We live in a world today that enables us to connect and interact not only with people standing a few feet away from us but people living on the complete opposite side of the world. Our currently dubbed Information Age is characterized by our ability to exchange vast amounts of data freely. The Internet gives people instant access to knowledge that use to be difficult or impossible to obtain. This digital revolution, most would say, has positively impacted the lives of citizens around the world. From being able to find information about health, politics and war, right down to keeping up with celebrity gossip, the weather, and sports—people use the Internet for essentially everything.

As people have converted to online sources to obtain their news, so too have they begun to utilize the Internet as a hub for other interests—sports being a main attraction. Sports Web sites, online games, and virtual worlds have exponentially advanced in the last 10 years, but nothing has proliferated to the likes of something known as fantasy sports. More specifically, this paper examines fantasy baseball’s development, my own personal experience joining a league and conduct within this prevalent online community. 

Fantasy baseball has always intrigued me for a number of reasons. Fantasy sport leagues use real-time statistics to generate analyses of professional athletes in order to market this information to sports fans. Fantasy sports leagues are growing in popularity and participation, as it gives people a chance to virtually own their own sports team.  Each person is responsible for making all of the decisions a professional manager would make—draft picks, line ups, trades, etc. 
The audience that makes up this community is quite demographically broad. A dominant majority of fantasy players are male, but research shows that more and more women are beginning to join[1]. People of all races, economic status and gender are welcome to participate—as long as they have access to the Internet, they are free to play. 

Baseball teams consist of 23 players taken from active rosters across major league baseball. In order to participate, you must draft a team of players, which is done through a live, timed bidding system. Once you’ve selected a team, you can dedicate as much or as little time to team maintenance as you want. Some people keep their teams as a casual pastime. Others, however, can become obsesses with their fantasy team. They live-eat-breathe everything about their team, contributing large amounts of energy, and sometimes finances, along the way.
            This is a fascinating community to be a part of because most of the participants are very engaged, passionate and knowledgeable about major league baseball. People are die-hard fans, or die-hard haters, of certain teams and players, therefore emotional stakes can get very high, even via this virtual, hypothetical world. Participants can interact through a number of forums and messages boards on their site. The means to communicate with others of like-minded interests are unlimited with the various mediums provided in the fantasy sports environment.
            There are also several legal and ethical issues that arise as a result of the time, manner and effort some people put into fantasy sports leagues. Modes of control have been instituted within this community, but they vary from league to league; though, most rely on the community members to police themselves. Additionally, some groups have established norms they adhere to, while others disregard any form of etiquette while interacting with others in the environment. Recent trends demonstrate that the current technology used to administer fantasy sports leagues, combined with its growing popularity, have had an affect on the fans behavior, professional leagues, and Internet gambling legality. Additionally, controversy over the effect on fans regarding addiction remains.
            Fantasy baseball has grown to be an incredibly comprehensive and complex movement, and there are numerous things to observe and study within this enterprise. This paper examines the origins of this movement and whether norms exist within each league. Additionally, it evaluates the effects on individuals’ behavior inside and outside of their leagues, noting people’s attitude toward the activity and the notion of female participation in fantasy baseball.
            In order to address these issues, I joined a fantasy baseball league and drafted a complete team of my own. Additionally, I interviewed a number of subjects connected to fantasy baseball, either through participation, interest or knowledge. I consulted both males and females to ensure a well-rounded sample. I monitored message boards and other communication between fantasy baseball players as well. All of these methods contributed to my overall findings when attempting to answer my proposed inquiries regarding conduct, behaviors and attitudes toward fantasy baseball. ­­­
             I raised a number of research questions prior to my immersion in the league, hoping to gain insight through interaction with members of the community.  I asked people how they conduct themselves within their own league, and if social norms and appropriate behavior were determined at the beginning of the baseball season. I asked is they see advantages and disadvantages to fantasy sports, and if their personal behavior and interest toward live baseball has been affected. I was interested in people’s thoughts about participation from a female perspective, knowing that it is a male-dominated community. Moreover, I wanted to gain understanding of people’s demeanor and attitudes throughout the various aspects of fantasy baseball.
            When evaluating fantasy baseball in its entirety, it is important to look back at its history and note the progression it has made to become the enterprise it is today. Roots of modern, now Internet-oriented fantasy sports can be dated back 25 years to Rotisserie League Baseball[2]. It is known that Daniel Okrent, a now renowned sportswriter, created the rules to Rotisserie baseball on the back of a cocktail napkin on a long cross-country flight in 1980.
            One of the original members was quoted in a Sports Illustrated article saying,
“The Rotisserie League is silly, and we know that. We also know that it has caused great changes in the lives of each and every one of us, mostly for the better. We play for money, of course, but we also play for friendship, competition, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
            Rotisserie baseball was did not gain substantial ground until the mid-1990’s, when leagues began to branch out and include football, basketball, and other sports. The Internet boom during the late1990’s enabled a transformation in the industry. Allowing gamers to easily compute statistics, while monitoring their teams at the same time, the Web brought Rotisserie baseball into the realm of fantasy sports that we know today, with over 20 million participants.
            When first deciding to create a fantasy baseball team, I was completely unfamiliar with the process. The first steps—drafting your team—were incredibly intense. As a first-time fantasy participant, I was overwhelmed by the amount of information, not only when choosing my team but also as I continued its maintenance during the season. I signed up to join a random, public league. Immediately upon joining, I began communication with other league members. I made it known that it was my first time, and people reacted and responded cordially by either giving me helpful tips or joking about drafting certain ineligible players busted for steroid use. From then on, I felt comfortable approaching any member in my league, whether it be to ask a question or to trash talk one of their trades.
            Because my league members had no previous ties, we have conducted ourselves relatively “professionally.” Our standards were set from the beginning—that were going to play by the obvious rules and have some fun—nothing overly competitive or serious. Other leagues that I’ve observed, consisting of groups of friends who have participated for several years, utilized completely different protocol. This was one of the main things I was interested in—observing people’s behavior and determining a standard of norms and ethics that may exist with the leagues.

