TOURNAMENT AND LEAGUE NEWS   

REGIONAL TOURNAMENT REPORT

 

Once again, Slippery Rock was home to the 4th annual Linda B. Schulz Memorial APBA Baseball Tournament. After defending champion and APBA Hall of Famer Steve Skoff was presented with his championship plaque, the schedule was simple: five divisions of six players and one division of eight players for a round robin schedule resulting in 10 games. Round robin play gave such memorable moments as Aaren Schulz's first LBS win on a Marlon Byrd walk off homer, two no-hitters by Gerrit Cole of Kate Silvis' 2015 Pirates vs 1972 Pirates and Jeff Fassero from Gilles Thibault's 1994 Expos vs 1989 Giants, and Phillip Silvis' amazing run at 10-0 with a +56 run differential. This years divisional names were rich in Slippery Rock baseball history, and when the playing fields were cleared for playoff preparation, eight managers remained to determine the next LBS champion.

 

1 Seed - 2017 Washington Nationals of the Bob Shawkey Division (Phillip Silvis)

 

2 Seed - 1969 Baltimore Orioles of the Matt Adams Division (Joel Medvidovich)

 

3 Seed - 1975 Boston Red Sox of the Jack Critchfield Division (Jeff Heagy)

 

4 Seed - 2001 Seattle Mariners of the Greg Jelks Division (Greg Wells - LBS 1 and 2 Champion)

 

5 Seed - 1961 Detroit Tigers of the Jeff Messer Division (Ron Emch - Glass Ci Tournament Director)

 

6 Seed - 1975 Cincinnati Reds of the Lou Trivino Division (Rob Wyks)

 

7 Seed - 1980 Kansas City Royals - Wild Card 1 (Brian Silvis)

 

8 Seed - 1991 Pittsburgh Pirates - Wild Card 2 (Phillip Thompson)

 

 

While round one included an even share of shutouts and slug fests, the final four emerged with the 1961 Tigers visiting the 2017 Nationals and the 1975 Reds heading to face the 1969 Orioles. After an early Dan Driessen grand slam all but secured a finals appearance for Wyks' Big Red Machine, the remaining crowd was circled around the epic 13 inning battle between the Tigers and Nationals. Vic Wertz's two run shot in the top half of the 9th tied the contest that had so many twists and turns, one had to be there to believe it. Emch's Motor City squad eventually pulled it out 8-7 on a Colavito sacrifice fly but not without a strong fight from the young Silvis' Nationals. With Michigan director Pastor Rich Zawadzki taking a recent Chicagoland tournament and Chicagoland director Rob Spatz matching the feat this past March in Michigan, Ron Emch earned the most recent opportunity for a director to win a regional contest. If that was not interesting enough, the most recent Glass City Toledo titlest, Rob Wyks, would face the man who presented him that trophy. The 1975 Reds vs 1961 Tigers for the LBS 4 best of three championship!

 

Game 1: 1975 Reds (Don Gullett Byz) at 1961 Tigers (Frank Lary Byz)

 

This was basically a pitching duel through the first five innings. A Pete Rose double plated Joe Morgan in the first inning. The 1-0 Reds lead stayed intact until Vic Wertz stroked a solo shot of Gullett to tie the game. In the bottom of the 6th, the Tigers got to Gullett again with the long ball as Norm Cash (solo shot) and Dick Brown (two run homerun) gave the home team a 4-1 lead. That was more than enough for Mr. Lary in his complete game two hit performance in the 5-1 victorious opener for the Tigers.

