OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - A Revised History of Modern Era Baseball 1901-????

captaincarl · 09-28-2007, 11:16 PM

The story behind the what if scenario:

"After a bitter contract dispute with Giants' owner Andrew Freedman, Rusie responded by publicly thumbing his nose at Mr. Freeman, which was the 19th century variant of the middle finger. He was fined $200 (he made only $2,500). Rusie refused to play until Freedman returned his money and ended up holding out for the entire 1896 season. It was a fiasco for baseball; fans boycotted and the press railed against the owners. Owners implored Rusie and Freedman to compromise; neither would budge. The holdout was finally settled just prior to the 1897 season, as the owners collaborated for recoupment of the garnished wages, as well as a $5,000 settlement. This was partially out of respect for Mr. Rusie. However, the primary motivator was the threat of legal action against the reserve clause had his case gone to court."****

(****NOTE: Taken from Wikipedia.com)

What if the trial went to court and the reserve clause was abolished because Amos Rusie won his case against the Andrew Freedman???

That is the scenario for this walk, or run, through baseball history.

The year is 1901 and a new era in baseball has begun. Free agency is among us as the reserve clause was abolished thanks to the court case won by Amos Rusie against New York Giants' owner Andrew Freedman and the rest of the National League.

First-Year Player Draft
All incoming players will be subjected to a draft with the team with the worst record being first to draft. The draft will be held in the preseason and will consist of a maximum of ten (10) rounds. Any undrafted players will become free agents.

Rule 5 Draft
A Rule 5 draft will be held for those seasons in which there are players that qualify.

Team Changes
All team changes will be noted.

Playing of Games and Trades
All games will be simmed. The CPU is in charge of all of the teams and the trades will be made by it and reported.

Player Accolades
All important player milestones and awards will be reported.

Hall Of Fame
The exceptional players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame immediately upon their retirement.

The criteria for entering the Hall of Fame is as follows:

Hitters: 3000 hits or 450 HR or 2350 hits plus a .280 average
Pitchers: 300 wins or 300 saves or 250 wins plus a 3.60 or lower ERA
Both: 750 VORP

09-28-2007, 11:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
captaincarl All Star Reserve Join Date: May 2003 Location: Barrington, RI Posts: 998	A Revised History of Modern Era Baseball 1901-???? - a "what if" scenario The story behind the what if scenario: "After a bitter contract dispute with Giants' owner Andrew Freedman, Rusie responded by publicly thumbing his nose at Mr. Freeman, which was the 19th century variant of the middle finger. He was fined $200 (he made only $2,500). Rusie refused to play until Freedman returned his money and ended up holding out for the entire 1896 season. It was a fiasco for baseball; fans boycotted and the press railed against the owners. Owners implored Rusie and Freedman to compromise; neither would budge. The holdout was finally settled just prior to the 1897 season, as the owners collaborated for recoupment of the garnished wages, as well as a $5,000 settlement. This was partially out of respect for Mr. Rusie. However, the primary motivator was the threat of legal action against the reserve clause had his case gone to court."** (NOTE: Taken from Wikipedia.com) What if the trial went to court and the reserve clause was abolished because Amos Rusie won his case against the Andrew Freedman??? That is the scenario for this walk, or run, through baseball history. The year is 1901 and a new era in baseball has begun. Free agency is among us as the reserve clause was abolished thanks to the court case won by Amos Rusie against New York Giants' owner Andrew Freedman and the rest of the National League. First-Year Player Draft All incoming players will be subjected to a draft with the team with the worst record being first to draft. The draft will be held in the preseason and will consist of a maximum of ten (10) rounds. Any undrafted players will become free agents. Rule 5 Draft A Rule 5 draft will be held for those seasons in which there are players that qualify. Team Changes All team changes will be noted. Playing of Games and Trades All games will be simmed. The CPU is in charge of all of the teams and the trades will be made by it and reported. Player Accolades All important player milestones and awards will be reported. Hall Of Fame The exceptional players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame immediately upon their retirement. The criteria for entering the Hall of Fame is as follows: Hitters: 3000 hits or 450 HR or 2350 hits plus a .280 average Pitchers: 300 wins or 300 saves or 250 wins plus a 3.60 or lower ERA Both*: 750 VORP Last edited by captaincarl; 04-29-2009 at 11:32 PM.*