The Brooklyn Cyclones, who had finished above .500 in each season of their existence entering 2015, finished with a losing record in 2016 for the second straight season. Manager Tom Gamboa led the ‘Clones to a 37-39 record, which placed the team third in the McNamara division. The 2016 season was Gamboa’s third at the helm in Brooklyn, and his last in professional baseball, as the 68-year-old called it quits after over four decades in the game.

The year began with 56 innings in four days, highlighted by a 20-inning loss on Opening Day, a ten-inning no-hit loss the following night, and a 17-inning defeat two days later. Gamboa saw that stretch as an omen of what was to come, and he couldn’t have been more correct: the Cyclones played nine extra-inning contests, traded Erik Manoah to the Los Angeles Angels, had three players suffer season-ending injuries, turned the first triple play in team history (also the first in Brooklyn since 1949), and had players set team records for single-game RBI, runs allowed, and home runs allowed.

For the second consecutive season, the Brooklyn offense struggled mightily but the pitching dazzled. The 2016 rotation was led by Harol Gonzalez, who led the New York-Penn League in strikeouts with 88 (the fifth straight Cyclone to lead the league in that category) and was named to the All-Star team. The Cyclones also welcomed Justin Dunn, who became the 12th first-round pick in team history. The 2016 19th overall selection impressed with a 1.50 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 11 appearances (eight starts). Dunn was held to a limit of three innings per game as the organization stretches him out.

The bullpen featured minor league free agent signing Joseph Zanghi, who flashed a 95 mph fastball, southpaw Taylor Henry, and seventh round pick Austin McGeorge, among others. Gary Cornish, a San Diego product who the Mets selected in the 19th round this year, is on a similar track as Dunn. Cornish made 14 appearances and led all Mets minor leaguers with a 14.67 K/BB in 25 innings. Look for Cornish to end up in St. Lucie’s rotation by the end of next season.

The Cyclones brought a slew of exciting names with them to Coney Island this summer, but the hitters failed to produce any consistent results. Six of the top seven players in terms of at bats were 2016 draft picks, including leader Colby Woodmansee who was selected to the NYPL All-Star game. The shortstop hit .328 through his first 17 games, but saw his final average drop to .257.

Perhaps the most dominant hitter the Cyclones featured this summer was Peter Alonso, the Mets’ second-round pick in 2016. The former Florida Gator put up a slash line of .321/.382/.587 and consistently laced pitches into the outfield with exit velocities upwards of 100 mph. However, Alonso’s season was cut short when he broke his pinkie finger on August 9. Regardless, the 6’3″, 225 pund first baseman should open next season in St. Lucie.

Sterling Award winner Desmond Lindsay joined the team in July and made his impact felt, hitting .297 with four home runs in 111 at-bats. The long balls, all hit at the notoriously difficult MCU Park, were the most home runs at home since Kevin Plawecki ripped four in 2012. Lindsay also tied Brandon Brosher‘s single-game RBI record when he drove in seven on August 12.

As a whole, the Cyclones offense put up historically bad numbers. Their .216 average was the worst in franchise history, and ranked last in all of minor league baseball. Losing Alonso, Nick Sergakis, and Jacob Zanon hurt the lineup immensely, as fill-ins were unable to get on base and drive in runs.

Placement among qualifying league leaders in parentheses 

Hitting Leaders

• Runs: Gene Cone 35 (10th in the New York-Penn League)
• Hits: Colby Woodmansee 64
• Doubles: Peter Alonso 12
• Triples: Blake Tiberi, Darryl Knight 2
• Home Runs: Peter Alonso, Brandon Brosher 5
• RBI: Colby Woodmansee 29
• Average: Peter Alonso .321
• OBP: Desmond Lindsay .418
• SLG: Peter Alonso .587
• Stolen Bases: Jacob Zanon 20 (4th)

Pitching Leaders

• Wins: Harol Gonzalez 7 (3rd)
• ERA: Harol Gonzalez 2.01 (1st)
• Appearances: Alejandro Castro 26 (2nd)
• Starts: Merandy Gonzalez 14 (7th)
• Complete Games: None
• Saves: Joseph Zanghi 8 (4th)
• Innings Pitched: Harol Gonzalez 85.0 (2nd)
• Strikeouts: Harol Gonzalez 88 (1st)
• WHIP: Harol Gonzalez 1.01 (1st)
• Holds: Taylor Henry 5 (2nd)

The Cyclones will return to Coney Island for their 17th season in 2017, with a new manager looking to get Brooklyn baseball back on track.

Previous season reviews: Binghamton, DSL , GCL, Las Vegas, Columbia, Kingsport, St. Lucie

All photos by Jacob Resnick/MetsMinors.net