Road to the Summit, by Henry

[Henry]

Those few still here that know me are well aware that I am a baseball crazy - so to speak. Since that first day I walked into old Cleveland Municipal Stadium at 8 years old and saw that expanse of green - I was hooked. Ok, so Municipal Stadium wasn't the best baseball field to first be exposed to baseball. Heck it very possibly may have been the worst; but the fact is, that moment in time as I walked up the ramp and the field unfolded before me is etched in my mind forever.


I have spent my life reading and living baseball. I have strong opinions of what is good and bad about the game. I tried to play it. At 18 years old and 118 pounds I could throw a baseball from the pitchers mound to home plate at over 90 miles per hour... about 6 times before the speed dropped to about 60 mph. I coached kids’ baseball, have a library of baseball paraphernalia to challenge many, and have played so many "tabletop" and computer games to assemble five centuries of history.

I'm a decent guy, a good friend, and a non-stop, in-your-face researcher and analyst when it comes to almost anything baseball. I'll tell you what I like, what I don't like; and yet will give you an ear to talk to even if I don't agree.


For those that don't know me, read the above And add to that I'm a regular guy that has weaknesses too. Some which have gotten me in trouble with OOTP fans here as well, a number of years ago. For that I'm sorry, although if you've read any of the above you probably figured I still think I was right


Enough of me for now, I want to close in on what this post is about.

I ran across OOTP Version 3 (!!) when I was looking for a "better" computer baseball game. I did some research, and found out it was written by a German. LOL, well I almost passed it up there; I mean what does a German know about baseball. But, the price was reasonable, it had decent reviews, and what the heck - it was about baseball. I ordered a copy and once again was hooked. Sure, it wasn't everything I wanted - but neither is Version 9. With all its faults, it was the best thing out there, and I started playing it.


Over the years I got involved on these boards, created and played historical and fictional leagues, designed ballparks, team logos, and even moderated the board for a short while (my nemesis task lol). In short, I gave what I could out of the love for the game.


I've been playing OOTP through 7 versions now. Through the good years and the bad. Watching Markus struggle to do what he could to simply have the best damn baseball game in existence. There's only one other game I used with that kind of commitment - the original Replay Baseball tabletop game by Replay Games of Carmichaels, PA.(1973-1991). I still have a mint 1947 set including the box


So, what does my long-winded (get use to it) rambling have to do with the title of this post?


The “Road to the Summit” will be, by all practical measurements, my final fictional baseball league. As I sat wondering about what to do next, I had to accept the fact I'm almost 62 years old, will be retired within a few months, and I'm not going to live forever lol. That focused me on wanting to do a project I've been thinking about for a long time.


I have lived in exactly 8 "homes" during my lifetime (not counting a handful of apartments and dormrooms). I also have been a huge fan of Robert Coover's "Universal Baseball Association" since it was written in 1968. I loved his way of telling a story born from the main character's mind – and the details involved to make the fictional story real to him - maybe too real lol.


It has always been my dream to either continue the story of the UBA, or to create my own in the same image of Robert Coover's book. I think the time has come.


Thus the "Federal Baseball Commonwealth" is born. The teams in this league will be from the eight places I've lived in my lifetime. As you can imagine, the characteristics of those times in my life will shape either team or the characters. I'll leave it up to the reader/fan of the FBC to decide how or if it matters at all. The writing style will be a mix of Coover's approach of short stories and my own, and OOTP will provide all the details one might need to fill things in.


This will truly be a labor of love and the goal of a lifetime, so the seasons will pass, and the stories will be written, until such a day as I can't go on for whatever reason. I hope the effort fully describes my love of baseball and provides you with some entertaining reading.


The TEAMS


Even though these places are real places in my life, I prefer to place these neighborhoods into an imaginary world where they are the summer's local entertainment. Let's call it an island/peninsula, with details to be filled in later.


Collinwood Railroaders
I was born in 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio and spent the first few years of my life living above my grandfathers grocery store in what was then an Italian neighborhood on the East side. I chose (as I did for most of the teams) to pick the mascot from the closest high school. My father went to Collinwood High School until he joined the Army for WW2. So he’s an official “Railroader”.


Mayfield Wildcats
A suburb of Cleveland; a model of middle class America. I lived here until I was 8 years old - the year I saw my first baseball game. Playing with freinds and the red headed girl across the street were the highpoints of this time.


