Robert J. (Bubba) Jones

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 02:20 AM

This is the story of Robert J. (Bubba) Jones, a hard-throwing right hander taken in the second round, 18th overall pick in my fictional league.

The year is 1928. Bubba is from Hogs Wallow, Arkansas.

Bubba has attributes similar to another Arkansas fella, Jay Hanna (Dizzy) Dean, who once claimed he had all he needed, that being a strong back and a weak mind.

With apologies to Ring Lardner, and Alibi Ike, Bubba's story will be written as a series of letters home to mom, dad, and diverse other characters....including Ella May, of whom you will hear a great deal of later.

I do not know how this story will play out, Bubba has yet to play his first minor league game. Could he be a bust? Only time will tell.

Bubba isn't too bright, but he has a big heart.

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 02:35 AM

Memorandum of Record

From: Albers C. Buford, Scout, Boston Red Sox

To: Dennis Svitak, GM, Boston Red Sox

Subject: Robert Jones

Denny,

I took a look at this kid from near Little Rock. He has a good, live arm, strong as a horse. I like him a lot, and I think we need to really take a hard look at him.

He comes from a good family, his parents are non-drinkers or smokers, good Baptists.

I have to tell you though, he isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. I don't think that this will be a problem, as he can flat throw a baseball through a brick wall.

I'll keep you posted.

Al.

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 04:19 AM

Mr. Delbert A. Buchannan
Office of the General Manager
Boston Red Sox

To: Robert J. Jones

Mr. Jones,

My name is Delbert Buchannan, Assistant to the General Manager.

On behalf of the General Manager, Mr. Svitak, I am pleased acknowledge your acceptance of our offer for a contract to play Professional Baseball for our Boston Red Sox Baseball Organization.

Enclosed you will find a voucher for a train ticket to Sarasota, Florida, on or about the 16th of February of this coming year.

You will also find a cheque in the amount of $20.00, for a suit, and for a pair of dress shoes, which I understand you do not currently have.

We regretfully cannot fulfill your request for a signing bonus. It is our policy that your level of compensation will be determined by your performance on the field.

We have decided, as a measure of our good faith, to purchase for your farm a replacement for your mule, and for a Singer brand sewing machine for Mrs. Jones.

You will also find enclosed a copy of our personal appearance and conduct requirements. Study them, as you will be responsible upon reporting to our Spring training complex.

Please let me know if you have any questions, and again, welcome to the Red Sox.

Sincerely,

Delbert A. Buchannan,
Assistant to the General Manager, Boston Red Sox

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 04:29 AM

Cousin Jeff,

Hey Jeffy! Hi! This is cousin Bubba. How ya doin?

Like I tole ya last month, I'm going to be a profesional baseball player.

(Editors note: As much as it pains me, I will allow the grammatical and spelling errors to remain within this and future narratives...)

The Red Sox took me with there second pick, and I get to go to Florida next month.

Dad says Florida is pretty warm, even in Febuary.

The team got us a mule to replace Della. Good thing, too, as I was gettin plum tired of hogging that big 'ol plow 'round the farm.

Mom got herself a sewin machine too, a Singer.

Mr. Buford, the scout told me I am going to be a star. (Editors note: He's lying...he was the 11th pitcher taken out of 35 in the draft, most of his talents are average, except K's which are brilliant)

I gues that throwin all them rocks at the 'coons and 'possums got our arms real strong. Heh, and I thoght that all we was doin was gettin table meat.

I was sure sorry to hear about that combine acident. Maybe we couda both played for the same team!

Well, I gotta go do some chores.

You take care of your self, say hi to Uncle Dave and Aunt Millie.

Bubba

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 04:56 AM

Comments are welcome.

A couple of notes on how I plan on doing this.

It is evolutionary, we'll see how it goes.

Bubba is 18 years old, right handed.

Starting Pitcher
Endurance: B
Fielding: C

Avoiding Runs: Average
Doubles: Average
Home Runs: Average
Walks: Good
Strikeouts: Brilliant

His actual ratings are quite low, of course. I see several years in the minors for Mr. Jones.

I am actually playing the Red Sox, Bubba is part of my minor league system.

I will monitor his progress closely, and report on his stats probably on the first of each month, gamewise.

I won't edit his values, or force-promote him. When the AI says he is ready, he is ready. Of course, at AAA, I will have make a decision. Hmmm....probly have to clear some room for him at the major league level. Not too difficult to do, my team sucks. :

He was my first pick in the second round, 18th overall. I didn't want a sure-fire future #1 starter stud kind of guy. I wanted a decent player, not a great one.

