Intro: I've always been fascinated by baseball history, and I've always wanted to start a small league in 1871 and watch it progress and expand throughout the years. After a few months with no computer, I'm back in OOTP land!
This will be an alternate history dynasty with 100% fictional teams and players. It will mirror history somewhat, but my main goal is to make it fresh and original. I'm playing with stats only, and I'll always be controlling a manager. Whenever the manager gets to a certain age, I'll start a new manager. So in addition to following the league as a whole, I'll give a more in depth view of the team I'm controlling.
I'll start with a little background and a brief overview of the teams. Note that before the first season starts, I won't have anything to go by as far as players ability except the vague scout comments. As soon as things kick off, this will get a little more in depth.
Background
The year is 1871. After ten years of failed attempts at striking rich in New York, Washington State native Everett Gallimore has finally found his million dollar idea: turn America's favorite game into a business. After three years of planning and gathering investors, the New York Professional Baseball Association is set to kick off April 1st, 1871.
In eight cities across New York State, people are waiting anxiously for opening day to begin. The concept of a league of professional baseball players has taken the nation by storm, firing up fierce debate on whether or not it will really work.
The eight teams are set to play a twenty-eight game schedule lasting into October. Will this experient in professional sports work? Or will it just sparkle and fade? Let's have a look at the teams.
Albany Militia
Led by the famous first baseman Paul "Clam" Roberts, Mike Maddox's Militia boast the second highest payroll in the league and are expected to leave a huge impression on the 1871 season. However, Albany's pitching situation looks a little shaky. It's hard to say if they have what it takes to win the pennant.
Brooklyn Admirals
With the NYPBA's highest payroll, the Admirals are loaded with heavy hitters like Bubba Brooks and Gilbert Good, who happen to be the two highest paid players in baseball. Their starting pitcher, Andy Dunn, is one of the best in the nation. Definite contenders for the penant. Owner Bob Thorn is known as a hard man to work under, so the pressure will be on GM Brian Clemmons this year.
Buffalo Blues
The Blues are a decent looking team on paper, but don't really look like top contenders. Pitcher Eric Blunsdon is one of the best in the game, but hitting might be a problem for Buffalo. GM Jack Monte has his work cut out for him. With Scott Tarvin, who did well in New York City in the late 1860's, in left field, they might have enough to push into the top three. Only time will tell.
New York Kings
Everett Gallimore wasn't satisfied with owning the league, he had to have his own team as well. In addition to acquiring registration fees from the other teams, he gets the cash cow that is a New York baseball team. But how does the talent look? With Pete Wauchope, Bill Corum and Ron Hartshorne, they might just have the best outfield in the League. The infield looks a little sketchy, and in the end they don't seem like pennant winners.