The Legacy Baseball League: An Alternate Baseball History (Plenty of Franchises available!)

[LBL_Brendan]

Currently one opening:

The traditional powerhouse in the Great Lakes Division of the Western League, the Detroit Giants are one of three teams to take home the Legacy Cup in the LBL's first seven seasons. They have done so two times.

The Giants are led by Ricky "Lightning" McCoy (CF) and Billy "Two Shoes" Coats (SS), the Giants will have their hands full in the Great Lakes with the emerging Twin City Empire. The two squads from Chicago (Doves and Packers) are no slouches either, rounding out a competitive division.

Apply today!

[LBL_Brendan]

Player Highlight: Leo McKenzie, OF Philadelphia Brewers

Leo McKenzie is the most decorated ballplayer in the LBL. In the first seven seasons of the LBL, McKenzie has won the MVP Award six times (and may win it a seventh time for 1901). It would be impossible to overstate his impact at the plate. The 30 year old living legend boasts a career .374/.500/.561 slash line with over 500 SB in 7 years. He has wrecked the Eastern League since his debut with the Brewers in 1895 with his bat and with his legs.

If you name an offensive category, McKenzie has absolutely dominated it over his seven year career. McKenzie has led the EL in total bases three times and finished second two times. He has led the EL is triples three times and finished second or third another two times. McKenzie has never not led the EL is SB. He has led the league in runs scored four times and has never finished lower than third. He has led the league in walks four times and never finished lower than second. He has won four batting titles (hitting .401 in 1896) and never finished lower than second. He has never finished a season without the top OBP.

McKenzie has 36.8 WAR over his career, 12.8 more than second place (his teammate Rusty Hall) over seven years. Despite playing in a pitching dominated league, McKenzie somehow ranks 9th all-time in WAR. No other hitter is in the top 20.

This juggernaut has led the Philadelphia Brewers to three Legacy Cup championships in seven years. Prior to an uncharacteristic stumble in 1901, the Brewers had never finished worse than second in the Liberty Division of the Eastern League.

When McKenzie retires (hopefully many seasons from now), the baseball world will mourn and weep. But, his legacy will endure and the impact that he has made on the early LBL will be the stuff of legends passed down over generations of LBL fans.

Apply today!

(The Detroit Giants are still available.)

[LBL_Brendan]

Player Highlight: Ricky McCoy, CF Detroit Giants

Two-time Western League MVP and two-time Legacy Cup Champion, Ricky "Lightning" McCoy is the first LBL power-speed threat, while playing an above average defensive CF. McCoy led the Western League in stolen bases in each of his first six seasons, finishing outside the top spot for the first time in 1901 (he finished third). He has amassed 544 SB in his seven year career. He has led the Western League in home runs three times (1897-1899) and finished third once (1896). He has won the WL Golden Bat Award for CF four times.

The WL answer to the all-world everything Leo McKenzie, McCoy has not finished below fourth in the WL in WAR since 1896 (when he ranked sixth). In the recently concluded season, he racked up 5.3 WAR (good for third in the WL). An extremely productive player in the field and at the plate, McCoy is a national fan favorite for his uniquely exciting brand of baseball. He plays with an all-consuming edge, unparalleled in the Western League, that has earned the respect of his teammates and competitors alike.

Playing for Detroit, the traditional powerhouse in the Great Lakes region of the U.S., McCoy has led the Giants to sustained success at the top of their division. Alongside superstar SS Billy Coats, McCoy is looking to put the Giants back atop the WL after losing the Division to the Western League champion Twin City Empire for the first time.

At 32, McCoy has a lot of life left in his legs and looks to terrorize poor WL pitching staffs on the basepaths for the better part of the next decade--when he's not knocking the ball out of Detroit's Old Grounds entirely.

Apply to be the GM of the Giants!

[LBL_Brendan]

Player Highlight: Clovis Juby, SS Baltimore Clippers

Adjusting to life in the big leagues can be hard. The talented rookie shortstop for the athletic and irrepressible Baltimore Clippers scuffled a bit in his inaugural season in the Legacy Baseball League. Despite his struggles at the plate, however, observers were left with little doubt that the 22 year old has all the makings of a defensive savant at the infield's most important position.

Over the last several seasons, the Clippers have evinced a clear preference in their starters for excellence with the glove at each position on the diamond. In that vein, the Clippers have brought along their young phenom slowly to ensure that his fundamentals are able to meet their own exacting standards.

The Clippers' current standardbearer at SS is Jacob Kalberer, an all-world defender in his own right and a strong mentor for the defensive-minded Juby. Kalbearer will be challenged with training up the youngster, as he ages out of the position over the next several season, to ensure the cogs in Baltimore's defensive machine continue to turn.

