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The 1976 Convention was again another
success as we had more people attend and our tournaments once again went
smoothly. Also for the first time, the same person won back to back
tournaments, as Steve Dempsey won the Elementary B Baseball Tourney
(1960-1975 teams) once again. So our formula at the University of Illinois
was working but, I was beginning to get a bit overwhelmed with the
responsibility to do it again. We went with the same tournaments as last year and still had Mrs. Walters participate as our lone female contestant. I did get to show our participants the fantastic Computer System they had at the U. of I. called "Plato" which was in a way a pre-cursor system to the internet. I recall many hours I spent during my free time playing the games on "Plato". Also good old Robert Henry handed out teams a prize, which the winners appreciated and conducted a trivia quiz. Robert's generousity certainly made this convention a bit more special. So as we continue to review these early years about the SOM Convention, please find once again, the early announcements about the convention and the reports of how our tournaments went from various issue of the SOM Review published in 1976.
EARLY ANNOUNCEMENTS JANUARY ISSUE, 1976 Strat-O-Matic Spotlight '76 Convention Plans Launched Rick [Wolfman] Shapiro, the guiding genius behind two previous summer Strat-O-Matic Conventions, is beginning to map out plans for a third, this summer at the Champaign-Urbana campus in Illinois. Dates have already been set--July 30-31--and Shapiro reports that the tournament format will be similar to last year's. Tourney play will feature advanced baseball, football, basketball and two elementary baseball versions. Trophies will again go to the winners. But Shapiro says that it shouldn't require game-playing into the night hours to win one. The tourney schedule will be regulated so that other nocturnal pursuits will be possible. Flyers advertising the convention will be sent via the S-0-M game company, and should be arriving with the new baseball cards. Shapiro does want to get started as soon as possible, laying plans for what's ahead on July 30-31, and is asking those planning on attending to notify him soon. There will be a $2.00 entry fee [per person] to pay for trophies and the cost of printing flyers. A person may play in two tourneys, but may submit the top four choices, with the first choice being guaranteed. Shapiro does not plan on answering correspondence until the end of May, but would like entry Fees and tournament choices sent to him as soon as possible. Shapiro's address is: Rick Shapiro, xxxxxxx, U.R.H., Urbana, IL xxxxx
[217-xxx-xxxx]. FEBRUARY ISSUE, 1976 Illinois U. Campus To Again Be Site Convention '76 Countdown Under Way The countdown is beginning for the third annual Strat-O-Matic Convention. Rick [Wolfman] Shapiro is again hard at work tying up the organization loose ends For the next big happening in the S-O-M world. Again the national convention will be held in Urbana, IL, at the Illini Student Union on the campus of the University of Illinois. The dates will be July 30 through August 1. And again a full schedule of tournament activity is planned, plus Shapiro has lined up other recreational pursuits such as bowling, one-on-one basketball, and possibly even a consolation tournament in some of the games. Also, a time has been set aside for people interested in buying and selling teams--which was a big hit at Robert Henry's mini-convention in Detroit over the winter. The tourneys, Henry emphasizes, will be conducted during the day only, and other interests (there's also a pool) may be pursued in the evening. Early arrivals are welcome, according to Shapiro, who says that if 20-30 people from any one tournament make the scene ahead of time that tourney may start early. TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE July 30, Friday -- Advanced Football, Elementary Baseball A (1905-1957) and Elementary Baseball B (1960-1975). July 31, Saturday -- Advanced Baseball and Advanced Basketball. Contestants will be allowed to play in just one/day. There may be a loser's tourney, too, but that will be decided at the convention. Scott Ellis of Mt. Vernon, IL, will handle arrangements for such a tourney. August 1, Sunday -- Finals in all tourneys and presentation of awards. FORMER CHAMPIONS ARE BACK At press time, Shapiro had been notified that nine former
champions were planning on attending. The lineup of former champs
includes: Bob Anderson (Elem. Baseball, '74), Fred Floreth (Adv. Baseball,
'74), Bart Ewing (Adv. Basketball, '74), Tom Nelson (Adv. Other well-known S-O-M garners planning to be there are Mark Hatton, Mike Cummins [and his wife, Dana], Steve Parewski and Robert Henry, who'll be bringing his vast baseball card collection--probably the most complete in the S-O-M world. All told, Shapiro expects about 150-200 people. A large number of gamers have already indicated they would be in attendance, but Shapiro is issuing an appeal for more female contestants, something in short supply the past two years. FACILITIES AGAIN AVAILABLE The S-O-M Club, a campus organization, makes it possible for Shapiro to use the Union and dormitory for the convention. Housing, for about $5.50 per night per person, will again be available in the dormitory [Florida Avenue Residence Hall, a 12-story building]. The dorm is the closest to the convention site, but there are hotels and motels in Champaign and Urbana. A $2.00 entry fee will again be collected and that will be used to pay for trophies and advertisements. Again, it should be pointed out, Shapiro is shouldering almost all the burden of staging the convention--a mammoth undertaking, to be sure. Those wishing to signup in advance for the convention, or seeking additional information, should contact: Rick Shapiro, xxxxxxxx, Skokie, IL xxxxx. A stamped, self-addressed