 

Game 2: 1961 Tigers (Jim Bunning Bxz) at 1975 Reds (Gary Nolan Bz)

 

No doubt, this was the game of the series, if not for the entire day in respect to the classic Tigers-Nationals semifinal game! The Tigers got off to a quick start with a two run blast from Rocky Colavito in the first. A Johnny Bench solo homer in the fourth and two out rbi triple from Charlie Hustle in the fifth knotted the game at 2-2. The Tigers used some small ball with a sacrifice bunt and sacrifice fly to regain the lead in the 7th. In the same inning, a Griffey error pushed in another run. After Bunning completed a scoreless 7th, the Tigers appeared poise to sweep the series. However, in the 8th, Bunning issued a two out walk to George Foster. That proved costly as Tony Perez found his power stroke with a two run smash. The game was tied again at 4-4 and became a battle of the bullpens through the next four innings. Most notable moments included two instances where manager Emch intentionally walked consecutive batters with the winning run at third base with one out and both times it paid off when Wyks' rolled a 53. An error number right? Not on this original 75 set, PRN 12 set off the inning ending double play! In the top half of the 13th, a Wertz triple finally ended the game's scoring drought and brought the Tigers within three outs of the title. Gerry Staley (Cz), who had wiggled out of two jams earlier, got into trouble right away by giving up a lead off single to Cesar Geronimo. After a sacrifice bunt, Geronimo scored the tying run after a Morgan single. After a stolen base and a couple of unintentional walks, seldom used pinch hitter Merv Rettemund lined the walk-off single to send the series back to Detroit for a game three, a first time in LBS history. 6-5 Reds!

 

Game 3: 1975 Reds (Jack Billingham Cz) at 1961 Tigers (Don Mossi Byz)

 

Unfortunately, emotional fatigue must have gotten the best of the Tigers while the Reds displayed the emotional high of a team who had just secured momentum after their dramatic game 2 victory. Foster found the perfect launch angle and blasted a three run homer off of Mossi that all but ended this series. The Tigers managed to close the gap to 4-2 in the fourth after another Colavito homer, but the solid bullpen of Will McEnaney, Pedro Borbon, and Rawley Eastwick combined for four innings of no-hit baseball to give Reds the 5-2 series clinching victory.

 

Congratulations to Rob Wyks in earning his first LBS championship and second regional tournament title.   The 1975 Cincinnati Reds are now no longer eligible for future LBS tournaments, and Rob will have his name and team etched into the championship plaque. Additionally, he took home a brand new APBA Football Game, and he will receive his own personal championship plaque at the 2019 LBS tournament. Other prizes included a new APBA Baseball Game which was presented to Ron Emch for his tremendous runner up performance and a new APBA Hockey Game bestowed to Joel Medvidovich for his third place consolation game victory.

 

Ken and Darren Schulz would like to thank all of this years participants for their support of this annual tournament. Of course, special thanks to Mark Mcdonel for providing the yearly side entertainment of baseball videos, John Mikulas for organizing the WFMJ Youngstown news story set to air on July 21st, Jackie Schulz for all of her help with the food preparation, and Melissa Schulz for providing lodging information for our out-of-town guests. Most importantly, they raised a little over 100 dollars this year to donate to the American Diabetes Association in memory of Ken and Darren's beloved mother, Linda Schulz! Congratulations on an another successful tournament and I am sure you Mom was realing smiling down on Ken, Darren, and all the participants with all that dice shaker music.

 

The 5th Annual Linda B. Schulz Memorial APBA Baseball Tournament is scheduled for Saturday October 12, 2019.   Be sure to reserve your slot as 25 participants have already signed up to participate.

 

The next tournament on the schedule is The Chicagoland APBA Baseball Tournament on Saturday July 14th. Good luck to Rob Spatz and all the tournament participants. Have fun guys and gals.

 

The 2018 APBA Regional Tournament schedule is as follows.  Please mark your calendars accordingly and be sure to attend and participate in one of these fine events.  You will not regret the experience of brotherhood and gaming experience.  

 

Saturday, July 14, 2018 - The Chicagoland Summer APBA Baseball Tournament, Des Plainies, Illinois (at the Comfort Inn O'Hare in Des Plainies, IL). Contact Rob Spatz at  [email protected].

