The purpose of the league at the time was for fun and fellowship among the four Belknappers.  No real money was used, and no trades took place during the season.  The prize the first year was a mint set of Topps baseball cards. The league expanded in 1983 to six teams with the addition of fellow Belknappers George Berman and Andy Sutcliffe, and to seven teams in 1987 with the addition of brothers John and Jim Grossmann, also former leaders at Belknap.

          Team names were first added in 1987, with Bob's team becoming the Hookset Hippos, John F. adding the Ojai Stars, Jeff the Windsor Whales, Tom the New Canaan Chiefs, George the Arlington Advocates, John and Jim the Little Huck Loons (an island on Lake Winnipesaukee owned by Camp Belknap), and Andy with the Seattle Trader Jacks. The league stayed at seven teams for seven years, with the Hookset Hippos becoming the Bow Hippos in 1992, the Trader Jacks moving from Seattle to Boston to Tyngsboro (MA), and the Advocates dropping out of the league (something about a lawsuit) in 1992 to be replaced by former Belknap leader Mark Vaughan and his team Yee Sentinels. 

          In 1994 Stew Putnam joined the league with the Winnipesaukee Wantonoits (you don't want to know it) to make two divisions of four teams each. Since then the "Wantons" have won two championships.  In 1998 Rick Hutchins, former draft coordinator and Belknap Program Director, added the Messer Mosquitoes, making nine teams in three divisions (Adams, Besserer, and Conlon), with a former Belknapper heading each team, and with capable assistants Terry Twichell for the Stars, Camp Director Gene Clark III occasionally for the Chiefs, and George Berman as a very part-time assistant for the Jacks, known occasionally as the Tucson Trader Jacks, Juniors Trader Jacks, or just Trader Jacks.

          Jeff "Posey" Bradley was added to the league in 2008 as a 10th franchise with a team name of the Masqua MusKrats (emphasis on the "K" for strikeout).  The New Canaan Chiefs became the Woodcraft Chiefs, and we also named our farm teams for the first time: The Bowtie Beavers, Farm Island Fireflies, Bald Eagle Firelighters, Fenway Franks, The Belknap Generations, Cadet Beach Minnows, The Chapel Rocks, Sachem Seats, and the Timi-Hi Tattoos.  

          The Little Huck Loons edged out the Masqua MusKrats in 2009 for their seventh Series Championship, and the first back-to-back championship ever. The Ojai Stars and the Loons had the edge in championships won since the start of the league with seven each, followed by the Hippos with six.

          A drastic change was made in 2009 in terms of statistics and league competition.  Points were awarded based on runs, hits, RBI's and OPS for field players, wins, K’S And ERA for starting pitchers, and saves, K’s, and ERA for relief pitchers.  Teams paired off each week and competed head-to-head in the eight categories, and the statistics were hosted online at ESPN.  Because there were only nine teams a “control team” named the Scollege Monsters was added so no team had a bye in any week. For the fourth year in a row, the Trader Jacks were not able to make the draft.  As in 1981, trades are allowed during the season, but no money is involved. Team managers meet once a year during spring training to draft the teams, with the BAD League World Series beginning in September.

        The 30th draft in 2010 was held at the Emerald Springs Resort in Tampa, Florida, with all but the MusKrats attending.  The league went back to their roots with statistics slightly revised and the traditional scoresheet, now hosted on GoogleDocs.  Field players still score points through runs and rbi’s, relief pitchers get five points for a win, but starting pitchers now get five points for a win and half a point for strikeouts.  Some great meals, wonderful (hilarious actually) golf, one spring training game, a great draft, and a 30th anniversary commemorative BAD League history book put together by Bob and Fri topped off the weekend in fine fashion.  

          In 2011, the 31st draft was again held in Etna, NH (ninth year), hosted by the Championship Messer Mosquitoes, winners of The Belknap Cup for the first time in 13 years (Skeeter was born on Friday, July 13th).  A fine set of draft boards, done as usual by Hippo Bob Cole, some good meals, many jokes, a great draft, followed by some less than stupendous bowling (and hockey). 