Juby appeared in 17 games as a rookie and started 6. Across his first 33 plate appearances, the youngster was bullied by the talented big league pitching staffs currently dominating the LBL's Eastern League. Clovis collected 5 hits and 3 walks while striking out 15 times. He slashed .167/.242/.300 (good for a wRC+ of 52). However, the young speedster gave Clippers' rooters reason for optimism regarding his bright future with two of his five hits going for three-bases. Though he scored three runs, his time on the basepaths also showed some green--he was caught stealing twice and did not record a stolen base.

The Clippers are hoping that, as Juby shakes off the rookie jitters and ascends into the starting shortstop role, his exhilarating defensive potential will help them capture their first Liberty Division title. Unlucky to share a division with the dominant Philadelphia Brewers and the ascending Richmond Rifles, the Clippers have challenged for the Division crown but never won.

The future is bright for the young rookie, but his debut shows the level of talent already in the big leagues.

Apply to be a GM!

[LBL_Brendan]

Franchise Highlight:The Boston Banshees

Owned by the immigrant success story of Atticus Jones, the quarrelsome Boston Banshees have one of the LBL's best players in SS Kensington Jones, a 6 time Grande Snagger winner at SS with a solid bat, and an exciting young cavalry on the mound in LBL strikeout king SP Arthur Ward and 19 year old wunderkind SP Wesley Threlkeld. The ascending Banshees finished in second place in the Eastern League's Ivy Division in 1901 and look to push the Brooklyn Whales from their perch in 1902. The Banshees are looking for a even-keeled GM that can harness the violent passions of the Boston squad towards more productive ends and to manage the skyhigh expectations of one of the rowdier fanbases in the LBL.

In the end, his mother told him, it was the wailing that took his father. A pox on their family. After each joyous beginning, the wailing would consume him until the silent, stillbirth would drown the fairy’s cries with its gurgling, violent emptiness. The cycle continued, unabated, like the tide—day giving way to night. At last, when the cries began anew again, he stepped over the cliff’s edge and carried her wails with him below and buried them beneath the crashing waves. The next cries were the boy’s.

When the famine hit, Atticus Jones and his mother left Ireland for Boston. An immigrant, raised alone by his mother with no siblings, Jones arrived speaking only Irish—a stranger in a far-off land. He took solace in the American game and, proved himself a fierce competitor and a quick study. Like many immigrants, he learned the language and built his network playing semi-professional ball.

Upon retiring from the game he loved, he entered into a clerkship with a local attorney that had been a fan of his semi-pro team. Atticus devoted his life to righting inequities through the law. Having helped many, and his own fortunes, through the practice of law, he used his small fortune to give back to the greater Boston community—and return to a love of his youth–by forming a new professional ballclub in Boston.

The Banshees, named for the folkloric creatures that had so vexed his father, are, like the city they call home, a ragtag rough-and-tumble band of men as likely to start a brawl as to win a ball game. Security at the Boston Yards, the park that they call home, is the strictest of any LBL venue. Historically, Banshees’ supporters have been known to rush onto the field of play to confront opposing teams and—if a Banshees’ player has not performed to expectations—their own players. The hostile environment provides for a strong home field advantage with Boston typically performing much better at home than on the road.

Apply for the GM Position Here!

[LBL_Brendan]

Currently two openings:

Owned by the immigrant success story of Atticus Jones, the quarrelsome Boston Banshees have one of the LBL's best players in SS Kensington Jones, a 6 time Grande Snagger winner at SS with a solid bat, and an exciting young cavalry on the mound in LBL strikeout king SP Arthur Ward and 19 year old wunderkind SP Wesley Threlkeld. The ascending Banshees finished in second place in the Eastern League's Ivy Division in 1901 and look to push the Brooklyn Whales from their perch in 1902. The Banshees are looking for a even-keeled GM that can harness the violent passions of the Boston squad towards more productive ends and to manage the skyhigh expectations of one of the rowdier fanbases in the LBL.

This original LBL pitching dynasty, the Cleveland Athletics are the dominant force of the Western League’s-Frontier Division. The Athletics usually cruise to a first place finish in their division (they won their division by 13 games in 1901). Cleveland is led by all-world SP Matthew Holiday—the greatest pitcher the LBL has known—and a strong offense anchored by SS Mike Sherrod (who recently shattered the batting average record by hitting .417 in 1901). Despite their dominance in the Frontier Division, Cleveland is still looking to secure their first Legacy Cup victory. Cleveland needs a dedicated GM to help them ascend the LBL mountain-top for the first time and to begin succession planning to maintain their dominance at the top of their division.

