AROUND THE DIAMOND IN THE ABL ABL 2016 PLAYOFFS 10/28/16

Channel Cats use two crazy 9 th rallies to sweep past Starfish for their seventh title in history!!!!!

BIG STORY: Lenny’s rankings had Long Beach Island number one post draft with the defending champion Channel Cats at number four. After the trading period, the rankings still favored the Starfish with the Channel Cats still at number four with Titusville and Mudville in between. As the Starfish were expected to reach the finals the Channel Cats basically just got hot at the right time of year much like we saw Gary Sanchez assault baseballs in August in MLB. Long Beach Island was attempting to win their second ABL title in three tries as the Channel Cats were in their 10 th finals seeking a record 7 th crown. Along with another record of the only team to win back to back titles twice. The stage was set as the Starfish were ready to stake their claim to another spot on the cup. The Starfish just couldn’t get any breaks late as the bullpen failed on two occasions in the 9 th inning as the Channel Cats were too much with their comebacks to become the 3 rd team to sweep a best of seven finals for the second consecutive season. How shocking was the Cats comebacks in this series? They became the first team in league history to win two games in the finals after trailing by two runs or more going into their last at bat twice. C-Bay only five home runs compared to three by the Starfish but it was the 11 doubles compared to 5 that proved to be a major key besides the never say die comebacks in game one and three. Cody Allen induced a series ending double play in game four to nail down the second sweep in as many seasons. Channel Cat outfielder David Peralta grabbed ABL Playoff M.V.P. honors hitting .361 with one double, two triples, two homers, and 4 RBI. It seemed Peralta was in the center of almost every big hit when it was needed for the Cats in the post season. The playoff and league’s top record during the regular season by the Starfish should not be forgotten as they have built a team that should contend for many years. For now, its Channel Cats time as the club wins their forth championship in six seasons and raises the cup as the champions of the ABL in 2016!

“BAMBINO CUP” FINALS Chesapeake Bay vs. Long Beach Island (Chesapeake Bay won series 4-0) GM 1 CB 6 LBI 5 10 Inn. GM 2 CB 6 LBI 1 GM 3 CB 4 LBI 3 10 Inn. GM 4 CB 4 LBI 3

NATIONAL FINALS Chesapeake Bay vs. Mudville (Chesapeake Bay won series 3-1) GM 1 CB 5 MUD 4 GM 2 MUD 6 CB 3 GM 3 CB 4 MUD 2 GM 4 CB 10 MUD 4

AMERICAN FINALS La Jolla vs. Long Beach Island (Long Beach Island won series 0-0) GM 1 LBI 4 LJ 0 GM 2 LBI 12 LJ 2 GM 3 LBI 5 LJ 2

NATIONAL WILD CARD Titusville at Chesapeake Bay (Chesapeake Bay won series 1-0) GM 1 CB 11 TV 7

AMERICAN WILD CARD La Jolla at Manahawkin (La Jolla won series 1-0) GM 1 LJ 6 MAN 0

2016 ABL TEAMS AND MANAGERS: National Division Chesapeake Bay Channel Cats(27th Season) Scott “Commish” Allen (Defending Champions) Tallahassee Terriers(26th Season) Don “Legend” Allen Jr. Titusville Perfectos(9th Season) Lennart “Lenny” Saaf Mudville Nine(2nd Season) Casey "The Kid" Allen

American Division Long Beach Island Starfish(14th Season) Jim “Skibby” Bomysoad Syracuse Hazard(12th Season) Jason “Coop” Cupelo Ocracoke Blackbeards(9th Season) Duran “Stole” Allen Manahawkin Pelicans(8th Season) Michael Saaf La Jolla Juggernaut(2nd Season) Kevin “Eradicator” Waters

ABL 2016 IP’S Titusville 15 Syracuse 15 Manahawkin 15 Tallahassee 15 La Jolla 14 Long Beach Island 12 Ocracoke 12 Mudville 12 Chesapeake Bay 8

ROLLING DICE?? ( Q and A with Game Play Notes) (PLEASE TAKE NOTE) (Italic are present in the current charts)

1. If you bring the corners in (maybe to guard against the bunt), does that mean you are not holding the runner on 1st base?

