In March of 2013, we received a special request from a long-time client wishing to honor the memory of a league member who had recently passed away. We were happy to oblige that request, as well as all similar requests we received subsequent to that first posting, and we'll do the same for any we receive in the future. If you wish to pay respects in tribute to former leaguemates, please email us the text of what you'd like to say and we'll post it here.

Most Recent Update: Monday, May 29, 2026 from Tubby’s Rotisserie League:

On May 12, 2026, the Tubby’s Rotisserie League lost one of its most devoted and beloved members to illness: Kirk Ramsey — or, to those who knew him best, “Rams.” For nearly 30 years of the league’s almost 40-year existence, Kirk was an active and integral part of our baseball family. Kirk’s love for the game of baseball was undeniable. A lifelong and devoted fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, he attended as many games as possible as a boy. In fact, he often traveled to home games alongside the likes of Claude Osteen, Bill Russell, and Charlie Hough, gaining a wealth of baseball knowledge along the way. As a young man, Kirk played high school baseball with several future members of the Tubby’s League, where he excelled as a pitcher on a championship team. Kirk looked forward to fantasy baseball season all year long. Just days after the World Series ended, he would begin preparing for the next draft. Weeks were spent compiling his famous “Ramsametrics,” building player lists, and relentlessly gathering intel from fellow managers. Come draft day, Kirk would make the 600-mile drive without hesitation so he could attend in person. More than anything, he cherished the opportunity to spend time with friends, enjoy a few beers, and talk baseball. And nobody loved talking baseball more than Kirk. When Kirk spoke, you listened — because you knew you were about to learn something. Though Kirk never captured a league championship, it was certainly never due to a lack of effort or passion. From Opening Day to the final out of September, he pursued a title with relentless determination. Whether it was making roster moves, adding yet another multi-position-eligible player (Kirk always wanted options), or proposing trades — no doubt to whom they favored — he was constantly working to improve his team. Win-loss records aside, we all know Kirk was a winner. Kirk faced the end of his life the same way he lived it: with tenacity, pride, his head held high, and love in his heart. Those who loved Kirk will miss him deeply. We will miss him. Godspeed, Kirk.

from the South Dayton National Rotisserie League:

The South Dayton Rotisserie League suddenly lost one of its longstanding members on April 23,2026. Josh had been in the league for over 25 years and was a past commissioner. He always loved draft day which our league held in person. his great loves in life were the Cubs, fishing, and being a police officer. His stepbrother and myself (his father) each own teams in the league, and Josh never really cared if he won the season, just if he could finish ahead of family. He will forever be in our hearts and he is probably still playing baseball with other owners that have passed on.

from the Lawnboys League of Rotisserie Baseball:

In Memoriam: Randy King Owner, Comfortably Numb

The Lawnboys League of Rotisserie Baseball mourns the loss of Randy King, one of our Founding Fathers and longtime owner of Comfortably Numb. Randy was a steady and familiar presence in the league, returning season after season with a love for the game, respect for the competition (except for Fez), and an eye for Red Sox prospects.

As the steward of Comfortably Numb, Randy helped give the league continuity and character, though he never did bring home the trophy for his squad. His participation, rivalries, and shared moments remind us that this league has always been about more than standings and stats—it’s about community. Even after getting sick, Randy attended almost every draft in person and completed the 2025 draft just weeks before his passing.

Randy’s absence will be felt every draft day and throughout each season ahead. He will not be forgotten.

May his lineup always be set, and his prospects always be young.

Stellis Aequus Durando

from the Edinburgh Baseball Association:

The Edinburgh Baseball Association lost a founding member last July when Jackie Smith rounded third and entered Heaven like he said he imagined – and we’re sure he did.

Jackie, or Black Jack to his friends, was involved in sports his entire life, first as a player and later as someone who touched a lot of lives in area youth baseball as the parks director, a coach, and an umpire. He also was a stalwart on the area softball diamonds, and helped coach high school baseball. He ran the scoreboard for over 30 years for the town’s high school and middle school basketball teams.

