9-News: 44.019 – End of Era Comes With McNeill Trade

[RonCo]

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Hall of Famer Heads to Charlotte

April 21, 2044: Yellow Springs – While unsurprising, news that no YS9 fan wanted to hear has finally come to pass. Having been Designated for Assignment after a lackluster spring training, 37-year-old Lucas McNeill is now reported to be heading toward Charlotte.

“The paperwork is still being arranged,” said assistant GM Alex Gonzalez, “but we’ve agreed in principle.”

Gonzalez said McNeill had been offered an opportunity to join the club as a member of the coaching staff, but he wanted to play at least one more year. “We wanted to do what was right by Lucas and his family. Everyone knows what he’s meant to this organization. I mean, you can’t see a Nine Logo without thinking about his bat.”

The switch hitting infielder came up as a 21-year-old phenom, and after an injury-plagued first season has gone on to rewrite the Yellow Springs Record books. His 76.4 WAR is the most ever for a Yellow Springs player, as is his 2,368 games, 1,647 runs scored, 2,658 hits, 566 doubles, and 466 homers. His acumen with the lumber was matched by his speed, as his 573 steals are also a franchise record.

“It’s a tough day,” said pitching coach and longtime teammate of McNeill Alberto Sanchez. “Everyone hopes that he’s got a great season in front of him. I hope he comes back to the Yellow Springs organization soon. It’s a great place to work.”


Waiver Claims Buzzed Until Deal Struck

News of the deal comes on the heels of news that Heartland division rival Twin Cities had put a claim in on the future Hall of Famer. The team was apparently in process of negotiating a deal with the River Monsters when the Charlotte franchise swept in and offered the club 18-year-old Caspar Mitchinson (who immediately becomes the answer to a meme-y trivial question).

Mitchinson is a 6/5” ground ball pitcher who throws 95 MPH with a fastball/slider/change repertoire. He had signed a minor league contract with the Cougars, and had made three uninteresting appearances with Charlotte Rookie League team.

At press time, no one knew anything else about him.


Book Closes on YS9 Golden Era

“It’s kind of a gut punch, to be honest,” said Kal Friedman, Sargent at Arms of YS9 fan group Bleed Nine Red. “Lucas was the last of that first wave, you know? Chavez, and LaLoosh, and McNeill. It’s hard to believe they’re gone.”

It’s a common sentiment. The club rose on the shoulders of those players, digging itself from the maire of a long losing record to capture nine division titles and go to the post season 16 times.

The team has announced that Friday’s home game with Omaha will include the presentation of a highlight reel of many of the team’s biggest moments on the way toward those highly coveted Heartland Division titles.