Mexico City Hellcats

A History of the Mexico City Hellcats

The role of history is often geared towards celebratory means but in the case of the Hellcats there is not much to celebrate. Thankfully history serves other purposes and in this case the purpose is to learn from the mistakes of past ownership to avoid these mistakes in the future. In examining these mistakes it is difficult to ascertain whether the blame lies with the inexperienced ownership or the veteran ownership that readily took the upper hand in many of the team's trades. Regardless of where the blame lies, what is for certain is that the franchise has been a complete mess throughout its history and serves to remind the league of the importance of the trade committee and should instill in the league a responsibility to teach new ownership the ropes of owning a team in the WBA.

The lowly position of the franchise can be perceived as a victim of WBA imperialism; the newly relocated franchise has historically served as a source of natural resources in the form of draft picks and as a dumping ground of unwanted salaries. Pertaining to the club of exploited teams, the franchise's main contribution has been in helping to mold some of the historically “great teams” in WBA history by supplying them with the resources to keep on dominating. Before the trade committee reform movements took place the age old cliché of the “rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer” certainly held true in describing the trends of the league at the time.

Throughout its history the team has just seemed to be lurking around with no goals or sense of mission, perhaps the result of never having an owner stick around for anything longer than a couple seasons or perhaps caught in the cycle of exploitation. Either way not much positive can be said about the team aside from the aberration in history during season two's tenure among the top teams.

The move to Mexico City has allowed the franchise to begin anew. It helps that the team is being led by a new owner with fresh enthusiasm, but as is often the case it is difficult to shake off the losing attitudes and the lack of talent that have come a result of the inexperience and exploitation of previous owners. Only time will tell if this franchise can get on its feet and start to fight back from its years of oppression.

Inaugural Season: Winifred Rebels

Leaders

Minutes: Bert Latham (38)

Points: Bert Latham (20.1)

Rebounds: Bert Latham (8.3)

Assists: George Grabowski (7.1)

Steals: Bert Latham (3.2)

Blocks: Charlie Griffin (1.2)

Team Records

Overall Record: 17-45

Offense: 97.5

Defense: 105.2

Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

Inaugural Draft

Round One: Bert Latham

Round Two: John Davis

Round Three: Jesse Harrington

Round Four: Charlie Griffin

Round Five: Charlie Swanson

Round Six: Junior White

Round Seven: Butch Bailey

Round Eight: Bob Carter

Round Nine: Pete Thomas

Round Ten: Jimmy Williams

Round Eleven: Woody Benitez

Round Twelve: Arnold Moeller

Round Thirteen: Joel Moore

Round Fourteen: Bobby Gallager

Trades

John Davis & Joel Moore to Roswell for Roger Garrett, Jerry Haas and Roswell's Season 2 first round pick

Jesse Harrington to Baltimore for George Grabowski and Roswell's Season 2 second round pick

Season Overview

With the seventeenth pick in the inaugural draft the Winifred Rebels selected Bert Latham to spearhead the franchise in the newly formed World Basketball Association. As is often the case with brand new starts, optimism pervaded the atmosphere. However, as the season set in so did reality as it was soon discovered that wins were harder to come by than expected. In response, management essentially gave up on the season by dealing their second and third round selections John Davis and Jesse Harrington. This move sealed the team's fate at the bottom of the Midwest division. Reporters soon commented that, “Latham is the only player on this team that is really worth mentioning.” Indeed, Latham proved that he was worthy of a first round selection by amassing 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists a game while leading the team in steals. However, he would need more help if the franchise were to rise above their feeble condition.

Season Two

Leaders

Minutes: Horace Colbert (36)

Points: Horace Colbert (20.5)

Rebounds: Horace Colbert (11.3)

Assists: Curtis Bridges (7.9)

Steals: Jose Bergman (2.3)

Blocks: Horace Colbert (2.6)

Team Records

Overall Record: 61-19 (5th Seed)

Offense: 104

Defense: 91.7

Playoff Result: Defeated Midland 3-2 in Round One, Lost to Cincinnati 4-3 in Round Two

Trades

Picks # 5 and 33 to North Carolina for pick #3

11th pick, Winifred's first round picks in season 3, 5 and 7 & Charlie Griffon to Albacete for John Riddle & Felipe Smith

Bert Latham to Cincinnati for Ernie Barnes & Fred Gumbert

John Riddle & George Grabowski to Sydney for Jose Bergman, Curtis Bridges & Ike Frazier