He was a huge Minnesota Twins fan and never failed to tell people of his admiration for his favorite player, Harmon Killebrew. Although he was always an AL fan, he jumped at the chance to help start our fantasy league in 1989 which is an NL only league. He was that much of a baseball guy. In his final two years he took on a partner to help with the weekly chores of running the team but he was always all-in for Draft Day, his self-proclaimed “Best day of the year”.

from the Mid-America Baseball Alliance:

We would like to pay tribute to one of our league's founding fathers. Our league was founded in 1986 and has been running ever since. Chris Whitesel was an original member and a cornerstone of our family. He was either family or a friend to all of us. Chris is my uncle and I'll always be grateful for the time we had. He was one of the guys to help show me the ropes growing up. Chris had a great laugh and always brought a light to the room. He loved the Cubs, the Colts and the Pacers and was a great sports fan. He also shares a love of fishing with several other league members. Chris had been running his team with his son, Jacob the past few years. He will continue his dad's legacy as owner of the White Cells. Chris will be missed by all of us, especially at this year's auction.

from The Old Cascade League:

We honor the memory of Ron Johnson, who passed away October 1, 2024 at the age of 85 in Tacoma, Washington. He was the proud owner of the Belfair Bombers, who captured the 2019 World Championship in our Old Cascade League. Ron was a soft-spoken man and not known for witty one-liners and punchy zingers. But he came up with a whopper in the first season of our fledgling league in 2015. When his son Derek led his Wartime Consiglieres to the title, Derek met his dad at a restaurant and loudly proclaimed his team as "World Champions!". Ron cleared his throat (which he did whenever he was going to say something serious), and said "Son, cut the crap. Just because you beat me and a couple guys from Woodinville, doesn't make you a World Champion."

Ron was a passionate fan of the Seattle Mariners, having followed them religiously since their inception in 1977. But as our 2019 fantasy baseball season came down the stretch, Ron found himself unabashedly rooting for one of his pitchers one night who was going against the Mariners on a warm September evening. Ron acknowledged that he was going onto Onroto.com to check his team's live stats about 10 times a day at that point. His Bombers made the playoffs and ultimately squared off against the Wartime Consiglieres in the championship, and prevailed 6-4. (Our league was up to 8 members by that point).

In his final years, Ron's dementia actually became apparent on the day of our 2021 Auction Draft. Derek (the commish) had to pause the draft because Ron was struggling just to log onto the Onroto site. Derek was irritated by this and not yet understanding the true gravity of the situation and what was to come. Ron lost all interest managing his team by June and his club finished near the bottom of the standings. He would never play fantasy baseball again.

In addition to being a Mariners fan, Ron was a diehard Washington Huskies football fan. He was a season ticket holder for 61 years, going all the way back to his freshman year at the UW in 1957.

Ron is remembered for his kindness and good nature. And yes dad, for your WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP in 2019.

Ron Johnson at Hood Canal in 2015, proudly sporting his Belfair Bombers t-shirt.

from Maryland's Finest Rotisserie League:

We are sad to announce the loss of long time owner Stuart Emden. Stuart was a great owner and MFRL champion in 2011. Stuart will be missed. His kindness will always be remembered. Lots of good memories and stories were shared on 2025 Draft Auction day.

Stuart Bernard Emden, of Columbia, Maryland, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the age of 72. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ronni Emden (nee Feuer); and loving children, Sara Emden, and Jonathan Emden.

He was predeceased by his caring parents, Sydney and Frances Emden. He was in the wine field for many years, an avid reader, chess player and loved his fantasy baseball league.

from the Barristers Trust Roto League:

As we start our 37th year, we commemorate the Trapper, Thomas Long, who participated since year 2 and won a couple of titles, including setting our all-time record for highest percentage of available points garnered, as he grabbed 96 of an available 100 points in winning in 2007. He was known for having his own methods and analysis, with a cryptic strategy that only the Trapper understood (one year he cleverly saved his money for the end game to purchase his secret name, Torey Lovullo for a buck.)

He joins other past BTRL winners in fantasy baseball heaven (we hope) our all-time winner, Babe Lee (7 championships) and Commissioner for Life Dondo Aldrich (1 time winner, though was always an optimist that this was his year, [except when he hated baseball or us "for pimping him", a couple of years]) plus a few others lost from our competition, Rich and Tommy. They are all beloved and missed.

from the South Dayton National Rotisserie League:

The South Dayton National Rotisserie League would like to pay tribute to 2 of our beloved but not forgotten members.

Joe Tarkany was one of the original founders of our league back in 1985. Joe won several league championships and was a hoot at draft day as he always brought beers from around the world.

