2036.07 - The Long Beach Independent - The Becker End?

[Lane]

BRIEUC'S LAST CAMP?

March 15, 2035
Catalina Island, CA

At age 37, no one can be blamed for losing a step here or a backhand pick there. Sixteen seasons of professional baseball will take a toll on anyone, no matter the heights they have previously achieved. For Brieuc Becker (.270/.320/.354, 23 HR, 287 RBI), the latest lost steps may signal the end of an era in Long Beach.

For many reasons, Becker is a singular figure within the franchise. He is one of only three players currently with the franchise that put on the uniform of the Tucson Cactus. Tomas Suarez (79 - 102, 4.41 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 1070 K) and Carlos Gonzales (.306/.366/.537, 281 HR, 778 RBI) are the others. He's the only Surfer left that played for the big club in the worst of times (51-111 in 2027) and also on the 2029 Landis Memorial Championship team.

He was simultaneously always on the fringes of the roster, yet right in the middle of things. Perennially cast as a super utility player excelling at second, third, short and left field he nevertheless found himself as the starting shortshop more often than not. He won the Frick League Yogi Zimmer award at the position in 2029, adding to the three Sammy McTeir Glove Awards that he won in the EBA.

That brings us to the other significant thing that makes Becker unique. He's the last Surfer to have played in the now-defunct EBA. He became a Surfer when he was selected in the 2026 Rule 6 draft by the team. They then executed their option to match the contract he signed with the Valencia Stars.

Becker was an EBA standout, playing for London and Rome from 2020-2026, worth nearly 25 WAR over that time. His glove in his early-mid 20s was at its peak, and his bat was above average in the EBA. His bat did not translate as well to the BBA, but no one ever expected it too. His primary value would always come from his glove, and he didn’t disappoint in that regard.

Now this spring, reports are that he’s really slowed down on the field. That, in combination with the 2035 acquisition of J.J. McQuade (.285/.325/.444, 69 HR, 313 RBI) have removed the possibility of a full time job for Becker. If he were to break camp with the Surfers for 2036 it would be strictly as a utility player. Unfortunately for him, the role may not exist. Youngster Victor Bedolla (.270/.320/.453, 5 HR, 18 RBI) has proven that he has what it takes to be a BBA third baseman. Mario Gorjo (.196/.250/.446, 4 HR, 8 RBI), Sloan Daniel) and Michael Best) are knocking on the door. At this point, even Harvey Specter (.218/.285/.269, 5 HR, 59 RBI) looks to be a better bet to grab a utility role.

If Becker has played his last inning for the Long Beach Surfers, The Independent salutes him. He was never a BBA star, but it sure was a pleasure watching him take the field for our team.