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Detroit Mechanix
Detroit Mechanix
from Wikipedia

The Detroit Mechanix is a professional ultimate team based in the Detroit metropolitan area. The Mechanix competed in the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) as a member of the Central Division from the leagues inception until 2025.[1] The Mechanix, owned by Brent Steepe and was founded in 2010, began play in 2012 as one of the eight charter teams of the league, and left the league on November 12, 2025.[2]

Key Information

Club history and losing streak

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The Mechanix suffered what is believed to be the longest losing streak in the history of professional sports: 81 games in a row, stretching over a seven-year period, from April 29, 2017[3] to June 22, 2024.[4] On that day, the Mechanix defeated the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds, 26-15; it was their only victory of 2024.

The Mechanix all-time regular season record was a woeful 18-156 (.103), and the team went winless seven times in their thirteen-year history. After a decent 7-9 record in their inaugural season in 2012, Detroit managed only a 4-12 mark in 2013, then suffered back-to-back 0-14 seasons in 2014-15. The club managed to record four victories in 2016,[5] but tumbled to 1-13 in 2017—and that lone win would be their last for quite a while, as Detroit would log five straight winless seasons.[6] In what would be their final campaign in 2025, Detroit managed another win against Pittsburgh, downing them, 21-20 at Highmark Stadium; it would be their only win that season, as they would finish 1-11. The Mechanix would finish last overall in points per game in nine of their thirteen seasons, and last in their division twelve times (every year except 2016).[6]

Fatal accident

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The 2020 AUDL season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the hapless Mechanix would suffer an even worse tragedy: on February 29, 2020, three members of the team—Kevin Coulter, Drew Piet, and Michael Cannon—were killed in a multi-car accident on Interstate 96 on their way to a team practice. Piet and Coulter played for the Mechanix during the 2019 season, while Cannon was practicing with the team. Police and news outlets reported that the players’ vehicle was stopped in traffic due to a separate single-vehicle rollover accident when a speeding driver failed to slow down and collided with theirs and several other vehicles.[7]

Since 2021, the Mechanix played their home games at Grand Rapids Christian High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, some 150 miles from Detroit. (The club had never actually played in the Motor City: the Pontiac Silverdome was home to the team in 2012, then the Mechanix played at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac from 2013–15, then at Bishop Foley Catholic High School in Madison Heights from 2016-20.)

Withdrawal from the UFA

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On November 12, 2025, the Detroit Mechanix announced their withdrawal from the UFA. The team has yet to release a formal statement on future endeavors.

Players and staff

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2024 roster

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# Name
2 Joseph Sogno
3 Nathan Ploeger
6 Gregory Moreno
9 Aaron Richards
10 Mario Moran
11 Justin Wollin
12 Carson Chamberlain
13 James Kloss
14 Jake Felton
17 Jack Bembenek
19 Quinn Garner
21 Nic Lanas
22 Marco Dewey
23 Mauricio Galeano
24 Brendan Gessner
26 Tyler Shanahan
27 Jordan Hill
28 Richard Ware
31 Bradley Kennis
32 Elliot Davis
33 Terry Gaither
37 Joseph Simpson
40 Ryan Smith
42 Sean McGuinness
44 Anderson Cañon
45 Aiden Rudy
47 Christopher O'Brien
64 Stephen Grondin
76 Conrad Nguyen
78 Matthew Bell
81 Colin Beauregard
86 Nicholas Akers
94 Noah Sawyer
96 Caleb Texeira

International players

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# Name Years Nation
41 Dave Hochhalter 2012–2013 Canada
30 Marc Michael Huber 2013 Austria
91 Bjarne Laursen 2014 Denmark
99 Takashi Sato 2015 Japan
17 Wasdi Grimaldo B. 2015–2019 Colombia
68 Eugene Lim 2016 Canada
40 Ben Cheer 2019 Canada
21 Kevin van Roosmalen 2022 Netherlands

Player records

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To the 2021 season.

