World Baseball Organization

[Mattymo]

Hi guys...so I've never done this, but it looks fun, and I think I have a lot of interesting ideas for my universe.

Currently I'm in January of 2009, but I'm going to give you the history of my universe starting in May of 2006. I'm going to breeze through the first two seasons in order to catch up to where I'm at now. No promise on how often I'll post, but the more interest there is, the more I'll post...

[Mattymo]

“World Baseball Organization formed”
By Dom Bienstock

Today, the world of baseball took a very interesting turn. Matt Mauro, a recent college graduate, announced that he, along with many anonymous financiers from the “tri-state area” has formed the World Baseball Organization.
At a Press Conference at the Mohegan Sun Casino, Mauro said that the WBO is aimed at growing the game of baseball both domestically and globally, as well as gaining the interest of the younger generations.
“Our goal here is to reintroduce the glorious game of baseball to the people who have stopped watching,” said Mauro, “and to introduce the game of baseball to the people who haven’t had the opportunity to experience the game.”
He also criticized Major League Baseball for adhering to the “purists”.
“Why is the NFL so popular? They appeal to the casual fan,” says Mauro, “they’ve made the game ‘cool’. Right now, Major League Baseball doesn’t have the attention of the casual fan…those people are busy watching the NFL, NASCAR, and doing other things.”
Rumors have surfaced that Mauro will be forming a new league, but no announcement has been made, nor is one planned. However, a spokesperson said that the WBO headquarters will be located at one of the many new office buildings here in Uncasville, CT.

[Mattymo]

“The Man Behind it All”
By Dom Bienstock
Last week we all heard Matt Mauro’s name for the first time, and none of us new what to make of him. A young man all of 23 years old, he refused questions at his press conference, he’s refused interview requests, and he’s stayed out of the limelight. So who is he?
He’s a 2005 graduate of Central Connecticut State University, and grew up here in Uncasville, CT. According to locals, he was a very good high school baseball player who was forced out of the game during college due to off the field issues. So how has a young, former ballplayer, teamed up with enough people to create this sort of venture?
It seems he met a very well known “man with money” while in college, and stayed in close contact. While we’re unsure at this point who this “man with money” really is, we do know that, when Mauro presented his business plan, the deal was done that day.
“He’s really got a lot of savvy for being so young,” says a former childhood friend, “But he’s very inverted. If he doesn’t want you to find him, you won’t be able to find him. But he’s destined for great things, in my opinion.”
Meanwhile, Major League Baseball has refused any comment on Mauro’s comments regarding baseball “purists”. However, one source for MLB speaking on condition of anonymity says “Didn’t you see what happened to the XFL? They are just making a joke of the game.”

[Mattymo]

June 1, 2006
“Mauro Announces New ABL”
By Dom Bienstock
It took a month, but the baseball landscape finally got answers. In a Press Conference from the WBO headquarters in Uncasville, Matt Mauro announced the formation of a new baseball league here in the United States.
“The American Baseball League will begin play in 2007,” said Mauro, surrounded by his parents, younger brother, and a gorgeous brunette, “There will be 8 teams, and they will play a 140 game schedule.”
He went on to say that there will be differences between Major League Baseball and the ABL, but declined to say what those differences would be. He also declined to announce any information on the franchises.
A source close to the situation said it would be a cross between “the Arena Football League and the MLB” with cheerleaders and other entertainment not seen in Major League parks. That same source also said, “…And your jaw will drop when you here some of the ownership groups Mr. Mauro has set up to be a part of this league.”

[Mattymo]

June 15, 2006
“Matt Mauro’s engaged, engraged”
By Laurette Gizio, NY Post gossip columnist
It seems Matt Mauro isn’t enjoying his newly found fame. The Oft-secluded, inverted entrepreneur got enraged when BaseballLife columnist Dom Bienstock approached him after his Press Conference on June 1. When Bienstock tried to stop the muscular Mauro, who was walking out with a sexy brunette, the writer was shoved to the ground, with Mauro yelling “Next time, don’t touch me” as he got into a limo. Mauro’s reps said he did “nothing wrong” and that Bienstock “just tripped”. Bienstock downplayed the incident, saying he was “wrong to go after him like that, but no one has had the opportunity to even talk to the guy”.
Meanwhile, sources are reporting that the busty brunette accompanying Mauro is none other than his longtime sweetheart and fiancé. “Matt’s not interested in spending time with any other women, he found the girl he wants to be with,” says a source, “and she couldn’t be luckier.

