Introducing the Footnote League

[luckymann]

Cribbed from THIS article on SABR Bio by Brian McKenna.

Here in Australia, we don’t have baseball cards, we have football cards. Our two main codes are Rugby Union in the northern states and Australian Rules in the southern part of the country (although both are now more national in nature). When I was a kid, Scanlans was the only card brand that mattered. They were to boys of the 1970s and 80s what Barbie dolls were to girls.

Now, I’m not sure if the same phenomenon exists for baseball cards when buying them by the pack (the only way you could buy them back then, never as a complete set unless someone had collected it and were selling it as such), but there were always certain football players whose cards were far more common than others when you unwrapped that oily paper, stuck the piece of gum in your mouth and scoured the contents you’d just spent your pocket money on. Got it, need it, need it, got it was like a mantra for the card-collecting kid.

OOTP’s selection process for Random Debuts and Rookies from All Eras seems to operate on the same principle. Some players seem to be in EVERY save you start up. Fred Glade, for me at least, is one of those players who falls into this category. Not just in saves such as this, where – given he played in this era IRL – one would expect him to, but modern ones as well. So, like George Stone and Harry Lumley before him, my interest was piqued.

Fred Glade was born into a wealthy industrial family of German origin in Dubuque Iowa on January 25, 1876, before moving to Nebraska as a young boy, where his father Henry bought his first mill. When not working at the family business, Fred and his five brothers loved to play baseball, and all six Glade boys were quite talented at the sport. Fred, however, was the best of them, and he would leave the mill for months at a time to indulge his baseball passion.

Fred played for various professional teams between 1898 and 1901, ending up at Des Moines of the Western League. His 1901 performance, in which he led the league with 196 strikeouts, sparked the attention of some major league clubs, and in early 1902 Des Moines sold him to the Chicago Cubs for $500. After joining the squad late and then impressing Chicago manager Frank Selee in his first few games, Fred promptly went home without telling the club or even his teammates. This would be a recurring theme throughout his career: Fred pitched when Fred wanted to.

After serving out a suspension, Fred re-joined the club and on May 27 he made his major league debut at age 26. In a far from auspicious start to his career in the bigs, Fred gave up eleven runs, eight earned, thirteen hits, walked three and hit a batter, immediately putting an end to his career in Chicago. Selee, no longer impressed, sold him to St. Joseph, Missouri. Glade made his first start for his new club on June 4 and finished the year there, pitching in 24 games for the Western League club. He played the entire 1903 season as well, with his brother Phil also on the roster, pitching in 32 games and batting .279 in 104 at bats.

That September, he was drafted by the St. Louis Browns.

Glade turned in a stellar rookie season in 1904 with an 18-15 record in 35 games, the most by a Browns rookie in club history. He and fellow rookie pitcher Barney Pelty posted 33 combined wins, more than half the club’s total victories, and his 15-strikeout effort against the Senators on June 19 set the American League record until Rube Waddell broke it in 1908. Glade posted a 2.27 ERA in 1904 and tossed six shutouts, three in September. So pleased were the Browns with their new find that they turned down an offer of $5,000 for him from the pennant-winning Red Sox.

Perhaps they should have offloaded him, because 1905 was no banner year for the club or Fred individually, as he went 6-25 and the Browns finished in the cellar. That said, Fred’s 2.81 ERA was only marginally above the league average of 2.65, and 11 of his losses were by one run. He rebounded somewhat in ’06, going 15-14 with a 2.36 ERA, but then – after getting married in the offseason – went on another one of his sabbaticals. After not making his first start until a month into the 1907 season, Fred ended up going 13-9. But he was no longer happy at St. Louis, and pushed for a trade to Clark Griffith’s Highlanders club in New York. The Browns eventually relented and Fred started the ’08 season with his new club in fine spirits, even reporting on time for once.

But it wasn’t to be, as an unclarified stomach ailment – reports put it down to causes as varied as malaria,the lingering effects of Bright’s disease, or the result of drinking tainted milk. In total he started only five games for the Highlanders, losing four, before falling out magnificently with his manager and going AWOL. Not long after, Griffith himself resigned.