Games played

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# Name Games Years Nation
4 Andrew Lucarotti 63 2012–2017 United States
13 Ben Murphy 62 2012–2017 United States
33 Eric Hubbard 60 2013–2017 United States
6 Danny Hunt 49 2013–2015, 2017 United States
8 Aaron del Real 47 2012,2014–2017 United States

Points played

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# Name Points Years Nation
33 Eric Hubbard 1418 2013–2017 United States
4 Andrew Lucarotti 1240 2012–2017 United States
13 Ben Murphy 1142 2012–2017 United States
8 Aaron del Real 942 2012,2014–2017 United States
6 Danny Hunt 848 2013–2015, 2017 United States

Goals scored

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# Name Goals Years Nation
33 Eric Hubbard 141 2013–2017 United States
8 Aaron del Real 83 2012,2014–2017 United States
83 Mark Worsfold 63 2012–2013 United States
11 Anthony Davis 57 2016–2017 United States
12 Ben Ayres 53 2012–2013 United States

Assists

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# Name Assists Years Nation
4 Andrew Lucarotti 100 2012–2017 United States
41 Dave Hochhalter 94 2012–2014 Canada
35 Joseph Besser 58 2014–2016 United States
98 Dan Donovan 53 2016–2017 United States
8 Aaron del Real 52 2012,2014–2017 United States

Blocks

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# Name Blocks Years Nation
33 Eric Hubbard 77 2013–2017 United States
23 Andy Barnhart 47 2012–2014 United States
42 Nathan Champoux 38 2016–2017 United States
4 Andrew Lucarotti 31 2012–2017 United States
8 Aaron del Real 28 2012,2014–2017 United States

Record

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Year Division Record Win% Playoffs Goals Goals Against Finish
2012 Western 7-9 (T-3rd) 0.438 DNQ 337 351 Did not make playoffs
2013 Midwest 4-12 (6th) 0.250 DNQ 290 371 Did not make playoffs
2014 Midwest 0-14 (6th) 0.000 DNQ 217 380 Did not make playoffs
2015 Midwest 0-14 (7th) 0.000 DNQ 234 444 Did not make playoffs
2016 Midwest 4-10 (6th) 0.286 DNQ 257 337 Did not make playoffs
2017 Midwest 1-13 (6th) 0.071 DNQ 241 333 Did not make playoffs
2018 Midwest 0-14 (6th) 0.000 DNQ 235 423 Did not make playoffs
2019 Midwest 0-12 (6th) 0.000 DNQ 174 277 Did not make playoffs
2021 Central 0-12 (5th) 0.000 DNQ 187 322 Did not make playoffs
2022 Central 0-12 (6th) 0.000 DNQ 214 325 Did not make playoffs
2023 Central 0-12 (6th) 0.000 DNQ 187 279 Did not make playoffs
2024 Central 1-11 (6th) 0.083 DNQ 189 301 Did not make playoffs
2025 Central 1-11 (6th) 0.083 DNQ 188 328 Did not make playoffs
Total - 18-156 0.102 0-0 2,950 4,471 -

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Detroit Mechanix was a professional ultimate frisbee team based in the Detroit metropolitan area of Michigan, competing in the Central Division of the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA). Founded in 2012 as one of the league's eight inaugural franchises under the original American Ultimate Disc League (which rebranded to UFA), the Mechanix played 14 seasons and over 150 regular-season games, helping to establish professional ultimate in the Midwest region. Owned by Brent Steepe, the team operated from various venues in the Detroit area and focused on building a local fanbase through and youth programs, though it struggled with consistent attendance and on-field success throughout its history. The Mechanix never qualified for the UFA or won a championship, posting the league's worst regular-season record in multiple years, including an 81-game losing streak from 2017 to 2024 that was finally broken with a 25-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds in June 2024. In the 2025 season, the recorded a 1-11 mark, securing their lone win against the Union in Week 13, but ultimately failed to meet the UFA's financial obligations, including a required league assessment payment due by November 1, 2025. On November 12, 2025, the UFA announced the suspension of the 's operations effective immediately after the season, citing ongoing challenges with performance, fan engagement, and league sustainability requirements; this left the Alleycats as the sole remaining original franchise. Players from the team were offered opportunities to try out for other UFA squads in 2026.

