| COMMISSIONER: | David Esdale |
| VICE COMMISSIONER: | John Wilson |
| VICE COMMISSIONER: | Bill Esdale |
| VICE COMMISSIONER: | open |
| STATISTICIAN: | Mike Turner |
| NEWSLETTER EDITOR: | Steve Lawrence |
20 - SPECIAL RULES FOR PLAY-OFFS AND WORLD SERIES
26 - AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
28 - PLAYER SALARY CALCULATIONS
Appendix A - Moore Pitching Grades
To provide FUN and FRIENDSHIP through the framework of a continuous ownership baseball mail league which uses the APBA Baseball game. Although winning is not frowned upon, it can not be justified by the use of illogical, immoral, or illegal tactics. Good sportsmanship is the paramount virtue.
2.1 - Number of Teams
The league has 16 teams for the 2000 season.
2.2 - Alignment
There will be two (2) CONFERENCES with eight (8) teams in each Conference. Each Conference will have two (2) DIVISIONS with four (4) teams in each division.
2.3 - Team Alignment for the 2007 Season:
| TED WILLIAMS CONFERENCE | BABE RUTH CONFERENCE | ||
| CANADIAN DIVISION | DONALDSON DIVISION | ERICKSON DIVISION | AMERICAN DIVISION |
| Chicago Cubs Kansas City Royals New York Mets Tampa Bay Devil Rays |
Arizona Diamonbacks Detroit Tigers Oakland A's Toronto Blue Jays |
Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Los Angeles Dodgers Seattle Mariners |
Florida Marlins Milwaukee Brewers Pittsburgh Pirates Washington Nationals |
A unanimous agreement by members of the executive committee is required to realign the league. However, a realignment must be announced before the start of the trading period.
Shall consist of a Commissioner and three (3) Vice Commissioners. It shall be their duty to administer the league.
3.1 - Commissioner
Serves continuous terms with the consent of the membership.
The responsibilities of the Commissioner are:
- to produce monthly Newsletters or appoint a Newsletter editor to do so.
- to conduct the annual Rookie/Free Agent draft.
- to provide updates of the constitution at least once a year.
- to provide a league budget and statement of expenses at least once a year.
- to rule on any protested games.
- to draw up the schedule.
- to determine divisional composition.
- to enforce the rules.
The Commissioner may delegate these responsibilities to other members of the Executive Committee or to individual managers.
3.2 - Vice Commissioners
THREE (3) Vice Commissioners will be appointed by the Commissioner. Their duties are as follows:
- to assist the Commissioner in operation of the league.
- to assume the duties of the Commissioner, if for some reason he is unable to perform them.
- to carry out any other duties delegated by the Commissioner.
Ideally, but not necessarily, the commissioner and three vice commissioners should each represent different divisions.
3.3 - Statistician
Appointed by the Commissioner. Duties are:
- to compile league statistics, including league leaders, on a regular basis.
- produce a monthly standings report
- to carry out any other duties as delegated by the Commissioner.
3.4 - Executive Removal
It will require a two-thirds majority vote by managers to remove an Executive Committee member from office.
The loss of a team by penalty points will automatically result in the removal of an Executive Committee member from office.
4.1 - Series Instructions
The two managers involved in a series send a set of instructions to each other containing all basic decisions and strategy to be made for their teams.
4.2 - Series Play
Each manager, using the opposing manager’s instructions, plays the required number of games for that series, recording the play on standardized game sheets in such a way that the play can be reconstructed.
Managers have the option of playing the series face-to-face in which case instructions do not have to be exchanged.
4.2.1 - Board Game Play:
The manager compiles the statistics for the games that he played and completes the Series Report and mails to the opposing manager:
- a copy of Game Sheets
- a copy of the Series Report
4.2.2 - Computer Game Play:
Home managers may e-mail .bxs files to the visiting manager. All box scores MUST be placed in a single .zip file. Please name the zip file (VisHome6). For example: Toronto plays at Milwaukee in May. The zip file should be named TorMil5.zip. DO NOT RENAME BOX SCORES. Script files, of the play by play, should be also sent to the visiting manager. This option is available in BBW 5.0. If you do not have the updated version, please notify the commissioner.
Although it is not required, it is recommended that managers keep game sheets of games played by computer.
4.3 - Series Reporting
A copy of the Series Report or box score zip file is also sent to the league statistician
5.1 - Series Instructions
Before the 1st of the month each manager will send the SERIES INSTRUCTIONS to the opposing manager for his away games for that month.
Example: The instructions for the May series will be sent on or before the 30th of April.
