Major Sim Baseball is the adult version of the Action Baseball League I played as a kid, but now I'm approaching it 'retired style.' Baseball, to me, is a pastoral game—it isn't about raw power like football or hockey, or split-second coordination like basketball. It's communal, with nine players defending their territory against nine upstarts trying to steal a win. It’s about one player stepping up to bat, taking their turn. It's a game where failing seven out of ten times can put you in the Hall of Fame—a game you live, not just play.
I want to truly enjoy this league, getting to know the teams and players, some of whom I’ve cherished since my youth—like when I watched Johnny Bench hit a home run, be it in the All-Star Game, World Series, or NLCS. I loved the Big Red Machine. But this is my league, and I'm ready to share it. I'll relish the management, savor every game, every series, even when the lineup is poor, the manager struggles, or the weather's lousy. Because, at its heart, baseball is about each player stepping up for their turn at bat, just as we all take our turns in life. It’s one, two, three strikes you're out, at the old ball game.
Play ball, and let's get some runs!
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Ladies and gentlemen, presenting Major Sim Baseball:
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Hello sports fans and welcome to Major Sim Baseball. I'm reporting on the inaugural game of the League. In the Western League, from the Oilerdome, The Las Vegas Vipers take on the Houston Oilers. These two franchises are in the Southern Division of the league.
Let's introduce our teams:
First the visiting
Las Vegas Vipers (LVV)
The Las Vegas Vipers (LVV) are a Western League South Division team, playing at the Vista Stadium, a turf-based, open ballpark. Originally Busch Stadium in St. Louis, the Vipers bring a mix of youth and experience to the field, highlighted by their inaugural No. 1 pick, Bobby Murcer, a star center fielder known for his combination of strong hitting, speed, and solid fielding.
On the pitching side, the Vipers are anchored by a rotation featuring Dick Bosman, a right-handed starter with average stuff and reliable control. Monty Montgomery, a righty with excellent movement, excels at limiting home runs, while Fred Norman brings a left-handed arm with good stuff and a diverse pitch mix, including a standout curveball. Veteran Ron Reed offers steady control, and Wilbur Wood, a knuckleball specialist, rounds out the starting staff with exceptional endurance. The bullpen is headlined by promising right-hander Pete Broberg, who possesses strong stuff, and lefty Mike Caldwell, known for inducing ground balls. Veterans Tom Dukes, Rich Hinton, and closer Tom Burgmeier, known for his effective breaking pitches and home run suppression, provide depth and late-game reliability.
Offensively, the Vipers boast a formidable lineup. Catcher Bill Freehan anchors the team with his leadership, strong defense, and power at the plate, while veteran Jerry McNertney offers reliable backup. The infield features consistent hitters like Danny Cater at first base and Gail Hopkins, a disciplined left-handed batter. Power-hitting Frank Howard provides a formidable presence at both first base and left field. At second base, Rod Carew, an elite contact hitter and speedster, is complemented by experienced teammates Julian Javier and defensive standout Bill Mazeroski. Brooks Robinson mans third base, bringing legendary defensive prowess and steady batting, while Leo Cardenas delivers reliable performance at shortstop.
In the outfield, Willie Crawford's power, speed, and versatility shine, alongside young Jim Spencer, who provides pop and defensive flexibility. Bobby Murcer, a cornerstone player, excels in center field, while Matty Alou's elite contact hitting and defensive range add strength in right field. Promising young outfielder Rich Coggins rounds out the group with excellent contact hitting, speed, and good fielding ability. Overall, the Vipers' roster blends experience, power, defense, and youth, positioning them as a competitive force in the league.
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Next for the home
Houston Oilers (HOU)
The Houston Oilers are a Western League South Division team that plays in the Oilerdome, a dome stadium with a turf surface, located in Houston. Their roster is anchored by Johnny Bench, their inaugural No. 1 pick, who brings power, excellent defensive skills, and leadership behind the plate.
On the mound, the Oilers have a strong rotation led by Ron Bryant, a left-hander with balanced movement and good control, and Ken Forsch, a righty known for his sharp slider and forkball combination. Bill Gogolewski offers solid movement and uses a cutter and curve effectively, while young Don Gullett, a lefty, showcases good stuff and a diverse pitch mix. Star pitcher Jim Palmer adds a touch of excellence with his durability, movement, and varied arsenal. The bullpen is anchored by promising Lloyd Allen, who specializes in sliders and splitters, supported by Ray Corbin and veteran Bob Miller, who excels at inducing ground balls. Bill Parsons brings a steady hand as a reliever, while veteran closer Fred Gladding’s movement and ability to suppress home runs add a finishing touch.
