By Ray D.  Enzé, NLN baseball blogger

December 13, 2012: Aurora, Colorado (2:00 PM MST) – George Crocker and the management teams of the Aurora Borealis and KOA radio convened this afternoon to announce shocking news: That the former PEBA outfielder signed a deal to join the Bogota Caribs of the World Baseball League, effective immediately.

“Gentlemen, we would like to say that Mr. Crocker’s signing with Bogota comes as a surprise to us all,” began KOA spokesman Bill Madeliane.  “It is well documented that Mr. Crocker has been actively meeting with teams across the globe, looking for a chance to make a comeback.  He can speak about the details himself, but as far as we are concerned, Mr. Crocker is dedicated to continuing his work with Mr. Gunter, and thanks to the folks at Apple Computers, we will have Mr. Crocker outfitted with the latest video-conferencing equipment to continue his role on the award winning ‘A Crock of Gunt’ radio show.”

George Crocker and Mark Gunter were hired shortly before the 2011 season to co-host a pre-game radio show which became an instant success, partly because of the antics of Crocker.  One of Crocker’s goals has been to return to the field.  Fans are familiar with his exploits, having traveled from Kyoto to Botswana in search for a job.  Numerous times during the 2012 season, Crocker has mentioned the likelihood of signing with Bogota.  Most have dismissed these stories as a part of Crocker’s injury-induced “dementia”.

“With no further comments,” Aurora GM Will Topham said, “I’ll let George Crocker tell his story.”  Crocker rose and approached the podium wearing the bright red of the Bogota Caribs.

“I’m, like, totally stoked, dudes.  I told you all that good ole George Crocker still had it.  Man, they’re going to be so happy and proud to have George Crocker on their team.  People are buying tickets up in droves.  I can’t wait to start.  They may not be the best team in the league, but George Crocker is going to lead them to the title.  Mark my words.  Heh, get it?  Mark?  Mark Gunter?  Heh, pretty good, eh Marky?”

With that, George Crocker gazed over at his partner.  “Have no fear though; I will be as good as gold from the road.  I got your back Mark-o.”

The World Baseball League season runs from early August through March.  Currently, the Caribs are 57-62, sitting in 4^th place, eight games out.  With 43 games left in their season, the team has been searching for both offensive as well as box office help.  One can speculate that the signing of Crocker is more a PR move than anything else.

When asked about his new contract, Crocker said, “Dude, it’s a sweet deal.  They’re paying me $250,000 dollars – cash! Dude, solid greenbacks for 40 games of work.  Cashed those puppies right into the bank.  They said there were also numerous off-field opportunities to earn more money through appearance fees.  Man, I’ll be the richest man in Bogota, and have you seen those girls down there?  Babe-a-licious is all I have to say.  Whoo hooo… George Crocker is a lucky dude!”

Crocker is expected to meet his new team in Brisbane as they take on the Dingos this Friday.  Crocker’s first games at Bogota will follow the next week as Bogota hosts Caracas.  Eyes will be cast upon the rival league, as Crocker is the first former PEBA player to turn to what is considered by most as a “minor league”.

Mark Gunter was approached after the press conference and asked for his thoughts on the move by his partner.  His response was simply uncontrolled laughter.