5.2 - Series Reports
By the end of the month each manager will play the home games and send out a Series Report or box score zip file, game sheets or play by play script to the visiting manager. A copy of Series Report or box score zip file will also be sent to the league statistician.
Example: The May series should be completed and reported by May 31st.
5.3 - Mailing deadlines
The mailing dates are absolute deadlines, not the dates that you can wait for, to mail things out. Please try to be as early as possible as it makes things easier for all concerned. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in penalty points.
6.1 - Basic Game Strategy
The following should be included in your instructions to opposing managers:
- Major League Roster for the Month
- Starting Line-ups
- Pitching Rotation
- Relief Pitching Strategy
- Injury Substitutions
- Hit and Run
- Sacrificing
- Base Coaching
- Infield Play
- Pinch Hitting
- Defensive Replacement
Clear and concise instructions should require no more than one typewritten page with an additional page for the 25-man roster.
6.2 Default Instructions
Each manager is required to make up a set of default instructions to be printed in the APRIL NEWSLETTER. These instructions should be as brief as possible so that they require no more than one-half page in the Newsletter. A manager may change his default instructions any time by sending the changes to be printed in the Newsletter.
6.3 Late Instructions
If a manager does not receive his opposing manager’s instructions by the 15th of the month, he may play the series using the opposing manager’s default instructions as published in the Newsletter.
Example: Should the May series instructions not be received by May 15th the default instructions may be used to play the games.
7.1 - Hitters
Following are the stats to be kept for the HITTERS: G, AB, R, H, D, T, HR, RBI, BB, K, SB, CS, HBP, E.
7.2 - Pitchers
Following are the stats to be kept for the PITCHERS: G, GS, CG, W, L, SV, IP, H, R, ER, K, BB, SHO.
8.1 - Game Sheets
Games are to be reported on standard APBA game sheets or a reasonable alternative approved by the commissioner.
8.2 - Series Reports
The league will supply a copy of the SERIES REPORT form. Managers are responsible for making copies of the form. A reasonable alternative may be used, provided the commissioner approves it.
Team stats are to be totaled to make sure there are no errors. Inaccurate stats and team totals can result in penalty points.
NAPBL will use all rules listed on the APBA Basic Baseball Game boards, including ALL advanced rules, except where NAPBL has passed a specific rule as described in Section 10. These NAPBL rules will supersede those on the game boards. The boards to be used are the ABPA version published as of January 1, 1995.
Provided both managers agree, a series may be played using any version of the APBA baseball game (basic board, master board or any version of the computer game).
Historically, the league has not used the computer game. This is expected to change and managers are encouraged to use the computer game.
10.1 - Games Called Because of Rain
Rain outs are to be ignored if the game is not official. When using the computer game, the game will have to be replayed from the start. Alternatively games played by computer can be played in a “domed” stadium.
10.2 - Player Injuries
Injuries are only to be applicable to the game in progress. When playing the board game, J-0 players may remain in the game if an EVEN number is rolled on a single die.
10.3 - Use of Pitchers as Pinch Hitters
No pitcher may be used as a pinch-hitter unless he is rated at a non-pitching position (i.e. OF-1).
10.4 - Designated Hitter (DH)
Managers may use a designated hitter for the pitcher. Starting pitchers may bat for themselves, but a DH must be used for relief pitchers. NAPBL treats the DH just as any other position. This means the DH can be shifted between positions just like other players as provided in the basic rules of baseball, without penalty (i.e. NOT the American League Rule).
10.5 - Starting Pitcher Removal
10.5.1 - The starting pitcher must remain in the game until:
he has pitched a minimum of 5 innings, except if he is pitching a shutout in which case he must pitch 6 innings.
OR
until he gives up 3 earned runs or 4 runs in total.
10.5.1 - The starting pitcher must be removed from the gamel:
he has pitched 12 innings.
10.6 - Playing Safe in Base Running (Applies to board game only)
A manager may elect to have a base runner “play it safe”. The runner must then “play it safe” in all of the options listed under the APBA game rules.
10.7 - Playing Safe on Steals (Applies to board game only)
If a player is playing it safe on steals, then he does not steal when he obtains a result “10” or “11” as a batter.
10.8 - Hit and Run (Applies to board game only)
The batter in a Hit and Run play must have at least TWO 31’s on his card.
10.9 - Superior Fielding (SS-10, 2B-9) (Applies to board game only)
With bases EMPTY and if the play result is #18 or #20, and if the team in the field has a SS-10 or 2B-9 respectively, then re-roll ONE die. If the result is an:
- EVEN number the play remains an error.
