CHERNOBYL (AP) - Citizens of Chernobyl where seen burning their tickets to the Weaver League International All-Star game in the streets today, following the release of the Inferno League line-up. Their beloved right fielder, Koji Nihongi, who has been the talk of baseball the world over, as well as on Planet-X, somehow did not make the cut. While leading the league in nearly every offensive category, he has managed to maintain a low profile and stay out of the media, adding to his squeaky clean image. Many have speculated as to why he didn't make the team, most saying that because he is somewhat reclusive, and not a media darling, the league doesn't feel he does enough to sell tickets. Still, one has to question this, as a day rarely goes by that he isn't mentioned on every sports cast and sports page. Mr. Nihongi's press agent read a brief statement for Koji at a Mutants press conference today, and was quoted as saying...

"While I fully expected to make the team, and can understand the fans disappointment, it is not the end of the world. The gentlemen who where named to the team are all worthy players, and I expect they will make fans of the Inferno League everywhere proud. I hope that the fans of Chernobyl, who have stuck with their team through thick and thin, and have no doubt, this season has been thin, will be there in the stands to cheer us on as we get back to the regular season, and try to end it over .500. The Mutants fans are the greatest fans in the world, not just in baseball, but all of sports. As for me, I plan to watch the game at my childhood home, with my parents, take it easy for a few days, and then get back to business. I can't thank the fans of Chernobyl enough for the support they have shown me, and the only way I know to repay it is to play my hardest every game, and God willing, Chernobyl will see a pennant before I retire."

While the always-gracious Koji tried to play down the importance of his not being named to the team, the Mutants front office was less kind to the powers to be, in particular, criticizing the Dreaded Computer, who has final say in virtually all matters baseball in the Weaver league. The Mutants official spokesman, "Moonlight" Graham went on record as saying,

"Everyone with the Mutants feels shocked and appalled that Koji was once again passed by in the All-Star voting. We quite frankly can't understand how someone who dominates the league leaderboard the way he does can possibly NOT be named to the All-Star team. We feel that it makes a mockery of the fine tradition that is the All-Star game, and makes being named to it just a little less meaningful to those who are, when someone as dominating as Koji can be overlooked. Aside from his league leading .389 batting average, in a league dominated by great pitching, he also leads the league in slugging average, hits, RBIs, runs created, and bases on balls. He is also tied for first in runs, with 55 and has 18 home runs to his credit. All in a league where 22 home runs leads the league. We hope that baseball takes a long hard look at how the All-Star team is selected, BEFORE irreparable harm is done to this fine game. We want to thank everyone who has supported our team in these trying times. The Mutants management is committed to bringing winning baseball to Chernobyl, and promises to do just that. Thank-you all."

Obviously, the club owners are more upset than Koji, but it does again raise the question of balloting. This is a story we will watch unfold over the coming seasons. In the meantime, look for a lot of empty seats at this years All-Star game, since it is doubtful that a single fan from Chernobyl will attend.