BuzzerBeater Forums

I like the idea, but as burke said, it is not realistic.
What bb could do, using your idea a bit, was to attribute some %'s for players to retire at the end of the season, that being known by you earlier the season (and skills 1% improved as you said).
33 years old could have a 10% chance
34 -> 20%
35 -> 30%
40 -> 80%
42 -> 100%! lol

This is a better idea.

Old player will want to retire. If they want to play and are not good enough the team will cut them.

I like the thought of Joe Perez (14603477) being able to retire on my team. He was one of the first players I bought, and has been a team leader since S21. One of my favorite players ever. I do agree with some of the other posters though, it's not very realistic. What if you could suggest that a player retire, and he could either take your advice or not? And after a player hits 40 or so he'll retire on his own. More realistic, but similar concept.

Ok, I see your point. It shouldn't be left to chance, that's true. I'm sort of torn on this subject, because I do like seeing guys like the 50-something Mexican guy who's never played in a game, but part of me does want the realism of players deciding to go into retirement, and another part wants to be able to have players, such as Perez, retire on my terms. I just don't look forward to the day when I have to say goodbye to Perez. *sniffle*

One of my first players ever purchased, Patrizio, turned 41 this season. His effective playing days in league games are over, but he still puts on a bit of a show in bot cup games and scrimmages. He used to be my ringer PG, SG, or SF back in Div V in Season 19 and was solid in Div IV for a couple seasons. There's only one player on my team that I've had for longer, and he was on my original roster.

I am fairly sentimental about my players, too. It's part of what makes this game so fun.
I could see a 'lock' on a player's skills once they decide to retire, but then you lose them for good at season's end.
It would have to have some strict policies, as you state, such as age requirements and # of years with the team.

Well, to be honest, this was part suggestion, part attempt to spark a discussion. Glad to see it worked, and thanks for the feedback!

Some thoughts on some points brought up:

* "An employer can't tell someone when to retire; they can only tell them when they can no longer work for them." - That is true, though BB actually lets us cut and dye our rookies' hair and shave their beards and SWAP OUT THEIR EYEBALLS JESUS CHRIST HOW HORRIBLE that I believe a retirement option wouldn't be that questionable ethically.

* Age requirement: my "33+?" was something like the very lowest age I could imagine for a retirement. If it were me, 36 or 37 and at least 5 seasons with the team would be a much better starting point, but I didn't want to force my age restriction on the discussion so I opted for setting the bar low.

* Firing versus retirement: I know I could technically imagine a nice retirement party in my head before I kick my player out, but it just isn't the same. And we do have a Hall of Fame which we don't have to imagine in our heads either, for an instance; celebrating someone's retirement and accepting someone in your Hall of Fame isn't the same, but it caters to the same sentiments at least.

Again, thanks for the discussion!

As an addendum:
I stopped playing Hattrick years ago, but I still fondly remember - though I actually just recalled it right now, two days after my original post - the retirement option there. The players even had various jobs to choose from after their retirement - youth coach, job in the front office, restaurant owner, whatever. It was another nice little touch.

Last edited by Don Rosa at 4/10/2014 5:58:00 PM