- ODD number, then the board result is changed to a ground out.
10.10 - Inferior Fielding (C-5, 2B-5, 3B-2 and SS-6) (Applies to board game only)
If the team in the field has a C-5, 2B-5, 3B-2 or a SS-6, then the play result #12 is changed to a single with all base runners advancing TWO (2) bases. This applies in ALL base situations including the HIT AND RUN, but on the SACRIFICE.
10.11 - Board Roll Results (Applies to board game only)
Board result numbers 24, 25 and 29 will require use of the team fielding rating.
10.12 - Hit & Run Reroll Chart (Applies to board game only)
When using the HIT and RUN, if you get play result “13” or “14” and a runner would steal second, then you must re-roll the dice and consult the chart below. The catcher’s steal rating is determined by using the formula: [(defensive rating + arm rating(Th)) * 2]. Should the result from the chart be greater than the catcher’s steal rating the runner steals second, otherwise the runner is caught stealing.
11- 2
12-25
13-17
14-30
15-11
16-28
21-23
22- 4
23-18
24-36
25-10
26-13
31- 8
32-26
33- 3
34-31
35- 9
36-33
41-24
42-19
43-29
44- 5
45-14
46-12
51- 7
52-27
53-15
54-32
55- 6
56-34
61-21
62-22
63-16
64-20
65-35
66- 1
10.13 - Moore Pitching Grade Chart (Applies to board game only)
NAPBL uses the Moore Pitching Chart which was developed by former NAPBL manager Dick Moore. It allows us to use the MASTER GAME pitching grades in connection with the Basic Game boards. If you get a hit result number that could be modified by the pitchers grade, then you re-roll the dice and consult the appropriate Moore chart for the Master Game grade of the pitcher to find out what Basic Game Grade is for this particular Hitter. The complete Moore Chart is attached to this Constitution.
10.14 - Grade Reduction for Pitchers (Applies to board game only)
10.14.1 - Starting Pitchers
Grade is reduced 5 MG grades after they allow 5 earned runs in a game and by 5 more MG grades for EACH additional earned run they allow.
10.14.2 - Relief Pitchers
Grade is reduced by 5 MG grades after they allow 3 earned runs in a game, and by 5 more MG grades for EACH additional earned run they allow.
10.14.3 - Starting Pitcher Fatigue
A STARTING PITCHER’s grade is reduced 5 MG grades after they have pitched 10 innings in a game and by 5 more MG grades for EACH additional inning pitched.
10.14.4 - Relief Pitcher Fatigue
A RELIEF PITCHER’s grade is reduced by 5 MG grades after they pitch 4 innings in a game, and by 5 more MG grades for EACH additional inning pitched.
10.14.5 - Grade “D” Pitchers
A MG-2, 3, 4 or 5 pitcher who is reduced, becomes a 1 and is NOT eligible for future advancement in that game.
10.15 - Grade Advancement for Pitchers (Applies to board game only)
10.15.1 - Basic APBA Game Board Rules Apply
One (1) BG grade equals five (5) MG grade.
There is no advancement for pitchers starting out with an MG grade of 20 or more. An MG grade twenty (20) is the maximum for any pitcher who starts out below 20.
Example: A starting pitcher with a MG-17 who pitches 8 shutout innings becomes a 20 and cannot be reduced by subsequent runs. A starting pitcher with a MG-13 becomes an 18 after 7 shutout innings, but if he pitches an 8th shutout inning he goes up only to 20, not 23.
10.15.2 - Relief Pitcher Advancement for First Batter
A RELIEF PITCHER who enters the game in the middle of an inning has his MG grade raised 5 points for the first batter he faces IN THE GAME. However, if the pitcher is a 16, 17, 18 or 19, his grade is raised only to 20. If his grade is 20 or above, it is not raised at all.
10.16 - Error Numbers & Error Card (Applies to board game only)
When an Error Number, #15 to #21, is obtained, under any situation including hit and run and sacrifice, re-roll the dice and use the Error Card below to determine the result number.
ERROR CARD
REROLL FOR #15 TO #21
11-18
12-20
13-16
14-21
15-20
16-19
21-18
22-17
23-15
24-20
25-19
26-18
31-18
32-20
33-16
34-21
35-20
36-19
41-18
42-17
43-15
44-20
45-15
46-18
51-18
52-20
53-16
54-16
55-20
56-19
61-18
62-17
63-17
64-19
65-17
66-19
10.17 - Rare Play Numbers & Rare Play Card (Applies to board game only)
In ALL situations INCLUDING BASES EMPTY, HIT AND RUN and SACRIFICE, if the Rare Play numbers 23 or 36 to 41 are obtained, then re-roll BOTH dice and consult the RARE PLAY CARD shown below to get the RARE PLAY number.
