Good evening,     

 

Mike Trout  12 years for $430 MILLION.  Unbelievable.  What a difference in style and result. I guess the business of baseball is healthy.  Not sure about the game.  Someone asked us how the rule change that a pitcher must face a minimum of three batters will effect APBA.  It won't.  I personally will not apply that rule to my games.  Remember this is YOUR game.  

 

 Once again this morning, all of our phones' are filled with the same message from the same person.  The message is "You (APBA) need lefty righty cards".

 

When I first bought APBA, I asked several customers with strong backgrounds in math and a friend, with a PhD in math before he was 21, about lefty righty cards ("split cards" ) .  All  cautioned me not to make split cards. The reason?  Small sample sizes. The smaller the sample size, the more randomness you are going to have.  The larger the sample size, the more accurate your results.   

 

For this reason, we do not and will not offer split cards.  This same logic applies to relievers who start a game.  One pitcher had 60 plus pitching appearances last season.  One appearance was as a starting pitcher facing one batter.  Someone asked for a separate starting grade for this pitcher.  He faced one batter. The sample size is too small.   

 

1978 (R) Baseball Season is now available.   

 

This is a complete redo of this season carding ever player that appeared that season. 904 in total.  The double platoon batting factors are used for this set. 

 

Depending upon your team, one of the great comebacks of all time (Yankee fan) or I don't want to talk about it (Red Sox fan).  Lots of drama this season.  How many times will you do a Billy Martin and basically fire yourself managing the Yankees?

 

Great AL East playoff game.  Bucky Dent.  In the bottom of the ninth one out, Jerry Remy hit a line drive at Yankee right fielder Lou Piniella, who lost the ball in the sun.  Piniella stood his ground pounding his glove faking out  Rick Burleson at second base.  The ball landed near Piniella which he quickly fielded holding Burleson at second.  Jim Rice then flied out advancing Burleson to third. If Burleson had advanced on the Remy hit he would have scored on the Rice fly ball. The Yankees won by a run.

 

In 2002, the Mariners played an exhibition game against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in Appleton Wisconsin.  During the game, I went over to the Mariner's dugout with our middle son, Taylor, to get a picture of Ichiro.  Piniella was standing right next to us.  I told Taylor that Piniella had the biggest set of balls on the planet explaining the play in the 1978 playoff game.  Without turning his head, Piniella told Taylor "Son listen to your dad.  He is a smart man"  Lou asked Taylor his name and signed a ball for him.

 

 Get the 1978R baseball card set with all 904 players carded in one set.

 

The 1978 BBW file is available here.  

 

The 1978 BBW CD is here. 

 

 

The new 1978 (R) baseball set is now available on APBA GO.  All 904 players are included in this file.  If you are an APBA GO subscriber, you have access to this new file.  

 

Otherwise you can get this season or one of the singe teams here.

 

Other New Products:
These two classic world series sets are now available:

 1972 World Series! A's win the first of three beating the Reds in seven games.

1987 World Series. The first indoor World Series. Another seven game classic.  

   

NEW APBA COMMUNITY MEMBERS

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. Every week, John will be releasing a new show.  We have adopted a flexible schedule to meet both John's and our guest's busy schedules.  New shows will be announced on the APBA Home page and by John via Facebook. 

 

Listen to archives shows here.

 

We are now using a podcast system.  We hope this makes access to the shows easier for everyone.  Another benefit may be more shows hosted by other members of the APBA Community.  

 

APBA GO

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

 You can now draft your own team for APBA GO via the custom teams function. 

Go here to check it out.

You now have the capability to operate a draft league in APBA GO.  With custom teams and collections, all the statistics of your draft team are computed automatically.  Who is going to start the first APBA GO draft league?

 

There is some confusion that APBA GO is only available as a subscription service.  That is not correct.  You still have the option to purchase individual teams or seasons for APBA GO.  

 

REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS

 

There were no regional tournaments held this past week but there will be a doubleheader this coming week with The Inaugural Southern California APBA Baseball Tournament in Westminister, California and The Wisconsin 2019 APBA Spring Tournament in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. 

 

Upcoming Tournaments

 

The next scheduled tournaments are The Inaugural Southern California APBA Baseball Tournament, Westminister, California and The Wisconsin 2019 APBA Spring Tournament in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.  Both tournaments will be held on Saturday March 23, 2019.  For details, please see information below.

 

The 2019 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 face-to-face gaming and APBA brotherhood.

 

Saturday March 23, 2019 - Inaugural Southern California APBA Baseball Tournament, Westminister, California.  Contact Steve Radtke at  [email protected].