[LBL_Brendan]

Player Highlight: Kensington Jones, SS Boston Banshees

Arguably better than world-destroying Leo McKenzie in 1901, the perennially underrated Jones finished second in MVP voting in the Eastern League. The 32 year old Kensington has been the cornerstone of the Banshees roster since his debut with the squad in 1895. All frenetic energy and hustle, the Boston shortstop, and national superstar, has secured six Grande Snagger awards at SS in seven seasons. The young Boston pitching staff will be grateful to have Jones behind them as they learn to navigate their way through the big leagues.

Evolving into a more dangerous threat with his bat, the Banshees' sparkplug led the Legacy Baseball League's Eastern League in hits and WAR in 1901 and finished third in AVG.

Jones' high-energy style is a perfect match for the outright hostile and often violent atmosphere at the Boston Yards. Hustle, grit, and spikes-up slides, Jones plays to the preferences of his hometown Boston rooters. Those rooters hope that the Banshees can make a run at the EL Ivy Division title in 1902 with a more established rotation--the Banshees raced out to an early lead in the Division in 1901 before fading down the stretch.

If the Banshees are to have any success, there is no doubt who will be leading them to the postseason: Jones.

Apply to be the GM of the Banshees!

[LBL_Brendan]

A new podcast recapping the off-season and previewing the 1902 season was just released today by our Commissioner and one of our Board members. Please have a listen and get caught up on the happenings of the LBL: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Rb...Tcy0MqlJIBtL-g

The Boston Banshees and Cleveland Athletics remain available.

[LBL_Brendan]

In the inaugural episode of The Cigar Lounge, host Doug Olmsted, GM of the beloved St. Louis Beavers, sits down with St. Louis Reds GM Sean Torgerson, to discuss their teams, the league, and Sean's undying love for Taylor Swift. Enjoy!

SEASON ONE -- EPISODE ONE


The Boston Banshees and Cleveland Athletics remain available.

[LBL_Brendan]

Episode 2: The Cigar Lounge Podcast

Steve Meyers, GM of the New York Bakers, discusses his love for bread, the Detroit Tigers, and the unassuming beauty of European film actresses with host and St. Louis Beavers GM Doug Olmsted.

SEASON ONE — EPISODE TWO

The Boston Banshees and Cleveland Athletics remain available.

[Delgadodawg]

Excellent league. Lots of creativity and one that will be around for the long haul.

[LBL_Brendan]

Alexander Madigan's Review of the 1901 Season

Inspired by the real-life Spalding's Guides compiling summaries and anecdotes from around the baseball world, one of our GM's lovingly compiled summaries and stories prepared by our GMs regarding the 1901 season into a compendium named for current Legacy Baseball League Commissioner Alexander Madigan.


The 1901 Madigan's Catalogue is 75 pages of LBL goodness and can be ordered as a bound and printed edition via a vendor for those that want a physical keepsake from their online league experience.


As you can see from this thread, there's a lot of energy and creativity in the LBL at the moment -- two podcasts and an annual guide.



The current franchises available are the Boston Banshees, Chicago Packers, and Cleveland Athletics (all previewed in this thread).

Apply to be a GM!

[LBL_Brendan]

The Chicago Packers have been claimed.

Available teams: Boston Banshees and Cleveland Athletics

[LBL_Brendan]

Available teams (all previewed above in this thread):

Apply to be a GM

[LBL_Brendan]

Brooklyn Whales Win 1902 Legacy Cup, 5-4

After a hard-fought Legacy Cup with their Western League rivals, the Twin City Empire, the Brooklyn Whales have emerged from the 1902 season as Legacy Cup champions for the third consecutive year.

The Legacy Cup was a nail-biter of a series full of bad blood and lingering animosity after Brooklyn played spoiler to Twin City’s historic season in the 1901 Legacy Cup–emerging as champions in 1901 despite being heavy underdogs.

The Whales won the Legacy Cup at home in Brooklyn, 5 games to 4, with a late rally in Game 9 against Twin City’s rookie southpaw Pierce Adney. Twin City had forced a Game 9 after clawing back from a 4-2 deficit. The Empire held a lead going into the bottom of the eighth of the decisive match-up. But, the baseball gods favored Brooklyn on this day. Brooklyn catcher Richard “Deacon” Dunkley drove in the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning, and the Whales held on in the top of the 9th.