Despite numerous assurances to new skipper Kid Elberfeld that he would soon return to the club, he never did. After signing a contract with the Highlanders in February 1909, Glade simply never fronted. A purportedcomeback in 1910 never eventuated. Reports suggest that the Highlanders continued to offer Glade a roster spot for years to come, despite the fact that he was in his late thirties.

Fred returned to the family business, and became the company’s President after the death of his father in 1910. The company still exists today, and prosperously so, with such popular brands as Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Healthy Choice, Hunt’s and Libby’s, to name a few. Fred, sadly, does not. He passed away in November 1934 after a long illness. He was just 53.

In the Footnote League, Fred is reborn. He joined the Philadelphia Athletics upon joining the league in 1901 and is still there. After a brief stint at the club’s PSL side at Shreveport, Fred was promoted to the bigs and is putting together a fine career indeed, with 61 wins against 49 losses and an ERA of 2.91. 1906 has been his best season yet, as he has already amassed 19 wins while losing only 6 and his 1.86 ERA is second in the AL behind fellow Spotlight Player Dickey Kerr. He will undoubtedly be a key member of the A’s who are right in the middle of a torrid battle for the American League Pennant.

Tempus effulgeo to you Fred, may you continue to shine as brightly as you have so far!

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OOML POST

[luckymann]

Thanks to everyone for your support, hope you are still enjoying the FL - in the middle of perhaps our tightest season yet and hopefully many more to come!

G

[Brad K]

I wondered if ConAgra owned Glade air freshener. Turns out its S C Johnson.

[RosaRoo]

I'm not sure if this has been pointed out yet(It probably has), but one issue that may crop up with this league is that ratings are relative to the league around them, which is to say, even though you can have a max of 250 in any batting stat, 250 does not necessarily equal a 10/10 on the player page. If the average of all players in the league is, say, 240, then 250 will be 6-8/10.

This could be an issue since, because you're basing your culling on the ratings on the player page, it could cause a constant decline in the actual players in the league, since those who were once 50 overall will have their value inflated by the league around them getting worse.

[luckymann]

Originally Posted by RosaRoo

I'm not sure if this has been pointed out yet(It probably has), but one issue that may crop up with this league is that ratings are relative to the league around them, which is to say, even though you can have a max of 250 in any batting stat, 250 does not necessarily equal a 10/10 on the player page. If the average of all players in the league is, say, 240, then 250 will be 6-8/10.

This could be an issue since, because you're basing your culling on the ratings on the player page, it could cause a constant decline in the actual players in the league, since those who were once 50 overall will have their value inflated by the league around them getting worse.

Hey mate thanks for following along and for your feedback.

The point you raise is a valid one and one I thought of a couple years in. Since then, I don't actually rely as much on their ratings upon import. Instead, I look into each player and their inclusion / exclusion is more based on their career WAR (as per BBRef) and how well-known they are. This still means the league will degrade somewhat, but hopefully at a slow enough rate that it isn't too noticeable and has no real effect on gameplay and results.

One frustrating element is that it seems because I selected historical rookies in the initial save, I'm stuck with them for good now. In an effort to try and increase the numbers of rookies from all eras, I turned it off and the next Draft Pool was completely empty. Which means the majority of players coming in will always be rookies from each particular season, with the balance from other eras. Would love to know how to fix this if anyone has any ideas.

Appreciate the support bud.

G

[Brad K]

You're the pioneer. The developers never thought of such a scenario. To boldly go where no OOTPer has gone before.

[luckymann]

Originally Posted by Brad K

You're the pioneer. The developers never thought of such a scenario. To boldly go where no OOTPer has gone before.

We'll see I guess. But I like where you're head's at bud.

The other factor worth considering is that the players import on a relative basis from the get-go. This relativity in itself should also work to camouflage any dip in quality.

[Brad K]

I won't believe any of this relativity stuff until you show me gravity bends light!!!

[luckymann]

Originally Posted by Brad K

I won't believe any of this relativity stuff until you show me gravity bends light!!!

I know, right. The next thing they'll have us believe is that ham, pork and bacon all come from the one "magical" animal...

[Makonnen]

Originally Posted by luckymann

One frustrating element is that it seems because I selected historical rookies in the initial save, I'm stuck with them for good now. In an effort to try and increase the numbers of rookies from all eras, I turned it off and the next Draft Pool was completely empty. Which means the majority of players coming in will always be rookies from each particular season, with the balance from other eras. Would love to know how to fix this if anyone has any ideas.

