The Baseball Life of Tom Haley (OOTP11)

[Springbokus]

Mate, this is just the perfect dynasty. I've never thought of doing one focusing solely on a single player, however I think you have inspried me .

What I really love about it is your "no frills" approach. There is no reliance on fancy graphics, it's the story that grabs you! I have to admit, reading that last post where Tom finally got his ring, I was on the edge of my seat (at work might I add!) pleading that he would get those final outs!

Really impressed with your fortitude in not playing baseball deity too. It really makes the story that much more impressive. I mean, Ty vs Tom in the NLCS... you can't make that stuff up!!

Keep up the brilliant work, I can't wait to see where the story goes from here!!

[Big Six]

Thank you for the compliments, Springbokus. I'm glad you're enjoying Tom's story.

Sometimes the temptation is really strong to play Baseball Deity. In fact, there's a plot twist coming up that I REALLY wanted to undo...but I shook my head and let it go. I haven't messed with the "real" events yet, so I didn't want to start now.

Besides, it's fun to write about disappointing turns of events, too. After all, real life, and real baseball careers, contain both ups and downs.

(Don't worry; it's not a tragic off-season injury that ends Tom's career, or anything like that. I'll write the relevant post(s) as soon as I can find the time.)

[Big Six]

Lindsay Post, December 18, 2023


World Series hero Haley remains humble
Atlanta Braves closer retains Ontario roots

Although it's been over a decade since Tom Haley left Lindsay to pursue his baseball dreams, he's never lost sight of where he comes from.

The star closer of the World Series champion Atlanta Braves returns home every winter to spend at least part of the holiday season. Now, he brings along his own family, which includes his wife Trish and their sons, Patrick (3) and David (1).

"Trish grew up down in Virginia, and she'd never seen a white Christmas," Tom says. "She loves the snow. She's like a little girl. Patrick is old enough to really appreciate Christmas this year, and David will turn a year old on Christmas Day. We have even more to celebrate now."

This year, the Haley family celebration will include another major leaguer. Tom's sister Megan married pitcher Ty Williams last month. Williams, now a free agent, won 19 games for the San Diego Padres in 2023, leading them to the NLCS, where they lost to Tom's Braves.

"I was thrilled to win the pennant, but I admit it felt a little bit weird at first, since we had to beat my sister's fiance to get there," Tom recalls. "Megan and Ty were really great about it, though. They both let me know they were behind me and the Braves all the way in the Series."

Tom turned 32 earlier this month, and the 2023 season was his ninth full campaign with the Braves. While he has no thoughts of retiring soon, he realizes he can't pitch forever.

"Trish teaches third grade, and she's terrific at it," he says. "I've thought about teaching and coaching after I retire from baseball. If I do, we'll both have our summers free."

Perhaps with that in mind, Tom and Trish have bought land on the shores of Sturgeon Lake, where they plan to build a summer home.

"It's something I've wanted to do since I was a kid," says Tom. "I can't wait to share all the great things about growing up here with my boys."

When asked about the Braves' chances for another World Series title, Tom's answers are cautiously optimistic. Outfielder Jason Heyward, the Braves' long-time star, recently filed for free agency after he and the Braves couldn't come to terms on a new contract.

"Winning one World Series is tough, and winning two of them is even tougher. Now we know exactly what it takes to get there."

Tom's success has created an increasing number of Braves fans throughout the Kawartha Lakes region. Supporters wearing Braves jerseys emblazoned with "HALEY" and #36 can be seen all over town, and while baseball discussions will never supplant hockey talk as the favorite pastime of the area's sports fans, there is much more interest in the summer game now that a local hero has emerged.

"It's great to know that people from Lindsay are rooting for me," says Tom. "I hope I'll always give them reason to be proud."

[Big Six]

Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 19, 2024

Braves fans "mourn" loss of Heyward


After fourteen seasons, during which he appeared in 12 All-Star Games and won the NL Outstanding Hitter Award six times, Jason Heyward is no longer an Atlanta Brave.