My team is not great, we were 7th last year, we had the second and 18th pick overall in our 16 team league.

Let me know if there is something you would like to know about Bubba. He is in for quite an adventure.

Tiger Fan · 12-25-2002, 11:11 AM

Nice start. I'll be following Bubba's career closely.

Recte44 · 12-25-2002, 12:09 PM

Very interesting take. I'm looking forward to seeing this play out.

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 03:26 PM

Robert J. (Bubba) Jones

Born: June 5th, 1905

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 200
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Normal all the way, no clutch.
Durable (Nice to see this)

Defense: B
Percentage: .985

Sac Bunt: C
Bunt for hit: E
Speed: E
Steal: E

Holding runners: A

Groundball: 66%

Avoiding Runs: Average (Currently 0)
Hits: Average (0)
Doubles: Average (0)
Home Runs: Average (0)
Walks: Good (3)
Strikeouts: Brilliant (6)
Velocity: 9

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 08:46 PM

1 August 1923.

Bubba has successfully made it through Spring Training, and was assigned (not unsuprisingly) to Class A.

After struggling initially, he has begun to put up some better numbers.

W: 7
L: 11
IP: 132
HA: 136
BB: 52
K: 107 (Nice walk/strikeout ratio here)
ERA: 4.53

Current values (Avoid runs, hits, 2B, HR, BB, K) 0-0-2-0-3-5

This first year or two, I will not dwell on his start by start progress.

blubbla · 12-25-2002, 08:53 PM

Count me in among the Bubba fans. This is already shaping up to be one of the best reads we've had around here in the year and a half the I've been around.

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 08:54 PM

Mom and Daddy,

Hey! How you'all doin? I'm doing fine, up here in Burlington. Next week we go to Niagara, and see the Falls.

Sure is pretty up here, a lot different from the Ozarks.

Mom, thanks for the pie and cookies. Mrs. Wilson at the roomin house is a pretty good cook, but not near as good as you.

Dad, good to hear you got that new over and under, it'll come in handy when the ducks come in.

Say hi to cousin Jeffy and the gang.

Oh, I done won seven games so far, coach says I'm doing fine.
(Editors note: He's lying again, coach Morgan is getting a little ticked at his lackadaisacal attitude)

Oh, and by the way, can you'all send me a little bit of money this month? The fellers at the roomin house taut me a new game, poker, and I'm a little cleaned out right now. Mr. Wilson's been askin fer the rent, and I dont think he will wait til next month.

Thanks,

Your Loving Son,

Bubba

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 09:01 PM

Note to All Players:

It has come to the attention of this organization that many of you have been Gambling, on the team bus, and in the boarding house as well.

This will not be tolerated. The losers of these games will become upset, and it may affect their play, as well as create divisions within the clubhouse.

Please refer to your Boston Red Sox Employee Handbook, Page 6, paragraph 2. This is, and will remain a Class 2 violation, and may result in termination of employment.

If you have any questions, see Coach Morgan or myself.

REMEMBER! GAMBLING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

John Bannerman

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 09:13 PM

"Hello"

"Del?, this is Eddie Morgan, up at Burlington."

"Hey Eddie, what's up?"

"Well, I think I got a handle on our little gambling problem here. The kid Jones really got whacked by some of the older guys."

"Damn fool kid....how much did he get took for?"

Eddie ponders a bit. "Probably a months wages, plus most of his meal money."

"Meal money?"

"Yeah, dumbsh!t didn't eat for a couple of days, got his a$$ handed to him. That's how we found out he was broke."

Buchannan shakes his head. "Is there a problem here?"

Eddie laughs..."Naw, we got it under control....maybe he learned a little something, heh heh heh. Doubt it though. Dumb as a stump."

"Well, stay on it, from the reports you've been sending us, the kid may have a future."

Coach Morgan turns serious....."I tell you Del, I've been coaching since LaJoie in '96, this kid is one hell of a prospect."

Del: "OK Ed, I'll pass it along. Should we bring him up to Wilkes-Barre?"

Eddie: "Not yet, I think he needs to finish the year here....so's I can keep an eye on him."

"OK Eddie, whatever you think. Say Hi to Edna and the kids."

"Thanks Del, you take care. Bye."

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 09:39 PM

1 Sep 1923

ERA......W......L......IP........H........BB...... ..K
5.00......8......12....145......169......55....... .111

No change in ratings or potential.

Rasmuth · 12-25-2002, 09:42 PM

excellent read...keep it up.

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 09:51 PM

Hey Mom and Daddy!

Wahoo! I threw a 4-hit shutout last night!

Coach was real happy! I struck out 9 batters, and give up 5 walks.