RARE PLAY CARD
REROLL IF #23, OR #36 - #41
11-38
12-39
13-37
14-39
15-36
16-40
21-41
22-36
23-23
24-40
25-36
26-40
31-37
32-39
33-38
34-39
35-37
36-40
41-41
42-40
43-23
44-36
45-37
46-40
51-36
52-39
53-37
54-39
55-36
56-40
61-41
62-37
63-23
64-40
65-40
66-38
11.1 - Season Limits for Hitters
All players will be limited to actual Major League plate appearances (AB + BB) + 10%.
All players will be limited to actual Major League stolen bases attempts (SB + CS) + 10% + 10.
In a situation where the full Major League season was not 162 games, the use of hitters in NAPBL can be adjusted at the discretion of the Commissioner.
11.2 - Season Overuse
Once a hitter reaches his plate appearance limit, he may not make any further plate appearances. Once a player reaches his stolen base attempt limit, he may not attempt to steal any further bases. If either limit is exceeded, penalty points will be assessed for these games and the games may be forfeited at the discretion of the commissioner.
A player who has reached his plate appearance limit may be used as a defensive replacement or pinch runner.
A player who has reached his stolen base limit will always play safe on steals. In the board game, stolen bases as a result of a hit result will be ignored for that player.
11.3 - Fielding Position
Player cannot play at a fielding position not listed on his APBA card unless no other available player is rated at the position, and he is replacing an injured or ejected player. His defensive rating shall be that shown on Board “A” of the APBA Basic Game for fielders not rated at a position.
12.1 - Season Limits:
In a situation where the full Major League season was not 162 games, the use of pitchers in NAPBL can be adjusted at the discretion of the Commissioner.
12.1.1 - Starting Pitchers
STARTING PITCHERS (except those with a ratio of GS to G less than 0.5) are limited to ACTUAL GAMES STARTED and can only start.
12.1.2 - Relief Pitchers
RELIEF PITCHERS are limited to ACTUAL INNINGS PITCHED and can only relieve.
12.1.3 - Relief Pitcher Definition
No pitcher may be used in relief without having an (*) after a pitching grade on his card.
12.1.4 - Split Grade Pitchers
SPLIT GRADE PITCHERS are limited to ACTUAL INNINGS PITCHED and can start or relieve. If he pitches to at least one batter in relief during the season, then he is limited to actual innings pitched.
12.1.5 - Special Split Grade Pitchers
Any pitcher that receives a straight starting grade, but has a ratio of GS to G of less than 0.5 will be treated as a split grade pitcher in NAPBL. This means he will be limited to innings pitched and can be used as either a starting pitcher or in relief.
12.1.6 - Starter Overuse
If a starting pitcher starts more games than he is allowed, penalty points are assessed and those games may be forfeited at the discretion of the commissioner.
12.1.7 - Relief or Split Grade Pitcher Overuse
If a pitcher, restricted on innings, reaches his limit in a game that is still in progress, he may finish that INNING and must then be removed. Any further games he pitches in during the regular season will result in penalty points and the games may be forfeited at the discretion of the commissioner.
12.2 - Series Restrictions
12.2.1 - Split Grade Pitchers
If a split grade pitcher starts in a series, he must follow the guidelines listed for starting pitchers. However, if he used as a reliever, then he is limited to 9 IP in a 4 game series and 12 IP in a 5 game series.
12.2.2 - Starting Rotation
Teams must have at least a 4 man pitching rotation, but it need not carry over from one series to the next.
12.2.3 - Relief Pitchers
Relief pitchers are limited to:
9 innings in a 4 game series.
12 innings in a 5 game series.
12.2.4 - Starting and Relieving:
No pitcher, including split grade pitchers, may start and relieve in the same series.
13.1 - Players Under Contract
NAPBL allows each team to have a MAXIMUM of 35 players under contract during the season. There is no limit during the off-season.
The complete 35-man roster must be sent to the commissioner by the last Friday of March. Late reporting of 35-man roster information will result in 10 penalty points.
Each team can protect up to 2 un-carded players without them counting on the 35 man roster.
13.2 - Major League Roster
Each team must designate a 25-man roster for each series. All carded players on the team's 35-man roster are eligible for the 25-man roster each series. Instructions should indicate the 25 eligible players for the series. The 25-man roster must included at least one back-up player for each position. In order to back up a position, a player must have been assigned a defensive rating for that position by APBA. A single player may back up several positions. (added Feb 27, 2002)
During the final month of the season the major league roster is expanded to 35.
