The Hardball Dynasty world started a few years ago by kneeneighbor needs some new owners to take on teams, and we'd love to have a few more Live players try it out. First season costs just $4.95. HBD is like a progresive on steroids, with players progressing from 18-year-old draft prospects to 38-year-old vets hanging on. We have at least 3 openings, and there's a good chance that anyone interested can take over the team while our current (17th) season is coming to a close with playoffs. You can see what HBD is by clicking on the Dynasty Games tab at the top of most WIS pages.
In brief, teams play in self-contained worlds with each franchise having teams in Rookie ball through the Major Leagues, in 32-team worlds (4 4-team divisions in each of two leagues, with division winners and 2 wild cards making playoffs). The biggest differences between Sim and HBD are:
- Players are fictional, with skills, performance and development based on a bunch of ratings.
- Injuries occur and can have a big impact, especially if you skimp on your training staff.
- You draft undeveloped HS and college players and affect their growth by spending on minor- and major-league coaches. There are also International Free Agents available to be signed; you chances of finding those gems are tied to your spending on the scouting department.
- Free Agency, Waivers, Rule 5, etc., work as they do in the major leagues. You can try to compete every year by signing big-ticket stars, or develop your franchise from the ground up a la Billy Bean, with the significant difference of having the same budget as everyone else.
- Defense matters in more ways than it does in Sim, with four key defensive ratings instead of two. Players' arm strength is important, and each OF position has its own needs that are reflected in game play. A strong arm in RF will produce outs on the bases; a high-range CF will help your pitchers; etc.
- As in Sim everyone has the same basic budget, but you determine how it's distributed among current player salaries & free agents; training and medical; scouting; and coaches.
If interested, check out the HBD pages, sitemail me, or post questions here. There's about a 2-week window for anyone who wants to try it out to take over the team before the current season finishes. It's not necessary to do that, but gives you some extra time to explore a franchise and see how the ratings work.