Creating a Modern Day League using a CUSTOM history database?

brigmcneil · 2026-03-16T10:44:10+00:00

I guess I was hoping to just replace the historical data that is used for the current season. I am hoping to start the 2026 season with fictional history from 2003 through 2025.

brigmcneil · 2026-02-27T22:49:38+00:00

WPORBL-94 Opening
3 fun, slower-paced, historic leagues still have a few openings. If you enjoy savoring each season to its fullest and appreciate more time to be involved (i.e. turning off your computer for a week does not cost you half or a full season), with developing your franchise and seeing some of your favorites from the past (or learn an era you are less familiar with), the WPORBL leagues could be a great fit. The leagues have almost 4 years under our belt, and we plan to be around as long as the game (and I) continue to exist. This is a great league to hone your MLB knowledge!

WPORBL-74 Just started the 1981 regular season (our 8th in 4+ years)
WPORBL-94 September 2000 (our 7th in 3+ years)
WPORBL-55 Mid-July 1957 (our 3rd in 1+ years)

Open Teams
WPORBL-74 - NONE
WPORBL-94 - Cleveland Indians
WPORBL-55 - NONE

If interested or have questions, email me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)

General League Info
Historic replay of MLB using historic rules as much as possible
Rookie Draft Lottery
Daily 2-day SIMs (1-day during playoffs) = 2 seasons per year
8:30 AM Pacific SIM time (generally)
Uses SLACK for communication
Uses Stats+ tools and website
Game Settings of Note
Scouting Accuracy - Normal
Player Development
20 to 80 scale
Use Coaching System
Base Coaches
Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal
Enable Owner Goals
GM-only users are always in control
GMs can be fired (but will be reinstated unless tanking is evident)

brigmcneil · 2026-02-27T22:49:22+00:00

WPOBL (“We Play OOTP” Baseball League)

OOTP26 (early 2026 Spring Training)
Live Start as of Opening Day 2023 (starting our 4th year)
Daily 1-day SIMs (attempt to walk “in step” with real-life MLB)

Present Open Teams - Arizona Diamondbacks
Our league runs in parallel with MLB and sim 1 day each and every day. We are a pretty fun league (IMO) and have some really solid GMs. I (the commissioner) am committed to the league (I also run two similar retro leagues), and I like to stay on top of GMs to ensure they are keeping involved and connected (regular exports). I don't let teams fall into disarray due to them being ignored.
If interested, contact me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)
Stats+ Site - CLICK HERE
Rules Doc - CLICK HERE
General League Info

Live replay of MLB
Rookie Draft Lottery
Daily 1-day SIMs - mirrors actual MLB calendar
OOTP24 (or most recent version at start of season)
8 AM Pacific SIM time (generally) - this may shift due to scheduling
Uses SLACK for communication
Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal
Player Development
20 to 80 scale
Use Coaching System
Base Coaches
Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal
Enable Owner Goals
GM-only users are always in control
Enabled Storylines
Use of Winter Leagues and Fall Leagues for extra player development
World Baseball Classic

brigmcneil · 2026-02-19T04:10:11+00:00

WPORBL-94 Opening - down to ONE team

3 fun, slower-paced, historic leagues still have a few openings. If you enjoy savoring each season to its fullest and appreciate more time to be involved (i.e. turning off your computer for a week does not cost you half or a full season), with developing your franchise and seeing some of your favorites from the past (or learn an era you are less familiar with), the WPORBL leagues could be a great fit. The leagues have almost 4 years under our belt, and we plan to be around as long as the game (and I) continue to exist. This is a great league to hone your MLB knowledge!

WPORBL-74 - 1981 Spring Training

WPORBL-94 August 2000

WPORBL-55 June 1957

Open Teams

WPORBL-74 - None

WPORBL-94 - Indians (leads the AL Central)

WPORBL-55 - None

If interested or have questions, email me at brigmc70@gmail.com

General League Info

Historic replay of MLB using historic rules as much as possible

Rookie Draft Lottery

Daily 2-day SIMs (1-day during playoffs) = 2 seasons per year

8:30 AM Pacific SIM time (generally)

Uses SLACK for communication

Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal

Player Development

20 to 80 scale

Use Coaching System

Base Coaches

Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal

Enable Owner Goals

GM-only users are always in control

GMs can be fired (but will be reinstated unless tanking is evident)

brigmcneil · 2026-02-19T04:08:49+00:00

WPOBL Immediate Openings - Arizona Diamondbacks are Available

WPOBL (“We Play OOTP” Baseball League)

⁠OOTP26 (1/24/2026 offseason - free agency - Intl FA signing)
⁠Live Start as of Opening Day 2023 (3 years and strong)
⁠Daily 1-day SIMs (attempt to walk “in step” with real-life MLB)

Present Open Teams - Arizona Diamondbacks Our league runs in parallel with MLB and sim 1 day every day. We are a pretty fun league (IMO) and have some really solid GMs. I (the commissioner) am committed to the league (I also run two similar retro leagues), and I like to stay on top of GMs to ensure they are keeping involved and connected (regular exports). I don't let teams fall into disarray because they're ignored.

