Vol. II, Issue #3 - May 2014

** What is GUSSOMO all about - Champion Ralph Polumbo **

(You have read in an earlier issue by the "WASS" in his column about the longevity of the SOM
baseball league called GUSSOMO - Greater U.S. Strat-o-matic Organization, now in their 43rd
year.  This league was started by Jeff Fleischman in 1971 as a mail league and now has evolved
into the longest running computer league. In this interview, Wolfman Shapiro tracks down Ralph
Polumbo, the 2013 GUSSOMO Champion and perhaps their most successful manager to learn
about the keys to Ralph success as well as how GUSSOMO has lasted this long.)

(Notes from the Wolfman: I first met Jeff Fleischman at the first SOM Convention in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1971 and again in Brooklyn at the second convention.  Via these contacts, for a while in these early days we were close buds which continued into the Illinois conventions.  So when WASS talked about GUSSOMO in his column, I didn't realize that Jeff had continued on with his league for so long. I may have stepped into one of their meetings near Chicago in 2008 when I lived there.  Truly, to be able to have such a long staying history plus all the face-to-face meetings they have, GUSSOMO is an example of a long standing SOM family. That I was able to get ahold of Ralph to tell us his keys for all his championships in GUSSOMO is an extra blessing.)


Wolfman:  Dear fellow strat family, I am honored and priviledged to have this chance to interview Ralph Polumbo, the most recent champion of the GUSSOMO Baseball League. Another friend I knew from my early days in Chicago playing in Strat leagues in the 80's was Larry Steinberg, who also met Jeff Fleischman at the early convention and eventually became a member of GUSSOMO too, so I have had a few connection many years ago with the GUSSOMO folks.

So Mr. Gussomo, Ralph, welcome to the Ultimate Strat Baseball Newsletter.

Before we discuss your success in Gussomo and how you been able to appear in 19 World Series, lets first talk a little about when you were younger and how you came to know of SOM Baseball.

Which baseball team did you root for when you were quite young and who were your favorite players? Did you play baseball at all in little league, high school or college and if so what was your favorite position?

Ralph:  I grew up in a New York Yankee House. My Dad, 89 years old, still watches every game and the 'Encores' if they win! Clete Boyer was my favorite player, because I played 3B/SS in high school. I peaked playing American Legion ball with a team that included a player who went on to play for the Yankees too.

Wolfman:  Did you play other board games before you met SOM?  How did you hear about Strat-o-matic and after you received the game, did you play in leagues or do replays?

Ralph: Always played baseball dice and board games, but was never satisfied (with any of them). The games were either too simple or too time consuming! Then in graduate school at Michigan state, a friend introduced me to SOM. My wife is also a big baseball fan, and she and I played Old-Timer replays until I found GUSSOMO in 1979.  (Photo: 2011 GUSSOMO Champion Awards for Ralph)

Wolfman:  What is there about SOM Baseball that you really like that you have played the game for so many years?

Ralph: I am just echoing the sentiments of everyone reading your newsletter - SOM has captured all of the elements that make Baseball fun - statistical relevance, strategy, and the luck of the dice roll. To be able to play a game in 15 minutes without losing any of the realism is a real testimony to the game's brilliance.

Wolfman:  How did you learn about Gussomo and how did you meet Jeff Fleischman? 

Ralph: SOM USED TO PUBLISH A NEWSLETTER OF SORTS WITH ADS POSTED FOR PBM LEAGUES LOOKING FOR OWNERS. (Wolfman's note: the Strat-o-matic Review.)

Wolfman:  Why did you decide to join this league? Did you ever think you would be involved with the league for so many years?

Ralph: Jeff introduced a new draft - where every player was placed into a pool a year after I joined. Being able to draft your entire team certainly raised the level of interest and ownership! While our league had some turnover, getting to know the solid core of managers has kept many of us in the league, even as the challenges of our jobs and growing families made us waver from time to time.

Wolfman:  Have you had many different people act as GMs over the years in GUSSOMO?

Ralph: The league has been remarkably stable in the last 10 years. We've had a few expansions to finally reach the 24 teams we are at today.

Wolfman:  What makes Gussomo different or unique from other leagues?

Ralph: There are now 5 fathers and sons managing individual teams. In fact, both of my sons have been in the league for more than 10 years now!

Wolfman:  What is its history - did it start as a mail league? When did you switch to the computer?

