History
Knowing an off-the-shelf glove would not suffice, he took a short-term assignment in Irkutsk where he obtained rare Arctic Ice Oxen leather. He then returned to Aruba (cold but none the worse for the wintry trip) and constructed a baseball mitt. The prize possession was immersed in the oil, soaking for 2 years, 3 months, and 7 days. All that time was needed so that the leather and oil could become one. The "oilcan" was ready for prime time.
Then, playing part-time in the Caribbean winter leagues, the newly-created glove demonstrated its brilliant fielding powers. So great were the catches made with this glove, the Caribbean league no longer awarded "Gold Glove" honors to the finest fielders at each position; the "Oro Negro (Black Gold) Glove" became the most coveted award among all players. Two stellar years in center field for the Aruba Tankers led to no major-league offers for the young engineer due to a meager 0.121 batting average. Impoverished, he was forced back into engineering, where people have to actually work for their pitiful wages (there were no openings for cushy jobs like Rocky's at that time).
On the plane trip back to the States that spring, while sitting next to a youthful Ozzie Smith, an offer is made to buy the Black Gold Glove. However, knowing he had a fine fielding younger brother, the engineer turned down the offer. Ozzie would not relent, however; he bought the poor (and thirsty) engineer some drinks and after hours on the flight (and enough drinks to intoxicate even a Deadwood Elder), Ozzie obtained the secret formula for the extraordinary glove. His resulting success in the Major Leagues is a matter of record. Ozzie still sends a Christmas card every year.
1979-1987, the quiet years, occasional pickup games here and there but no consistent stage fit for the oilcan. The oilcan lurked, waiting for the opportunity to return to glory.
1988, a chance offer to fill the defensive gaps for the Deadwoods (at 1st, 2nd, shortstop, left and left center... there were a lot of gaps) would provide the opportunity to flash that fine leather instrument. Starting off slowly so as not to overwhelm the rest of the team, the oilcan produced only a few sparkling plays. However, as the years progressed, the number of outstanding plays increased (43 by my count this year) and the oilcan carried the Deadwoods to ever improving records. Below 0.500 at first, then a few 0.500 years, and now back-to-back league regular season titles with only 3 losses in two years. The Deadwoods defense, inspired by the oilcan, has led the league in double plays, putouts at the plate and plays-of-the-day on CNN. Chris Berman has nominated several stellar oilcan plays for an ESPY this year.
Where will the oilcan carry the Deadwoods in the future? Only a Deadwood Elder could answer that question.