So long and thanks for all the fish...
“You hate to see it. You really, really do.” That’s all Gertie could muster at first after hearing about 25-year-old righty pitcher José Trujillo blowing out his ulnar collateral ligament on July 17th.
Drafted way back in the 20th round of 2055, Trujillo was the longest of longshots—an afterthought on draft day, but a workhorse in the shadows. He toiled away for nine seasons in the minors, always just outside the bright lights. He never made it to the bigs, but Gertie said, “That doesn’t mean he didn’t make it. Baseball ain't just about fame—it's about grind, grit, and loving this ridiculous, beautiful game.”
His shining moment came on July 1st, 2061, tossing a two-hit shutout against the Medford Mules—no walks, five Ks, and one proud farm director in the stands.
As for José, he spoke with quiet reflection from the Burlington rehab suite:
“You always dream about The Show. And I got close. But if this is it, then I got no regrets. I played the game the right way, gave it everything I had, and I’ll carry that with me wherever I go next. Maybe it’s coaching, maybe it’s just beer league ball back in Shelby. But I’ll always be a Wolf.”
Gertie, with a rare softness in her voice, added:
“He wore our colors with pride, and he battled every step of the way. We wish him nothing but the best. And if he ever wants a job around Shotz Stadium, all he has to do is call.”