Junior White & Arnold Moeller to Fernie for Dave Booker and Mike James

Felipe Smith, Fred Gumbert and Dave Booker to Varese for Fred Workman and Earl Baldwin

Draft

Round One, Pick 3: Horace Colbert

Round Two, Pick 37: Lew Carney

Season Overview

After a horrendous inaugural season, Winifred managed to bounce back with a remarkable turnaround having in large part to do with the acquisition of rookie superstar Horace Colbert drafted #3 overall. Preseason reports commented that once “the laughing stock of the league,” now Winifred would do the laughing. However, a problem presented itself, a problem of the “happy” variety having to do with having two great players in John Riddle and Horace Colbert at the center position. One report cited that “this team has the potential to be very dangerous. But, first they need to trade John Riddle or Horace Colbert.” After starting the season 7-4 the move became eminent as it was expected to make the team better. After weeks of rumors and excellent play from Riddle the major deal was confirmed between Winifred and Sydney. In return for Riddle and George Grabowski, Winifred received Jose Bergman, Curtis Bridges and Ike Frazier. At the time of the deal Winifred was seen as “the clear winner” in the trade. After all they had Horace Colbert waiting in the wings to replace Riddle. The move did prove advantageous as Winifred ended the season on a fourteen game winning streak with the season culminating in 61 wins in the regular season, a miraculous 44 game turnaround.

However, the great season only amounted to a fifth seed in the playoffs as the conference had an unusually high amount of excellent teams. Winifred eventually would win its first playoff series against Midland in five games but would lose in the second round to Cincinnati in a deciding seventh game. The major turnaround is one of the best in WBA history but is offset by the short span it would last, as this season would mark the peak of the franchise's existence and the last playoff victory to date.

Season Three

Leaders

Minutes: John Brett (33)

Points: John Brett (15)

Rebounds: Joe Busby (6.6)

Assists: Ernie Barnes (4.8)

Steals: George Sewell (1.9)

Blocks: Noah Stokes (1)

Team Records

Overall Record: 19-61

Offense: 96.6

Defense: 110.4

Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

Trades

Horace Colbert to New York for Marty Williams, Matty Quinn & Washington's season 4 second

Washington's season 4 2nd to New York for New York's season 8 1st round pick

Marty Williams to Baltimore for Lopez, Clarence Coffman, Carl Mercer & Nebraska's 2nd in season 5

Winifred's Season 4 2nd; Nebraska's Season 5 2nd; & Carl Mercer to Nebraska for George Sewell; Washington's Season 4 2nd, 0.5 million dollars

Bill Lopez, Lew Carney, and Winifred's Season 4 2nd Round Pick to Indiana for Berlin's Season 4 1st Round Pick, Albacete's Season 4 1st Round Pick, Conrad Adams, and Bobby Gallagher

Buck Jones to Montana for Charlie Elkington

Draft

Round Two, Pick 50: Noah Stokes

Season Overview

After accomplishing one of the biggest turnarounds in league history the team managed to pull off another turnaround but this one for the worst. After a disastrous off-season the team managed to revert back to their lowly days of season one. Commentators summed it up by stating that the team had gone “from bad to good to bad.” The reason given was poor decision making in free agency, but this was compounded with key players retiring and some unproductive trades.

The shocking turnaround immediately sent team management into rebuilding mode. Unfortunately, the team took rebuilding to the extreme by moving all the pieces they had to build around especially in regards to the cornerstone Horace Colbert. In return for Colbert, Winifred received another center of similar capability in Marty Williams but soon he was dealt too. The franchise eventually staked its future in the gathering of draft picks. For now the team was back in familiar ground ending the season with 19 wins and 61 losses.

Season Four

Leaders

Minutes: George Sewell (33)

Points: George Sewell (12.5)

Rebounds: Joe Busby (5.1)

Assists: George Sewell (3.6)

Steals: George Sewell (1.8)

Blocks: Freddy Washngton (0.7)

Team Records

Overall Record: 11-69 (8th Worst All-time)

Offense: 89.9

Defense: 109

Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

Trades

Winifred's season 5 2nd round pick to Nebraska for Hick Hiller

Season six first round pick and Noah Stokes to London for 1st round pick of COL in season 5, 2nd round pick of ALB in season 7 and Doug Belieaff

Larry Saunders and 1.8 Mil in season 4 to Varese for Aaron Backman and Chuck Archer

Draft

Round One, Pick 6: Larry Saunders

Round One, Pick 19: Freddy Washington

Round One, Pick 23: Jeff Pruitt

Season Overview

After it seemed that things could not get anything worse, they did. Although possessing the number six overall pick in the draft, the team soon traded the selection to London for an inconsequential player in Aaron Blackman. The lottery selection would be the last for some time to come, as the team would get in the habit of dealing future first round picks.