“I trash talk my all my buddies—we swear, we threaten each other, and bash each other’s moms and girlfriend whenever possible—it gets rough, but we’re used to it.” (D. Sacks, personal communication, May 4, 2009).

Some leagues, like the one Daniel is a part of, have consisted of the same people for a long period of time, therefore increasing the amount of personal communication between the members of the league. These participants continue their baseball talk outside of their league, and also interject unrelated content into their fantasy forums. They tend to be highly competitive because bragging rights are at stake.
            “Even though I’m a woman, I’ve always played baseball—ya know, like the movie a League of Their Own—that used to be me…Now I’m in a fantasy league with some of my old teammates, so we pimp each other pretty good, but we always keep it pretty clean.” (C. Maples, personal communication, April 26, 2009).

Other leagues still contain a competitive nature but to a lesser degree. Many people join fantasy sports teams to keep in touch with people. It is a good way for people to create a friendly activity that can include people all over the country. The message boards allow for group interaction and facilitate the connectivity that some are looking for.
            Another type of participation, not as common, is when people have alternative reasons for participating in fantasy baseball—whether it be pressure from a friend or family member, or outside influences guiding one’s decision—not everyone joins fantasy baseball because of their love for the game.

These are just a few examples of the different types of attitudes and behavior that may stand in one league but not in another.  After observing the decorum in these leagues, and the lack thereof in others, it is clear that there are different social norms within respective fantasy baseball leagues.

Another key part of this research was to access participants’ thoughts about what they feel fantasy baseball offers them. What advantages and disadvantages do they see resulting from their fantasy habits? Does fantasy baseball affect the live sport in any way, positive or negative?

It is key to evaluate the general sports climate when evaluating the above notions. Before fantasy sports, watching a sport was all about rooting for your favorite team and watching them every time they played on television. When playing fantasy sports, however, people tend to only watch the players that you have on their virtual, hypothetical team. Some believe that because fantasy sports are all about individual statistics, it may take away the team aspect of sports. According to a member of my fantasy league, “Great teams win championships, not great players—but because of fantasy sports’ popularity, the performances of individuals matter more,” to some (T. Jenkins, personal communication, May 5, 2009).

According to another member of my league, in fantasy baseball, you’re able to get caught up on all the players and games you’re concerned with. The players’ stats are constantly changing as the actual games progress.  People can sit down on their own time and seek out the information they want to know—they don’t have to sit through Sports Center hoping they highlight the games they’re looking for.

Although fans can watch a game on television or listening to it on the radio, games are reinterpreted through the fantasy sports, providing another view that focuses on individual athlete performance and the fantasy participant’s team.      

“I have found that I’m spending more time tracking games online. I guess I used to watch more games live—at home, at bars, or wherever. Now I’m watching gamecasts online during the day, checking the stats of my players and monitoring other teams in my league. I still love going to the ballpark, but it just isn’t the same anymore. All the new stadiums and it gets so expensive, so it just doesn’t happen that often, unfortunately.” (C. Cook, personal communication, April 28, 2009).

Research shows that the commercialization of the sports industry is one of the key drivers of fantasy sports participation[3].  Some of the interviewed subjects agreed with the notion that the current state of the sports world has left many fans frustrated with the high salaries, bad performance and poor behavior on the behalf of star players3.

From another point of view however, some simply see fantasy baseball as a hobby that teaches them about players they would never have known about. They make people more aware of little-known players, and to be good at fantasy baseball, you have to know about good players who may not superstars.

“The thing I like about fantasy baseball, especially since my league is a combined National/American Teams League, is that I tend to keep up with all of baseball—I don’t just pay attention to my favorite teams” (C. Maples, personal communication, April 26, 2009).

Additionally, participants highly value the convenience of fantasy baseball. Each fantasy host, like ESPN or Yahoo, presents the necessary information in very clear, easy to use formats, making it simple to check up on your team.

