Boardwalk Empire - 2046.1 - First Rounder Shepard Experiences Career High & Low

[Joshua Biddle]

Kevin Shepard: Two Professional Starts, the Highest High, and the Lowest Low

With their first round pick in the 2046 BBA Amateur Draft, the 10th overall pick, the Atlantic City Gamblers selected right-handed starting pitcher Kevin Shepard out of the U.S. Army. The New York, NY native contributed to the Army with three solid seasons as a starter for the team, finishing his three year college career 12-7 with a 2.63 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, a 2.14 FIP, a .233 opponents' average, a .613 opponents' OPS, 247 strikeouts, and a 7.9 WAR in 181 2/3 innings pitched (36 starts). Scouts viewed Shepard as a polished product, one that had the possibility of ascending quickly through the Gamblers' minor league system, with an outside chance to play for the Gamblers during the 2046 season.

Not long after draft day, the Gamblers and Shepard agreed to terms, agreeing to a $3.75 million signing bonus. He was subsequently assigned to Atlantic City's Class-AA affiliate - the Trenton Generals - with his first planned start scheduled for June 13th against the Weymouth Irish (Boise). Shepard thrived -- pitching a no-hitter -- surrendering just one walk and striking out seven. Another hitter reached on an error by shortstop Rich Vance on a line drive in the ninth inning. Shepard was mobbed by teammates once the final out was recorded. Shepard was interviewed while sopping wet from blue Gatorade being dumped on him, all the while answering questions as to how quick he expects to be in Atlantic City after the gem of a debut. "I don't know, there's no real timetable from my perspective or the organization's perspective" said Shepard, "I'm just focused on every start and maximizing my abilities and the team's chances to win. The rest will play itself out as performance dictates."

Shepard's second scheduled start was his home debut on June 19th against the Winston-Salem Warthogs (Rockville). Shepard surrendered three hits and struck out four in 3 2/3 innings pitched, throwing 41 strikes of 61 pitches. In the fourth inning, after surrendering two consecutive singles, Shepard grabbed his right elbow, wincing in pain and collapsing to the ground. Trenton Generals manager Richard Lawson and pitching coach Dakila Pacheco rushed to the mound as teammates also gathered in an effort to comfort Shepard. The crowd was hushed to the point where one could hear a pin drop. Shepard walked off the field holding his elbow alongside the team doctor and members of the training staff.

The news was relatively hushed while a second opinion was sought, but the end result was still the same -- Kevin Shepard had suffered a torn flexor tendon in his pitching elbow - an injury that is projected to keep him out of action until late April 2047 assuming he progresses on the expected schedule. Shepard's surgery was successful, and now comes the grueling rehabilitation that may play a role as to whether or not he is able to recapture the form that made him a first round pick.

In only two career starts, Shepard has already experienced the highest high and lowest low of his career. Shepard, Gamblers fans, general baseball fans, and fans of a good story can only hope that he has higher highs in the future.

[Dington]

Oof.

[Fat Nige]

. Hope he recovers ok.

[HerbD]

That's tough but I know how you feel