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Post by Derek _ Red Sox on Nov 6, 2017 14:35:26 GMT -5
It is with excitement and sadness that I write this letter to the loyal General Managers of the Paramount Baseball League. As many of you know, since the start of the PBL my personal story has been pretty hectic. It was April of 2010 that I had decided start the PBL and I did so because I loved OOTP and I was in an online league that was run by an OOTP-board member named "CubbyFan" who's most notable contribution to OOTP was not his league but before OOTP had an MLB license, he put out the most accurate roster sets on the forums. He also ran a fantastic league but towards the end, he was dealing with a lot as his father was sick and he became wildly inconsistent and he refused to take the help from other members in the league. I thought to myself, I love this game, I love the idea of running my own and I learned so many lessons (both good and bad) of what to do and what not to do so I said let's try it. 8 years later almost and here we are still running one of the most successful online leagues the community has to offer. When I started the league, I was 30 years old, married and my son Dylan was almost 2 years old. Since that time, I have opened 3 restaurants, went through some marital issues and this January finalized my divorce (yet we remain great friends so I couldn't ask for me), Dylan is now 9 and I have two more boys Jason (5) and Adam (4). I share split custody so I work 6 days, 2 nights and have my kids 4 nights of the week. Because I am not busy enough, I always being the smart one, am now seeing a girl who is fantastic and has two kids (8 and 3) so with five kids in tow on a daily basis ages 9,8, 5, 4 and 3 I possibly couldn't take on more. Well, an opportunity came up and I could not pass on it so I am in the process of opening another restaurant that oozes potential and so I have added that to my pile of daily to-do's. That being said, I do not want to become "Cubbyfan" and ruin a great thing. I also have to be 100% transparent because that is how I always been with everybody in the league and I think the PBL is such a fine-tuned machine that I am not as motivated as I once was. The PBL is set up as a face paced league, we have created such great history that it is almost a league for the purist. The league continues to be amazing and the export rates and trade deadline activity shows that as well and what it needs is me not to 'cubbyfan' the league. So with that being said and with some hesitation but also knowing what is right for the league, I am stepping down as Commissioner of the Paramount Baseball League. and after long conversations, MUCH debate and even LONGER time to think I am decided to announce that Ron Harrison(Padres) will be the new Commissioner going forward. and after long conversations, MUCH debate and even LONGER time to think I am decided to announce that Ron Harrison(Padres) will be the new Commissioner going forward. After long conversations, MUCH debate and even LONGER time to think I am happy to announce that Ron Harrison (Padres) will be the new Commissioner going forward. I think this is a tremendous opportunity for Ron as well as everyone in the league to keep this great league going. I will be on board still to run the Boston Red Sox and transition Ron into the daily operations and to be a sounding board if need be but Ron now has 100% full control of the league. This is the fairest way for Ron to succeed and the best decision for the PBL. Ron is one of the most valuable helpers I have ever had in my 8-years running the league and his contribution with the draft, working the files, putting his opinion out there and understanding both sides of an argument and coming to a rational decision are the key elements to make him a perfect Commissioner. As for my future plans, I am not 100% sure of my next step. I love the game of OOTP and I love being a Commissioner more than I love managing a team so I may pop back up sooner than later in the community looking to get something else started with a slower pace, more dynamics and a fresh look to online leagues but for now I am going to enjoy my few days in 'retirement' and then see what course I want to take. I cannot thank everyone enough for their dedication to the league, their willingness to trust me as their Commissioner for so long and never have a controversy, to be so passionate about this league where we have had great discussions as well as some heated arguments but its all been for the best interest of the PBL. I am confident that we as a league will keep this ship going with Ron as the Captain for another 8-years and I can honestly say I made some good friends playing this game and the ups and downs of their lives and mine and conversations we shared in PM, AIM etc make this decision much harder than it should for this being "just a game". Combine that with my nearly 20,000 posts and it is easy to see my love of the PBL but I truly feel this is the right decision for the league and that is my top priority. This isn't a goodbye, this isn't a game over this is a fresh start and a familiar deserving face taking command to make the league a stronger one tomorrow than it is today. ~Viva la PBL~ Derek
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Post by Arizona_PBL on Nov 6, 2017 14:46:50 GMT -5
Take care of yourself and your "growing" family and business. You were an awesome Commish and I think that Ron shall be one as well!!!