Kent Griffith was a funny and jovial person who was the type that would give you his last dime if you needed it. After his passing, we were fortunate to have his father assume his team to carry on his legacy. Each year the league presents the Kent Griffith Memorial Award to the league's outstanding team

from the National Armchair Baseball League:

On November 16, 2024, Brian Danziger was lost to the National Armchair Baseball League, but his memory will last forever. The NABL, founded in 1988, was special to Brian. He helped write the rule book along with the original Commish one Saturday afternoon at a kitchen table in West Newton MA in the winter of 1988. He famously regaled anyone who would listen, and many who had no interest at all, with his winning strategy to take home the inaugural Lazy Boy Cup. He even had a binder outlining how he did it - I kid you not. He was the shadow commissioner for many years because he had a near encyclopedic memory for the many rule changes made by the owners but never written down. He was lost to us briefly when his battles with his demons first became apparent nearly 25 years ago. But after a couple of years off, he returned triumphantly. He even took home the LBC in 2 of his last 6 seasons. Brian lived for the draft/auction. His preparation was meticulously both color and symbol coded, and he always, I mean always, had a strategy. We will miss his proclamation of the "steal of the draft", but even more so, we will miss Brian, a truly good soul who never in his entire life ever hurt anyone other than himself. The day he passed away, the LBC, which he had not yet had inscribed to mail to the 2024 winner, was on his mantle. So, it feels like perhaps that all of the current and past members of the NABL were with him even in his last moments.

Beginning with the 2025 draft each owner in the NABL will put money into a pot and at the conclusion of the draft we will vote for the Brian Danziger Memorial "Steal of the Draft". Brian loved the draft, and we can think of no greater way to honor his memory and important role in the NABL. Rest in Peace my Friend, your loss has truly gutted us.

from the No Lives League:

Ira Greene, a founding member of the Tigreenes, wanted the world to know for eternity his devotion to Rotisserie baseball, and to his team the Tigreenes.

from the Mad City AL and NL Leagues:

The Mad City AL and NL leagues lost a long-time owner a few days ago. Wayne Wichelt joined our AL very early - approximately 1987 - and later added a NL team to his astute management skills. Along the way his son Brian became his partner, and then took over when Wayne 'retired' about five years ago. Brian continues today in both of our leagues - Bri's Guys and Sultans of Swap.

from the LEHMAN SUCKED and PUBLIC FINANCE Rotisserie Leagues:

The original PFRL (NL only) was formed [34] years ago, with the LSRL (AL) to follow a few years later. Steve Wendt was one of our friends, a colleague and an innovative person who brought about the long-standing cadre of ex-Lehman bankers to play Rotisserie baseball. Our health care specialist succumbed to lung cancer last year, leaving us with a hole that will never be filled in our baseball comradeship. Rotisserie baseball was still in its infancy when our league was formed, and the Wendster’s Beavis Buttheads won more than their share of championships. Starting at a pre-internet time, our most junior team owner (not Steve) was charged with compiling statistics from the nascent USA Today, maintaining a League spreadsheet and faxing out standings weekly. As we collectively matured, our New York-based league began a tradition of gathering in Las Vegas each season to draft both leagues in a conference room. Steve was the original league commissioner, a position he held until last year. Our friendships lasted through job changes, relocations and life changes but rotisserie was always there.

Steve was a lifelong Brewers fan from Wisconsin, whose enthusiastic support earned him a farewell on the American Family Field scoreboard during his final weeks. His mophead of blonde hair and unique amble of a walking style made Steve hard to miss, and he was the first in our group to officially retire a few years ago. After many years in upstate New York, we all thought it was to get a Rotisserie edge that he moved to Palm Beach Florida in his last years and became a regular at spring training games.

We owe it to Steve who got us started on this decades-long adventure of scouring box scores and following all of the minor league prospects to the detriment of all the more productive aspects of our lives. We miss you Steve.

from the Duckball Michigan League:

February, 2023

Many changes are being implemented this year in MLB. It remains to be seen how it will all play out. Sadly, there is a major change in Duckball last year that has already played out. Our beloved Larry Melton, a great friend and longtime owner of the renowned Video Clippers, passed away last June in a tragic accident. His absence tears at the heart of our league and at the heart of each owner as we embark on our 39th season.

Of course, Larry was so much more than just a great fantasy baseball player. Although he had only been in our league for 25 years or so, he was its soul; a driving joyful force and the technology guru that, in many ways, kept it all going. The brotherhood of Duckball was at Larry’s core, and there was nothing — NOTHING — that would stand in the way of his participation with the gang on draft weekend. Everything else was put aside and he would travel anywhere at any expense to renew our yearly rituals and friendships.

If there is any solace to be found, it is that Larry was totally consumed by the highs and lows of life. He held nothing back; certainly not the tears. Larry was a giver and he left it all on the field. We love ya’, man.

Forever missed.

from the Hercules Baseball League:

In Memoriam Tribute for Le Patron

The Hercules Baseball League (HBL) lost one of its Founding Fathers, Larry Osinski, on 12 December 2022. Larry, aka Le Patron of the Zut Alors franchise, battled through illness all year long, but participated in our annual March Draft Day via Zoom from a hospital bed and finished first in his Ales Division to win one last HBL trophy. The achievement can be credited to his baseball acumen and to the friendships that he cultivated over the years with his fellow franchise owners, who pitched-in to help make this possible.

