College Baseball: A semi-historical dynasty

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I've had this idea for awhile since I've seen very little about college baseball in the threads. Now, I'm not the world's biggest college baseball fan, but I tend to keep tabs on some of the teams throughout their short season. So, in an effort to educate myself more on college baseball and to have a little fun in the process, I've been doing some research and have decided to start a college baseball dynasty.

This dynasty starts in 1871. Fourteen teams will play 60 games, which start on the first Friday of April. The teams will have a 25 man roster, with an unlimited reserve roster. The players are fictional...well, for the most part, but I'll get to that later. The players will be from 18-23 years old. A draft will happen every year on August 5th, but the order will be random so the worst teams don't necessarily sign the best players. Teams will also be able to sign players from the free agency pool. There are no financials in the league. Evolution is limited to roster size, DL, DH, more/less offense and pitching. Modifiers are in place for historical accuracy with how the game was played. The Hall of Fame has been modified for a four year career. Player and coach ratings are 1-100. Injuries, suspensions and drug suspensions are on. Drug suspensions will be for 60 games and the player will be released from their respective team. Unhappy players demanding trades will be released and suspended 60 games for transferring schools if they sign elsewhere. Released players who sign with another school will also be suspended 60 games for transferring.

However, this is a semi-historical dynasty, so there are a few things I'll clarify up front. I intend on adding in some of my ancestors over the years as they turn 18, so I can see how they may have fared in the college baseball ranks. If you would like for your ancestors, or yourself when the year comes, to be a part of this dynasty, feel free to message me the name and birth date. All player attributes will be randomly generated, so no guarantee your great, great grandfather will be a super star. He could just warm the bench for four years! I'll be adding teams to the league in even numbers, so although the team may have been playing in real life, it's entry into this world may be delayed. I intend, to the best of my abilities and research, to add conferences and move teams as they did in real life. However, since some teams had years where they had no team, or even discontinued their programs, I will do no such thing. Once a team is introduced to the game, it will remain. Yes, all of you Colorado and Wisconsin alums, your baseball program will continue in this dynasty. Those teams will be placed in an independent division when the time comes.

There will be playoffs every year. I'm not waiting until 1947 to crown a champion! The playoffs will be the best 2 of 3. Playoffs will start small and expand over the years.

Last, but definitely not least, I would like to thank everyone in this community for all of their contributions, whether it's uniform, logo and cap designs or for all of the great dynasties which are posted on the OOTP message board. I'm looking forward to learning more about the history of college baseball and maybe pass along some forgotten history to all of you. So, come follow along with me and root for your alma mater or your favorite college team!!

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Brown University Bears

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Columbia University Lions

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Cornell University Big Red

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Dartmouth University Big Green

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Fordham University Rams

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Harvard University Crimson

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Lafayette University Leopards

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Lehigh University Mountain Hawks

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University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Tar Heels

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University of Pennsylvania Quakers

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Princeton University Tigers

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Rutgers University Scarlet Knights

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Villanova University Wildcats

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Yale University Bulldogs

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As our first season begins, there are many questions left to be answered. Who of the fourteen teams is the best in the college ranks? Who are the hitters and pitchers who will rank as the best who ever were? Which coaches will be Hall of Famers and who will find the unemployment line in their first season? Here are the preseason predictions:

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With three games left to go in the season, Rutgers University has clinched a playoff spot and the title of best regular season record!! With three games to go in the season, two teams are tied heading down the stretch. Fordham and Villanova are the two teams looking for the final playoff spot.

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It all comes down to the final game of the regular season. Villanova finds itself with a one game lead over Fordham. All they have to do is win. Fortunately enough for them, they're matched up against Princeton, who has the worst record in the college ranks. Fordham also has a favorable match-up in a must win game.

Here are the match-ups for both teams going into game 60.

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Villanova made a statement in the first inning of their game against Princeton and never looked back, winning the game in dominating fashion. The Wildcats will advance to the postseason to play against Rutgers.

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Here are the final standings for the 1871 season.