lost starting CF Ty Wilkerson for 4-5 months on May 14.
-Right Fielders, Benitez, Sanchez, Gonzales all missed significant chunks of the season.
-Long time superstar Loren Dobson hit a key 2 run HR in the 9th inning of game 162 to clinch a Wildcard birth.
-1st round playoff against Indiana, Idaho fell behind 2 games to 1 and came back to win 3 straight.
-2nd round playoff versus Colorado, Idaho fell behind 3-0 before winning the final 4 to advance to the finals.
-Finals, down 3-1 to NC, Steelheads took 3 straight to led 4-3 including a no hitter by Hector Gonzales. Carolina took game 8 only to see Long time starting pitcher Jim Fish throw 8 shutout innings in game 9 to help clinch the title.
Idaho is well positioned to compete over the next few years with the second ranked farm system and returning the majority of the 2038 championship team.
Key off season decisions include the futures of Louie Dower and Tommy Green, two long time AFBL relievers who are in the twilight of their careers. PJ Gilmore and Cesar Hernandez are also long time veteran pitchers who may be nearing the end.
The state of Idaho is ecstatic with this shocking performance by the Steelheads and are looking forward to beginning the 2039 season as defending champs!
