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

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.