Murray Hill Marios
This is a deeply Italian urban neighborhood in Cleveland I lived in for one year before we moved to California. I went to a Catholic school, talked to my neighbors in Italian because they didn't (or refused to) speak English, and got my first look at my culture as if I lived in Italy. There is no high school here that would work or provide the feel of this team - so how could I not use the Nintendo "Mario" as my mascot here. I thought about the Gangsters, but that was a little too much


Alhambra Moors
In California, my parents owned an Italian delicatessen and restaurant (real surprise here huh?). Alhambra was a small city that had a large Asian and Latino population. Surprisingly our Italian fare was popular. I thought I was going to grow up to be an Italian Beach bum. Disneyland was one of my favorite places – and all the neon signs!!! (think Hollywood).


Mentor Cardinals
After almost 2 years in CA, my Grandmother got very ill and needed care. My parents sold everything and moved back to Ohio. Mentor is about 20 miles East of Cleveland and was, at the time, a middle upper class community - more of a rural feeling than suburban. I was here from 6th grade to two years after HS graduation. My wild oats years were born here, and I floated away from my love for baseball for a while near the end of this period.


North Hill Vikings
After I graduated from college and moved to Akron, Ohio for a job, I spent a few years single before getting married. Our first home was in yet another Italian neighborhood - but in this case, its glory days were gone. Lots of hints of the culture like the Italian club and spaghetti Wednesdays, but it was basically an urban setting. I lived here 11 years before I got a promotion that gave me extra pocket money.


Stow Bulldogs
With two girls in elementary school and some extra cash, I moved to a "Mentor type" community - upper middle class - good schools, and stayed 21 years while I sent my daughters to college and then looked around the house one day and said, "once more".


Sand Run Falcons
My final home (at least I think so). Nestled on a ravine in a quiet 50 year old neighborhood (I was in California when the house was built). This is one of those established, large tree neighborhoods. A place of quiet and relaxation (except when the grandkids are over).


Well, that’s 10% new league info, and 90% autobiography. If you enjoyed any of it I'm thankful. If you didn't, you quit reading a while back so I don't have to apologize


Next, I will set things up on OOTP Version 9 and actually start telling you about the league setup - and why. I will be designing eight new ballparks for this league; and will make them available to the community as well, and eventually start playing some games


Thank you for reading this far if you did, and watch for my next post.

Henry

[PhillieFever]

Good to meet you Henry,let me be the first to welcome you back and introduce myself,my name is John(Philliefever on the board,you can call me whichever you like),I'm a 37 (almost 38) year old guy from Philaelphia.I'm also an avid reader of all things baseball although,I've not yet read Coover's book.I'm a big fan of Roger Angell and it's his "Five Seasons" I'm reading now.I've been a member here for nearly a year.I look forward to following your Universe!

[AtlCoach]

Henry!

Just a quick note to say thank you for sharing your passion for this game and the game of baseball. YOU are the reason I have become invoved in this game. (previously was ATLGary). I am so glad to see you are back!

[glenn]

Welcome, or welcome back. Thanks for sharing your story, and your passion about baseball.

Glad to see you fulfilling your dream, and I look forward to reading and following along!

[kenyan_cheena]

Damn, Henry, you went four years between posts on the board! I was only just starting here when you started your hiatus. Welcome back. After that initial post I'll certainly be following this.

[edog23]

Henry, welcome back and I'm looking forward to more of your story.

[CatKnight]

Hi Henry!

62 seems a little young to be writing your final dynasty ever.

I never read all of Coover's book: Just the first chapter or two online. It'll be quite a feat to match his story. Just be careful not to overreact if one of your stars has a career ending injury.

I was born in Connecticut, but now I live in Cleveland. It was kinda nice recognizing most of the names you're using for your cities. I never made it to old Municipal Stadium - though the Sieve (Jacobs Field/Progressive Field) is certainly pretty.

Good luck! I'll be following!

[Henry]

Federal Baseball Commonwealth
January 2nd, 1947
Inaugural Draft

By random drawing, the teams will choose in the following order (Serpentine) ...

Mentor Cardinals (National Division)
Murray Hill Marios (American Division)
Collinwood Railroaders (American Division)
North Hill Vikings (National Division)
Stow Bulldogs (National Division)
Sand Run Falcons (National Division)
Alhambra Moors (American Division)
Mayfield Wildcats (American Division)

648 players are in the draft of which 400 will be chosen in the 50 round event.