The franchise was a pitiful mess. Amassing only 11 wins for the entire regular season the team got blown out of games by an average of 20 points. One commentator who described a game between Winifred and Midland best summed up the feeling of the season:

“Midland then visited Winfred, who was hoping to win that elusive 7 games. I

wasn't aware that Winifred even had a Center, but apparently they do in

fact. The forgettable Clarence Coffman. Yeah I know, I didn't know who he

was either. Marty had a good game, but everybody has a good or superb game

against the rebels. Midland blew Winifred away as most teams do.”

Fans in Winifred soon grew disenchanted with this sorry excuse for a basketball team. Drastic changes would be necessary for the franchise to rise above this pathetic level.

Season Five: California Hellcats

Leaders

Minutes: Charlie Elkington (36)

Points: Charlie Elkington (16.1)

Rebounds: Brody Liang (7.9)

Assists: Antonio Swift (6)

Steals: Charlie Elkington (1.8)

Blocks: Brody Liang (2.3)

Team Records

Overall Record: 34-46 (7th Seed)

Offense: 94.6

Defense: 100.9

Playoff Result: Loss to Cancun 3-0 in Round One

Trades

No Trades

Draft

Round One, Pick 28: Elliot Spagnoli

Season Overview

The lack of success in previous seasons spelled the end for Winifred in the WBA. The team needed a new optimism and this was found in sunny California as the team was relocated and renamed the Hellcats. Unfortunately, the team did not receive any sufficient boosts in its talent levels and things were slow to start off.

The lackluster history of the franchise was still fresh in the minds of many as one reporter asked to cover the Hellcats asked himself, “Who did I piss off?” The reporter, by the name of Gaylord “Happy” Hairston called the Hellcats the “most inept team in professional sports.” Hairston had reason for the comment as the Hellcats were the last team to tally a win during the preseason.

Fortunately during the season the team managed to win a respectable number of games thanks to the efforts of owner Greg Blaxland and the play of Brody Liang, eventually ending the season with 34 wins and managing to secure a playoff berth. Although the team was sweeped by Cancun, it was depicted as an honor and the season was certainly seen as a success for the newly relocated franchise.

Season Six

Leaders

Minutes: J.J. Jordan (32)

Points: Pete Merritt (14.9)

Rebounds: J.J. Jordan (7.6)

Assists: Brody Liang (5.4)

Steals: George Burke (1.4)

Blocks: Brody Liang (1.9)

Team Records

Overall Record: 24-56

Offense: 92.3

Defense: 101

Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

Trades

California's Season 8 1st to Albacete for Antonio Swift, George Burke & Albacete Season 6 1st & 2nd

Doug Beliaeff to Varese for Larry Saunders

New York's Season 8-1st Rounder, and California's Season 10-1st Rounder to Washington for Ernie Coustier, Washington's Season 7-1st Rounder, and Colorado's Season 6-2nd Rounder

Larry Saunders, $2.0 mil in Season 5, California's 1st round pick in season 9 & Albacete's first round pick in season 6 to Brooklyn for Brody Liang & Brooklyn's 1st round pick in season 9

3 mill in season 6, Colorado's Season 6 2nd & Fidel Wilson to Nebraska for J.J. Jordan

1st rounder of Nebraska season 6, 2nd rounder of Carolina season 8 & 2nd rounder of London season 8

to London for 1st rounder of California season 6

Draft

Round Two, Pick 42: Anne Vondeling

Round Two, Pick 48: Junior Bailey

Season Overview

After tasting a bit of the playoff atmosphere, California would once again fall victim to its ghosts of the past. Without a first round pick due to the decisions of previous owners, current ownership could not learn from this mistake and consequently dealt crucial draft picks to the imperial powers of Washington and Brooklyn. To make matters worse a crucial player, Charlie Elkington was convicted of violating the league's drug policy and would be suspended for the entire season. The season was certainly a step back not only by losing ten more games than the previous season but for the future repercussions of dealing crucial draft picks.