The default 25-man roster, default lineups and default rotation must be sent to the commissioner by the last Friday of March. Late reporting of default information will result in 10 penalty points.
13.3 - Minor League Roster
All teams can have up to 10 players on their Minor League Roster.
14.1 - Players on Roster
All players on the roster will be under contract.
14.2 - Contract Term
Contracts are for a period of one (1) OR five (5) years at the end of which time the manager can renew the player’s contract for an additional one (1) or five (5) years before December 1st. The cost of 5-year contracts will be the salary calculated as per Section 28 of this constitution, except that the minimum is $100,000. The cost of 1-year contract extentions is $100,000.
14.3 - Free Agents
Players whose contracts are not renewed become Free Agents and are placed in the Rookie/Free Agent draft provided they will be getting APBA cards.
15.1 - Player Eligibility
Shall include all players receiving a APBA card, including “XB’s” provided they are not on any NAPBL roster as of December 1st.
15.2 - Timing of draft
The draft shall be held on an agreed upon date in January or February each year.
15.3 - Eligible player list
A list of players eligible for the draft and the cost of their contracts will be sent to each manager prior to the draft. This list may not be available until early January.
15.4 Suspension of trading
Trading is suspended from one hour prior to the start of the draft until completion of the draft.
15.5 Drafting Procedures
Teams will draft in reverse order of finish.
Ties are to be decided following the procedures described in Section 19.2 of this Constitution. Tied teams will alternate drafting positions after the first round.
15.6 - Cost of Rookie/Free Agent Contracts
The method used in calculating the cost of a Rookie/Free Agent contract is shown in Section 28. All players drafted in the 10th round or later (effective with the 2006 draft, the 8th round or later) will cost $50,000 for 5 years or $20,000 for one year.
15.7 - Money for Draft
A team drafting a player must have sufficient funds in its team treasury to purchase the player’s contract.
15.8 - Total Rounds in the Draft
The draft shall last a maximum of 12 rounds.
16.1 - Penalty Points
PENALTY POINTS will be assessed by the Commissioner for the following reasons:
16.1.1 - Late Instructions and/or Series Reports
One (1) penalty point for each day the mailing is late. Each series is considered a separate mailing. Maximum of five (5) points per mailing deadline missed.
Penalties for lateness may, at the discretion of the Commissioner, be limited to a maximum of 5 points for any one mailing.
16.1.2 - Inaccurate or Incomplete Stats
Penalty points will be assessed for inaccurate or incomplete stat reporting. The maximum number of penalty points that will be assessed for this reason for any one month is 5.
Following is a list of errors and the penalties they will earn.
- Incomplete Stats - from 2 to 5 points, at the discretion of the Statistician. This includes things such as failure to include major pieces of information, i.e. failure to total the stats, or leaving out road stats that were received on time.
- Individual Series Stats Reports - team totals that do not balance, ONE (1) point for each set of totals out of balance. This means offensive teams runs, hits, walks and strikeouts must balance with the game stats for the opponent’s pitchers.
- Errors in Transferring Information (either from game sheets to series summary) - 1 to 3 points at the discretion of the Statistician. If the team totals are balanced, most of these errors should be prevented. It will be the responsibility of the visiting team manager to report errors in transferring information from the game sheets to the series stats.
- Sloppy or illegible stats - 5 to 10 points at the discretion of the Statistician or Commissioner. This is for stats that are very difficult to read or for game sheets where the game results cannot be reasonably reconstructed by the visiting manager or the Commissioner.
16.1.3 - Player Over usage in a Series, Month or Season
Five (5) penalty points will be assessed for violation of the HITTER and PITCHER usage restrictions.
For HITTERS, an additional penalty point will be assessed for each 3 plate appearances he is over the limit.
For HITTERS, an additional penalty point will be assessed for each stolen base he is over the limit.
For STARTING PITCHERS, an additional 5 penalty points for each start over the limit.
For RELIEF PITCHERS, an additional penalty point for each full 3 innings pitched over the limit.
For exceeding the 25-man roster limit in month, 5 penalty points will be accessed for each player over the limit.
16.2 - Penalty Point Reporting
The penalty points that are assessed and the reasons for them, as well as the team totals to date, will be reported in the NEWSLETTER.
16.3 - New Manager
When a new manager takes over a team, he will receive no penalty points and the league average treasury balance at that time. The average calculation will not include the treasury balance of the team assigned to the new manager.