Offensively, the team is powered by Johnny Bench, a star catcher with impressive power, and Dave Kingman, a versatile slugger with elite gap power. Jim Northrup provides consistency with his contact hitting and versatility across outfield positions and first base. In the infield, Lute Barnes and Doug Griffin bring reliable defense at second base, complemented by the experienced Ron Hunt, who excels at contact hitting. Ron Hansen, a veteran with strong defensive skills, covers third base alongside Graig Nettles, a power hitter with elite fielding capabilities. Freddie Patek, the team’s quick and agile shortstop, offers excellent range and speed.
In the outfield, Lou Brock adds speed, contact hitting, and base-stealing prowess, while Don Buford contributes as a switch-hitter with good speed and a keen batting eye. Tommie Agee patrols center field with power, speed, and excellent defensive skills. Joe Pepitone brings versatility and power to both the outfield and first base. Willie Montanez rounds out the roster as a young right fielder with strong gap power, a solid arm, and good range. The Oilers’ blend of power, defense, speed, and strong pitching positions them as a formidable force in the league.
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April 10, 1972 – an historic date for
Major Sim Baseball as the league's inaugural game brought the Las Vegas Vipers to the home of the Houston Oilers. The excitement was palpable; fans packed the stands, eager to witness the first-ever pitch of this new league. The matchup was promising, with Las Vegas sending Monty Montgomery to the mound while Houston countered with future Hall of Famer Jim Palmer.
The top of the first saw Palmer quickly make his presence felt. Rod Carew, leading off for the Vipers, put a good swing on one but flied out to center. Matty Alou followed with another hard-hit ball, but Houston's outfielders were ready, collecting outs and setting an early tone. Palmer capped off the inning by inducing a grounder from Bobby Murcer, showcasing his classic, smooth delivery and precision. A quick, scoreless inning left the Vipers regrouping.
When Houston came to bat in the bottom of the first, Lou Brock wasted no time making history. The speedy left fielder laced a single into right field, marking the first hit in MSB history. While the Vipers were wary of Brock’s base-stealing threat, they focused on Ron Hunt, whose patient approach eventually led to a fly-out. Graig Nettles then worked a walk, and the tension mounted. As if scripted, a wild pitch advanced both runners, putting the first-ever runs within reach.
That’s when Johnny Bench stepped up, the legend wearing Houston’s colors, and ripped a line-drive single to score Brock. A murmur of anticipation swept the crowd, which then erupted as Dave Kingman connected on a fastball and sent it soaring over the right-field wall for the first home run in MSB history—a three-run shot that gave Houston a 4-0 lead. The Vipers were on their heels, and the Oilers were riding high. Montgomery managed to settle down, but the damage was done. An electric start for Houston.
In the top of the second, Las Vegas looked for answers. Willie Crawford wore one for the team, getting hit by a pitch, but Palmer was unflappable. With his signature curveball working, he struck out both Frank Howard and Brooks Robinson, keeping the Vipers scoreless. Houston’s offense, however, kept the pressure on Montgomery, as Brock and Bench continued to be catalysts. A combination of singles, steals, and gritty at-bats saw Houston threatening again in the second, but the Vipers managed to escape without further damage.
The third inning brought a glimmer of hope for Las Vegas. After a Houston fielding error, Rod Carew singled, setting up runners at second and third with nobody out. Matty Alou’s bat stayed hot, driving in a run with a single. The Vipers were on the board, and with Palmer momentarily shaken, another run crossed the plate on a passed ball. It wasn’t enough to erase the deficit, but the Vipers had finally broken through.
Yet, any momentum they had was short-lived. In the bottom of the third, Houston responded with another flurry. Kingman continued his torrid pace, singling in another run. The Oilers’ offense refused to relent, drawing walks and delivering timely hits. With bases loaded, even the formidable Pete Broberg, who had come in to relieve Montgomery, struggled to hold back the tide. By the end of four innings, Houston led 10-2.
The game’s middle innings saw the Vipers desperately trying to chip away. They managed a run in the sixth thanks to some smart baserunning by Willie Crawford, but Palmer never wavered. Houston, meanwhile, kept their foot on the gas, adding runs through a mix of power and small ball, highlighting the depth and talent of their lineup. By the seventh, as darkness began to settle, both managers turned to their benches. Rich Hinton and Mike Caldwell provided some relief for Las Vegas, while Houston’s substitutes gave their regulars a well-earned rest.
As the game entered its final frames, the outcome hung not on who would win, but on how the Vipers would respond. In this historic battle, Palmer finished what he started with poise and grit, capping off an unforgettable opening night for Major Sim Baseball. Fans left the ballpark buzzing with excitement, knowing they had just witnessed the first chapter of a brand new era in the sport.
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