Byline: Max Offen Sichtlich
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Speedy Kid Sizzles On Basepaths
Aug 26, 2056
In the year 2000, Juan Luna stole 85 bases in AA. It’s a record that has stood ever since.
Until now, anyway. And until the arrival of Bismark speedster Akeem Joffer. We’re guessing this one will stand a little longer. Playing a full season with the post-season bound Churchills, Joffer hit .287/.381/.414, which is solid enough as it is. That 112 OPS+ will certainly work to get the 21-year-old a ticket to Black Hills next year. But that doesn’t take into account that in his 119 starts (128 games), so far, he’s swiped 141 bases. Six games remain.
“He’s electric on the basepaths,” said manager Al Compton. “There was a moment or two there when I was trying to teach him how to be strategic about things, but there’s no reason right now. The fans love him. You walk him and it’s an automatic double.”
How automatic?
With 165 attempts, the kid’s only been caught 24 times. An 85% success ratio.
It’s not that surprising, is it?
In 2052 he set the Rookie League record with 72 steals in 68 games.
In 2053 he set the A-Ball record by stealing 135 bases in 138 games.
In 2054 he stole 119 bases in 133 games split between A ball and AA. It’s worth noting that the 83 he stole in A ball that year qualifies him for the #2 spot in the all-time Charlie Pegler leaderboard, behind himself.
In 2055, he was injured most of the season…so there’s that.
In other words, Akeen Joffer owns the single season SB record for every level of professional ball he’s ever played in.
There is, of course, some interest in jumping a talent like that directly to the big leagues, but the club seems to not want push anything.
“He’s still a bit of a free swinger,” Compton said. “But it will come.”
Until then, there’s the post season this year.
And AAA next.
Perhaps it’s worth noting that: Pete Davis holds the AAA SB record with 103.
Just in case.