ANSWER: Yes, if the first baseman is "in", he can't be holding. For that reason usually the third baseman plays "in" with a guy on first. The batter's bunting rating is still reduced on all balls hit to 3B, P, and C.

TEAM NEWS: If any manager plans on not participating in the ABL next season please let the Commish know as soon as possible for planning purposes. Please leave the league in good standing so you may return in the future if you desire to do so.

If a former manager is considering returning to the ABL for next season, please request an expansion application to reactivate your franchise before November 15 th . Your franchise will officially be re- activated once the league fee is paid in full.

ABL 2017 FEE: The 2017 ABL fee will stay the same as 2016 at $60. If you finish with 15 IP’s, you can get it lowered down to $50 . Win the title and it’s on the ABL’s nickel.

Each manager must pay the $60 operational fee for the American Baseball League Season by October 15th for the next season. If it isn’t paid in full by the ABL Winter Meetings, the ABL will fold your team for that upcoming season unless other arrangements have been made with the league. The fees help with expenses to run the league. You may now pay by paypal using e-mail: [email protected].

Remember the 2017 fee is due October 15th. Please pay the fee on time if you want to play ball in 2017. If cash flow is a problem, let the Commish know and something can be worked out. You have plenty of notice to make sure the fee is paid on time.

If an Expansion Team Fee is paid by November 15th , the new manager will be able to vote in the November Off-Season voting session. The first expansion team to pay their fee in full will get the highest pick in the expansion draft. The second team to pay their fee in full will get the 2nd pick in the expansion draft and so on. There is no extra cost for Expansion teams in 2017. Fees Currently Paid: Chesapeake Bay Commish/Champions Fee Orlando $60.00 Albany $60.00 La Jolla $50.00 Titusville $50.00 Ocracoke $60.00

Fees Due: ( Fee could change by lost IP’s or championship ) Long Beach Island $30.00 Syracuse $50.00 Mudville $60.00 Tallahassee $30.00 Expansion Team $60.00

ABL 2017 EXPANSION TEAM APPLICATIONS: All possible new 2017 ABL managers must fill out an ABL Expansion Team Application. The Application will be reviewed and acceptance won’t be final until the expansion fee has been paid in full. Remember all new perspective managers must complete the new ABL Development Plan for new managers. Tell a friend or co-worker about the fun of managing in the ABL.

DEADLINE FOR 2017 EXPANSION TEAMS: November 15th is the deadline for any new expansion team or re-activated team to enter the ABL for the 2017 season. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis till the cards arrive. If you have someone possibly interested, let the Commish know so they can fill out the Expansion Team Application.

ABL 2017 STADIUM/NAME CHANGES: All current teams must notify the league office by November 15th if they plan on switching ball parks for the upcoming 2017 season. Stadiums are on a first come basis. Teams must stay in the same stadium for duration of three seasons before requesting a move. Teams must also let the ABL office know about any team name changes by November 15 th also.

ABL TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: MLB Rosters frozen for the ABL Oct 1st Fee Deadline Oct 15th Expansion Team Deadline Nov 15th Expansion Team Draft Nov 20th Franchise Players Deadline Dec 1st Triple Play Cards Arrive Jan 1st Spring Training Games Begin TBD Existing Teams Drop Deadline TBD Expansion Teams Drop Deadline TBD Free Agent Draft Day Jan 29th Spring Training Games Deadline Feb 1st Taxi Teams Deadline Feb 1st Regular Season Begins Feb 3rd

FUTURE ABL MANAGERS: Reminder to all managers that if you find someone interested in baseball let’s get them started in the ABL Developmental Plan playing practice games. Contact the Commish for a sample set of cards/charts and start teaching the ABL’s next Billy Martin the excitement of tabletop baseball.

ABL Developmental Plan Guidelines: At a minimum new perspective managers must complete the following: 1. Two practice games with an ABL Manager with score sheets. 2. One practice game with an ABL Manager on the dice roller. 3. Total of three practice games must be completed with ABL Managers. 4. Then the new perspective manager should request an ABL Expansion Application. 5. Finally the new perspective manager should pay the $60 operational fee once their ABL Expansion Application is approved.

TRANSACTION REPORT: 10/17 TAXI TEAM: Long Beach Island sent down Eddie Rosario, Gregor Blanco and called up Yadier Molina, Mookie Betts.

RECAPS OF ABL BASEBALL: “Bambino Cup” Finals Chesapeake Bay vs. Long Beach Island Cats win wild one by coming back three runs down in 9 th to tie and win in extra Game # 1 Greinke vs. Kluber Scoreless till the bottom of the 3 rd inning as the Fish scored first on a Ketel 2 RBI triple ripped over the head of defensively challenged Adam Eaton in center. Fish held the 2-0 lead until Cats tie the game in the top of the 7 th inning on a Mark Trumbo pinch hit two run single. Starfish break the 2-2 tie in the bottom of the 8 th as Pollock reaches on a Turner error then steals 2nd base. Marte with another big hit ripped a double down the line of the 3-2 lead. Goldy added an RBI single and then Bautista walked with the bases loaded to make it 5-2 Fish with only three outs left. Familia gets he call for the where he racked up nine during the regular season without allowing a run. Peralta lead off with a single as the C- Bay contemplated pinch hitting with Cano due to his large DP-range. Instead Cano launched a two run homer to right and closing the gap to 5-4. Pena then singled and pinch runner Duffy came into run for the slow catcher. Then the Cats made a risky move and pinch hit with Franco causing the team to lose the D.H. the rest of the game and he promptly struck out. After two outs, Dexter Fowler ripped a double in the gap scoring Duffy all the way from 1 st to tie the game at 5-5. Starfish put a runner on in the bottom of the 9 th inning but Cody Allen used a couple of K’s to end the threat. Top of the 10 th with two outs and nobody one, David Peralta sent a solo homer to right center for a Channel Cat 6-5 lead. Kimbrel pitched the bottom of the 10 th allowing a single to Molina but recovered to Mookie Betts to get the save.

Line of the game: Peralta 5-AB 2-R 3-H 1-RBI 1-HR 1-GWRBI

R H E LOB C-Bay 000 000 203 1 6 12 1 6 LBI 002 000 030 0 5 8 0 7

Pitching C-Bay Greinke 7.2 Chapman .2 W Allen 1.0 S Kimbrel 1.0

Injuries: None

LBI Kluber 6.1 Price 1.1 Smith .1 Familia 1.0 L Ziegler 1.0

Injuries: None deGrom dominates with the hair flowing for rare C-Bay complete game Game # 2 deGrom vs. McCullers Cats strike first as game one hero Peralta goes deep again in the top of the 2 nd inning. Pena added an RBI single and the Cats were off to a quick 2-0 lead after an inning and a half. Top of the 3 rd and things got a little weird with Belt up after two outs and nobody on base. McCullers felt a twinge in his elbow and had to leave the game after only 2 plus of work. Ken Giles were summoned from the bullpen to fact Belt. After throwing two pitches to Belt, the trainer runs out of the dugout and Giles hurt his elbow also and had to leave the game. Are you kidding me? Like the Mudville/C-Bay series showed, it’s the playoffs and crazy stuff happens. The 3 rd pitcher to face Belt was lefty Tony Sipp and he promptly struck him out. deGrom was on fire allowing only three hits through six innings with nine K’s. Cats added a run in the 6 th on a Belt solo bomb and two more in the 7 th with a Hernandez pinch hit RBI double and Fowler RBI single for a 5-0 lead at stretch time. A-Gone lead off the bottom of the 7 th and took deGrom deep to center to put the Fish on the board. Cats added another run in the 9 th on a Fowler RBI double as deGrom finished off the complete game by striking out Pollock.

