A Shot of Redemption: The Story of Will Kane

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RF4E, Difar, & Cat: Yep, it's back!

***

A LESSON IN NOT DELETING YOUR SAVEGAMES

There was a bit of uproar after I decided to end this back in February. It might’ve been because I wasn’t inspired during the offseason, or maybe that my story-telling skills needed work. Whatever the reason, I didn’t feel that I was performing up to my potential in terms of writing, reporting, and storytelling.

So I took a break: I started a modified career dynasty (THE GRIFFEY YEARS) to kind of kill the time before the release of BM2010. GRIFFEY has been more successful than I could’ve ever imagined, and has really helped me get back into more detailed write-ups. However, every time I opened the game, I had to pass over this Mariners save on my loading screen. As it got closer and closer to Opening Day, I was becoming more and more tempted to give it another go. With the start of the season imminent, I felt that the time was right to try and delve back into the world of storyline-driven dynasties.

I’ll try and run this and GRIFFEY simultaneously. Only time will tell if I’ll be able to pull it off, what with my track season just starting to kick into full swing. However, I feel like I need to get closure, so just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

(Also, I have had the hard drive from my corrupted computer sitting on my bookshelf for almost 6 months, meaning that it may be possible to resurrect Trapped in the Basement. Just saying…)

[Difar]

A story inside of a story.
This just keeps getting better.

[RedsoxRockies]

Bring back Trapped in the Basement!!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Difar: Thanks! Hopefully I can finish a season

RSR: We'll see, I need to use all sorts of technical stuff, so it may not be possible. When I find some time, I'll try and do that.

23. A (Not-so) Rude Awakening

I forced my eyes open. No matter how many times I blinked, my vision was blurred. The room was incredibly bright, with white walls and fluorescent lighting.

A dark figure entered the room. I couldn’t see who (or what) it was. All I heard was this:

“Oh my… he’s awake! Someone page Dr. Levinson!”

…before I drifted back into the darkness.

***

“Mr. Kane? How are you feeling?”

I opened my eyes. Sitting on the end of my bed was an angel in hospital scrubs. She had shoulder length blonde hair, lightly tanned skin, and a smile so white it was blinding.

“A lot better now, thanks for asking. Mind telling me what I’m doing here?”

“The police found you passed out on the Canadian border on June 20. You were unconscious and comatose. You’ve been here for almost 3 months.”

“3 months? That can’t be! I was just getting in a cab…”

“Sheraton hotel, please”

“I’m sorry I have to do this to you, Will…”

The nurse sat up. “The cabbie knew your name? That’s so weird. Hey, do you want some dinner?” She ducked into the hallway and pulled 2 trays of…stuff back into the room with her. “Do you mind if I join you? I’m sure you could use the company.”

“Absolutely not…um…”

“Courtney”, she finished. “Courtney Morgan.”

“Will Kane, but you already knew that.”

***

[5dodgers5]

An amazing dynasty. Love the style of writing and the story is intriguing. I have two players to add to the 1991 draft pool, my hitting and pitching self from little league.


Name: East Hawk
Position: LF
Birthdate: 1973
Place of Birth: Glendale, AZ
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185
Age (as of 1990): 17
Bats/Throws: S/R

Overall: 57
Peak: 78
Health: 84
Best skill: Great glove, great contact, great eye, decent speed (low 70s)
Worst skill: absolutely zero power, weak arm
Additional info: calm, relaxed, team player


Name: Bartleby Gaines
Position: SP
Birthdate: 1971
Place of Birth: Burbank, CA
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 190
Age (as of 1990):19
Bats/Throws: S/R

Overall:61
Peak: 89
Health:84
Best skill: good control, good endurance, nasty sinker and two seamer, can throw 7 pitches (4 seamer, 2 seamer, circle change, sinker, palmball, curveball, knuckleball)
Worst skill: velocity tops out at 82, little power, sinker/change/2seamer only good pitches
Additional info: flustered easily, team player

[RedsoxRockies]

Didn't I have several created guys in this?

