Countdown to the NFBC

[Outlaw]

Max, that may be the only picture of someone wearing Cubbies gear who's won anything in the last century.

By the way, Max, Doughy, you two are an example of what I meant about making friends on these boards without ever meeting in person. Great guys, both of you, and two of the best reasons for visiting these boards.

First, Ronald Reagan probably would have said he was the last living president that was alive the last time the Cubs won the World Series! His jokes about himself were the best and as a Cubs fan I need a laugh once in a while!

Second, you too Pal! I very much look forward to your Countdown thread and to all of Dough's writings, when I remember to get over to his new spot on these boards! These boards are made up of a lot of great guys and MtM Its a place to talk about baseball, a little trash, a bit about life and allows me the chance to convince people that wearing a Cubs hat is the pinnacle of ones life

Here is my son Winston breaking in his first Cubs Hat last summer... Life is good friends!

One cute kid. hopefully he gets to see the Cubs win before he turns 90.

[Winston's Empire]

Great looking kid Max....and what a smile! You must be showing Winston highlights of the 1908 World Series there.

You guys seriously make me laugh! Winston has the opportunity to get into his Cubs Fan Life Investement that will include his time, heart, and soul at the ground level and I have a very good feeling him and I will be sitting in Wrigley Field together watching the Cubs win a World Series before his 12 Birthday!!! I will update this thread with pictures of us then

[Glenneration X]

Only 27 Days 'til the next live draft season of the most prestigious and decorated of all fantasy baseball contests, the NFBC.





Both the NFBC and the Yankees have had their share of history, awards, and great players and have a lineage of greatness that extends from its early years to today.







































Who are some of this contest's historic players or legendary figures that approach those of the Yankees? Well, I suppose Childs and Jupinka would have to be the Ruth and Gehrig of this contest, the original of the greats and our first Hall of Famers. Lindy would be our Joltin' Joe, a winner of an obsene amount of championships and a player who's made his mark on the national cultural scene as well as our contest. Magner, Christie, and the CDM boys would be the M&M boys, great players linked together by great achievements and an even greater nickname. Doughy & Wayne Edwards would be Casey and Yogi, two players known just as well for their great story telling as their great records. Gekko and MtM, well Reggie and ARod seem kinda perfect, great players who like to let you know how great. Nelson, Max, & Money, like Cano newer stars ready to make their mark on this contest. Chad, RT, KJ, Dobies, Zola, Gillis, Particelli, Kirves, Edelman, Haan, Pausma, Mazur, DiDonato, Jurney, Stermon, Bedell, Duponte, Ferrari, Deterra, Gates, Ante, Emory, Cleavenger, KOQ, the Anthony's, the Zwickels, and on and on and on are just a small handful of the great players I've met, talked to, or just heard of over the years that I see from quickly perusing the signup lists will be attending our Main Event or live drafts and like any list of All-Time Yankees is just the tip of the iceberg of any listing of great players for this contest. Why do I even play here? Greg and Tom, well they would obviously be George Steinbrenner and Miller Huggins running the show.

And myself? Well, I don't know which Yankee I would most represent, but I do know who I'd like to be right at this moment..... and without hesitation that would be Mr. Jeter. I ask you after perusing the picture below, is there any wonder why?

[DOUGHBOYS]

Hey Wayne!
I think in a nice way, Glenn just said we're old and full of shit

[Winston's Empire]

Glenn - I really appreciate you comparing me to a Fantasy Baseball Version of Robinson Cano, but to be fair I am not nearly that accomplished! I will however take on the comparison of future N.L. MVP and future World Series Champion, Starlin Castro! He is just a kid among legends, but in the end will bring the hardware back to where it belongs!

[Bob Enzyte]

Glenn, so I'm Joltin' Joe? Does that mean that I get to sleep with Marilyn tonight or am I just hawking Mr. Coffee on TV?

[Edwards Kings]

Hey Wayne!
I think in a nice way, Glenn just said we're old and full of shit

That's us...just a couple of gnarly old wind bags! But Doughy, wouldn't you want to be Leo Durocher instead so you could go on the "Beverly Hillbillies" and meet Donna Douglas?