Larry helped to form the HBL in 1984 and then to guide the league over the next 38 years. He authored several amendments to our Constitution and in 2021 he helped draft a new, cleaned-up version of the Constitution to eliminate ambiguities and arguments. Larry originated our custom of assigning monikers to franchise owners such as Da Boss (of the Blivets) and HeadBilly (of the BillyBalls).

Larry prepared earnestly for each season, and always brought the thickest binder of research materials to Draft Day. His deep research efforts probably began after the inaugural 1984 season when he drafted Jim Palmer, who pitched in 5 games, went 0-3 with a 9.17 ERA, and retired in May. Nobody is perfect. Larry's team won the league championship in 2001. That accomplishment granted him forever the title of Mr. President whenever greeted by fellow HBL franchise owners. Larry originated the term POTHBL (President of the HBL) to refer to the reigning President (the owner of the team that most recently won the championship).

Larry liked to be known as a penny-pinching franchise owner. In 1989, he announced that released Rickey Henderson, who got 'too expensive' at $25. Another owner picked him up for $100 in the bidding, and Rickey had by far the worst year of his career. Larry won this one. To begin the 1999 season, he traded Mariano Rivera for a first-round draft pick because 'he's just about washed-up.' Rivera retired 14 years later. You can't win them all. Above all, Larry cherished the social aspect of our league. He tried to attend every gathering of owners and occasional HBL road trips to see games in Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and New York. He even 'published' a series of fake Playboy Magazine interviews of fellow franchise owners, in which he thoroughly roasted us in the most entertaining fashion.

This tribute to Le Patron does not touch upon our many fond memories and thoughts of Larry outside of the HBL context. It will have to suffice to say that Larry Osinski was a genuinely good person, friend, colleague, husband, and father. RIP, Mr. President, we miss you.

from the Dan Kaufman Memorial HWFBL:

This tribute is both long overdue (I really couldn't manage writing this before now) and very well deserved. The Herm Winningham Fantasy Baseball League lost it's first and longest standing member last spring during our 32nd year of play. Dan Kaufman passed away suddenly from a heart attack while pursuing his other favorite pastime, golf.

Dan (and his partner at the time Doug) had the idea for this league and created it in 1990. As a Montreal based league, the link to the Expos was pretty perfect. We even had a couple of mid year meetings at the Big 'O'. Herm Winningham the player was both an Expo and a frequenter of a local bar run by Dan's partner, hence the name of the league. Dan was the first to shorten the league name to an acronym that I recall so we have him to thank for that.

Dan loved this pastime and his enthusiasm for play was infectious. He was a two time winner in his 31+ years of play and early on he accepted the role of co-commissioner. Sadly, like most leagues probably, we had to navigate through some tough times over the years but he never lost his enthusiasm. He was famous for running his auction with sheafs of paper with players and stats when most had long since graduated to laptops (although he did finally convert). He would often nominate someone for bidding long since purchased invariably drawing scorn from the peanut gallery.

I could go on for a long time but that would be overkill. Our league has continued but won't be the same. Even though Dan will never be forgotten, we're taking no chances and all agreed to rename our league 'The Dan Kaufman Memorial HWFBL'.

from the Legion of Dome League:

The Legion of Dome lost one of our own and an original team owner this year. Drew Sandler passed away the morning of 12 May 2021 after an extended battle with cancer.

I met Drew after joining the Notre Dame Martial Arts Institute in 1984. Back then, he had no interest in baseball (“too boring”) though that would soon change. Joined with some friends, we started playing Strat-o-matic and Dynasty League baseball… Appreciating baseball requires an appreciation of the stats. Playing these games opened his eyes to the numbers (and the true impact of) a Roger-Clemens-vs-Cal-Ripken matchup and thus the depth and nuance of baseball. Only then could he truly appreciate the sport for what it is. After that, he was one of the most ardent baseball fans I’ve ever known.

An owner in the Legion of Dome since it began in 1989, if you knew Drew, you know he was a story teller. He was also a martial artist, a husband, a dad, and a friend. He was also a battler and fought Stage IV cancer for over 7 years. You’re already missed!

from the Wet Newsprint Rotisserie League:

The Wet Newsprint Rotisserie League entered the 2021 season without Mark J. Czerwinski, owner of the Czerera Madres. Mark's passing at age 58 was the first in the history of one of the nation's oldest fantasy baseball leagues, and the hearts of his fellow clubowners still ache.

