August 14, 2018   

THIS WEEK IN APBA

Volume I Issue 39       

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Good afternoon,

European soccer leagues have started or will start this weekend. I wonder how North American sports would be different with relegation/promotion or the "loaning" of players to other teams. 
The second week of pre-season (meaningless) football continues.  I don't understand a business that puts its most valuable assets (players) at risk.  If the major college football teams can schedule marquee games out of the box (see the upcoming Labor Day weekend schedule) why can't the pros?

Next week, we will offer APBA's first College Football Great Teams of the Past Vol.1.  This is ten teams from the 1960's.  It started as a 1966 Top Ten college football set.  However, the lack of statistics and information made us change to a decade Great Teams Set.

The 1988R card set, BBW data file and disk are now available.
 This set rates all 973 players that played that season.  Using the current formulas, all 973 players are rated.   This is one set only.  No XCs.  Here is the lineup sheet. 

Visit this link to see pictures from the Henry Baseball tournament. Thank you to all who took time out to attend this tournament. 

A fan has the following request: "My wife and I are planning a long weekend to Pittsburg for the Browns game in October. We have never been and need a few recommendations on where to stay and "must see" things to do.
Any help would be appreciated."
 Are the Penguins in town then? Send any responses to custsupp@apbagames.com 
 
There is an issue with the 2017-18 EPL card set.  Replacement cards will be shipped next week.  You don't have to do anything to get the cards.  We know who needs them.  Thank you to Mark Finzel for pointing this out.

  What is new in the APBA community?     
Order the 1988R baseball season card set here. 
We are getting calls and emails about the 2018 baseball card products.  The schedule is the same as last year.  The APBA GO file will be available in late November. We will start taking orders for and shipping the 2018 baseball card sets in mid-January with the BBW files and disk available a week or so later.
This is the same schedule as last year. 

Please use the custsupp@apbagames.com email for customer support.  We MAY respond to a Facebook or BTL question if it is brought to our attention.  We DO respond to emails at custsupp@apbagames.com within 24 hours of receipt except on weekends.  We do take weekends off.

Remember we will start collecting state sales taxes as soon as we are notified by the states.

NEW MEMBERS TO THE APBA COMMUNITY
JOE FISHER LIBERTY TWP, OH
SAMUEL BAURKOT JR EASTON, PA
JAMES FARRIS EVANS, GA
LARRY MILLER PIEDMONT, CA
CHARLES MURPHY DEERFIELD BEACH, FL
HARLAN GLOVER MESA, AZ
RICHARD MCGREGOR ST GEORGE, ON
LARRY JOHNSON LAUREL, MD

Please welcome the following new members to the APBA community. New members are folks who have recently made their first purchase of APBA products. Several of you have asked for the new members contact info.  In this day and age, we can't do that.  But we will send your contact information to them if you ask us to. Please identify the name of the person you want us to send your contact info.

THIS WEEK IN APBA ("TWIA") RADIO SHOW 
APBA sponsors 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.
John planned guest this week is: David Hall.  David is a long time APBA player and one of the nicest people on the planet.

John Asalon is next week's guest.  People are asking about John.  John and I will yak but I will ask the questions this time.
 
Check the archives below the large screen on the first page of the above link for earlier broadcasts.

APBA GO
 APBA GO NOW HAS A SOLITAIRE PLAY FEATURE.
Check APBA GO out here. Its free! 

Now available at APBA GO: (i) 1988R Baseball (all 973 players rated), (ii) GTOP4 and (iii) GTOP5.

The July winner of the APBA GO season contest is
DS102908. Congratulations 
 
TOURNAMENT AND LEAGUE NEWS   
 
REGIONAL TOURNAMENT REPORT
 
There were no regional or APBA Go tournaments this past week. The next tournament will be the Las Vegas APBA Baseball Tournament on the weekend of August 17-19th under the direction of Chris White.  This will be the first tournament west of the Mississippi in the last few years.
 
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.  
 
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  CWHITESPORTS@YAHOO.COM
 
Saturday August 25, 2018 - 4th Toledo Glass City APBA Baseball Tournament, Toledo, Ohio.  Contact Ron Emch atrce@emcher.com.
 
Saturday October 6, 2018 - The Twin Cities APBA Baseball Tournament, Maple Grove, Minnesota.  Contact Jim Fraasch at  jwfraasch@mchsi.com.
 
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  Bergland.kurt@yahoo.com.
 
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 atAandTStevens@Gmail.com / 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  gfk1949@yahoo.com.
 
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 atapba66nyslp@yahoo.com 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 Greg Wells speaking on his Alpharetta tournament wins in both baseball and hockey.  This was Greg's second visit to the broadcast and he did not disappoint.
 
John opened asking Greg to share some details on his two tournament championships at the June 2018 National Convention in Alpharetta, Georgia. Greg covered hockey, first covering pool play in four divisions of three players each. The pool play was a double elimination format with face-to-face or internet supported play. Greg advanced out of the Pennsylvania division with his 1955-56 Montreal Canadiens team winning three straight games. He then beat Tony Stevens Calgary team in the semi-finals before facing Chuck Sorce and his 1981-82 New York Islanders in the finals. Although the first game went into overtime (won on a Richard power play goal), the Canadiens won the final series 2-0. Greg acknowledged Chuck for going to the finals each of the last three years. Greg, although not a hugh hockey fan, said the game flows well in F-T-F format and is just plain fun.
 
