With voting for season awards in progress and the launching of a new website today, the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA) is encouraging new members to join.

While you don’t get anything special – except for an ultra-cool membership card (lifetime members only) – you will be eligible to vote in the current election. The sooner the better, because you’ll have 10 categories to ponder, including MVP, Cy, rookie, manager and relief pitcher awards for NL and AL. Join by the final day of the regular season, October 3, 2012, email your selections by 9:00 p.m. PST, and consider yourself a full-fledged member of the IBWAA.

All online baseball writers are welcome, from publications large and small, including those covering minor league and amateur ball, and those working full-time, part-time and as unpaid contributors.

Membership dues are $10 per year, or $20 lifetime. Group discounts and scholarships are available. Please do not hesitate to ask. Visit our JOIN page to sign up.