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Post by Mac_Yankees GM on Nov 6, 2017 14:51:28 GMT -5
Derek
Thank you for everything you have done to drive the success of this league. The PBL is truly one of the best leagues in the OOTP universe.
I know as a player I sometimes forget all of the hard work and sacrifice the commissioner puts in to keep our game going. For that I want you to know how much I appreciate what you have done.
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Post by sansterre - Milwaukee Brewers on Nov 6, 2017 15:23:30 GMT -5
Though it results in the loss of the best commissioner I've ever benefited from, I am very happy to hear that you're making decisions optimized to increase your happiness. More power to you sir, and congrats!
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Post by Commish_Ron on Nov 6, 2017 15:45:52 GMT -5
I too want to first and foremost thank Derek for his tremendous leadership and commitment to the league. We have all benefited from the time and effort he has put into the PBL.
I am a little nervous yet very excited to take on this challenge. You all are going to have to be a little patient with me as I learn the ropes. I am stepping into an arena I have no experience in so expect a hiccup or misstep here and there while I figure it all out. I have been assured that it is not rocket science so I do expect the transition to be relatively painless.
Mostly I want to be very clear that I have no intentions of jumping in here and trying to make my mark or fix anything that is not broken. I do hope to be an agent of change and to bring a fresh energy and excitement to the league. But I definitely recognize that this is a great league with a long successful history. There is A LOT of things that are being done right. I can promise you that any changes will be carefully considered and feedback will be solicited before they are implemented.
I think Derek would be (and already has been) the first to admit that consistency and communication from the top has not been as good as it can possibly be in recent seasons. These are the places I do think I can provide an immediate impact. My kids are grown and I have the job flexibility to keep an eye on the forums most days. I am one of those geeky kind of guys that doesn't get out much. I think this should be a good fit.
Finally to circle back to where I started. Thank you Derek for all you have done for this league. I am humbled and honored that you are entrusting me with responsibility for the awesome community and history that you have built. I hope to carry the torch for an extended time and can only strive to be as successful as you have been.
Long live the PBL!
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Post by Sean_RedsGM on Nov 6, 2017 15:49:33 GMT -5
Thank you Derek, you definitely deserve a break for sure. I'm happy to hear you'll still be playing the game as the Red Sox GM.
We will be in good hands with Ron at the helm too!
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Post by MetDaMeats on Nov 6, 2017 17:14:50 GMT -5
Thanks for all the great work Derek. You've made the PBL a great league to be a part of. If Ron's extreme skillfulness at running the draft is any sign, I'm sure he'll make a kickass Commish. Only question I have is, which shmuck is going to ruin the 2045 draft now that Ron's got the big job?
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Post by Derek _ Red Sox on Nov 6, 2017 18:20:14 GMT -5
Thanks for all the great work Derek. You've made the PBL a great league to be a part of. If Ron's extreme skillfulness at running the draft is any sign, I'm sure he'll make a kickass Commish. Only question I have is, which shmuck is going to ruin the 2045 draft now that Ron's got the big job? We trained Kendall in the ABL so he should be able to transition to the big times here in the PBL, LOL.
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Post by earlweaver on Nov 6, 2017 18:23:46 GMT -5
Thank you Derek for everything you have done. It's a online baseball league, and its become part of my life. I look forward to every sim. You have done an amazing job leading this community, and i applaud you for the time and effort you put into this. Thank you again!