[Mattymo]

July 1, 2006
“First team announced by the ABL”
At a Press Conference from University of Hawaii, WBO founder and CEO announced that Honolulu would be home to one of the eight original American Baseball League teams.
“We were interested in Honolulu right from the get go,” said Mauro, who was visiting the city for the first time, “this city has really grown in the past decade, and they’re very excited to have a professional sports franchise”.
Mauro was flanked by representatives from the Honolulu Advertiser, the ownership group of the Honolulu franchise, which has yet to be named.
“Now we need your help,” said Mauro, with a smile, “submit your ideas for nicknames. After all, it is YOUR team!”
Honolulu will play in the 4,312 seat Les Murakami Stadium, located on the campus of the University of Hawaii. However, that may be only temporary.
City officials have said that, with the redevelopment over the past decade in the Kakaako section of Honolulu, there have been talks that a new multi-sport stadium could be built.
Regardless, the city is definitely abuzz with the new baseball franchise. This is the first professional sports team in the city since 1987, when the PCL’s Honolulu Islanders folded, after years of being a AAA affiliate.
“We’re going to get this game popular again,” said representatives for the Honolulu Advertiser, one of two newspapers in the city, “When people need something to do, this will be their first choice, not just here, but all over the world.”
One worry, however, is travel costs, which plagued the former Honolulu Islanders, and is a problem for University of Hawaii athletics.
Notes: Bienstock and Mauro shook hands after the press conference, there seemed to be no ill will…Rumors have said that Mauro already knows the seven other cities, but will announce each one by one

[Mattymo]

July 15, 2006
“Surprise, New Team announced”
By Dom Bienstock
Up to now, Matt Mauro has come across as a genius, but his latest announcement has left many people scratching their heads. He announced yesterday that La Jolla, a “ritzy” town outside of San Diego, would be home to the newest ABL franchise, the La Jolla Lightning. Flanked by majority owner Doug Flutie, a La Jolla resident, Mauro said he’s excited.
“La Jolla is a growing community, and I’m confident that Doug can build this franchise,” Said Mauro, as he put his arm around Flutie.
Added Flutie, a former Quarterback in both the CFL and NFL, “I’m excited. I’ve always loved baseball, and I love this area, so I think it works.”
According to insiders, Mauro wanted this team in San Diego, but Major League Baseball put the kibosh on that, as it’s already home to the San Diego Padres.
The Lightning will play at 12,000 seat Balboa Park in San Diego, an old stadium rich in history. While the stadium has worn down, Mauro has said that he hopes to refurbish the field.
The biggest concern is fan interest. With the Padres 30 minutes away, many baseball experts aren’t convinced they will generate enough fans, especially since the Pads play in PETCO Park, one of the nicest stadiums in the country.
Notes: The WBO has announced that the ABL will play in a 2 division format, with division winners playing for the right to the “Presidents Cup”…Also, the ABL will be open to American players only.

[Mattymo]

August 1, 2006
“Beach, Babes, and Baseball?”
By Dom Bienstock
He wanted the attention of the younger demographics and I think he just got it.
Matt Mauro, standing along with Ron Rice in front of 9 bikini clad women, announced the third of the 8 ABL franchises, the Daytona Beach Diamond.
“This is one of the most fun areas in the country, but they need big time baseball,” said Mauro, as he squinted amid the bright sun, “We had so many requests for ownership of a Daytona Beach franchise, but Ron really came up big and showed he was ready for this.
Said Rice, owner and founder of Hawaiian Tropic, “This is a dream come true. When I was a kid I dreamed of being a big leaguer. This is as close as I could ever get.”
He added, “The possibilities are endless. And Matt has really allowed me to be creative in terms of entertainment; this is going to be fun, trust me!”
The Diamond will play at Jackie Robinson field, which is also home of the Single-A Daytona Cubs. However, few baseball experts foresee the Cubs to be any competition. Rice hopes their 4200 seat home will only be temporary, stating that he’d “love to see a state of the art facility here in Daytona”.
Notes: Honolulu announced that they will be known as the Honolulu Islanders…Rice said Saturdays at Jackie Robinson Field will be host to Miss Hawaiian Tropic pageants…He will also open a Hawaiian Tropic restaurant directly across the street.