Since we don't know a lot about the baseball prowness of the eight team owners and coaching staffs, we will try and deduct that for you as the draft proceeds. Personalities and habits will emerge Before we get started, however, lets go over some of the more significant league details.

8 teams, 2 divisions, each with a single AAA level team which will draw from annual rookies and the Amateur draft. Trades enabled, but set to very low to start. Starting season 1947. No Financials (until 1975).

Note that I will offer my own opinions of the events as we move forward. Henry, you see, is the FBC's Senior reporter, employed by the FBC Chancellor's Office to document and filter what goes to the public. But, as you readers are "internal" fans of interest, I get to offer you a little of what goes on behind the scenes in addition to what is released to the public. I hope it serves to "fill in" the details. I rate each pick as either +1 or -1 and accumulate these ratings to a team total. This total is my estimation of how successful each team is in the overall draft.

Round 1

Cardinals
choose 24yo 3B Cristo Ramos, tremendous power potential, very athletic and rated high at both 3b and 1b, fantastic speed.
Good solid pick +1

Marios
choose 26yo SP Wilber Bryant, nice breaking stuff, average fastball, good control, few homeruns, smart, strong
A bit questionable as a first round pick -1

Railroaders
choose 20yo CF Doug "Extreme" Hancock, defensive asset, speed, and has power potential, but swings at bad pitches
A reasonable pick - lots of potential, but he has to learn to be patient +1

Vikings
choose 26yo CF Eduardo De La Cruz, good eye, ability to provide spark in the lineup, but questionable fielding
Not sure how to call this other than questionable for the first round -1

Bulldogs
choose 23yo 2B John Greer, good eye, a little power, above average spped, but lacking on defense
Another questionable first round pick -1

Falcons
choose 25yo RF Kenneth Mathews, very good contact, top power potential, and amazing defensive skills
Rock solid pick +1

Moors
choose 20yo 2B Jose' Gonzalas, great hitter, amazing power, above average defense and speed
Another good pick +1

Wildcats
choose 25yo CF Raul Leyva, average, average, average, but does run well
I think the Wildcats missed an opportunity here -1

Summary of Round 1
Good picks by the Cardinals, Railroaders, Falcons, and Moors. Not surprising that all teams went with youth in the first round. 1-SP, 2-2B, 1-3B, 1-RF, and 3-CF show most attention is focused up the middle.


Round 2

Wildcats
choose 25yo SP Vincent Rogers, great potential, lots of movement, fantastic control - where was this guy in Round 1?
Fantastic pick +1, Total 0

Moors
choose 24yo LF Ricardo Garcia, both contact and power, average defense, average runner
second offensive pick for the Moors - good move +1, Total +2

Falcons
choose 20yo 2B Ralph Schultz, no offense, draws walks, good defense, average speed
Falcons fail to follow up 1st pick with another gang buster -1, Total 0

Bulldogs
choose 26yo 3B Woody Parrish, average hitter, average defense, no speed
Bulldogs miss second opportunity -1, Total -2

Vikings
choose 19yo 2B George Crosby, average hitter with power, capable defense, average speed
Another questionable pick for the Vikings -1, Total -2

Railroaders
choose 22yo 2B Carlton Crouch, excellent hitter, no power, average defense, no speed
Will call this one a good pick as compared to the last three +1, Total +2

Marios
choose 25yo LF George Stewart, Average hitter with awesome power, iffy defense and no speed
Call this a miss -1, Total -2

Cardinals
choose 30yo SP Henry Wynn, no fastball but impressive movement and accuracy
Good pick +1, Total +2

Summary of Round 2
Good picks by the Cardinals, Railroaders, Wildcats, and Moors. Top ratings after 2 rounds; Moors, and Railroaders. Bottom of the heap; Bulldogs, Vikings, and Marios


Round 3

Cardinals
choose 24yo SS Sergio Osborne, below average hitter, average speed, but excellent defense
Have to call this a miss for the 3rd round -1, Total +1

Marios
choose 28yo RF Antonio Hernandez, gifted hitter, some power, capable defense, good speed
great pick +1, Total -1

Railroaders
choose 22yo RF Gary Stewart, good hitter with power, average fielder, no speed
Railroaders pull another good player +1, Total +3

Vikings
choose 24yo C Jack Sykes, great contact, little power, outstanding defense, great baserunner
blue ribbon pick +1, Total -1

Bulldogs
choose 25yo SS Charlie King, awesome contact and power, good eye, good defense, average runner
excellent pick +1, Total -1

