[johnnybourbon]

Originally Posted by ptwarr18

The World Baseball Hierarchy has 72 Owners right now, and we expand to 88 in a couple of weeks (all teams have been filled). Clearly, this league, like Hardball Heroes (mentioned above), has something that other leagues do not.

As a member, I think what draws me most above everything is the solid Commish and Asst. Commish as well as other executive board members. Everyone has a role whether it be managing the league, running sims, tracking finances (we use a custom finance system), or keeping track of league history. Its great to have people running the league that put so much into it because I know I will put in a lot of work on my team. I know the league is going to be around for a long time and I know if there are problems they will be resolved quickly and efficiently. That makes me happy and willing to commit my time to running a team to the best of my ability.

Most of the other GM's feel the same as me, and it becomes a part of our daily lives. I look forward to every sim and export like clockwork. I check out the forum everyday at all hours of the day because it is so active. The interaction among owners is greater than anything I've been a part of and its fun to interact, makes the league come to life for me. Not only the players, but each GM has their own personality and while I have never met the other GM's, I feel like I know them from forum interaction and talking on AIM just about the league happenings.

Finally, the original concept of promotion and relegation. It's simple to understand for new GMs and the novelty never wears off. I also liked being able to pick my city, team name, and logo.

That being said, key ingredients to a successful league in my opinion....
1) Outstanding Commissioner
2) Fun, Active Forums
3) Original Idea that differentiates the league from others

Right. As an online noob, I checked what was available, and rather than jump into one with openings NOW, I put myself on the waiting list for something unique and well run, the heirarchy. There are a lot of good leagues out there, but theres a distinct difference between the online players. Some are looking for specifics (historical or fictional) and others just want to play, others are a combo of both.