 

Saturday, July 21, 2018 - The Second Annual Lancaster World Series, Landisville , Pennsylvania.  Contact Dale Shreiner at [email protected].

 

Friday through Sunday August 17-19, 2018 - Las Vegas APBA Tournament, Las Vegas, Nevada.  The site will be the Flamingo Hotel.  Contact Chris White at  [email protected]. 

 

Saturday August 25, 2018 - 4th Toledo Glass City APBA Baseball Tournament, Toledo, Ohio.  Contact Ron Emch at [email protected].

 

Saturday October 6, 2018 - The Twin Cities APBA Baseball Tournament, Maple Grove, Minnesota.  Contact Jim Fraasch at  [email protected].

 

Saturday October 27, 2018 - The APBA 2018 Wisconsin Fall Tournament, Location to be determined.  The tournament theme will be the Negro Leagues using APBA's Negro League Baseball Card Set.  Team selection will take place by draft.  The draft will begin Saturday, June 23, at noon.  Contact Kurt Bergland at  [email protected].

 

Saturday October 27, 2018 - The Great Florida RollAPBAlooza 2018 Baseball Tournament in Brooksville, Florida (North of Tampa).  Location is The Microtel Inn and Suites, 6298 Nature Coast Boulevard, Brooksville, FL.  Theme is 1980 through 1989 with $20 entry fee (includes lunch).  Sign-up by 8/1 with team selection lottery on 9/1.  If interested contact Tony Stevens at [email protected] / 352-600-0974.

 

Saturday November 3, 2018 - Inaugural Furniture City APBA Baseball Tournament, Grand Rapids, Michigan (Legends Sports & Games, CenterPoint Mall on 28th St. SE).  Contact GF Korreck at  [email protected].

 

If your tournament is not mentioned above and you are planning a Regional APBA Tournament in 2018 please forward me your tournament and contact information [email protected] and I will be sure to promote your event in APBA's company electronic newsletter.  Remember all APBA game tournaments are welcome.

 

THIS WEEK IN APBA RADIO SHOW 

 

APBA continues to sponsor a weekly broadcast offering insights into the game of APBA and players within the APBA community.  The host is John Asalon, who offers a extremely professional broadcast.  Please join John Asalon and his guests every Thursday night at 8:00 pm (Eastern) for THIS WEEK IN APBA radio show.  This past weeks guest was Bob Corsarie who attended the APBA National Convention in Alpharetta, Georgia and went home with the APBA Football Tournament Championship.

 

John welcomed Bob to the show and began with how he was first introduced to APBA.  Bob noted that he first played tabletop sports games at 8 or 9 years old but once he bought the APBA Hockey game he gravitated to APBA products.  He was first led to APBA through the Delphi Forum Between the Lines and in particular the great write-ups by Greg "Oguard" Barath.  How could anyone resist the lure of these APBA Hall of Famer write-ups.  Bob was interested in replays and this was the fuel that fed the passion for the game.

 

Bob decided to attend his first convention this year to meet individuals, engage in face-to-face game play, and to learn more about APBA games.  While at the convention he spoke to John Duke on the master baseball, Ray Dunlap on football, Steve Skoff on hockey, and John Cochrane on Soccer.  Not bad to talk about APBA with four APBA Hall of Famers!  Bob noted that the face-to-face gaming experience, game adaptation information, and warmth of individuals was a first class experience, but at the cost of not much sleep.  But Bob noted that becoming more educated on APBA games was worth the fatigue.

 

Bob had signed up for the football tournament after talking with Ray Dunlap and entered the 2014 New England Patriots.  With eight teams entered, one would have to win three games to win the championship, and win three games he did with his Patriots downing John Duke's 1990 Buffalo Bills in the quarter-finals, Dave Taitano's 1985 Chicago Bears in the semi-finals, and Mike Harlow's 1992 Buffalo Bills in the finals.  The final was won by a score of 26-20 in overtime on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski.  Now we all know this would never happen!  Some say it was won when Football Tournament Director Ray Dunlap stated that this was the Super Bowl at which time Mike Harlow's 10 point lead and quality of dice rolls began to decline.  Could it be Ray "The Cooler II" Dunlap?