Heyward, 34, ended his relationship with the only team he's ever known last night, when he signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Colorado Rockies. The Braves had remained in negotiations with Heyward as recently yesterday, but their final offer fell short of what the Rockies were willing to pay to bring Heyward to Denver.

"It's a sad day for Braves fans," said Rick Henson, who described himself as being one of those fans for the past 40 years. "I never imagined Jason playing anywhere else. I guess it just shows that the game is a business, more than anything."

"Jason was a huge part of our success, not only this year, but the whole time he's been with the club," said Kris Medlen, the only Brave whose tenure with the Braves was as long as Heyward's had been...

[muted79]

after being away fro a couple of weeks i'm back and great to see the braves gotthe ring and Ty and Megan tied the knot. Shame to see Ty gone but he left after helping win a championship so the feeling cant be too hard.

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by muted79

after being away fro a couple of weeks i'm back and great to see the braves gotthe ring and Ty and Megan tied the knot. Shame to see Ty gone but he left after helping win a championship so the feeling cant be too hard.

The end of the 2023 season was a whole lot of fun to play out and write about. I found myself wondering what direction the next plot twist would take, and looking forward to the next opportunity I would have to find out.

I'm enjoying Tom's story nearly as much as I did the Pat O'Farrell dynasty, which is saying something since I've been playing sports simulations, either board games or computer games, for almost 40 years and never had more fun than I did with the O'Farrell saga.

Thanks, as always, for the comments. They're a tremendous antidote for writer's block.

[muted79]

i cant speak for others, but I am enjoying reading this as much as I did Pat;s story, and this for me, is a whole lot different in that when i started reading Pat's story, the story had finished, so I got to read from start to end (not in one sitting though, obviously). This time I'm actually having to wait for cliffhangers to be played out, etc.

On s side note, I ordered "glory of their times" from your recommendation on Pat's story, just finished reading it, very enjoyable read.

[Big Six]

To: Jeff Hazmaier (jhazmaier@unity.org)
From: Tom Haley (thaley120791@jetmail.ca)

January 26, 2024

Hey Jeff,

I’ll let you know in advance I’ll be venting on you here. I can’t say the things I want to say to anybody connected with baseball in any way, and I can’t write them on my blog. I’ve talked about them with Trish, but I still need to get things off my chest.

I know baseball is a business. I’ve been a pro since I was 19, and I’ve seen dozens of guys come and go as one team or another puts a bigger pile of money in front of them. Still, I’m more upset than I probably should be about what’s happened with the Braves this offseason.

Within four months of winning the World Series, the team is already starting to come apart. Guys are leaving, new guys are coming in. I know I’m being too sentimental, but I wanted to try to win another one with the same crew. That’s not going to happen now, and I’m bummed about that.

I can’t imagine us without Jason Heyward, for one thing. He’s the kind of guy who should play his entire career in one city, for one team, like Chipper Jones or Tim Lincecum did. I have no idea how much money the Braves offered him. Maybe the deal we offered him was insultingly low. I’ll give Jason a call at some point, and maybe we’ll talk about it then. Right now I’m just really sad to see him no longer a Brave.

And it’s not that the new guys we brought in are a bunch of jerks, or that they aren’t talented. We signed Logan Morrison right away to play third. He’s a veteran and I hear he’s got a lot of influence in the locker room. Then we brought in Josh Vitters, who will play in Jason’s old spot in the outfield. He’s another hard-working player who is a real pro. Then, we opened up the vault and paid top dollar for Alfredo Rodriguez, who can rake, plays good first base, and is younger—he’s 29. Logan, Josh, and Alfredo are all guys I’m looking forward to having as teammates.

It just seems that over the last couple years, most of the guys I “grew up with” in the organization are gone. I guess that’s the reality of being with one organization as long as I have.

The Braves keep signing me to one-year deals—they pay me very well, but I’ve never received a long-term contract. I’ve never considered playing anywhere but Atlanta. I think of myself as a one-team guy, too. But, at the same time, part of me wonders if I’ll be willing to accept one-year deals for much longer.

Anyway, sorry for letting go on you like this. I promise I’ll email you again soon when I’m in a better, more positive mood. Tell Kristin and the kids hello for me.