Falcons
choose 20yo 3B Clyde Johnson, subpar hitter but has power, above average defense, no speed
have to call this a poor pick -1, Total -1

Moors
choose 20yo CF Norm Franklin, poor hitter, bit of power, BUT Gold Glove defense and very fast
this pick is more positive than negative +1, Total +3

Wildcats
choose 23yo 2B Richard Hester, super hitter, no power, patient, good defense, above average speed
this is definitely a good pick for the Wildcats +1, Total +1

Summary of Round 3
Good picks by the Marios, Railroaders, Vikings, Bulldogs, Moors, and Wildcats. My ratings after 3 rounds puts the Railroaders and Moors out in front of the pack with the Cardinals and Wildcats not too far behind.

My next post will cover rounds 4-6; then provide highlights of rounds 7-50.

------

"madonna!", spurted Tony Provinchi, primary owner of the Railroaders. "By God, Joe, you manage to make those other GMs look like schuola kids in the first three rounds!"

Joe Mullins smirked, "Lucky - maybe...", he responded. "It's only three players, Tony, and we have 47 rounds left."

"But I'm reading these scouting papers...reports...', started Provinchi.

"Yes", interrupted Mullins, "But we were forced to analyze those reports in very short order - with all the deadlines to get this show on the road this year instead of next. We can't be sure the scouts had enough time to actually see these guys or just make up things becasue they didn't have enough time."

Tony set down the papers on the table and stared at Mullins. "You sure as hell don't take compliments well, do you Joe?"

Joe smiled at the number one owner of the Railroaders and said, "Well, when things are going bad and your on my ass about it, Tony, I wont be taking that none too well either"

Both men looked at each other for a moment in silence before they both busted out laughing.

[Henry]

Federal Baseball Commonwealth
January 2nd, 1947
Inaugural Draft

Round 4

Wildcats
choose 38yo SP Jaime "Juggernaut" Hernandez. The first player chosen over 30 (a lot over 30) but, excellent stuff and pinpoint control.
rock solid +1, Total +2

Moors
choose 36yo SP Victor Flowers, another ocer-30 hardend player with mastered talents
excellent 3rd round pick +1, Total +4

Falcons
choose 34yo SP Alex McClure, mediocre pitch menu but good control
badly want to call this a good pick, but simply can't at this stage -1, Total -2

Bulldogs
choose 34yo SP Alfonso Palacios, talents similar to McClure - could be twins
Bulldogs miss -1, Total -2

Vikings
choose 29yo SP Brandon Anderson, good stuff and movement, above average control
better pick that last two and younger too +1, Total 0

Railroaders
choose 27yo SP Hector Ayala, stuff + movement + control = success
good pick (yet again) +1, Total +4

Marios
choose 33yo SP Flint Hamilton, effective menu, excellent command
good pick +1, Total 0

Cardinals
choose 33yo SP Lowell Holloway,
ok pick but not in keeping with others this round -1, Total 0

Summary of Round 4
Good picks by five of eight teams. Top ratings after 4 rounds; Moors, Railroaders, and Wildcats close.


Round 5

Cardinals
choose 35yo 2B Mario Tobor, hits with power, capable defense, decent runner
score one for the Cardianls +1, Total +1

Marios
choose 36yo Closer Howard Mathews, excellent stopper
might be early to go this way but the Marios needed a hit +1, Total +1

Railroaders
choose 30yo SP Jesus Machecha, nice menu, hard to hit, command control
yet another hit for the Railroaders +1, Total +5

Vikings
choose 27yo SP Brian Glover, good stuff and movement, but lacks control
near miss -1, Total -1

Bulldogs
choose 34yo SP Morberto Rodriguez, average pitcher that throws too high too often
what were they thinking? -1, Total -3

Falcons
choose 20yo SP Miguel Rios, young and noticable weaknesses, inconsistent
not going to cut it -1, Total -3

Moors
choose 37yo SP Thomas Farrell, good stuff, solid performer
one up for the Moors +1, Total +5

Wildcats
choose 35yo RF Aurilio Ladner, good hitter with awesom power, average defense / speed
solid pick, even if a bit aged +1, Total +3

Summary of Round 5
Five teams hit, 3 miss. My ratings after 5 rounds puts the Railroaders and Moors still out in front of the pack with the Wildcats on their heals. The Bulldogs and Falcons losing ground.