[PotatoOfCouch13]

5dodgers5: Remind me again when I get to next year. I'm sure I'll forget between now and then.

RSR: I'm sure you did, I just need to find them...

...yes. Methanol Ethanol and Dick Head

***

GETTING YOU UP TO SPEED…

STANDINGS

AL WEST
California	80-64	-
Chicago		77-65	2
Seattle		75-67	4
Texas		75-67	4
Oakland		76-68	4
Kansas City	66-75	12.5
Minnesota	55-88	24.5

AL EAST
Boston		77-65	-
Milwaukee	77-66	0.5
New York	76-66	1
Toronto		73-69	4
Baltimore	67-76	10.5
Cleveland	63-80	14.5
Detroit		61-82	16.5

NL WEST
Houston		77-66	-
San Francisco	74-68	2.5
San Diego	73-68	3
Atlanta		72-70	4.5
Los Angeles	70-71	6
Cincinnati	70-72	6.5

NL EAST
Pittsburgh	82-60	-
St. Louis	74-67	7.5
Chicago		70-72	12
Montreal	68-75	14.5
New York	63-79	19
Philadelphia	58-83	23.5

LEAGUE LEADERS
AMERICAN LEAGUE

BATTING AVERAGE	
Dion James (CLE)	.347
Kevin Seitzer (KCR)	.347
Wade Boggs (BOS)	.340
	
HOME RUNS	
Mark McGwire (OAK)	50
Cecil Fielder (DET)	42
Sammy Sosa (CHW)	39
	
RUNS BATTED IN	
Albert Belle (CLE)	136
Cecil Fielder (DET)	133
Dante Bichette (CAL)	128
	
STOLEN BASES	
Alex Cole (CLE)		48
Willie Wilson (KCR)	37
Rickey Henderson (OAK)	37
	
WINS	
Roger Clemens (BOS)	18
Dave Stieb (TOR)	18
3 players tied with	16
	
ERA	
Roger Clemens (BOS)	2.69
Bert Blyleven (CAL)	3.03
Dave Stieb (TOR)	3.13
	
STRIKEOUTS	
Roger Clemens (BOS)	223
Randy Johnson (SEA)	218
Nolan Ryan (TEX)	194
	
SAVES	
Dave Righetti (NYY)	36
Tom Henke (TOR)		29
Jeff Montgomery (KCR)	28

NATIONAL LEAGUE

BATTING AVERAGE	
Mark Grace (CHC)	.361
Gregg Jefferies (NYM)	.339
Garry Templeton (SDP)	.337
	
HOME RUNS	
Barry Bonds (PIT)	49
Matt Williams (SFG)	38
Tom Brunansky (STL)	30
	
RUNS BATTED IN	
Paul O'Neill (CIN)	120
Bobby Bonilla (PIT)	116
Andres Galarraga (MON)	115
Barry Bonds (PIT)	115
	
STOLEN BASES	
Vince Coleman (STL)	83
Gerald Young (HOU)	60
Bip Roberts (SDP)	40
	
WINS	
John Smoltz (ATL)	19
Doug Drabek (PIT)	19
Greg Maddux (CHC)	18
Ken Hill (STL)		18
	
ERA	
Greg Maddux (CHC)	2.64
John Smoltz (ATL)	2.92
Mike Scott (HOU)	2.94
	
STRIKEOUTS	
John Smoltz (ATL)	216
Greg Maddux (CHC)	214
Andy Benes (SDP)	187
	
SAVES	
Billy Wagner (HOU)	42
Chad Fox (ATL)		33
Todd Worrell (STL)	33

MARINERS STATS


ALL-STAR GAME
American League 14, National League 3
MVP: Yankees 1B Don Mattingly – PH Grand Slam
Mariners 3B/DH Edgar Martinez - DNP