[Mattymo]

“Mauro Announces 4th Team”
By Dom Bienstock
One of the most pleasant places on the East Coast is now home to an ABL Franchise. Matt Mauro announced yesterday that the Virginia Beach Velocity with join the ABL’s East division.
“This place is incredible, and the people are even better!” yelled Matt Mauro, who was joined on the podium by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, aka The Neptunes, and now, Velocity owners, “This is really going to be special.”
Added Williams, “Virginia Beach has been so good to us, it’s time for us to repay you.”
The Velocity will play in a newly built baseball park located at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex, and it will hold 6,000 people.
Baseball experts think this is a great move, as there are no professional baseball teams in close proximity. According to Mauro, this area has been “yearning for a big time team for years.”
According to Williams and Hugo, the franchise will definitely take on a musical feel, with live music being played in between innings, as well as in between at bats.
Notes: The WBO announced they signed a deal with ESPN3 to broadcast 3 games per week, Monday, Thursday and Sunday…Audio broadcasts for all games will be available via the home team’s website.

[Mattymo]

September 1, 2006
“Lute Olson Tries Hand at Baseball”
By Dom Bienstock
Lute Olson has always loved baseball, and now he’ll get his shot.
Yesterday WBO President Matt Mauro announced the Tucson Tornadoes would be one of the eight ABL Franchises.
“In all honestly, we thought Tempe would be the more appropriate place for a club,” said Mauro, as he tried not to insult the Tucson crowd, “But then Lute called and showed me exactly why Tucson would be the right choice.”
“The ABL is aimed at the young man, so what better place than here, in the shadows of the University of Arizona?,” said Olson, “I only see great things for this franchise.”
The Tornadoes will call Hi Corbett Field (capacity 9500) home, and will have to compete with the Tucson Sidewinders, the AAA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
However, Olson isn’t concerned, saying bluntly, “Where would you rather go? A minor league game, or an ABL game? I know where I’d rather be.”
Experts agree, with the declining attendance at minor league games, the Tornadoes could flourish here.
Notes: Olson announced Arizona Wildcat basketball season ticket holders would get Tornadoes season tickets for half price…Amid speculation that ABL games would not be “family events”, Mauro announced there would be no nudity or sexually explicit acts of any kind in any ABL stadiums, and that all promotions would be directly approved by him.

[Mattymo]

October 15, 2006
“What do we expect from the ABL?”
By George Crowley

Here’s what we know about the ABL thus far…they will be playing in some high profile cities, they’re targeting the younger generation, they’re in business with some very notable people, and there will be an abundance of scantily clad women at every game.
Sounds familiar? It should…it’s the same business plan that the XFL had. Remember that league? Well I’m sorry if you do.
Look, I applaud Matt Mauro’s aggressiveness, moxy, and self-confidence; and in my heart of hearts I’ve waited for someone to come along and shake up the baseball landscape, but this just can’t work.
Yes, Major League Baseball has some problems. The ticket prices are ridiculous, small market teams have next to no shot at winning, and the game hasn’t evolved in 100 years. I get that, but players aren’t going to start bolting big-league clubs for a brand new league with no proven track record.
Imagine of Albert Pujols left the St. Louis Cardinals to join the Daytona Beach Diamond? It’s not like attendance would go through the roof…Jackie Robinson Field is so small, it couldn’t have much of an effect. And yes, TV ratings might go up dramatically, but there are only 3 ABL games on national television PER WEEK. And there are no local TV deals to speak of.
The only shot the ABL has at survival is patience. If they think they’re going to overtake Major League Baseball as the #1 baseball league out there, they’ll be out of business in 3 years. But if they can just last, and the bottom line can show up green, someday the ABL can be a legitimate league.
Yes, here at BaseballLife, we will continue to cover the ABL, but until they prove themselves, they will get the same amount of coverage as the Pacific Coast League or the International League.
Yo, ABL! You want to be a big boy? Prove yourself.

[Mattymo]

November 1, 2006
“You’re Hired!”
Just when you thought the ABL couldn’t possibly stay in the news, Matt Mauro’s done it again.
Welcome to the baseball landscape the Atlantic City Aces, along with owner Donald Trump.
“When Matt called me with his business plan four years ago, I laughed after I hung up the phone,” recalled Trump, regarding his first phone call with Mauro, “But then he called again, and again. After I thought about it, I couldn’t wait to join this venture. I just hated having to hide it from everyone.”
“Atlantic City has a lot to offer, but they live in the shadows of New York City and Philadelphia,” said Mauro, “The Aces will bring people to Atlantic City, and it will be an experience unlike any other.”
The Aces will play in Bernie Robbins Stadium, which currently seats 5500 people, something Trump thinks can work to their advantage.
“What looks better?” asks Trump, “5500 people in a 10,000 seat park? Or 5500 people in a 5500 seat park?”
Trump also said he would consider building a stadium in the future, but renovations to Bernie Robbins Stadium would be much more likely.
Notes: Trump announced that he’s struck a deal with WCBS 880 to air Aces home games, as long as it didn’t conflict a Yankee broadcast…Bud Selig, his first public comments about the ABL, said it’s “just another minor league” with players goals being to “play in the big leagues, just like in other minor leagues”

[Mattymo]

Now I will just recap the next couple of seasons so I can get you all up to date...