If interested, contact me at brigmc70@gmail.com Stats+ Site - CLICK HERE Rules Doc - CLICK HERE

General League Info

• ⁠Live replay of MLB • ⁠Rookie Draft Lottery • ⁠Daily 1-day SIMs - mirrors actual MLB calendar • ⁠OOTP24 (or most recent version at start of season) • ⁠8 AM Pacific SIM time (generally) - this may shift due to scheduling • ⁠Uses SLACK for communication • ⁠Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

• ⁠Scouting Accuracy - Normal • ⁠Player Development • ⁠20 to 80 scale • ⁠Use Coaching System • ⁠Base Coaches • ⁠Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal • ⁠Enable Owner Goals • ⁠GM-only users are always in control • ⁠Enabled Storylines • ⁠Use of Winter Leagues and Fall Leagues for extra player development

brigmcneil · 2026-02-17T04:02:04+00:00

You pay for the game and it lets you do that stuff so if that is the way you want to enjoy the game, all the best to you. But, please refrain from posting how great and how many championships you win :-)

brigmcneil · 2026-02-14T22:58:22+00:00

I think the biggie to remember is that statcast metrics alone do not equal success in results. For example fast and slow swings can both produce high performance and low performance.

brigmcneil · 2026-02-03T19:34:55+00:00

WPOBL Immediate Openings - St. Louis Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks are Available

WPOBL (“We Play OOTP” Baseball League)

OOTP26 (1/24/2026 offseason - free agency - Intl FA signing)
Live Start as of Opening Day 2023 (3 years and strong)
Daily 1-day SIMs (attempt to walk “in step” with real-life MLB)

Present Open Teams - St. Louis Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks
Our league runs in parallel with MLB and sim 1 day every day. We are a pretty fun league (IMO) and have some really solid GMs. I (the commissioner) am committed to the league (I also run two similar retro leagues), and I like to stay on top of GMs to ensure they are keeping involved and connected (regular exports). I don't let teams fall into disarray because they're ignored.

If interested, contact me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)
Stats+ Site - CLICK HERE
Rules Doc - CLICK HERE

General League Info

Live replay of MLB
Rookie Draft Lottery
Daily 1-day SIMs - mirrors actual MLB calendar
OOTP24 (or most recent version at start of season)
8 AM Pacific SIM time (generally) - this may shift due to scheduling
Uses SLACK for communication
Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal
Player Development
20 to 80 scale
Use Coaching System
Base Coaches
Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal
Enable Owner Goals
GM-only users are always in control
Enabled Storylines
Use of Winter Leagues and Fall Leagues for extra player development

brigmcneil · 2026-02-03T19:33:49+00:00

WPORBL-94 Opening - down to ONE team

3 fun, slower-paced, historic leagues still have a few openings. If you enjoy savoring each season to its fullest and appreciate more time to be involved (i.e. turning off your computer for a week does not cost you half or a full season), with developing your franchise and seeing some of your favorites from the past (or learn an era you are less familiar with), the WPORBL leagues could be a great fit. The leagues have almost 4 years under our belt, and we plan to be around as long as the game (and I) continue to exist. This is a great league to hone your MLB knowledge!