Round 6

Wildcats
choose 22yo 3B Pedro Soto, hitting, power, and eye all excellent, average fielder, above average speed
scouts smile about players like this, and the Wildcats are getting serious +1, Total +4

Moors
choose 23yo RF Jesus Hernandez, has everything but speed
excellent pick +1, Total +6

Falcons
choose 27yo SS Vincent Clark, shortstop that can hit with some power, good defense, average speed
good pick that the Falcons needed +1, Total -2

Bulldogs
choose 28yo Closer Rick Baker, average stuff but effective
I'm calling this one "average" (my rules, my choice , "0", Total -3

Vikings
choose 22yo RF Eduardo Liriano, this guy doesn't hit, but godd defense and excellent speed
IF he gets on base... -1, Total -2

Railroaders
choose 21yo SP Jeff Folkard, not much movement, good control but always down the middle, good breaking ball
this one is a miss for the Railroaders -1, Total +4

Marios
choose 24yo SS Ryan Sargent, no-hit, no-run, excellent defense
nope -1, Total 0

Cardinals
choose 28yo RF Parker Buck, average hitter, no pop, no speed, good defense
a miss is a miss -1, Total 0

Summary of Round 6
Only three good picks this round. After 6 rounds (and before I go into highlight mode) where do we stand?

Alhambra Moors +6
Round 1, Pick 7 - Alhambra Moors: 2B J. Gonzáles
Round 2, Pick 2 - Alhambra Moors: LF R. García
Round 3, Pick 7 - Alhambra Moors: CF N. Franklin
Round 4, Pick 2 - Alhambra Moors: SP V. Flowers
Round 5, Pick 7 - Alhambra Moors: SP T. Farrell
Round 6, Pick 2 - Alhambra Moors: RF J. Hernández

Six Rounds = 6 points, top of the draft and no mistakes, I expect the Moors to be a top contender unless they totally screw up the rest of the draft.

Mayfield Wildcats +4
Round 1, Pick 8 - Mayfield Wildcats: CF R. Leyva
Round 2, Pick 1 - Mayfield Wildcats: SP V. Rogers
Round 3, Pick 8 - Mayfield Wildcats: 2B R. Hester
Round 4, Pick 1 - Mayfield Wildcats: SP J. Hernández
Round 5, Pick 8 - Mayfield Wildcats: RF A. Ladner
Round 6, Pick 1 - Mayfield Wildcats: 3B P. Soto

Questionable start in the early rounds, but the Wildcats came back strong, good position heading into the 7th round.

Collinwood Railroaders +4
Round 1, Pick 3 - Collinwood Railroaders: CF D. Hancock
Round 2, Pick 6 - Collinwood Railroaders: 2B C. Crouch
Round 3, Pick 3 - Collinwood Railroaders: RF G. Stewart
Round 4, Pick 6 - Collinwood Railroaders: SP H. Ayala
Round 5, Pick 3 - Collinwood Railroaders: SP J. Machecha
Round 6, Pick 6 - Collinwood Railroaders: SP J. Folkard

Started off strong, slipped a little later, still in a good spot at this point.

Bottom of the heap..

Stow Bulldogs -3
Round 1, Pick 5 - Stow Bulldogs: 2B J. Greer
Round 2, Pick 4 - Stow Bulldogs: 3B W. Parrish
Round 3, Pick 5 - Stow Bulldogs: SS C. King
Round 4, Pick 4 - Stow Bulldogs: SP A. Palácios
Round 5, Pick 5 - Stow Bulldogs: SP N. Rodríguez
Round 6, Pick 4 - Stow Bulldogs: CL R. Baker

The Bulldogs have a lot to fix, but there are 44 rounds left. It'll be interesting to see if they turn things around.

------

The outer office at Grant Enterprises was a-buzz with assistants running from phone to phone trying to organize the draft details for Collier. Martin Collier Grant was the 3rd generation of Grants running the company, and the first to get involved in baseball. He was a micro manager - had his finger in everything. Hadn't even chosen a general manager yet because he wanted to do the draft himself. and so far, he had done very well for himself. The FBC's Senior reporter was reporting to the Chancellor that the Moors had done near perfect in the first 6 rounds. He smiled to himself.

Grant Enterprises was a corporate giant - having made all kinds of quickly designed materials for the war just ended and making a fortune in the process. Collier (Martin to his friends and "Colie" to his wife) had invested part of that fortune into a new team in the FBC, a league started to put entertainment back into the lives of the common people.

