Once upon a time in the long long ago, the Mile High Mustangs were a team with an identity and a bright future. A big part of that started with the 15th pick of the 7th round in the inaugural draft. The Mustangs picked up 26 year old center fielder Eric "Flash" Black. At the time it was really only about his defense and his speed as no exciting offensive outfielders were available. Black played three years for the squad. No one was more surprised and pleased with his progression than Mustangs management. His VORP progressed over his career from 2.3 to 32.7 to 62.3! All the while he retained his elite defensive status posting a 71.3 zone rating over his three year career.
It can be argued that no player at the time represented his teams identity more than Flash. In a park and team built on defense and speed he was the epitome of both. There is no arguing he was the absolute catalyst of the offense. Even now, five years later and despite playing only three seasons, Black still appears on the Mustang career leaders in all of these categories:
#3 Batting Average
#1 On Base Percentage
#2 Slugging Percentage
#2 OPS
#5 Runs
#7 Hits
#7 Doubles
#2 Triples
#6 Home Runs
#8 RBI
#6 Walks
#1 Stolen Bases
#2 IBB
#3 HBP
#5 Extra Base Hits
#7 Total Bases
#4 VORP
The Mustangs were neck and neck with the Jokers for the division title with 10 games to go when disaster struck. Flash slammed his head on the outfield wall while making one of his patented diving catches. The resulting concussion caused him to hang up the cleats, never to play again. The impact was immediate. The Mustangs struggled down the stretch, losing the division to Vegas and barely holding on to the wild card spot. The Flashless team put up a token resistance in the first round of the playoffs, losing 4-1 to Cabo in a series that really wasn't that close.
Since then the downward spiral has continued to the point that the Mustangs pick #1 overall in this years draft. It has been an organization desperately looking for the quick fix and in the process, struggling to retain their identity.
But hold on one second. What was that about the first pick? Well it just so happens that the Mustangs have their eye on a guy that looks suspiciously Flashish. Rumors have it that the Mustangs have been feeling out center fielder Elvis McNeil. That speed a defense look pretty familiar. Could he possess the offensive prowess to compliment it, ascend through the minors and become the catalyst the Mustangs have been missing so long? Could the Flash be on the way back?
Only time will tell.
Go Mustangs!