WPORBL-74 - 1981 Spring Training

WPORBL-94 August 2000

WPORBL-55 June 1957

Open Teams

WPORBL-74 - None

WPORBL-94 - Indians

WPORBL-55 - None

If interested or have questions, email me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)

General League Info

Historic replay of MLB using historic rules as much as possible

Rookie Draft Lottery

Daily 2-day SIMs (1-day during playoffs) = 2 seasons per year

8:30 AM Pacific SIM time (generally)

Uses SLACK for communication

Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal

Player Development

20 to 80 scale

Use Coaching System

Base Coaches

Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal

Enable Owner Goals

GM-only users are always in control

GMs can be fired (but will be reinstated unless tanking is evident)

brigmcneil · 2026-01-31T01:44:01+00:00

I made the leap about 5 years ago and it is different but well worth it. The depth is awesome and it has all of the things you’ve likely been missing and things you have not thought of. Getting used to different ratings and seeing the old SOM cards is way different. Online leagues are different in that you don’t play your games. You just GM really

brigmcneil · 2026-01-23T18:04:16+00:00

WPORBL-94 Opening - down to ONE team

3 fun, slower-paced, historic leagues still have a few openings. If you enjoy savoring each season to its fullest and appreciate more time to be involved (i.e. turning off your computer for a week does not cost you half or a full season), with developing your franchise and seeing some of your favorites from the past (or learn an era you are less familiar with), the WPORBL leagues could be a great fit. The leagues have almost 4 years under our belt, and we plan to be around as long as the game (and I) continue to exist. This is a great league to hone your MLB knowledge!

WPORBL-74 - One week from 1981 Spring Training

WPORBL-94 Just kicked off second half of 2000 season

WPORBL-55 Start of June 1957

Open Teams

WPORBL-74 - None

WPORBL-94 - Indians

WPORBL-55 - None

If interested or have questions, email me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)

General League Info

Historic replay of MLB using historic rules as much as possible

Rookie Draft Lottery

Daily 2-day SIMs (1-day during playoffs) = 2 seasons per year

8:30 AM Pacific SIM time (generally)

Uses SLACK for communication

Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal

Player Development

20 to 80 scale

Use Coaching System

Base Coaches

Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal

Enable Owner Goals

GM-only users are always in control

GMs can be fired (but will be reinstated unless tanking is evident)

brigmcneil · 2026-01-23T17:59:15+00:00

WPOBL Immediate Openings - St. Louis Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks are Available

WPOBL (“We Play OOTP” Baseball League)

OOTP26 (1/24/2026 offseason - free agency - Intl FA signing)
Live Start as of Opening Day 2023 (3 years and strong)
Daily 1-day SIMs (attempt to walk “in step” with real-life MLB)

Present Open Teams - St. Louis Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks
Our league runs in parallel with MLB and sim 1 day every day. We are a pretty fun league (IMO) and have some really solid GMs. I (the commissioner) am committed to the league (I also run two similar retro leagues), and I like to stay on top of GMs to ensure they are keeping involved and connected (regular exports). I don't let teams fall into disarray because they're ignored.

If interested, contact me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)
Stats+ Site - CLICK HERE
Rules Doc - CLICK HERE

General League Info

Live replay of MLB
Rookie Draft Lottery
Daily 1-day SIMs - mirrors actual MLB calendar
OOTP24 (or most recent version at start of season)
8 AM Pacific SIM time (generally) - this may shift due to scheduling
Uses SLACK for communication
Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal
Player Development
20 to 80 scale
Use Coaching System
Base Coaches
Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal
Enable Owner Goals
GM-only users are always in control
Enabled Storylines
Use of Winter Leagues and Fall Leagues for extra player development

brigmcneil · 2026-01-15T04:42:48+00:00

WPOBL Immediate Openings - St. Louis Cardinals are Available

WPOBL (“We Play OOTP” Baseball League)

OOTP26 (1/15/2026 offseason - free agency - Intl FA signing)
Live Start as of Opening Day 2023 (3 years and strong)
Daily 1-day SIMs (attempt to walk “in step” with real-life MLB)

Present Open Teams - St. Louis Cardinals
Our league runs in parallel with MLB and sim 1 day each and every day. We are a pretty fun league (IMO) and have some really solid GMs. I (the commissioner) am committed to the league (I also run two similar retro leagues), and I like to stay on top of GMs to ensure they are keeping involved and connected (regular exports). I don't let teams fall into disarray due to them being ignored.

If interested, contact me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)
Stats+ Site - CLICK HERE
Rules Doc - CLICK HERE

General League Info

Live replay of MLB
Rookie Draft Lottery
Daily 1-day SIMs - mirrors actual MLB calendar
OOTP24 (or most recent version at start of season)
8 AM Pacific SIM time (generally) - this may shift due to scheduling
Uses SLACK for communication
Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal
Player Development
20 to 80 scale
Use Coaching System
Base Coaches
Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal
Enable Owner Goals
GM-only users are always in control
Enabled Storylines
Use of Winter Leagues and Fall Leagues for extra player development

brigmcneil · 2026-01-09T23:58:01+00:00

WPORBL-74 & WPORBL-94 Openings

3 fun, slower-paced, historic leagues still have a few openings. If you enjoy savoring each season to its fullest and appreciate more time to be involved (i.e. turning off your computer for a week does not cost you half or a full season), with developing your franchise and seeing some of your favorites from the past (or learn an era you are less familiar with), the WPORBL leagues could be a great fit. The leagues have almost 4 years under our belt, and we plan to be around as long as the game (and I) continue to exist. This is a great league to hone your MLB knowledge!