MILESTONES
6/16 – Yankees RP Dave Righetti: 200th save
6/19 – Brewers RF Dave Parker: 2500th hit
6/30 – Padres 1B Jack Clark: 1000th run
7/5 – Tigers 2B Lou Whitaker: 1000th run
7/6 – Rangers SP Nolan Ryan: 300th win
7/7 – Athletics LF Rickey Henderson: 900th steal
7/14 – Dodgers SP Orel Hershiser: PERFECT GAME
7/15 – Padres 1B Jack Clark: 300th home run
7/16 – Dodgers CF Juan Samuel: 300th steal
7/23 – Tigers SS Alan Trammell: 1000th run
7/31 – Pirates SS Jay Bell: hit for the cycle
8/10 – Giants C Gary Carter: 2000th hit
8/24 – Royals CF Willie Wilson: 2000th hit
8/25 – Giants C Gary Garter: 1000th run

EXTENSIONS
6/18 – Blue Jays SP Al Leiter
6/23 – Athletics C Terry Steinbach
7/1 – Angels CF Devon White
7/8 – Mets 1B Kevin Millar
7/20 – Mets SS Kevin Elster
7/21 – Mariners 1B Alvin Davis – 4 yrs, $2.2M/yr
8/1 – Padres C Benito Santiago
8/2 – Mariners 2B Harold Reynolds – 2 yrs, $1.0M/yr
8/2 – Dodgers LF Kal Daniels
8/4 – Reds SP Jose Rijo
8/7 – Padres LF John Kruk
8/22 – Yankees 1B Don Mattingly
8/28 – Braves 3B Ron Gant
9/1 – Yankees RP Rich Monteleone
9/3 – Royals C Mike Macfarlane
9/4 – Pirates SS Jay Bell
9/8 – Reds SP Tom Browning
9/8 – Royals LF Bo Jackson

MAJOR INJURIES
6/19 – Dodgers 2B Willie Randolph out 12 months (severed elbow ligament)
6/20 – White Sox CF Sammy Sosa out 2 weeks (strained knee)
7/5 – Athletics SP Dave Stewart out 3 months (elbow tendonitis)
7/14 – Mariners 3B/OF Darnell Coles out 13 months (torn rotator cuff)
7/25 – Mets RF Darryl Strawberry out 1 month (broken fibula)
7/30 – Mariners 3B/DH Edgar Martinez out for season (severed knee ligament)
8/6 – Athletics LF Rickey Henderson out for season (torn ankle ligament)

TRADES
6/25 – Philadelphia trades RP Roger McDowell to St. Louis for LF Allen Battle
7/2 – Philadelphia trades LF John Kruk to San Diego for SP Joey Hamilton and RP Scott Sanders
7/4 – Cincinnati trades SP Ron Robinson to San Diego for SP Eric Show and C Mark Parent
7/14 – Philadelphia trades RP Dennis Cook to Milwaukee for 1B Brian Banks and SS Pat Listach
7/15 – Seattle trades LF Jeffrey Leonard and 2B Fernando Vina to Philadelphia for 3B Charlie Hayes and RP Steve Ontiveros – made possible due to season-ending injury to D. Coles
7/19 – Cleveland trades SP Greg Swindell to St. Louis for RP Mike Perez and RP Rene Arocha
7/24 – Minnesota trades CF Kirby Puckett to Los Angeles for SP Tim Belcher, C Mike Scioscia, 1B Eddie Murray, and LF Kirk Gibson
7/25 – Minnesota trades SP Tim Belcher and SS Greg Gagne to California for RP Troy Percival, SS Gary DiSarcina, and CF Kevin Flora
7/26 – Cleveland trades RP Jesse Orosco to Chicago (AL) for RP Ken Patterson
7/26 – Minnesota trades C Brian Harper to Boston for RF Israel Alcantara
7/27 – Minnesota trades 3B Gary Gaetti to Texas for RP Danny Patterson
7/29 – Houston trades LF Jeff Baldwin, RF Eric Anthony, and RF Mike Simms to New York (NL) for SP Ron Darling
7/30 – Oakland trades C Henry Mercedes and 1B Jim Bowie for 2B Tony Phillips
7/31 – Detroit trades SP Frank Tanana to Chicago (AL) for SP Brian Keyser
7/31 – Detroit trades SP Jack Morris to California for RP Joe Grahe, RP Mike James, and RP Cliff Young
7/31 – New York (NL) trades 3B Howard Johnson to California for C Larry Gonzales, SS Rod Correia, and LF Reggie Williams

