Coach spreading passion for Strat-O-Matic
RED BAY — Red Bay baseball coach Donnie Hastings has always had a strong passion for the game of baseball.
He listened to games on the radio, watched games on television and read Baseball Digest. One of those issues of Baseball Digest changed his life when it introduced him to Strat-O-Matic baseball.
“I filled out a little form and sent it to Strat-O-Matic,” Hastings said. “I had a friend who had the game and we played it. From then on I was hooked. That was 31 years ago.”
Strat-O-Matic is a game in which players use dice and cards with scenarios to play a baseball game. Many consider it the world’s first fantasy baseball game.
The game has come a long way since Hastings began playing. Many dedicated fans travel the country to participate in tournaments
“There are tournaments all across the United States, but they are always far away like in New York or Los Angeles,” Hastings said. “A few years ago there was one in Atlanta and I went. I have been hooked on tournaments since.”
On June 26 Hastings will host a tournament in Red Bay. He hosted one last year in which eight people participated. The players included a guy from Los Angeles and another from Chicago.
He said he has about 11 players for this year’s tournament and there are some more openings available.
Hastings said he is hoping the game catches on in this area because it is fun and a great hobby for people who like baseball strategy.
He has tried to introduce the game to several people and has had a mixed reaction.
“I try to teach them how to play and they know quickly if it is something they would like,” Hastings said. “If they don’t like it, that is okay.”
Hastings said people interested in learning the game can either contact him at (256) 668-3557 or search for the game on the Internet.
“There are a couple of Web sites and two or three blogs dedicated to the game,” Hastings said.
He said he would be willing to tutor new players in the game before the tournament so they can decide if they want to participate.
