Ashford, Calgary’s Unsung Hero
While several Pioneers may be closing out this season with awards and accolades, left fielder Jim Ashford won’t be among them. The 35 year old hadn’t played in the BBA since 2052, spending the past 3 years in the GBC, so he was happy just to sign again with a big league team. After making as much as $13 million per year, he signed for less than $4 million with Calgary.
“We brought in Jim because we have a lot of young guys and we needed some veteran leadership on this team,” said manager Tony Franco. “To start the season we weren’t sure how many games he would start for us, but we knew we needed a player like him. The guy won 3 championships with Las Vegas, we needed that kind of attitude here.”
Originally it was thought that Ashford would be a seat warmer for Michael Little, who was expected to come up to Calgary after about a month more of seasoning in AAA. Then a series of injuries cost Little half his season and he didn’t make it to the show until late August. As a result, Ashford became the everyday starter in left field for the Pioneers.
“Hey, I was just glad to get back into the league. Anything after that was gravy,” Ashford said.
Ashford ended up starting 134 games, most in the lead off position in the lineup. He hit .268, with 15 HR. 84 runs, 42 doubles and 64 RBIs. While he didn’t get the headlines that some of his teammates got, his steady play helped keep Calgary in the playoff hunt.
“He was great with Ollie and Brody. The kind of guy that those kids can really learn from,” Franco added, referring to rookie 3B Ollie Long and second year RF Brodie Dempsey. “He is just a team player and I think someday will make a great coach.”
Ashford must have enjoyed his time in Calgary. He signed a 1 year extension for next season for the paltry sum of $1.5 million.
2056-4 Ashford, Calgary's Unsung Hero
Moderator: indiansfan
- indiansfan
- BBA GM
- Posts: 3462
- Joined: Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:39 pm
- Has thanked: 12 times
- Been thanked: 250 times
2056-4 Ashford, Calgary's Unsung Hero
Kevin
Calgary Pioneers 2004-
BBA Landis Champs 2018, 21
FL Champs 2018, 21, 39
FL Pacific Champs: 2016, 19, 21, 34
FL Frontier Champs 2039
FL WC 2018, 26-29, 31-32, 35
JL WC 2040, 41, 44
FL MOY 2019, 34
JL MOY 2044
Calgary Pioneers 2004-
BBA Landis Champs 2018, 21
FL Champs 2018, 21, 39
FL Pacific Champs: 2016, 19, 21, 34
FL Frontier Champs 2039
FL WC 2018, 26-29, 31-32, 35
JL WC 2040, 41, 44
FL MOY 2019, 34
JL MOY 2044
- recte44
- GB: Commissioner
- Posts: 43492
- Joined: Tue Mar 30, 2010 12:14 pm
- Location: Oconomowoc, WI
- Has thanked: 156 times
- Been thanked: 1715 times
- Contact:
Re: 2056-4 Ashford, Calgary's Unsung Hero
I frickin love Jim Ashford
Matt Rectenwald
BBA Commissioner, GM, Las Vegas Hustlers
Milwaukee Choppers (AAA) | Reno Aces (AA) | Pahrump Ranchers (A) | Kingston Legends (SA) | Roswell Aliens (R)
BBA Commissioner, GM, Las Vegas Hustlers
Milwaukee Choppers (AAA) | Reno Aces (AA) | Pahrump Ranchers (A) | Kingston Legends (SA) | Roswell Aliens (R)
- indiansfan
- BBA GM
- Posts: 3462
- Joined: Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:39 pm
- Has thanked: 12 times
- Been thanked: 250 times
Re: 2056-4 Ashford, Calgary's Unsung Hero
When he played for you I always though you inflated his importance. Now that I had him for one season I understand. When he retires, you get dibs on making him a coach.
Kevin
Calgary Pioneers 2004-
BBA Landis Champs 2018, 21
FL Champs 2018, 21, 39
FL Pacific Champs: 2016, 19, 21, 34
FL Frontier Champs 2039
FL WC 2018, 26-29, 31-32, 35
JL WC 2040, 41, 44
FL MOY 2019, 34
JL MOY 2044
Calgary Pioneers 2004-
BBA Landis Champs 2018, 21
FL Champs 2018, 21, 39
FL Pacific Champs: 2016, 19, 21, 34
FL Frontier Champs 2039
FL WC 2018, 26-29, 31-32, 35
JL WC 2040, 41, 44
FL MOY 2019, 34
JL MOY 2044
- Knucklehead254
- BBA GM
- Posts: 411
- Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2023 10:27 am
- Has thanked: 79 times
- Been thanked: 215 times
Re: 2056-4 Ashford, Calgary's Unsung Hero
Man had him for my half year in Sydney and wish I knew he was available in FA last year.
Aaron Wharram (358-301)
General Manager of the Vancouver Mounties!
Playoff App: 2056, 2057, 2058
Former GM of the Sydney Sharks! (22-22) (August 2054 - October 2054)
- trmmilwwi
- BBA GM
- Posts: 5323
- Joined: Mon May 07, 2012 5:05 pm
- Location: Chicago
- Has thanked: 269 times
- Been thanked: 252 times
Re: 2056-4 Ashford, Calgary's Unsung Hero
Ashford is the type of player that makes this league's history so fun to study. Good stuff!
trmmilwwi - GM San Antonio Outlaws
MBWBA Manager of the Year FL 2010, JL 2016, JL 2018
MBWBA Manager of the Year FL 2010, JL 2016, JL 2018
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests