Great post. After being involved in fantasy baseball for a number of years I stopped several years ago more due to changes in the group dynamic (I preferred fantasy drafts in person and Covid-19 ended that. But I also didn't love rooting against my team when my fantasy player was batting or pitching against them. It did get me to pay more attention to all MLB players but I don't miss it. And when it comes to baseball cards, collecting for market value increase was something that happened after I stopped actually playing with them - flipping them and putting them in my bicycle spokes with clothespins!
I've been planning for a little while to do an article on the history of fantasy baseball. I found one of the magazines that usually is credited with being the birth of the mainstream line of fantasy games - which is the type that was monetized.
But, of course, I've got to do more on APBA, Strat, and all the good games first, lol.
Once again, great post, and I couldn't agree more with every word.
Modern culture seems completely mired in *experiencing* things, getting the *feels*, and then immediately moving on to the next experience. We are no longer a culture that ponders things or understands nuance or that carefully builds things. To our great loss.
And it's a transactional culture devoted to selling things, to maximizing profit. In a word, it has become a largely soulless culture. For those of us who've lived long enough to be able to contrast it with the past, it's tragic.
Yes, that is me, Sometimes I worry about how my takes land especially with younger people. I’ve got strong opinions, sure, but I don’t want them to come across as just another Gen Xer grumbling about “kids these days.” That’s not where I’m coming from. It’s not about being right. It’s about being understood.
Can't believe you didn't mention MicroLeague here for Commodore 64.
Ace Eggleston drove trucks for us a the feed store I started working at in Lockhart, TX. I was 15 and paid 3.25/hr under the table. Ace was a huge O's fan and I was a huge Reds fan. We both loved baseball and connected despite a 20 year age difference. He I voted me to dinner one night and busted out his Stat O Matic. I was blown away. Never seen anything like it.
Until...
Brother brought MicroLeague home on leave from Army one Xmas (88ish) with a 1985 team disk. HOOKED.
My brother had 79 Topps collected in exact same way.
Love it, great connections! Love the writing. Love seeing you through this lens!
Great post. After being involved in fantasy baseball for a number of years I stopped several years ago more due to changes in the group dynamic (I preferred fantasy drafts in person and Covid-19 ended that. But I also didn't love rooting against my team when my fantasy player was batting or pitching against them. It did get me to pay more attention to all MLB players but I don't miss it. And when it comes to baseball cards, collecting for market value increase was something that happened after I stopped actually playing with them - flipping them and putting them in my bicycle spokes with clothespins!
I never thought of the value of the card, just wanted the Pete Rose, Reggie Jackson, etc...
Great post.
I've been planning for a little while to do an article on the history of fantasy baseball. I found one of the magazines that usually is credited with being the birth of the mainstream line of fantasy games - which is the type that was monetized.
But, of course, I've got to do more on APBA, Strat, and all the good games first, lol.
Looking forward to reading it.
Once again, great post, and I couldn't agree more with every word.
Modern culture seems completely mired in *experiencing* things, getting the *feels*, and then immediately moving on to the next experience. We are no longer a culture that ponders things or understands nuance or that carefully builds things. To our great loss.
And it's a transactional culture devoted to selling things, to maximizing profit. In a word, it has become a largely soulless culture. For those of us who've lived long enough to be able to contrast it with the past, it's tragic.
Love your thought process.
Thanks. Likewise! The pity is that the young'uns don't have that comparison and probably don't realize it doesn't have to be this way.
(As an aside, assuming that's you in the "One Glove, One Practice" post, we actually look somewhat alike.)
Yes, that is me, Sometimes I worry about how my takes land especially with younger people. I’ve got strong opinions, sure, but I don’t want them to come across as just another Gen Xer grumbling about “kids these days.” That’s not where I’m coming from. It’s not about being right. It’s about being understood.
Can't believe you didn't mention MicroLeague here for Commodore 64.
Ace Eggleston drove trucks for us a the feed store I started working at in Lockhart, TX. I was 15 and paid 3.25/hr under the table. Ace was a huge O's fan and I was a huge Reds fan. We both loved baseball and connected despite a 20 year age difference. He I voted me to dinner one night and busted out his Stat O Matic. I was blown away. Never seen anything like it.
Until...
Brother brought MicroLeague home on leave from Army one Xmas (88ish) with a 1985 team disk. HOOKED.
My brother had 79 Topps collected in exact same way.
Great article...well played Buddha.
Wonderful piece! A great take on the current state of the game(s).