From the fan culture perspective, playing fantasy sports serves as a response to the current commercially motivated sports, and it enables fans to regain control of their viewing experience3. Many of those I interviewed described the sports world as excessive and inauthentic, due to the multitude of negative press recently. Sports fans lack power when simply watching a game on television and are often discouraged by high paid athletes and wealthy owners. By playing fantasy sports, though, individuals are empowered because this online activity enables them to manage and customize their own interactive sports world.

When looking for initial statistics on women’s participation in fantasy sports, I typed into Google, “women in fantasy sports.” The first result was a link to “Women Against Fantasy Sports” (WAFS).  Two women “created the site as an outlet for people to ridicule, mourn and lament the loss of their partners who spend an inordinate amount of time online consuming player data, drafting and managing their teams, scouring stats, scores, and injury reports and trash-talking with friends and players in their leagues.”[4] Aside from this Web site, it is clear that males participate in fantasy sports at a much greater rate than females. However, recent demographics suggest that 7 to 25 percent of fantasy sports players, i.e., 1-4 million people, are adult women (Deeney, 2004; FSTA, 2003). I inquired whether my experience in my fantasy baseball league would be different because I am a female, attempting to coexist in a male-dominated community.

“I don’t think it will be at all, especially because people in your league may not even know your gender. When it comes down to it, it’s all about how knowledgeable you are about the game, and how active you are in keeping your team as good as it can be. The fact of the matter is that men tend to be more interested in sports than women, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t exceptions to that rule, and a knowledgeable woman can be just as successful and have the same fantasy baseball experience and any man.” (D. Goldin, personal communication, April 23, 2009).

            Throughout this project, I have found my gender to be an inconsequential factor in my acceptance, success and overall experience in my fantasy baseball league. Other aspects, such as my knowledge and willingness to devote time to my team have been far more important and meaningful elements.  It appears that fantasy baseball from a female perspective is no different than a male.  All participants must be knowledgeable about the sport at hand and be willing to dedicate the necessary time it takes in order to do well in the league.

             As mentioned before, there are legal and ethical implications that have resulted from fantasy sports growing to such a prevalent pastime. One main notion that seems to draw attention is the idea of becoming addicted to fantasy sports. Because of issues like these, organizations have formed to better address any negative effects of this online community. The Fantasy Sports Trade Association (FSTA) was founded in order aid the relationship between fantasy sports and outside parties. It is a non-profit group created to encourage participation in fantasy sports leagues and protect commercial and consumer rights. FSTA Chairman Rick Wolf has helped forge connections between the researchers and fantasy sports companies, allowing people to better understand the realities of the industry and its audience[5].

When studying actual cases of addition to fantasy sports, few and far in between though they are, writer Christopher Rajki says it is the statistics behind every athlete that leads to problems[6]. As owners manage their teams, they compete against rival owners for the better stats. It might be hard for some to believe that a person could become addicted to these statistics, but it is possible.
            While none of the subjects I interviewed have known anyone who has had an addiction or gambling problem as a result to fantasy sports, they all very clearly see the potential for it.

In conclusion, the Internet has provided a forum for fantasy baseball, allowing people to choose athletes for their teams, see the results of their choices, and compare their performances against those of other players. Fans set their own codes of ethics and norms within their own leagues, permitting people the freedom to behave according to their own standards. Some believe that fantasy sports take away from the team aspect of sports by focusing all of the attention on individual performance. It may lead some fans to compromise their allegiance to a team in favor of a player that may be on their fantasy team. Others though, do not see a negative side to it, and they utilize fantasy baseball as a way to get more connected and plugged in with the game. Members can monitor their players and make decisions of their own to best suit his or her team. Fantasy exposes individuals to teams and players they have never considered before, providing a broader range of knowledge about the MLB. While women continue to participate less in fantasy baseball, my research suggests that this activity is not gender bias. Females do not have radically difference experiences when interacting with members of this virtual community—if they have the know-how to run a good team, they reap the same benefits, and if they lack in this area, they suffer the same consequences. Overall, fantasy baseball is an intriguing activity that has the potential to be unique and different for every person.

“It [fantasy baseball] used to be thought of as just geeks and hard core fans. But this isn’t a small closet hobby anymore. This son of bitch is a big, big industry, and it’s all due to the Internet,” said Greg Ambrosius, president of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association (FSTA).

[1] Deeney, 2004; FSTA, 2003

[2] Note: Information in the following paragraphs is from “Fantasy Sports as produced through University of Florida” <http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/spring/Antonio/fantasyhomepage.html>

[3] A Look at the Commercialization of Sport: Profound Impacts on American Identity and Culture by Mike Chiacos < http://www.lclark.edu/ria/commercialization.html>

[4] Source: http://womenagainstfantasysports.com/Home

[5] http://www.fsta.org/

[6] Baseball Prospectus 2004: Statistics, Analysis and Insight for the Information Age by The Baseball Prospectus Team of Experts