Who Is LMW5488?

The only new member of Sharkey's World in season 10, and not quite a new member at all. For the first time in World history, all 32 members have at least one year's experience, and hopefully season 11 will be the first time in World history where all 32 members played in the previous season.

LMW5488 is Canes628. He was an original (and founding) member of Sharkey's World back in season one, creating the Santa Cruz Bay Kings. He is definitely best known for one single moment, quite possibly the first big moment in World history. On February 23, 2007, just days after Sharkey's World was created, Canes handed out a 5 year, $87 million contract to future Hall of Famer Troy Harper - a move by many seen as the start of this great world.

It certainly set the stage for greatness. Harper set a still standing home run record with 73 in season 1, winning the MVP award, and helping the Bay Kings finish with a 96-66 record, earning a wildcard berth. The team made it to the NLCS before falling to division rival San Francisco.

Season 2 wasn't as successful for Santa Cruz, and after the year, Canes "retired" with a 169-155 mark in two seasons, saying that when the time was right, he would be back.

In season three, SW rookie Benny_B_LA took over for Canes, and managing a team mostly assembled by Canes, won the National League Pennant.

Now, after seven seasons, the time is right. Canes returns, but under a new name, and with a new team. Judging by the $80 million in contracts that he handed out this offseason, though, it's definitely the same man.

And for that, the NL North is better off, as it has added an owner who knows what it takes to win.

Welcome Back!

(This article was not written in Pawtucket).