Collier looked over his first six players. Two excellent starting pitchers, and allstar second baseman, and a complete outfield. Not one a slouch, but a lot of holes to fill yet.

"Mr. Grant?", called a young man at the door. "Mr. Ortega has a lead on the 7th round."

"Bring him in here" bellowed Collier.

Jaime Ortega was a good scout. He understood the team Grant was trying to build - and wasn't so filled with himself he wouldn't compromise. Let's see what he had to say. Might be time to let him pick one...

[Henry]

Federal Baseball Commonwealth
January 2nd, 1947
Inaugural Draft

Round 7 highlights

Marios pick 3B Mike Banks 28yo, Power and good eye, +1, Total +1
Railroaders pick LF Nick Taylor 25yo, Contact and power, +1, Total +5
FYI: The Moors pick was SP Rory Martin 23yo, looks to be an average pitcher but has a wicked slider. Rumors have it the Moors scout made this pick.

Round 8 highlights

Moors pick C Michael Saul 35yo, Superstar, +1, Total +7
Railroaders pick 1B Ismael Garcia 35yo, Allstar, +1, Total +6
Cardinals pick C Jeff Burnett 23yo, solid and young, +1, Total +1

Round 9 highlights

Railroaders pick 3B Jason Campbell 30yo, has everything but power, +1, Total +7
Bulldogs pick CF Lonnie Roper 28yo, above average player with a great eye, +1, Total -2
Moors pick Closer Bill Moser 31yo, excellent movement, good stuff, +1, Total +8
Wildcats pick SS Greg Gill 31yo, high average, good defense, +1, Total +5

Round 10 highlights

Wildcats pick C Bill Ross 24yo, Gap abilities and good eye, +1, Total +6
Moors pick MR Angel Ramos 27yo, top rated movement and control, +1, Total +9
Bulldogs pick LF Manuel Romero 26yo, well rounded above average talents, +1, Total -1


After 10 rounds, Here's my draft ratings...

1. Moors +9 : 9 out ot a possible 10 is almost insane, yet only one pick looks like anything but a total star.
2. Railroaders +7 : Looks like Collier Grant has a true baseball heart for talent.
3. Wildcats +6 : Can't be excluded from this club of leaders.
4. Marios +1
5. Cardinals +1
6. Bulldogs -1
7. Falcons -1
8. Vikings -1

Since I'm now only awarding those teams with highlight picks, the lower teams can only move up if they make a number of them - mimicking the value decrease of the later rounds. It will be interesting to see if BBN sees the final draft results the same way I do.

------

The Wildcat staff was sitting around in a good mood. This group of relatively inexperienced staffers (combined 22 years experience among 6 individuals) had done well for themselves. No General manager to-date, yet they were being seen as 3rd best drafters through the first 10 rounds.

"Think we can keep it up?", asked scouting director Miguel Perez.

"Why not?", responded manager Cisco Martinez. "We have a chance to make a name for ourselves here, and put ourselves in command of the situation before the Bradford Boys hire a GM."

The "Bradford Boys" were Mike and Jerrod Bradford, brothers. They had pooled their small fortunes and threw everything they had into forming the Wildcats. The reason they didn't have a GM yet was because they didn't have enough money to hire one. When they hired the current staff of relative rookies, the dropped the responsibility of the draft on 43 year old manager Martinez who owned 11 of that combined 22 years expereince.

The youngest member of the staff, team trainer Kieran Stafford, jumped from his seat.

"Hey guys. That pitcher we were going to grab next round? Take a look at this article about an injury last year."

The rookie staff gathered around their young trainer to see what he had found.

[Henry]

Federal Baseball Commonwealth
January 2nd, 1947
Inaugural Draft

Round 11-50 highlights

Over the course of the next 40 rounds, the teams ranked as follows...

Moors
Rounds 1-10 +9
Rounds 11-50 +3
Final +12

In my opinion, the overall winners of the inaugural draft. The Moors continuously made what I believe to be good choices which will put them in contention the very first season as well as build for the future. Per BBN, Alhambra holds 22 of the top 140 best players and top prospects in the league - that's 5 more than the average spread. It appears team owner Collier Grant did well in acting as his own GM.

Wildcats
Rounds 1-10 +6
Rounds 11-50 +4
Final +10

The Wildcats surprised many in this draft as they place 2nd in my ratings. BBN lists them with 23 of the top 140, actually one better than the Moors. The combined total of 22 years staff experience showed signs of maturing quickly.