The WNRL was formed by a group of Northern New Jersey sportswriters in 1984, and Mark joined it four years later. He purchased the team, then known as the Sirera Madres, from Joe Sirera and joyfully accepted a suggestion from the league's commissioner to modify its name rather than overhaul it.

Mark was an outstanding reporter and columnist on the local sports scene. He was readily recognized by coaches and athletes for his upbeat prose, and no one could write a story on deadline faster.

He also was a big Mets fan, and that influenced how he filled the final slots on his WNRL team each spring. It didn't matter how likely the players were to contribute much to either Mark's team or the Mets.

Mark's final season was among his best ones, with the Madres finishing in a tie for third place.

More important, Mark, who also was a church deacon, was highly respected -- a warm, gregarious friend to all.

The league has no plans to replace him. During the 2021 auction, a moment of silence will be observed during Mark's turn to nominate a player, and the league will proceed to compete with 11 teams instead of 12. The champion will receive the first Mark J. Czerwinski Trophy.

from the Southern Tier Fantasy League:

Bob McNamara, owner of Macs Marauders of the Southern Tier Fantasy League in NY State, passed away on Nov 13, 2019. Bob was involved in fantasy baseball for 32 yrs, 25 of those in the STFL. A kind and gentle man, he will be sincerely missed by the remaining owners. Our winners award each year will now be titled " The Mac Award".

from the Chilton Fantasy Baseball League:

For the second year in a row, "THE" Chilton Fantasy Baseball League has lost a member. Bob Hughes (team name The Rie Bops) passed away on April 8th 2019. Bob - in partnership with wife Marie - was a member since 1998.

Despite being one of the oldest members of our league, Bob put most of us so called youngsters to shame with his energetic spirit. He enjoyed some of our extracurricular events even more than baseball itself and entertained the rest of us by scaling the fairground buildings years ago to retrieve frisbees that many of us younger members put up on the rooftops. Bob was a lover of nature and enjoyed trap shooting, canoeing, golfing and bicycling to name a few.

Unfortunately, Bob was riding his bicycle on one of our few nice spring days and died after being hit by a vehicle. We will miss him and wish him well on his journey ahead. Until we meet again our friend say hi to Sam and Coach from all of us.

from the 2-for-1 Pizza League:

The 2 for 1 Pizza League has lost two of our founding members in the last few years. They were brothers, they were our friends, and they were two of the finest people anyone could ever hope to know.

Jesse Marvin Reeves, owner of the Marvelous Marvins, passed on 12/13/14. Jesse was a founding member of our league in 1986. He was a multiple time league champion, an avid reader, and a stalwart supporter of all things Georgia Tech.

David A Reeves, owner of the Dave's Diamond Dawgs, passed on 1/7/19. David was also a founding member of our league in 1986. Also a league champion, devoted father and grandfather, avid Jeopardy watcher and stalwart supporter of all things University of Georgia. GO DAWGS!!

We miss Jesse and David more than any words can express. Save a seat for us at Duane and Gregg's jam.

from the Rudis Rotor Rulers Weekly League:

In June 2007 The Roto Rulers League had one of their founding team owners Rudi Sawyers pass away. Good stats to you Rudi.

MEMORIES

Remember when we would relax, sitting on my patio, Listening to a baseball game on the radio?

Toasting one another with a sip of beer, And when some good news came forth about our Fantasy team, we would let out a cheer.

We would fire up the charcoal grill and then like Kings we dined, Gorging ourselves with delicious food and listening to John Prine.

Sometimes the board games came out and how our competitive juices would flow, Scrabble or Cribbage or Chess sometimes even Dominoes.

Friday night at the bowling alley was always a delightful treat, Rolling strikes and spares, always hoping for a sweep.

Remember when we would take a trip down to visit our friend, Mark, We would take in a game at the Busch, watching some team play the Cards?

While on these treks we would engage in conversation about politics, Contemplating what new scheme George W would deploy from his bag of tricks.

