The Triology

A lot of us didn't know how this would go when the Maddux and Rizzuto worlds, both stuck with too many vacancies, got together and formed Say Hey.

Needless to say, this has been everything we could have hoped for, if not more.

As we are about to enter Opening Day for Season 3, we have a rock-solid group of owners. That was bolstered when we added kevmax100, who filled our only vacancy. That we only had one opening says as much about you guys as anything. Thanks for committing to this world and sticking with it through the dark days. Knock on wood, it is only sunshine and blue skies from here.

Sure, there will be some bumps and controversies, but with the folks we have in here now, there will be a reasonable resolution to whatever happens.

So thanks for making this a fun world!!!

Play ball!!!

Say Hey Part Deux

Can it really be Season 2 already? Seems like just yesterday that tdfactory and I were exchanging late-night emails and working on the merger between the Maddux and Rizzuto worlds to create Say Hey.

In summary, I couldn't be happier with what has gone on. We only lost three owners from our inaugural group and we found three excellent successors. There was some great action via trades -- I honestly haven't seen that many trades executed in one preseason during my brief HBD tenure.

What I hope is that it all leads up to a great season as we build a foundation for a great future for this world.

The one small point of business is we have is two very modest rules.

1) Teams must reach 55 wins in a season and 120 over two seasons at the major-league level.

2) Rosters at each minor-league level must be kept in good health (total number of players and not abusing pitchers).

The advisory committee members will keep an eye out for violations, but I also ask that if any other owners see anything fishy, please let me know.

Enough of that.

Let's keep the chatter up as we embark on Season 2 of Say Hey!

Best of luck to everyone!

A new season, a new world

As we get set to play our first regular-season games this week, there are a ton of things I want to say, but most of all, thanks to all for your cooperation and patience during the whole merger process. It wasn’t the what either world wanted, but I think we all agree it was the best thing to do for the health of our two worlds.

I believe that the owners who remained in the two worlds are dedicated and have a passion for the game, something I developed quickly in the short time I have been playing.

Bringing together everyone in these worlds is the beginning of what I hope is a very solid world and hopefully one that grows into a a great world. Attrition is going to happen. Some owners will need to scale back, others will just move on.

But I want to this world to be fun and develop a foundation that is rock-solid.

That includes:

No tanking: Tanking is different than rebuilding. Don’t lose on purpose. Build your team — including the minors — for the future. That’s what teams in MLB do.

Keep the minors in order: Field a healthy roster at all levels and don’t abuse pitchers. Have a few extra pitchers who can be rotated in an out, especially at the lower levels.

Since this is the inaugural season of this new world and we have been through enough turmoil, there are not going to be any minimum-win rules put in place for Season 1. I want folks to be able to regroup from the merger and continue building their franchise.

If there are some inexperienced owners out there who need counseling, just ask someone, whether it be to everyone in a posting in world chat or asking me or another trusted owner via trade chat. Also, take a look at the forums. There is a lot of great info there.

As for future rules? I would like to hear from owners on what rules — minimum wins, international spending limits or whatever else is on your mind — you would like in this world.

But most of all, let’s have fun in this world and maybe get a little witty banter going in world chat.

Maddux/Rizzuto Merger Completed

After what seemed like an eternity, the Maddux and Rizzuto worlds have completed their merger. The hope is that the carryover franchises will form the strongest baseball world in HBD. Commissioner drummer_66 and merge expert tdfactory worked tirelessly to make it happen, and we will soon see the the fruits of their labor.

The new world's name is Say Hey, in honor of one of baseball's greatest players, Willie Mays. It is made up of 20 former Maddux teams and 12 former Rizzuto teams. An interesting season awaits as the new world's owners will find out how they will fit in. Many may be in for a big surprise. Often a team's success in one world does not translate to another. 

With the merger complete, the off-season officially begins tomorrow, June 15th. Here are some key dates.

6/18-6/21 Free Agent Signings
6/23-6/28 Spring Training
6/30 Regular Season Begins

It will undoubtedly be an exciting 1st season. The World Blog is where you can always get caught up with the latest important news. All teams are encouraged to site mail Heinzkill with any of their news. Whether its about a player they want to move, an incredible hit streak occurring, or perhaps an organization torn on a decision. The World Blog will be the place to be, whether you're a GM or a fan.