Railroaders
Rounds 1-10 +7
Rounds 11-50 +2
Final +9

The Railroaders were poised to run away with this draft but softened in the later rounds to fall to 3rd place in my opinion. BBN gives the Railroaders 25 of the top 140 - which actaully on that single specific is the best results in the league. I have no doubt the Railroaders will compete, but I think the Moors and Wildcats may edge them out.

Marios
Rounds 1-10 +1
Rounds 11-50 +4
Final +5

The Marios lay claim to the 4th position - which suprisingly completes the 4 teams of the American Division. As it turns out, the best four teams all are from the American Division suggesting a projected result for the Commonwealth Series.

Cardinals
Rounds 1-10 +1
Rounds 11-50 +3
Final +4

Over in the National Division, the Cardinals and Bulldogs tie in my estimation for the next best draft and the top position in the standings. BNN gives a slight advantage to the Cardinals.

Bulldogs
Rounds 1-10 -1
Rounds 11-50 +3
Final +2

Per BNN the Bulldogs only placed 12 players in the top 140. I think they did a bit better than what that suggests because their depth is a bit better than the remaining two teams.

Vikings
Rounds 1-10 -1
Rounds 11-50 +2
Final +1

Their really isn't enough difference between the last two teams (Vikings and Falcons) to call who's on the bottom with any accuracy. They both did terrible. I think they are going to have a long hard road unless something drastic changes.

Falcons
Rounds 1-10 -1
Rounds 11-50 +1
Final +0


Next up is Spring Training, after which we weed through the successes and failures, changes in rosters, and all injuries - and make our final projects for the FBC inaugural season.

------

Chancellor Andrew Walker sat back in his chair, lit a cigar, and thought about the day's activities. 400 players drafted in 50 rounds. Some good moves, some bad ones, and a few surprises - but the FBC was coming together. All the hard work over the past few years and the final rush to move up the first season from 48 to 47 was paying off. Eight teams, staffing more or less complete, players drafted, and now Spring Training about to start. He couldn't have wrote a better story and here one was playing out in front of him.

The collection of players from the many manufacturing teams they played on had brought some hard feelings between the FBC owners and the company brass. Many of the company teams were depleted and would have to build from the ground up. It was even discussed whether the old Company leagues could survive with the semi-pro FBC now in existence. How many people would bother to go see the company games when an FBC game was in the area?

Walker had promised to either help rebuild the company baseball leagues, or if that failed, to allow the companies effected to sponsor the FBC players in some sort of advertising program. Andrew didn't have a clue how either of those two options were going to work, but he had to think on it - and did as he dozed of after a very exciting and long day.

[CatKnight]

Exciting start, and you're right - we're starting to get a feel for the different teams.

I think I'm going to root for the Wildcats so far. They're young (experience wise), but seem competent. If they can keep the Bradfords from any overt interference - they seem more hands off than Collier and his Moors, which so far remind me of Steinbrenner's Yanks.

[Henry]

Jan 3, 1947 3am

Chancellor Walker woke from his sleep with a start. "That was it", he said aloud, "THAT was it!. He was so tickled he felt like skipping around his sitting room, but his age warned him otherwise.

Attach the company teams to each FBC team as its minor league affiliate! It was so simple he felt stupid for not thinking of it earlier. Grant would be thrilled to serve as his own feeder team and moving players back and forth would generate the public interest to see the company games. Teams without company ties would be up for grabs by the highest bidder, generating money into the FBC club.

"Hot damn!", Andrew exclaimed.

His excitement had woken his wife.

"Andrew? What the devil is going on?", she asked as she entered the room with concern on her face.

"Margaret, you may be married to the smartest man on earth", he said.

"Why Andrew", she blushed, "I already knew that."

The expression on Andrew's face was worth a memory.

[Jestor]

Having spent a semester in Granada, Spain, I can't cheer for anyone but the Moors.

[Henry]

Federal Baseball Commonwealth
Q1 1947
Team Prep

On January 3rd, 1947, Chancellor Andrew Walker held a Press Conference and announced that each FBC team would accept bids from the companies who lost players from their company teams to be the FBC team's affiliate minor league feeder. The noise level in the room rose as the reaction was very positive. Within the hour, Martin Collier Grant announced that Grant Enterprises would be the affiliate for the Moors (no surprise there); but an hour later a surprise did surface.

