The LBL Constitution serves as the founding charter and comprehensive community ruleset for the league. Published in it’s current form in the summer of 2021, GMs participate in semi-annual meetings to propose and vote on changes to both the league file and community rules.
While GMs are encouraged to submit proposals with an immersive flair, language in the LBL Constitution is kept simple to allow expedient review.
Summary of LBL Amendments, 1900-Present
1900.1: The Cooper Fowler Addendum
(Struck Cooper Fowler’s records from the LBL and formally banned African American players and staff in the LBL.)
Sponsored By: Mr. Preston Kirby, Richmond Rifles
“Whereas one Mister Cooper Fowler of Richmond, Virginia, did join the Richmond Rifles baseball team and greater Legacy Baseball League, under falsified documents obscuring his American citizenship and heritage, in the Spring of 1895, The Richmond Rifles move to have Mister Fowler’s statistics and records expunged from the league record. He will receive no rights nor benefits from the Legacy Baseball League, and his name is to be forever removed from the register in Madigan Hall.
Furthermore, the following shall be added to the Legacy Baseball League bylaws: that all negroes are formally banned from participation in the Legacy Baseball League, either as players or in management.”
1900.3: The Salary Cap Amendment (Adopted by Commissioner’s vote on a split chamber; retroactively vetoed by the Commissioner in 1902).
(Limited Free Agent Contracts to $9999)
Sponsored By: Mr. Jim Burns, Baltimore Brewers (Amendment by Mr. Preston Kirby of Richmond adopted.)
“Seeing the recent gain in popularity of league, along with the advent of outrageous salary demands of some players the Clippers propose that salary maximum for any one player be capped at $9999 per season inclusive of all potential bonus money. (Current contracts will be honored by the franchises, as they were made in good faith, and future agreements will hold to the salary cap.)
1900.4: The Right to Work Amendment (Declared nullified by Commissioner Jacob S. Parker in 1906 upon formal recognition of the LBL Player’s Union.)
(Imposed a $150 fine on all self-professed Players Union Members)
“Resolved that in response to rumors of organized unions of players in Manhattan, the LBL shall strictly prohibit player involvement in anti right to work activities, and that a strict fine of 150 dollars be imposed for players found guilty of undercutting their hardworking teammates and managers through such subversive measures.”
1901.1: The Salary Cap Amendment of 1901
(Established a $90,000 Salary Cap in the LBL).
Submitted by Mr. Preston Kirby of the Richmond Rifles
“In order to maintain stability in the Legacy Baseball League and encourage healthy growth and competition among its franchises, owners may not commit more than $90,000 to their total Player Payroll.
Franchises will not be permitted to exceed this budget, and will face a Board-appointed audit and balancing action if they are found in violation.
The independent Reserve Arbitration Board will baseline the average LBL Ballplayer’s salary at $4,377.“
1901.2: The Reserve League Committee
(Temporarily established an LBL Subcommittee to prepare for the implementation of AAA)
Submitted by Mr. Martin Pitsch of the Philadelphia Brewers.
Mr. Martin Pitsch of the Philadelphia Brewers will serve as the President of a Board-Approved Reserve League Committee, charged with determining the proper details, locations, finances, and incorporation of a Reserve League for each franchise no earlier than the Spring of 1903 and no later than the Spring of 1907.
Financial costs of the Reserve League teams will fall upon the parent franchise. Only men of white, western heritage will be permitted to participate in the Reserve League.
Mr. Pitsch may appoint whatever officers he deems necessary for the accomplishment of the Board-charged outcomes. The Commissioner shall serve in an advisory position within the Committee.
The outcomes of the LBL Reserve League Committee are as follows:
- Produce Sixteen Reserve League Teams with ballparks, respectable logos and team names, and uniforms.
- Determine the roster sizes, age limits, season length, and playoff details.