Season Seven

Leaders

Minutes: J.J. Jordan (36)

Points: Pete Merritt (15)

Rebounds: Brody Liang (8.3)

Assists: Jesse Harrington (4.4)

Steals: John Stewart (1.4)

Blocks: Brody Liang (2.2)

Team Records

Overall Record: 34-46

Offense: 99.7

Defense: 105.3

Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

Trades

No trades

Draft

Round One, Pick 26: Egon Mathieson

Round Two, Pick 33: Hakim Samir

Round Two, Pick 51: Johnny Hawks

Season Overview

The trends of season six basically carried over to the proceeding season as no major changes transpired except the re-addition of Charlie Elkington. Two seasons ago he was seen as a “bright spot” to the team by averaging 16 points per game but after serving his suspension he was regulated to the bench. With no major trades and no impact draft picks the team reverted to the exact record of the inaugural season in California with 34 wins and 46 losses, but this time missing the playoffs.

Season Eight

Leaders

Minutes: Brody Liang (39)

Points: Pete Merritt (16.5)

Rebounds: Charlie Hernandez (7.5)

Assists: George Burke (6)

Steals: George Burke (1.5)

Blocks: Brody Liang (1.8)

Team Records

Overall Record: 24-56

Offense: 97.6

Defense: 105.5

Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

Trades

California receives Raul Qcevedo, Oregon's season 9 2nd & Cancun's season 9 2nd in three way deal involving New York and Texas

Frank Schineder, California's worst 2nd (between California, Oregon, Cancun) & If California doesn't cut Rizzolo at the end of the season Varese gets California's Season 11 2nd to Varese for Gus Rizzolo

Draft

Round Two, Pick 39: Jason Bryant

Season Overview

With no quality draft picks to build on and trades of little consequence the team was essentially “stuck in mediocrity” as described by one reporter. Essentially the team maintained the same core of untalented players as the year before. After a mediocre 34 wins the previous season the team managed to digress once again to 24 wins. As became a trademark of the team once when you thought the team would rise up against its pitiful state it would sink right back down.

When the leading scorer of your team cannot play at least 30 minutes it marks a definite problem for the team. Aside from this deterrent the team's leading assist man was not even a point guard and the leading rebounder was not even close to averaging a double-double. California served to prove that when you have no talent you don't get many wins.

Season Nine

Leaders

Minutes: Cole Bayo (35)

Points: Pete Merritt (18.1)

Rebounds: Brody Liang (7.2)

Assists: Pete Merritt (5.2)

Steals: Cole Bayo (2.7)

Blocks: Chuck Murphy (1.8)

Team Records

Overall Record: 29-51

Offense: 97.7

Defense: 106.1

Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

Trades

No trades

Draft

Round One, Pick 27: Derek Witt

Round Two, Pick 31: Pierre Warren

Round Two, Pick 51: Ted Garrison

Round Two, Pick 53: Avery Newman

Season Overview

The start to season nine's offseason was better than most as the team managed to actually sign a player of value in point guard Cole Bayo. One reporter summed up the situation in the preseason nicely by stating:

“The California Hellcats brought in two players this off-season. Cole Bayo has been a good player in his first two seasons, but some doubt he will ever be a good PG. Nonetheless, he helps this team with his defense and knack for getting to the line…Brody Liang will again be the leader of this team, a quiet player that seems to produce every year no matter who plays with him. New ownership will help this team get better, but previous management didn't help by trading their first round pick.”

Nevertheless, the season was seen as yet another rebuilding year and it was expectant that the team would be “at the bottom of the barrell” with the only bright side that they would have quite a bit of money to expend nicely in the future.

With reporting in the WBA at an all-time high several comments were made about the franchise but as California's history was nothing to be proud of the comments were as expected-negative. The infamous Wes Ford managed to take time to comment on the franchise and concluded while he loved sunny California there was nothing much that excited him about the team. Which led him to “…..zzzzz…….” while writing about the team. While Ford was hardly an esteemed journalist other respected writers seemed to confirm this general feeling toward the franchise. Pat Fullum was forced to agree that “there just isn't much to write about the California franchise.” While concluding in his preview of season nine that “It is going to be a long season” for the Hellcats.