Just remember Glenn, when in your pursuit of NFBC gold and you come to a fork in the road, take it! Thanks for the shout out!

[Glenneration X]

Glenn, so I'm Joltin' Joe? Does that mean that I get to sleep with Marilyn tonight or am I just hawking Mr. Coffee on TV?

Hey Champ, Marilyn huh?











Well, I would have to imagine that with as much as you've won and as famous and renowned as your achievements have become, you could sleep with just about anyone you want right now......










And enjoy a good cup of coffee afterwards.

[Sack]

Glenn:

In the movie, I'm guessing Massotto plays the role of Frank Sinatra!

[Glenneration X]

Just 26 Days left 'til the NFBC live drafts and auctions where we get to implement our strategies for that trickiest of offensive categories, Batting Average. There may not be another category that is tougher to make up in-season or can leave us flailing to make up ground in the standings more than this one.






Many a drafter puts so much weight in the category that they often make sure that they grab plus BA options early and often even if those players' draft positions are not warranted by their production across all other categories.

















...and of course.....






Still others choose to ignore the category altogether because of the inherent volatility in it and decide to let the chips fall where they may. However, realize that could be a dangerous option. You don't want this guy adding 4 at-bats to your stats each day.

[Ando]

Glenn,

You know you're good when you can pull two pics of Mario Mendoza out of your hat.

Great way to start a Sunday!

[Glenneration X]

Glenn:

In the movie, I'm guessing Massotto plays the role of Frank Sinatra!

I dunno Ken. Sinatra and the Rat Pack were considered the epitomy of cool back in their day. I'm not sure Massotto would have cut it.





Now possibly he would have qualified as part of the group of a similar name that followed a couple decades later in the Brat Pack.


In fact, isn't that Massotto to the far right?

[Glenneration X]

Only 25 Days 'til the MtM Super in the great metropolis of Mahwah kicks off the NFBC Premium league season filled with Supers, Ultimates, and of course the Diamond.




I've registered for one of each this year as I'll be in Mahwah for the MtM and in Vegas the following week for the Diamond and Ultimate Auction. I've yet to decide my strategy for any of them. Two years ago I joined my first Super. Last year I tried my first Ultimate. In each I fell short, but in the Super I fell just 1/2 point out of the money decided on the last day of the season. The player who beat me out was Jim Stanard, who did so employing a strategy that saw him reach only 701 +/- innings for the entire season.

Jim was typically a lightning rod for criticism as he turned the strategy of punting wins & K's into an art form for all these premium leagues and was very successful in doing so. The criticism was based upon the fact that punting if done well can sometimes increase your odds significantly for finishing in the money, but almost guarantees you forfeiting first place. Many found it improper to go into a draft before even one game was played planning on finishing in last in any category and/or at least not attempting to win the league. It resulted in the rules change prior to last season upping the minimum amount of innings in any league from 700 to the current total of 900. I'd imagine Jim may not have been as successful following the change, as I don't see him registered for any leagues this season.

However, Jim was not the only player who's used an alternate strategy. Though in both my previous premium league attempts, I personally played it straight, I've gone against others who've punted wins & K's. From conversations I've had with some of my friends here who've played in other premium leagues, I understand that alternate strategies are still evident in these leagues and that in the Diamond alone, half the league may have employed some version of one (maybe a slight exaggeration). Hey, whatever rocks your boat. The way I look at it, if someone goes into a draft planning on forfeiting any opportunity at first, it may leave one less money spot to grab, but it also leaves one less player to battle in my attempt at finishing on top.


There are many ways to play these private premium leagues. Many a player has come from a different angle and achieved great success. I still have to decide what direction I plan to deliver from.....

[Winston's Empire]

I really liked this one Glenn, as it makes me think of all the strategies I have seen tried in my years of Fantasy Baseball. I have honestly never punted a category to start a year, but because of injury have been forced to forget a few during the duration of the long season. It never bothers me to see another guy employ a new strategy that he believes might give him a better ROI. I find it fascinating actually and love seeing somebody spend their time developing a system they completely believe in and then be succussful doing it!
Best of luck to everybody, but until I get a bit smarter at this crazy game, you will see me continue to play all 10 categories!