envelope will be necessary to receive a reply. CONVENTION INFORMATION As mentioned above, it will be possible to arrive earlier than the scheduled starting date. One of the organizers of the convention will be present and accommodations will be ready. Only the advanced baseball and the two elementary baseball tourneys will be double elimination, although a loser's tourney may also be held for those who bow out quickly. Shapiro also stresses the importance of people bringing their own games for the respective tourneys, and two teams for any of the baseball tournaments and football (unless you wish to play a '74 team with the new kickoff and punt returns you will need three because you will only be able to use it if your opponent also has a '74 team). For basketball, teams will be picked at the convention. The 1974-75 season teams will be used. Except for basketball, you may use any teams you want Scoresheets are, like the lack of games, in demand and also a problem. So, if you have any extras, bring 'em along. In all tournaments teams will be switched (in baseball: two-game series, switch after first game; basketball and football: switch at halftime). Only in baseball are there restrictions upon certain players being freely used. Some of them are: 1. A starting pitcher used in the first game of any round must have two rounds of rest before starting again. Your opponent may use any eligible starter after you switch teams (in effect the same starter if he wishes) as long as that starter has had two rounds of rest. 2. No player with less than 150 plate appearances (walks and at-bats) may start. 3. There will be strict rules about a starter's removal. 4. One pitcher may hurl a maximum of nine innings pen round. 5. The winner of any tourney match will be the one who scores the most runs (points). 6. If you tie in runs (points) at the end of the round, then it's considered one-half win and one-half loss. GET YOUR ENTRIES IN Remember, the countdown toward Convention '76 is moving rapidly along. So, contact Shapiro quickly and reserve yourself a spot. The dates again are July 30-31 and Aug. 1. As the Fonz would say: "Be there!"
Large S-O-M Throng Expected At Univ. of Illinois Campus Look for the biggest turnout yet at a Strat-O-Matic Convention organized by Rick (Wolfman) Shapiro. The latest howlings from the Wolfman hint that upwards of 150 to 200 people are expected for the third annual national convention being staged in Urbane, IL, July 30 through Aug. 1. Preparations have all been made, according to Shapiro, and now he's just waiting for the first arrivals to hit the University of Illinois campus. Rick's counting on a heavier turnout from the state of Illinois than in past years, principally because of 3,000 flyers sent throughout the state and a recent interview by a news agency. "After the school printed an article about the convention in the Daily Illini, I was interviewed by a news agency," says Shapiro. "This interview may appear on 20-25 radio stations in Illinois right around the time of the convention." Shapiro also mentions that 50 people have already
signed up to attend. So, this summer's TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE July 30, Friday -- Advanced football, Elementary Baseball A [1905-1957) and Elementary Baseball B [1960-1975). July 31, Saturday -- Advanced Baseball and Advanced Basketball. Contestants will be allowed to play in just one/day.. There may be a losers' tourney, too, but that will be decided at the convention. Scott Ellis of Mt. Vernon, IL, will handle arrangements for such a tourney. August 1, Sunday -- Finals in all tourneys and presentation of awards. Many past convention champions have indicated to Shapiro that they will be back bidding for more honors and trophies. Some of the well-known S-O-M leagues will be represented, too. Keith Walker, commissioner of the Continental S-O-M Baseball Association, will be on hand. Shaplro joined the league this season (to occupy his free moments) and reports that as many as five members could be on the convention scene. One who is expected is Gerald Ittenbach, 53 years young and one of the few senior citizens who publicly acknowledges he rolls dice for a hobby. GAMES, SCORESHEETS NEEDED Shapiro, who must be given credit for virtually single-handedly organizing and running off the tournaments, admits he can't do it all. He has lined up plenty of support and helpers from the S-O-M Club, a campus organization whose existence makes it possible for the campus Union and dorm to be used for the convention (at the dorm, the Florida Avenue Residence Hall, lodging is again available for around $5.50 per person per night). He also could use some help from the conventioners; namely that as many as possible bring their own games and a supply of scoresheets, especially for baseball. EVENING ACTIVITIES PLANNED Even though the tournaments are slated for only the daylight hours this year, Shapiro mentions that many other activities can be pursued in the evenings. Rather than have an all-tournament convention, which can leave limp many a dice-rollin' hand after three days, Shapiro says a bowling tourney could be held (if there's enough interest), plus there will be pinball, a chance to dip in a pool, perhaps a one-on-one basketball tourney, and a chance to explore the university's unique Plato Computer System, featuring games such as football, baseball, star trek, etc. Shapiro became so fascinated by the challenges of Plato that he once spent nine hours straight playing the games. Also, there will be an opportunity in the evenings for people to become, better acquainted, perhaps discus some of the so-called "burning questions" in the S-O-M world (such as the pros and cons of the "Clearinghouse"**), and to buy and sell teams--which in itself lures many card collectors and garners to a convention. The next big happening in the S-O-M world gets under way Friday, July
