May 6, 2056
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
When the Bluebirds drafted Crissy Tingle with the 37th pick in the 2052 draft they knew they were getting a hidden gem. How a player with his range in the outfield lasted so long was a surprise and Tingle was a welcome addition to the league’s best farm system that was heavily loaded with immobile DH-type hitters. Though he was just 16 when drafted, Tingle quickly proved he was ready to play in the upper minors. Tingle began the 2054 season in AAA at the age of 18, but his season as cut short with a torn labrum. He didn’t hit much, but covered a lot of real estate in the outfield that really proved his value. Unfortunately, recovery didn’t go as planned and Tingle missed the entire 2055 season, ruining the Bluebirds’ plans to have the teenager play in Nashville.
Fast forward to 2056 and Tingle recovered from his injury and began recuperating with an invitation to spring training. Still working out some kinks, Tingle began the season in AAA to continue to prove he can hit well enough to play in the BBA. And that he did. In 25 games, Tingle torched the competition with a slash line of .433/.491/.515 to pair with impeccable defense. That was enough to prove to the front office that Tingle was ready.
CF Crissy Tingle
“It’s a dream come true,” said Tingle. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the BBA and, honestly, I had feelings it was never going to happen. I just got bad news after bad news with my labrum injury and I started to think I might have to turn to a career in real estate if this doesn’t work out. It’s a family business so I have that as a fallback, but I’m glad I didn’t give up and kept putting in the work during rehab. I know how lucky I am and can’t wait to get out there and ball out!”
The young outfielder did not disappoint in his first week of BBA action and continued right where he left off in AAA. Tingle went 2 for 4 in his debut and finished the week with a slash line of .440/.464/.600 including his first career HR. He should receive the start in CF in the majority of the games, with a few days off sprinkled in for the kid. He should continue to hit righties well enough to not be a liability offensively and his glove more than makes up for his weaknesses against southpaws. The Bluebirds rank 14th in both defensive efficiency and ZR, so his defense should help propel those numbers.