[Glenneration X]

Only 24 Days left 'til the live drafts and auctions of this year's NFBC.





Yesterday, I grabbed the last spot in the live AL Auction. I've been considering it for a while, but hesitated on pulling the trigger as I've never played in an Only league before. I wasn't even sure why I was drawn to it. A few words from Shawn in response to my question on the differences in an Only league put my thought process into focus. He stated that he thought I "would be motivated to prove that I could figure out the AL Auction on the first try". He was right. He understood my motivation before I did. Whether rational or not (obviously, it isn't ), I want to prove to myself that I can win at this game I'm so passionate about no matter the level of competition, no matter the stakes, no matter the format.

I believe that has to be part of what draws many of us here. If winning was the only goal, many of us would still be only playing our local leagues or would be focusing only on higher stakes private leagues where the payback percentages are 100% and the competition is much easier. Yes, the 100K carrot is part of what brought many of us here and the community & love of the live drafts is part of what brings many of us back. However I think a strong motivation for all of us is to prove that we can take on the very best at this hobby and win. No venue offers that for this game more than our NFBC.

So if you're new to the NFBC and considering the challenge, there's 15-teamers and 12-teamers, there low stakes and the highest stakes, there's drafts and auctions, there's mixed leagues and only leagues, there's live drafts and there's online. There's something for everyone and there's everything for some. So don't keep waiting there on the sidelines, join in and challenge yourself against the very best, like Shawn, like Lindy, like many of the other great players who challenge themselves here every year.





And if you have the resources and almost as importantly the "motivation", you have the opportunity to try a couple different formats, because starting in 24 Days if you can prove that you're the best at every facet of the game......











.....you'll be considered the best in the room no matter who's there with you.










Well, almost no matter who's there.





Because as much as we love playing this game just for the fun of it.......




Part of what drives us is to prove that we're the very best at it.

[DOUGHBOYS]

Thanks Glenn!
I was gonna PM you and ask for Mays on 'number 24 day', but thought it would be a little more special if it was decided on your own.
A couple of things about Mays. I have a couple of his autographs. Monetarily, during my lifetime, they'll be worth next to nothing. He can't tell a kid no. And, he's sold millions of autographs to adults. It's alright with me, the name itself, for me, holds the value.

Those pictures of Mays playing stick ball are not photo ops. Sometimes he had to be whisked away from those games to make it in time for games at the Polo Grounds.
Later, while playing at Candlestick, he taught some San Francisco kids to play the same game. When it was time to 'go to work', the kids would ask him for a ride to the ball park. Of course, he had to say no.
But, unbeknownst to the kids, he called each stick ball parent and set up a day where they could all go to the park with him in a limousine.
Their friends never did believe that it happened.
Can you imagine that happening now?
Any way, thanks for the memories, Glenn.

[Winston's Empire]

When I went to the Hall of Fame Weekend in 2010, they had a Hall of Fame Parade. They started with the players that had most recently joined the hall and worked their way back to the era of Hank Aaron and Willy Mays. I am not afraid to admit, I was a bit star struck and was yelling like crazy for Willy! I was filming it on my camera as he slowly drove by and he finally completely turned around and removed his hat and tipped it at me with a big - soft smile! The twinkle in his eyes is something I will NEVER forget! There is a reason this man was and is so loved and I saw it!

Glenn I couldn't resist and texted you my little video... Don't mind the guy screaming like a school kid!

[Glenneration X]

Doughy, no need to thank me. Who else could be 24 other than the Say Hey Kid? His catch in the 1954 World Series may be the most iconic fielding play in the history of the game. Who hasn't seen the photo of him racing to the wall, ball dropping directly over his head towards his glove, back to the camera, the number 24 on his jersey visible for all to see.