 

In closing, Bob noted that everyone should plan to attend a convention as it was as great as advertised and everyone was very welcoming of first-time attendees.  Bob also noted that he resides in Naples and that he and John Asalon need to get together to roll some dice and share a cold beverage at some point when John is at Sanibel Island.

 

There will be no TWIA broadcast on July 5th as John Asalon will be on vacation.  John's Asalon's scheduled guest for the July 12th show has not been finalized.  But be sure to tune in for an always interesting discussion on APBA and current APBA topics.

 

 

APBA LEAGUE INFORMATION

 

I am pleased to report that this column continues to assist leagues in finding new managers and pairing individuals looking for leagues.  Beginning in January 2018 and to better manager newsletter volume, I will run any of your league opening or requests to join leagues for a period of four to eight weeks.  I will be glad to run them longer if you contact me at  [email protected].  Openings or individuals looking to join leagues are as follows this week:

 

July 1st Openings

 

O.Z. League Opening - The O.Z. League, an APBA Baseball group created in 1982, is always looking to add new members to their family.  Currently the league is at 12 Franchises; if you live on the East Coast and want to join a fun but dedicated League this is one you should inquire about. They use BBW, MG, and the hybrid Paul Marino Boards as preference of the Home Team.  This league was featured in the N.Y. Daily News in 1988 and plays a 162 game schedule from February to October. The Annual Draft is held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Ronkonkoma every February. If you are interested contact Dom at  [email protected].

 

League Openings - A 12 team league that use the basic game and the computer game has 4 openings. They are currently half way through their current season.  Please message with inquires or email Stretch at  [email protected] if interested.

 

June 17th Openings

 

OAPBA League Opening - OAPBA (The Orlando APBA Association) is seeking Central Florida-based APBA players to join the league for the 2019 season. OAPBA has been in existence for 27 years. Face-to-face Master Game with modifications.  The league players an 80-game schedule in two halves with each half winner playing for the championship.  Currently there are five managers, but league has had as many as eight managers. See  www.oapba.org<http://www.oapba.org/>;;; for current info on the league (standings, results).  If interested, contact Rod Caborn at 407-463-0927 or at  [email protected] or Dave Larson at 407-256-0366.

 

TFBL League Openings - The True Franchise Baseball league is a league in which each team owns all of his minor league players affiliates from rookie to AAA.  TFBL plays BBW, in it's 2nd season only, with aim.  The league has 24 teams with 4 six teams divisions.  4 Divisions winners and 2 Wild cards make the playoffs.  Each team has a 40 men roster, 28 active, and 12 on the farms.  The teams available are the Houston Astros (top of its division), Chicago White Sox (rebuilding but with a strong minor league affiliates coming in the future season, perfect for someone who wants to rebuild) and the San Francisco Giants also a bottom division team which needs rebuilding.  So if you are a Giants, Chisox or Astros fan,these teams are up for grab.  If interested or for more info, please contact Alain at  [email protected]          

 

MDTL League Opening - The MDTL is in its 46th season.  They have one manager that has announced that he is leaving the league due to health reasons.  They are looking for a replacement manager to take over the ownership of his franchise. The league is a 20 team league with 25 man rosters.  They use the basic boards with a few modifications. They also use the basic pitching grades. This is a very solid league with a competitive but friendly membership.  If you are interested in joining the league please contact Keith at  [email protected] with your gaming history and any questions you may have. 

 

EBL League Opening - The EBL is a 24 team BBW league that is almost ready to draft for the 1987 season.  They have one managerial opening.  The team won 116 games in '86 but will need to be rebuilt. If interested contact Paul at  [email protected].

