[Tib]

Greetings, intrepid readers of the empty expanse that is the ITP Dynasty thread. With OOTP6 only just released and ITP2 on the way, the ITP board is experiencing a creative malaise. However, over the past few months I have been writing a dynasty thread that I hope will help you fill the time between versions, and (if you like it) perhaps beyond.

It was originally intended to be an exercise in writing a first person memoir, but quickly grew to become something more. Since there has been but few "career journals" entered here, I thought you all might like to read something a little different, a little more like a real novel. Nothing against the fine work or Mr. Mau et al, but I confess I always wondered how far this new genre of "sim-based fiction" could go. Would the depth of a simulation engine like OOTP and ITP be enough to produce a rich, novel-length story? Could it produce drama, comedy, suspense? You bet it could, as you will see.

I must say that the on-field events in Dave's career are depicted as they really happened. They are taken directly from ITP, with very few embellishments.

Keep in mind that even as I post each chapter of the fictional career of David Driscoll, the work itself is still only one or two drafts old; still very raw. But inspired as I was by the story of Roscoe Barahona, I couldn't help but try to enrich and expand the wonderful little exclusive genre we have here at the OOTP boards. As such, I am open to any and all comments.

One other thing: this is meant for mature readers. I have tried to be responsible to the legal guardians of our younger members of the board, but while there is absolutely no graphic sexual language, there is what I would call "realistic dialogue" (profanity) and some "mature themes" (adult issues). This is a work of fiction, any similarity to persons living or dead is coincidence. Copyright 2004 by Scott Tibbetts.

So, with fingers crossed, I present SHORT HOP - My Life In Baseball, by David Driscoll (as told to Del Harrison).