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05-25-2004, 08:26 PM
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#1 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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Universal Baseball Association Historical Replay
As some of you may know, I have been trying to recreate the history of the Universal Baseball Association from Robert Coover's 1968 novel - "The Universal Baseball Association, J. Henry Waugh Proprietor".
The story details the 56th season of the UBA, and regularly refers back to the leagues 55 year history, mentioning various details and feats of 106 specific players from the leagues history. I was always intrigued by that history and wanted to know more - but alas - there wasn't really a UBA and thus no history... until one day I got the idea to use OOTP to create that detail. It seemed easy at first, create the 8 team UBA, stock it with players, and then insert the 106 specific players from the novel. It was, and has been, tougher than it looked. I first had to look up every reference in the story about each player - and try to place them on a time line that would make sense - and which would allow the statistics mentioned in the story to play out as close as possible to my replay. I had to choose birthdays, and the year each player entered the league, making sure any reference in the book happened at the correct time. I had to try and set player abilities to levels that could duplicate the feats they accomplished in the story. I had to do a lot of work !! I'm about ready to start my third attempt - having learned a lot about what I did right and wrong in the first two tries. I am hoping to report here, in the form of a diary, how it goes - letting you know what I run into, and the type of things I have to watch for... either just for your reading pleasure, or in the event you might want to try something similar yourself. In any event, I hope it's interesting. Here goes..... Making it Real I don’t know what level of understanding Robert Coover had about baseball in 1968 when he wrote his novel, but a few glaring problems surfaced in my attempt to create the unofficial UBA history in OOTP5. This may have been due to a lack of statistical baseball knowledge, a rudimentary understanding of the game, or more likely, the fact that the novel was a social commentary intended as a satire of Christianity relative to Coover’s belief in man’s need for organization in life - thus his "creation" of religion. Whatever the reason, some of the statistics claimed in the novel either would be impossible – or would render the meaning of “possible” useless in J. Henry Waugh’s world. Given that the lead character (Henry) was an accountant, and that the story gave every indication in his described personality as being a stickler for reality, I think the issues below were the result of Coover’s focus on the mainline story – and not on the accuracy of the baseball relationships. Backing this theory up is the fact that this novel was not one of Coover's favorites, since most fans of the story were baseball fans - and his primary message was lost in the mix. Below, I have addressed two of the most glaring of the issues, as I see them, and how I worked around them. To reconcile the UBA’s replay history with what is stated in the story, I’ve simply blamed most of the inaccuracies of the book on Henry’s memory of events-not-documented, or an exaggeration of fact. 300 Career Wins Two pitchers in the UBA won 300 or more games in their career - Fancy Dan Casey and Brock Rutherford. Given the fact that (1) the UBA played an 84 game season, (2) pitchers relied on a 4 man rotation, and (3) a “long” pitching career would be about 20 years, the math easily shows these pitchers would have needed to win an average 15 games out of 21 starts each year (and that is assuming the pitcher was never injured). Assuming, in addition, that a pitcher would get as many as 75% of his decisions, that would result in 20 straight years of a 15-1 record … easily enough to win 20 straight “best pitcher” awards. Since the Hall of Fame qualifications for Wins was reduced from 300 to 150 for the half season adjustment, it seemed more reasonable to me that 200 wins (average of 10 per year) would be a significant feat. I thus “modified” the target of these two(2) "300" win pitchers to 200-220 wins. 300 Strikeouts per Season Six(6) UBA pitchers also surpassed 300 strikeouts in the 84 game schedule per Coover’s novel (with Rutherford holding the record with 341!!). Again, the math exercise would show that these pitchers would have to average 14.3 strikeouts per game for their entire career to accomplish 300 Ks. Knowing the UBA existed in an assumed early 20th century environment (1901-1955), I looked for the real-world strikeout leader between those years. Herb Score, in 1955, posted 9.7 strikeouts per game – or 203 season strikeouts across 21 starts (maximum). Knowing the K was a critical item in Coover's/Henry's mind to success, I therefore set 200 strikeouts as the “modified” target for the UBA historic replay and 250 as a significant feat. These two statistics were the most glaring errors in the book, and made for some bizarre results in my first two replays (Casey won the Best Pitcher Award 16 out of the 18 years he pitched!!). Going from here... Next I am going to restock the 1901 season with the first six personalities of the UBA.
As you can imagine, try as I might, I will not be able to replicate the events in the book "exactly", but I will attempt to create a UBA history that completes my wish to pour over the history and players of the league Robert Coover created. Oh, just for fun, the annual championship trophy will be called the "Coover Cup". 
Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 10:59 AM. |
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05-25-2004, 09:01 PM
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#2 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 3,829
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This is shaping up to be awesome, Henry. Just one thing - keep talking to other humans in the 'real world'. Don't want you to end up like the protagonist. I'm really looking forward to following this.
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05-25-2004, 10:15 PM
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#3 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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FYI: After I have completed the entire 55 year UBA history, I will write up a year by year chronology as well as review all 106 personalities from the book. This, along with the Almanac and the league file (for those that want to continue the legacy) will all be made available to you.
1901 The first season resulted in the Keystones winning the Coover Cup (54-30) behind a fantastic starting rotation, including Dan Casey who went 11-5 (right on target for his "adjusted" 200 win career). Dan (currently 20 years old) will have to retire in 1918 since he joins the HOF in 1919 in the book.
The novel only mentions 4 of the 10 Chancellors over the 55 year span of the UBA. I've assumed they were elected to four year terms, and the ones mentioned served double terms - thus the following list... Code:
1901-1908 - 2 terms - Abe Flint (1st) 1909-1912 - 1 term - ? 1913-1920 - 2 terms - Barney North (3rd) 1921-1924 - 1 term - ? 1925-1928 - 1 term - ? 1929-1932 - 1 term - ? 1933-1940 - 2 terms - Woodrow Winthrop (7th) 1941-1944 - 1 term - ? 1945-1948 - 1 term - ? 1949-1956 - 2 terms - Fennemore McCaffree (10th) Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 11:00 AM. |
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05-25-2004, 10:51 PM
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#4 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 922
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This is really spectacular Henry... I am strongly considering picking up the book now
 I'll be following.
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05-26-2004, 10:24 AM
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#5 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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Playing at Life...
Understanding Coover's UBA novel beyond it's obvious baseball reference is a task some of you may be interested in as well. Beyond the UBA replay I will be reporting on here, I thought it might interest some of you to know more about the author himself. The following article talks abour Robert Coover, his stories, and even about the "Universal Baseball Association" (highlighted in red). I hope you enjoy it, http://www.bigcitybaseball.com/downl...yingatLife.htm PS: The 1902 and maybe 1903 seasons will be reported tonight. |
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05-26-2004, 07:32 PM
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#6 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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1902
The Keystones win their second Coover Cup (51-33) behind a huge sophomore season by Dan Casey. Casey went 16-3 with a 1.40 ERA, easily taking the 1902 Pitcher of the Year Award.The Keystones won the year with a 6 game lead.
...None Side Note I'm currently working out the manager careers mentioned in the book. Thirteen(13) UBA characters that have to be time-lined between their playing careers and whatever they might have done after managing (like Chancellor). I'll report on those later. Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 11:01 AM. |
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05-26-2004, 08:34 PM
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#7 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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1903
The Baltimore Pastime Club (51-33) wins the 1903 championship behind the league MVP Award winner Irvin Tomlin (.314, 24 HRs). The Keystones dropped to 5th even with another 16 wins from Dan Casey.
I has to run the 1903 season twice since one pitcher managed to get 240 strikeouts... too high a figure per my discussion above. A slight adjustment brought him down in the second run. Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 11:01 AM. |
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05-28-2004, 12:26 PM
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#8 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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Abe Flint, first Chancellor of the UBA
Abe Flint, the first Chancellor of the UBA, was a man of high ideals. Elected to the position at the league's second organizational meeting in 1898, there was little doubt as to his qualifications. A lawyer by trade, Abe was involved intimately in the road show baseball clubs of the late 1800s, representing the various teams as they scheduled road tours across the young country.