 

Saturday March 23, 2019 - The APBA Wisconsin 2019 Spring Tournament, Wauwatosa Public Library, 7635 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.  Please contact Kurt Bergland to register at  [email protected] before March 1.  Registration fee is $20 and registration and team selections are underway and are taken on a first come, first served basis.  The theme will be "Steroids? What steroids?"  Any teams from the 1980 through the 1999 seasons may be used.  You are to prepare two teams.  In the morning will be a great teams tourney.   Only teams with a regular season winning percentage greater than .500 may be entered.  In the afternoon, the second tournament takes place.  In "The Dregs" tournament, only teams with a regular season winning percentage below .500 from the years 1980-1999 may participate. 

 

Saturday March 30, 2018 - Florida's Spring Break Reality APBA Baseball Tournament, 4700 Kilt Court, St Cloud, Florida 34769-1607 (southeast of Orlando).  Any team issued by The APBA Game Company created (regular season, GTOP, World Series) or Skeetersoft team is eligible.  There is a $10 entry fee (No food or drink is being provided by the tournament organizer).  Contact Tony Stevens at  [email protected] (preferred) or call (text preferred) 352-600-0974 .

 

Saturday March 30, 2019 - The 2019 Heartland Apba Tournament, Stillwater, Oklahoma.   Any non playoff or World Series team from 1950 to present (excluding 1994). There is a $10 entry fee.  Contact Earle Shamblin at  [email protected] to register or for more details. 

 

Saturday April 6, 2019 - Twin Cities APBA Baseball Tournament (TCABT-XI ), Maple Grove, Minnesota.  Contact Jim Fraasch at [email protected].  Note: This is NCAA Final Four weekend which is being held in Minneapolis so please plan accordingly.

 

Saturday April 13, 2019 - The Prairieland IV APBA Baseball Tournament, Springfield, Illinois.  The cost is $20.  More information on the drafting process and other details can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/350013095841289/ or at theAPBA Blog  http://www.apbablog.com/tournament-2/april-13th-prairieland-iv-tournament-details-announced. ; If interest or questions contact Thomas Nelshoppen at  [email protected].

 

Saturday April 13, 2019 - Richmond's Old Dominion APBA Tournament, Richmond, Virginia.  The theme will be Disco 70's/Yuppie '80s (any APBA issued team 1970 through 1989 except GTOP).  The tournament will be held at Jim Saska's home ( 9921 Wenatchee Court, Richmond, Virginia 23236) beginning at 9 am.  Team selection will begin with this announcement.  If interested contact Jim Saska at  [email protected].

 

Saturday May 4, 2019 - The Inaugural Mason-Dixon APBA Baseball Tournament, Hagerstown, Maryland.  The theme will be "Between the World Wars 1919-1939.  Cost is $20 and participation is limited to 24 players.  Contact Bill at  [email protected].

 

Thursday June 20 - Sunday June 23, 2019 - The APBA National Convention, Alpharetta, Georgia.  The convention cost and registration information will be posted on the game company website  www.apbagames.com.  Contact John Herson at [email protected].

 

Saturday July 20, 2019 - The Third Annual Lancaster World Series Tournament will held at the Millersville Brethren in Christ Church. The cost is $20 and includes lunch. The theme is "World Series Losers." Contact Dale Shreiner at  [email protected] for more details. 

 

Saturday July 20,  2019 - 2019 Chicagoland APBA Baseball Tournament will be held at the Comfort Inn O'Hare in Des Plaines, Illinois.  Additional information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/260393537887940/?ti=cl. ;Please contact Rob at  [email protected] if interested.

 

NEW LISTING - Friday and Saturday August 9 and 10, 2019 - The 2019 Vegas APBA Tournament will be held at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The entry fee is $50 with a 10 game guarantee. For more information please contact Chris White via email at [email protected].

 

Saturday August 24, 2019 - The 5th Annual Toledo Glass City APBA Baseball Tournament (GCABT-V) will be held at the Maumee-Bowling Green Elks Lodge #1850 137 W Wayne St, Maumee, Ohio 43537.  The cost is $15.00.  The theme is "Second Place Teams".  Only teams from 1930 through 1999 that finished second in their league/division will be eligible.  A 3-man rotation, DH,  Unusual Play and Error Distribution play chart, and advanced fielding will be used.  On June 1st, Ron will randomly determine a draft order for coaches who have already signed up and you will be able to pick a team at that time.  Please email Ron at  [email protected] or send him a message on Facebook with your name and cell phone number if you wish to participate. 

 

Saturday October 5, 2019 - Twin Cities APBA Baseball Tournament (TCABT-XII ), Maple Grove, Minnesota.  Contact Jim Fraasch at  [email protected]. 