          The year 2012 brought a departure from the traditional site of the draft, our 32nd, as Hutch and Betsy sold their home in Etna to move to Goose Pond.  Mark Vaughan stepped up to the plate to host the 32nd draft at his second home in North Conway, NH.  With more than seven beds the house was a superb site for the B.A.D. League.  A trip to Diana’s Baths before the draft began was a highlight, as was the draft board done by the Hippo (one of the best yet).  The Belknap Cup was passed from the Mosquitoes to the Bow Hippos, winner of the B.A.D. League for the seventh time, tying the Loons and the Stars for overall championships.  All in all, better than a ticket to Pittsburgh.

          In 2013 the 33rd draft was again held at Mark Vaughan’s home in North Conway, NH.  A great snowshoe hike on Friday, the arrival of “Posey” after a long trip from Nigeria the night before (and to think he had not read The DaVinci Code), and “Roscoe” after a Florida spring training trip, started the draft off with a bang.  Awarding of The Belknap Cup to the Bow Hippos for the second year in a row.  Many draft pics, another snowshoe hike, and some hearty meals later, the draft ended with many popular players added to the B.A.D. League rosters, including R.A. Dickey, Tim Lincecum, BJ Upton, and a few Johnsons.  Oh, and a Putz.  You kill us Fri. 

          The 34th draft in 2014, again in North Conway, NH., started with a snowshoe hike to Diana’s Baths (almost completely frozen this year), followed by a superb meal cooked by John G. and Terry.  Saturday morning started with the pre-draft auction of the top 21 players in MLB (based on position and 2013 points). For $1 Wain was Wright. The arrival of “Roscoe” after his annual Florida spring training trip started the regular draft off in the afternoon.  The Belknap Cup was awarded to the Bow Hippos for the third year in a row, the first time this has happened in the 33 year history of the BAD League.  Many draft pics and a delicious surf and turf dinner later, the regular draft ended, followed by the Free Agent auction, always a spirited affair. Again, for $1, Ra got Burned.  Sunday morning the Rookie Draft was held, ending what turned out to be a great weekend full of stories, laughs, and hearty meals.  Next year back to Florida!

          Our 35th draft in 2015 was again held at the Emerald Springs Resort in Tampa, Florida, with all but the MusKrats attending.  Fri, Bob and Hutch met John in Naples for a couple of days before the draft to stay at host Tom Hocker's home.  A few good meals and a Red Sox-Twins spring training game at JetBlue Park were the highlights here, with a final walk on the beach in Naples.  All met in Tampa for the weekend draft, with a round of golf on a gorgeous day, some wonderful meals (free & slow), and a great draft surrounded by a Red Sox-Pirates game at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, with intermissions at the golf range and pool.  The Belknap Cup was passed from the newly named Boomalacka Hippos to the Woodcraft Chiefs, their first championship since 1983.  Skyping with Posey went well, and the two auctions were a highlight.  A final meal at Carrabbas Italian Grill ended with the Carrabbas Trifecta, a trade of first basemen acquired in the free agent auction between Tom, Mark & Hutch, wrapping up the draft and adding to the fun.  All-in-all a fantastic trip!