1901.3: The Academy League Proposal (Later Amended in 1901.6)
(Established the first LBL Feeder League (LBAL))
“It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.” 2 Timothy 2:6
Since the formation of Legacy Baseball, men ill-suited for our public enterprise are gaining employ within the confines of our great baseball league. Men who are slovenly. Men who are sluggards and drunkards. Men of ill-faith and ill-temper. Men untested by adversity and without toil.
The Legacy Baseball League should use its influence in the public sphere to elevate the character of those that would earn their keep playing ball and also the character of those who would seek to do so. In the spirit of cultivating more perfect men through their labors, dedication and perseverance, the following apprenticeship program, to be completed by all men prior to being allowed to call himself a professional ballplayer, is humbly proposed:
Proposal for the Salvation of the Character of Would-Be Professional Ballplayers and the Legacy Baseball League
Submitted by Hon. Jacob Cartwright, Owner, Providence Angels
WHEREAS, men across our great nation wish to be professional ballplayers; and
WHEREAS, a system whereby a man must prove his talents and caliber of character through his labors would be beneficial to both our collective enterprise and to the man in his personal capacity; and
WHEREAS, it is right and just to use our collective enterprise to increase the light in a sinful world;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a series of Legacy Baseball League-sanctioned apprenticeship programs be established across these United States of America for potential professional ballplayers to complete prior to their signing a contract with an organization in the Legacy Baseball League.
1901.4: The GM Voting Rights Proposal
(Temporarily appointed a subcommittee to determine adequate names for Player Awards).
Given the fact that general managers make up the fabric of the Legacy Baseball League by forming ball clubs and working in tandem with the ballplayers, it is only right that they be granted the ability to decide upon the MVPs, Grande Snaggers, Greenhorn Cup recipients, and so on.
On the back of this proposal, general managers would henceforth be able to decide who such prestigious awards are awarded to, which would ensure that the most deserving players are bestowed with the honors.
This is in the best interest of the Legacy Baseball League, due to the fact that the general managers boast the utmost knowledge in regards to the happenings of this league.
Furthermore, Mr. Michael Dunleavy of the Pittsburgh Oilers is appointed as Chairman of the Legacy Baseball League Awards Committee, charged with determining a more suitable name for the Pitcher of the Year Award and providing an audit/recommendation to the Board for improvements or changes to the current LBL Awards system.
1901.6: The Academy League Draft
(Established the LBL Draft)
“Why, little brother, with a snap of my fingers and a scribble of my pen, I can purchase the world. No need to dirty perfect nail-beds like some heathen.” — Andrew Schilling, Owner, St. Louis Reds
Let it be our aim, in a cry for fair play and competitiveness, to prohibit the whims of stagnant money soiling the good nature of our league. Therefor, it is right and just, as gentlemen of the twentieth century, to abide by agreed restraints for the betterment of all Legacy Baseball organizations.
Subject of Resolution To Be Amended: Proposal 1901.3: The Academy League Proposal; copied below
Submitted by Robert Schilling, Owner, St. Louis Beavers
Add Clause One (1):
Recommends graduates of the Academy system be assigned to Legacy Baseball League teams on the basis of a draft; with an order determined by a weighted three-year average of Legacy Baseball wins: 45% for the season previous; 35% for two seasons past; and, 20% for three seasons past; Lowest weighted average drafting first and so on.
Add Clause Two (2):
The drafting of players will terminate after three (3) rounds.
Add Clause Three (3):
No form of compensation whatsoever will be allotted to organizations failing to sign a drafted Academy League player.
Add Clause Four (4):
Academy League players not drafted as outlined above, but having completed the Legacy Baseball League apprenticeship program, may be signed by any Legacy Baseball League organization at the conclusion of the draft.
(The LBL Board changed the naming convention of the amendments in 1901 to match the current, as to the future year. )
1902.1: The One-Year Contract Proposal
(Limits Player Contracts to one year; bans extensions)
“The potential 1901.1 Proposal (Franchise Cap) will reduce the budget room by increasing the baseline salary and introducing a cap. Still, clubs can engage in bidding wars by increasing contract lengths. This method was popular in the previous FA periods and it would be suitable for the future.”
