It's Just A Fantasy

It took 15 long baseball seasons.  It took me adding my nephew Matt as my General Manager.  It took some prayers and lots of luck.  Finally, though, the Boone League trophy is mine.
I have placed in the money (top 3 positions) only 3 times in my 15 years in the league.  I have finished last about 6 times (maybe more).  All of that is (temporarily) forgotten, because the trophy is mine.
My team was lead by the hitting of Aubrey Huff, Jason Heyward and Carlos Gonzalez (who also helped with his speed).  Andrew McCutchen joined CarGo to provide a great steals duo.  Tim Lincecum and Ted Lilly anchored my starting staff, while Brian Wilson and Ryan Franklin were shut-down closers.  I even had Mike Lamb (one of my all-time favorites) on my bench (but more as a coaching veteran).
The trophy resides on my bookcase.  It is mine until the 2012 draft next April (unless I somehow manage to repeat).  Dare I even dream?

The Bashers Win the Pennant!

In 1996, at the urging of Scott O. (aka Swede) and the acceptance of his fantasy baseball league brethren (Rick, John C., John A., Mike and Ron), I entered the world of fantasy baseball (Jason would join 2 years later).  The Bashers debut season saw them capture last place, a position the Bashers dominated over their first 14 years of existence.  I think I finished last about 8 times.
The first couple years, I wrote off as inexperience.  Players like Archi Cianfrocco, Joe McEwing and John Mabry should never have appeared on a fantasy roster.
I started picking better players, but Geoff Blum, Matt Stairs and Brad Ausmus did little to help the Bashers.  Sure they were great to have on a real team, but their fantasy value was minimal.
I had my occasional "successful" seasons, including a 3rd place and a 5th place, but I was basically mired in the nether regions of the standings.  I liked the camaraderie with the other Booners, but this losing was wearing thin (why can't the Cubs think this way?)
Last year, in sheer desperation, I brought in a hired gun, my nephew Matt to help me.  Matt's addition helped the Bashers to a 3rd place finish.
That all changed this season.  The proof is below.  The Bashers captured 1st place.  I am still dizzy from celebrating.
The race went right down to the wire.  I needed Ted Lilly and Mat Latos to keep their ERA's under 3.500 for their games on Sunday.  They pitched 13 combined innings, giving up 3 runs and keeping my overall team ERA low enough to secure my overall 1st place position.
I realize I did not win this on my own, but a good manager surrounds himself with great coaches.  Tony LaRussa has Dave Duncan.  Bobby Cox had Leo Mazzone.  Mike Ditka had Buddy Ryan.  Nothing is going to wipe away my euphoria.  
Now I get to enjoy a winter of contentment.  At the next draft, I will have the honor of tossing out the first player up for bid (and it won't be Jeff Conine).  How sweet it is!

Ric Flair, Mike Fuhr, Mike Squires and Ron Siemers

Recently, I received two packages from two out of town friends. I met both Ron Siemers and Mike Fuhr about 12 years ago, when I joined the world-renowned Boone League in fantasy baseball. Since then, both men have routinely and soundly beaten me almost every year. This year, they have expanded to football, in an effort to beat me in yet another sport.
Ahh but this post isn't about them getting the better of me in sports acumen. This is about them getting me something out of the kindness of their hearts.

First, from North Carolina, Mike sent me a couple lottery tickets featuring the Nature Boy Ric Flair. My nephew Matt would love these (much better than the usual migraine-inducing Bingo lottery tickets I usually give him). Seriously, how can you not love lottery mixed with the limousine-ridin', jet-flyin', kiss-stealin', wheelin'-dealin' son of a gun. All I can say is thanks and Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. The second package came from the land of the baseball pirhanas and the football purple powerhouse, namely Minnesota. Ron must have been reading my ongoing pieces about my mancrush of yesteryear Mike Squires. In an effort to help my collection (and possibly to get me to shut up), Ron sent me 4 of Squires finest cards.
The ever-humble Ron gives credit to the cards to Dave Abbs (doesn't that sound like a great wrestling name?). Whoever got them, I appreciate them coming my way and for these two readers.
Included was his first solo card (a 1980 Topps, far right). Ironically, the gold-glove winning Squires is shown in some sort of batting pose on each of these cards. These are a welcome addition to my collection.
Thanks to Mike and Ron for the coolness. I appreciate the thought and I appreciate you guys as friends. I'd also appreciate it if you let me win the 2010 Boone League.

Mike Squires 1983, 1982, 1981 and 1980 Topps baseball cards.