Sep 20, 2018 3 min read

Nearly two decades ago, the Washington Wild Things were the hottest ticket in town. The new independent baseball team harkened back to the roots of the game with players making a pittance compared to the millions of dollars that major leaguers rake in playing a child’s game. There was something charming about these young players packing up for the summer and living in the houses of strangers who supported the team.

For several years after the team’s inaugural season in 2002, crowds flocked to then-Falconi Field to watch these guys play, not for the money, but for the love the game. There were winning streaks and sellout streaks.

Over the next five years, the Wild Things were perennial playoff contenders, competing in two Frontier League championship series, but unfortunately failing to capture titles in those 2002 and 2007 seasons.

It seemed like the Wild Things could do nothing wrong.

But after that 2007 season, the luster seemed to wear off the minor league baseball team. The crowds got smaller and the team floundered on the field, making the playoffs just twice over the next decade.

It seemed like the Wild Thing – long a favorite for his “Wild Things Workout” on the home team’s dugout during the seventh-inning stretch – had lost his mojo.

But this year, the team began to awaken from its long slumber. The Wild Things won their division and were tied for the best record in the 12-team league.

The team marched through the playoffs on the way to its first championship series since 2007. The Things staved off elimination against Joliet last Saturday night, but succumbed to the Slammers in Tuesday night’s fateful Game 5 in Washington.

There was a touch of irony that Joliet’s victorious manager, Jeff Isom, was the first field general of the Wild Things in 2002. He savored the victory, but also paid homage to his former organization.

“I have so many great memories of this place,” he told assistant sports editor Joe Tuscano after the game. “The two years I spent here, we had some really good teams. I loved this place.”

Still, Tuesday night’s loss was a bitter pill to swallow for the team and its hardcore fan base that has endured a bumpy ride in recent years.

It shouldn’t be.

We’re optimistic that 2018 will be a springboard for the organization as it approaches its third decade in Washington.

After the last dormant decade, hopefully this run by the Wild Things will rejuvenate both the organization and its fans. Between the low ticket prices, family atmosphere and competitive product on the field, the ballpark just outside of Washington is still a great place to take in a baseball game.

Even in defeat, the Wild Things and Washington have a lot to be proud of this season.