 

June 10th Openings

 

WBO League Openings - The World Baseball Organization ("WBO") is looking for a replacement manager for 2018 and beyond.  They are a current year play keeper league, using the old fashioned cards & dice.  Not face-to-face, but rather solitaire style play (instructions and pitching rotations sent to opponents by email).  Ballstat/Ballscore is used for gameplay and stat-keeping.  Full 162 game season running generally from March/April - October/November.  Basic game with lots of interesting modifications.  This is an opportunity to be part of a truly great league that has been around for a long time, with high character guys.  http://wboapba66.wixsite.com/wbo-baseball.  If interested contact Dan Levine, Commish, at  [email protected].

 

June 3rd Openings

 

USBL League Opening - The USBL a continuous ownership league using AIM 5.75 and is a 24 team league split into AL and NL.  They have a few unique features.  You may draft up to four never carded players (do your minor league homework!!) and we use an NBA style random draw for the top overall pick (prevents tanking).  Further they require each team to cut players at the end of the season, with playoff teams cutting deeper than non playoff teams.  If you are interested contact the league [email protected] or  [email protected].  For more information or see their website (slightly outdated but full of good information) at  https://unitedstatesapbaleague.weebly.com/.  They have two team openings due to managers changing jobs.

 

May 27th Openings

 

Waugh Classic League - There is an opening in a computer game 5.75 (with AIM) retro league that started with the 1946 season and now is in 1965. The league is stable with 10 of 16 managers having been in the league for at least 12 years.  The seasons usually run from late summer ending 28 weeks later as they play an 154 game schedule.  The opening is for a manager of the New York Yankees. If interested contact Peter at  [email protected].

 

Kirby Puckett Memorial League - The Kirby Puckett Memorial League (AIM) currently has four team openings.  If interested contact Gene at  [email protected] 

 

May 13th Opening

 

ASBL Opening - The ASBL ( APBA Salary Baseball League ) is looking for a couple of managers.  The league is a 24 franchise based league with continuous ownership.  Debut players with the franchise teams are their property unless cut or traded.  40 man rosters are utilized; a draft requires cut down to 28 protected players.  Players from non franchise teams are all in the draft.  Salary is based on current player yearly salary and creates a cap for the maximum salary per team.  The league will be drafting soon since they are behind due to previous commissioner health issues.  If interested please contact Robert through e-mail at [email protected]. 

 

May 6th Opening

 

Basic Game Mail League - A Basic Game Mail League has 4 openings in a 24 team league with a few variations.  It is a winter league running  October through March and has been around since 2004.  It is also a somewhat unique in that they employ a salary cap.  Since they have a total of 5 teams dropping out this year they will pool the rosters from each team, including their draft pick slots for the up coming rookie draft, and the new managers will stock their respective teams from a supplemental draft that only the new teams will participate in.  All the teams dropping out had good to excellent records this year so there will be good players to stock your team with.  For more information please contact Larry at  [email protected].

 

I trust this column is continuing to bring many APBA players together be it in regional tournaments or league play.  I am glad that we can provide this service to the APBA community.

 

Randy Coryer 

 

Saturday, July 21, 2018 - The Second Annual Lancaster World Series, Landisville , Pennsylvania.  Contact Dale Shreiner at [email protected].

 

Friday through Sunday August 17-19, 2018 - Las Vegas APBA Tournament, Las Vegas, Nevada.  The site will be the Flamingo Hotel.  Contact Chris White at  [email protected]. 

 

Saturday August 25, 2018 - 4th Toledo Glass City APBA Baseball Tournament, Toledo, Ohio.  Contact Ron Emch at [email protected].

 

Saturday October 6, 2018 - The Twin Cities APBA Baseball Tournament, Maple Grove, Minnesota.  Contact Jim Fraasch at  [email protected].

 

Saturday October 27, 2018 - The APBA 2018 Wisconsin Fall Tournament, Location to be determined.  The tournament theme will be the Negro Leagues using APBA's Negro League Baseball Card Set.  Team selection will take place by draft.  The draft will begin Saturday, June 23, at noon.  Contact Kurt Bergland at  [email protected].

