New to the ABL? Read this first!

[aaron_commissioner]

Being a part of a new league, especially if new to online leagues and even more so if new to OOTP, is a daunting task. After you have been entered into the game file, use this page as a starting point for getting acclimated to some of the intricacies of the American Baseball Legion.

If you want more information on getting into the file, please refer to an older ABL article here: www.americanbaseballlegion.com/index.php/2-uncategorised/13-getting-started-as-new-gm

Become familiar with the rules.
We pride ourselves on not having very many rules in the ABL, but the ones we have are very important. Be sure to review these:
ablootp.proboards.com/thread/2/abl-league-rules?page=1&scrollTo=2390
If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask!

Understand the different websites
For the most part, all you will need to use regularly is Slack (for which you should have received a personal invitation) and this Forum page (http://ablootp.proboards.com/). However, be aware that there are other websites out there:
Official league website (where you can find files, general news, and be redirected to our other sites): www.americanbaseballlegion.com/
StatsPlus website (where we will do the draft, vote for awards, and you can track stats): statsplus.net/americanbaseballlegion/# You'll need to sign up using Slack for this site!
Reports website (where you can view game information outside of the game): www.americanbaseballlegion.com/game/lgreports/leagues/league_145_home.html
Export tracker (where you can confirm that your export has taken): www.americanbaseballlegion.com/game/exporttracker4/
Live Sim (on special occasions and the playoffs, games in OOTP will be simmed live and can be viewed here): www.americanbaseballlegion.com/game/lgreports/rt_sim/index.html

Utilize Slack
Slack is likely going to be the main way you communicate with your fellow GMs. Feel free to become familiar with the system. You can change your name, image, and communicate with individuals or in groups. Also, I find it very helpful (and distracting) to have the Slack app on my phone. Search for the app on your appropriate app store.
Finally, always feel free to contact any of the following individuals were are part of our leadership team in the ABL:
- Kendall (Red Sox)
- Erick (Rockies)
- John (Braves)
- Peter (Cubs)
- Myself (Mariners)

For trades, use the forums.
The process is pretty self explanatory, but these steps help:
- Make sure you have reviewed the rules (draft picks, recent draftees, and recent free agent signings are not always eligible for trade)
- Make sure you can afford contracts (check your own "accounting" page in your front office)
- Review posting guidelines: ablootp.proboards.com/thread/306/posting-trade-read

Install the newest images/jerseys/ballcaps file
Found on the league website (www.americanbaseballlegion.com/), images can be downloaded and unzipped to your saved game so that you have the latest logos for the teams. Here's where to export each folder (these directions are for Windows users):
- Images: Unzip to .../Documents/Out of the Park Developments/OOTP Baseball 18/saved_games/AmericanBaseballLegion.lg/news/html/
- Jerseys and Ballcaps: Unzip to .../Documents/Out of the Park Developments/OOTP Baseball 18/saved_games/AmericanBaseballLegion.lg/