Jesús Luzardo
The final out of the Vermont Lake Monsters season was recorded at Burlington's Centennial Field in September 2019. In its wake, a cloud of uncertainty hung over the franchise like infield dust after a play at the plate. As winter rolled in, whispers that the team might not be long for the world became full-on rumors about a Major League Baseball proposal to shrink Minor League Baseball and eliminate teams. Vermont's only professional sports team was likely to be among them.
Then, in February 2021, rumor became reality. MLB announced the elimination of 40 minor league franchises, including the Lake Monsters. There was no joy in Mudville; the mighty Champ had struck out.