The first step is to pick the players you want to create cards for. You can choose current MLB players, players from past seasons, or even make cards for fictional players you invent. Be sure to research the players thoroughly to get their stats and abilities correct. Some key info to collect includes their batting average, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, pitching stats like ERA and wins, as well as fielding abilities. It’s also important to determine each player’s rating for important Strat-o-Matic abilities like batting eye, power, speed, fielding range, arm strength, pitching control, and stamina.
Once you’ve selected your players and gathered all their stats, it’s time to start designing the cards. You’ll need card stock paper to create the front and back of each card. For the front, include the player’s name, team, position, uniform number, and headshot or illustration. You can draw these by hand or use a computer to lay them out. Don’t forget any relevant awards or accolades like MVPs or World Series rings. For the crucial stats, you’ll need to calculate a rating from 0-9 using the Strat-o-Matic rating guide as a reference. Things like batting average directly translate, while abilities need to be rated based on the player’s career performance and skills.
On the back of the card, include all the key annual stats for that player. For hitters, list their batting average, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, walks, strikeouts, at bats and games played. For pitchers show their wins, losses, ERA, innings pitched, hits allowed, walks, strikeouts, home runs allowed, complete games and shutouts. Again use Strat-o-Matic’s statistical conversion charts to accurately rate their stats as numbers from 0-9. You may also want to include any relevant injury or condition codes to reflect a player’s career arcs and declines. Take your time to ensure all the stats and ratings are thoughtful and accurately reflect how that player would perform in a Strat-o-Matic season simulation.
Once the card designs are complete, you’ll need to cut them out following Strat-o-Matic’s standard card size and layout. Test printing a few on regular paper first before cutting the actual cardstock. When cutting, use a ruler and sharp hobby knife or scissors. Carefully cut along the edges, being sure not to damage the card faces. Consider using card protectors or sleeves to prevent bending or damage to the finished cards. You can also consider laminating them for extra durability, especially if the cards will see heavy gameplay.
With your homemade Strat-o-Matic cards created, the next step is to organize and catalog them. Place the cards in numeric order by uniform number inside a baseball card box, binder or custom Strat-o-Matic folder. Consider including Position, Team and other Index cards to help locate players more easily during a game. You can also photograph and keep digital records of the cards stats for easy future reference. Playtest the cards against each other to check that the ratings and abilities seem balanced and reflective of real MLB performance. Make any small adjustments to stats or ratings as needed based on your test plays.
With practice, patience and attention to detail when researching players and converting their stats, you can create fully customized and uniquely personalized Strat-o-Matic baseball cards from scratch. Being able to simulate seasons and play head-to-head matchups with your very own players and team builds brings the classic Strat-o-Matic experience to an entirely new level. With the right materials and following Strat-o-Matic’s guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to crafting your own homemade deck of playable Strat-o-Matic baseball stars.
