In the "Can't make this stuff up category..."

gambler · 04-22-2004, 01:01 PM

Here's a reason for creating a fictional league as opposed to a historical one. Sometimes you get things you just can't make up.

I created a North versus South league, with the background history being somewhat vague but revolving around a second Civil War, this time with the South gaining their independence in the late 1870's. (No, I'm not a "The South was justified and right" type, it was the first thought that came to mind when I was trying to figure out how to incorporate Charleston into the association). Basically, 8 of the 'real' 1901 teams became the NL (Northern League). And I created 8 from the CSA states to become the SL (Southern League).

Rather than carefully pick every player for the Charleston Oaks (first professional team named after a plant? - name might not hold long, Charleston has so many other good names... Spirits, Hurricanes, and my favorite 'Battery'... but I plan to change their name a couple times... one long parenthetical later...) I just let the CPU draft for all teams.

Anyhow, there were only a couple legitimate stars on the team, but one happened to be Matthew Gatling, a pitcher. I decided right from the start to leave the awards 'generic' until 1931 and then name them after the 'best' players, careerwise, at the appropriate position.

Well, turns out Gatling had a couple of good starts (unfortunately going 0-1 due to not enough run support and a 3.35 ERA or some such). I know, far too early to even think he might be the best pitcher in league history by 1931 but he's only 20. So I began thinking... Man, wouldn't an award named "Gatling" be perfect for the best pitcher (as in, Gatling Gun?) So I checked up on the history of the Gatling Gun.

http://college.hmco.com/history/read...gatlinggun.htm

Now tell me that's not a perfect history if Richard Jordan Gatling was this kid's ancestor?

gordyhulten · 04-22-2004, 01:09 PM

Ah, this is why I love fictional leagues so much. I've got something structured similarly to your, but with another league on the Mississippi River "frontier."

ScottZ · 04-22-2004, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gambler
Charleston has so many other good names.........and my favorite 'Battery'...

How is Teddy Chronopolus working out for the Battery...we miss him in New England.

treedom · 04-22-2004, 01:31 PM

great story!

and, i'd like to second gordyhulten's remark too...fictional is where it's at for exactly this reason...

Rizon · 04-22-2004, 01:40 PM

Lincoln thought the machine gun was teh suk.

gambler · 04-22-2004, 01:56 PM

Scottz: To tell you the truth, I don't have a clue! I used to live in Charleston, love the place, but am currently in New England myself.

04-22-2004, 01:01 PM	#1
gambler Minors (Single A) Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 71	In the "Can't make this stuff up category..." Here's a reason for creating a fictional league as opposed to a historical one. Sometimes you get things you just can't make up. I created a North versus South league, with the background history being somewhat vague but revolving around a second Civil War, this time with the South gaining their independence in the late 1870's. (No, I'm not a "The South was justified and right" type, it was the first thought that came to mind when I was trying to figure out how to incorporate Charleston into the association). Basically, 8 of the 'real' 1901 teams became the NL (Northern League). And I created 8 from the CSA states to become the SL (Southern League). Rather than carefully pick every player for the Charleston Oaks (first professional team named after a plant? - name might not hold long, Charleston has so many other good names... Spirits, Hurricanes, and my favorite 'Battery'... but I plan to change their name a couple times... one long parenthetical later...) I just let the CPU draft for all teams. Anyhow, there were only a couple legitimate stars on the team, but one happened to be Matthew Gatling, a pitcher. I decided right from the start to leave the awards 'generic' until 1931 and then name them after the 'best' players, careerwise, at the appropriate position. Well, turns out Gatling had a couple of good starts (unfortunately going 0-1 due to not enough run support and a 3.35 ERA or some such). I know, far too early to even think he might be the best pitcher in league history by 1931 but he's only 20. So I began thinking... Man, wouldn't an award named "Gatling" be perfect for the best pitcher (as in, Gatling Gun?) So I checked up on the history of the Gatling Gun. http://college.hmco.com/history/read...gatlinggun.htm Now tell me that's not a perfect history if Richard Jordan Gatling was this kid's ancestor?

04-22-2004, 01:09 PM	#2
gordyhulten All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,175	Ah, this is why I love fictional leagues so much. I've got something structured similarly to your, but with another league on the Mississippi River "frontier." __________________ Gordy Hulten Owner / General Manager Red Willow Roadrunners -- Kennel Series Champions: 1951, 1959, 1964, 1965, 1972, 1975, 1980, 1982, 1983 Dog Days Baseball - "The World's Best Online OOTP League" Creator inactive: Republican League - OOTP 2009 Dynasty inactive: Republican League Dynasty - Version 2.0 inactive: Republican League Dynasty

04-22-2004, 01:31 PM	#4
treedom Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Transylvania Posts: 2,900	great story! and, i'd like to second gordyhulten's remark too...fictional is where it's at for exactly this reason... __________________ A rake and a roustabout.

04-22-2004, 01:40 PM	#5
Rizon Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: SF Area, California Total Posts: 531,691 Posts: 2,369	Lincoln thought the machine gun was teh suk. __________________ JML MILKSHAKES

04-22-2004, 01:56 PM	#6
gambler Minors (Single A) Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 71	Scottz: To tell you the truth, I don't have a clue! I used to live in Charleston, love the place, but am currently in New England myself.