The Vintage Press
An conduit of news and opinion for Nostalgia Sim Baseball's California league
Got some interesting news about your players' heroics, a hot trade, or an opinion about what's going on this league? Publish it here!
SEPTEMBER 9, 2007. FIRST NB CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FOR A WOMAN.
On September 7, 2007, Leslie Harbaugh recorded the first ever championship by a woman in our leagues. Since the inception of Nostalgia Baseball, only 4 female owners have entered our "baseball universe." Leslie has become first-rate owner and fielded competitive teams in every league she's joined. Her Campbell league Hip Chicks are sure to make a run in the not-too-distant future.
How does a 31 year old mother of two get hooked on baseball? Leslie says it happened back in high school when she watched her boyfriend Dru play during their sophomore year. A native of Mansfield, Ohio, Leslie says her last 6 months in Nostalgia Baseball have taught her more about the game than she ever knew before.
And a fruitful learning curve it was! Her Los Cabos Chameleons finished the regular season with a superlative 113-49 (.698) record. They breezed through two rounds of playoffs to finish the post season with an 8-1 mark, easily flicking off the pesky Reno Silver Rangers in four games to win the championship. She outscored her opponents 50-16 in the postseason, a truly dominating performance. When asked about her success, Leslie modestly replied "the draft was very good to me" and then added, "Having Bonds and Gwynn on offense, you really can't go wrong...". Some may beg to differ on that point. Her deep pitching staff (2.52 ERA on the regular season) was indeed extraordinary, and the Bonds-Gwynn duo did their share of damage, but no NB team wins 113 games without excellent management.
Sadly, Leslie has announced her intention to let go of the Los Cabos Chameleons. Due to a more demanding work schedule, she will scale down her participation somewhat in the future. While it's tough for the commissioner's office to see the new champ resign her franchise, let it be said that Leslie is going out in style.