Line of the game: deGrom 9-IP 7-H 1-ER 0-BB 13-K 1-HR 1-CG

R H E LOB C-Bay 020 001 201 6 9 1 6 LBI 000 000 100 1 7 1 7

Pitching C-Bay W deGrom 9.0

Injuries: None

LBI L McCullers 2.2 Giles 0 Sipp 2.0 Smith 1.2 Rivero .2 Price 2.0

Injuries: McCullers – twinge elbow (3 rd ) (Out for the Game) Giles – twinge elbow (3 rd ) (Out for the Game)

Cats win fight filled game with seven pitchers allowing only two hits Game # 3 Carrasco vs. Scherzer This game was a pitcher’s duel for the first five innings. Scherzer for C-bay pitched five plus no-hit, perfect innings until a Murphy double as Carrasco pitched four no-hit innings until a Peralta single. Cats finally broke through in the bottom of the 6 th inning as Eaton singled and then stole second base. Belt then doubled in Eaton for a 1-0 lead after six innings. That lead held until the top of the 8 th inning as the Fish with one out started a rally with Pollock reaching on another Turner error. Pollock then stole 2nd base and Murphy singled in Pollock to tie the game at one apiece. With two outs, Ketel Marte ripped a double in the gap to plate Murphy for a 2-1 lead. Cats had a chance in the bottom half as Eaton singled and stole 2 nd base but Justin Turner grounded out to short. Top of the 9 th and Starfish add some insurance as pinch hitter Paul Goldschmidt hits one high and far for a 3-1 Fish lead. Bottom of the 9th and Brad Ziegler gets the call instead of incumbent Familia. Ziegler did have one save in 2016 for the Starfish. Brandon Belt greets Ziegler with a solo bomb to make it a one run game. Stanton steps in and the Fish decide to give him a free pass. Cesar Hernandez is summoned is pinch run for the big fella. Unable to get the jump, Peralta swings and triple down the right field line to plate Hernandez and tie the game. Now the Cats have the winning run on 3 rd base only 90 feet away and still nobody out. Fish bring in the infield and pinch hitter Cano sends a ground ball to short holding Peralta. After a Correa walk, Pena then grounded to 2 nd base who was also playing in and staying at 3 rd was Peralta. Pinch Hitter Duffy struck out to end the threat and force extra innings for the 2 nd time this series. Kimbrel tossed a perfect top of the 10 th and bottom of the 10 th we went. Eaton singled to lead off the inning followed by a Turner single. Belt that grounded out to force out Turner at 2 nd base. Eaton on 3 rd base with Belt on 1 st base only one out and Price on the bump. Starfish bring the infield in and Hernandez hits a ground ball to 3 rd base, Bryant make a diving stop and Eaton breaks for home. Eaton needing a 7 or lower on the twenty die, slides in under the tag with a “1” roll and the Cats take game three.

Line of the game: Scherzer 8-IP 3-H 0-ER 1-BB 13-K

R H E LOB LBI 000 000 021 0 3 4 1 5 C-Bay 000 001 002 1 4 8 1 8

Pitching LBI Carrasco 7.2 Giles .1 Ziegler .2 Familia .1 L Price .1

Injuries: None

C-Bay Scherzer 8.0 Allen 1.0

W Kimbrel 1.0

Injuries: Pena found out after game (It’s a Girl!) (He’ll miss game 4)

Cats win another close game to sweep the finals Game # 4 Keuchel vs. Martinez Scoreless till the bottom of the 3 rd inning as the Cats plated two on a five straight singles with one run scoring via a Keuchel and another by a Hernandez RBI single. The Starfish pulled within a run on a Joey bats solo bomb in the 4 th in possibly his last game as a Starfish. Starfish tied it up in the top of the 6 th inning on a Daniel Murphy RBI double to plate Conger. Game tied at 2 in the bottom of the 6 th with two runners on base, pinch hitter Adam Eaton hit a range double over the head of VG left fielder Gordon for a 4-2 lead. Top of the 7 th and Kris Bryant singled and then stole 2 nd base. A-Gone promptly singled in Bryant to make it a one run game at 4-3. Gordon up in the same inning and rolls a “B” and then ”R” on consecutive rolls as free agent pick up Matt Albers once again proved his value. Top of the 9th and Fish needing a comeback to continue the series get a leadoff single from Ketel Marte. After a Bryant strikeout, A-Gone stepped up and hit into a 4-6-3 double play to end the game and give the Channel Cats their 7 th title in history.

