APBA Baseball is a classic baseball simulation board game first published in 1961 by the American Professional Baseball Association (APBA). What sets APBA Baseball apart from other baseball board games is its use of detailed statistical player cards to simulate real MLB players and teams. These cards contain reams of statistical data on each player and are used along with dice rolls to determine the outcome of simulated baseball games.
The player cards are one of the most iconic and collectible parts of the APBA Baseball experience. Generations of fans have pored over the cards, analyzing stats and comparing players. While the game itself has undergone some rule changes over the decades, the basic card design has remained largely the same since the early 1960s. Each card contains a photo of the player along with comprehensive stats from their career so far.
Some of the key stats included on each APBA Baseball card include:
Batting average – Broken down by splits such as home/away, day/night games, with runners on base context etc. This gives a picture of how the player performs in different situations.
Home runs – Also split into various categories to capture power in different contexts.
Runs batted in – Another key power stat.
Stolen bases – For players with speed.
Fielding percentage and errors – To rate the player’s defensive skills.
Pitching statistics – For hurlers, this includes wins, losses, ERA, innings pitched, hits allowed, walks and more. Splits show performance in different contexts.
Additional minor league stats – For prospects yet to break into the majors, their minor league hitting and pitching stats are included to forecast MLB potential.
Special ratings – Additional subjective scouting ratings are given in categories like power, speed, fielding ability, pitching control etc. on a 20-80 scale.
Career totals so far – A running tally of the player’s career stats to date is presented on the card.
Season-by-season splits – Breakdowns of the player’s stats for each individual MLB season played so far. This allows tracking performance trends over time.
With such a wealth of historical statistical data, APBA Baseball player cards offer an incredibly detailed simulation of each real life ballplayer. General managers can analyze and compare talent levels, while players use the stats along with dice rolls to determine game outcomes. Over the decades, the cards have become coveted collectibles chronicling baseball history.
One of the most unique aspects of APBA cards is that they are continually updated each season. This keeps the game current and allows recreating baseball seasons from year to year with accurate stats. After each season, APBA would publish new card sets and updates to capture that year’s statistical performances. Players are also retired from the game once their real-life MLB careers end.
For dedicated APBA players, part of the fun is hunting down the elusive new card releases and updates. Completing full vintage sets from different eras can be a challenge. Thanks to the secondary market, out-of-print cards also become highly collectible. Prices vary widely depending on the player, condition, and supply versus demand for that particular card.
Grading services have also emerged to authenticate and assess the condition of valuable vintage APBA cards. Much like other trading card hobbies, gem mint APBA cards in top condition can command big premiums. Key rookies, stars, and cards from the earliest APBA sets are usually the most desirable.
APBA’s use of such detailed player statistical simulation through cards was truly groundbreaking for board games when it launched in the 1960s. It captured the interest of hardcore baseball fans and helped popularize the still-nascent hobby of sports card collecting. Today, the APBA game remains a cherished classic among baseball purists and collectors alike. The historic player cards continue to document baseball achievements and remain a unique way to relive the sport’s past.
