New Orleans, LA –

April 1, 2041

The New Orleans Trendsetters today announced their Opening Day roster and a long expected name has finally made it. Hyung-on “The Big Idea” Che, the young left hander and top prospect in the Trendsetter’s system was announced as part of the starting rotation for the 2041 season. “Something clicked for Hyung in 2038 and it has been a steady advancement since. He has gone through a lot to get here and he has definitely earned his spot on the team.” said Trendie GM, Chuck Valenches. “It is time to see if Che’s progression and pitching repetoire is ready to translate to the big league level.”

Che is an unlikely story. Signed as a filler out of Tegue in South Korea in 2036 by the International Scouts, not much was expected of Che. He was small, 5’11”, didn’t throw hard, 88-90 still, and his stuff was noting to be excited about. The limited potential for Che seemed to be confirmed in his rookie season when he posted  a 1-9 record in 13 starts at Rookie Ball Bridgetown. 2037 was not much better, going 4-10 with a 4.43 ERA at short-season Anchorage. AT the time, it just seemed that his only advantage was the fact that he was left handed so he was given another shot in 2038 and began to show a sliver of potential. Che was once again playing for the Mighty Moose and the then 20 year old started to figure it out, going just 4-10, but lowering his ERA to 4.01 AND HIS whip TO 1.21.  He was not considered ace material, but maybe there was something there. In 2039, something clicked. Repeating at short season Anchorage for a 3rd season, Che got off too a good start, doing a better job locating his changeup and changing speeds more effectively. “Che was always a smart pitcher, but once he started thinking past the next batter and started thinking past the next three innings, he really was able to develop a game plan. Che finished among the league leaders in Wins, ERA, BB/9 IP, etc. and was suddenly a viable prospect, going 10-2 with a 2.28 ERA. However, in his last start of the year on September 23rd, Che felt something give in his left elbow.

“The pitch was a slider in and I was trying to bury it as I had the guy down 0-2 already”, recalls Che, “When I threw the pitch I felt a twinge as soon as a I released the ball. I don’t even know where the pitch went (NOTE: It was a ball, high and outside and almost over the head of the umpire). I realized right away what it was and I slammed my glove on the ground. All that work and it seemed like it just went up in smoke. I was pretty inconsolable.” Che underwent Tommy John surgery just a week later after team doctors confirmed a torn elbow ligament. Che’s season was done, the hope was that his career did not follow.

Che would miss the next eight months, spending most of his time at the Trendsetters spring training facility in Litchfield Park, AZ. Trainers there became used to seeing Che already in the treatment room by the time they arrived or on the field stretching and building up strength in his reconstructed elbow. “I had a lot of support from my family. My sister actually came over from South Korea and stayed with me. She cooked for me and would talk to me, encouraging me all the time. It is good to have family close.” said Che.

Che did not return until mid-May of 20240 and when he came back he was better than ever. Starting the year off in Single A Ensenada, Che would go 5-0 with a 0.96 ERA over six starts, He then moved up to AA Delaware and over five starts went 1-0 with a 0.55 ERA. The Che Che train kept rolling on up to Fayetteville where Che posted another 5-0 record with an impressive 0.97 ERA over nine starts. Che’s numbers for 2040? 11-0, 20 GS, 116.1 IP, 0.85 ERA and a 0.77 WHIP.  The original plan was for Che to start the season in AAA and get at least two more months of experience before his first call-up. But, with strong start after strong start in spring training against big league opposition, that plan was shelved and Che was handed jersey number 31 and a locker in the New Frontier Park clubhouse.

Che will be the first of what is hoped to be a wave of talented prospects making their way up to New Orleans in the next few years. Since taking over the club prior to the 2038 season, Valenches has remade the organization, hiring stronger minor league coaches and investing large sums into player development and scouting. What had been the 27th ranked farm system in the PEBA when he took over is now the 5th ranked system with prospects such as Gabriel Santos, Marcos, “Mortal Wombat” Jimenez and Harry “Hulk! Smash!” Belafonte providing hope for the club’s faithful.

“I think Hyung-On Che has some of the best stuff in the league and he knows how to set up hitters.” said Trendie’s manager Alfredo Vega, ” It will be a big test for him and even if he does struggle in his rookie year, he has the ability to develop into an ace and anchor a staff for years to come. I can’t wait to pencil his name into the lineup every fifth day.”

The New Orleans Trendsetters season begins tonight on the road against the defending PEBA champs, the Florida Farstriders. Joe Arnold is scheduled to get the Opening Day nod. Che is scheduled to pitch the home opener vs. the Manchester Maulers on Friday the 5th. First pitch is at 7:05 PM. You can order tickets online at www.trendietix.com