Paschal: The Springfield Nuclear Plant Nine: where are they now?
From John Paschal at The Hardball Times on February 11, 2020:
When last we saw the Springfield nine, they were posing for a picture. Thanks chiefly to the bases-loaded beaning of one Homer Simpson, the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant softball team had just defeated the Shelbyville squad, 44-43, when they posed with a sign reading 1992 CITY CHAMPS. As it stands, the photo is the last visual evidence of that legendary team of big league ringers and townie down-and-outers.
Gaze upon it now.
There’s Simpson, still unconscious, and manager Montgomery Burns, who, in the bottom of the ninth, boldly replaced the left-handed Darryl Strawberry with the right-handed nuclear safety inspector. Burns is on a knee, gazing manfully at the camera as our hero lies prostrate nearby. Keep looking and you’ll see those fabled ringers, each recruited by Burns in efforts to win his million-dollar bet against Shelbyville owner Aristotle Amadopolis. Behind Burns is Roger Clemens, arms in mid-flap as he clucks like a chicken. Next is Jose Canseco, uniform blackened by flames. Then there’s Don Mattingly, the sides of his head crudely shaved, and Mike Scioscia, in a hospital gown. Beside him, Steve Sax is handcuffed to sergeant Lou.
Read the full article here: https://tht.fangraphs.com/the-springfield-nuclear-plant-nine-where-are-they-now/
- Related link: Download your free e-book edition of SABR’s Nuclear Powered Baseball: Articles Inspired by The Simpsons Episode “Homer At the Bat”
Originally published: February 13, 2020. Last Updated: February 13, 2020.