Ralph:  Yes, it was a mail league first. Instructions were written and mailed, and stats were recorded manually. I can't remember exactly when we made the switch, but it was probably close to the date when SOM introduced the compute game. I miss the earliest version when the Ball Park HR Graphic was a "smiley face" or "sad face".

Wolfman:  How are your playoffs played?

Ralph:  We have 6 divisions. The winners have automatic playoff positions from 1-6 based upon their records. The next 4 teams with the best records playoff (1 vs. 4 / 2 vs. 3) for the remaining two wildcard slots. The "Good News" is that at least half the teams have a shot at the playoffs deep into the season. The lip side is that the wildcard teams are often better than the 5th/6th playoff winners. Because of that, the best draw in the playoffs is the 3rd and 4th slots.

Wolfman:  What is the name of your team in Gussomo and why is it called this?

Ralph:  My team is the Albany Internationals. Jef has had some fun at my expense over the years because I changed the team name every time the family moved, so eight name changes in all. The current name is also the name of the company I work for. That way, I can wear clothes with the Albany International Logo to our annual face-to-face events. The other managers probably think I have my own franchise line of apparel!

Wolfman:  I assume the league is a draft league - can you discuss the structure first and how players are kept from year to year and who can be drafted?

Ralph:  Each team's roster is 35 players with an annual draft. Any player with (1) Historical ML at-bat (AB) or an inning pitched (IP) is eligible for the draft. This year we instituted a new requirement that all teams must cut down their rosters to 25 players prior to the draft. The intent of this new rule was to make the draft deeper, and to provide the weaker teams with some good players so they could become competitive more quickly.

Wolfman:  Now lets talk about, if are willing to do so, what are the keys to your success in Gussomo and building your teams?

Ralph:  VERY BROADLY, THE KEYS FOR ME ARE:

1. OBA, OR TOTAL CARD CHANCES ACROSS THE ENTIRE LINEUP. I LIKE TO AVERAGE 40 CHANCES PER NINE STARTERS VS LHP'S AND RHP'S. OBVIOUSLY THE BIGGER THE LEAGUE, THE HARDER TO DO THIS.

2. WHIP FOR PITCHERS. OVERALL IF I GET A LOT OF GUYS ON BASE, AND GIVE MY BIG HITTERS MORE OPPORTUNITIES, AND I KEEP THE OTHER TEAM OFF BASE, I SHOULD WIN MORE GAMES.

3. EXPLOITING LEAGUE BIASES. FOR EXAMPLE, IN GUSSOMO THERE IS A STRONG BIAS TOWARDS YOUTH AND DRAFT PICKS. SO, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TRADE DRAFT PICKS FOR VERY GOOD PLAYERS THAT HAVE PUT ME 'OVER THE TOP' TO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP. I WAS ABLE TO OBTAIN CODY ROSS FOR AN 82ND OVERALL PICK AND SERGIO ROMO FOR A YOUNG, BUT DISPOSABLE OUTFIELDER LAST YEAR TO MOVE MY TEAM FROM CONTENDER TO EVENTUAL WS WINNER

Wolfman:  What type of team do you prefer to play with? What are the components
which make a championship Polumbo team?

Ralph:  If you ask the other managers, they would probably say that my line-ups are tough from top to bottom. Often, my teams always have men on base, putting a lot of pressure on the other team, exposing bad defenses and shallow bullpens, etc.  That speaks to the strategy of OBA.

My favorite teams, and probably my best teams all have had the following make-up: A KIILLER SP at the top of the rotation (Verlander on last year's championship team); TWO LIGHTS OUT RELIEVERS;
A HR HITTER to bat Cleanup, and a HIGH OB, DOUBLES POWER GUY to bat 3rd; with an ON-BASE MACHINE leading off (with 1-14+ speed), and, IMPORTANTLY, 7-8-9 HITTERS with 35+ chances (to get on base).

Wolfman:  Are there any special strategies you use? For example do you focus on pitching and which pitchers do you try to obtain for your team or on hitting first?

Ralph:  I focus upon the Hitters first. Getting 7-8-9 Hitters with a minimum of 35 chances on their cards not only creates more ABs for the top of the lineup, but often, at least once per game, creates an opportunity for a big inning starting at the bottom of the order. Because we allow batters and pitchers to use 10% of their PAs and IPs in the playoffs, I always look for at least one 60-120 inning pitcher with an outstanding card. Ted Lilly won two pivotal WS games in a recent championship with that kind of card.

One other strategy often overlooked, is the low Inning Pitcher and low AB Batter with huge cards. Dan Johnson and his 30 PAs (3 Playoff PAs) was huge for me last year. Often, someone like that on the bench can be a big deterrent for the opposing manager to bring in his relief specialist at a crucial time late in the game. Similarly, Mark Rogers (MILW) with 11 IP and no chances on his card had three crucial holds in one World Series - very likely the difference between winning and losing the World Series.

Wolfman:  Do you seek power hitters or players with a good on-base card? How important is defense and speed? Are you a big trader?

Ralph:  I look for defense at the key positions like SS, and CF. I've given up speed to get OBA, but try avoid clogging the basepaths with 1-8 runners.

Wolfman, you raise an important point regarding trading. I've found that a combination of active trading and drafting is required to create winning teams, year after year, and avoiding prolonged periods of rebuilding. I find that many managers who are reluctant to trade, and as a result, are rarely if ever in a position to win a World Series. The key to trades is to be willing to give up talent in order to construct your championship team. For example, I traded David Wright, Jarrod Parker, and a 1st round draft pick to get Verlander and Baustista, because I lacked a "KILLER" Starter. Verlander, was without question, my World Series MVP Last year.

Wolfman:  Is luck involved in your success or is it more skill and knowing how to put the right group of players together?

Ralph:  YOGI BERRA is quoted as saying, "I'd Rather be Lucky than Good."  BRANCH RICKEY on the other hand said, "Luck is the Residue of Design."  I think it takes both. However, if you don't have a plan, there probably isn't enough luck to help you consistently win. That being said, in a 7 Game Series, it seems to me that it's 50% Luck, and 50% having the Right Guy Available at the Right Time.

Wolfman:  Is there any special games you played during your league that you will never forget that was an amazing game or had elements that were unique and powerful you can share with our readers?

Ralph:  We've all had those kind of experiences -- the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat!  One lasting memory: In the 80's, in a 7th game semi-final, I allowed John Mayberry to ht in the 8th, down by 1 against a LHP. I needed a HR, and Mayberry had 9 HR chances. The problem was that those were the only chances on his card against LHPs. I knew it was probably my last dice roll in the face-to-face game and series, so I made a big deal out of it and called the shot "3-5" on Mayberry's card.  Then I finally threw the dice and it was a 3-5 HR. The look on my friend's face ... and then when he threw the dice out of the window was PRICELESS. I'll probably be smiling on my deathbed thinking about this moment. (Wolfman: or as we say in my family - oi vai vhat a happening!!)

Wolfman:  Have you ever played in any of the tournaments that are being offered by various individuals and groups? If so can you share a little bit about it?

Ralph:  I have never played in a tournament. I do recall my two sons, when they were ages 16 and 14 playing in a tournament when we lived in Ohio. And according to my youngest son's recounting - he saw one of the tournament organizers, after losing to my older son, go out into the hallway and silently broke all of his pencils in half! I hope that wasn't you Wolfman! (Wolfman: Nope, never played a tournament in Ohio!!)

Wolfman:  What are some of your future goals for your teams you hope to achieve? Do you have any special goals or dreams of something to do with SOM that you haven't done before?

Ralph:  My goal is 10 and 20. That is 10 Championships and 20 World Series appearances in GUSSOMO. Currently my youngest son and I share a team in a retro old-timers league, but I'm too busy to play in other leagues. I am hoping to retire after 2015, and I'd like to join 1-2 other leagues to meet more
stratophiles, and rebuild a franchise.

Wolfman:  What are you the most proud about after all these years of gaming playing - what is your greatest achievement in your mind?

Ralph:  For me, it's been the ability to find new ways to build winning teams. Overall though, it's much more about the joy of playing the game -- win or lose. SOM is an amazing game, allowing us to maintain our passion for Baseball even as our playing days become a distant memory.

Wolfman:  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers, that you think would be important for them to know that was not asked in the previous questions?

Ralph:  Yes. The Great thing about Strato is that the outcome of the games we play has absolutely no negative impact on our 'real' lives. So, the next time you agonize about trading away a player, take a breath and hit the send button!

Wolfman:  If one of our readers wanted to contact you personally, is this possible and what would be the best way to do this?

Ralph:  The best way to try to contact me is through email at: RPOLUMBO@HOTMAIL.COM. If anyone does send an email, best to reference WOLFMAN in the subject line, otherwise it's spam city!

Wolfman:  How can our readers learn more about Gussomo - I know you have a league website, where can people go to see it as well as read more about the teams you have managed?

