I’m just about to begin my 1966 NL replay so I thought I’d describe my framework and plans in the form of a FAQ.
I’m doing this just as much for myself as I am for everybody else. Having it written down is kind of contract I’m making with myself.
Here goes:
1. What game will you be using?
I’ll be playing the APBA Pro Baseball Basic Game.
2. Will you be using any modifications?
At this point, I’ve decided not to use any modifications. The only change is to ignore any rainouts.
3. What card set will you be using?
I’ll be using the second reprint of the 1966 season published in 2009 along with the XCs.
4. What teams will be part of the replay?
I will be replaying the NL schedule of the 1966 season. If and when I get that far, I’ll need the AL teams when I play the All-Star Game and postseason.
5. Are you going to follow actual pitching rotations?
Yes, as much as I can.
6. Are you going to follow actual lineups?
Not to the letter but I will be faithful to the intent. I will probably use actual lineups for the first week or so to get used to how each team used their players. BaseballReference.com will be helpful in that regard. After a while, I may feel free to use my own or stick with what works for each team.
7. Are you going to do the transactions as they happened in 1966?
Yes, I’ve already moved the players back to their original team and will move them when their actual transaction took place.
8. What stat categories will you keep?
For hitters, G, AB, R, H, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI, SB, K, CS, GIDP, HBP. For pitchers, G, GS, CG, IP, H, R, ER, BB, K, W, L, Sv, and Sh. From those, I can extrapolate the averages I want.
9. What else?
I will probably keep track of grand slams, cycles and no-hitters (if they occur). In previous replays I’ve done, I kept a separate spreadsheet of “Notable Performances” which listed any individual or team performance that was worthy of reading about. One-hitters, four-hit games, etc.
10. Will you have an All-Star Game?
That’s down the road but most definitely.
11. Will you keep leaderboards?
Again, most definitely. Requirements for batter’s average stats will be at 3.1 plate appearances per # of team’s games. Pitchers will be a inning per # of team’s game.
12. Will this just be an exercise in completing games and compiling stats?
Absolutely not. My knowledge of baseball history in the mid-sixties is sadly lacking (I was two in 1966). I’d like to take the chance to learn a bit about the teams and players during the process.
13. What are your main resources going to be during this project?
Of course, BaseballReference.com will be very useful. As mentioned, I’ve already gleaned the 1966 transactions from their site. B-R also has line scores and full box scores. Retrosheet.org may also come in handy for raw data.
Also, Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract has a permanent home on my bed stand. For those who haven’t read it, it’s a must read if you want to get a good historical perspective. Like his theories or not, James does a good job at making each era seem real.
14. Will you post updates on the progress of the replay?
Yes, I’ll post updates from time to time. This will be the direct link to all posts pertaining to the 1966 replay.
15. Do you have a time frame or deadline?
Absolutely not.
16. Deep down, are you hoping the Cubs do better than they did in real life?
I’m a better manager than Leo Durocher. Of course, they’ll do better.
You forgot to mention in your Durocher comment the important disclaimer that any decline in the Cubs’ record is the result of bad dice and is no reflection on your managing.
More seriously, I am (and I think others would be, too) interested in the time frame that it actually takes. It can be helpful to first-time replayists to know what they’re getting into. I figure at my pace a ’66 NL replay, which would run over 800 games, would take 2-4 years (and maybe 5) with ABPA Basic, and a good deal beyond that with Master. Not that you’re in competition with anyone, but sometimes such things are helpful to know.
Re Durocher and the Cubs, that goes without saying. :)
As far as time question, we’ll see. 800 games seems like a lot especially with work, kids, and yes, websites. But like you say, there’s no competition and I’ll just play it as it goes.
Two series down, btw. And two shutouts! Vern Law and Robin Roberts (reaching back and finding some of the old stuff he used to have).