Franchise overview

League participation

The Detroit Mechanix were a founding member of the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL), established in 2012 as the first professional ultimate frisbee league in North America. The team competed in the AUDL from its inception through the 2023 season, participating in the league's structured regular season and playoff format that emphasized high-level competition across regional divisions. In 2024, the league underwent a rebranding to the (UFA), reflecting a strategic shift to broaden the sport's appeal and incorporate the trademarked term "" through a partnership with . This transition maintained the core operational framework, including the divisional alignment and championship playoffs, while aiming to enhance global visibility and fan engagement. As of the 2025 season, the remained affiliated with the UFA, one of 24 professional teams divided into four regional divisions. The Mechanix have consistently competed in the UFA's Central Division, facing annual rivals such as the Chicago Union and AlleyCats in intradivisional matchups that determine playoff seeding. This division, which also includes teams like the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds, Madison Radicals, and Minnesota Wind Chill, fosters intense regional rivalries central to the league's competitive balance. The UFA's expansion since its AUDL origins has solidified the Mechanix's role in a growing professional ecosystem, with the league now spanning the and .

Ownership and operations

The Detroit Mechanix was established in 2012 as one of the eight charter franchises of the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL), now known as the (UFA). The team was founded and owned by Brent Steepe, an early AUDL employee who played a key role in the league's initial development alongside co-founder Josh Moore. Steepe has remained the principal owner and throughout the franchise's history, maintaining a hands-on approach to team management without documented shifts to a community-based or multi-owner model. His leadership emphasized perseverance amid challenges, including efforts to promote the sport locally through school outreach and player engagement initiatives. Operationally, the Mechanix has grappled with persistent budget constraints driven by low and limited streams, which hindered sponsorship acquisition and overall . These issues were compounded by the team's extended poor performance, including an 81-game from 2017 to 2024, further eroding fan support and exacerbating fiscal pressures. On November 12, 2025, the Mechanix suspended operations indefinitely, alongside the Los Angeles Aviators, due to insurmountable financial difficulties and the UFA's realignment toward franchises with larger ownership groups capable of handling expanded league demands. The decision followed the team's failure to meet a deadline for paying the annual league assessment, which funds essentials like officiating.

History

Founding and early years (2012–2019)

The Detroit Mechanix were established in 2012 as a charter franchise in the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL), marking the introduction of professional ultimate frisbee to the Detroit metropolitan area. The team, drawing primarily from local Michigan talent to build its initial roster, aimed to foster growth in the regional ultimate community amid the sport's emerging professional landscape. In their inaugural 2012 season, the Mechanix posted a 7-9 record, finishing fourth in the Central Division while averaging 21.1 points scored per game, one of the higher marks in the league's eight-team inaugural year. Key early games included a competitive 25-24 upset victory over the on May 12 at the , showcasing the team's potential despite a mixed start that included a narrow 19-17 road loss to the same opponent the prior week. The roster featured emerging local players, with leaders like David Hochhalter contributing significantly in assists to help establish a foundation for future development. The 2013 season saw a decline to a 4-12 record, as the team struggled with defensive inconsistencies, allowing an average of 28.6 . Despite the setbacks, the Mechanix maintained ties to Detroit's scene, participating in local tournaments and clinics to promote the sport. By mid-decade, winless stretches began to emerge, with 0-14 records in both 2014 and 2015, though the team scored competitively in select high-output games, such as exceeding 20 points in several matches during those years. From 2016 to 2019, the experienced sporadic competitiveness amid ongoing challenges, recording a 4-10 mark in 2016 and a single win (1-13) in 2017, before returning to winless campaigns of 0-14 in and 0-12 in 2019. These years highlighted resilient efforts, including standout individual performances from players like Eric Hubbard in blocks and goals. During this period, the organization strengthened community involvement by initiating youth outreach, such as clinics for under-privileged middle schoolers and the development of an under-18 program to nurture local talent and expand ultimate's footprint in .

