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New Tournament Plan Could Be Key To League's Long Term Future

              Traditionally, Federal League Baseball has been one of, if not the, most stable and efficient organizations in the region. Recently, however, like a lot of businesses, the league has had to adapt to meet the challenges of difficult economic environment. With season ticket sales lagging, the league has formulated a new tournament model that will be designed to alleviate any looming financial concerns.
              The plan, originally conceived during the COVID era lockdown, but updated to reflect the current situation, involves one day tournaments that are to be held on off days and in between seasons.
              In the past, the league has shied away from getting involved in tournaments, due to the uncertainties caused by possibility of inclement weather, but a recent occurrence experienced by another organization gave rise to the new plan. Last November, the MSBL Fall Classic dealt with abominably bad weather and was forced to adjust on the fly. On the final day of the tournament, games were played with a one hour time limit. While, at first blush, this seemed absurd, the teams complied and the tournament was completed.
              As a result, league officials have proposed a plan for a series of single day tournaments built around games that each carry a 70 minute time limit. The entire tournament could be concluded in one day.
              Games could be played with certain rule changes, provided managers of both teams can agree. For instance, should both managers concur prior to the start of a game, each batter could come to the plate with a full count so that each at bat could, conceivably, require only one pitch to complete. Should the managers decide, the game could use the traditional 0-0 count to start each at bat, but the full count adjustment would guarantee more batters and more innings within the time limit.
              A proposed schedule could have a tournament held prior to the start of the season, one on each of the holiday weekends, and several during the winter break.
              Games could start early in the morning, as early as 7:15 (in honor of Hank Aaron) a.m. and run until a champion is crowned. Because the league's current complex has been resistant to the league operating in the fall and winter the last two years, due mostly to turf and shrubbery maintenance issues, a alternate venue, even one with only one field could be used.              As an incentive to non-league teams, and to create excitement, prize money will be offered for the tournament champions and runners up. A progressive jackpot has also been discussed that could, in theory, be worth over $20000 should a team sweep the entire series of tournaments.
              The concept will be fully revealed, and discussed, at the league meeting that will be held next week.






              

            
                          
              
              
                   
                


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