Greg then spoke on his Baseball tournament championship playing the 1905 New York Giants who beat Steve Ryan's 1998 Atlanta Braves in the Championship Series. Greg noted that he, Roy Langhans, and Steve Skoff all played this team at the tournament. The teams two error numbers provide an added advantage with OBP. Combine that with excellent pitching, better than average defense, and pesky hitting attack (although few homeruns) and you have the formula for competitive team. But as we all know it still depends on how those bones roll. He spoke on the uselessness off 8 and 9's and that you want an attack with a lot of 7's, 10's, 11's, and power numbers. He also referenced a tournament team selection article his son Brian wrote on team selection. Because Brian has two baseball championships as compared to the old man's one I guest we should be listening to what Brian has to say (Sorry Greg I could not resist).
 
Greg then shared that the highlight of the tournament was not the two championships but 1) playing GOD with Roy Langhans (especially the Moustakas walk-off HR game against Houston), 2) Sunday morning football with Gilles Thibault, and an APBA boxing match with Roy Langhans. Greg said it's the relationships you develop and not the games themself that make the convention what it is.
 
Greg then spoke on TWIA and APBA history, his current APBA projects including a 1975 baseball season replay, a 32-team ATG Football tournament, a select team hockey tournament, and his involvement in John Kalous's baseball league play. He shared his experience of his 1st convention when he met Howard Ahlskog and Pete Simonelli; he could not believe he was talking with APBA greats and they welcomed him warmly, but that's the way it works in the APBA community.
 
In closing, Greg and John talked some Bengals and Patriots football and the outlook for each team this season. Oh well let's just say the Patriots were the point of the football discussion and the Bengals more of a discussion on a family business more interested in making money than winning football games. Greg also spoke very proudly of his son Brian and the fine work he is doing with the Reading Phillies; the growth in attendance since his arrival in the marketing department, his team commercials (you have to see the commercial outtakes with the eagle), and his promotional themed evenings like Harry Potter weekend which is sold out.
 
This author knows Greg and his son Brian personally and the great guys they are. At the recent Robert Henry tournament, although each fielded a competitive team, they often altered their lineups when playing the youth of the boys and girls club. Gentleman your actions are commendable in supporting the growth of this great game with the youth of today. I am proud to be acquainted and a fellow APBA Hall of Famer with each of you!
 
Be sure to tune in next Thursday August 9th for another TWIA broadcast.   The guest is not yet lined up but be sure to tune in as it is sure to be informative and entertaining as always.
 
 
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  apba66nyslp@yahoo.com.  Openings or individuals looking to join leagues are as follows this week:
 
August 11th Openings
 
The Bob Alexander League - The Bob Alexander League a continuous ownership BBW League, which has been in existence for over 40 years is looking for some good managers.  Experience in APBA is a must and experience with BBW is preferred , but not required.  While many of the league members are based in NJ, that is not a prerequisite as managers often play via Team Viewer.  The league plays an 80 game season, broken down into 10, 8 game series with playoffs and World Series. If interested , PM or email Steve at kappermet@gmail.com for a league directory (including available teams) and our current rule book.
 
Manager looking for a Retro League - Randy is looking to Join an APBA 1920's - 30's - 40's - 50's or 60's RETRO Baseball League. If you have a Retro league opening contact Randy at blackhorsegames@aol.com.
 
July 29th Opening
 
The SEATO APBA  Baseball League - The SEA TO APBA Baseball League in Lancaster County PA. is looking for 3 new managers.  One opening is available immediately and two openings are to begin next season, possibly sooner.  SEATO is a FTF league, playing the basic game plus some additional league rules.  They have been in existence for almost 50 seasons and are a 16 team league, drafting each February and playing a 162 game season.  Anyone interested or having any questions may contact John via e-mail at  jtre1919@yahoo.com
 
July 22nd Opening
 
Franklin County Football League - A face to face league founded by the late APBA Hall of Famer Howard Ahlskog in the early 1980's.  The league is based in Western Massachusetts (Greenfield).  They also have members in Southern Vermont.  The league plays a 16 game schedule.  Their annual draft is conducted in August and they start play in October.  Playing the game is half the fun as you build your team from the draft, trades, and waiver wire.  If interested contact Tom Conway at  tconway1965@yahoo.com.
 
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  NYAPBA@yahoo.com.
 
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  stretchchap80@gmail.com if interested.
 
June 17th Openings
 
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  dumontar@videotron.ca          
 
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  keithriggs01@gmail.com with your gaming history and any questions you may have. 
 
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  drl@pbl-law.com.
 
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 theleagueofficeatapbaphilip@gmail.com or  bris@yahoo.com.  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.
 
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 continue to provide this service to the APBA community.


If you have a question about your order or if APBA has made a mistake, please contact us at 1-800-334-2722 or custsupp@apbagames.com. Remember all prices listed do not include shipping and handling  charges.
 
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Thank you for your support of APBA.
 
Sincerely,

John Herson
APBA Games
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Baseball
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Soccer
Hockey
Basketball
 

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