[ifspuds]

Welcome back to the Outpost League, faithful readers (and any new readers along for the ride). As I try and find time to convert the Outpost League into OOTP2006, I hope you'll enjoy a series of news articles and Outpost history pieces in place of Opening Day 2016...

Second Baseball League Not Likely Says Haystack Mayor
Outpost News Service

The mayor of the city of Haystack said today that initial plans to form a second baseball league among several smaller municipalities in the Outposts have been shelved for now. "Several members of the group exploring the possibility of a second baseball league have come to the conclusion that such an endeavor is, as of now, infeasible," said Grant in the weekly Haystack city council meeting. "While we still feel strongly that there is great passion for baseball in cities such as Haystack, there are simply more significant and pressing matters to concern ourselves with."

An unnamed source in the mayor's office stated that the leaders of the league effort had been in contact with several officials from the Bay League, including league president John Baxter and Silver Beach mining magnate Michael Hernandez. Rumors have been floated that the Bay League paid key players in the rival league's formation in order to keep progress from continuing. Baxter denies any involvement in today's announcement. "We are not in the business of trying to hold a monopoly on baseball in the Outposts. It is clear that our citizenry greatly enjoys the game, and we hope that more and more cities can become a part of the Bay League in time," said Baxter. "That time, unfortunately, is not now."

Civic leaders in Valerma and Pelish have expressed their disappointment -- and, in some cases -- frustration with the decision. "The Bay League can plead innocent all it likes," said Valerma councilor James Buck, "but look at the facts -- they hold all the cards and most of the money. They can do whatever they like." City leagues will continue as before, and all towns involved in exploring the new league are accepting players. For more information, contact the local sports bureau in your area.