In Homer at the Bat, a gem of an episode from season three of The Simpsons, Mr. Burns assembled ringers for the company softball team.
In real life, many members of this All-Star team also suffered bizarre incidents which hampered their effectiveness after the 1992 season. Here are the ringers for the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant Team and how they were cursed.
POSNAMEFATE ON SIMPSONSFATE IN REAL LIFECMike ScosciaRadiation poisoning from plant accidentInjured, missed all of '93 season. Retired.1BDon MattinglyKicked off team for refusing to cut sideburnsNumerous injuries, decline in power2BSteve SaxArrested on suspicion by Springfield Police Dept.Lost job, became .230-hitting role playerSSOzzie SmithEnters Springfield Mystery Spot and disappearsSlow decline in fielding skills3BWade BoggsBeaten up by Barney in Moe's Tavern brawlAverage fell to .259. Signed with YankeesLFJose CansecoBusy rescuing furniture from burning houseArm & back injuries curtail career. Drugs, violence, disgraceCFKen Griffey JrMr Burns' nerve tonic causes gigantismInjuries, injuries, injuriesRFDarryl StrawberryPinch-hit for by Homer SimpsonDrugs, alcohol, guns, disgracePRoger ClemensHypnosis convinces him he's a chickenPEDs, adultery, disgrace
Admittedly, the Ozzie one is a bit of a stretch, but you must admit the others all encountered some tough luck (self-imposed in some instances) after this episode aired. Still a fantastic episode, though.
