2026 RBL Preview

2026 RBL Preview

The RBL was founded in 2020, it was the first league to be created for my universe, and has been using Stratomatic Baseball (with some in-house rules to add some realism).  Strat Baseball has been one of my favorite tabletop sport games since I found out about it in 1995.  The colorful cards and ease of play are key components to an enjoyable gaming experience.  

League Setup - The RBL is an eight team league with two four team conference.  For the 2026 season, there are 72 games in the regular season

• Eastern Conference - Edgemoor Cannons (Vested Team #1) / Maine Lobsters / Maryland Crab Cakes / Philadelphia Phillies
• Western Conference - Elantris Aon Dor (Vested Team #2) / Idaho Potatoes / Louisiana Mudskipper / Utah Utes

NOTE - I had to dissolve the Edgemoor Cannons into a second vested team after the 2024 season.  They were just too stacked.  This is why I have two vested teams. 

Player Pool - From the 2025 MLB season, I pulled all the players who were born outside of the US.  To get complete rosters, I also included players that came from smaller states in the US.  I also included the Philadelphia Phillies (and randomly added players to make them competitive).  For the starting pool of players for my vested teams, Edgemoor and Elantris, the older players were alumni from an old TIG league I was part of (ibo.org).  From there, I randomly assigned players to teams until rosters were filled.  Players who were not assigned to a team are marked as Free Agents and can be claimed to replace a player who has run out of usage (Philly, Edgemoor, and Elantris can only use free agency if they do not have enough active player to fill out a roster.  This is one of the limitations to being a 'vested' team)

Player Limitations - Skaters are limited to 50% of the plate appearances they played in real life.  Full injuries are in effect (Please note this goes across all my leagues... I may be easy going with certain aspects of my leagues, but I am downright ruthless when it comes to injuries.  I enjoy having that random element to my league play)

Schedule Setup - One week will consist of teams playing a three game series.  Team will be alternating weeks between being at home and being on the road.  

Player Awards - Awards include the Babe Ruth MVP award for the best hitter, the Cy Young for best pitcher, Rookie of the Year, and the Fireman award for the top relief pitcher. 

Last year, the Phil’s ended the season with a .500 record and clinched the final playoff spot in the last week of the regular season.  They went on to best Edgemoor in a thrilling World Series that went the full seven games.  I am very curious to see how this season shapes up

Next up, 2026 RBL Opening Day - Idaho @ Louisiana

Rob Lennon - Diggin Dep Sports