BDL Membership Application

Black Diamond League Fantasy Baseball — launched in 2005 — was built upon a singular idea: Championships should matter. Rather than populate the league with friends and family, the BDL required — and still requires — an extensive recruitment and vetting process for membership. Through these steps, only the most knowledgeable and competitive prospective league owners are given an opportunity to make their mark. In similar fashion, active BDL membership isn’t indefinite for most. While many owners have enjoyed long tenures in the BDL, every club and its leadership are held to year-to-year expectations of excellence. By design, our clubs are as active in December as they are in July.

The BDL’s dynasty format — which includes a minor league roster system and an annual draft geared toward new baseball prospects — requires the utmost dedication and attention to detail from club owners. Team-building in the BDL can, at times, be a years-long process as successful clubs are home grown from the ground up in many cases. Winning in this environment takes considerable skill and patience, with the best GMs seeking any possible advantage to improve and advance.

It’s that competitive standard that has attracted the attention of the world’s best fantasy sports competitors to the BDL, from national sports industry reporters to professional baseball scouts and a wealth of others, all of whom — past and present — played and still play only for pride. In the BDL, there is no cash prize. There isn’t a need for one in a league where the trophy means absolutely everything.

Thank you for your interest in the BDL. We're excited to learn more about you as we aim to add to our membership in 2026.

League Format

H2H dynasty

16 teams

5X5 scoring: (AVG, HR, RBI, R, SB, K, W, ERA, WHIP, saves (1.5)+holds (1)

28 MLB roster slots

25 Minor League roster slots

Name*

First NameLast Name

Age*

E-mail*

Where do you currently reside (state, city or province of residence is specific enough) and what do you do for a living?*

Describe your fantasy baseball experience.*

Have you won a fantasy baseball championship in another league? If so, describe what you believe led to that success. If not, please note how you fell short in accomplishing that goal, and what you learned from the experience that you would apply to your role as a team owner in the BDL. In either case, also describe in detail the makeup of the league(s) (format, number of teams, etc.).*

Similarly, how many fantasy leagues have you participated in over the course of the past two years (all sports), and where did your teams finish in each of them? If you can’t recall exact results, your best guess will suffice.*

There are various forms of proven team-building strategies in fantasy baseball, from draft-focused owners to those who rely more heavily on trading. What is your preferred method of team-building, and what approach would you take with a club in the BDL in order to create a contender?*

The BDL is a year-round dynasty league that requires daily attention 12 months out of the year. Have you participated in a league such as this before, and what is your general impression of the format?*

To what extent do you follow Minor League Baseball?*

Of the current crop of Minor League players (signed by MLB teams, but who have yet to debut in the Majors), identify one player you believe to be a potential superstar and one player you believe will be a bust. Include a paragraph-length explanation for both.*

We’ve all made bad trading decisions before. Name one trade you regret in particular (recall the exact components of the transaction as best you can), and explain your thought process behind making it at the time. *

How many baseball leagues do you anticipate participating in next season? Of those, if you are selected to join the BDL, where would you rank the BDL on your list of fantasy sports priorities?*

How many professional ballparks (MLB or MiLB) have you visited in the past five years? Also, estimate the number of games you’ve attended. (This will not negatively impact your application.)*

Identify and describe other hobbies or activities you’re involved in on a daily or weekly basis that you prioritize above participation in fantasy sports leagues (don’t worry, we all have them!).*

In addition to high competitive standards, the BDL also expects its owners to remain active and involved in social elements of the league, most specifically as they pertain to league members’ daily use of our message board forum, which is considered the central hub of communication for the BDL. In both your professional and home life, will you have time to devote yourself to this standard?*

Are you familiar with message board forum environments, and are you a member of any other online communities?*

To what extent are you active on social media platforms?*

Describe your personality. The BDL is comprised of individuals from many backgrounds and walks of life. What should we know about you up front?*

How well do you get along with individuals who share social, political or religious views and opinions that are contrary to your own?*

For reference, a copy of the league's vacant roster is included below. The team also owns nine picks in the upcoming first year player draft, including #6 overall. This club is obviously in a rebuilding state and will take time and effort to mold into a winner. Please share your immediate impressions of the available assets and how you might approach improving its competitiveness. *

Parting statement: If there’s anything else you’d like us to know about you and your candidacy for BDL membership, we’d love to hear it.