I'd say the best way to start would be with two leagues.... when I started my solo league (with the 1876 season), I would have mirrored real life, but it just seemed like a big hassle trying to add a league later - I don't really remember, but I think it involved starting over when you want to expand leagues and importing the players from the old one. I didn't really want that, so what I did was import all of the 1871-76 players in 1876, so that I could start with 16 teams. Not exactly realistic.... but the best I could come up with under the circumstances.
Anyway, the point is - I think two leagues would just be easier to deal with. I'm still very interested in joining if this gets off the ground. Feel free to email me at
whrimfunis@yahoo.com and let me know if and when things are ready to roll.