Part owner of the New York Metropolitans, one of the best known traveling clubs of the 1890s, he had first hand knowledge of the baseball business back when most folks were still learning the game. Upon the idea, set forth by Truman Maxwell, concerning the organization of a professional league playing in club built ballparks, Abe was the first to immerse himself in the concept and planning of the UBA. By 1899, seven teams had applied for league membership - the Knickerbockers of New York (formerly the Metropolitans), the Excelsiors of Brooklyn, the Bridegrooms of Brooklyn (formerly the Kings of Brooklyn, renamed when 4 players got married over the winter of 1898-99), the Haymakers of Troy, the Beaneaters of Boston, the Keystones of Philadelphia, and the Pastime Club of Baltimore (one of the true "Gentleman's Clubs"). The UBA planning commission, with such baseball greats as Truman Maxwell, Dean Sullivan, Randall Wilkie, and Abe Flint originally wanted 10 teams in the league, but finding a financially stable eighth team was, in itself, becoming a problem. In July of 1900, Abe approached Abner Minnifield of Cincinnati, owner of the traveling Pioneer team, and asked him if he would consider joining the UBA. Franklin's initial response, in keeping with his well known aggressive manner, was "and by what stumble into insanity would cause me to abandon the financial advantage of a traveling team?". Flint, being both patient and focused on his goal, went on to explain to Minnifield that a "home team" concept could pull in thousands of spectators per season in a city that took pride in "their" team - that the home city itself could produce more income than the one-time spectators in the various cities visited. Abe also pointed out that the Pioneers were the pride of Cincinnati - and yet got to only see the team play 3 times a season. After considerable discussion and negotiations, Franklin agreed to play a three year contract in the UBA if the city would pay for the ballpark and Abner was provided a seat on the UBA Board of Directors. Cincinnati officials agreed quickly, and Flint reluctantly agreed to the Board assignment - and the Pioneers of Cincinnati became the 8th and final team of the UBA. The work of Abe Flint and others was critical to the ultimate success of the UBA. Flint and Minnifield became inseparable friends as the planning commission made plans to open the UBA's first season on June 1st, 1901. Maxwell, Minnifield, and Flint were elected to the Board of Directors. |
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05-28-2004, 02:14 PM
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#9 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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November 1, 1903
The Honorable Abe Flint Chancellor Universal Baseball Association 1290 7th Avenue New York, New York Dear Abe, This letter is to gladly inform you that the Pioneer Baseball Club will remain a member of the UBA beyond the original three year agreement, which ends on December 31, 1903. I have to admit, my friend, that your original proposal, as presented five years ago and supported by Maxwell himself, initially amused me and made me quite reticent to risk my holdings at the time. A baseball team playing half its games in a single place - yes, crazy I thought you all were. But, having reviewed my financial reports for the past three years (1901-03) I have to conclude this has been a marvelous financial success. The Pioneer club, although not yet able to set the pace I would wish, has benefited greatly from the local populace in both attendance and the city's construction of our ballpark. In addition, you were kind enough to allow me to take part in the planning and daily operation of the league (under a little duress of course). I thank you for all of this. Congratulations, and continued success to all of us in the years to come. Abner B. Minnifield President The Pioneer Baseball Club of Cincinnati Last edited by Henry; 05-28-2004 at 02:55 PM. |
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05-29-2004, 06:33 PM
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#10 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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1904
The Baltimore Pastime Club (55-29) win their second championship by 10 games over the Keystones. Compiling a .263 league leading batting average and a 3.86 staff ERA (2nd). The top three starters in the Pastimer rotation totaled 37 wins and only 11 losses.
Joining the UBA in 1905...
Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 11:02 AM. |
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05-29-2004, 08:05 PM
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#11 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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The Managers of the UBA
Thirteen managers are mentioned in Coover's story. Two who are managers in 1901, and 11 players who become managers later in their careers. In planning for these 13 individuals for my replay, it's impossible (at this point) to know exactly when they will become managers since the game will somewhat determine the actaul timing based on their retirements. So, what I've done below is give you a rough timing outline of each manager based on what makes sense from the book - which I will use to guide me as the years progress. PS: One of my goals in this replay is to come as close as I can to all the details mentioned in the novel - without creating any significant errors or inconsistencies with the story. Ultimately, I can only come close - I hope it's "close enough"
Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 11:02 AM. |
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05-30-2004, 10:01 AM
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#12 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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1905
The Troy Haymakers (53-31) win the Coover Cup for the first time edging out the Keystones attempt at their third. The Troy pitching staff led the league with a 3.56 ERA and 68 complete games. Paul Osborne, of the Pioneers, just missed the 400-mark with a .396 batting average - but he lost the MVP to Marsh Williams.
...None Side Note I'm finding it necessary to track each player closely and adjust various ratings to insure they follow the history set forth in Coover's book. OOTP likes to make those decisions itself - go figure
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05-30-2004, 10:03 AM
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#13 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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UBA Ammendment I
UBA Ammendment I
At the end of the 1905 season, Chancellor Flint implemented the first ammendment to the 5 year old UBA rules. It basically stated that players released by their clubs who were accepted as being rating 3.5 Stars or better, would be reassigned to teams by the Chancellor based on a reverse order of the season's standings, and the needs of the teams determined by the Chancellor's office. In addition, no player could be reassigned to the team that released him. This ammendment suddenly caught the owner's attention since now, players they deemed not good enough for their own teams could be assigned to their opponents. Many owners realized some additional thought was going to have to be put into those future decisions. The 1905 Ammendment I Reassignment Class
Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 11:03 AM. |
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05-30-2004, 11:49 AM
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#14 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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1906
The Keystones (48-36) win their 3rd title in a close race, with the Bridegrooms and Haymakers only 2 games off the pace (Troy held first place until the last week of the season.)