16.4 - Penalty Point Assesment
16.4.1 - Fines
At the end of the season, before any free-agents can be signed, each team with penalty points shall be fined $10,000 per penalty point.
The total fines will be limited to the team treasury.
For example: 20 penalty points would result in the $200,000 fine.
16.4.2 - Probation
After a manager reaches 65 penalty points, he is put on probation or the Commissioner may ask him to forfeit his team if the Commissioner thinks the manager has no hope of improving.
16.4.3 - Forfeiture of the Franchise
After a manager reaches 80 penalty points forfeiture of his team is automatic.
16.5 - Penalty Point Fine Redistribution
All penalty point fines will be redistributed evenly to all teams in the league.
17.1 - Monetary Awards
Treasury money is earned in the following ways:
17.1.1 - Completion of Series Summary
Completion of Series Reports on time: Award $ 75,000/series
17.1.2 - Publication of Articles in the Newsletter
$ 100/word (as determined by Microsoft Word) rounded to the nearest $1,000. Maximum $200,000 per article.
$ 15,000/page for team stats reports and similar items. Maximum $60,000 per article.
17.1.3 - Maximum Newsletter Awards in a Year
Total earnings for NEWSLETTER articles submitted by each manager shall be a maximum of $400,000 in any one calendar year.
17.1.4 - Team Performance Awards/Fines
Teams that improve their record over the their previous season will receive a bonus of $10,000 per additional win.
Teams who’s record declines from the previous season will be fined $5,000 per additional loss. This is intended to help prevent teams from “tanking it” to get a better draft pick.
With the restructuring of the league for the 2000 season, no awards/fines will apply to the 2000 season.
17.1.5 - Player Awards
Annual player awards for the CY Young and MVP will be $25,000 each. These awards will be voted on by league managers based on the commissioners nominations.
17.1.6 - Special Awards
Special Awards may be made from time to time such as for pre-season predictions.
17.2 - Use of Treasury Money
Money can be used to renew player contracts, purchase Rookie/Free Agent contracts, or as part of any trade.
17.3 - Treasury Record
The Commissioner will maintain a record of each team’s treasury.
18.1 - Trading Period
Shall commence on October 15th at 12:01 A.M. local time or as specified by the Commissioner.
Shall STOP at midnight on the second Sunday in March, local time.
18.2 - Trading Suspended During Rookie/Free Agent Draft
Trading is suspended one (1) hour prior to the start of the Rookie/Free Agent draft until the draft is completed.
18.3 - Reporting of Trades
All trades must be reported by phone or mail to the Commissioner by one of the managers involved.
18.4 - Trading of Draft Choices
Draft choices for the current draft and those for the draft in the following year may be traded.
18.5 - Trades Involving Future Considerations
Trades involving “future considerations” or “player to be named later” are not allowed.
18.6 - Commissioners VETO
The Commissioner shall review all trades and shall have final approval. New league managers are subject to a one to two month “probationary” period during which the Commissioner will have prior approval on all trades involving the new manager. This is not to question their integrity or their knowledge of baseball, but is to take some pressure off of them as they adjust to player values within the league.
18.7 Maximum Cash Allowed in a Trade
The maximum amount of cash that can be part of a trade is $250,000.
18.8 Making Trade Offers
The Official Trade Offer:
First manager makes the offer in writing to a second manager indicating the following -
- The word "official" is included in the offer.
- Exactly who and what is being traded.
- When the offer will terminate (one hour, one week etc)
- He agrees not to trade any player or draft pick specified in the offer while waiting for a reply.
Acceptance/Rejection/Modification:
Second manager has four options:
- Accept: Responds in writing (e-mail) that he "Accepts" the offer and the trade becomes official immediately and one or both managers then can report the trade to the commissioner. The commissioner would still retain the right to invalidate the trade which would likely occur only in a very unusual situation.
- Reject: Responds in writing (e-mail) that he does not accept the offer which terminates the offer.
- Ignore: Ignores the offer and it terminates when the time limit specified in the offer passes.
- Modify: He can modify the offer at which time it becomes a NEW official offer with a new time limit. The first manger can then accept/reject/ignore/modify the offer.
19.1 - Playoff Participants
The teams in the PLAYOFFS will include the four DIVISION pennant winners and the best second place finishers in each CONFERENCE (two Wild Card teams).
A WILD CARD PLAYOFF SERIES will take place between the Wild Card team and the Division pennant winner with the fewer wins in the Conference.
A CONFERENCE PLAYOFF SERIES will be played between the WILD CARD PLAYOFF winner and the Division pennant winner with the most wins in the Conference.