Ralph:  WWW.GUSSOMO.COM

Wolfman:  Thank you Ralph for taking time to chat with us, I am sure our readers have learned a lot from you via your success with SOM Baseball. Good luck with your 2014 Gussomo team.

Ralph:  Wolfman, whether this makes it into your newsletter or not, thanks for taking this interview on and connecting more strat players. I've enjoyed our email exchanges and hope to hear and read more about the Wolfman's teams progress!

(NOTES from the Wolfman: I wish Mr. Champion I had some good stories to tell for 2014 with my teams but the Skokie Wolfmen for the first time in their history are totally rebuilding and will have a losing record {probably the worst in the league} for the CBA and our first attempt to go with a power team in the Barnstormer's tournament, a collection of SOM baseball on-line gaming leagues with the All-time Greatest players has not done very well either {see intro article} - it appears 2014 will the first year for the Wolf guys where very little howling this year will be coming out of Skokie. I have some non-strat novels which seem to be taking precedence. )

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Contained inside this exciting issue of Ultimate Strat Baseball Newsletter:
(to view the various interviews, articles, columns and special sections click on the links {underlined}
and this will take you to the appropriate webpage)
 

♦  RETURN TO NEWSLETTER MAIN PAGE

♦  INTERVIEW  with BILLE DEANE, MLB statistician, researcher and author.

♦  SOM BASEBALL WORLD NEWS, the current status on the Strat Tournament Players Club and SOM Tours, a final farewell and honoring of Hank Smith.

♦  INTERVIEW with CARL KIDWILER, sports photographer and collector
(Special photographs of old NY Yankee players in his collection.)

♦  QUESTIONNAIRE with HANK SMITH, former Star Tournaments Commissioner and Ambassador -- Hank was one of the most beloved individuals in the SOM Baseball World and a key for the success of the Star Tournaments. In this questionnaire which Hank and Wolfman developed in 2007, Hank shares his secrets and keys for winning in tournament play based on drafting your team. If any member is so inspired there is a blank form of this questionnaire you can fill out and send back to us to help us collect more data we can share at some future time.

♦  SOM BASEBALL ONLINE REPORT with WOLFMAN SHAPIRO -- editor of "The Ultimate Strat Newsletter" and 2012 CBA Champion, the "Wolfman" explores a whole new world of playing the SOM Baseball game through the online gaming system which Strat-o-matic Offers. In 2001/2002, Strat-o-matic agreed with The Sporting News to offer a version of their game which could be played completely on-line using a web browser. In 2012, SOM told full charge of this system and there is a whole community now of people who are involved in all type of draft leagues including a unique style of holding tournaments. In this issue, "Wolfman" explains how the gaming system works and you sign-up for a league plus he interviews the commissioner of the Barnstormers Tournament and the 2013 Champion of this tournament.  To view this three part report, click on the links of the articles to read shown below:

ARTICLE: Introduction to SOM Baseball Online (the online gaming system)

INTERVIEW with MIGHTY MOOSE (R. Johnson), Barnstormer's  Commissioner

INTERVIEW with BRUCE FOSTER, Barnstormers Tournament 2013 Champion

♦  COMMISSIONER's CORNER with MARC WASSERMAN -- commissioner of the Cyber Baseball Association (CBA) continues his column about what it is like to be a League Commissioner. In this
article, he continues to focus his discussion on his own league the CBA and shares the websites of other special baseball leagues linked to the Strat Alliance.

♦  RECOMMEND ON-LINE SOM RESOURCES -- On-line Strat-o-matic and Baseball related websites
that offer amazing information, special tools and products to improve your game play that we strongly recommend. In most cases, we have had personal contact with these sources who agree with the principle to work together and help promote each other.

♦  BOOKS TO DIE FOR and Become a BASEBALL GURU -- This page is specifically about special books we are finding that either will expand your insights about the game of Baseball, help you in the creation of your current league teams or with your replays and learn more about the Strat-o-matic Baseball Game and Game Company's history.  We have a special arrangement with Acta Sports, who is a publisher of a number of great baseball books (including Bill James Handbooks) to offer for our members a 10% discount. We will continue to add more books to this page in the future as we uncover other gems our members should know about.

 

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Contact Us for Questions or Submissions:

Wolfman Shapiro
Founder/Editor, the Ultimate Strat Baseball Newsletter

email: wolfman@ultimatestratbaseball.com
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twitter: @StratBaseball4U