The Bradford Brothers announced they had accepted a bid from Tucker Motors to be their affiliate, and on the following day the Wildcats signed 18 year veteran Dave Scott as their General Manager, making him the 3rd most experienced GM in the Commonwealth.

By February 23th, all team staffs had been chosen - totaling the following experience level - and affiliated with the following companies.

Moors (71) - Grant Enterprises
Railroaders (58) - Holmes Furniture
Wildcats (40) - Tucker Motors
Cardinals (64) - Munson Machines
Marios (82) - Cornell Corporation
Vikings (80) - Woodward Financials
Falcons (43) - Parkway Developments
Bulldogs (83) - Graham Environmental

Transactions

AMERICAN DIVISION

Alhambra Moors

Jan 3, 1947 - Signed 6 players from the FA list (3B Dan Samuels, SS Jeffrey Waters, SP Britt Metcalf, 3B Bob Tomlinson, 3B Rodger O'Quinn, and SP Gerald Johnston). Affiliate Grant Enterprises announced.

Jan 11, 1947 - Moors sign GM Gerard Jackson (9 years experience) Interesting to note that Jackson was hired by Collier Grant AFTER all the major moves were made.

Collinwood Railroaders

Jan 3, 1947 - The Railroaders sign 4 starting pitchers off the FA list and all 4 make it to the active roster for Spring Training (Calvin Herman, Broderick Jackson, Andrew McCoy, and Felix Garza)

Feb 3, 1947 - Affiliate Holmes Furniture announced.

Mayfield Wildcats

Jan 3, 1947 - Signed SP Tucker Tipton and SP Dave Abbott. Affiliate Tucker Motors announced.

Jan 4, 1947 - signed GM Dave Scott (18 years experience)

Murray Hill Marios

Jan 23, 1947 - affiliate Cornell Corporation announced.


NATIONAL DIVISION

Mentor Cardinals

Feb 15th, 1947 - affiliate Munson Machines announced.

North Hill Vikings

Feb 7, 1947 - affiliate Woodward Financials announced.

Sand Run Falcons

Jan 3, 1947 - Signed RF Derek Parks.
Jan 17, 1947 - Signed GM Ernest Powers (8 years experience), Affiliate Parkway Developments announced.

Stow Bulldogs

Jan 6, 1947 - Signed SS Arien Walker
Jan 8, 1947 - Signed GM Ed Mitchell (16 years experience)
Feb 23, 1947 - Affiliate Graham Environmental announced.

[TC Dale]

Very happy seeing Henry give us one last hurrah. This is going to be great stuff folks. Welcome back, Henry!!! I missed you!

[TribeFanInNC]

Thanks for sharing with us Henry and good luck with your grand finale.

As a fellow native Clevelander, I will be following along. Though I don't have many ties with the East Side, my dad lived just up the road from Murray Hill for a while so maybe I'll root for the Marios.

[CatKnight]

Interesting that the teams we expect to do well (Moors, Wildcats, Railroaders) were most active in FA, though it was nice to see the Falcons and Bulldogs making an effort.

While it's true (and interesting!) that Collier made the FA decisions before hiring a GM for the Moors, it's worth noting that seems to have been true of the Wildcats, Falcons and Bulldogs as well. I guess all those owners wanted to make sure things were stable before turning it over to a 'business' manager.

[Lee]

Great to see you back Henry, I will definitely be following, it is a real treat to get another dynasty from you!

[Henry]

Spring Training Schedule starts tonight!


Federal Baseball Commonwealth
March 6th, 1947

Baseball America Top 100 Prospects List Published
The season is about to start, so it's time for Baseball America to publish the annual Top 100 Prospects list. This year 20-year old left fielder Doug Hancock of the Collinwood Railroaders is the #1 prospect overall.

Here is the top 10:
1) LF Doug Hancock, 20, Collinwood Railroaders, Round 1
2) 3B Ralph Schultz, 20, Sand Run Falcons, Round 2
3) CF Mark McLeod, 18, Alhambra Moors, Round 23
4) SP Jeff Folkard, 21, Collinwood Railroaders, Round 6
5) 3B Clyde Johnson, 20, Sand Run Falcons, Round 3
6) C Claudio Watkins, 19, Sand Run Falcons, Round 10
7) 2B George Crosby, 19, North Hill Vikings, Round 2
8) RF Kyle Graham, 19, Mayfield Wildcats, Round 26
9) CF Norm Franklin, 20, Alhambra Moors, Round 3
10) 2B José Gonzáles, 20, Alhambra Moors, Round 1