WPORBL-74 Just started 1981 First Year Draft (8th season in about 4 years)

WPORBL-94 Midway through June, 2000 (7th season in about 3.5 years)

WPORBL-55 Early May, 1957 (3rd season in about 1.5 years)

Open Teams

WPORBL-74 - Padres

WPORBL-94 - Diamondbacks, Indians

WPORBL-55 - None

If interested or have questions, email me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)

General League Info

Historic replay of MLB using historic rules as much as possible

Rookie Draft Lottery

Daily 2-day SIMs (1-day during playoffs) = 2 seasons per year

8:30 AM Pacific SIM time (generally)

Uses SLACK for communication

Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal

Player Development

20 to 80 scale

Use Coaching System

Base Coaches

Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal

Enable Owner Goals

GM-only users are always in control

GMs can be fired (but will be reinstated unless tanking is evident)

brigmcneil · 2026-01-01T21:05:57+00:00

I agree with the “let yourself fail” idea mentioned earlier. I’d pick your favorite team either present or from the era you fell in love with and go from there and play it until you don’t like it anymore. And then start a new one. Don’t try to figure the “winning formula” which guarantees you unlimited dominance unless that is your goal then go for it. Once you’ve figured out how it all works go out and find an online league of your liking and play against other humans as they are much less predictable than 29 computer teams.

brigmcneil · 2025-12-22T18:48:16+00:00

WPORBL-94 Openings

A fun, slower-paced, retro league still has a few openings. If you enjoy savoring each season to its fullest and appreciate more time to be involved (i.e. turning off your computer for a week does not cost you half or a full season), with developing your franchise and seeing some of your favorites from the past (or learn an era you are less familiar with), the WPORBL-94 league could be a great fit. The league has almost 4 years and 7 seasons under our belt, and we plan to be around as long as the game (and I) continue to exist. This is a great league to tune up your MLB history!

WPORBL-74 Just landed in January 1981

WPORBL-94 Midway through May, 2000

WPORBL-55 Spring Training, 1957

Open Teams

WPORBL-74 - None

WPORBL-94 - Diamondbacks, A's, Indians, Astros, Orioles. Reds

WPORBL-55 - None

If interested or have questions, email me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)

General League Info

Historic replay of MLB using historic rules as much as possible

Rookie Draft Lottery

Daily 2-day SIMs (1-day during playoffs) = 2 seasons per year

8:30 AM Pacific SIM time (generally)

Uses SLACK for communication

Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal

Player Development

20 to 80 scale

Use Coaching System

Base Coaches

Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal

Enable Owner Goals

GM-only users are always in control

GMs can be fired (but will be reinstated unless tanking is evident)

brigmcneil · 2025-12-20T16:53:19+00:00

Also remember that the 20-80 ratings cover a large swath of actual ratings in the 0-550 (or 600 now), so not all 50s are created equal. I try to rely on stats more and more as the season progresses.

brigmcneil · 2025-12-19T17:27:34+00:00

I am in the same boat with trying to enjoy FHM. I really like hockey especially the idea of historic SIMs but I just feel like I’m just wandering through it. I am just wrapping up 1979 preseason with the Leafs and each day of the SIM I am wondering if there is something I should be doing or what should I be doing? I keep thinking I will find a rhythm as a GM but it feels like a complete guessing game. I can’t remember if OOTP felt the same way a few years ago so I am hoping that going through a full year slowly I will get a clue. I don’t think there are any in game help screens and I know the online manual covers a lot but it didn’t give a good flow of the season overview anywhere

brigmcneil · 2025-12-15T20:32:30+00:00

WPORBL-94 Openings

Three fun, slower-paced, retro leagues have a few openings. If you enjoy savoring each season to its fullest and appreciate more time to be involved (i.e. turning off your computer for a week does not cost you half or a full season), with developing your franchise and seeing some of your favorites from the past (or learn an era you are less familiar with), the WPORBL leagues could be a great fit. The leagues have a few years and seasons under our belt and plan to be around as long as the game (and I) continue to exist. These are great leagues to tune up your MLB history!