2007 Recap

Standings:

East Division Record GB West Division Record GB
Virginia Beach 81-59 - Honolulu 84-56 -
Atlantic City 79-61 2 La Jolla 60-80 24
Daytona Beach 78-62 3 Las Vegas 59-81 25
Memphis 64-76 17 Tucson 55-85 29

Playoffs:
Honolulu 4, Virginia Beach 2

Player of the Year: Rich Ingram, Daytona Beach
.368, 31 HR, 134 RBI, 98.7 VORP
Hurler of the Year: Jose Rodriguez, Atlantic City
20-4, 3.35 ERA, 26.3 VORP
Rookie of the Year: Matthew Stokes, La Jolla
.255, 2 HR, 27 RBI

[Mattymo]

January 1, 2008

“WBO goes global”
By Dom Bienstock

With Matt Mauro glowingly referring to the ABL’s first season as a “huge success”, the World Baseball Organization is continuing to gain momentum.
Yesterday the WBO, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, announced that the first ever “Baseball World Cup” will be held in February, 2009, at a site yet to be determined.
This news sent shockwaves through the baseball world. First of all, this is only two years removed from the travesty that was the 2006 World Baseball Classic, in which many of the games stars chose to sit-out.
“When Bud Selig announced this past summer that the WBC would only be a one-time thing, I decided to pounce,” said Mauro, “I think their intentions were good, and I think we can do wonderful things with this idea.”
Another interesting fact about this announcement is the WBO and MLB working as a partnership, something Mauro downplayed.
“We knew we couldn’t have a World Cup without Major League Baseball,” said Mauro.
The plan calls for the annual World Cup to have an unlimited amount of countries participating.
“We aren’t going to stop countries from participating,” he said, “If you can field a team, come prove yourself. Like I’ve said in the past, I want this game to grow across the globe.”
While he didn’t get into specifics, it’s understood that the teams will be split up into four “pools”, with the top 2 seeds in each pool being “automatic qualifiers”. The remaining teams will play in “pool qualifiers”, with the winners participating in the round robin pool-play.
“This is very exciting for the game of baseball,” said Bud Selig, “but it will only truly work if all the games best players join in.”
Notes: the MLB and WBO will split all revenues 60/40 (in favor of MLB), which was a huge selling point to get the MLB on board…The MLB Players Union has already approved participation…Mauro also announced that the ABL will expand their playoffs from 2 teams to 4 for next season…The Honolulu Islanders have signed a TV deal with KHON to broadcast 35 home games next season, the first such deal for an ABL team.

[Mattymo]

2008 Wrap-up

Standings:
East Division
Memphis 84-56
Atlantic City 74-66
Daytona Beach 74-66
Virginia Beach 64-76

West Division
Honolulu 87-53
Tucson 61-79
Las Vegas 60-80
La Jolla 56-84

Playoffs:
Semifinals: Honolulu over Daytona Beach 4-3
Semifinals: Atlantic City over Memphis 4-1

Finals: Atlantic City over Honolulu 4-3

Player of the Year: Ricardo Villa, Honolulu, .337, 34 HRs, 112 RBI, 71.3 VORP
Hurler of the Year: Jose Rodriguez, Atlantic City, 22-8, 2.30 ERA, 96.7 VORP

[Mattymo]