The losing streak era (2020–2023)

The losing streak era for the Detroit Mechanix was marked by profound on-field futility, compounded by external disruptions that deepened the team's challenges. In early 2020, the AUDL canceled its entire season due to the , halting play and exacerbating roster instability already strained by a devastating car accident on that killed three players—Michael Cannon, Kevin Coulter, and Drew Piet—while they traveled to practice. This tragedy, occurring just before the shutdown, left the team reeling and unable to rebuild effectively during the hiatus. When the league resumed in 2021, the Mechanix posted an 0-12 record, continuing a winless drought that had begun in 2017 and extending it through identical 0-12 finishes in 2022 and 2023. Over these four years, the streak ballooned to 81 consecutive losses—the longest in the history of U.S. —reflecting systemic issues that prevented any breakthroughs. High player turnover was rampant, as the team struggled to retain talent amid a part-time model where athletes balanced jobs and carpools for games. Injuries further depleted an already thin roster, while the low appeal of a perpetually losing franchise deterred top prospects; elite players often prioritized prominent club teams like over the Mechanix. Logistical hurdles, including the team's home games at Woldumar Nature Center in Grand Rapids—over two hours from —complicated travel for local college and regional talent, limiting the player pool to out-of-state recruits who faced similar barriers. These factors created a vicious cycle, with owner and Brent Steepe acknowledging the difficulty in sustaining competitiveness without broader league support. Despite the grim record, the era fostered a unique cultural resonance, embodying themes of perseverance akin to Detroit's industrial grit. The Mechanix's plight drew widespread media attention, including a CBS News feature that profiled the team's unyielding spirit and contrasted it with Vince Lombardi's famous quip on winning, emphasizing instead the value found in showing up. Fans exhibited remarkable resilience, with small but dedicated crowds cheering progress in losses, such as increased scoring outputs, and community initiatives like youth program support through Mechanix resources. Within the ultimate frisbee world, the streak became a symbol of endurance, inspiring discussions and lighthearted memes about futility and comeback narratives, while Steepe's refusal to quit—despite considering stepping down—reinforced a philosophy of heart over hardware. The streak concluded in 2024 with a long-awaited victory.

Recent seasons and suspension (2024–2025)

The 2024 season marked a historic breakthrough for the Detroit , as the team secured its first victory in over seven years on June 22, 2024, defeating the Thunderbirds 25-14 in a thrilling contest. This win ended an 81-game that had defined the franchise's recent history, providing a rare moment of celebration for fans and players alike. Despite the milestone, the Mechanix finished the season with an overall record of 1-11, highlighting ongoing challenges in consistency and competitiveness within the (UFA). The team posted a 1-11 record in 2025, securing their sole victory in a 21-20 upset over the Thunderbirds on June 22, 2025. Another key matchup came on July 19, 2025, when they suffered a decisive 14-39 loss to the Chicago Union, underscoring defensive vulnerabilities against top-tier opponents. Roster changes, including several new international additions, contributed to the slight uptick in performance but could not overcome broader operational hurdles. On November 12, 2025, the UFA announced the suspension of the Mechanix's operations, citing financial insolvency and low long-term viability as primary factors. The decision followed the team's failure to meet league financial obligations, including payments for referees and other seasonal costs, and came alongside a similar suspension for the Aviators. No immediate relocation plans were outlined, leaving the franchise's future uncertain within the league structure. The suspension raises questions about potential revival efforts or broader league contraction, as the were one of the UFA's original 2012 franchises, and their departure leaves only the Indy AlleyCats from the inaugural cohort. Players from the suspended team have been granted eligibility to try out for other UFA squads ahead of the 2026 season, potentially redistributing talent across the league. While a revival in remains a possibility, the immediate focus appears to be on stabilizing the UFA's 12-team format without further attrition.

