I think it’s safe to assume we all play fantasy baseball to WIN! (As do I) However, I think there is even more we can get out of playing this game. Are you in a league with internet strangers or college buddies, coworkers? How often do you see your league mates? What are the benefits to meeting up, talking shop and having a few pints? I am fortunate to be in a league where all of us life within twenty minutes of each other. This enables us to explore the social aspect of our game.

What we do

We hold a live draft, all star game party, end of season party and winter meetings. We have also begun a trade deadline beer night. All these events allow us to meet face to face, drink and discuss trades etc. I like to think this makes the league stronger, longer lasting and fosters competition and trades.

These social meetups were a long time coming. As we built the league to its current slate of owners we began with baby steps. The live draft was a staple, and we staunchly objected to switching to online and the scattering of the owners to our basements to draft. Now I am sure a live draft is fairly common but it is something we don’t take for granted.

Our ASG party is another highlight. By July most owners haven’t seen each other since the draft so we meet up at a bar, watch the game and talk smack and engage in trade talks. The end of season wrap up is for payouts and shenanigans, a way to get a night out since most of us have busy jobs or families. The winter meeting allows us to discuss how we can make the league better, consider any rules changes etc. The “unofficial” event is the trade deadline night. We’ve done it for two years and usually have 5 or 6 owners get together and hammer out trades. It has proven very productive.

Now each of these events (save the draft) had growing pains but attendance steadily increased from 2 or 3 to now between 10 and all 12 owners. If someone isn’t there the others ask what is wrong. While not mandatory, they are enjoyed and looked forward too. I hope your league has something similar. What do you do? I’d love to hear. Drop in the comments.

Rudy