The winners of the CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS will play the NAPBL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES.
19.2 - Breaking Ties at the End of the Season
In the event two or more teams are tied at the end of the regular season play, the following procedure will be used to break the tie.
- The team with the best record in head-to-head play will be the winner. Should teams still be tied then
- The team with the best record within the DIVISION will be the winner. Should the teams still be tied then
- The team with the best record within the CONFERENCE will be the winner. Should teams still be tied then
- The team with the higher runs scored to runs allowed ratio will be the winner. Should teams still be tied then
- The winner will be decided by a coin toss.
Should there be a tie for FIRST PLACE in a Division, the two teams will play a one game playoff to decide the winner. If the managers are unable to play face to face or have a suitable agreement on the playing of the game, the commissioner will play the game. The above procedure will determine the home team for the one game playoff.
Should there be a tie for the WILD CARD position, the above tie breaking procedure will be used.
19.3 - Series Length
The WILD CARD PLAYOFFS, CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS, and CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES will each be contested in a four out of seven game series.
19.4 - World Series Deadline
Every effort will be made to play the CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES in December or January prior to the Rookie/Free Agent Draft.
19.5 - Breaking of Ties for Post Season Play
If there should be a Divisional tie for first place at the end of the season the team entering the play-offs will be decided by the procedure described in Section 19.2.
19.6 - Series Play
The series may be played by mail or face-to-face.
19.7 - Determination of Home Field Advantage
Home field advantage for the WILD CARD PLAYOFF SERIES will go to the pennant winning team.
CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS and CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES home field advantage will go to the team with the highest winning percentage during the season or as determined by tie breaking method in section 19.2.
The team with the home field advantage will be team “A”. The other team will be team “B”.
19.8 - Schedule
The schedule is as follows with Team A being the team with the higher winning percentage of the two teams involved. If the two teams have identical winning percentages, then Team A will be decided by the procedure described in Section 19.2.
| DAY | GAME | HOME TEAM | SERIES |
| 0 | 1 | Team A | DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF |
| 1 | 1 | Team A | WILD CARD PLAYOFFS |
| 2 | 2 | Team A | WILD CARD PLAYOFFS |
| 3 | Travel Day | ||
| 4 | 3 | Team B | WILD CARD PLAYOFFS |
| 5 | 4 | Team B | WILD CARD PLAYOFFS |
| 6 | (5) | Team B | WILD CARD PLAYOFFS |
| 7 | Travel Day | ||
| 8 | (6) | Team A | WILD CARD PLAYOFFS |
| 9 | (7) | Team A | WILD CARD PLAYOFFS |
| 10 | Travel Day | ||
| 11 | 1 | Team A | CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS |
| 12 | 2 | Team A | CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS |
| 13 | Travel Day | ||
| 14 | 3 | Team B | CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS |
| 15 | 4 | Team B | CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS |
| 16 | (5) | Team B | CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS |
| 17 | Travel Day | ||
| 18 | (6) | Team A | CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS |
| 19 | (7) | Team A | CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS |
| 20 | Travel Day | ||
| 21 | 1 | Team A | NAPBL CHAMPIONSHIP |
| 22 | 2 | Team A | NAPBL CHAMPIONSHIP |
| 23 | Travel Day | ||
| 24 | 3 | Team B | NAPBL CHAMPIONSHIP |
| 25 | 4 | Team B | NAPBL CHAMPIONSHIP |
| 26 | (5) | Team B | NAPBL CHAMPIONSHIP |
| 27 | Travel Day | ||
| 28 | (6) | Team A | NAPBL CHAMPIONSHIP |
| 29 | (7) | Team A | NAPBL CHAMPIONSHIP |
20.1 - Rosters
25-man Playoff and Championship roster must be announced at the start of the play-offs.
20.2 - Starting Pitchers
Starting pitchers must have at least three days rest between starts and have started at least 10 games during the regular NAPBL season. Days are defined by the schedule outlined in section 19.8.
20.3 Hitters
- Players with a minimum of 200 NAPBL plate appearances during the regular NAPBL season are unrestricted.
- Players with 100-199 NAPBL plate appearance during the regular NAPBL season are limited to one plate appearance per game. However, they are unrestricted if they enter the game in the 7th or later.
- Players with less than 100 NAPBL plate appearance during the regular NAPBL season are limited to one plate appearance per game.
All players will be limited to actual 10% of Major League stolen bases attempts (SB + CS) + 10% with a minimum of 5 attempts per playoff series.
