TBL’s Annual drops and it’s worth a read
I know I say it every time.
But really, the Transcontinental Baseball League’s Annual is great reading.
A series where nobody wanted to score
Setting the scenario, my Thunderchickens played Dennis Jennings’ Global Glaciers remotely last night for the Illowa APBA League. In the first three games, Dennis’ Glaciers scored just three runs. Thunderchicken pitching held them scoreless for 22 innings straight. Yet, Dennis won two of those three games. Overall, the Glaciers took…
Tuesday Tip: Pitching grade advancements and reductions
The APBA pitching grade advancement mechanism can be a huge blessing for grade D pitchers. On the opposite of the spectrum, the grade reductions is a bane for well, any of the higher grades.
RIP Pops Spatz is rolling 66s now
His name was Robert Spatz but honestly, I wasn’t even sure about his first name. We at the Chicagoland Tournament just called him ‘Pops’. Sadly, Pops has passed away. Pops was a perennial participant in the Chicagoland Tournament which his son, Rob Spatz organized. It was fun to watch the…
Tuesday tip: what hit numbers are stopped by what grades?
For those new to APBA Baseball, knowing what pitching grades stop which hit numbers can be a little daunting without having to look it up every time.
Tuesday Tip: How to create an APBA baseball lineup
An effective lineup is helpful in scoring runs in the actual game of baseball. As baseball fans, we all know the effective components of a high-scoring lineup.
Ruth’s perfect game during scrimmage bodes well for Bob Winenger
Bob Winenger is ready for the Chicagoland tourney! Bob writes: While playing practice games with my 2025 Chicagoland team pick (1915 Boston Red Sox), Babe Ruth just pitched a PERFECT GAME vs the 1961 Yankees (another manager’s pick for Chicago) and “Whitey” Ford! For those who don’t know Bob, he…
Tuesday tip: Using the Optional base coaching rules
This year, the best hitter on my Thunderchickens is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. So far, he’s hitting .363 in 39 games. But APBA has rated him as a (S) baserunner. I’m not debating that but it’s difficult when your most offensive player has to take a base at a time. Ironically, Vladimir is leading my team in run scored. But that doesn’t mean I have to base coach him on occasion.
Tuesday Tip: Using the Hit and Run play
I learned APBA Baseball at an early age. I’ll admit I was confused about the importance of the 31 then and why it mattered. Then I discovered the Hit and Run boards. And that was in the days of the old Hit and Run charts which were more offensive-friendly.
July 12: Set your schedule for the Chicagoland Tournament!
Rob Spatz sends this update on this upcoming 2025 Chicagoland Summer APBA Baseball Tournament.