Identity and facilities

Team name and branding

The Detroit Mechanix team name draws inspiration from the city's , evoking the precision and ingenuity of mechanics, and was adopted upon the team's founding in as a charter member of the American Disc League (AUDL). The unconventional spelling "Mechanix" adds a modern, dynamic edge, tying into themes of mechanical force and the physics of ultimate disc play, such as and . The team's logo, introduced in , prominently features interlocking gears symbolizing industrial craftsmanship and the "gears in motion" of competitive , paired with an abstract swirling element representing the disc's flight path. The Mechanix's uniforms emphasize a palette of black, , and silver, reflecting Detroit's gritty resilience and metallic heritage. The dark jerseys, in black and , showcase the stylized "" wordmark threaded through the gear logo, while light jerseys use white bases with silver-gray hoops encircling the team name for a clean, motion-inspired look.

Home venues and relocations

The Detroit Mechanix began their existence playing home games at the in 2012, hosting the American Ultimate Disc League championship that year as well. Attendance at these early games averaged around 500 spectators. From 2013 to 2015, the team shifted to the nearby Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, maintaining their base in the Detroit suburbs. In 2016, the Mechanix relocated their home games to Bishop Foley Catholic High School in Madison Heights, a suburb north of Detroit, where they played through the 2020 season. The 2020 AUDL season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in no home games that year. Attendance during the Bishop Foley era remained modest. Starting in 2021, the Mechanix moved their home operations approximately 150 miles west to Grand Rapids Christian High School's GRC Eagle Stadium in Grand Rapids, Michigan, seeking improved facilities and opportunities to expand the regional fan base. This relocation led to larger crowds compared to their previous Detroit-area venues. The team used GRC Eagle Stadium and nearby fields like Davenport University Field for home games from 2021 through the 2024 season. In 2025, home games were held at Hope Sports Complex in Lansing, Michigan. The Mechanix's suspension of operations, announced in November 2025, has implications for their venue arrangements, as the franchise departs the Ultimate Frisbee Association effective immediately.

Players and personnel

2025 roster

The 2025 roster of the Detroit Mechanix featured 28 active players, providing a balanced composition across positional roles to support the team's efforts amid ongoing challenges. Handlers like John Peterson anchored the backfield with precise throws and decision-making, while cutters such as Justin Perticone drove offensive transitions through dynamic runs and scoring opportunities, as evidenced by his 3-goal, 4-assist performance in a mid-season matchup. Defenders including Nathan Champoux bolstered the unit with tenacious coverage and turnover creation, leveraging their experience to generate crucial stops. Among the key additions for the 2025 season were promising transfers like Jake Felton, a defender who quickly emerged as a standout, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists in the team's 21-20 victory over the Thunderbirds on June 22, 2025, marking their first (and only) win of the season. Felton's versatility and energy carried over from that pivotal game, contributing to his selection on the All-UFA and All-Defense teams. The roster's defensive emphasis was evident in games where players routinely secured multiple blocks, helping to limit opponents despite the team's overall 1-11 record. Following the team's suspension of operations on November 12, 2025, players were offered tryout opportunities with other UFA teams for 2026. Leadership for the season rested with Brent Steepe, the team's owner who retained his role to guide the turnaround efforts, emphasizing player development and resilience in and sessions. No major assistant coach hires were announced for 2025, allowing Steepe's long-term vision to shape the staff's focus on integrating newcomers and fostering team cohesion.

