A large sign announcing the last-place finish goes up in the loser's front yard, in some leagues for weeks, in the most brutal versions for a full year. Neighbors, delivery drivers, and in-laws all get to enjoy it. HOA complaints are considered part of the punishment.
The long haul: this is not a one-afternoon sentence. With a time commitment of one month to one year, the punishment keeps paying out (for everyone else) long after the season ends. Long sentences need a written end date and a league-appointed enforcer who checks compliance.