          The 36th draft in 2016 went back to North Conway for the fourth time since 2012, again ably hosted by Mark "Yee" Vaughan.  After enduring a few Baltimore chops on the New Hampshire roads, a few Bad Leaguers made the slow creep to Mark's place on Thursday, March 17th, and a nice dinner out made us forget the aches and pains of the ordeal.  Camp duties in the form of "exterior" cleanup commenced on Friday, with most of us worn out afterward, but the arrival of the "Chief" that afternoon picked up our spirits.  That evening began with the Belknap Cup being passed from the Woodcraft Chiefs to the Woodcraft Chiefs, as this was their second championship in a row.  The "Auction" for the 21 best players began soon thereafter, with Xander Bogaerts being the first pick by Yee Sentinels.  With Roscoe's arrival on Saturday the draft began in earnest, with Miguel Cabrera being the first pick.  After a delicious salmon chowder and salad dinner (with pie to follow), the draft resumed.  The 2016 draft was a "can 'o corn" and proceeded smoothly that evening and until the next morning, with only a few unpleasant "odors". The draft finished with a spirited free agent auction, with Kendrys Morales going for the highest bid at $68. After some traditional "interior" camp duties, the group departed for parts unknown until next years draft.  Howwwwwwwww!

          The 37th draft in 2017 was hosted byYee Sentinel Mark Vaughan in North Conway for the 5th year, with all 10 BAD Leaguers present and accounted for, including Terry for his 25th year with the B.A.D. League. The extended weekend started with a snowshoe by the earlier arrivers, followed by a nice dinner out at the Sea Dog Brewing Co. With John G. a bit under the weather there was a lot of sitting and eating on Friday, the first day of the draft.  The Belknap Cup was passed from the Chiefs to the Mosquitoes, who won their second championship. After a powerful reading by Commissioner John Friborg, the opening auction started with Francisco Lindor purchased by the Stars for $47, with the high bid for Clayton Kershaw by the Sentinels for $71, and the low bid of $21 for Brian Dozier by the Loons. The Saturday draft started a bit earlier than usual, what with all hands on deck.  Chris Sale (SP) was the first selection by the Masqua MusKrats, and Matt Wieters was the last, selected by the Messer Mosquitos. Before and between the draft picks the troops were highly entertained by Yee and comedian John Pinette. After a spirited meal of shrimp prepared by chef Grossmann, rookies were selected, with Cody Bellinger being selected 1st by the Chiefs.  Sunday morning began with the Free Agent Auction, with Asdrubal Cabrera won by the Loons with a low bid of $12 (million). Three players went for $10 (million), and the high bid of $71 (million) was made by the Messer Mosquitoes for 2B Ryan Schimpf.  The Sentinels bid $22 (million) for Yangervis Solarte to end the draft on a high note. Did we have fun? Nay, Nay!

          Our 38th draft was again held in North Conway at the home of the Yee, eight of us present and accounted for, with Posey and Terry unable to attend the festivities. On Friday, a great tour of new land that Yee is contemplating, and a new restaurant for us called "Peaches", The Belknap Cup was passed from the Mosquitoes to the Whales, who won their 2nd championship in 2017 after a 35-year absence. Thanks, Mr. Commissioner, for all of your behind-the-scenes organizational work, and to Stew for the most excellent reading of Bob Dylan's Nobel Lecture. Tom says "thanks to everyone for a wonderfully fun BAD weekend! The pacing was perfect, the laughter was rejuvenating, and our being together was, as always, beautifully comfortable. Thanks, Yee, for opening your house to us again! And thanks Hutch, for helping me with the bidding!"

