APBA

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APBA can also refer to the American Power Boat Association.

APBA (pronounced "APP-BAH") is a game company located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was created in 1951 by Richard Seitz.

The company's first offering was a baseball simulation table game using cards to represent each major league player, boards to represent different on-base scenarios (e.g. "Bases Empty"), and dice to generate random numbers. The game can be played against another person or in solitaire fashion. Devoted fans keep track of the results and assess how players' performance compares to their real-life statistics.

The game company later produced football, golf, basketball, hockey, bowling, and saddle racing games modelled after the baseball game (cards, boards and dice).

Later, computer adaptations of some of these games were produced.

APBA enthusiasts have included President George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, David Eisenhower, and sports agent Arn Tellem. Of course, many players and others involved in the game (listed below) have been fans.

For much of its history APBA's main competitor has been Strat-O-Matic. In 2000, faced with a long decline in sales, APBA redesigned the physical appearance of its baseball game and changed its marketing approach.

APBA continues to have a devoted following, with conventions held every year. The highlight of the convention is a tournament played by the attendees. Each player uses a stock team (1975 Reds, 1961 Yankees, 1957 Braves, etc.) and plays their games with that team.

[edit] Prominent APBA Players

The beauty of the game lies in its accuracy, flow of play, and the fact that many major league players, managers and owners were brought up on the game and remained devoted followers. A short list might include: Curt Schilling, Dave Magadan, Bump Wills, Gene Mauch, and many others.