Now it's time to bid farewell to RUDI, my dear Friend, But be assured I will treasure these precious memories until the very end.

from the New England Rotisserie Baseball League:

July 30th 2018

Today the New England Rotisserie Baseball League (NERBL-AL) suffered a great loss. We lost our league mate and friend Kenny Blakemore. Kenny was a member of the league for over 30 years-1987-present. Kenny was an active and passionate owner up until the very end. He will be missed by all and leaves large shoes to be filled. He was a force to be reckoned with on auction day. There was never a bidding war that he would lose-especially when his son, Mike, was bidding too. :) Rest in Peace, Kenny. You fought hard and we will miss you dearly.

from the Chilton Fantasy Baseball League:

"THE" Chilton Fantasy Baseball League lost a great member in Sam Kopf (the Kopsville Magpies) on July 14th 2018. Sam was a member since half-way thru the first year in 1989 and passed away after a 9 month battle with cancer. Sam was quick with the jokes and he left us with many lingering memories. He gave it his all right up to the end. We will miss him and wish him well on his journey ahead. Until we meet again.

from the Boozeball League:

In June of 2018 we unexpectedly lost our defending Champion Todd Johannes. Todd was the only player in the history of the league to be an owner and actually be drafted himself at one time in our minor league draft. He was a catcher at the University of Florida in the late 1990's and was drafted by the Montreal Expos and made it as high as AAA.

When his playing career was done, he reached out to our league which included several of his childhood friends about joining. He was part of a large league expansion and turnover in the mid 2000's. Living in Florida and drafting in California was never easy and he left the league for a couple of seasons. However in 2012, Todd did what he was best known for, helping out a friend. He co-ran a franchise with one of his longtime friends and guiding it to one of its highest finishes in years. The next season, they "split the baby" as we called it, having an expansion draft among their team as well as others and he was back!!!

Nobody exemplified the love of baseball, friends and good time as much as Todd. This year, right around the time of the auction, he texted me to let me know he might not be at the auction, that he was moving to Guatemala to start up a company in an industry he had been involved in for years. I got a little worried when we were hours from auction time and I had no word, 30 minutes before auction time he came through the doors of the private lounge at a hotel we host the auction at every year saying "you didnt think I was missing this did you?". It was vintage "ToJo".

The League will miss him very much and the auction night will never quite be the same. RIP Champ

from the Upper Rotisserie League:

Rob Bertsch, one of the founding members of the Upper Rotisserie League, passed away during our 30th season. His team’s name was Cutthroat, but to his friends he was nothing of the sort. Rob’s laugh would fill a room. He was a great competitor, a great cook and a true friend. He will be missed.

from the PATARINO - NATIONAL League:

Vincent V. Patarino started the Southport RBL in the 1989 for baseball enthusiasts to enjoy friendly competition. Vinny was a diehard Dodger fan as he was born in Brooklyn, NY thus bidding always trying to get Kershaw. Vinny remained commissioner and secretary until health concerns forced his retirement. Sadly, Vinny passed away December 11, 2017. In his honor, the league was renamed to honor Vinny at the start of the 2018 season.

from the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen:

This year we lost our dear friend Don Dibble. Don started the league with us and Ralph Buckley and I played with him in a different league for a very long time. All told, we were friends with Don for 20 years or more. Losing him was and remains a shock and leaves the entire league with a loss that we cannot understand and will not soon forget. Don was more than just our treasurer - he was, simply put, a stand up guy and we will miss him. We will be renaming our league in his honor. Starting in 2018, we will be The Fabulous Don Dibble League.

Rest in peace Don.

from the Northwest Suburban Committee:

In March of 2016, Northwest Suburban Committee lost Bill Wittenborn, a long time friend and co-founder of our 32 year old league. We have since renamed our league the BW Memorial League, as a dedication to Bill for years to come. Bill's loves were his wife, his kids, Roto Baseball, and his beloved Cubs. If you talk to his wife, that order of loves is debatable. While he wasn't on this earth for their championship, we are all quite sure Bill was dancing in heaven when the Cubs won the World Series. His passing has, and always will, leave a massive void in our lives, and league. So long our friend until we see you again. You were a valued friend, and we will always cherish the memories. RIP BW

from the LEO DUROCHER LEAGUE:

On April 24, 2015, Greg Young, our beloved friend, and member of the Leo Durocher League since our inception in 1985, passed away peacefully from complications of a severe stroke. Greg was truly a man's man, an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman, but most of all a generous, fun-loving guy who would give anyone the shirt off his back. His team, the Youngbloods, is a member of the Leo Durocher League's multiple winners club.

While our league may go on with a new team owner, Greg Young will never be replicated or replaced, either in our league or in our hearts. We will all miss his wide smile, hearty laugh, fabulous sense of humor and unending hospitality. If there was ever a loss which could cause a 30+ year old league to fold, it would be the loss of such a man, competitor and dear friend.