Ron is a great choice to take over. Every dealing i have ever had with him has been great, well, not losing twice in the World Series, fuck, but other then that, he's been awesome! I look forward to Ron continuing this great league as long as we can!!
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Post by Texas Rangers on Nov 6, 2017 19:34:50 GMT -5
Big news! Derek, you are the best. I truly consider you (and this whole league, save Brian) my friends, we've built a cool little village here and I'm happy to be a part of it. You have done a beyond fantastic job in this role, and I'm certain that Ron will do a great job in his tenure. It'll always be your league to me. I have always trusted your judgment--you have been patient and committed to the league and its members. This is my only real hobby, and so much of my enjoyment playing OOTP is because of you. Go Derek! I hope you stay and run the Red Sox forever.
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Post by RandyP on Nov 6, 2017 19:35:57 GMT -5
Derek, Man its been a great run for you as the commissioner of the PBL, the league is solid & with the same GMs for years. That's speaks on what a great job you did in the PBL, you took a league to the very top in OOTP world. There is no doubt this league will be the milestone of all OOTP leagues.....My hat is off to you....Great job Sir
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Post by David_ExposGM on Nov 6, 2017 19:39:48 GMT -5
Thank you Derek.
You have run a fantastic league, have developed a great relationship with your GM's and have certainly had more than enough passion to now take time to appreciate it from a different perspective and, hopefully, rekindle some of the initial passion that put you here in the first place.
Take care of yourself and your family because that should always come first.
And congratulations on Ron's transition to the big chair. Good Luck in your new role with PBL.
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Post by Commish_Ron on Nov 6, 2017 19:57:30 GMT -5
Thanks for all the great work Derek. You've made the PBL a great league to be a part of. If Ron's extreme skillfulness at running the draft is any sign, I'm sure he'll make a kickass Commish. Only question I have is, which shmuck is going to ruin the 2045 draft now that Ron's got the big job? I would be happy to hear from any volunteers. But sans that my plans for the moment are to go ahead and continue running the draft. At least for the next couple of seasons.
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Post by Luc_AZdbacks on Nov 6, 2017 20:55:36 GMT -5
Thank you Derek for all of your work as commish over the years.
I've been in this league for almost 4 years now, and I can't count the number of hours of enjoyment that I've had from this league thanks to your dedication as commish to making this league special. I hope that you are able to stay on as Red Sox GM for a long time.
I couldn't think of a better person to take over than Ron - I think that Ron will do a fantastic job in ensuring that the PBL lasts as long as possible, and I'm confident that the best years for the PBL still lie ahead.
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Post by BlueJaysGM_Fin on Nov 6, 2017 21:09:16 GMT -5
Is it just me, or is the picture of passing the torch just the perfect touch to a wonderful yet very sad post? I joined the PBL in October of 2013. John (O's GM) was the person who recommended the league to me. John and I were in another league together, and knowing how meticulous he was with his leagues, I took his reco seriously. From the first communication, Derek was great. Right away i sensed I was joining a great league, run by a great man. The last 4 years proved my initial thoughts were on point. Let me say the last 4 real-time years could not have been more fun. Derek ran a GREAT league. The innovations (Zevin), the passionate discussions (Hello Brady & the NFL) and the Championships won all show his many talents. I appreciate ALL of the time, work and effort to run the PBL with the craziest schedule known to man! I certainly appreciate all of the PMs we shared and the many ideas to continue to make the PBL great! It is a sad day for the PBL, to be sure. However, I am so very pleased for Derek and his future prospects, both personally and professionally, are coming up roses. Ron, in all of my interactions, is a Fantastic choice as Commissioner. And i trust Derek implicitly, so who the hell am I to knock his choice to shoulder-tap Ron anyway? Certainly not this guy! I will support Ron as much as I can, whnever asked because I love this league. I am pleased Derek will be staying on as the Red Sox GM. Some of Derek is better than none of Derek in my book. May you achieve as much life success as you have achieved in the PBL my friend.
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