Kaye Chases Down Title In Chicago League 2

[Tom Kessenich]

The thrill of the hunt. That was what Stanley Kaye enjoyed most about the NFBC this year.



Of course, the $5,000 prize for winning Chicago League 2 wasn’t too bad either.



“Winning the money was great, but the excitement of competing for $100,000 was even more exciting,” said the 65-year-old Kaye, who is retired and lives in Frisco, Texas with his wife of 43 years.



“We had a very competitive league. First, second and third was not decided until the last day or two.”



In the end it was Kaye’s DFW Rough Riders team that emerged from the pack with the league championship. Kaye’s only fantasy sports passion is baseball and he went into the NFBC with a simple draft strategy this year.



“I wanted to draft as balanced a team as I could,” he said. “You can’t find balance with trades (in the NFBC) so you better not find yourself short in any category at the end of the draft.”



But it wasn’t just some sharp draft work that helped propel Kaye’s team to the title. His in-season work proved crucial as well.



Late-season pickups such as Troy Glaus, Rob Mackowiak, Luke Hudson and Joe Valentine provided some crucial help in the stretch run.



“I got lucky and picked up free agents that made a big difference at the end of the year,” Kaye said. “That was, without question, the biggest key to winning.”



The thrill of the chase will bring Kaye back for more when the NFBC’s second season begins next March.



“I have played in many leagues and I can honestly say I have deal of respect for the NFBC organization,” he said. “They have nothing but a first-class operation. It is a good feeling to know I can call the management staff to talk baseball or ask questions or to relate ideas.



“Keep up the good work guys. I will be with you as long as the good Lord lets me.”