It's the bottom of the ninth inning. The opposing team is three points behind and has a man on each plate. The batter's registered two strikes after getting a ball. The tension is a palpable force; it exists across the field and inside the stadium, and has even slipped into the homes and bars where people are watching on television. Everyone is silent. Does America's pastime get any better than that? Fantasy sport players would argue that, yes, it does. These fans aren't just waiting to see if the game will be won or lost, they're wondering if - and how - the statistics will favor them.
The first game of fantasy baseball was played in 1960, so it isn't anything new. It is, however, something with a significant following of the sport's truest and most dedicated fans. The game involves selecting and managing a well-rounded roster of professional baseball athletes to follow throughout the season with the intent of scoring the most points across the categories of batting average, runs batted in, home runs, stolen bases, wins, saves, earned run average, and walks plus hits per inning pitched. As such, it takes a sharp mind for baseball to master the fantasy game but those who embrace it are able to enjoy the sport on a more involved level.
Typically, fantasy baseball is played in one of two manners: rotisserie or head-to-head competition. The main difference between them is that rotisserie games are played on an indirect, season-by-season basis while head-to-head games pit players against each other in weekly matches. Both styles end with a post-season, with the former being determined through overall points and the latter through overall wins. A third option for fantasy baseball games is the keeper or dynasty league, which allows players to develop their teams over the years as opposed to having to start fresh each season. This style of play adds another level to the management element of fantasy baseball and ups the difficulty a few notches, at least for those with less than stellar opening picks.
The game is rounded off by a trade system that allows players to exchange rostered athletes with each other up until a certain point in the season, usually the MLB's trade deadline. These trades are often referred by detached third parties to ensure the honesty and fairness of a given deal.
Of course, fantasy baseball is a diverse game and there is much more to it than detailed above. Those who are curious about giving the game a try should know that there is a virtual treasure trove of information and resources available both in print and online and the only thing a person really requires to start playing is a strong devotion to the great sport of baseball. If you have that, then go for the fantasy.
The first game of fantasy baseball was played in 1960, so it isn't anything new. It is, however, something with a significant following of the sport's truest and most dedicated fans. The game involves selecting and managing a well-rounded roster of professional baseball athletes to follow throughout the season with the intent of scoring the most points across the categories of batting average, runs batted in, home runs, stolen bases, wins, saves, earned run average, and walks plus hits per inning pitched. As such, it takes a sharp mind for baseball to master the fantasy game but those who embrace it are able to enjoy the sport on a more involved level.
Typically, fantasy baseball is played in one of two manners: rotisserie or head-to-head competition. The main difference between them is that rotisserie games are played on an indirect, season-by-season basis while head-to-head games pit players against each other in weekly matches. Both styles end with a post-season, with the former being determined through overall points and the latter through overall wins. A third option for fantasy baseball games is the keeper or dynasty league, which allows players to develop their teams over the years as opposed to having to start fresh each season. This style of play adds another level to the management element of fantasy baseball and ups the difficulty a few notches, at least for those with less than stellar opening picks.
The game is rounded off by a trade system that allows players to exchange rostered athletes with each other up until a certain point in the season, usually the MLB's trade deadline. These trades are often referred by detached third parties to ensure the honesty and fairness of a given deal.
Of course, fantasy baseball is a diverse game and there is much more to it than detailed above. Those who are curious about giving the game a try should know that there is a virtual treasure trove of information and resources available both in print and online and the only thing a person really requires to start playing is a strong devotion to the great sport of baseball. If you have that, then go for the fantasy.
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