And too many reversed to even list…

RETIREMENTS
6/22 – RF Eric Bullock (30)
6/22 – RP Doug Bair (40)
6/25 – RP Steve Fireovid (33)
6/29 – SS Paul Zuvella (31)
7/7 – RP Keith Comstock (34)
7/28 – C Ron Tingley (31)
7/30 – 1B Bill Buckner (40)
8/17 – RP Danny Boone (36)
8/23 – 1B Wallace Johnson (33)
8/25 – SP Chris Codiroli (32)
8/31 – 2B Tony Bernazard (34)

***

[PotatoOfCouch13]

The box score from Orel Hershiser's Perfect Game

Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers
July 14, 1990

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
          Reds (CIN) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0    0  0  0
       Dodgers (LAD) 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 x    2  6  0

CINCINNATI           ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
H. Winningham (CF)    3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .115
K. Griffey (LF)       3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .286
B. Larkin (SS)        3  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .269
P. O'Neill (RF)       3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .329
H. Morris (1B)        3  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .341
J. Oliver (C)         3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .261
R. Oester (2B)        3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .271
L. Quinones (3B)      3  0  0  0  0  0  2  0    .238
R. Mahler (P)         2  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .235
 E. Davis (CF)        1  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .334
TOTALS               27  0  0  0  0  0  6  0


      CINCINNATI   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
       R. Mahler  8.0  6  2  1  2  2  5 101   5.25
          TOTALS  8.0  6  2  1  2  2  5 101

LOS ANGELES          ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
J. Gonzalez (CF)      4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .222
L. Harris (2B)        4  1  0  1  0  0  1  0    .202
E. Murray (1B)        4  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .278
 J. Samuel (CF)       0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .284
M. Piazza (C)         3  1  1  1  1  1  0  0    .227
K. Gibson (LF)        3  1  0  0  0  1  1  0    .256
H. Brooks (RF)        2  0  1  0  0  0  1  0    .270
J. Hamilton (3B)      3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .231
A. Griffin (SS)       3  2  0  0  0  0  0  0    .285
O. Hershiser (P)      3  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .081
TOTALS               29  6  2  2  1  2  5  0

   2B:  L. Harris (3)
   HR:  M. Piazza (3)
   CS:  A. Griffin

     LOS ANGELES   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
    O. Hershiser  9.0  0  0  0  0  0  6  86   3.89
          TOTALS  9.0  0  0  0  0  0  6  86

     WP: O. Hershiser (8-7)
     LP: R. Mahler (7-8)

     Temperature: 81F
     Wind: 5 MPH (out to center)
     Attendance: 56,000
     Time: 2:04

[PotatoOfCouch13]

To be honest, I'm a little surprised that Coach hasn't popped in here yet...

...oh well, on with the show!

***

24. September, Part I

Now that I’m out of my coma, it’s back to the grindstone! Fortunately for me, Jeff (Smulyan, owner of the Mariners) didn’t replace me, and the team is 8 games over .500. My job appears safe for now.

Seattle (75-67) at Milwaukee (77-66)

A series that means a lot for both teams, as we’re both within striking distance of leading our respective divisions. It probably means a little more for the Brewers, as they’re only a half-game behind Boston, and it’s a home series for them.

