I’m a writer, not an engineer. I used AI to build an entire baseball simulation platform in two weeks for $50.

Creating a Fully Automated Baseball Simulation Platform Using AI: A Personal Journey

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and automation, innovative projects are emerging from unexpected backgrounds. As a seasoned journalist and Consumer Reports reporter with two decades of experience, I recently embarked on an ambitious endeavor: building a comprehensive baseball simulation platform in just two weeks, all with the help of AI tools and for a modest investment of $50.

This article shares the story behind this project, illustrating how accessible AI development has become—even for those without a traditional engineering background—and exploring what such advancements mean for hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike.

The Genesis of the Project

My goal was straightforward yet ambitious: to create an interactive, simulated Major League Baseball environment where an AI manages all 30 teams, writes game recaps, conducts postgame press conferences, and even generates audio content—entirely automated. Despite my lack of formal engineering training, I leveraged the power of contemporary AI coding tools, primarily Claude Code, and utilized available APIs to bring this vision to life.

Key Components and Features

The platform, accessible at deepdugout.com, encompasses several integrated features:

• Detailed Simulation Engine: Using real player statistics from FanGraphs, the system performs plate-appearance-level simulations, providing realistic gameplay sequences.

• Distinct AI Manager Personalities: Thirty unique AI managers, each around 800 words, mimic the decision-making styles of actual MLB managers—ranging from analytical strategists to traditional, gut-feeling captains.

• Automated Content Generation: The platform produces game summaries, postgame press conferences, and analytical commentary, creating a comprehensive narrative experience.

• Live Discord Broadcast: A Discord bot streams 15 simultaneous games, complete with live score updates, providing an interactive viewing environment.

• Audio Narration: Using a voice synthesis tool similar to ElevenLabs, the platform narrates all game recaps, adding an engaging audiocentric layer.

• Simulated World Series: A complete seven-game championship series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners exemplifies the platform’s capabilities.

The Creative Process

Achieving this level of complexity in just two weeks was possible thanks to AI coding tools that enabled rapid development and iteration. I focused on defining core functionalities, then relied on AI-assisted programming to write and integrate code snippets effectively. API credits totaling approximately $50 covered the necessary computational resources, making this an affordable experiment in AI-driven automation.

Distinct Personalities and Decision-Making

A particularly rewarding aspect was designing diverse manager personas. One acts as a cold, data-driven analytics optimizer, emphasizing statistical advantages and calculated risks. Another embodies a traditional, intuition-based skipper, prioritizing player stamina and momentum. These personalities lead to lively in-game interactions, including arguments with reporters and baffling yet occasionally effective strategic choices—adding depth and authenticity to the simulation.

Reflections and Future Possibilities

While this project is currently non-commercial and serves purely as a personal experiment, it illustrates the extraordinary potential of AI tools to democratize software development. As a journalist stepping into the world of coding, I found that with the right resources and a willingness to experiment, it’s possible to create sophisticated interactive platforms without formal engineering expertise.

I welcome questions about the development process, the AI tools used, or ideas for further expansion. This journey underscores a broader trend: that innovative projects can originate from diverse backgrounds, fueled by accessible AI technology.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this inspires others to explore and build in the realm of AI-enabled creativity.

About the Author
A professional journalist and reporter for Consumer Reports with two decades of experience, I ventured into AI-driven development to craft this baseball simulation project—a testament to the collaborative potential of human curiosity and artificial intelligence.