Brooklyn outfielder Joel Taylor was named MVP of the Legacy Cup, putting a cap on an excellent season that saw the new Whales’ batter hit .373/.404/.510 and lead the Legacy Baseball League in batting average, hits, runs batted in, and slugging.

With the conclusion of the Legacy Cup, now is a great time to join as we start the 1903 offseason. Cleveland has been claimed, but the Boston Banshees and Providence Angels are available. Come join and try to knock Brooklyn off it's perch in the Ivy Division.

Apply for a GM Position Here!

[catamount_kid]

This is a fantastic time to get involved in the LBL. We have 2 teams available: The Boston Banshees and Providence Angels.

We are headed into the off-season with the Free Agency Frenzy of 1902 underway.

[LBL_Brendan]

One opening remaining:

Owned by the immigrant success story of Atticus Jones, the quarrelsome Boston Banshees have one of the LBL's best players in SS Kensington Jones, a 6 time Grande Snagger winner at SS with a solid bat, and an exciting young arm on the mound in 20 year old wunderkind SP Wesley Threlkeld. The ascending Banshees finished in second place in the Eastern League's Ivy Division in both 1901 and 1902. The Banshees are looking for a even-keeled GM that can harness the violent passions of the Boston squad towards more productive ends and to manage the sky-high expectations of one of the rowdier fanbases in the LBL.

[catamount_kid]

Boston is still the last franchise available as we enter for the 1902-3 offseason.

[LBL_Brendan]

Philadelphia Brewers GM Martin Pitsch visits the Cigar Lounge to discuss his love for beer, red light districts, and Liberty Division Pennants with host Doug Olmsted.

SEASON ONE -- EPISODE THREE

Available Teams: Boston Banshees, Chicago Packers

[LBL_Brendan]

1903 Opening Day is just around the corner -- the first sim of the new season will be tomorrow, 5/3/22. Commissioner Andrew (Richmond Rifles) and LBL Board Member Michael (Pittsburgh Oilers) will be livestreaming the Opening Day contest between the Pittsburgh Oilers and the Twin City Empire on Twitch at approximately 9 PM EST (available here).

Andrew and Michael discuss the conclusion of the 1902 season and summarize the 1903 off-season and make predictions for the looming season on the Opening Day episode of the LBL Podcast (available here). Get caught up on the state of play in the LBL before the 1903 season gets under way!

We have one opening -- the Chicago Packers -- an intimidating group with a menacing fanbase.

In the Ivy Division, OSA has the Brooklyn Whales outlasting a revitalized Providence Angels squad -- that suddenly has a VERY dangerous looking offense and a new ace in Tillman Maddaford -- and representing the Ivy as the Whales will try for their fourth straight Legacy Cup.

Ivy Predictions:

Brooklyn Whales 59-39
Providence Angels 54-44
New York Kings 49-49
Boston Banshees 41-57

In the Liberty Division, traditionally one of the more merciless divisions in the LBL, the OSA has the Philadelphia Brewers taking the division for the second consecutive year on the back of a staggering offense led by all-world Leo McKenzie. But, don't count out the Richmond Rifles! After a very busy off-season, the Rifles will be looking to avenge their third place finish in the division and try to topple the strong Brewers squad.

Liberty Predictions:

Philadelphia Brewers 62-36
Richmond Rifles 56-42
Baltimore Clippers 37-61
New York Bakers 35-63

In the Great Lakes Division, the Twin City Empire will try to win for the third year in a row. In 1902, the Empire surged to pass the Detroit Giants at the wire and then outlasted the St. Louis Beavers in the Western League Cup to make the Legacy Cup for the second year in a row. After pushing the Whales to Game 9--and narrowly losing as a result of same late inning heroics--the Empire will look to get over the top this year and secure their first Legacy Cup victory.

Great Lakes Predictions:

Twin City Empire 51-47
Chicago Packers 48-50
Chicago Doves 44-54
Detroit Giants 43-55

Lastly, but not leastly, in the rowdiest division in the LBL, the ascendant St. Louis Beavers will look to take the Frontier Division crown for the second consecutive season. In 1902, the whole division finished within 4 games of first place. So, the 1903 season figures to be an intense scrum to the bitter end -- just how the Frontier teams like it. The St. Louis Reds welcome the LBL's richest man (CF Golden Reeves) and will be relying on some exciting young pitching in 1903 as they look to overtake their cross town rivals.

Frontier Predictions:

St. Louis Beavers 59-39
St. Louis Reds 52-46
Cleveland Athletics 51-47
Pittsburgh Oilers 46-52

Come join us for the 1903 season!

Apply for the Chicago Packers' GM Position Here!