Mom told me when I wanted APBA Baseball for Christmas 1970 that it was just a phase I was going through, and that I’d tire of it before long. Well Mom was right! After 42 years of playing APBA Baseball, more than 35 years in the Illowa APBA League, I’ve announced my resignation as Chicago Champions manager at the end of the regular season, and will be hanging up my dice cup.
When asked to comment on the reason for my somewhat abrupt departure from the game I’ve loved for so many years, I’ve chosen not to comment, other than to say, “When it’s good, it’s good & when it’s bad, it’s over”.
I enjoyed much of my APBA success in the early years, winning ten of my eleven league championships. I always seemed to have no problem rolling good numbers, good players help with that feat. Some star Champion hitters were Mike Schmidt, Jim Rice, Gary Carter, Joe Carter, Cal Ripken, Jeff Bagwell, & Alex Rodriguez. On the hill Chicago had the likes of Dennis Leonard, Dave Stieb, Greg Maddux, Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, & Mark Buehrle.
All in all I’ve enjoyed playing that stupid dice game and wouldn’t trade a moment. I’ve met the best friends the world has to offer playing APBA, and those friendships will go on long after my final 66 has been rolled.
Well Tedd, I’m sorry to see you go. You were the one manager I would strive the most to beat. The biggest compliment ever.
The Chicago Champions wasn’t just a team name. It was a way of life. The 11 IAL Championships is a record that will never be eclipsed.
The league will certainly not be the same without you.
Tom