 

Saturday October 12, 2019 - The Linda B. Schulz Memorial Apba Baseball Tournament V, Slippery Rock Township Building, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.  Entry fee is $15.  Contact Ken Schulz at  [email protected]. 

 

DATE CORRECTION - Saturday October 26, 2019 - The Second Furniture City APBA Tournament will be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Legends Sports. Any team from 1920-1972 is elegible; 25-man rosters, no XCs, plus one player from the dead ball era (1901-19). Draft for team seelction begins on August 31, 2019. For more details or to register, contact GF Korreck at  [email protected]

 

DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE - Saturday, November 9, 2019 in Brooksville, Florida at the Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham, 6298 Nature Coast Blvd., Brooksville, FL, 34602 from 9am to 5pm.  The theme is is 100 losses in a single season teams (1903-present).  The cost is $20 (bring or buy your own food and drinks).  Please contact Tony Stevens at  [email protected] or call (text preferred) 352-600-0974.

 

If your tournament is not mentioned above and you are planning a Regional APBA Tournament in 2019 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.

 

 

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.  I will be glad to run your league opening, if you contact me at  [email protected] with a brief and concise write-up.  Openings or individuals looking to join leagues are as follows:

 

March 17th Openings

 

No Limits APBA league - The NLAL is a new league forming.  The NLAL is a different format playing from September to April and is setting up now.  Basic is used for all hitters set to 930 batters faced unless already higher, starting pitchers to 1000 batters faced,  split grades to 700, and relievers to 300, also unless already higher.  The NLAL plans to use AIM control with full injuries.  The experiment is to see if the injury issue will actually control player use.  Injury factors will not be changed for low use but a great card could be susceptible to injuries and thus undependable.  Manager input into actual rules will be welcome as they set up the league. if interested contact Robert at [email protected]. 

 

Player Looking for a Computer League - Individual looking for a computer league opening. he has played the regular board game for years, but would like to delve into the computer game and get into a league. If you have a league opening please contact the gentlemen at [email protected].

 

March 3rd Openings

 

DBL League Opening - The DBL has the 1931 Philadelphia Phillies available. They are just starting the season.  If interested, please contact Gene Knauber at  [email protected]  for more information.

 

February 24th Openings

 

APBA GO League Looking for Managers - A newly forming APBA GO League is forming and they need a minimum of two more managers to start the league.  If interested contact Jeff Heagy at [email protected].

 

The Boys of Summer APBA Baseball League - The Boys of the Summer APBA Baseball League, an APBA BBW (Computer) League is looking for a owner.  They have an opening for their Vancouver Storm franchise, seeking for a competitive owner who has good knowledge of the game of baseball, as well as with the APBA Baseball for Windows and its League Manager and Advanced Draft applications.  The league is a 16-team league, as they prepare for their 7th season.  The league draft is in early March.  If interested please contact Shawn Baier at [email protected].

 

February 10th Openings

 

The COBL APBA Baseball League Opening -  COPL is a modern day salary cap league finishing its 17th season and looking for a couple new GMs.  The league is a contract league that signs players through an auction process.  Each team gets a certain amount of money and contracts range from 1 to 5 years in length.  The available teams include the World Series champion - new mangers will do a dispersal draft from the three available franchises.  (One has already been filled.)  Top players include Jose Ramirez, Clayton Kershaw, Trevor Story and others.  Contact John at  [email protected] if you are interested. 

 

The Northern Virginia APBA Baseball League (NVABL) Opening - NVABL is looking to immediately fill a vacant managers slot for the 2018 season.  The NVABL is a 12 team Master Game league that plays mostly online via Google Chat and phone.  They have their roots in the DC suburbs but currently see players as far North as New Hampshire and West as sunny California.  More about the league can be found at  https://sites.google.com/site/apbanvabl/. ; The open team is the Holiday Stingrays - a competitive team with current and future star power including Kris Bryant, Didi Gregorius, Stephen Strasburg and Trea Turner.  If you're interested in finding out more about the league and taking over the Holiday franchise, please contact Dwight at  [email protected].

 

USBL Opening - The USBL is a BBW 5.75 continuous ownership league that allows you to draft up to 4 never before carded players and retain their rights.   They currently have three openings.  The league has new managers draft from a supplemental pool made up of all players from teams that are managerless.  If interested, please contact Phil at  [email protected] for more information.