Indeed the season proved to be another difficult one as the team squandered with 29 wins although it did show an improvement of 5 games from the season before. The main bright spot of the season were rumors of new ownership taking over the franchise. Hope comes in many forms and these rumors certainly led many to be hopeful for the future of this franchise. After the lusterless history of California all that is left is hope for the future.

Season Ten

Leaders

Minutes: Sean Ashman (39)

Points: Sean Ashman (18.2)

Rebounds: Sean Ashman (11.2)

Assists: Brody Liang (6.1)

Steals: Cole Bayo (2.9)

Blocks: Sean Ashman (2)

Team Records

Overall Record: 27-53

Offense: 97.6

Defense: 103.1

Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

Trades

No trades

Draft

Round two, Pick 35: Cory Brooks

Season Overview

Under the brand new ownership of Sergio Gutierrez the franchise entered free agency with a sense of optimism and quite a bit of money to spend. However, due to their losing history it was expected that they needed to pay an extra price to entice top players to sign with them. Knowing this the ownership managed to convince one of the most coveted players in free agency, rising star Sean Ashman to sign with the team and was given the task of turning the franchise into a respectable team. The pressure of such a great task was relieved by the lucrative 11.5 Million, 7 year contract, which would virtually guarantee Ashman's family economic independence for the next four generations.

Although this proved to be one of the most celebrated signings in the history of the franchise; the rest of the team was still lacking in depth. One reporter commented that, “there are some good players, but I still think California is missing something. One thing is for sure, now they have a true center, maybe the best young center behind Vasquez.”

Led by the familiar cast of Pete Merritt as the only offensive weapon and the ever-steady Brody Liang a great rebounder who plays solid defense, the rest of the cast was virtually non-existent. Preseason reports predicted that “they will have a very long season” and that Ashman will determine exactly how many wins this team can get this season.

Ashman proved a great signing, averaging a double-double, but the team still managed to consistently get out-rebounded and as the season progressed California managed to win a few games but still remained out of the playoff race. The end result was a total of 27 wins and although it was less than the season before, the elevated talent level of the western conference during the season probably skewed the improvement made by Ashman's signing.

It is obvious that Ashman cannot get the job done alone, and as a defensive specialist leading the team in scoring is only a sign that the franchise lacks a go-to scorer. As the team makes its way to Mexico City the search for a prolific scorer should be number one on the agenda to propel this team to playoff level.

Season Eleven

Leaders

Minutes: Sean Ashman (38)

Points: Sean Ashman (15.6)

Rebounds: Sean Ashman (9.4)

Assists: Pete Merritt (5.8)

Steals: Sean Ashman (1.9)

Blocks: Sean Ashman (2)

Team Records

Overall Record: 28-52

Offense: 96.9

Defense: 106.2

Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

Trades

2nd round pick and 0.25 million in season 11 to Toronto for Sam Hickerson

1 million in season 11 and season 13 2nd round pick to Capetown for Roger Mayer and Colorado's season 12 1st round pick

Cole Bayo and Chuck Murphy to Oregon for George Foster, Jack Berger, Season 15 Toronto 2nd round pick and 3 million cash

Draft

First Round, Pick 6: Chad Nolan

Second Round, Pick 34: Jim Baker

Season Overview

Despite missing the playoffs the past five seasons the franchise had some hope that they could turn things around as free agency loomed forward. For the rookie draft the team managed to hold on to its first round pick and selected one of the top vote getters for GCBA Player of the Year SF/PF Chad Nolan with the 6th overall pick. However, last season's monumental free agent signing of Sean Ashman could not be replicated this season.

Instead the team brought in the familiar group of guys from last season's twenty-seven win team. With training and better chemistry the team was expected to do better, but without a major change the results could simply not have been significantly better.

Recognition that some changes were necessary became apparent. However, change for change itself is not beneficial and the change needed to be either a step in the right direction towards the future or a move that could significantly improve the teams play for the present and make a run for the playoffs. Neither of these goals was fulfilled when the team traded Cole Bayo to Oregon for the enigma, George Foster. Despite Foster's statistics, team's had never fared well with his lack of defense of intangibles. It was a testament to the trade that Oregon went on to win the Championship and Mexico City stayed pretty much the same, except with an older player in the rotation.

The bright side to the season was that Chad Nolan proved that he had the makings of a solid player in this league. The team also managed to hold on to its first round picks in the upcoming draft and it is on the fate of these selections that the future of the franchise lies…