Thanks for your interest in the IBL.
We are always looking for new people to learn the game and join the league as associates, co-owners, or owners.
There are some things that can be tricky to figure out for new players. If you want to join the league, here are the main things you need to know:
- Know how to play games using the cards and charts.
- Know how to log onto our IRC server to chat and play the games with other owners.
- Know how to use our GRS program to enter the game results to create boxscores, and how to send the results.
For (1), you can download the cards and either print them out, or just view them using a PDF reader like Adobe Reader.
Basic playing instructions are here: http://wiki.ibl.org/dokuwiki/doku.php/tig_instructions
The cards are available here (must be registered): http://www.ibl.org/~sweda/iblgame/download/
For (2), you need an IRC client such as mIRC (there are many others) or you can use this javascript client in your browser. Connection information is available on the IRC FAQ wiki page. After connecting, join channel #ibl (usually by using the command “/join #ibl”). There are usually several of the league's owners logged on. You are encouraged to log on to chat with other owners and learn about the league and watch some games being played. We have a “rollbot” that we use to roll dice for us on the IRC server and most of the games are played there.
To report game results (3) you will need to download our GRS program from Github and learn to use it. Basically it prompts you to enter lineups, pitchers, etc., and then the events that occurred in the game one by one. For example, “1b gcf 13” for a single grounded to center field with the runner moving from 1st to 3rd. The README file explains all the commands. When you are finished, the program creates boxscores and play-by-play files to send in via email. There are detailed submission instructions available on the wiki. Our league stats are updated daily on our website.
Once you are comfortable with how to do these things, then your role is up to you. If you have time to play 3 games a week, you can take over a team as owner the next time one becomes available. Or you could become a co-owner or associate and play games occasionally when needed, which is a great way to learn the game. We usually have a few teams that would welcome a co-owner.
You can also browse our web site to learn more about the league at http://www.ibl.org. All our rules are posted on the wiki in the IBL Constitution. We have an almanac that has all of the league standings and stats for all of its history at http://almanac.ibl.org.
Let me know if you have any questions or need any help.
-Rusty Peltz (the Commish) – peltz38@gmail.com