The Baseball Life of Tom Haley (OOTP11)

[Big Six]

Hi again, everyone.

I began the Tom Haley story a couple weeks ago, using OOTP8. I was encountering a few annoying glitches, however: when I tried to click on his player page, for example, the game would crash.

Today I bought OOTP11, my first new version since v8. That's why I'm giving Tom's story a fresh start, using v11 and all its new features.

The story will begin exactly the same way. In fact, I'll copy my first posts from the original Tom Haley thread to get the story underway once again. If you read the first thread, please excuse me for repeating myself. You'll get some new material to read when Tom gets drafted in June.

*****************

I've been writing for the forum here for seven years now, and I've probably started every kind of dynasty story imaginable. None of them have ever captured my attention the way "The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell" has. I spent many, many enjoyable hours in Pat's world, watching with delight (and more than a little surprise) as he developed into one of the greatest players in baseball history.

Now I'm returning to the dynasty formula I enjoyed so much: creating an imaginary player and inserting him into a "real" baseball universe. This time, instead of traveling back to the past, I'm beginning the story in 2007, with a hard-throwing teenaged pitcher.

Unlike Pat O'Farrell, whom I had determined would play for the Boston Red Sox, our protagonist will begin as a draft-eligible prospect whose baseball future is completely unknown. And, unlike Pat, whom I envisioned as a fairly solid major league player, I'll make our new hero good enough to develop into a top-flight closer--if he's lucky enough to realize his potential.

Thomas Victor Haley was born on December 7, 1991 in Lindsay, Ontario. His father, Ron, is a physician, specializing in family practice, and his mother, Grace, teaches Grade 4. Tom is the oldest of the Haleys' three children and their only son; his sisters Megan and Kate are three and five years younger, respectively.

The baseball universe Tom enters will include all the players you would expect to find in 2010: Pujols and A-Rod; Jeter and Halladay; Big Papi and J-Roll. Tom will surely interact with some familiar characters as his career begins. However, if Tom's career is long, he'll find himself surrounded by very few "real" players, as the game generates new batches of fictional rookies every year.

I don't know if Tom Haley's story will be as much fun as Pat O'Farrell's was, but I hope it will. And, if some of you enjoy Tom's saga along with me, even better.

Let the story begin...

[Big Six]

Lindsay Post, April 30, 2010

Haley throws no-hitter in Weldon victory

With scouts from seven Major League teams in attendance, Weldon’s Tom Haley dominated Gravenhurst’s hitters for seven innings yesterday, holding the Gryphons hitless en route to an 8-0 victory.

Haley, 18, struck out 13 batters and walked only one, and his fastball was clocked as high as 99 MPH.

Said Haley of his performance,” I wasn’t aware of the fact they hadn’t had a hit until I went out to pitch the seventh inning. At that point, I started getting nervous. I had to remind myself to keep calm, make my pitches, and remember my teammates were behind me.”

Gravenhurst coach Bob Taylor praised Haley’s poise and demeanour as sincerely as he complimented his talent. “You never want to see your team held hitless,” Taylor admitted. “But when the guy who does it is as humble and hardworking as Tom Haley, it is a little easier to take. He has tremendous stuff and a very mature presence on the mound.”

[Big Six]

Atlanta Journal-Constitution,, June 16, 2010

Braves' draft focuses on youth


The Atlanta Braves have historically had quite a bit of success drafting high school stars in the early rounds of the MLB draft. Players like Chipper Jones, Steve Avery, Jeff Francoeur, and Jason Heyward come quickly to mind.

Yesterday, the Braves once again elected to take their chances with youthful players, choosing high school athletes with their first two draft picks.

Drafting nineteenth, Atlanta chose shortstop Manny Contrera, a native of Mexico who attended Father Lopez High School in Daytona Beach, Florida. Contrera, 18, is a switch hitter who should develop better-than-average power for a middle infielder. However, it is his glove that draws the most raves from scouts. Contrera is considered a future Gold Glove defender who should have no problem remaining at shortstop throughout his career.

In a move that leaves themselves open to a fair share of second-guessing, the Braves used their second round pick to select Tom Haley, a hard-throwing teenage pitcher from Lindsay, Ontario. The Reds held the sixteenth pick in the draft.

Haley, 18, possesses a classic power pitcher’s frame—6’5”, 205 pounds—and gets his fastball to the plate at speeds touching 100 MPH. He dominated the competition he faced in eastern Ontario, but some skeptics have pointed out the uneven quality of that competition.

Braves general manager Frank Wren is, however, confident that Haley will develop into a major league pitcher. And he is choosing a somewhat unorthodox plan to get Haley to the Show.

“We’re going to groom him as a closer, beginning right now,” Wren explained.

“I’m just fine with that,” said Haley. “I think I’ll like pitching more often than every fifth day, and the challenge of closing out games will be a rush.”

Now the Braves face the challenge of signing their draftees. Contrera is said to be expecting a signing bonus in the $2 million range, while Haley should sign for approximately $1 million...

