Fellow Managers, 

The season has ended, a champion is crowned once more — 

Congratulations to Leo, Tokin’ Asian, on winning his fifth league championship and first since 2020. Tokin’ Asian is now the winningest manager in BML history, taking sole possession of first place from Jags, who won four straight titles between 2008-2011. 

It may feel like Tokin’ won as a playoff Cinderella because he finished the regular season in 7th place, but closer look at his head-to-head stats tell a different story. Tokin’ went 13-6-3 in weekly matchups and 7-1 in the last two months of the regular season (all wins were 5-4 or 6-4). 

For the first time, The Office of the Commissioner has decided that we will award an annual winner’s trophy. I haven’t had time to pick one yet, but once I do, I’ll send a separate email with details. Past champions will have the option of buying hardware. 

This season featured other highlights worth mentioning. For me, CoMeesh, to finish second place was shocking, as it was my highest finish ever. In 13 seasons, I’ve never made it to the big show. While my mom and sister sat around waiting for news about Dad, Fantasy baseball was a welcome distraction. 

If Baldelli’s had a Rookie of the Year award it would go to Pampered Birds, who led all teams in the regular season with a record of 131-76-13 earning him a gold-level finish. 

There are no rule changes planned for next year, though I’ll take another look over the winter. The entry fee may increase by $5 to accommodate the trophy. 

A final, personal message – Growing up in Russia, my dad and couldn’t identify the difference between a baseball and a lacrosse ball. But in 2004 when the Red Sox broke the curse of the Bambino, he bought a Red Sox hat and wore it proudly for a couple of weeks. I miss you, dad.