Before Jim Baumbach became a valuable contributor to the complex equation that makes up the greatest sports board game ever made — the Strat-O-Matic baseball card — he was simply an avid fan of the 45-year-old classic.

Baumbach, 28, of Lindenhurst, N.Y., first began playing the game as a freshman at St. John's University when his college paper sports editor, Joe Schad (now of ESPN), invited him to join a Strat league. He's been a loyal player ever since.

But his involvement with the game crossed over to that of contributor once the Newsday sports reporter was promoted to the high-profile New York Yankees beat. This is the second straight year that the Long Island, N.Y.-based company has used input from Baumbach to help compile cards for Yankees players.

"I enjoy being part of the process," said Baumbach, whose own Strat league can be found on the Internet: http://nylistratleague.tripod.com/.

Strat-O-Matic stat guru Steve Barkin is one of the main figures behind the cards. Pure statistics aside, Barkin interviews reporters from every Major League team to help update player intangibles such as arm strength, range and bunting ability.

That's where Baumbach's observations become invaluable in creating a true-to-life card. He's asked to offer up opinions on players in six categories: defense, range, arm, speed, hit-and-run and bunting.

"They ask you about every player that played even one inning for the Yankees," Baumbach said. "Jorge Posada played one game at first base so they'll ask how he did. How can you legitimately say how good or bad he was?"

It's Baumbach's job to try. Outfielder Aaron Guiel, for example, presented a challenge. Guiel wasn't an everyday player and yet was asked to play first base, DH and all three outfield spots. Who better to quantify Guiel's ability than a beat guy who sees him day in and out?

Pitchers don't get the same close inspection, but there's still plenty said. Baumbach called Randy Johnson a bad fielder while Mariano Rivera is above average.

Baumbach's input is just part of a large pool of contributors. Newark Star-Ledger beat writer Ed Price, a member of the same Strat league with Baumbach, is another contributor to the Yankees ratings cards. Former Met Keith Hernandez, a TV analyst, is one of the observers behind the Mets' cards.

Hey, disgruntled players, don't go after these guys if you don't like your bunt rating. What Baumbach says isn't the final word. For example, he rated Derek Jeter between a two or three — average — for his defense at shortstop for the latest set, available in early 2007. But Baumbach, who already received a pre-release version of the ratings book, noted with a laugh that Jeter is rated a one, the highest rating possible.

"Jeter slipped a little on defense this season and yet his card is even better than last year's," Baumbach said. Well, Jeter was an MVP candidate.

No matter. Baumbach became a fan of Strat-O-Matic baseball because of the realistic playability. Now Baumbach is part of the process that keeps the game relevant and fresh after five decades.