 

Saturday October 27, 2018 - The Great Florida RollAPBAlooza 2018 Baseball Tournament in Brooksville, Florida (North of Tampa).  Location is The Microtel Inn and Suites, 6298 Nature Coast Boulevard, Brooksville, FL.  Theme is 1980 through 1989 with $20 entry fee (includes lunch).  Sign-up by 8/1 with team selection lottery on 9/1.  If interested contact Tony Stevens at [email protected] / 352-600-0974.

 

Saturday November 3, 2018 - Inaugural Furniture City APBA Baseball Tournament, Grand Rapids, Michigan (Legends Sports & Games, CenterPoint Mall on 28th St. SE).  Contact GF Korreck at  [email protected].

 

If your tournament is not mentioned above and you are planning a Regional APBA Tournament in 2018 please forward me your tournament and contact information at [email protected] and I will be sure to promote your event in APBA's company electronic newsletter.  Remember all APBA game tournaments are welcome.

 

THIS WEEK IN APBA RADIO SHOW 

 

APBA continues to sponsor a weekly broadcast offering insights into the game of APBA and players within the APBA community.  The host is John Asalon, who offers a extremely professional broadcast.  Please join John Asalon and his guests every Thursday night at 8:00 pm (Eastern) for THIS WEEK IN APBA radio show.  There was no show this week as John Asalon was on vacation. The next show is scheduled for Thursday July 12th. The guest is Charlie Fouche.

 

APBA LEAGUE INFORMATION

 

I am pleased to report that this column continues to assist leagues in finding new managers and pairing individuals looking for leagues.  Beginning in January 2018 and to better manager newsletter volume, I will run any of your league opening or requests to join leagues for a period of four to eight weeks.  I will be glad to run them longer if you contact me at  [email protected].  Openings or individuals looking to join leagues are as follows this week:

 

July 8th Openings - No reported openings this week.

 

July 1st Openings

 

O.Z. League Opening - The O.Z. League, an APBA Baseball group created in 1982, is always looking to add new members to their family.  Currently the league is at 12 Franchises; if you live on the East Coast and want to join a fun but dedicated League this is one you should inquire about. They use BBW, MG, and the hybrid Paul Marino Boards as preference of the Home Team.  This league was featured in the N.Y. Daily News in 1988 and plays a 162 game schedule from February to October. The Annual Draft is held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Ronkonkoma every February. If you are interested contact Dom at  [email protected].

 

League Openings - A 12 team league that use the basic game and the computer game has 4 openings. They are currently half way through their current season.  Please message with inquires or email Stretch at  [email protected] if interested.

 

June 17th Openings

 

OAPBA League Opening - OAPBA (The Orlando APBA Association) is seeking Central Florida-based APBA players to join the league for the 2019 season. OAPBA has been in existence for 27 years. Face-to-face Master Game with modifications.  The league players an 80-game schedule in two halves with each half winner playing for the championship.  Currently there are five managers, but league has had as many as eight managers. See  www.oapba.org<http://www.oapba.org/>;;; for current info on the league (standings, results).  If interested, contact Rod Caborn at 407-463-0927 or at  [email protected] or Dave Larson at 407-256-0366.