Line of the game: Eaton 1-AB 1-H 2-RBI 1-2B 1-GWRBI

R H E LOB LBI 000 101 100 3 9 0 9 C-Bay 002 002 00X 4 10 0 7

Pitching LBI Keuchel 3.0 Giles 2.0 L Smith 2.0 Familia 1.0

Injuries: None

C-Bay Martinez 3.2 Heaney .1 W Grimm 2.0 Albers 1.0 Chapman 1.0 S Allen 1.0

Injuries: None

Series Notes: C-Bay Long Beach Island WINS 4 0 RUNS 20 12 HITS 39 28 HR 5 3 2B 11 5 LOB 27 28 SB 4/4 4/5 E 3 2

Skibby, Great season leading the pack the entire season. Thank you for an enjoyable rolling experience! See you at the Winter Meetings in a month.

ABL 2016 AWARDS: There is a new twist this season for the 2016 ABL Player and Manager Awards announcement. The ABL awards will be announced via twitter and e-mail to coincide with the Major League Award Announcements the week before the ABL Winter Meetings. Awards will be printed out but not placed in frames. Managers can purchase frames at your local dollar store. This decision was made to ease the shipping process. Awards will be on hand at the ABL Winter Meetings and shipped to the out of town managers.

ABL Award Schedule: Monday – November 14th: ABL Rookie of the Year Tuesday – November 15th: ABL Manager of the Year and Al Arthurs Extra Effort Manager of the Year Wednesday – November 16 th : ABL Pitcher of the Year and ABL of the Year Thursday – November 17 th : ABL Player of the Year and ABL Unsung Hero of the Year

ABL 2016 WINTER MEETINGS: The 2016 ABL Winter Meetings will take place Sunday November 20th at 6:30 p.m. eastern at the ABL League Office. Mark your calendar and plan to attend or call in for the 2016 ABL Winter Meetings.

We’ll be using Skype to create a conference call using the ABL wifi access. Options are easy: 1. Log in to Skype like you’re playing a game on the roller and I’ll add you to the Skype group call 2. Email me the number you want me to call you at and I’ll call you and then add you to the Skype Group call.

Agenda: 1. Introduction of the 2017 ABL Expansion teams: Greg “Buck” Dietzen returns for 16 th season of ABL after two seasons away from the game.

As most of you have heard by now the Orlando Sharks will return to the ABL for the upcoming 2017 season. Greg “Buck” Dietzen will reactivate his franchise and embark on his 16 th year of managing in the ABL. The Sharks will once again call Dodger Stadium home and plan to play their aggressive style of ball. Buck returns with 538 regular season games managed under his belt. Only four manages have managed more regular season games in the ABL. The Orlando franchise has also captured two division crowns with eleven playoff appearances and two championship runner-ups. Please welcome back one of the legends of ABL lore, “Buck Ball” is back!

Michael Saaf activates is own franchise after filling in for thirty games and a playoff appearance in 2016.

The good news continues as a second manager has been awarded an expansion franchise in 2017. Michael Saaf stepped in during the month of April to take over as manager of the Manahawkin Pelicans after Steve Bomysoad departed the league. Michael has been a great addition to the league and has the Pels knocking on the door of a possible playoff appearance. Michael will start his own franchise in 2017 located in Albany, C.A. and they will be known as the Lo-Sox playing their homer games in pitcher friendly San Francisco’s AT&T Park.

ABL Team News: None (Currently no team has left, moved or changed their name for 2017)

2. Presentation of the 2016 “Bambino Cup” Champion.

3. Presentation of the 2016 ABL Hall of Fame Induction Class.

4. Off-Season Voting Session. The Commish will give his point of view then Managers in attendance will be allowed to comment on rule changes up for vote to state their views. Managers must send in votes if they can’t attend in person but will not be allowed to comment during the voting process. It is very important to attend if you want to have a voice in the future of the ABL in 2017. All managers including the Commish will vote and a majority is only needed to pass unless vetoed by the Commish.

5. Off-Season Voting Results. Ties in voting will be broken as follows: Any new rule proposal vote that results in a tie will revert back to the previous seasons rule. Any new rule proposal vote that is deciding the “type” of change and results in a tie will be decided by the Commish.

6. Expansion Draft and Player Pool. Orlando will make their expansion team selection. Then Albany will make their expansion team selection.

