“THE END OF AN ERA? – HOPE SO!”

As the Stalkers play their 8th season, The Stalkers decided it would be a good time to look back on the era, and it could be a fun exhibit. The idea of documenting a franchise history quickly went out the window when we noticed a horrible trend while looking over our franchise career stats.

The Stalkers franchise was a little shocked that Ben Grieve was our Franchise leader in Games played, but not too shocked. The shock value went up a notch when Grieve also was # 1 for career batting average. We glanced down to the 3rd category on the list (“hits”) and saw Ben Grieve atop that one as well. One question popped into our minds: “Ben Grieve?”

The fourth category on the list is “runs”. Rafael Furcal holds a narrow 7 run margin over second placer…Ben Grieve. We glanced down to see that the next category was “doubles”. Of course, sitting atop that list. Ben Grieve. The question that popped into our heads this time was: “Seriously. Ben Grieve?”

On we go to “Triples”, and thankfully…no Ben Grieve to be found. Triples, however are followed on the list by “Homers”. Richie Sexson holds that record for the Stalkers of Yonge Street, but second on the list?  You would have never have guessed – Ben Grieve. The RBI list is next, and Grieve holds a staggering 144 RBI lead over anyone currently in a Stalker uniform. The next 2 categories are “Walks” and “Strikeouts”. We knew even before I looked at the names. Ben Grieve is the Stalkers career Franchise leader in both these categories. The final category is “Stolen Bases”. Thankfully, this falls in line with “Triples” as a Grieve-free zone.

This exhibit is entitled “The End of an Era” for a reason. There are stats kept in 11 hitting categories for a franchise, Ben Grieve is the Yonge Street Stalkers’ Career Franchise leader in 7 of those Categories. He is ranked # 2 in two others. The end of the 2007 season likely means The Ben Grieve Era is fading fast, but honestly…The Post Ben Grieve Era can’t begin soon enough.