 

February 3rd Openings

 

True Franchise Baseball league Opening - The TFBL is a league in which each team owns all of his minor league players affiliates from rookie league to AAA.  The TFBL plays BBW, in is in its 3rd season only, with aim.  The TFBL has 24 teams and four 6 team divisions.  The four Division winners and two Wild Card Teams qualify for the playoffs.  The league has a 40 men roster with 28 active and 12 on the farms.  The available team is the Washington Nationals.  If you are a National's fan, this is the perfect occasion to manage a team with your favorite players, Bryce Harper, Juan Soto, Trea Turner, Scherzer, Strasburg etc. and all of its minor league affiliates.  If interested or for more info, please contact Alain at  [email protected]          

 

LLB League Opening - The LLB League is in it's 8th season.  The LLB has 20 teams, 4 divisions, and is a full Aim Salary League based on MLB salaries.  The open team owns Blake Snell, Charlie Morton, Dallas Keuchel, George Springer among others.  A keeper league, they have an annual June Amateur Draft.  The FA draft is coming soon.  If interested or for more info, please contact Alain at  [email protected]          

 

January 27th Opening

 

FABL League Opening - The Fantasy APBA Baseball League (FABL) is a modern day BBW league finishing its 22nd season.  Its a 20 league team with 40-man rosters and 2 openings.  Each team is associated with an MLB team, and have first dibs on that team's rookies.  The prospective owner would take over the Diamondbacks or Rays roster franchises, but next year can switch to the White Sox, Tigers, Blue Jays, Mariners, Angels, Nationals, Mets, Braves, Reds, or Giants.  Contact Kevin at  [email protected] with your APBA or sim experience and questions.

 

January 20th Openings

 

Non-AIM Nation League Opening - The league has 1 opening in a 19 year old Non-AIM National League 12 Team League. Theye usually draft face-to-face (attendance is highly encouraged) Presidents Day weekend near Hackettstown, NJ.  They also get together each summer for a stadium tour (non-mandatory). If interested, please email  [email protected] or phone 770-689-7847. 

 

The North American Pro Baseball League - The NAPBL is a 16 team BBW based league starting it 41st season. Their 2019 Winter Meeting is scheduled for February 9th in Northeast, Ohio.  Approximately 8 to 10 managers will attend.  They are in need a couple managers! The league was founded in 1978 Cards and Dice.  In 1999 the league switched to the Computer game.  They are a mail league, but there is a lot of face to face play.  The league features permanent 40 man team rosters with multiple opportunities to play computer games face to face the 164 game schedule during the year. The league is centered in the eastern states, CLEVELAND, OHIO, TORONTO, CANADA, BUFFALO, NY, HARTFORD. CT, and ST. LOUIS MO. The 7 month season runs April-October. playing 2-3 series a month. The draft, the trading of players, money and draft picks has become a yearly highlight and has made the NAPBL very competitive. - they invite you to enjoy the fun!  Please contact the John M. Wilson Jr. or Steve Lawrence  with questions and inquiries:  [email protected] or  [email protected] or call 216-789-3764.

 

Cooperstown League Openings-  Current 2017 season running second half thru March 2019.  Looking for GM's/Coaches to come join in the fun of this modern day 24 team (12 AL/12 NL, 3 - 4 team divisions) BBW 5.75 league.  It is a fantasy roster league where AL players play in the AL, NL players play in the NL, no interleague play until the WORLD SERIES. This league is currently in its 7th season under construction, has 40 man carded rosters plus prospects to let GM's put their stamp on the organizations.  Seasons run from late September thru March, 160 game schedule-played in MLB STYLE series, with Home and Away games...every team has their own Stadium assigned to the organization, play with 27 man active roster throughout the season (up to 40 for final month)..OFF-SEASON cut-down... uses official disk.. FULL AIM..  minor league draft.. Playoffs with 3 division winners plus next best 2 records in each league playing a 1 game Wild Card play in game.. Weekly line-up scheduled, daily e-mailed results, game also uses micromanagers as fall back-but teams are eligible to make line-up changes if an injury was to affect their weekly line-ups (daily team status report.. sent as part of daily results package).  Obviously not everyone can devote a lot of time to this, that's where the micromanagers assist in the season moving forward.  AL leagues play with the DH, not so in the NL.  Organizations are tied to ACTUAL MLB player movement.. meaning if players become free agents, then Cooperstown will follow suit, every off season player movement is tracked ..the organizations player list updated (sent to GMs) and the off-season begins (Cut-downs-Free Agents draft -2 phases**those with draft picks attached** and those without picks attached), then an open claim on remaining carded players.  Once the season is final and standings have been established.. a rookie DRAFT of prospects will take place.  If interested you can e-mail Tracy at  [email protected] and note as Cooperstown Interest.  Come join the fun to finish out the 2017 season, and see if your interest is peaked to continue permanent ownership of your organization.  The league has been set up with written constitution rules, so if interested I can send a package of the rosters and rules out as soon as possible.  

 

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.