I don't know the complete league history, but it's been around since about 1982. I also know that it was a face-to-face league using Replay baseball rather than Strat and everyone lived in the Austin area. I joined in 1988 and brought in Tomlinson a year later (so yes, you can blame me). If I remember correctly, the following current members were already in ARBA when I started: Ken, Gary, Don, JR, Warren, and Tom S. However, a few of those have left and returned in the years since then.
I joined the league mid-season I believe in 1984, through Don. Don, Warren, Ken and Gary are original members I believe. At that time the league did use Replay Baseball, it was face to face. We used to meet at the public library in downtown Austin every other Saturday to play games. Let me tell you, as a 20 year old joining his first simulation baseball league, it was quite intimidating going face to face against those guys. The draft and auction were held at the library usually and were a blast. Ahhhh the memories (not to mention the pressure) of announcing your draft picks out loud in person in front of the whole league and being able to witness in person the smirks, eye rolling and smart ass coments. It really is too bad that the realities of adulthood have robbed us of that pleasure of face to face drafting.
Oh and yes I brought Keith into the league in 1989 I believe after I moved to Arlington/Ft Worth and we had become a play by mail league.
Ken wrote a nince history of the league a couple of years back. I am not sure where it resides, but I know he still has a copy. He can probably send it to Tom and then it can be displayed on the web site. We started in 1982 ( a replay of the 1981 strike season ) and I am the only founding member still playing in the league. I replied to an add in the paper and about 30 people met at a steak house (?) in north Austin to decide f we wanted to start a baseball or a football league. Actually, both leagues were started, but I chose to only participate in baseball. I did leave for a few years in the 90's and then returned. I brought Ken into the league to take over a team in mid season that year. I believe Ken is the only other member that joined in year one. I know he has more years in the league than any other member. I believe Don and JR started in year two. I am not sure when Warren started but it was very early and may have been year two as well.
Interesting topic. I have moved from Lovelady to Buffalo this month so I haven't been online (waiting for DSL) and just noticed the topic. I joined in the offseason of 1984 with 1985 being my first year. I came into the league with Bud Grant if any of y'all remember him. I was brought into the league through Don. Gary, Ken , Don , and J.R. were already in the league. The face-to-face years were very memorable. I remember Scott Haring getting frustrated and picking up someone's dice(die) and throwing them against the wall in frustration. Then there was the time Rick Pressley (who I brought into the league) got into a flipping off contest with another member ( I can picture his face but can't remember his name). Thought we might actually have a fight there for a few moments. Then there were the visits to J.R.'s house....online is easier but not as much fun.