Goodbye Partner...we will never forget you!

from the JFBL:

The JFBL (Louisville, KY) is dedicating the 2015 season to charter member Bob Bard, who passed away on October 10, 2014. Bob's teams competed in all 18 years of our league's existence. Just weeks before his passing, his team finished runner up in the 2014 season. Bob was preceded in death by his son and fellow JFBL alum Kurn Bard. To honor Bob, the JFBL is renaming its champion's trophy "The Robert Bard Trophy."

from the Fox Valley (IL) Rotisserie Baseball League:

The Fox Valley (IL) Rotisserie Baseball League lost original member, Steve "Skeet" Vocelka, April 2, 2015. Skeet's team, the Voofka Bombers, named after mail he received misspelling his last name and his favorite New York Yankees MLB team, has been in our league for all of our 31 years. No one has had a more successful team, or brought as much fun and enthusiasm to the league. We are based in the Chicago area, Skeet moved to Dallas, TX, for a job transfer 28 years ago, and has come back to Chicago twice a year since then, most of the time driving from Dallas to Chicago roundtrip over a weekend to continue participating. He even made it to both 2014 meetings despite the cancer and chemo inside him.

Normally we only protect half our players from one season to the next, but we promised Skeet before the start of this season that we would continue his team through the 2015 season keeping his entire roster intact from the end of last season, a team that almost won it and finished second, and with a former league member and friend of his watching over his team for him this year.

Long live the Voofka Bombers and the memories of our dear friend, great baseball fan, and devoted league member, Steve Vocelka.

PS. Skeet, we'll be keeping your seat next to George open at next year's draft..

from the MJMMRL:

Moo. The Mad Cows owner Mark Dickter passed last season after 24 years in the league. There was rarely a day when his postings didn't cause us to laugh out loud. Almost as funny were his trades that ultimately would drop him down to the bottom of the standings. He brought color to our everyday life, showing us how to take joy in each moment, especially in the triviality of fantasy baseball. Mark, sorry you had to run out so quickly, but you left with your roster complete. Moo.

from the Bi-Coastal Baseball League:

It brings deep sorrow to announce that Bi-Coastal Baseball (BCB) has lost a dedicated 25-year league member, Jim Shea, owner of the Shea Guevaras team, to heart failure on September 1st, 2014. Jim was a highly positive influence and great fan of our league - and of Fantasy Baseball in general. On auction day, he beamed with excitement and reacted to our corny jokes and bantering with a deep, boisterous laugh. Jim set the standard for contributing good will and comradery to the league, always willing to help out in any way possible. He will be sorely missed. May his memory be eternal.

from the Men Without Pratt's League:

Last season, we lost Ted LeBlanc to cancer. He participated in last year's draft by phone from his bed because he lacked the strength to attend the draft. From the obituary - "Ted [53] was in car sales... He served our country proudly in the US Air Force. Ted enjoyed coaching for baseball and hockey; he was an avid softball player. He loved gardening and playing fantasy baseball. Ted was a huge Red Sox and Bruins fan. "

Ted competed actively in our league for years. While he never took home the championship, he did get to see the Sox and Bruins win championships in recent years. God bless you, Ted, it was a pleasure to share the game with you.

I don't know if there are concerns of folks putting up tributes falsely, but the quoted line is from Ted's obit, which can be found online. I believe he was from Salem, NH and passed away in late June. You'll also find comments in our league message board from last summer regarding Ted's passing.

from T&J's Fantasie League:

With sadness but also with fond memories, the members of TJFL recognize the passing of long standing member, Alan Cass. Al was a league member for over 20 years with his co-manager and wife, Phyllis. Phyllis will continue to manage their long standing team, the Pac Rats, a continuing legacy of our late league member and friend, Alan, who will be missed.

from The Green Mountain Rotisserie League:

On December 7, 2013 the Green Mountain Rotisserie League lost Andy Chalifour to cancer. Andy was part of our first draft in 1986. In 2011 Andy retired from the league and he was named the Deputy Commissioner. When the league first started he was right there helping with the carry/deduct sheets and reading off the stats from the Sporting News and the USA Today. The league would not have survived without his help.

Andy's team, the Royal PIA's, won their only Championship in 1998. He was a season ticket holder of both the Red Sox and the Patriots and attended World Series, Super Bowls, an NCAA Championship Game and the MLB All Star game at Fenway in 1999. He and his youngest son Zach made a tour around the US the past few years and attended games at almost every major league park together.