Take it easy,
Tom

[javier_83]

Keep doing this

Lets see if tom renew this year againg to one year deal only

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by javier_83

Keep doing this

Lets see if tom renew this year againg to one year deal only

I'm planning to follow Tom's story until he retires, and perhaps farther.

We'll see what kind of deal the Braves will offer him. I don't control the Braves' front office, so whatever the computer GM decides to do, we'll work with.

Thanks for the comment, javier. I hope you continue enjoying the story.

[Big Six]

Miami Herald, March 9, 2024

Marlins add Williams to rotation

The Florida Marlins liked what they saw of Ty Williams last October, when the knuckleballer helped lead the San Diego Padres to a 3-1 victory over the favored Marlins in the National League Division Series.

Yesterday, the Marlins signed Williams to a four-year contract, $38.3 million contract. The 30-year-old Williams, who went 19-10 for the Padres in 2023, will be paid like an ace, and will be expected to pitch like one.

"I wanted to pitch for a team that has a chance to win the World Series, and the Marlins are high on that list," said Williams. "These guys won the Series two years ago, and they had the best record in the National League last year. I'm looking forward to helping the Marlins get back on top again."

Williams will now be reunited with Marlins skipper Bobby Thigpen, who was Williams' first big league manager. Thigpen was the Atlanta Braves' manager in 2017 and 2018, and Williams pitched in two games for the Braves in 2017 before making the Show for good in 2018.

"I've bounced around for the past few years," said Williams, who has pitched for four major league clubs. "I enjoyed playing for Bobby, and he's made it clear that he expects me to be a leader and give the team a chance to win whenever I take the ball."...

[Springbokus]

Nice to see that Ty got a job and a very impressive pay day. He's almost earning as much as his brother in law! Looks like he won't be too far away from the Haley's either.

What are Ty's specs looking like? Do you think like most knuckleballers he will stick around into his 40's?

Keep up the great work. Definitely going to try one of my one within the next month

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by Springbokus

Nice to see that Ty got a job and a very impressive pay day. He's almost earning as much as his brother in law! Looks like he won't be too far away from the Haley's either.

What are Ty's specs looking like? Do you think like most knuckleballers he will stick around into his 40's?

Keep up the great work. Definitely going to try one of my one within the next month

I wonder if the game will recognize Ty as a knuckleballer and keep him around until he's well into his 40s. That would be extremely cool, and if it happens, Ty has a good 10, 12, maybe even 15 years or more. His birthdate is January 10, 1994, so he'll pitch the 2024 season at age 30.

Ty is currently in his prime. His Stuff is currently at 15/15, his Movement is 13/13, and his Control is 12/12.

He has three pitches in his repertoire. He throws a fastball of sorts (8/8), and he has a knuckle curve (13/13). Ty's primary weapon is, of course, his knuckleball (21/21).

Ty's Work Ethic, Intelligence, and Leadership are all rated High, and his Desire for Winner and Greed are Average.

Thanks for the comments, Springbokus. I'll be looking forward to your dynasty, too.

[Fircoal]

hmmmm what's been happening with this?

[potatoman]

Great dynasty! I spent much of the night reading it and enjoy it. I will be following the rest of Tom's career from this point!

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by Fircoal

hmmmm what's been happening with this?

Thanks for asking, Fircoal. Not much has been happening lately, because I'm a high school teacher/coach and I started back last week. I'll post soon, once things settle down just a bit. Maybe even later this evening.

Originally Posted by potatoman

Great dynasty! I spent much of the night reading it and enjoy it. I will be following the rest of Tom's career from this point!

Thanks, potatoman. Looking back now, it's hard to believe Tom's in his early thirties now. If you count his brief appearance in 2014, this coming season will be Tom's eleventh in the major leagues; it will be his tenth full season with the Braves. He's appeared in over 600 major league games now, and it seems like he just broke in.

I hope you'll continue to enjoy the story.

[Big Six]

Tom Haley's Closing Time blog, March 15, 2024

Well, it's official.