          On the 14th day of the Green Corn Moon, BAD Leaguers started to gather at the Vaughan residence in Intervale, NH for the start of the 39th BAD League baseball draft. First arrivals Mark, John, and Bob were soon joined by Hutch, with the first dinner at a new restaurant called Table & Tonic. Next day brought in Fri, Stew, Jeff B., Roscoe, and finally Tom, uniting all nine general managers. The absence of the Star's assistant Terry Twichell put a damper on things, as did the sad news of former B.A.D. Leaguer Andy Sutcliffe's passing. After a spirited discussion of rules, changes, and other tidbits, followed by the Loon's shrimp creole dinner, the torch was passed as the Whales reluctantly gave up the Belknap Cup to the Loons, winners in 2018 for their eighth title. The auction was started following a reading by Commissioner John Friborg. The first pick was Christian Yelich, with a final bid by the Whales of $55, and the last pick was Scooter Gennett, again by the Whales with a bid of $22. Next day, after a leisurely breakfast at Peaches and some lying around, the official draft of 16 rounds was started, with the first pick by the Hippos (2018 Scollege Bowl winner) of outfielder Mike Trout. Several hours later the "draft" ended with the last pick by the Loons of pitcher Kyle Hendricks, a fellow Dartmouth alum. After another home-cooked meal, the Rookie Draft commenced, with outfielder Taylor Trammell selected by the Chiefs as the first pick. Thirty picks later ended this portion of the draft. James Gorden and Paul McCartney ended the night with Carpool Karaoke. The Free Agent Auction the next morning was started off by the Hippos with a bid on outfielder Randal Grichuk of $44. Last-pick pitcher Trevor Richards went to the Whales for $10 to complete the draft. After camp duties and a brief lunch, everyone scattered home until the 2020 draft in Fort Myers, Florida. A good time was had by all.

Our 40th year for the B.A.D. League was a challenge because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions set in place beginning in March, just as we were

prepared to depart for Ft. Myers, FL for our annual draft. Unfortunately, we had to cancel all plans for this draft, as MLB postponed all games until a later date. Finally, in late-June, MLB made a decision to play a shortened season of 60 games, to begin in mid-July. We rescheduled our draft for July 12/13, at Bob Cole's cottage on Lake Wentworth, being sure to adhere to all Covid-19 guidelines. This was the first B.A.D. League draft ever held outdoors, with Mother Nature cooperating on the weather, and all nine franchises present. There were some major rules changes, including just one division of all nine teams, and three 20 game sections, with a 1-9 point system (9 for 1st place, 8 for 2nd, etc.) at the end of each session. Most total points for three sessions will win the B.A.D. League outright, with no playoffs. The teams with no chance to win after two sessions will automatically compete for the Scollege Bowl. About the same time, "Yee" Vaughan announced plans to sell their home in North Conway and purchase another nearby. Our first question upon hearing this exciting news was "Will there be enough room for the draft?". This was followed by an affirmative answer.

COVID-19 continued to rear its ugly head, as our 41st draft was held virtually via Zoom, the latest craze in cyberspace. On Friday evening, March 26, all

B.A.D. Leaguers were present, even Terry, whom we had not seen at our draft in three years. The top-player auction was the first order on the agenda, and Posey wasted no time in running up the bid to $60 for outfielder Marchell Ozuna. The bidding went smoothly after that, ending in the Triple-Play. Skeeter set the high bid with $70 for third baseman Jose Ramirez, as well as the low bid for outfielder Mike Yastrzemski at $19. The "draft" officially began on Saturday, with Stew Putnam of the Wantonoits selecting shortstop Trevor Story as the first 2021 pick. That morning we got in eight rounds of pics, with eight more rounds in the afternoon finishing the draft for the day, with John Grossman of the Loons selecting second baseman Jean Segura as the last pick of the day. We met once again on Memorial Day weekend in May (we were all vaccinated) at Hippo's Cottage in Wentworth to finish the draft, with 18th round selections, final Rookie selections, and the Free Agent Auction, interspersed with some fun and frivolity, especially with some rocking games of Molkky, including a rules change to allow for a combination toss to the skittles, and a team concept for the first time. Things almost seemed "normal" again after over a year of COVID-19 isolation.