 

TFBL League Openings - The True Franchise Baseball league is a league in which each team owns all of his minor league players affiliates from rookie to AAA.  TFBL plays BBW, in it's 2nd season only, with aim.  The league has 24 teams with 4 six teams divisions.  4 Divisions winners and 2 Wild cards make the playoffs.  Each team has a 40 men roster, 28 active, and 12 on the farms.  The teams available are the Houston Astros (top of its division), Chicago White Sox (rebuilding but with a strong minor league affiliates coming in the future season, perfect for someone who wants to rebuild) and the San Francisco Giants also a bottom division team which needs rebuilding.  So if you are a Giants, Chisox or Astros fan,these teams are up for grab.  If interested or for more info, please contact Alain at  [email protected]          

 

MDTL League Opening - The MDTL is in its 46th season.  They have one manager that has announced that he is leaving the league due to health reasons.  They are looking for a replacement manager to take over the ownership of his franchise. The league is a 20 team league with 25 man rosters.  They use the basic boards with a few modifications. They also use the basic pitching grades. This is a very solid league with a competitive but friendly membership.  If you are interested in joining the league please contact Keith at  [email protected] with your gaming history and any questions you may have. 

 

EBL League Opening - The EBL is a 24 team BBW league that is almost ready to draft for the 1987 season.  They have one managerial opening.  The team won 116 games in '86 but will need to be rebuilt. If interested contact Paul at  [email protected].

 

June 10th Openings

 

WBO League Openings - The World Baseball Organization ("WBO") is looking for a replacement manager for 2018 and beyond.  They are a current year play keeper league, using the old fashioned cards & dice.  Not face-to-face, but rather solitaire style play (instructions and pitching rotations sent to opponents by email).  Ballstat/Ballscore is used for gameplay and stat-keeping.  Full 162 game season running generally from March/April - October/November.  Basic game with lots of interesting modifications.  This is an opportunity to be part of a truly great league that has been around for a long time, with high character guys.  http://wboapba66.wixsite.com/wbo-baseball.  If interested contact Dan Levine, Commish, at  [email protected].

 

June 3rd Openings

 

USBL League Opening - The USBL a continuous ownership league using AIM 5.75 and is a 24 team league split into AL and NL.  They have a few unique features.  You may draft up to four never carded players (do your minor league homework!!) and we use an NBA style random draw for the top overall pick (prevents tanking).  Further they require each team to cut players at the end of the season, with playoff teams cutting deeper than non playoff teams.  If you are interested contact the league [email protected] or  [email protected].  For more information or see their website (slightly outdated but full of good information) at  https://unitedstatesapbaleague.weebly.com/.  They have two team openings due to managers changing jobs.

 

May 27th Openings

 

Waugh Classic League - There is an opening in a computer game 5.75 (with AIM) retro league that started with the 1946 season and now is in 1965. The league is stable with 10 of 16 managers having been in the league for at least 12 years.  The seasons usually run from late summer ending 28 weeks later as they play an 154 game schedule.  The opening is for a manager of the New York Yankees. If interested contact Peter at  [email protected].

 

Kirby Puckett Memorial League - The Kirby Puckett Memorial League (AIM) currently has four team openings.  If interested contact Gene at  [email protected] 

 

May 13th Opening

 

ASBL Opening - The ASBL ( APBA Salary Baseball League ) is looking for a couple of managers.  The league is a 24 franchise based league with continuous ownership.  Debut players with the franchise teams are their property unless cut or traded.  40 man rosters are utilized; a draft requires cut down to 28 protected players.  Players from non franchise teams are all in the draft.  Salary is based on current player yearly salary and creates a cap for the maximum salary per team.  The league will be drafting soon since they are behind due to previous commissioner health issues.  If interested please contact Robert through e-mail at [email protected]. 

 

May 6th Opening

 

Basic Game Mail League - A Basic Game Mail League has 4 openings in a 24 team league with a few variations.  It is a winter league running  October through March and has been around since 2004.  It is also a somewhat unique in that they employ a salary cap.  Since they have a total of 5 teams dropping out this year they will pool the rosters from each team, including their draft pick slots for the up coming rookie draft, and the new managers will stock their respective teams from a supplemental draft that only the new teams will participate in.  All the teams dropping out had good to excellent records this year so there will be good players to stock your team with.  For more information please contact Larry at  [email protected].

 

I trust this column is continuing to bring many APBA players together be it in regional tournaments or league play.  I am glad that we can provide this service to the APBA community.