I don't think it can be changed mid-save, but if you wanted to test that, I would save it under a new name, make the change, auto play 2 years, and check *that* draft class, so it goes through an entire year cycle.

But I don't think it will work.

The easiest manual workaround I can think of for the draft class is to do a randomized import of bbref id's. You can export those from a file in OOTP itself, randomize them in a spreadsheet with whatever parameters you want, then re-import. It would *expand* the draft class, of course, but having more talent to pick from each year would actually help buffer against the degradation mentioned above.

[luckymann]

Originally Posted by Makonnen

I don't think it can be changed mid-save, but if you wanted to test that, I would save it under a new name, make the change, auto play 2 years, and check *that* draft class, so it goes through an entire year cycle.

But I don't think it will work.

The easiest manual workaround I can think of for the draft class is to do a randomized import of bbref id's. You can export those from a file in OOTP itself, randomize them in a spreadsheet with whatever parameters you want, then re-import. It would *expand* the draft class, of course, but having more talent to pick from each year would actually help buffer against the degradation mentioned above.

Yeah, I believe it stems from the league being created as a historical rather than fictional. It's OK, I have come to terms with it and changed the range of randoms accordingly so only post-1950 players are randomised. That seems a fair sort of point as to how far down the track of time this league will get.

Thanks for the feedback.

G

[Brad K]

I don't recall, have you ever said how many years the Footnote League will run?

[luckymann]

Originally Posted by Brad K

I don't recall, have you ever said how many years the Footnote League will run?

I haven't set any fixed timeframe on it bud. I love this little league and it's fairly low-maintenance so it'll just keep shining on until I feel it has run its course. That won't be for some time to come, God willing!

[fredbeene]

Originally Posted by luckymann

The air is thick with anticipation as the national pastime heads into a new era. Last night, the pundits released various analyses of how they see the season panning out. if they are to be believed, we are in for an exciting year, with the Senators, Orioles and Blues their main hopes in the AL, while they see the Cards, Orphans and Pirates fighting for the NL pennant.

With regard to individual performances, they are looking for big offensive years from O’s cornerman Wid Conroy and Athletics RF Glenn Wilson in the AL, while they see Joe Pepitone continuing his hot Spring Training form into the regular season in the NL. And they are expecting breakout years from Cleveland Blues ace Gary Peters and Cardinal Flint Rhem.

The player rankings see Tigers OF Del Howard top the position players with #1 Draft pick Ed Head rated best hurler.

They’ve spotted some potential stars of tomorrow as well. Keep an eye out for SP Moose Haas from the Giants and Senators second baseman Wally Backman to make their mark at some point.

Ahhh I love the smell of pine tar in the morning. Let’s play ball!

I LOVE this .
Great idea!
Can you create a quick start.
Love the players like sveum who hit 25 HRs ONE year an not much after

[luckymann]

Originally Posted by fredbeene

I LOVE this .
Great idea!
Can you create a quick start.
Love the players like sveum who hit 25 HRs ONE year an not much after

Thanks mate, I'm pretty fond of this one myself.

I'm happy to do a QS but I don't think there'd be much point because there's a fair bit of manual tinkering required each year to keep the big names out. This cannot be done automatically.

[luckymann]

