It is said that all good things must come to an end. Sadly, that also applies to all great things, such as the career of the greatest Bugbuster.  After 41 seasons, Chuck Chapa tipped his cap and said “Adieu.” But not before turning back the clock with one last classic effort for the ages.

Chuck did all he could do to lift the Bugs on this bittersweet night. Batting in the three hole, Chapa provided a vintage performance. He went 3-3 (including his record 142nd double), knocked in 2, and scored three runs himself. But a porous Bugbuster defense sank the team, as “Got the Runs” defeated the Bugs 18-15.

Chapa holds virtually every Bugbuster hitting record.  His 113 Home Runs are more than double his nearest challenger.  His 1,072 RBI are 470 more than the next highest total.  His 1,434 hits are more than 500 ahead of anyone else.  But it’s not just the offensive records that we will miss. Chuck was one of the heart and soul members of this proud franchise.  While one of the real nice guys in the sport, he added a bit of toughness to some of the legendary teams of years past.  His presence in the dugout will be sorely missed.

There will be one more task awaiting the man who rightfully wore #1 on his jersey – his election as the first member of the Bugbuster Hall of Fame.