Well, I gotta go, a few of the fellers want to take me out on the town!

Bye! Things are going great!

Bubba

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 09:56 PM

4 Sep 1923 Stats

ERA: 4.76 W: 9 L: 12 IP: 154 H: 173 BB: 60 K:120

I saw Bubba's ERA went from 5.00 to 4.76 in one start. Pretty good drop for that many innings pitched.

By dividing innings pitched (154) by 9, and multiplying that value by ERA, you can get Earned runs.---81

The previous information, 145 innings, 5.00 era also gives 81 earned runs.

9 innings pitched, no earned runs, looks like a shutout to me!

blubbla · 12-25-2002, 11:19 PM

CLAP CLAP CLAP!

Way to go Bubba!

dsvitak · 12-25-2002, 11:49 PM

Bubba's stats for 1924. I have been typing 1923 all along, oops.

1924 - A Ball

ERA: 4.84
Wins : 10
Losses: 17
IP: 195
Hits: 225
BB: 85
K's: 150

My team, the Boston Red Sox, have won this years World Series. My new team is the Chicago Cubs, who have finished dead last for the last 6 years, a record.

I have traded for Bubba, he will start the season in A ball in Decatur, Illinois.

After spring training, no change to abilities or stats....I kinda thought he would go up some.

Bubba is ranked the 42nd best prospect, the 22nd best pitcher.

In his organization, he is the 5th best prospect, 3rd best pitcher.

blubbla · 12-26-2002, 12:10 AM

Wow. You must have gotten the Red Sox going quick.

Now if you and Bubba can get the Cubbies moving again...

12-25-2002, 02:35 AM	#2
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	Memorandum of Record From: Albers C. Buford, Scout, Boston Red Sox To: Dennis Svitak, GM, Boston Red Sox Subject: Robert Jones Denny, I took a look at this kid from near Little Rock. He has a good, live arm, strong as a horse. I like him a lot, and I think we need to really take a hard look at him. He comes from a good family, his parents are non-drinkers or smokers, good Baptists. I have to tell you though, he isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. I don't think that this will be a problem, as he can flat throw a baseball through a brick wall. I'll keep you posted. Al. Last edited by dsvitak; 07-01-2008 at 11:41 AM.

12-25-2002, 04:56 AM	#5
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	Editors Note: Comments are welcome. A couple of notes on how I plan on doing this. It is evolutionary, we'll see how it goes. Bubba is 18 years old, right handed. Starting Pitcher Endurance: B Fielding: C Avoiding Runs: Average Doubles: Average Home Runs: Average Walks: Good Strikeouts: Brilliant His actual ratings are quite low, of course. I see several years in the minors for Mr. Jones. I am actually playing the Red Sox, Bubba is part of my minor league system. I will monitor his progress closely, and report on his stats probably on the first of each month, gamewise. I won't edit his values, or force-promote him. When the AI says he is ready, he is ready. Of course, at AAA, I will have make a decision. Hmmm....probly have to clear some room for him at the major league level. Not too difficult to do, my team sucks. : He was my first pick in the second round, 18th overall. I didn't want a sure-fire future #1 starter stud kind of guy. I wanted a decent player, not a great one. My team is not great, we were 7th last year, we had the second and 18th pick overall in our 16 team league. Let me know if there is something you would like to know about Bubba. He is in for quite an adventure.

12-25-2002, 11:11 AM	#6
Tiger Fan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 9,537	Nice start. I'll be following Bubba's career closely. __________________ Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles Columnist- The Figment Sporting Journal MY FIGMENT LEAGUE BROOKLYN KINGS DYNASTY PAST DYNASTYS My History of Hockey Replay Tiger Fan's Sporting News : the mid 1940's Tiger Fan's All Sport Replay: The 1920s History of Sports 1901-15 Historical Tutorial and Feedback League My first fictional attempt The HOB4: The last of my series of history of baseball replays that go back to OOTP2 and the old message board.