He was a great friend to all, a competitor and he always had us laughing. Andy you will be missed and I know you'll be watching us draft on April 5th this year.

from The Utopian League:

It is with great sadness that the Utopian League steps to the podium again to announce the passing of one of our leagues original members, Neil Harrison. 'Harry' was a 3 time champion over his 22 years of playing and cashed in on 5 other occasions. Neil's claim to fame in our league was that he loved drafting rookies and stockpiling them in his farm system. Harry was Baseball America -- (north) regarding future players. Outside of Fantasy baseball, Neil was a retired Fire Captain, World Class Hall of Fame Curler and coach. Rest easy Neil as you take your rightful place as Farm Director for the Heavens and above. Will be missed by all at the draft table.

from The Berkshire/Todd Abitz Memorial and the Not Ready for Prime Time Leagues:

On August 8, 2013, the Berkshire/Todd Abitz Memorial League and Not Ready for Prime Time League lost one of its finest members, Joe McCabe. Joe was a friend, a gentleman, and a family man with whom we all enjoyed playing with for close to two decades. We'll remember Joe not so much for pinch-hitting for Mickey Mantle in a charity baseball game, his unorthodox draft strategies, such as having $100 more than everyone else toward the end of the draft, or even his taking a chance on Cardinal farmhand Albert Pujols that would prove pivotal in Joe winning two consecutive league titles. Rather, we'll remember Joe for his humor, his love of the game, his sense of fair play, and his perseverance, especially in the last few years.

Joe, you may no longer be on this mortal plane, but as long as these leagues are around you'll always be here. Godspeed.

from The NSC and Trademasters Rotisserie Leagues:

It is with heavy hearts and very fond memories that the NSC and Trademasters Rotisserie leagues say good bye to one of our long-term (10+ years) and most beloved owners, Larry Pope.

Larry passed away on May 22nd, 2013. We will miss him, his constant good humor and his competitive nature. We shall always remember his bag of freshly sharpened #2 pencils, his "retentions" and his love for the Cubs. Larry went to his first Cubs game in 1946, and his wife Dianne shared with us that Larry often speculated that he was the "curse" and that they'd probably win the World Series the year after he died. Here's hoping, Larry old pal, but I fear all of us may be joining you in the great beyond before that happens.

from The Andy Goss League:

As the AGL starts our 25th year, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our newer members, Phill Kreft. Phill loved his Family, Baseball, Fishing and Beer in no particular order. Godspeed Phill.

from The Texas Eastern Rotisserie National League:

As TERNL approaches our 30th auction, we do so without our Revered Founding Father and Commissioner for Life Dennis Rossi. Dennis bought a first edition of Glen Waggoner's original book in 1984, read it in one night, and organized our league the next day. The company where we all worked in Houston died in 1989 (Texas Eastern Corp) but the league lives on with a core of owners who can trace our involvement back to those days. His dedication to our league was so strong that he did our pre-computer weekly statistics by hand while living in Indonesia for a couple of years. Dennis was a true raconteur who lived his life with joyful gusto, and had an unparalleled sense of humor. He will be missed as a loyal friend, a wonderful husband, and a caring father.

from The UTOPIAN LEAGUE:

It is with great sadness that [we report that] an original member of the UTOPIAN LEAGUE (22 years and running strong), Jack Hartwick, owner of the Serendipity franchise passed away over the off season. During his tenure, Jack won (1) championship and cashed in on a few other occasions, with his All-or-Nothing Strategy. Jack will be dearly missed by all league members at the draft table but all know in their hearts they will hear Jack's comments "you paid how much for ...., not worth it". Jack, rest easy in those box seats.

from The KISS League:

The 23-year old KISS league lost one of their cherished GM's, Dan "Dad" Damela who was a member from 2003-2012, a partner of the father-son team Dan & Dad. As Commissioner, we would speak often on the phone and he would call saying, "Hey John, it's Dad". He loved baseball and had a fevered pitch about fantasy baseball. He was a great league member and will be sorely missed as a fellow GM as well as a Dad.

from The Bill Forde League:

Formerly the George Bush League, we changed last season after the passing of one of our original members and commish. In his honor we are the Bill Forde League. April 6th will mark our 30th draft, with 5 of our original 10 members still hard at it. As people have come and gone from our league we remember Bill for his laughter, love of the game, and being the voice of reason. Thank you for all you did for our league, but most of all for your friendship. You are missed.

from The Hill Street Rotisserie League:

We lost one of our long-time members on October 12. His name was Pat McHenry. He was a Mets fan. Today (3/26) would have been his 50th birthday and he would have been shooting for being a three-time defending champion of our Hill Street Rotisserie League. He was our first and only "Under-dressed Expansion Officer" and no one could ramp up our enthusiasm for Opening Day like he could. But, at least for now, the rest of us have a fighting chance. We would be ecstatic if we could see this recognized on this web-site, because he was our compass and we miss him very much.

from The Barristers' Trust Roto League:

OnRoto offers a special salute to the Barristers' Trust League, as it begins its 25th consecutive season, but its first without "Commissioner for Life," Don C. Aldrich, who passed away during the 2012 season (his team went on to win the championship, of course).