It's a Hit! - Baseball Highlights 2045

I am still very skeptical about Kickstarter... but there's been some really cool projects from some really reputable folks coming down the pike, so you'll have to put up with my boosterism at least one more time.

Of course, Baseball Highlights 2045 is designed by a favorite game designer of mine (Mike Fitzgerald) who was the creator of the wonderful Mystery Rummy series of card games. Mike is also a very nice guy and a joy to play games with...

...all of which make it even easier to tout his newest creation, Baseball Highlights 2045. I love how Mike has designed a baseball game that:

• plays quickly
• has strategic (drafting new players) and tactical (playing baseball games) elements
• reflects a love for baseball without being sucked into the need for "simulation"
• uses the sci-fi theme to help make game play "make sense" thematically

Much like some of my other favorite sports board games (for the record, that would StreetSoccer, Harry's Grand Slam Baseball and 1st & Goal), the game system gets the feel of the sport right without bogging down in detail and chrome. (No, I haven't played the game - but the videos do a great job of explaining it.)

BTW, this is the first time I've watched all the videos for a Kickstarter project. Normally, I just don't care that much, but I'm always intrigued by the design decisions Mike makes... and, well, Mike's voice is so dang radio-friendly that I can't help but listen. (Yes, Mike's "day job" is in radio - it shows. He reminds me a bit of Vin Scully announcing the Dodgers games.)

As of this writing, you've got 8 days to jump on board. Celebrate Opening Day by throwing some cash towards Mike & Gryphon/Eagle Games. $32 + $5 shipping (yeah, it's a weird way to do a board game Kickstarter, but that's how they roll) buys you the game & all unlocked stretch goals... and you can add on some of the later stretch goals as well as copies of the original four Mystery Rummy games!