The One-Year Contract Proposal:
Submitted by Martin Pitsch of the Philadelphia Brewers Baseball Club:
The proposal can be seen as a stand-alone or an addition to the Franchise Cap proposal.
Clubs are only allowed to offer one-year contracts. This could be seen as a signing bonus before the in-game arbitration determines a decent salary.
A $90,000 cap would require careful spending by the GMs for FAs and would limit the team to a few star signings. It might even increase trades as there is no bidding process.
Only allow one-year contracts
No extensions
No effect on existing multi-year contracts
1902.2: The Draft Pick Trading Proposal
(Allowed trading of draft picks)
(Sponsored by Mr. Eric Hortness of the Chicago Doves)
In an attempt to acquire more controllable/younger players, I, Jack Vaughn, owner of the Chicago Doves, propose the ability to trade Academy League Draft Picks.
Proposal:
Trading of Academy League Draft Picks
Rationale:
–allows more options to include when trading of players (when teams would like to trade away their veterans that think they know everything and obtain younger players that will do anything to play baseball)
–some GMs/Owners will prefer to stock pile these picks while others will not find them beneficial, but it gives another aspect of the league
–might help in a quicker rebuild for some GMs/Owners
–able to increase the number of younger players that teams have control over
Rules:
–any round pick is tradeable
–can only trade picks up to 1 draft ahead
Examples: Round 1 of the 1903 draft has been completed. Rounds 2 & 3 of the 1903 draft can be traded along with round 1 of the 1904 draft.
Middle of the 1903 season (1903 draft as already been completed), all rounds of the 1904 draft can be traded.
1902.3: The Extended Season Length Proposal (Commissioner-amended from 145-165 to 120 games).
(Increased season length to 120 games).
(Sponsored by Mr. Martin Pitsch of the Philadelphia Brewers Baseball Club)
The LBL currently plays 98 games a season. In late July, the regular season ends. Shortly after, the off-season begins, leaving the stands empty while the weather is perfect for crowds to consume delicious and cold Boeselager beer.
The Increased Season Length Proposal:
The Philadelphia Brewers propose to increase the number of games gradually over a number of years until we have a schedule that will last until September/October (including postseason).
This will have multiple benefits. Seasons are longer, newspapers can generate more stories (GMs have time to write some stories before the season is over) and the Madigan’s guide will be thick enough to be visible on a bookshelf (more time to write equals to more stories for the guide). Also, the LBL administration has more time to relax until big league events (draft, playoffs, winter/summer meetings) require full attention.
((For clarity, increasing the schedule to September-October will mean increasing the yearly games to apx. 140-165 from the current 98.))
1902.4: The Reserve Roster Increase Proposal
(Increased Reserve Roster to 13-Player Limit).
(Sponsored by Mr. Eric Hortness of the Chicago Doves)
With the implementation of the Academy League draft, I, Jack Vaughn, owner of the Chicago Doves propose the Reserve Roster Spots increase to a Baker’s Dozen of 13. I hope that my colleague in New York, Mr. Thaddeus Wolcroft, will appreciate the Baker’s Dozen option.
Proposal:
Increase the Reserve Roster to 13 spots
Rationale:
–with the Academy League Draft now in existence an increase to the Reserve Roster is needed
–this will allow for a good mix of experienced players and young/controllable players for the future
–more reserve players means more opportunities for teams to, let’s say, get out in the community to promote our interests
1902.5: The Trade Deadline Proposal
(Moved Trade Deadline to four weeks prior to the last scheduled regular season game).
(Sponsored by Mr. Doug Olmstead of the Saint Louis Beavers)
In the spirit of fair play and competition, a deadline must be placed within a season whereas players may no longer be traded, thereby limiting the appearance of collusion between organizations and allowing for the best teams, over the course of their season, to hoist their respective pennant at year’s end.