12-25-2002, 12:09 PM	#7
Recte44 Global Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Oconomowoc, WI Posts: 2,754	Very interesting take. I'm looking forward to seeing this play out. __________________ Matt Rectenwald Commissioner, GM: Las Vegas Hustlers, The Brewster Baseball Association- fictional league (JOIN NOW)

12-25-2002, 03:26 PM	#8
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	Basic Stats Robert J. (Bubba) Jones Born: June 5th, 1905 Height: 6'1" Weight: 200 Bats: Left Throws: Right Normal all the way, no clutch. Durable (Nice to see this) Defense: B Percentage: .985 Sac Bunt: C Bunt for hit: E Speed: E Steal: E Holding runners: A Groundball: 66% Avoiding Runs: Average (Currently 0) Hits: Average (0) Doubles: Average (0) Home Runs: Average (0) Walks: Good (3) Strikeouts: Brilliant (6) Velocity: 9

12-25-2002, 02:20 AM	#1
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	Robert J. (Bubba) Jones This is the story of Robert J. (Bubba) Jones, a hard-throwing right hander taken in the second round, 18th overall pick in my fictional league. The year is 1928. Bubba is from Hogs Wallow, Arkansas. Bubba has attributes similar to another Arkansas fella, Jay Hanna (Dizzy) Dean, who once claimed he had all he needed, that being a strong back and a weak mind. With apologies to Ring Lardner, and Alibi Ike, Bubba's story will be written as a series of letters home to mom, dad, and diverse other characters....including Ella May, of whom you will hear a great deal of later. I do not know how this story will play out, Bubba has yet to play his first minor league game. Could he be a bust? Only time will tell. Bubba isn't too bright, but he has a big heart.

12-25-2002, 04:19 AM	#3
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	Mr. Delbert A. Buchannan Office of the General Manager Boston Red Sox To: Robert J. Jones Mr. Jones, My name is Delbert Buchannan, Assistant to the General Manager. On behalf of the General Manager, Mr. Svitak, I am pleased acknowledge your acceptance of our offer for a contract to play Professional Baseball for our Boston Red Sox Baseball Organization. Enclosed you will find a voucher for a train ticket to Sarasota, Florida, on or about the 16th of February of this coming year. You will also find a cheque in the amount of $20.00, for a suit, and for a pair of dress shoes, which I understand you do not currently have. We regretfully cannot fulfill your request for a signing bonus. It is our policy that your level of compensation will be determined by your performance on the field. We have decided, as a measure of our good faith, to purchase for your farm a replacement for your mule, and for a Singer brand sewing machine for Mrs. Jones. You will also find enclosed a copy of our personal appearance and conduct requirements. Study them, as you will be responsible upon reporting to our Spring training complex. Please let me know if you have any questions, and again, welcome to the Red Sox. Sincerely, Delbert A. Buchannan, Assistant to the General Manager, Boston Red Sox

12-25-2002, 04:29 AM	#4
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	Cousin Jeff, Hey Jeffy! Hi! This is cousin Bubba. How ya doin? Like I tole ya last month, I'm going to be a profesional baseball player. (Editors note: As much as it pains me, I will allow the grammatical and spelling errors to remain within this and future narratives...) The Red Sox took me with there second pick, and I get to go to Florida next month. Dad says Florida is pretty warm, even in Febuary. The team got us a mule to replace Della. Good thing, too, as I was gettin plum tired of hogging that big 'ol plow 'round the farm. Mom got herself a sewin machine too, a Singer. Mr. Buford, the scout told me I am going to be a star. (Editors note: He's lying...he was the 11th pitcher taken out of 35 in the draft, most of his talents are average, except K's which are brilliant) I gues that throwin all them rocks at the 'coons and 'possums got our arms real strong. Heh, and I thoght that all we was doin was gettin table meat. I was sure sorry to hear about that combine acident. Maybe we couda both played for the same team! Well, I gotta go do some chores. You take care of your self, say hi to Uncle Dave and Aunt Millie. Bubba

12-25-2002, 08:46 PM	#9
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	1st Update 1 August 1923. Bubba has successfully made it through Spring Training, and was assigned (not unsuprisingly) to Class A. After struggling initially, he has begun to put up some better numbers. W: 7 L: 11 IP: 132 HA: 136 BB: 52 K: 107 (Nice walk/strikeout ratio here) ERA: 4.53 Current values (Avoid runs, hits, 2B, HR, BB, K) 0-0-2-0-3-5 This first year or two, I will not dwell on his start by start progress.

12-25-2002, 08:53 PM	#10
blubbla Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Herscher, IL Posts: 2,456	Count me in among the Bubba fans. This is already shaping up to be one of the best reads we've had around here in the year and a half the I've been around.

