OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - A "Whatif" history of modern baseball, 1901-2000+ (i hope) take #?

captaincarl · 01-19-2010, 02:16 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.

Incoming Players
All incoming players will be placed on their origional teams to represent them coming up through the team's farm system. All current rules for arbitration and free agency will be in effect after that.

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 350 HR or 2000 hits plus a .300 average
Pitchers: 300 wins or 350 saves or 200 wins plus a 3.50 or lower ERA
Both: 750 VORP

Minor Leagues
All teams will have a reserve roster rather than minor league teams at different levels.

(Since my origional one was destroyed, I decided to start over and try again but with the players coming in on their origional teams.)

If a player comes up that you might want to have their stats followed, please let me know.

01-19-2010, 02:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
captaincarl Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Barrington, RI Posts: 3,924 Thanks: 224 Thanked 97x in 90 posts	A "Whatif" history of modern baseball, 1901-2000+ (i hope) take #? 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. Incoming Players All incoming players will be placed on their origional teams to represent them coming up through the team's farm system. All current rules for arbitration and free agency will be in effect after that. 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 350 HR or 2000 hits plus a .300 average Pitchers: 300 wins or 350 saves or 200 wins plus a 3.50 or lower ERA Both: 750 VORP Minor Leagues** All teams will have a reserve roster rather than minor league teams at different levels. (Since my origional one was destroyed, I decided to start over and try again but with the players coming in on their origional teams.) If a player comes up that you might want to have their stats followed, please let me know. Last edited by captaincarl; 02-21-2010 at 10:47 AM.