With the decree of Parliament across both nations -- and the blessing of Russell Crowe -- it became a scramble of details.
Crowe had insisted that the first game be played on the 30th of March, 2001, and then promptly disappeared to Ecuador with Meg Ryan, leaving a hastily assembled team to actually organise the competition.
There was no shortage of interest as the sport spread across both countries. It was quickly decided that the inaugural season would feature 24 teams -- 12 each in Australia and New Zealand. While bids poured in from across New Zealand, in Australia, interest was largely concentrated in the southeast. Baseball hadn’t quite penetrated the likes of Queensland or Western Australia -- yet.
It was during the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics in September 2000 that they finally decided how many games should be played. In their private box, Crowe watched silently as everyone debated the number. Suggestions ranged from 20 to 40 games per season, until finally, Crowe signalled for silence. The only sound was the ceremony outside. Then he stood and said, simply: “162.”
The room was in shock. But Crowe had spoken. 162 it was.
So the structure of the inaugural season of the Russell Crowe Baseball Association would look like this.
- 24 teams across Australia and New Zealand.
- They'll be divided into 2 leagues: 12 in Australia and 12 in New Zealand.
- Each league is divided into 2 divisions of 6 teams.
- 162 games will be played for each team starting at the end of March. (let's assume that Russell Crowe also figured out how you play baseball in the winter)
- Each team will play 18 games against their division foes, 6 games against teams in the other division, and 3 games against teams in the other league.
- There will be an All-Star game at the half way point in July.
- The division winners qualify for the playoffs along with two wildcard teams from each league.
- No Designated Hitters, pitchers will hit.