Who knew? OOTP 13 is good for you.

[Tashtego]

I recently stumbled upon an article on Boston.com by Jonathan Gottschall titled “Why fiction is good for you”. The link is at the end. The first line of his story caught my attention “Is fiction good for us? We spend huge chunks of our lives immersed in novels, films, TV shows, and other forms of fiction.” I certainly think that OOTP 13 would qualify as “other forms of fiction.” So, I read on.

The article is 5 pages long, and although the author mainly discusses literary fiction, he mentions a few ideas, that I think could apply here.

Such as, “All these questions about the effects of fiction lead up to one big one: Why are humans storytelling animals at all? Why are we — as a species — so hopelessly addicted to narratives about the fake struggles of pretend people?” The pitching staff on my 1955 Hartford Hawks of the New England Industrial League would take exception to that “pretend people” crack. Although, they have been struggling of late.

Another, “I wanted to explore the possibility that fiction generally . . .  may act as a kind of social glue among humans, binding fractious individuals together around common values.” This forum jumps to mind.

And finally, “Fiction is often treated like a mere frill in human life, if not something worse. But the emerging science of story suggests that fiction is good for more than kicks. By enhancing empathy, fiction reduces social friction. At the same time, story exerts a kind of magnetic force, drawing us together around common values.”

So, the next time someone (wife, child, etc.) asks you why you spend so much time “with that game” you can look them in the eye and say, that game helps you to “perform the essential work of defining group identity and reinforcing cultural values.”

And besides, your pitcher needs only 1 more out for that perfect game.

Why fiction is good for you - Boston.com

[Puckett guy]

Nice post with interesting ideas. When I was a kid I found it comforting to escape into another world by reading the Lord of the Rings and other similar fiction. Playing OOTP with fictional teams and seeing how the story unfolds is much the same.

[pstrickert]

Classic post, Tashtego. OOTP Developments ought to feature it on their website.

[CD1083]

Does this also include the Erotic OOTP Fan Fiction I write?

[The Wolf]

Good article. Thanks for the tip and the link.

[Halara]

Originally Posted by The Chase Davis

Does this also include the Erotic OOTP Fan Fiction I write?

[BradC]

Thanks for posting this. I tweeted and Facebooked the link to the article, along with the link to this forum thread. I enjoy spreading ideas like this around. It's certainly an interesting way to look at the game.

[scott1964]

Originally Posted by The Chase Davis

Does this also include the Erotic OOTP Fan Fiction I write?

Does it involve storylines?

[JohnHoward]

Originally Posted by scott1964

Does it involve storylines?

Probably so, because even though it sounds exciting, what you end up getting is that same thing, over and over and over again.

[The Wolf]

Originally Posted by JohnHoward

Probably so, because even though it sounds exciting, what you end up getting is that same thing, over and over and over again.

...just like in real life.

[funkadillo]

Originally Posted by Tashtego

And finally, “Fiction is often treated like a mere frill in human life, if not something worse. But the emerging science of story suggests that fiction is good for more than kicks. By enhancing empathy, fiction reduces social friction. At the same time, story exerts a kind of magnetic force, drawing us together around common values.”

And those common values are that it is unwise to sign players over the age of 30 to long term deals. And starting pitching is of the utmost importance.

[Raidergoo]

Originally Posted by funkadillo

And those common values are that it is unwise to sign players over the age of 30 to long term deals. And starting pitching is of the utmost importance.

This is so true. I'm also finding that I won't tolerate players with character make-up problems. I avoid drafting them, trading for them, or signing them as free agents. The low work ethic scouting report is a red flag for me.

[The Wolf]

Poor worth ethic = automatic avoidance.