So you think you know APBA? Take the APBA Blog Pitching Grade Challenge!

Update: the Challenge is now closed for further entries. A winner will be announced soon!

How many of you remember the APBA Journal’s annual contest in which APBA fans would guess the grades of pitchers from that current year?  That was a quite a popular thing and I know a few people that took part.  Back then, fans had to submit their entries by postal mail.

In the same vein and in an homage to the APBA Journal, I am unveiling the 2018 1st Annual APBA Blog Pitching Grade Challenge.  The concept is the same as before but the methods will be using more modern technologies.  Instead of sending me a letter in the mail, you will be simply filling out a simple form.  And thanks to John Herson and the good people of APBA, there will be a prize!

Here is simple format of the Challenge

I have chosen 20 MLB pitchers from the 2018 season.  Via a web form, you will be able to guess which grade that pitcher will receive in the upcoming set.  We will all find out these grades soon! The APBA Games Company will be releasing the 2018 season for APBA GO in late November.

Some quick rules and clarifications:

1. The Challenge will end on November 19^th at 11:59pm.
2. One entry per person (no do-overs, please!)
3. I am only looking for the letter grade for each pitcher and not strikeout or control ratings.
4. If a pitcher receives a grade as a starter and reliever (split grade) or is graded strictly as a reliever, that pitcher will be dropped from the contest results.    
5. If a pitcher receives an A&C or an A&B grade, he will be considered an A for the sake of this Challenge. 
6. If there is a tie for the most correct guesses, I will place the names of those top entrants in a ballcap and pick the winner. 
7. While I will eventually post an analysis of the aggregate data I will not publicly post your guesses without your permission.
8. Employees of the APBA Games Company are ineligible (for obvious reasons).  I will not be eligible either.

I know rules, right?  But let’s make this a fun thing!  

If you’re wondering, I have no idea what the grades will be for sure.  Your guess is as good as mine.  I will be taking the challenge just like you all (only just for the fun of it).

But Tom, you said something about a prize…

The most valuable prize the winner of the 2018 APBA Blog Pitching Grade Challenge will receive will be the admiration and respect from their fellow APBA fans.  You can’t put a price on that.  

But wait, there’s more!  The winner of the 2018 1st Annual Pitching Grade Challenge will also receive one season for APBA GO! Thanks to John Herson of APBA who graciously agreed to donate this prize!

Good luck everyone!