Chesapeake Bay manager Scott Allen will remove one team from the ABL player pool. (Chicago) Long Beach Island manager Skibby Bomysoad will remove one team from the ABL player pool. (Chicago) Mudville manager Casey Allen will remove one team from the ABL player pool. (Manahawkin) La Jolla manager Kevin Waters will remove one team from the ABL player pool. (Manahawkin)

Then Syracuse manager Jason Cupelo will pick one team by a random draw to add to the Player Pool to strengthen the Free Agent Draft. (Orlando) Tallahassee manager Don Allen Jr. will pick one team by a random draw to add to the Player Pool to strengthen the Free Agent Draft. (Albany)

(Commish Drawing)

VOTING: Each manager is required to vote on league issues. This is a fun league and voting is one of the vehicles for getting changes into the rulebook. You may vote for one of the options presented (i.e. A, B, C, or D) or abstain. Not voting is unacceptable and Incentive Points will be lost. At the annual off-season Winter Meetings, only managers in attendance either in person or via Skype will be allowed to comment during the voting process. Managers not in attendance will submit their votes only.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MAJOR CHANGES FOR 2017 ABL RULEBOOK: The Commish has the power to install or amend any rule changes he feels that would be in the best interest of the league by making amendments or proposing amendments for vote to this rulebook. These changes are before the ABL Winter Meetings. Please understand more changes might be needed after the conclusion of the Winter Meetings. Commish’s comments in blue.

Rule Book Changes: Replacement Manager If a manager stops playing or is removed from the league once the season has started the team either becomes inactive or a replacement manager will take over the team. A revised schedule will be done if the team is inactive. A replacement manager will not be allowed to make trades since the franchise will be inactive the following the season. A replacement manager may make taxi team and free agents pickups. If a replacement manager commits to the following season with an expansion/re-activated franchise, the replacement manager will be allowed to select four players from the roster as franchise players that count towards the expansion/re-activated team draft.

This change will reward managers that step in and help out the league in a time of need.

The Review Board The Review Board consisting of three league managers will help with new rule proposals, disputes involving the Commish, trade protests, rule interpretations when requested, and anytime the Commish wants more input on a league issue. The Review Board members for the 2017 season are Greg Dietzen, Casey Allen, and Len Saaf.

Review Board was active in 2016 with rule proposals and possibly more active with any trade protests.

Regular Season Schedule The length of the season will consist of 36 games. Teams can play four, three, two, and one game sets at a time. Teams usually average four games a month. Opening day is usually in early February and the playoffs end in early November. Games are completed during a play week. A play week is a set time when the series should be completed. A play week normally consists of 10 days to get your games completed. Setup: 36 games (2x4 sets, 14x2 sets) (10 day play weeks/16 play weeks )

The schedule will revert back to the traditional two game sets with some fours. The three game sets were a bit of a challenge to schedule and losing a team right before the draft and once again during the season made that clear. Even is better no matter how you slice it.

Franchise Players Each team may select up to sixteen franchise players each season to build their franchise. All remaining non-franchise players become free agents. All franchise players must be selected by December 1st at 8 p.m. est. for the upcoming season.

Franchise players increased to one to account for increasing to 32. Balanced at 16 keeps with 16 draft picks. This could increase to 17 depending on the voting session.

Trades Each team may trade draft picks and players till the transaction deadline is reached. Both parties involved must report all trades to the Commish for approval. If Team A accepts a trade offer from Team B and contacts the Commish, Team B must give their approval of the trade within 24 hours or the trade offer is null and void. No trade is submitted for approval until both managers have contacted the Commish and the Commish has given his initial approval. The trade will be announced to the league via e-mail and begin the 24-hour final approval grace period. Any manager may protest any trade that they feel is very one-sided. The trade protest must be submitted to the league office within 24 hours of the e- mail announcing the trade otherwise the trade is officially approved. Each manager will be allocated two trade protests per season from January until the trade deadline. The Commish will have unlimited trade protests to ensure the best interest of the league clause is maintained. If the trade is protested by at least one manager, the Commish will then send the trade protest to the Review Board. The Review Board will decide whether or not if the trade is approved or is worthy of going to a league vote to determine if the trade will be overturned. The trade will be overturned if the majority of the managers vote to overturn the trade in a league-wide vote otherwise the trade is approved. The Commish will break any ties in voting. Players involved in a trade can’t play for either team if a trade is protested until the protest is resolved.

