With the Chicagoland World Series Tournament in the rear view mirror, it’s time to look forward to the new year. Specifically, the Prairieland APBA Baseball Tournament organizers are busy getting ready for the second annual tournament on April 1, 2017.
Location change (for the better)!!
- Date: April 1, 2017 9am
- Place: Drury Inn and Suites 905 W Anthony Drive, Champaign, Illinois
- Cost: $15
Please note: the location has changed. We will be holding the event at the Champaign Drury Inn and Suites at 905 W. Anthony Drive Champaign, IL. The new location is much larger and nicer.
Tournament Team and Fantasy Player Announcement/Draft
Also, mark your calendar for February 18th (J. Richard Seitz’ date of birth, by the way!). That will be when the Prairieland 2 announcement/draft day begins. This is something new we’re trying. How will this work? Once all the participants are lined up, we will establish a random draft order. There will be two rounds (in snake fashion). The draft will be conducted via email, Facebook messaging or text.
In the first round, each player can pick either a team (1970-2000) or a deadball fantasy player (1900-1920) to use in the tournament.
In the second round, each player will round out their selection by choosing a player or team (whatever they didn’t pick in the first round).
Again, the draft will begin on February 18. Start thinking of your team and players!
Tournament Rules
The actual tourney rules will be similar to the first Prairieland tournament. The organizers will send out a final draft of the rules well in advance. Once we get a good estimate of the number of participants, the organizers will form the divisions structure. There will not be a losers’ round this coming tourney.
No foolin’. Two APBA tournaments on April 1st!
It was bound to happen. With the popularity of APBA tournaments, a weekend with TWO APBA tournaments was bound to happen sooner or later. Yes, the Twin Cities APBA Baseball Tournament is also taking place on April 1st. While TCABT didn’t officially announce this date till after we did, it was traditionally the date that they have it. I’ve spoken to TCABT organizer Jim Fraasch and we’re both good with it.
At first, I was a little bummed that this happened. The more I thought about it though, I saw it as a great opportunity. I mean, it says a lot about the game of APBA and its community. We’re going to have two tournaments on the same day! Jim and I are even talking about some inter-tournament activity. Perhaps, we’ll have a Skype video chat from Prairieland and TCABT!
So now is the time to put your name in for the Prairieland 2 Tournament. You can send me an email or even better, join the Prairieland 2 Tournament Facebook event.
We hope to see you in April!
Tom, I’m unsure about how the draft works. Do we submit a team and that team is in the pool of teams to be drafted? Will there be player cards available for the fantasy players? I don’t have any deadball era cards.
Hi Doug,
Eric Berg will be handling the draft. Once establish how many are coming, we will randomize the draft order.
There will be two rounds in snake fashion. Starting on February 18th, we’ll begin. In the first round, you can choose your team (1970-2000) OR you can choose your fantasy deadball player (pre-1920).
In the second round, you will pick the other.
I’m sure Eric will be contacting everyone soon once we get the participants settled.
Tom