As the Madison Wolves wrapped up their final spring tune-up, Gertie emerged from a morning kettlebell flow, nodded once to HC Will Myers and GM Simon, and declared, “That’s enough flailing. Give me my 27.”
End of an Era: Proctor Out, Fitzgerald In
The biggest shock? After a decade at shortstop, Ken Proctor is out.
A ten-year anchor in the infield. A consummate pro. A fan favorite. And now, gone.
“It hurts,” Myers admitted. “There aren’t many like Proctor. But the game doesn’t stop.”
The Wolves are turning the keys over to Boyd Fitzgerald, the 19-year-old phenom who broke camp with poise, flair, and a spring leading 11 RBIs. Scouts rave about his hands and first-step burst, but what stunned the clubhouse was his quiet confidence.
“Kid walked in like he’d been here five years,” said second baseman Kensaku Kato. “We all felt it.”
The New Outfield Core
With the outfield cleared out, the Wolves will roam with a three-headed combo of Alfred Primm, Gary Fellers, and Gary Keller — high-octane defenders with bats that sting. Gertie dubbed them her “Outfield Cerberus.”
“You won’t get a cheap double on us this year,” she barked. “And if you try to go first to third, bring a priest.”
Infield Reloaded
With Fitzgerald at short and Kato earning his shot at second following a late-season trade last year, the Wolves infield has new blood. Curt Holter slots into third base Joe Drayton Jr provides flexibility across the diamond and behind the plate, and Esteban Paz returns as the starting catcher, with Mike Winchester backing him up.
The torch has officially been passed.
Rotation and Pen
The Wolves’ starting five of Tyler Murray, Mark Moore, Frank Ostrom, Jesus Gil, and Chris Stout look poised and healthy. In the pen, Clint Thomas, Pedro Juarez, and Jugnu Sampath will hold the fort late, with Heath Brown and taking on a fireman role could be Wesley Turner
Gertie’s Word
“You don’t win titles with sentiment,” Gertie said from her box, wrapped in purple fur and sipping a protein shake spiked with something questionable. “Proctor gave us everything. But this is Boyd’s team now.”
Madison heads into Opening Day with youth, speed, and no apologies. Gertie’s vision is clear—and ruthless.