Notable players and international representation

Bryan Walsh stands as one of the most enduring figures in Detroit Mechanix history, serving as a captain since 2020 and holding the franchise record for completions with his precise handling that amassed over 6,000 throwing yards at a 91% completion rate during his tenure. Terry Gaither, another key leader, captained the team in 2024 and played a pivotal role in ending the Mechanix's historic losing streak, scoring a career-high six goals in their 25-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds on June 22, 2024. The Mechanix have also benefited from contributions by players like Nathan Ploeger, whose assists helped facilitate scoring drives during the breakthrough 2024 season, and Eric Hubbard, a defensive standout from 2013 to 2017 who set the single-game blocks record with eight against the Revolution on April 2, 2016. These players exemplified the team's resilience, with Hubbard's 60 games played ranking among the highest in franchise history and Ploeger's continued presence into 2025 underscoring long-term commitment. Reflecting the league's global appeal, the Detroit Mechanix have incorporated international talent throughout their history, comprising approximately 15% of the roster in recent seasons through players from diverse backgrounds. Key examples include Joseph Cubitt, a handler who joined in 2019 and provided 37 assists in his rookie year while earning recognition for his layout catches and playmaking. Gregory Moreno, active from 2023 to 2025, added versatility as a cutter from , contributing to the team's offensive depth during the streak-breaking campaign. Earlier international representatives, such as Yipeng Wang from , —the first Chinese-born player in the league—brought unique defensive energy in 2022. The team's player development has drawn from regional college programs, establishing a pipeline with institutions like the University of Michigan to nurture local talent and foster community ties in ultimate frisbee. This approach has helped integrate emerging athletes into the professional roster, emphasizing grassroots growth amid the Mechanix's challenges.

Records and achievements

Team performance records

The Detroit Mechanix hold an all-time record of 18–144 (.111 winning percentage) through the 2025 season, accumulating just 18 total wins across their 13-season history in the (UFA). This dismal mark underscores the team's persistent struggles, with no playoff appearances in any season, marking them as the only original UFA franchise never to qualify for postseason play and the worst overall performer in league history. Season-by-season performance has varied in degree of futility, though no year exceeded seven wins. The inaugural 2012 campaign offered the team's best showing at 7–9, scoring 337 goals while allowing 351, but subsequent seasons trended sharply downward. In 2024, the managed only 1–11, and they recorded 1–11 in 2025 amid ongoing roster and operational challenges leading to the team's suspension. The 2014 season epitomized defensive woes, with a goals-against average of 27.1 per game (380 total) en route to an 0–14 finish.
YearRecordGoals ForNotes
20127–9337Team's winningest season
20241–11189Broke 81-game midseason
20251–11188Final season before suspension
The Mechanix endured an 81-game from late 2017 through early 2024, the longest in history, spanning multiple winless seasons and highlighting systemic issues in team construction and execution. This streak contributed to seven winless seasons overall (0–12 or worse), further cementing their record for futility in the UFA.

Individual player records

The individual player records of the Detroit Mechanix reflect the endurance and skill of players who have contributed to the team across its history in the (UFA), with statistics tracked for regular season play. These records emphasize key metrics such as points played, goals, assists, and blocks, showcasing standout performers in offensive and defensive roles. All data pertains to career totals with the unless otherwise noted.

Points Played

Points played represent the total offensive and defensive points a player has participated in during games, indicating longevity and involvement on the field. Joseph Cubitt holds the franchise lead, having logged extensive time as a handler and captain.
RankPlayerPoints PlayedYears with MechanixNation
1Joseph Cubitt1,4582019–2025
2Eric Hubbard1,4182013–2017

Goals

Goals scored are a primary measure of offensive finishing ability. Eric Hubbard leads all Mechanix players, amassing his total during a five-year tenure that included multiple seasons as a top scorer for the team.
RankPlayerGoalsYears with MechanixNation
1Eric Hubbard1412013–2017
2Aaron del Real832012, 2014–2017

Assists

Assists highlight playmaking and distribution skills, with Joseph Cubitt's record underscoring his role in setting up scoring opportunities over six seasons.
PlayerAssistsYears with MechanixNation
Joseph Cubitt1652019–2025

Blocks

Blocks capture defensive prowess, and Eric Hubbard's dual leadership in goals and blocks exemplifies his all-around impact during his time with the team. Justin Perticone and others have approached this mark in recent years, but Hubbard's total remains the benchmark.
PlayerBlocksYears with MechanixNation
Eric Hubbard772013–2017

References

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