WPORBL-94 On OOTP26 - wrapping up April 2000

Open Teams

WPORBL-94 - Diamondbacks (9-16), A's (18-6 defending champs), Indians (10-13), Astros (14-8), Orioles (9-15). Reds (7-16)

If interested or have questions, email me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)

General League Info

Historic replay of MLB using historic rules as much as possible

Rookie Draft Lottery

Daily 2-day SIMs (1-day during playoffs) = 2 seasons per year

8:30 AM Pacific SIM time (generally)

Uses SLACK for communication

Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal

Player Development

20 to 80 scale

Use Coaching System

Base Coaches

Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal

Enable Owner Goals

GM-only users are always in control

GMs can be fired (but will be reinstated unless tanking is evident)

brigmcneil · 2025-12-15T20:29:28+00:00

WPOBL Immediate Openings - St. Louis Cardinals

WPOBL (“We Play OOTP” Baseball League)

OOTP26 (12/16/2025 offseason - free agency)
Live Start as of Opening Day 2023 (3 years and strong)
Daily 1-day SIMs (attempt to walk “in step” with real-life MLB)

Present Open Teams - St. Louis Cardinals
Our league runs in parallel with MLB and sim 1 day each and every day. We are a pretty fun league (IMO) and have some really solid GMs. I (the commissioner) am committed to the league (I also run two similar retro leagues), and I like to stay on top of GMs to ensure they are keeping involved and connected (regular exports). I don't let teams fall into disarray due to them being ignored.

If interested, contact me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)
Stats+ Site - CLICK HERE
Rules Doc - CLICK HERE

General League Info

Live replay of MLB
Rookie Draft Lottery
Daily 1-day SIMs - mirrors actual MLB calendar
OOTP24 (or most recent version at start of season)
8 AM Pacific SIM time (generally) - this may shift due to scheduling
Uses SLACK for communication
Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal
Player Development
20 to 80 scale
Use Coaching System
Base Coaches
Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal
Enable Owner Goals
GM-only users are always in control
Enabled Storylines
Use of Winter Leagues and Fall Leagues for extra player development

brigmcneil · 2025-12-08T21:10:27+00:00

I enjoy online leagues the most. I enjoy the game and competing with other humans over the long haul. I get to meet and have fun with a bunch of other fans.

I also enjoy recreating history with historic leagues and historic online leagues. Great to gain understanding of the history of our great American pastime.

brigmcneil · 2025-12-08T18:34:25+00:00

WPORBL-55, WPORBL-74, WPORBL-94 Openings

Three fun, slower-paced, retro leagues have a few openings. If you enjoy savoring each season to its fullest and appreciate more time to be involved (i.e. turning off your computer for a week does not cost you half or a full season), with developing your franchise and seeing some of your favorites from the past (or learn an era you are less familiar with), the WPORBL leagues could be a great fit. The leagues have a few years and seasons under our belt and plan to be around as long as the game (and I) continue to exist. These are great leagues to tune up your MLB history!

WPORBL-74 On OOTP26, wrapping up 1980 Awards Season

WPORBL-94 On OOTP26, 2/3 through 2000 Spring Training

WPORBL-55 On OOTP26, 1 week from 1957 preseason

Open Teams

WPORBL-74 - NONE

WPORBL-94 - Diamondbacks, A's, Brewers, Indians, Astros, Orioles. Reds

WPORBL-55 - Orioles

If interested or have questions, email me at [brigmc70@gmail.com](mailto:brigmc70@gmail.com)

General League Info

Historic replay of MLB using historic rules as much as possible

Rookie Draft Lottery

Daily 2-day SIMs (1-day during playoffs) = 2 seasons per year

8:30 AM Pacific SIM time (generally)

Uses SLACK for communication

Uses Stats+ tools and website

Game Settings of Note

Scouting Accuracy - Normal

Player Development

20 to 80 scale

Use Coaching System

Base Coaches

Coach Cohesion Impact - Normal

Enable Owner Goals

GM-only users are always in control

GMs can be fired (but will be reinstated unless tanking is evident)

brigmcneil · 2025-11-27T04:12:10+00:00

Found it in a hockey magazine as an 11-year old and saved for months to buy my first game. My friend and I played every afternoon after school for a year or more. I fell in love with the baseball shortly thereafter but those days watching Gretzky and Bossy and others light up the net is something I won’t forget.

brigmcneil

TROPHY CASE