January 1, 2009

“The WBO goes global, part two!”
By Dom Bienstock, beat reporter

It seems like Matt Mauro is constantly making announcements that sends the baseball world into frenzy. Well yesterday was no exception.
For the second New Years Eve in a row, Mauro announced a global plan for the World Baseball Organization, the formation of a new league, the World Baseball League.
“I told you we want to grow this game,” said Mauro, along with representatives from all eight new franchises, “This is going to be a huge success. The international interest has been incredible.”
The 8 teams; Caracas (Venezuela), Havanna (Cuba), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), Mexico City (Mexico), Ottawa (Canada), Seoul (South Korea) and Tokyo (Japan), will play in a 2 division format beginning in 2009.
It will be very similar to it’s sister league, the American Baseball League, which began in 2007. Though the ABL has lost many of its best players to Major League Baseball, interest has grown steadily, with a few teams even signing TV and radio deals.
“I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, this is not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” urged Mauro, “I don’t expect the WBO to take the world by storm, but if we can just continue spreading the product, it’ll take on a life of its own.”
In related news:
The WBO announced that Doug Flutie will move his franchise from La Jolla to Sacramento for the upcoming 2009 season.
“The interest just wasn’t there, and Doug and I agreed this would be for the best,” said Mauro, “Attendance never got where we expected, and the ballpark is a mess.” Flutie said, for now, they will keep the "Lightning" nickname.
Notes: As part of the plan, Mauro will implement revenue sharing for 2009, saying “it’s important in order to keep the league competitive”…Mauro, responding to claims that the ABL is “immoral and disgusting” after Las Vegas’ “Date-a-stripper night” last July 23, said “maybe it was in bad taste, but we drew record crowds and got a lot of press for it, so obviously people are interested, and I’m not going to pretend to be the moral police”.

[Mattymo]

World Cup coverage 2009

“WC 2009 draws big names, crowds”
By Dom Bienstock

Honolulu- With only two short weeks remaining before the start of the first ever Baseball World Cup, Matt Mauro and the WBO have already exceeded expectations.
Rosters, which were announced yesterday, contain every high profile player from each country. Unlike the World Baseball Classic of three years ago, only two players turned down offers to play for the native countries, Vicente Padilla (Nicaragua) and Scott Olson (United States), who are both out with injuries. Highlighting the list of players is David Ortiz and Albert Pujols (Dominican Republic), Carlos Beltran (Puerto Rico), Johan Santana (Venezuela), and Ryan Howard (United States).
Here are the pairings, which were announced yesterday as well:
Pool A: United States, Cuba, South Korea, China, Columbia, Netherlands
Pool B: Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Taiwan, South Africa, Guatemala
Pool C: Venezuela, Japan, Australia, Aruba, Argentina, Italy
Pool D: Puerto Rico, Canada, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Brazil, Chile
The top two seeds in each pool will qualify automatically, while the bottom four will play “pool qualifiers” on the first day of the Cup, February 1. Pool Play, in a round robin format, will be held from February 2-4, with the top two finishers in each pool playing in the quarterfinals on February 5. Pool A winner will square off against Pool D winner in one semifinal February 6, with Pool B vs. Pool C later on that day, and the World Cup will be awarded on February 7.
It will surely be a week of high octane baseball.
Notes: Mauro also cut the ribbon on Honolulu Advertiser Park, where the World Cup will be played, situated right on the waterfront in the Kakaaki section of Honolulu. It is quite a sight to see, with luxery boxes, a giant scoreboard in right-centerfield, and two-level seating around the entire field…The MLB, as well as ABL and WBL have enacted a “no transactions” rule during the World Cup...As well as Honolulu Advertiser Park, Les Murukami Stadium will be used during Pool Play.

[Mattymo]

World Cup Coverage 2009

Pool Qualifier schedule
February 1

Pool A
Netherlands vs. South Korea
Columbia vs. China

Pool B
Guatemala vs. Panama
South Africa vs. Taiwan

Pool C
Italy vs. Australia
Argentina vs. Aruba

Pool D
Chile vs. Nicaragua
Brazil vs. Costa Rica

[Mattymo]

Columbia 7, China 4
Salvador Gomez (Texas Rangers minor leaguer) hit a 3-run double with one out in the ninth as Columbia came from behind and beat China 7-4 in a Pool A qualifier. Catcher Jorge Olivas (San Francisco Giants minor leaguer) followed with an RBI single for an insurance run as Columbia advances to Pool play. Cesar Lopez (WBL Havanna) picked up with win in relief, while Vicente Vargas (WBL Havanna) earned the save.
Fa-tang Qian (WBL Caracas) homered for China, while starter Zhao-hui Xing (WBL Caracas) struck out 7 in 7 2/3 innings. Closer Yuan Gui (Seattle Mariners AAA prospect) took the loss, as the Chinese team heads home disappointed.

[Mattymo]

Taiwan 4, South Africa 0
Chien Ming Wang (New York Yankees) pitching a complete game shutout with 4 strikeouts as Taiwan took care of business in a 4-0 win over South Africa. Xun Kung (WBL Ottawa) led the offensive attack with 2 hits and 2 runs scored, while Jit wei Lou (WBL Santo Domingo) hit a 2 run homerun, and later added a sacrifice fly.
Brahim Al-Assel (WBL Tokyo) took the loss, striking out 9 in 7 and 1/3, while Kotisvara Rima (WBL Santo Domingo) had two hits for the South Africans.