So what became of the 1996 Helena Brewers and Ogden Raptors?

[Mass Haas]

As noted in recent days, the last time Helena won the Pioneer League championship was 1996, when they defeated Ogden in the finals, back in the days when the Brewers had two Pioneer League entries, and in '96, each reached the finals.

 

Who made it to the big leagues from those two rosters?

 

From Ogden:

 

1B Kevin Barker, a Mexican leaguer in 2010 -- big league time in '99-'00 with Milwaukee, and then stints in '02, 06, and '09 elsewhere; 3rd round pick in '96

 

From Helena:

RHP Allen Levrault, 18 years old in his first pro season in '96

 

and

 

LHP Mark Watson, 11 big league relief appearances with three clubs between 2000 and 2003, 10.95 big league ERA, he was a non-drafted signee out of Clemson

 

That's it. Repeat, that's it.

 

71 players made up the two squads (Ogden roster, Helena roster), a few may have seen action on both squads, I didn't cross-check.

 

Goodness, did the player development reek back then or what?

 

Here's hoping the current crop of Helena Brewers fare better. Guessing they will...

[davego]

That is...crazy. I'd assume darts at a board would result in a better return on draft picks.

[biedergb]

Also highlights the fact that Rookie league stats and success is a long way from MLB success.

[dadofandrew]

They were the best in the league, so the players were fine. At that level, most guys are just roster filler. Even in Appleton, there are a couple true prospects, 3-4 that have a chance, and the rest are just hoping something clicks. That's another reason teams don't give up on Rogers and the like...guys that throw 100 are few and far between.

[Tedaldtada]

'Roster filler' is a bad way to describe the pitching in Helena. Otherwise, you are probably right, Al.