Proposal for Mandatory Trade Deadline Between Legacy Baseball League Organizations
Submitted by Robert Schilling, Owner, Saint Louis Beavers
WHEREAS, it is right and just to implement limits upon competing organizations to the benefit of fair play;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a trade deadline is to be established exactly four weeks (28 days) prior to the last scheduled regular season game.
1902.6.1: End the Reign of Scouts Proposal
(Changed Scouting Accuracy from Normal to High).
Proposal 1902.6: The Scout Reformation Proposal
(Sponsored by Mr. Doug Olmstead of the Saint Louis Beavers)
Proposal to End of the Reign of Scouts
Submitted by Robert Schilling, Owner, Saint Louis Beavers
WHEREAS, it is right and just to rid the league of dark arts;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, scouts shall not find employ within any single organization. Instead, a collective of scouts shall rate our players’ abilities on a scale of 20-80, by 10s.
(Should the first vote fail, a vote will be taken to raise the league file scouting accuracy to High.)
1903.01: Off-Season Roster Limits
WHEREAS, the Legacy Baseball League has in place certain roster limits during the regular season; and
WHEREAS, the Legacy Baseball League does not have in place similar roster limits during the off-season; and
WHEREAS, the discrepancy between the treatment of rosters creates an incentive for teams to overextend their rosters during the off-season; and
WHEREAS, it would be equitable and fair to create a disincentive to such overextension;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that no team whose roster exceeds the roster limits then in place shall be permitted to trade with any other team.
1903.2: The Reserve League
(Approved the expansion of AAA and AA into the LBL).
Proposed by Mr. Martin Pitsch of the Philadelphia Brewers.
Proposal: The Reserve League
During the Summer Meetings of 1902, the League decided to form a Reserve League Committee tasked with preparing a proposal for a Reserve League. A three-year process will ensure the smooth transitioning to a two-level minor league. The league could implement the first step as early as this season as it wouldn’t affect any important game mechanics. The first big step, creating a minor league level, would happen next season.
Be aware that I ran the testing with solely AI GMs. Human GMs’ behavior is much different, of course. For example, the AI completed less than ten trades in 15 seasons in one test run. Also, free agency is less of a bidding war in the testing scenario. In my current test run, by 1912, payrolls range from $30,000-$42,000. I also didn’t intervene in the creation of players. Although there are slightly more younger players in the majors, they didn’t push out the veterans. Philadelphia still fielded Lyon, McKenzie, Millington, Singleton, and others in 1912.
The addition of the minor leagues didn’t cause any issues. AI GMs didn’t fill the rosters immediately. By the end of 1904, some teams didn’t even fill their reserve rosters. It wasn’t an issue in 1905 but in 1906, the teams played understaffed. I doubt that this will happen with human GMs though.
1. Preparations
- Increase reserve roster from 13 to 19 roster slots.
- Teams should think about Team Names and Locations:
- Locations should be near the parent team.
- Board can assist with logos, if necessary.
- If there is no decision: the board will either pick a name and location or create a generic reserve team (for example, Philadelphia Brewers II).
2. Add one Minor League (AAA)
- The game recommends a roster size of 35 or more for the lowest minor league level.
- The season length should be shorter than LBL to allow the use of players on the reserve teams in the playoffs. To be discussed.
3. Add a second Minor League (AA)
- Change roster size of AAA level to 19
- Set roster size of AA level to 35
- Age limit for AA: 24
1903.B.1 (Decided in Closed Board Vote): Locked Ticket Prices
(Ticket Price Changes were locked in 1903 to counteract and limit the Reserve-Era inflation experienced in the 1890s).
(In 1904, Meetings were cancelled due to competing work requirements and changed to a 2-season cycle).
1906.01: (Administrative): Migration from Slack to Discord
(Moved the League from Slack to Discord).