[Big Six]

The fact that draft choices negotiate their contracts in OOTP11 opened up a very cool new storyline!


To: Diarmuid Sutherland (diarmuid91@jetmail.ca)
From: Tom Haley (thaley120788@jetmail.ca)

Re: Hi

July 23, 2010

Hey D,

It was really good to hear from you. I'm glad your offseason workouts are going well. Mine have been too, although it doesn't really feel like offseason for me.

My contract negotiations are going OK, I guess. Some of the other guys who were drafted in the first round have already signed. Bryce Harper signed for over $10 million. I'd like to say I was worth that, but I know I'm not.

The Braves and I and I aren't in that bad shape, at least not yet. My agent and I are asking for a $1 million bonus, and the Braves offered $800,000. Last week, Steve Austin, the #45 pick in the draft, signed with the Cubs for just over $1 million, so I don't think my request is too far out of line.

It feels ridiculous to be saying "no" to a team that is offering me that much money just to sign my contract! My dad makes good money, but he probably doesn't earn $800,000 in three years. He takes care of people's health. I throw a baseball.

My agent explained to me that if I sign for too little money, I throw the whole system off, and other guys don't get what they should. I need to fit into my slot, in other words.

We have until August 14 to get something done, or I go back in the draft again next year. If that happens, I'll accept a scholarship offer and play in college--if someone will still give it to me. I'll be glad when it's all done. You know what negotiations are like, after all. The Canadiens did right by you in the long run, and I hope the Braves will do the same thing.

I hope to see you and the other guys soon, in case I sign and end up going down to Florida, or wherever the Braves send me.

Later,
Tom


Note:
You'll meet Diarmuid Sutherland and several other characters from my Ontario Hockey League dynasty in this story. If you'd like to read the story of a junior hockey team, here is the link. It's been on hiatus for a while, but I might bring it back soon.

[Big Six]

Baseball America, August 14, 2010

No deal
Braves and #2 pick Haley can't get a deal done

The Atlanta Braves announced today that they had failed to come to contract terms with their second round pick in the June draft, pitcher Tom Haley.

Haley will be eligible for the 2011 draft, and is said to be pursuing college options...

[muted79]

nice change of tack using the OOTP 11 draft signing bonus feature and change of clubs

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by muted79

nice change of tack using the OOTP 11 draft signing bonus feature and change of clubs

Thanks, muted79. As you can see, I made one more change. I forgot that if I began a historical career game, I didn't get "real" minor league affiliates, and while there's nothing wrong with the fictional ones, I would prefer having the real ones. Therefore, I pushed the clock ahead to 2010, began a new baseball universe, and as you can see, Tom Haley was drafted by yet another team.

Sorry for the false starts, and thanks for your patience. It looks like the third time will be a charm.

[Big Six]

Baseball America, June 16, 2011
Draft Report

...The New York Yankees emphasized pitching in the early rounds of the draft. The World Series champions used three of their first four picks on pitchers.

With their supplemental first round pick, the Yankees chose Leon Viera, a compact righthander out of Brown University with a crackling curve and a plus changeup. Viera went 9-5 with a 3.92 ERA, and struck out exactly one batter per inning.

Canadian powerhouse Tom Haley was Atlanta's second round pick in the '10 draft, but he decided to attend the University of Virginia instead. As a Cavalier, Haley posted an 8-1 record and a 1.92 ERA, punching out 140 batters in 102 innings.

The Yankees took a chance on Haley in Round Two, and hope they have found the future heir to Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera...

[Big Six]

To: Diarmuid Sutherland (diarmuid91@jetmail.ca)
From: Tom Haley (thaley120788@jetmail.ca)

Date: June 20, 2011


Hey D,

In case you don't read it online somewhere, I signed with the Yankees today. We negotiated a $450,000 signing bonus, because I wanted to get things done quickly this time around.

I've been assigned to the Gulf Coast League, so I'm emailing you from the airport on my way to Tampa. Our season opens tomorrow. Supposedly there are three more Canadian guys on the team with me, and one of them is a relief pitcher. I guess he and I will be competing for a job.

Say hello to the rest of the guys for me, in case I don't manage to get in touch with them right away.

Later,
Tom

[Big Six]

To: Diarmuid Sutherland (diarmuid91@jetmail.ca)
From: Tom Haley (thaley120788@jetmail.ca)

Date: June 20, 2011


Hey D,

Change of plans. I just got a call from the Yankees, and they told me I'm reporting to the Tampa Yankees in the Florida State League instead. I'm totally fine with that. Instead of rookie league, I'm going to start out in high Class A ball.

They're going to use me as a starter for now, so I can get the innings I need to develop properly. I'm OK with that too, although I do like the idea of pitching more often than every fifth day.

It's been a pretty crazy week. I hope things settle down soon!

Tom

Note: The Yankees computer GM did promote Tom almost immediately, after first assigning him to the Rookie League. He was on the GCL Yankees roster one minute, and on the Tampa team in the FSL the next.