9 – With a 9-3 lead entering the 8th inning, everything seemed to be going our way. Just then, a massive collapse occurred, and the Brewers scored 7 times to take the lead. We were fortunate to tie the game in the 9th, but all the air was sucked from our sails, and the Brew Crew won in extras. Brewers 11-10 (10)

10 – Erik Hanson has his best start in a long while, and Ken Griffey, Jr. hits his 26th home run of the season, powering the Mariners to victory. Mariners 4-2

11 – Another heartbreaker. Brian Holman was wild (9 BB), but didn’t allow a run over 7.2 innings. Teddy Higuera was just as good. As a matter of fact, the Mariners lead 1-0 entering the bottom of the 9th. But the Brewers proved too powerful: B.J. Surhoff’s solo home run sent the game to extras, where Dave Parker’s 2-run shot won it for the home team. Brewers 3-1 (10)

12 – DAY OFF

Seattle (76-69) at Baltimore (68-78)

Last trip to the East Coast on the season, as we finish our season series with the O’s. Every series is huge for us now, but this one possibly more so, as its against a subpar opponent.

13 – No bullpen collapse this time, as the Mariners seize an early lead and add some insurance late in the game thanks to Alvin Davis. The Seattle DH went 4-5, including his 24th home run of the year. Mariners 8-3

14 – Another wild and crazy game, as Mussina and Johnson dueled to a 0-0 tie after 9 innings. With the Big Unit long gone, the Orioles trotted Moose out there in the 10th, and the Mariners proceeded to bat around, giving Mike Jackson plenty of cushion to not screw this up. Mariners 6-1 (10)

15 – Even though Bob Milacki had 16 losses entering today’s game, the Mariners treated him like a got, getting a paltry 4 hits off of him in 8 innings. Gregg Olson slammed the door to help the Orioles avoid the sweep. Orioles 4-3

***

[PotatoOfCouch13]

25. Back to Work

I’d always been a quick healer. Whether it was a broken bone or just a common cold, I was usually back on my feet before anyone thought I would be. The coma was no different, as I was walking out of the hospital a week later, Courtney’s number in hand. Maybe she has a thing for head-trauma patients…

I went back to my apartment first. I had to convince my landlord that I did in fact spend the last 3 months at a local hospital, then I paid my rent (plus interest), then I finally got a new key. My room was dusty, but unchanged from when I left it. I scoured the kitchen for something to eat, which ultimately turned out to be an exercise in cleaning mold-infested leftovers from the refrigerator, then hit up a Burger King on my way to the Kingdome.

I heard a few ‘welcome backs’ as I made my way through the corridors of the domed stadium. I finally made it to my office, and was about to step inside, when…

“Will!”

Jeff Smulyan was walking down the hallway, big grin on his face. “Welcome back! It’s been strange around here without. We had to put Danny and J.R. in charge, and while they did a serviceable job, it’s just not the same without you!”

“Really? I mean, just on paper, Danny and J.R. did a great job. They have the team in position for its first winning record ever!”

Jeff pulled me aside: “I know, but I want you to keep your job. If you don’t want it, I’ll gladly put those two knuckleheads in charge.”

“But it’s great to be back, sir! When do I start?”

“Start tomorrow. I have a favor to ask of you. My wife is in town and she wants to see my latest investment. How about we double date?”

“Sir? I just got out of the hospital, I’m afraid I don’t have someone to go with me.”

“If you know what’s good for your career, find someone.”

***

What’s a guy to do? I just woke up from a 3-month long coma, only to discover that I’ll be fired if I don’t bring a date to the ballgame tonight!

Alright, Will. Think about this: let’s start in the most logical place. Any single ladies in the front office here? There was Jeff’s secretary, Sheila. But she was turning 78 over the winter, that might seem a little weird.

