Exposed: SGCBL Fears Unknown Threat

MESN Special Edition
It started with the mysterious and, some say, premature retirement of Mauhur the Looter last October. Just 34, he may have lost a step (he "only" stole 40 bases last year instead of his usual 70+), but sitting on the sidelines with a fractured ankle for 2 months didn't help. Still, there was no indication from doctors or Uruk-hai staff that the all-star second baseman was ready to hang up his cleats. Yet, just moments after the end of the Return of the King Series, that is what he did.

When Mauhur stepped up to the microphones on that cold October day, most of the human press failed to notice the deep, dark circles under the bloodshot eyes of the orc. Some in the elven and orc communities, however, reported on his disheveled, haunted appearance. Some said that he looked nervous and constantly turned to look back into the clubhouse as he spoke. After his retirement speech, Mauhur went into hiding and has not been heard from since.

Soon, other signs that something was wrong began to appear. In May, Bree's Libur Oathbane began missing games. For a period of several weeks, Cheese coaches would find the young infielder curled up in a ball in the corner of the locker room. His condition was noted as "terrifying visions," but of what, he would not say. About a week later, Dol Guldur Dragons veteran outfielder, Richard Funderburg, started being scratched from games for the same thing. And just last week long-time utility man, Nose of Sauron, was unavailable to play, as he sat, rocking back-and-forth on the Uruk-hai bench.

Does this add up to some new threat to the league? Officially, the SGCBL has no comment. Top officials are dismissive of any talk of threats. Off the record, the staff members we have spoken with expressed concern that something is happening to these players. Since we in Middle Earth are all too familiar with dark signs and portents, many are nervous.

Posted at August 27, 2007 07:17 AM | more from League News