Year #42 for the B.A.D. League was eventful, as we traveled to Fort Myers, FL for the draft after missing 2020 and '21 due to Covid-19. Initially, seven of us

braved the elements to make the trek to a home on Pebble Beach Road. The Wanton and Yee were doomed to stay home during the draft for two similar reasons, but were set to "zoom in" for the actual draft on Saturday. Skeeter, who had been in Florida for seven weeks, was soon joined by the Loon for two spectacular rounds of golf. On Wednesday, March 9, they picked up the Hippo, the Whale, the MusKrat, and the Chief, with the Star flying in on Thursday. As the seven of us settled in for rounds of Molkki and a few dips in the house pool and hot tub, Skeeter and the Hippo managed to make a trek to CVS to pick up "medicine" for the Chief just before a 7 pm dinner reservation. They got waylaid, however, on their side trip to Dick's Sporting Goods to pick out a baseball glove. Instead, they ended up with a trip back to the airport to pick up Yee in a surprise attack. Late for the reservation, and arriving back at the house where an agitated group of BAD Leaguers stood in the driveway, Yee popped out of the van to a happily surprised group of anti-goobers. We managed to visit, swim and play a round of Molkki on Barefoot Beach near Bonita Beach Park before our draft on the weekend, with a stop at Matt's Red Hot Dogs for lunch and a shake. The draft began with a reading by our great commissioner, the Star, followed by the auction, with the first pick by the Skeeters of SS Trey Turner for $49. A special visit by Chance the Rapper Yee was certainly a highlight. The draft continued with "zoom-ins" by the Wanton each session, and 13 reasons why Fenway South Was So Superb, a soliloquy by the MusKrat. Expectations for MLB were low because of a lockout, and a scheduled game between the Red Sox and the Twins was canceled the week before we arrived. Alas, we would be seeing the ballplayers only practicing, although that turned out to be almost better than attending spring training games. In all, a successful draft was sandwiched in between three trips to JetBlue Park, where we saw minor leaguers followed by the big boys engaging in standing around, timed runs, standing around, fielding drills, standing around, batting practice, standing around, and live pitching. And more standing around. But overall, a very successful trip for the eight of us. We missed you Wanton!

          BAD Leaguers met for their 43rd draft once again at Yee's place, but this time in Bartlett at his new home. Yee, Loon, the Wanton, and the Stars met on Thursday, March 9th, and had a grand snowshoe to start the festivities. The rest of the crew came in on Friday, and by 1 pm all were present and accounted for. After a nice lunch, a rules discussion, and a traditional dinner cooked up by the Loon, the night started off with the opening auction of the top players. Yordan Alvarez was auctioned first to the Stars for $46, while Vlad Guerrero (Sentinels) and Gerrit Cole (MusKrats) went for the high of $65 each. Meanwhile, the Hippos got RP Kelly Jansen for a low of $13. The draft began on Saturday with a breakfast at the Sunrise Shack, followed by a wonderful reading by our commissioner, and an appearance by Yee the Rapper which certainly outdid last year's performance. The Sentinels led things off with their walk-off song Gonna Fly Now, a new tradition started that morning. Rafael Devers was the first player selected by last year's Scollege Bowl winner. After some pizza and refreshments, the Rookie Draft commenced with a 1st selection by the Skeeters of SS Ezequiel Tovar, and the last selection of OF Miguel Bleis by the Hippos. After a leisurely breakfast, Sunday morning commenced with the Free Agent Auction, with much hilarity and overall silliness. The Skeeters made BAD League history by snagging the first four players, either by a little luck or just plain dubious drafting. The MusKrats paid a high of $70 for SP Jose Berrios, while the Hippos got 1B Jared Walsh for a low of $10 The free agent auction ended with mucho money available, as the Hippos paid $67 for SP Charlie Morton and the Chiefs paid $45 for OF Trey Mancini. Thus ended the 2023 BAD League draft except for supplemental picks and Tinkers at later dates. With some serious conversation at our final lunch, the BAD Leaguers took off for their respective home bases. A good time was had by all.  

