I’ve been a fan of Strat-O-Matic Baseball since a friend introduced it to me back in 1990 or so. I’ve been wanting to do a 1993 replay for a while, but every time I’d start I wouldn’t get very far for one reason or another. Taking another stab at it and going well so far, so I’m a little more hopeful.
Instead of a completely accurate replay, I’m using the benefit of hindsight for the Phillies with no injuries. Meaning players like Kevin Stocker are playing from day one instead of a late season call-up. I was trying to give players rest now and then for a smidge of authenticity, but been waffling on that a bit. I am ensuring the pitchers get appropriate rest. Starters must have four days (including off days) and relievers I try and give days off after usage, with Mitch Williams the only exception. If there’s a save situation he’s in no matter what. I also added the 1989 Steve Jeltz card just because.
However, the opponent gets the accurate lineup from that game thanks to Baseball Reference. Need to start tweaking that a bit since sometimes they’ll have a lefty geared lineup against a right-handed pitcher because I changed up the rotation. Going forward I’m going to try and juggle their lineups during a series to better line that up.
I’m using BallScore and BallStat for scoring. It’s a pretty amazing program, once you get it set up and used to how it works. Beats wasting paper and adding up everything manually.
As I create this page I’m 18-3, partly from my “cheating” with the usage, but mostly due to great luck with the dice so far. But honestly, it lines up with the freak season the Phillies had that year.
The full schedule with links to every box score is here.
If this goes well I may try the 2008 season. Wish I could get my hands on the 1980 cards. Apparently they re-released that in 2019 but it’s sold out. I emailed them and am hoping for a miracle. Update: Kind of a miracle, they plan on doing a reprint either end of this year or early next, so that will be a purchase soon I hope!