Strat-O-Matic Fanatics: The Unlikely Success Story Of A Game That Became An American Passion

by Glenn Guzzo

This is the true story behind the creation—and re-creation—of America’s most popular sports board game ever Strat-O-Matic . Overcoming abuse and betrayal, Hal Richman beat the odds and built a company that continues to thrive in a highly competitive industry.



More than a tale of a single man and his small company, Strat-O-Matic Fanatics shows the power of a dream. It details Hal Richman’s youth; the first tenuous years of Strat-O-Matic ; numerous episodes of conflict and opposition; and the devotion and addiction of the hobby’s fans. Along the way, author Glenn Guzzo reveals a universal story of determination, love, loyalty and honesty in the face of seemingly unbeatable odds that has made Strat-O-Matic an icon in the board and computer game industry. Core Strat fans will be intrigued by the exclusive, inside view into how Richman and his crew determine their baseball fielding ratings. Former players will enjoy this look back on the history of a game that brought them so much joy.



As entertaining as a novel, but as dramatic as only real life can be, Strat-O-Matic Fanatics is truly an unlikely success story, one that will be appreciated even by those who never once rolled the famous Strat-O-Matic dice.



Strat-O-Matic Fanatics won a bronze medal in the Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Awards.

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2005

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big fans of Strat will love this. I have played it but it's not my #1 baseball sim. Great history on how Hal Richman grew up and started the company. Last chapter or so on the draft leagues wasn't as interesting for me. Glenn is a great guy though (met him a couple times) and really knows just about everything there is to know about the company.

[Lucas Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book for Strat fans

I loved hearing about the history of this great game. I own many different baseball tabletop games but as Hal says, Strat is the easiest to play. Great book about a great game. Very well written. Kind of a niche group but if you like baseball or baseball games this book is incredible

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although not high literature, this is a great book for any fan of Strat-O-Matic baseball. The history of the company, inextricably linked to the history of its founder, Hal Richman, is both fascinating and inspiring.

[Will G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A specialty book for a specific hobby. If you are into or had been into SOM when you were young, read it. If not, nothing much for you here...

[Jay Fusco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It shows how someone can make his dreams come true.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although not high literature, this is a great book for any fan of Strat-O-Matic baseball. The history of the company, inextricably linked to the history of its founder, Hal Richman, is both fascinating and inspiring.

[Chris Witt · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. I guess I expected more. I've spent a lot of years of my life playing baseball simulations - both using dice and computers. Oddly enough, I never owned or played Strat-O-Matic, which is considered the largest of all those companies, aside from maybe APBA.

Ended up selling my copy on eBay the same day I finished the book.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished re-reading for the second time. takes a lot longer then other books, because every night I read it I make about a chapter or so and then head off downstairs to play a game or two for nostalgia sake

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extended history of something that didn't really need it. It picked up when the focus shifted more to players and gameplay. Started playing Strat-O again for first time since I was a kid, so personal/nostalgia factor bumps this up a star. It really is a great game.

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit of an extended plug for the game and the game company. Guzzo's no stylist. My copy's signed by Hal Richman, which is cool.

[Matt Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have owned Strat-O-Matic baseball since 1984, playing it on and off for all those years. This book was a very interesting look into the origins and development of the game.

[Matthew RC · Rating 3 out of 5]

A trip down memory lane for this Strat obsessed young boy. A little too fawning in its descriptions for my taste but a decent quick read.

[Bob Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brings back so many great memories from my youth

Simply put, thank you Glenn for this fine book and thank you Hal Richman for a game that helped build my love for sports.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history and development of the game for the fanatics of Strat-O-Matic.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for Strat-O-Matic players

I wish I read this sooner. An inspirational read! If you love SOM, you will love this book. Highly recommended.