Personally, I've never seen Willie Mays play as he retired two years before I started following the game. However, he was one of three ballplayers I knew by name before ever watching a single ballgame. Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays. I assume I knew Aaron's name because I'd hear my father or uncles or neighbors or the TV reference him during his chase of the Babe's record. Mantle was recently eligible and elected on his first try at the Hall of Fame around that time and of course was still fresh in the memories and a hero to many a New York sports fan during that period. However, I'm just making assumptions as to why I knew of the names Hank Aaron and Mickey Mantle. I know exactly why I knew the name of Willie Mays and the nickname the Say Hey Kid.......



I still have some vivid memories of watching that movie. As a 6 or 7 year old, I watched it as part of The ABC Saturday Superstar Movie that was part of my Saturday morning cartoons weekly ritual. Until googling and reading about it just now, I had forgotten most of the storyline or backround to the movie, but I remembered Willie Mays and I remembered the nickname, the Say Hey Kid. I guess the most interesting trick my mind has played on me regarding this movie as I've gotten older is that whenever that movie had crossed my mind until today, I always remembered Willie wearing a Mets cap and uniform in it. That turned out not to be the case. What a shame. The movie would have probably earned an Oscar if he had.


And Max, I received your text. I probably should have opened the attachment outside as yes, you weren't exaggerating. You were screaming like crazy. I probably decreased production in my office for an hour as everyone came running in to see if I was alright. I've got to tell you though Max, it's one of the coolest things about you. You're a true fan of the game. It's evident in everything you bring to these boards (and evident as hell in that attachment), and truly a great thing.

[Glenneration X]

Only 23 Days 'til the 2012 live NFBC drafts and auctions. This season the NFBC will be running five overall contests, the Slow Drafts, the Online, the Auction, its new NFBC XII, and of course the granddaddy of them all, the Main Event. Now that the WCOFF is no more, the NFBC Main Event is the longest running live high stakes overall contest in fantasy sports, going on its 9th season. Do what it takes to win that Championship, take home $100K, and have your exploits become fantasy legend overnight.













The list of past NFBC Main Event Champions is filled with some of the most respected and renowned players in our game.

2004 - Artie Rastelli
2005 - Brian Oldenski
2006 - David DiDonato
2007 - Terry Haney
2008 - Bobby Jurney
2009 - Lindy Hinkelman
2010 - Steve Jupinka
2011 - Lindy Hinkelman (what again?? )

2012 - Could be you! (I'm hoping it'll be me. )

So good luck to everyone working towards this chase. For those considering it, jump in. There are eight past champions who wouldn't be if they hadn't trusted in their skills and taken the plunge. Who will be this year's Champion? In 23 Days, it starts to play out.

[Navel Lint]

Thanks again for creating this countdown. It almost seems hard to believe that you started all the way back at number 100, added todays bonus leap day in the middle, and now we are 1 day from March and just 23 days from showtime.

I know that throughout the countdown people have been hoping that their favorite player gets represented. I think you've done a great picking players and tying them into a fantasy narrative that you have created for each day.

Of course you can't always be perfect.




And if you wanted to tie it in with a Champion theme. We here in Chicago like to remember another 23.......sort of a slam dunk for us



Thanks again Glenn

[Winston's Empire]

And Max, I received your text. I probably should have opened the attachment outside as yes, you weren't exaggerating. You were screaming like crazy. I probably decreased production in my office for an hour as everyone came running in to see if I was alright. I've got to tell you though Max, it's one of the coolest things about you. You're a true fan of the game. It's evident in everything you bring to these boards (and evident as hell in that attachment), and truly a great thing.

Thanks Glenn and yes I do love the game of Baseball A LOT! If I could ever convert my love for the game to skills in fantasy baseball, I would catch up to some of you guys overnight! But being a Cubs fan and eternal optimist, this could of course be my year

[Glenneration X]

Thank you Russ, the Countdown's been a lot fun for me. Though if I decide to do another one next season, I seriously doubt I start from 100 again!

As far as the your boy Sandberg, the Cubbies, and even Mr. Jordan, lest you forget they were all already more than fairly represented for what they've brought to this sport on days 66 and 58 of this Countdown respectively.