Summary: The LBL uses Slack, a workspace integration application, for daily communications between the Board and GMs. This is a convenient and well-known platform most common to OOTP leagues. It is fully integrated with the Stats+ WebHook features for drafts, league file announcements, and live game events. However, Slack ransoms post history behind a paywall in the price range of professional businesses. Every year, we lose thousands of exchanges between GMs. Discord, a gaming communications application also common among OOTP leagues, is also fully integrated with Stats+, charges no fees, and does not delete server history.
Proposal: The LBL migrates from Slack to a LBL Discord by the 1908 Season and merges the current forums with the Discord.
Phase I:Initial preparation/communication/education (1906 offseason – 1907 postseason)
The Board prepares a Discord channel of similar structure to the Slack channel. A “how-to guide” is published, and the Stats+ WebHook integrations are configured and tested.
Phase II: Migration (1908 preseason)
The Board transfers official activity, to include Stats+ WebHooks, from Slack to Discord. GMs are presented with the How-To Guide and individually assisted through confirming access to the Discord Channel.
Phase III: Slack Channel and Forums sunset (1908 postseason)
Once all GMs are integrated on Discord, the Slack Channel is deactivated. All current messages still visible are logged and archived on the Discord server. All forums are archived and closed.
1906.02: The Draft Lottery Amendment
(Incorporated a Lottery for the Draft; later amended by the Board)
Submitted by Mr. Preson Kirby of the Richmond Rifles
Summary: Replace the current 2-year weighted formula for draft pick order with a Draft Lottery for the first 12 picks of the draft, resuming a one-year W-L formula thereafter.
Discussion: The current LBL draft pick system is based on an amendment to the formation of the Academy League. Rather than a draft order based on win-loss record in the previous season, the LBL draft order is an algorithm derived from weighted success over the last three seasons. This original amendment, intended to prevent the intentional “crashing” of teams, was meant to encourage competitive play. However, it has the unintended effect of rewarding teams who do not improve over time and punishing those who remain consistently competitive. Therefore, a reformed draft order amendment is proposed to commit the initial 12 picks in Round 1 of the Draft to a lottery, with weighted chances based on Win-Loss Record in the previous season:
This proposal still favors teams based on W-L record in the previous season, but does not guarantee a team who performs the worst will receive the best pick(s). This lottery only applies to the first round; starting in the second round, the order resumes based on W-L record for each team in the league. Playoff teams will not be considered in the lottery.
This proposal still achieves the objective of preventing teams from intentionally nosediving to attain draft picks–a problem that has not manifested so far, and is already monitored by the Board as a violation of the “Common Sense Accord.” It also reduces the punishment of competitive teams who do not make the playoffs and decreases the incentive to perpetuate a long-term non-contender.
1906.03: The Arbitration Increase Amendment
(Increased Reserve-Era arbitration of all Players by 30%).
Proposal: Increase to the Arbitration Standard of LBL Players
Submitted by the Commissioner of Baseball, Jacob Parker
Summary: Increase the reserve-era arbitration standard of LBL players by 30%.
Discussion: Baseball players in this league, who draw in millions in profits to the combined ownership, are vastly undercompensated for their labor. The current arbitration model caps the very best players of the league at approximately $3,300. This is, comparatively, less than 3% of the average LBL franchise revenue. The LBL Board, in concurrence with the officially-recognized LBL Player’s Union, proposes a 30% increase in the arbitration value baselines, raising a top player’s annual salary to an average of $4,310.
[Thomas W. Hershey, President of the LBL Player’s Union, cordially informs GMs that franchises who do not support this proposal with a “Yea” will be subject to an organized Players Strike during the 1907 season, with all striking player salaries supported with their arbitrated salary from Union funds.]
[The League is further reminded that as per the official canon of the LBL, the New York Kings are exempt from threats of strikes, as their players cannot unionize.]