After a disastrous start to the 2019 season, 6th-year manager Mark Mason guided his York Revolution to within 2 wins of their 2nd league championship series appearance in 3 years. After the team’s loss to the Somerset Patriots back on June 9th, the Revs found themselves tied for the worst record in the league at 13-30. York proceeded to go on a tear, winning 39 of their next 49 games. When it was all said and done, the Revolution took home a second-half Freedom Division title and posted the 2nd best overall record in the Atlantic League.
The Revolution’s offense was sensational this season. The team scored 100 more runs than any other team in the league while posting an OPS 87 points higher than their next closest competition. For context, all 7 other offenses finished within 68 points of each other. York’s production was led by the bats of infielder Henry Castillo, rightfielder Wellington Dotel (who had 3 separate hit streaks of 10+ games), C/1B Isaias Tejeda (who batted .340 after May 3rd), and a 2nd consecutive 20 home run season from leftfielder Melky Mesa. All of this offense gave substantial run support to a pitching staff highlighted by the likes of starting pitcher Mitch Atkins, closer Jameson McGrane (league-leader with 59 appearances, 51 of which were scoreless), and a smart mid-season bullpen addition in Cesar Cabral (boasting a .938 WHIP).
Nevertheless, we’re going to dedicate the rest of our time today to one man: Atlantic League Player of the Year and walking fun-fact generator, Telvin Nash. Highlights from his gaudy 2019 season include:
- 41 home runs (franchise record, 2nd highest total in ALPB history, most in ALPB since 2005)
- 100 RBI (3rd highest total in franchise history, highest league total since 2012)
- 105 walks, 77 extra-base hits, 303 total bases (all ALPB records)
- 107 runs, .423 OBP, .623 SLG, and 1.046 OPS (all led the league)
Nash had shown flashes of power during his previous 4 turns with the Revolution; all of which were significantly shorter than a full season. When given the entire year to show the Atlantic League what he could do, Telvin Nash mashed. Though he now holds the record for home runs at PeoplesBank Park (56), do not make the mistake of thinking Nash’s numbers are inflated by pulling pop-ups over the Arch Nemesis in left field. Oh no, like a sweet-swinging Dr. Seuss character, Telvin Nash hits home runs here, there, and everywhere. Nash homered in every Atlantic League park this season, and only 10 of his 41 were pulled over York’s looming wall in left. Anyone looking to find fault in Telvin Nash’s 2019 campaign might be inclined to point out his .183/.341/.423 output with 2 outs and runners in scoring position. However, the aforementioned 100 RBI seems to make that argument more trouble than it is worth for any Telvin Nash detractor.
After their impressive offensive showing in 2019, the Revolutions’ 2020 season may depend on how many pieces of the 2019 offense can be drawn back together and what new pieces can be attracted to York, Pennsylvania. Perhaps the promise of playing summer baseball in sleeveless jerseys could be calling out to the Rev’s next breakout star.
If you want to see more of exactly how thoroughly Telvin Nash lapped the field in 2019, keep an eye out for ALPB Roundup’s Sunday Statblast. This weekend’s edition will attempt to give some context to Telvin’s revolutionary aerial assault.
Indy Ball Nation 