Anyone else? Maybe one of the cute popcorn vendors…what? She got let go last month? Ok, how about the cute…I see. Any vendors that aren’t guys? No, huh? Oh well…

I checked my rolodex for any leads: just numbers of other GMs and sponsors. I slumped back in my chair, defeated. I looked around the room; I had my second chance, and I blew it. Couldn’t even last a year, just because my boss is so eccentric that I’ll get fired if I don’t bring a date tonight. I stood, and began to clean my desk.

***

5:45. I had 90 minutes left in my general managing career. All my personal effects were in a cardboard box, sitting on my (soon to be old) desk. I took one last look around. You know, I think this place was starting to grow on me. I think that there might be some gold in them thar hills, so to speak. Oh well, J.R. and Danny proved that they could handle the job well enough, I’ll definitely be leaving the team in good hands.

Enough reminiscing for now, time to lock up and bail. Where the h*** are my keys? In my jacket pocket. Hey, what’s this paper here…

I stared at the paper and my eyes grew wide. Of course! Why hadn’t I thought of this before! I raced to my phone and started to dial.

“Courtney Morgan, please.”

***

“Hello?”

“Courtney! This is Will Kane, the guy from the coma!” Smooth, as always.

“Will! How are you feeling? You’re not suffering from headaches, are you?”

“No, I’m doing fine. Listen, I was actually calling you for a favor: do you like baseball?”

***

[RedsoxRockies]

Dude, pollute your own dynasty with that crap. Please leave it out here. Thanks.

deleted

[DIM]

This is a great read. I'll be following.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RSR: Thanks.

DIM: I've got be honest: I read some of your posts from Even the Braves, and I wondered where you had gone. Good to see you back, even if I wasn't here the first time. Thanks for reading!

***

26. My ‘Double Date’ with Courtney

“So your boss told you to find a date just hours after you walked out of a hospital?” Courtney had heard my story, her cheeks pulled up in a little smile. “I’ve had some bad bosses, but this takes the cake.”

“He’s a little eccentric, that’s for sure. But it’s the job of a lifetime: I get to sit and watch baseball all day, and it’s something that I love to do.”

“Hey, if you’re happy…”

“Will! Over here!”

Jeff came sprinting down the hallway, nearly yanking his wife’s arm out of her socket as she tried to follow behind him.

“Oh, hey Jeff. This is Courtney…”

“…Morgan.” The nurse was able to save my mental error with a quick recovery. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“And you. Now, shall we go to our box?”

***

The Brewers were in town for a pivotal game. The Milwaukee club was only 3 ½ back, but fading fast behind two surging teams: Boston and New York. Meanwhile, we were sitting 5 GB of the Angels, but we need to start making up ground.

But none of the action was really of any interest. Jeff and his wife left after the 3rd inning to ‘enjoy the sights’, leaving me and Courtney for the next 2 hours in the owner’s box. Now, if you’ve never been in an owner’s box, it’s like a 5-star restaurant crossed with an all-inclusive spa, with a dash of luxury hotel room thrown in. I was distracted: badly.

Her smile was just so captivating: her tanned skin made it seem that much whiter, as if it was straight out of the dentist’s office. Her blond hair formed perfectly against the side of her face, and when it dared to stray in her eyes, she brushed it away with the greatest of ease. I tried to keep my eyes focused, but when they wandered, they were very pleased. Let’s just say that hospital scrubs do not do her justice, ok?

The game? Oh, Erik Hanson dominated the Brewers, winning 5-1. But that wasn’t the big story.

I think I’m falling in love…

***

[Coach Owens]

Woo! Please don't drop out of it this time! And I had a created guy, no?

[PotatoOfCouch13]

To be honest, I'm a little surprised that Coach hasn't popped in here yet...

There he is!

I checked my records, and it doesn't appear that you have a created player in this yet. And yet I gave RSR two...

And this dynasty is going to continue for the foreseeable future. It might be a few days between updates, but just like Clay waits a few days to perfect his patches, I like to wait a few days to perfect my stories. Thanks for reading!