I will be a member of the Atlanta Braves organization for the next four seasons. Yesterday I signed a three-year contract extension that will pay me $6.2 million a year in 2025, 2026, and 2027.

I'm taking a sizeable pay cut, so you probably think I'm crazy. I'm passing up the opportunity to try for a big payday on the free agent market for the security that comes from knowing I'll spend four more seasons with the team that brought me to the majors.

My wife has a job here that she loves, and we are enjoying raising our kids here. Plus, I'm looking down at a World Series ring on my right hand, a ring I won with the Braves last fall. That means a lot to me.

I've made a lot of money playing baseball, more than I ever dreamed I'd earn. I've invested it wisely, so I don't have to worry about earning every dollar I can make right now. I can think instead about where I'd like to play, and that's in Atlanta.

The events of the past few months remind me that in this day and age, if a winning team is going to keep winning, it needs to have money to spend. If the Braves can afford to keep talented players around because they're paying me less money, then we're more likely to win. A lot of people probably believe major league players are primarily motivated by greed. Sure, some guys are that way, but I've met very few in my time in the big leagues. Our clubhouse is full of guys who want to win, and that's one more reason why I'm happy here.


I was a little surprised to see Tom sign an extension that cut his pay nearly $5 million a year, so I had to devise a storyline that explained it...

[Big Six]

Stanford Daily News, March 24, 2024


Baseball Preview

PITCHING

The Cardinal returns two members of last year's stable of starters: hard-throwing junior Rodrigo Cuevas and steady sophomore Neal Dunham. Another returnee, Stan Werner, should challenge for a spot in the rotation after working primarily as a reliever in 2023.

However, the staff's ace is likely to be freshman Jonah White, a 6'2" righthander who was one of the nation's most coveted recruits last year. An Atlanta, Georgia product, White relies most on a fastball that gets to the plate at 90 MPH or better, and also features three offspeed pitches that upset hitters' timing.

"White is still a freshman, so he's got a lot of growing to do," said coach Robbie Grater. "However, he's got a great arm, and he's a legitimate pro prospect..."

[Big Six]

Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 1, 2024

Braves can't hold lead in ninth, lose to Dodgers in 10
Team finishes April with losing record

...With the Braves leading 6-2, [manager Bill] Nesling let [Kris] Medlen come back out for the bottom of the ninth. However, a single by veteran Kyle Skipworth and a long home run by youngster Clarence Starr made the score 6-4, and Nesling called on closer Tom Haley to finish out the game.

Haley walked Doug Donahue, Nesling emerging from the dugout again to argue the call. Ramon Flores then ripped a Haley fastball into the right-center field gap, scoring Donahue. Center fielder Vic Mays corraled the ball and came up throwing, but the speedy Flores beat the ball to third.

Kentrail Davis took five straight pitches from Haley, and with a 2-2 count popped the ball high in the air toward shortstop Marcus Reid, only to have the ball glance off Reid's glove while Flores raced home with the tying run.

Haley retired the next two batters, but after the Braves went down in order, he allowed a single to Nori Nomura that set the stage for [Lorenzo] Lopez' game-winning homer.

Haley's rough outing raised his ERA to 5.00, and saddled him with his third loss of the young season. However, with the Braves seldom putting their closer in position to save ballgames, it was Haley's first blown save of the year...

[Big Six]

Baseball News, June 1, 2024


After finishing the 2023 season with the National League's best record only to find their season end with a loss in the Division Series, the Florida Marlins entered this year with renewed determination.

They spent over $38 million on a new ace, Ty Williams, in an effort to strengthen their club for another run at the World Series. So far, Williams has delivered handsomely on the Marlins' investment.

The National League yesterday awarded the knuckleballer its Pitcher of the Month Award for May. Williams went 3-0 in six May starts, posting a 1.62 ERA and striking out 49 batters in 50 innings of work.

Williams leads the NL in victories, with a perfect 7-0 record. His 1.69 ERA is also the league's best, and his 77 strikeouts place him second to Pittsburgh's Jameson Taillon's 84.

The Marlins boast the best record in the major leagues, at 35-14...