Multiple team trades are NOT allowed. All trades must include two teams only. If you make a trade that puts your roster over the limit, you must include all the players that are being dropped to reach the roster limit in the trade notification to the Commish for your trade to be considered for approval. Once again, you may not make a trade if you’re over the roster limit. All players acquired in a trade are assigned automatically to the active roster. You have 48 hours to send players down to the taxi team to get your active roster back to the maximum twenty-five. Incentive points can be lost for not following these guidelines. All trades must be completed 48 hours prior to playing or the players can’t play till the series is completed due to the 24-hour final approval grace period. Play weeks have no effect on games for pitchers as games on a team’s roster count towards pitching rest requirements regardless when the trade was completed.

Trading has been a hot topic at the league office with several managers making comments on the fairness of trades. The previous rule allowed only for the Commish to make the call which proved to be difficult since he’s an active participant himself. This new rule allows for any manager to speak up if they feel the trade was not good for the league and is unfair. Ultimately the majority will decide what is fair for the league in regards to lopsided trades. Due to this process, all trades must be completed 48 hours before playing to ensure the protest period has passed.

SEASON ENDING COMMISH THOUGHTS: ABL Developmental Plan Just a reminder that the ABL Developmental Plan is the avenue to bring in new managers and a practice team was available all season and another practice team will be available in 2017. This year will bring in two managers that didn’t go through the developmental plan as Michael Saaf received some on the job training and Buck has plenty of games under his belt. Finding new managers to join the ABL is important as we move forward. I thank you for your continued support. Remember the league will grow as far as the managers are willing to take it.

ABL Schedule Request Changes Just a reminder, the ABL Schedule is created by a pre-determined matix that assigns opponents based on the previous season’s winning percentage. Two teams may request a certain time of year of extra games against each other (i.e. Series in July) then adjustments will be attempted if possible. Remember those adjustments will be more difficult if we end up with an odd number of teams. Please get in your requests in early, soon after the Winter Meetings.

Mistakes Just a reminder when playing games, it’s not a bad thing to slow down once in a while. This year was a little bumpy in the mistake area. We only had four managers finish with all their 15 allotted IPs. Some of the infractions: Not making official taxi moves, playing players that needed to be at a birth, pitching pitchers not fully rested, etc. Just remember when playing games to simply “slow it down a bit” when rolling your games. Have fun and take your time.

Deadlines As a group the league has once again been doing a great job in getting recaps and score sheets in on time. You should all give yourself a pat on the back for that effort. We had one late recap and zero late scoresheets all season without an extension request! That’s an impressive effort. Please keep up the dedication of meeting the deadlines in a timely manner.

Setting up Game Play This was an area that has been issue in the past and more recently has been handled very well. There were very little complaints in 2016. The rulebook is very clear on how the setting up game should be approached and everyone did a great job. If you feel the rulebook isn’t being followed, please let he Commish know. Looking ahead into 2017, please keep up the effort and dedication of getting your series scheduled in a timely manner.

Manager Participation Finally, I would like to again thank all the managers that stepped up and helped when needed. A big thank you goes out to Tallahassee Manager Don Allen Jr. for working hard each play week on the ABL Stats throughout the season all the way from Kuwait. Through these statistics the league managers can reflect on how the players they drafted or decided to keep back in the winter performed on the diamond.

An additional big thank to Long Beach Island Manager Skibby Bomysoad for writing the Spotlight and Series Previews each play week. Once again we received several positive comments from league managers and fans of the ABL on their enjoyment reading the Spotlight throughout the season in each newsletter along with the additional insight of the series previews.

A huge thank you goes out to Manahawkin replacement manager Michael Saaf for taking over the Pelicans and helping out the league when we needed it.

An additional thank you to Titusville manager Lenny Saaf for helping out on the yearbook each season with articles and the covers the last two years!

A thank you to all the managers that took time out of their schedule to join Commish Chat as a guest on the ASN.

Managers like you are what make being in the ABL a lot of fun. Please keep it up as we continue to grow as an organization. Thanks again for your support.

See everyone at the Winter Meetings Commish