Back in the fall of 2001, MLB ran a contest to pick the greatest major league baseball team of all-time. The contest was run by some little unknown website. MLB advertised that you could play games online through that site. I talked to a few people about it in the MLB forums and I checked it out. It looked ok but when I found out that you had to pay to play, I said forget it. It stuck in the back of my mind though and on February 26, 2002 I went back and signed up for a single season through MLB.
Bill Simmons, the Sports Guy, wrote a big article about that little unknown website called WhatIfSports. A radio sports station in Cincinnati promoted the site heavily as well and thousands of sports fans, stats geeks, and curiosity seekers signed up to see what it was all about. Many stayed and the player base grew larger and larger. WIS was changing and improving the site continually. They added games for football, hockey, and basketball. Within a few years they created a brand new concept called Dynasty games.
The site was getting more well known and its quality was ultimately recognized when WIS won the 2005 Webby Award for Best Overall Sports Site over such elites as ESPN and BBC Sport. Winning this award, the internet's version of the Oscar, was a blast because all we were trying to do was stuff the ballot box for the Peoples Choice Award. We never expected to win the biggie.
Success brought suitors however, and ultimately the site was sold to the Fox conglomerate. Although the entire staff was retained, many users felt the corporate takeover would create a downward spiral that would destroy the site's personal touch and feel. This may be happening to some degree but I believe that this is still a great site. It is without peer when it comes to online sports simulations and while the in-game play is far from ideal in some areas, it is still fun and addictive.
There are a number of players still around who have been on this site longer than I have. There are others who have been here nearly as long. They have all learned, just like I have, that you have to adapt and overcome. So, in honor of my WIS-iversary, I want to say Thank You to all who have spoken up to improve and enhance this site. Also, Thank You to everyone who has added to the enjoyment through your competition and forum posting. I'm looking forward to many more seasons with you all. Now I have to go get ready to recruit.