A short time ago, committee chair Derek Bain asked me if I’d like to contribute to this group. In responding with an enthusiastic, “absolutely”, I wondered if I had anything to offer—other than the occasional update on the stats from my replays.
To begin, a little about me. A resident of New London, NH, I’m a SABR Membership Ambassador you’ve probably run into on various social media channels. A general baseball fan, I tend to gravitate toward the Mets and the Orioles when I sit down with my wife to watch a game. However, you’ll find me during baseball season at any one of the minor league or New England Collegiate Baseball League parks near me.
I’ve been a fan since 1974 (you can read about that here). My fandom was enhanced in the late ‘70s when I first saw the Baseball Digest advertisements for APBA and Strat-O-Matic. Initially, I started with APBA. But I never really completed a replay or caught on in draft leagues. Just me and the players of my youth on my gaming table, playing out fantasy games in my spare time. However, over time I wound up moving toward and settling on Strat, the game that provides me with the experience I wanted. A game that plays quickly, unfolds in front of me beautifully, provides lefty/righty matchups and good statistical accuracy.
The two seasons in which I’m currently involved (1974 AL and 1962 NL) are done using the advanced side. But I take a bit of a hybrid basic/advanced approach. I keep my statistics using iScore, a wonderful and free app for replayers. It keeps everything nicely, providing the user with customizable and easy reports. You’ll see those when I’m discussing my projects.
While I plan on providing readers with content focused on my replays, I’m hoping to talk with fellow gamers, too. I’d like to discuss how the simulations you play factor into your enjoyment of baseball, and vice versa. I’d also like to explore how simulations tie into fandom, how they enhance your experience and how they offer a platform to provide connections with others.
I’m looking forward to participating here, and I hope you’ll enjoy my contributions. Look for initial posts soon!
Bruce is a SABR Membership Ambassador, Social Media Director of the Baseball Memories Chartered Community and Chair of the Northern New England Chapter, serving the great states of Maine and New Hampshire.