Still, since you, Max, Madcow, and all other Chicago fans have suffered so much for the last century, here's a few shots that will hopefully make you feel a little better........






















....and just one more to remind the Chicago faithful of what the rest of the sports world has done to them in recent years.

[Glenneration X]

Only 22 Days left 'til the live NFBC drafts and auctions.




While perusing the now quickly filling Online Championships signup page the other day, I noticed that Jules McLean had grabbed a team. Fantasy Sports is a hobby mostly played by the male side of the gender equation. However, anyone who's gotten their a$$ kicked by great players like Jules or Kimra know that if you have the skills, it doesn't matter who you are when it comes to this hobby. No matter the demographic, male or female, rich or poor, young or old, injured or infirmed, whatever race, creed, or color, all you need to enjoy fantasy sports is a love of the game and others who love it as much to play. The same applies with Fantasy Sport's greatest contest, the NFBC. You don't even have to be an American citizen to play here. As long as you can scrape together $125 and of course don't live in the great states of Arizona or Washington (sorry Rockit, Walla, I just couldn't help myself ), you can be a part of and enjoy this great contest.

Personally, I would like to see even more women registered to challenge myself against. Greg, I know of a couple who have an obviously love for baseball who you should make a priority to recruit.....







They can show up to the live drafts in their baseball jerseys.....







Or if they have to rush to the draft directly from work without time to change, that'd be OK too.






Seriously, how are these guys even concentrating?

[Glenneration X]

Only 21 Days, just three short weeks left 'til our live NFBC drafts and auctions. In our long but shortly ending preseason, I've watched starting pitching go off the boards earlier and more often than ever. As post-steroids era offense has been down across the sport, pitching over the past several years has already been trending upwards. This season it seems that it's now generally been accepted as an early option almost as reliable as offense. Like fantasy football and the QB position, fantasy owners are no longer waiting on the pitching position while building a strong base elsewhere. Even the media experts (sorry Doughy) or our most revered fantasy peers are advocating early pitching choices. The days of my waiting on pitching 'til the later rounds while happily watching a fellow drafter grab Johan Santana in the first round are over. And Johan was one of the greatest and most reliable fantasy pitchers of the rotisserie era. Still, if I'm personally going to grab a pitcher that early, I want to be absolutely certain he's going to be that great, that reliable.


Which begs the question, who was the greatest and most reliable fantasy pitcher of the rotisserie era? Who's the greatest fantasy pitcher ever?


Some who've started playing in this game in the last decade or so may say that it was Johan.......





Others whose fantasy history goes a little further back and who value K's a little more than the other pitching stats would put the Big Unit on top.......





Still others would say no pitcher in the fantasy era was more reliable for a longer period than Mr. Maddux......





Then still others would say the rest were crazy as no pitcher has put up on the board more absolutely dominant seasons than Pedro.......







Who do I personally think is the greatest fantasy pitcher of all time? Well turning things around by taking the term in its most literal sense, I think the answer is kinda obvious........



Just 21 Days 'til we start building our NFBC staffs.

[Glenneration X]

Only 20 Days left 'til our live NFBC drafts and auctions where we'll be drafting those pitchers who'll hopefully be adding to that most enticing of counting stats, strikeouts.








As we are for power on the offensive side, drafters are often seduced by a pitcher's ability to create a swing and miss and the high K-rates they produce. However when examining these pitchers, especially in their early years, we sometimes overlook that the great stuff these great arms can produce have yet to be harnessed. The results while generating the expected results in strikeouts, oftentimes produce more damaging stats in the ratio categories. Ask anyone who grabbed Brandon Morrow or Max Scherzer early last season.





However, we'll keep drafting these young pitchers. We all want to be the drafter who has that arm rostered when and if it all comes together, because when it does the results can be......





Of course no Countdown involving the number 20 in baseball would be complete without including Mike Schmidt in his pretty pink and majenta uniform. So in keeping with today's strikeouts theme, a picture of Michael Jack nervously awaiting his next at-bat against Mets pitching in the hopes of not striking out yet again.......




.....and with his typical reaction after the game and yet another golden sombrero.