Joining the UBA in 1907...
It turns out I won't be able to duplicate a few details exactly - such as MVP awards. Although the same general players will get them, specific details in the story - such as Mel Trench being the only player to get back-to-back awards is already adjusted (Mel Willimas just got his 3rd straight). In a way, that makes me a bit sad - but as I said in the beginning - I can contribute it to Henry's incomplete recordkeeping, exageration, or failed memory. Moving forward, starting in 1956, will however hace the complete history of the UBA behind it. I can't wait to get there
Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 11:03 AM. |
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05-30-2004, 04:56 PM
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#15 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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The 1906 Ammendment I Reassignment Class
The 1906 Ammendment I Reassignment Class
Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 11:04 AM. |
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05-30-2004, 10:48 PM
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#16 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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1907
The Boston Beaneaters (54-30) win their 1st Coover Cup easily with a 30-12 home record and 3.32 team ERA (2nd best in league). Rookie Phineas Flint helped his team with an 11-6 record and 2.53 ERA which got him the Rookie of the Year Award. On a point worth mentioning, Pioneer shortstop Charles McDermitt, for the second time in his career, had a 3 homerun game - this one against the Keystones.
...None The 1907 Ammendment I Reassignment Class
Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 11:05 AM. |
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05-31-2004, 08:40 AM
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#17 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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1908
The Haymakers (55-29) return to the top of the UBA with an impressive .277 team batting average and 3.56 ERA. CF Barney North contributed with a .336 batting average and a career high 23 stolen bases at age 36 !!
...None The 1908 Ammendment I Reassignment Class
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05-31-2004, 10:58 AM
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#18 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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1909
The Beaneaters (53-31) win their 2nd Coover Cup after a close battle all year long with the Haymakers. Part of Boston's success came from a team record 52 triples and a 15-3 record against lefthand pitching.
The 1909 Ammendment I Reassignment Class
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05-31-2004, 01:39 PM
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#19 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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1910 - 10th Year Anniversary
The Bridegrooms (52-32) win their 1st Coover Cup after coming so close in 1906 and missing the trophy by only 2 games. The team was lead by SPs Jerry Lee and Brock Vance who combined for a 25-8 record.
Joining the UBA in 1911...
The 1910 Ammendment I Reassignment Class
Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 05:44 PM. |
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05-31-2004, 02:15 PM
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#20 |
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Hall of Fame
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,498
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10 Year Review
Watching the UBA replay unfold is teaching me a lot about what I'm attempting to do as well as how OOTP handles things. I guess having to go through the motions of trying to make the replay come out one way - when the game has it's own ideas - is quite a learning experience. 1910 Scare Before I revisit some of my original planning statements, let me take a minute to say a few words about Dan Casey's injury. Although I have set all the UBA personalities to "durable" there are no guarantees. On August 27th of 1910, Casey received a "bone chips shoulder" injury - which ended his season. Had it been a career ender, I would have replayed the season, but also wanting as much reality as possible in this replay, I decided to cross my fingers and see what happens. There's no guarantee Casey will be ready by the start of the 1911 season, but he's on track to make his goals, so I'm willing to let this play out unless he does something stupid like retire on me !! In any case, this replay is a lot of fun - in that it's forcing me to think out a lot of angles, knowing I can't replicate the 56 year time span to 100% accuracy. I'm crossing my fingers things are ok for Dan come Spring. Making it Real Earlier in this thread, I stated that I didn’t know what level of understanding Robert Coover had about baseball in 1968 when he wrote his novel, but a few glaring problems surfaced in my attempt to create the unofficial UBA history in OOTP5 that I felt needed to be addressed. These included two major stats... Career Wins and Season Ks for starting pitchers.
As I said, this is a lot of fun. I can't wait until all the season's are played - and I can write up the "Unofficial History of the UBA, J. Henry Waugh, Proprietor". Writing the stories behind the stats will be a challenge in itself. I hope all who are reading this are being entertained as well. Last edited by Henry; 05-31-2004 at 03:20 PM. |
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