Ralph “Ringo” Boyd - 15-8, 3.89 ERA, 3.1 WAR, 16 Quality Starts
Down 2-0 in the series, Ralph Boyd stood on the mound in the 8th inning of the game against Atlantic City. Within the month he would be crowned the Joe Gillstrom Newcomer of the Year, but at that moment, with 2 outs, a 4-3 lead and the bases loaded, his only focus was the Gamblers’ John Oliver. But for once, Boyd’s 98mph fastball didn’t fool the batsman, and the ball arced deep into the Montreal night…..
Where did Ringo come from? Boyd’s college career at American General was extremely successful. After an excellent first year in 2048, he put it all together the following season. Ringo’s 2049 saw him come 2nd in the Fox Mulder voting and making the all-star game, striking out 85 in 66 innings, compiling a 1.55 ERA and winning 7. 2050 saw him add a few mph to the fastball, and although his stats worsened, his reputation did not. The Blazers grabbed him with pick #11, and the esteemable MBBA draft review said the following:
“11. SP Ralph Boyd (Montreal): Boyd is a college righty whose unusual grip raises injury red flags with scouts, but he’s also one of the most developed and accomplished pitchers in the draft. He can throw both his fastball and cutter as out pitches, and basically comes fully formed and able to help a team tomorrow. Also, he has no significant injury history, so maybe the reports are overblown. Good intangibles should help.”
Tomorrow wasn’t too far off, in terms of predictions. After a few starts at A-ball in 2050, 2051 saw Boyd promoted all the way to AAA New Jersey. Boyd excelled, going 18-7 with a 2.90 ERA over 29 games, enough to take home the Mitch Cain award for the top minor league level, walking 38 while striking out 121 as a 22-year old. He made the Futures game, took home 2 pitcher of the month awards, and ended the year in the top 30 prospects list. It's noticeable that in this period Boyd didn't miss a start all year (like he wouldn't in 2052), despite the medical evaluation that his action was likely to lead to substantial time on the IL. A medical marvel or dumb luck? Time will tell.
And then to Montreal – promoted to the rotation for the start of the 2052 season, Boyd continued to shine. His 15-8 record and 3.89 ERA were impressive, and built on going deep in games – Ralph, consistently scouted as fragile, pitched 205 innings averaging 7 innings an outing! In 9 of his 30 starts, Boyd completed the eight inning…..and was only one out away from doing the same in his playoff debut. There is always next year, the optimistic might say, for the only Blazer to take home hardware this year.
Next up: Bill Mills, Nebraska contender and Montreal's surprise ace