A Different Replay Idea

Something Unusual

A Different Replay Idea

Off we go to The APBA Journal, but for a different kind of article this time around.

This is from the January 1986 edition.

Now, the content of this article is largely based on the offerings the APBA Game Company happened to have in early 1986.

We’re in a completely different era today, of course. Most games offer dozens of seasons, and some games offer every single team from 1901 to the present. We don’t have to worry about the same constraints.

In the spirit of this idea, and in the hopes of sticking together an interesting yet unusual project, I bring you a 16 team cross-era structure featuring nothing but teams that finished the season at exactly .500:

I call this “The Parity Project.”

Interestingly, The Parity Project would bring you a bunch of interesting players at interesting times in their careers. Here are some of the names you’d see if you played this one out:

• Rabbit Maranville (1932 Braves, age 40)

• Bruce Sutter (1977 Cubs, age 24)

• Eric Davis (1996 Reds, age 34)

• Barry Larkin (1996 Reds, age 32)

• Mike Piazza (1993 Dodgers, age 24)

• Darryl Strawberry (1993 Dodgers, age 31)

• Orel Hershiser (1993 Dodgers, age 34)

• Steve Carlton (1984 Phillies, age 39)

• Bill Mazeroski (1967 Pirates, age 30)

• Maury Wills (1967 Pirates, age 34)

• Willie Stargell (1967 Pirates, age 27)

• Roberto Clemente (1967 Pirates, age 32)

• Lou Brock (1973 Cardinals, age 34)

• Bob Gibson (1973 Cardinals, age 37)

• Roger Clemens (1985 Red Sox, age 22)

• Wade Boggs (1985 Red Sox, age 27)

• Jim Rice (1985 Red Sox, age 32)

• Frank Thomas (2002 White Sox, age 34)

• Tris Speaker (1916 Indians, age 28)

• Miguel Cabrera (2010 Tigers, age 27)

• Harmon Killebrew (1972 Twins, age 36)

• Rod Carew (1972 Twins, age 26)

• Bert Blyleven (1972 Twins, age 21)

• Hal Chase (1911 Highlanders, age 28)

• Mark McGwire (1987 Athletics, age 23)

• Jose Canseco (1987 Athletics, age 22)

• Reggie Jackson (1987 Athletics, age 41)

• Dave Stewart (1987 Athletics, age 30)

• Dennis Eckersley (1987 Athletics, age 32)

I’m not sure which teams would be favored to win either of these leagues. Strange as it may sound, I’d probably go with the 1977 Chicago Cubs in the National League, especially since they were competitive in real life (though we tend to forget about that season). In the American League, I’d say that the 1985 Red Sox, 1987 Athletics, and 2010 Tigers all have a real chance of doing something — but don’t overlook those 1972 Twins!

Anyway, this is just a little thing I sketched together one afternoon. I’d love to know what you think!