[muted79]

the change to 2010 shouldn't be a problem at all with your storytelling skills, incorporating the stars of today with the fictional players of tomorrow will be an interesting read

And hell, just like the Red Sox produced a great story with Pat, there may not be a better franchise for him to go to than the Yankees. Let's hope there's still a few stars around when he makes it to the show.

[Big Six]

Tampa Tribune, July 21, 2011

Wildness proves Haley's undoing again

...Although Haley's fastball was clocked as high as 99 MPH, he had problems hitting his spots with it, and walked four men in six innings. Two of them scored ahead of Ronny Gonzales' fifth inning home run, and those runs proved to be the difference in the Yankees' 3-1 defeat.

Haley's record now stands at 1-4, although, with his ERA just over 4.00, he has pitched somewhat better than his record in his first month as a professional...

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by muted79

the change to 2010 shouldn't be a problem at all with your storytelling skills, incorporating the stars of today with the fictional players of tomorrow will be an interesting read

And hell, just like the Red Sox produced a great story with Pat, there may not be a better franchise for him to go to than the Yankees. Let's hope there's still a few stars around when he makes it to the show.

I hope you're right. Derek Jeter got his 3000th hit the week Tom signed his contract, and A-Rod and Jorge Posada are still hanging in there, too. Guys like Robinson Cano and Mark Texiera are younger, so they should still be on the scene when Tom arrives. And he could be saving victories for Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain well into the 2020s.

Thanks for your comment!

[Big Six]

To: The Haley Family (fivehaleys@jetmail.ca)
From: Tom Haley (thaley120791@jetmail.ca)

July 27, 2011

Hi everybody,

This email is coming to you from Charleston, South Carolina. I was reassigned yesterday, or maybe I should say I was demoted. The South Atlantic League is a step down from the Florida State League.

Pat Roessler, our director of player development, said the Yankees want me to be able to work out my control issues in a less demanding environment; I think that's how he put it. FSL hitters are making me pay when I fall behind in the count and have to throw them hittable pitches.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't upset about it, though. I guess I'll have to go to Charleston, throw strikes, and work my way back up.

I'll sign off now. More of the guys are coming in now, and I want to get to know my new teammates.

Hugs to everybody,
Tom

[Big Six]

Charleston Post and Courier, September 12, 2011

Haley sharp as Riverdogs win season finale

In his finest start since he arrived in Charleston, righthander Tom Haley struck out nine batters in seven innings of three-hit ball and pitched the Riverdogs to a 4-2 victory over the Rome Braves last night.

Haley, who has struggled somewhat with his control, walked three batters, but pitching coach Jeff Ware praised the 19-year-old for his command. "Tom did a better job of pitching himself out of trouble last night," Ware said.

The victory evened Haley's record with the Riverdogs at 2-2. His ERA stands at 4.59.

With a fastball that was clocked at 100 MPH twice last night, Haley clearly has a major league arm. He has struck out 59 batters and allowed only 47 hits in 51 innings, so his ability to make hitters miss is evident. However, he's also walked 27 men, a habit the Yankees hope he will manage to break in time...

[Big Six]

Here are Tom Haley's stats for the 2011 season:

TEAM        LEVEL  G  GS  W  L SV   ERA   IP   H   ER HR  BB   SO  WHIP
Tampa       Hi A   6   6  1  5  0  4.46  36.1  35  18  3  16   42  1.40
Charleston  Lo A   8   8  2  2  0  4.59  51.0  47  26  4  27   59  0.45
TOTAL             14  14  3  7  0  4.53  87.1  82  44  7  43  101  1.43

Tom pitched 101 innings for the University of Virginia, giving him just under 190 IP for the year, at age 19. I hope that won't come back to haunt him down the line...

[Big Six]

From: Tom Haley (tvhaley@uva.edu)
To: The Haley Family (fivehaleys@jetmail.ca)

November 11, 2011

Hi everybody,

I had a little time on my hands, so I thought I would catch up on some emails. I only have two classes this morning, and I've already finished an essay that is due day after tomorrow.

I'm really glad I decided to come back to school during the offseason. I was talking to one of the guys I played with at Charleston who got released, and I asked him what he was going to do. He said he really didn't know; he'd probably try to find a job or maybe take a class somewhere. That reminded me that there's no way to know what might happen in baseball, and that I really needed to have a backup plan in case things don't work out for me. I'm really lucky that UVA has been willing to work with me.

I can only take courses during the fall semester, but I'm at least making progress toward my degree. I miss home and all of you, but if I weren't a baseball player I would be off at school anyway.

I'll be home in a couple of weeks because of the American Thanksgiving break. Then I'll have exams and I'll be home in time for Christmas. Then it's off to spring training in February. It seems like time is passing really quickly now!

Give everybody a hug for me.

Love,
Tom

[muted79]

can you post a little breakdown on Tom's ratings, pitches, stamina etc? Great read as always

[TheKenoshaKid]

How is this the first story of yours I've read?!

This is utter genius and very original. Nice job!

[Tyke]

Hey Kenosha, if you like this I strongly suggest you devote some time to "The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell" - follow the link in BigSix's signature. It's absolutely brilliant!