20.4 Injuries
Injuries are only to be applicable to the game in progress. When using the board game J-0 players may remain in the game if an EVEN number is rolled on a single die.
20.5 Removal of Starting Pitcher
Any starting pitcher must stay in the game for at least 3 innings or 2 runs total.
20.6 Relief Pitcher Limits
No reliever may pitch more than 4 innings in any game, or more than 10% of their season limit on innings pitched for a series, rounded to the nearest whole inning.
20.7 Starting Pitchers as Relievers
Any pitcher without an asterisk (*), who is not being used as a starter in a series, can be used in relief for 6 innings in a series.
20.8 Series Reporting
Managers involved in the World Series will be required to send the game sheets, game-by-game stats, and game write-ups to the opposing manager and the Commissioner.
20.9 - Awards
PENNANT winners will receive $25,000.
WILD CARD teams will receive $10,000.
WILD CARD PLAYOFF winners will each receive $10,000.
CONFERENCE PLAYOFF winners will each receive $25,000.
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES winner will receive $50,000.
Face-to-face play is encouraged but not to the detriment of the mail league concept. Face-to-face games can be played during or before the month scheduled. The only reason why a series may be played late is if a manager, who would be traveling more than 150 miles from home, can play another manager face-to-face at a date later than when the series has been scheduled. The Commissioner must be notified ahead of time of such an occurrence.
When a manager drops out of the league, for any reason, a back-up manager will immediately take over that team in the league. A back-up manager must follow the teams with great care, as he must be able to take over any team at a moment’s notice.
A back-up will receive all league information including Newsletters, rosters, schedule etc. but will not have voting rights.
The Commissioner reserves the right to suspend any manager for any of the following reasons:
23.1 - Failure to Pay Dues
A manager may be suspended from the league for non-payment of dues past the date payment is required.
23.2 - Tardiness
Continuous tardiness in any aspect, which results in penalty points being assessed.
23.3 - Suspected Cheating
A manager will lose his team if obvious cheating is established to the satisfaction of the league executives.
Protests are strongly discouraged!!
A manager may protest the loss of a game(s) if he feels there is enough reason to substantiate the protest.
24.1 - Procedure for Filing a Protest
The protest must be made to the Commissioner within 30 days from the time the series results were received.
That manager must send the play -by-play game sheet(s) and a copy of the instructions of the game(s) that is being protested to the Commissioner, along with his written reasons for the protest.
24.2 - Commissioners Ruling
The Commissioner will then rule on the protest and determine the outcome of the game(s) involved.
Another member of the executive shall rule on protests involving the commissioner.
Rarely, should a protest to have a game replayed be upheld. Instead, or in addition to a replay of the game, the commissioner may assign up to 10 penalty points to either team as a result of a protested game. Generally, a protesting team will be assigned at least one penalty point to have their protest heard.
If the protest is for exceeding player usage, as specified in the instructions, the commissioner may increase a hitter or pitchers season limit to compensate for the abuse.
Results of all protests should be published in the newsletter.
25.1 - Amount
The league executive will set league dues on an annual basis.
25.2 - Use of Funds
Dues will be used to cover the cost of running the league.
25.3 - Payment Deadline
Each manager is required to pay the dues prior to the start of the season.
25.4 - Back-up Managers Dues
Back-up managers are also required to pay dues, but their dues will not be greater than half the dues paid by full-time managers.
A manager who is suspended or expelled from the league for any reason will not be given a refund of dues paid, regardless of how much of the season has been completed.
This constitution may only be amended during the off-season.
It is encouraged that constitutional changes should be approved by a two-thirds majority vote. However, the executive may make minor changes as needed.
Team names can be any name of a current team in the American or National Leagues.
During the period between the end of the season and the Rookie/Free Agent draft, any manager may change his team name to any team name that is not already taken by another manager.
28.1 - Source of Statistics
The commissioner shall provided or announce the source of statistics by the end of the Major League World Series..
28.2 - Hitters Salary Calculation
Salary = (AVE*150+OBP*250+SLG*300+(SB/(PA))*50))*(((PA)/3.8)/164) ). PA (plate appearances is defined as AB+BB. If figures for HBP and/or SAC and/or SF are easily available then the commissioner may announce their inclusion in the calculation of plate appearances.
28.3 - Pitchers Salary Calculation
Salary = ((1/ERA)*800+W*0.2+IP*0.2+GS*0.2+SV)*(IP/300)
28.4 - Minimum Salary for Free Agents and Rookies
FREE AGENTS - $100,000 to resign with current team.
ROOKIES/FREE AGENTS - $ 50,000.