AL STRINGING OUT, WHITE SOX IN THE BOX SEAT

BROOKLYN PUTS FOOT DOWN, THEN CRASHES TO LET BEANEATERS DRAW LEVEL

Notable Performances

• 3rd: the White Sox need 15 innings to get past a dogged Americans unit, finally winning it 5-4 on a walkoff error, the 6th of the game for the Boston side. The other Boston team has better luck, as Kent Greenfield pitches them to a 6-hit 1-0 shutout win over the Reds.
• 14th: Washington’s Terry Moore goes 4-for-6 with a double and 5 ribbies as the Sens humiliate Cleveland 17-8.
• 15th: Brooklyn’s Jack Pfiester pitches a 2-hitter with 6 strikeouts in a 2-0 victory against the Cubs.
• 18th: the Highlanders aren’t totally out of it yet, but they’ll need to get a wriggle on. Jeremy Bonderman shows he’s up for the challenge as he blanks Chicago on 6 hits with 6 K in a 5-0 win.
• 20th: the Superbas throw one away as Pittsburgh scores 4 in the bottom 9th to earn a 7-6 win, with Earl Robinson the walkoff hero, singling in the winner. They lose another heartbreaker the next day, scoring 5 in the 8th to draw level only to give up one in the home half and eventually lose 11-10, their fifth defeat on the trot. It takes a Danny Duffy 4-hitter to finally snap the streak.
• 25th: a 2 HR / 6 RBI game from outfielder Joel Youngblood powers Detroit to a 9-6 win over the A’s.
• 29th: the Pirates don’t seem to have given up hope just yet and a 5-0 win over the Cardinals behind a Bernie Boland 5-hitter won’t have done their confidence any harm whatsoever, giving them 8 wins from their last 10 and getting them within 7 games of the lead. They score 3 in the top 9th to pinch their next one as well.
• 31st: Andy Messersmith’s 5-hit shutout of Cleveland in a 5-0 win is the perfect way for the White Sox to finish off a fine 16-10 August.

Achievements

• 6th: AL PotW – Dickey Kerr (New York); NL – Kent Greenfield (Boston); PSLA – Marlon Anderson(Newark); PSLN – Bill Parsons (Houston).
• 6th: in the PSL, Newark’s Marty Patten throws a no-hitter with 6 K in a 3-0 win over Fort Worth.
• 13th: AL PotW – Mike Mowrey (St. Louis); NL – Leon Durham (Boston); PSLA – John Vander Wal(Williamsport); PSLN – Shane Andrews (Jersey City).
• 20th: AL PotW – Jeremy Bonderman (New York); NL – Greg Gross (Chicago); PSLA – Eli Marrero(Waterloo); PSLN – Gary Matthews jr (Hazleton).
• 27th: AL PotW – Joel Youngblood (Detroit); NL – Buddy Lewis (Pittsburgh); PSLA – Art Griggs (Shreveport); PSLN – John Anderson (Bridgeport).

Injuries

• 12th: Cincy loses pitcher Slow Joe Doyle for the year to a torn UCL.
• 13th: torn ankle ligaments end Cardinals shortstop Deivi Cruz’s season early, and the White Sox will have to do without pitcher Bill Monbouquette for the remainder of ‘06 courtesy of a torn labrum.
• 20th: it will be touch-and-go as to whether Cubs OF Todd Dunwoody sees any further action this season after he suffers an oblique strain.
• 26th: the Naps lose shortstop Chick Galloway for the rest of the year to a torn groin muscle.
• 29th: a shoulder strain will keep Cards hurler Art Fromme out of action for 5-6 weeks.

Transactions

None of note


Monthly Awards

American League

Batter: Rube Oldring, St. Louis (.402 / 12 RBI / 24 R)

Pitcher: Andy Messersmith, Chicago (4-2 / 1.52 / 31 K / 65 IP)

Rookie: Kevin Slowey, St. Louis (3-2 / 1.88 / 18 K / 43 IP)

National League

Batter: Al Shaw, New York (.341 / 2 HR / 17 RBI / 17 R)

Pitcher: Charlie Smith, Boston (5-2 / 2.57 / 33 K / 63 IP)

Rookie: Art Fromme, St. Louis (4-2 / 1.76 / 30 K / 56 IP)


PostScript League American

Batter: Mike Vail, Newark (.349 / 7 HR / 23 RBI / 19 R)

Pitcher: Don Schwall, Waterloo (4-0 / 0.69 / 44 K / 39 IP)

PostScript League National

Batter: John Anderson, Bridgeport (.374 / 9 HR / 27 RBI / 25 R)

Pitcher: Pol Perritt, Houston (5-1 / 2.58 / 45 K / 45 IP)

FL S+ PAGE

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OOML POST

[luckymann]

Weighted Runs Created, Career

[luckymann]

Most Pitching Wins for a Losing Team

[Brad K]

Most pitching wins for a losing team is an interesting stat.

[luckymann]

Originally Posted by Brad K

Most pitching wins for a losing team is an interesting stat.

Stats+ rocks. Love that new feature, there are some fun ones cropping up that I'll try to share across this, the Bucs save and the ACBA (the three leagues I have S+ accounts for).