** Interview with Jim Murphy **

No problem. Appreciate the opportunity.

Live in Colorado and grew up in Ohio. Moved west after high school to attend college.

Wolfman:  When you were younger - did you actually play baseball and if so what was your best position?

I was a middle infielder and ended up attending a college known for baseball (Arizona State), and that’s where my baseball "career" ended. Too many great players on that team, including future MLB players Bob Horner, Brett Butler, Chris Bando, and Dave Hudgens (Note: - this group won the College World Series in 1977). I'm probably forgetting somebody. I also went to high school with Dave Dravecky.

Wolfman:  What about which MLB team did you root for when you were younger and are you still a fan of this team. Are there any ball players you really followed or were your favorites?

Wolfman:  What is your history participating in leagues (face-to-face or computer based)?  Have you ever played in any tournaments?

From 1972-74, did play-by-mail leagues until I left for college. In the 1980’s played in a face-to-face league in California. Then life and work took over and I went on a 20+ year SOM Baseball hiatus. About three years ago got back into it by purchasing the computer game. The OSBL was the second netplay league I joined. I have yet to experience any tournament play.

Wolfman:  How did the OBSL come into existence? Where did the name come from for your league?

Another current owner started it about, I believe, 2007 (1960 retro season). I took over the commissioner role during the 1974 season (we are currently near the end of the 1975 season). The name, Old School Baseball League, was chosen by the league because the first set of owners were "old school" guys who were fans in the 1960’s.

Wolfman:  What is the name of the team you manage?

Pittsburgh Pirates.

Wolfman:  Can you describe the structure of your league and how the playoffs work?

We have two leagues (AL and NL), with two divisions in each league, four teams in each division. The Ruth and Cobb divisions form the AL, the Wagner and Mathewson divisions form the NL. Post Season consists of the four division winners and one wild card team from each league, with the wild card having the best non-division winning record in their respective league. The team in each league with the best record receives a first round bye. The other division winner and wild card play for the right to move to the league championship series.

The OSBL was developed to mimic real baseball as close as possible. For example, we use ball in flight, OF’s are only able to play the positions they played in real life, team names had to be MLB cities/nicknames, etc. Initially there we 12 OSBL teams. The first team build was your typical lottery then serpentine draft, and each owner picked a city.

After that, the rules are similar to other leagues, with a few added twists that are typically unique for a league. Each OSBL team has 31 players, with three of those players considered AAA (those with under 150 AB or 40 IP). We have a UHOLH (Use Him Or Lose Him) rule of 70%, but it does not apply to the AAA guys. All players who don’t meet the 70% are placed back in the draft. Each draft order is determined by previous year’s record. We do not use a lottery, have a July 31 trading deadline, and a few other rules related to roster and keepers.

Wolfman:  Now why did you decide to play two seasons a year with a shortened season?

We felt we could duplicate a typical MLB season – play about 30 games a month. In reality, it takes about seven months to complete a season when you add in playoffs and the draft.

Wolfman:  Also why did you decide to go with a retro league? What is the advantage from your perspective being in a retro league? How does it help to know what the players cards will be like in the future - this must be a consideration when members trade players?

As stated above, the original owners were fans of players in the 60’s. Personally, it’s great to manage players you grew up watching. You get to reminisce and look back and see how the game used to be - so simple, yet enjoyable. It’s also fascinating to see how the players are doing today. What path did their life take after baseball. All of the above, and more, is why I enjoy retro play. And yes, knowing the future plays a significant role in trades and transactions. In some ways it’s a little less stressful as you don’t have to worry about a trade that could flop because your guy’s career went into the tank. I admire present league owners and the risks they take, but it’s not for me.

One word – busy. When I first started I didn’t realize how much time it took. Setting up the draft, managing league files, collecting games and box scores, email notifications, encouraging owners to get their games in, thinking of ways to improve the league, updating the web site, etc. The list goes on and on. Never really thought about how much time it takes, but 5-10 hours a week wouldn’t be unrealistic.

We do not have other officers, although I seek advice from former OSBL commissioners when needed.

Not even close. But if my team does not have a major collapse, I’m playoff bound this year. Pittsburgh lost over 100 games in the previous two years. But this year, 1975 team, has been exceeding expectations. I was able to turn things around through the draft and with trades. Just had to suck it up for a few years. It always helps when all your retro guys have the same good year too. Not sure I have any new advice about building a team that hasn’t already been mentioned by others in the last 30 years. I think balance is key – for example, don’t have too many guys that are 6L or 6R. Have a few, especially pitchers, for those special situations. But don’t over do it. Also, having a team made of up players who can play multiple positions is a great advantage too. Think Ben Zobrist.

I think the relationships are good and respectful. We have a few motto’s to follow, and I always remind the owners by placing them in the weekly league update email – "This is supposed to be for fun and entertainment. But it needs to maintain some semblance of organization and structure. Keep communicating. Respect your opponent by responding to game requests, trades, or any other email."

Wolfman:  When you have had a successful (playoff bound team) what were the keys to your success with this team (or teams)? Is there special strategies you use to build your team? And special strategies you use when playing your games?

Not there yet with the OSBL, but in another retro league I took the 5^th overall worst team and won a championship with them the next year. To me the key was the draft, and playing the game to meet the era. What I mean by the latter, for example, is if you are playing early 1900’s, by all means make the D make a play. Put the ball in play as much as possible. Be aggressive.

For netplay guys, try to become a bit more tech savvy. Everybody should be able to host. If you can’t, something is blocking your port. Sometimes it’s not easy to figure out. But it can be figured out. For general netplay play, reduce game freezes by taking steps to make your PC run efficiently for the SOM computer game. Hard drive space, RAM, applications running, re-booting, etc, are just a few factors that could impact netplay. I plan to post a comprehensive list of things to do, and look out for, on our web site.

Not yet.

Good group of owners and the era of play. Key to longevity? Think of new ways to keep it interesting. Examples would be presenting new league information or stats on the web site, embrace league history, have a league Hall of Fame, and start an annual All Star game. But don’t take it all too seriously. I know, easier said than done. Focus on having fun and be respectful of your opponent. The latter means more than you think.

Wolfman:  Have you had any special experiences (certain games that stand out in your mind that you played or series you played) being a manager in the OSBL that were amazing or very unusual games, or something you are proud of. Maybe some key trade you made ...

So far my exciting OSBL game experiences have been on the wrong side of no-hitters! Except for one player, my current lineups are made up of draft picks and trades. I developed our league web site and the encyclopedia function. Those have helped attract good owners.

SOM is simple but realistic. I especially like the aspect that there are still dice rolls – you know what you’re getting and there’s no hidden engine (at least for what is on the player cards). I have tried other games with hidden engines. Not for my liking.