What can be said about The Greats that has not been said already?  How could a team so good on paper can’t seem to get it together?

The Greats, like the Port Washington Puppets and baseball08, are owned and managed by a founding member of this league.  The owner remains to be integral part of this league.  So, what is wrong?  Maybe, it is just a case of bad luck.

During the inaugural season of the Interstate League, the team fell victim to poor pitching especially in regards to wins, saves, ERA and total bases allowed.  The team finished sixth out of 14 teams.

During that off-season, the ownership was able retain several offensive cogs like: Jeff Bagwell, Jeff Cirillo, Ryan Klesko, Preston Wilson and Craig Biggio.  They also retain their ace, Kevin Brown, and their closer, Billy Wagner.  In a shocking turn of events, the franchise was able to select former batting champion, Larry Walker in the fourth round of the draft.

By midseason, The Greats had acquired Mike Piazza, a player that was selected first overall in the draft, in a deal involving Jeff Bagwell from the PREDATORS.  They had also acquired Curt Schilling, Matt Morris, Javier Vazquez and Jose Mesa.  This team was so stacked, that Fanball.com named eight of its members All-stars.

The team ended the Regular Season in fourth place (206-174-38, .538 pct.), 26.5 games out of first place.  The team faltered against the fifth place, Port Washington Puppets, in the first round of the playoffs in a tight 9-8 contest.

The persistence and dedication of its ownership, as well as, the shrewdness of management is sure to pay off soon.

13 Keepers