12-25-2002, 08:54 PM	#11
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	A new Game learned! Mom and Daddy, Hey! How you'all doin? I'm doing fine, up here in Burlington. Next week we go to Niagara, and see the Falls. Sure is pretty up here, a lot different from the Ozarks. Mom, thanks for the pie and cookies. Mrs. Wilson at the roomin house is a pretty good cook, but not near as good as you. Dad, good to hear you got that new over and under, it'll come in handy when the ducks come in. Say hi to cousin Jeffy and the gang. Oh, I done won seven games so far, coach says I'm doing fine. (Editors note: He's lying again, coach Morgan is getting a little ticked at his lackadaisacal attitude) Oh, and by the way, can you'all send me a little bit of money this month? The fellers at the roomin house taut me a new game, poker, and I'm a little cleaned out right now. Mr. Wilson's been askin fer the rent, and I dont think he will wait til next month. Thanks, Your Loving Son, Bubba

12-25-2002, 09:01 PM	#12
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	Notice Posted On Burlington Loggers Bulletin Board Note to All Players: It has come to the attention of this organization that many of you have been Gambling, on the team bus, and in the boarding house as well. This will not be tolerated. The losers of these games will become upset, and it may affect their play, as well as create divisions within the clubhouse. Please refer to your Boston Red Sox Employee Handbook, Page 6, paragraph 2. This is, and will remain a Class 2 violation, and may result in termination of employment. If you have any questions, see Coach Morgan or myself. REMEMBER! GAMBLING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! John Bannerman

12-25-2002, 09:13 PM	#13
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	***RRRRIIIIIINNNNNGGGGG!!!!!*** "Hello" "Del?, this is Eddie Morgan, up at Burlington." "Hey Eddie, what's up?" "Well, I think I got a handle on our little gambling problem here. The kid Jones really got whacked by some of the older guys." "Damn fool kid....how much did he get took for?" Eddie ponders a bit. "Probably a months wages, plus most of his meal money." "Meal money?" "Yeah, dumbsh!t didn't eat for a couple of days, got his a$$ handed to him. That's how we found out he was broke." Buchannan shakes his head. "Is there a problem here?" Eddie laughs..."Naw, we got it under control....maybe he learned a little something, heh heh heh. Doubt it though. Dumb as a stump." "Well, stay on it, from the reports you've been sending us, the kid may have a future." Coach Morgan turns serious....."I tell you Del, I've been coaching since LaJoie in '96, this kid is one hell of a prospect." Del: "OK Ed, I'll pass it along. Should we bring him up to Wilkes-Barre?" Eddie: "Not yet, I think he needs to finish the year here....so's I can keep an eye on him." "OK Eddie, whatever you think. Say Hi to Edna and the kids." "Thanks Del, you take care. Bye."

12-25-2002, 09:39 PM	#14
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	Update #2 1 Sep 1923 ERA......W......L......IP........H........BB...... ..K 5.00......8......12....145......169......55....... .111 No change in ratings or potential. Last edited by dsvitak; 12-25-2002 at 09:42 PM.

12-25-2002, 09:42 PM	#15
Rasmuth All Star Starter Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Upstate Western NY Posts: 1,760	excellent read...keep it up. __________________ http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...?bandID=250426

12-25-2002, 09:51 PM	#16
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	Good News! Hey Mom and Daddy! Wahoo! I threw a 4-hit shutout last night! Coach was real happy! I struck out 9 batters, and give up 5 walks. Well, I gotta go, a few of the fellers want to take me out on the town! Bye! Things are going great! Bubba

12-25-2002, 09:56 PM	#17
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	Editors note: 4 Sep 1923 Stats ERA: 4.76 W: 9 L: 12 IP: 154 H: 173 BB: 60 K:120 I saw Bubba's ERA went from 5.00 to 4.76 in one start. Pretty good drop for that many innings pitched. By dividing innings pitched (154) by 9, and multiplying that value by ERA, you can get Earned runs.---81 The previous information, 145 innings, 5.00 era also gives 81 earned runs. 9 innings pitched, no earned runs, looks like a shutout to me!

12-25-2002, 11:19 PM	#18
blubbla Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Herscher, IL Posts: 2,456	CLAP CLAP CLAP! Way to go Bubba!

12-25-2002, 11:49 PM	#19
dsvitak Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,868	Seasons End - A TRADE!!! Bubba's stats for 1924. I have been typing 1923 all along, oops. 1924 - A Ball ERA: 4.84 Wins : 10 Losses: 17 IP: 195 Hits: 225 BB: 85 K's: 150 My team, the Boston Red Sox, have won this years World Series. My new team is the Chicago Cubs, who have finished dead last for the last 6 years, a record. I have traded for Bubba, he will start the season in A ball in Decatur, Illinois. After spring training, no change to abilities or stats....I kinda thought he would go up some. Bubba is ranked the 42nd best prospect, the 22nd best pitcher. In his organization, he is the 5th best prospect, 3rd best pitcher.

12-26-2002, 12:10 AM	#20
blubbla Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Herscher, IL Posts: 2,456	Wow. You must have gotten the Red Sox going quick. Now if you and Bubba can get the Cubbies moving again...