We invite you to join the
Schmidt Family for Season 28. After all, a man who doesn't join
Schmidt isn't really a man at all...
Schmidt is a world of tradition. A world of quality.
We believe in
America. We believe in opportunity. We believe in simulated baseball.
Schmidt has opportunities for entry and advancement in our storied organization: only
THREE open franchises that need your quality
leadership,
R-E-S-P-E-C-T,
vision,
ambition,
good humor,
sobriety (optional),
wisdom,
fealty,
love, and
stick-to-it-iveness.
We're not so heavy-handed as to say this is "an offer you can't refuse," but a smart consiglieri would counsel you it's in your best interests to accept.
AVAILABLE FRANCHISES
1. AL East: former Indianapolis Guidos franchise
"Thank you for inviting me on the occasion of your [simulated baseball league rollover]."
Ah, lovable, loyal, brutal Luca. No doubt, he was an imposing presence. But it's a thin line between being the deadliest guy in the Family and... well,
see above photo.
So what happened? You might not believe the run of semi-success this franchise has enjoyed:
7 playoff appearances in 8 seasons, with most win totals in the 90s and 100s. But this is a
tough league, and the AL has had a series of strong contenders ram their way through the playoffs... and every year the right of passage is winning a tight ALCS against Indy.
Strong GM-ship, strong talent with good contracts with a mix of strong youth and vets... and no World Series appearances for this franchise. Ever. Not one? Nope.
Will you be the one to finally make best use of Luca's formidable presence and skills and achieve greatness? Instead of sending your best weapon into an ambush and... (see above)
By the way, has anyone noticed the distubing similarity between the fictional Luca Brasi and a present day
prominent New Jersey figure? New Jersey politics... some things will never change.
2. NL East: former Washington Monuments Franchise
"I'm smaaaart! I can handle things."
And how's that working out right now, Fredo? (Very nice butterfly collar, sir.
Classic look.) Actually, this franchise hasn't taken missteps or anything. It was a long-term rebuild when taken over by prior GM glmarcum, and to be clear,
Schmidt is a competitive family. It can take several seasons to advance in the organizational ranks.
And this squad
ALMOST made it this season. It tied for the division championship, but lost on tie-breakers.
So this franchise is mid-rebuild, and there is a core of good young talent to start with.
Payroll is well-controlled and offers lots of roster flexibility as you take over. Plus you can expect a
mid-1st round draft pick in the next amateur draft.
Also worth considering, the
NL East is a
transitional division. The division has no powerhouse squad, the champion typically wins with a win total in the 80s or low 90s. Good GMs, good competition, but the NL East is all teams reloading and rebranding, so this is a
fun and opportune place to be with a rebuild franchise.
3. AL West: former Arizona Armadillos franchise
"I believe in America. America has made my fortune."
Bonasera is a good guy, right? Successful legitimate businessman (in the literal sense) who plays it within the lines. Doesn't want to get into trouble. Well, that's not always how to succeed in this game. Maybe it's time to embrace a new alter ego: Bonasera,
The Undertaker. Yeah, that sounds badass enough.
This franchise has been biding its time, playing it safe, and is now poised for a lot of success. After 9 seasons out of the playoffs (and picking up high level draft picks), the team is on the playoff cusp. Top level young players, excellent vets recently added, and
all reasonable contracts, so this team is also budgeted for sustained success.
Last season's excellent roster building came up just short, with a late season struggle down the stretch. The AL West just became the most competitive division in Schmidt, and while this strong franchise finished 4 games above .500, it finished last in the division. That really stuck in the craw of management and fans.
So... what are you going to do about it?
Like we said, Bonasera is a successful (legitimate) businessman, and this team has a strong roster assembled with good talent in all areas, no albatrosses, and all attractive contracts.
So, are you ready to
kiss the ring? C'mon, what's there to be afraid of? This is America, right?
A little bit about Schmidt...
Of all HBD worlds,
Schmidt might have the
deepest roster of skilled owners who have won 1 or several world series titles. This is a very good world for swapping strategies, polishing skills and testing your stuff against quality competition.
With skilled owners nurturing franchises for long periods, it's not surprising that
Schmidt has several excellent dynasties. Still, there is good competitive parity in the world overall. For example,
eight different franchises have won a World Series title in the last 15 seasons.
Inexperienced owners are welcome. Our veteran owners have historically been very generous with advice and coaching, but we also recommend new owners refrain from trades for the first season as they learn the ropes.
We have a
minimum win requirement (MWR) to
discourage tanking. Fall below the threshold (120 wins over 2 seasons) and a 5-member committee reviews the case and recommends either dismissal or probation. That 120 win threshold for 2 seasons is generally pretty easy to meet, even if you're trying to exit a few veteran contracts and pursue prospects.
Highest priorities are
good humor and
minimal drama.
Select a franchise,
kiss the ring, and get ready to enjoy simulated baseball in (arguably) the most
collegial, fun, and talented community of owners in Hardball.
We look forward to hearing from you! You may
post below or
sitemail the commish (me).