          The 2024 BAD League met for their 44th draft, once again at Yee's place in Bartlett, NH. A repeat of 2023, Yee, Hippo, Loon, Wanton, the MusKrats, the Whales and the Stars met on Thursday, March 21st, and had a grand snowshoe to start the festivities on a fresh bed of snow. After a breakfast at the Sunrise Shack, the rest of the crew (Skeeter & the Chief) came in on Friday, and by noon all were present and accounted for. After a nice lunch, a rules discussion, and a traditional dinner cooked up by the Loon, the opening auction of the top players was started, with Ozzie Albies chosen first by the MusKrats for the princely sum of $55. Third baseman Rafael Devers was auctioned last for the lowest bid of $28 and was picked up by the Wantons. In the Triple Play for the leftover last three players, the Skeeters picked up 3B Max Muncy, the Stars got OF Adolis Garcia, and the Sentinels got SP Kevin Gausman. The regular draft began on Saturday morning, with a reading by our Star Commissioner, a sing-along called Switch Hitting & Sliders, led by Yee, and a double appearance by the Scrat ventriloquist and his sidekick Lucius McGillicutty Conroy III, or "Gil" for short. Presentation of the Scollege Bowl to the Loons from the Sentinels, and the Belknap Cup from the Hippos to the Skeeters, was followed by the Commissioner's Cup (CB Award), a new award given to the top regular season team in points, presented to the Hippos. The Loons started off the draft, accompanied by their 2024 walk-on song Paperback Writer, with the selection of OF Yordan Alvarez. Some hours later, the Chiefs ended the regular draft by picking 2B Jeff McNeil. Sometime in there, the band managed to shovel and blow snow from the driveway and deck (twice), which had been inundated with 24" of new snow. The Rookie Draft commenced later that night with a 1st selection by the Loons, who chose 3B Junior Caminero, and a last pic by the 2023 Belknap Cup winners, the Messer Mosquitoes, SS Carson Williams. Sunday morning commenced with the traditional Free Agent Auction. The MusKrats first grabbed SP Sonny Gray for $39, while the Loons snatched SP Christian Javier for $37 in the last auctioned player. Low bid of $12 went to the Muskrats for OF Brent Rooker, while the high bid was by the Sentinels, stealing OF Christopher Morel for the not unheard of sum of $73. With another snow shoveling, a few pictures, and a final lunch, the BAD Leaguers took off for their respective home plates. Another memorable draft was complete.

          The 45th year of the BAD League was again held in Bartlett, NH in 2025. Host Yee, Hippo, Loon, Wanton, Skeeter, and the Whale met on Friday, March 21st, with an opening dinner at Tuckerman's. After a bit of lazing around, the Star and the Chief arrived on Saturday, followed by a nice lunch, some pie, a no-rules discussion, and a traditional dinner of shrimp creole cooked up by the Loon. followed by more pie and ice cream. After a nice conversation with the MusKrat, now residing in Singapore, the Opening Auction was held, with SS Francisco Lindor being auctioned off first to the Whales for $60. For the bargain basement price of $5, catcher Salvador Perez was auctioned last and was picked up by the Loons. On Sunday morning, the traditional reading was done by the Commissioner, after which the presentation of the trophies for 2024: the Commissioner's Bowl to the MusKrats, the Scollege Bowl to the Hippos, the new Adams Cuppa to the Mosquitoes, and the Belknap Cup to the champion Sentinels. The regular draft began with 1B Matt Olsen chosen by the Hippo, who had first pick after winning the Scollege Bowl in 2024. The final pick by the Sentinels was OF Evan Carter.  When the regular draft concluded in the afternoon, the boys relaxed with pizza, leftover shrimp creole, and more pie and ice cream. That night two rookie picks each were made, with the Bowtie Beavers selecting 2B Kristian Campbell as their first pick.  On Monday morning, following breakfast at the Sunrise Cafe, the Free Agent auction was held, with the first pick of 1B Michael Toglia by the Stars for $29, the high bid of $52 of 1B Ryan Mountcastle by the Hippos, the low bid of $18 for catcher Ryan Jeffers by the Skeeters, and the last bid of $32 for Lucas Erceg made by the Whales. At the conclusion of the draft, and a frantic key search, the boys drifted off to their various homesteads. Another successful draft!

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