30. Will the next trophies have your name on one of them?
Vol.. VI-7
October 1976 50¢
"The fifth annual Strat-O-Matic Convention was," in
the words of organizer Rick (Wolfman) Shapiro, "a terrific smash!" SOM GAMES LEAD TO NEW FRIENDSHIPS "Since most of the people that attended stayed at the dorm, they got to meet most conventioneers before the convention. Many new friendships developed as a result," according to Shapiro. "I think the atmosphere surrounding the convention was very informal and destroyed many of the inhibitions people have when they encounter a group of new people. It was very easy to real comfortable and we tried to make sure every one felt they were wanted and important," adds Shapiro. For many it was an opportunity to meet people they had corresponded with by mail for many years, but never had never seen before. SPECIAL THANKS FROM SHAPIRO Shapiro again bore the major burden of organizing the
convention. The task, as he's quick to admit, is becoming more and more
strenuous, thanks to rapidly increasing attendance. Shapiro pays homage to
a number of assistants who, together with himself, made it all possible in
'76. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Because of the gargantuan task of organizing such a
convention, Shapiro is appealing for help for next year. Any individual ,
or group of people, willing to devote time and money to cover some of the
expenses would certainly be welcomed with open arms by the WoIfman.
What do Ed Smith, Austin Weeces, Steve Dempsey, Marc Boetto and Steve
Rigdon all have in common?
Eighteen participants battled for honors in the 1905-57 portion of the
elementary baseball tourney.
Again, it was a case of a new champ being corwned as last year's winner --
Dale Barnes -- went to the
sidelines in the third round. The finals saw Austin Weeces of Jefferson
City, MO, with the '27 Yanks
square off against Craig Johnson of California and the '53 Dodgers.
Special highlights of the elementary baseball action included: Craig
Johnson's '53 Dodges scoring 17 runs,
banging out 19 hits and burying a team managed by Gerald Ittenbach ... Ken
Keltner going 5-for-5 with three
homers and seven RBIs for Steve Pavek's '48 Indians vs. Tom Brown's '46
Cards ... and Bruce Barker's Mike
Cuellar, '70 Baltimore Orioles, one-hitting Stan Awtrey's '70 Reds in a
shutout triumph.
Another new champion was in the making in advanced football, since Tom Nelson of New York also was unable to attend and defend the title he won a year ago. Liz Walters was sidelined early in this one, while Alfred Wong, runner-up last summer, reached the semi-finals before bowing out.
(Notes from the Wolfman: Well, the conventions were getting old hat and I was hopeful that for 1977 we could see more people involved. Also unfortunately during our time, we were never able to get two conventions going but the tradition did continue with other folks after we eventually finished in 1980 but as far as I know, only Baseball Tournaments have been done. Anyway if you are curious who won in 1977 -- you know what to do.)
1977 Strat-o-matic
Convention #6
To correspond with the "Wolfman" feel free to send him an email at:
To view the leagues that the "Wolfman" is competing
in, feel free to visit:
To read the article entitled "The Wolfman's Return to SOM", which
deals
Or to read his article about Wolfman's first experience at the
Star Tournaments http://www.v-j-enterprises.com/startournament_chi1.html
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