As a brief but important era ends in the BLB, we look back on what was.

[Z]

As a brief but important era ends in the BLB,
we look back on what was.

In a few short days, Brewers League Baseball adds two new expansion teams for the first time since 1984.

This expansion represents an important milestone for the league and its health. As the BLB grows to 26 teams, Seattle returns to the fold, while Kansas City makes its entrance.

Perhaps lost in the expansion excitement is the league's second realignment in the last five years.

The 2013 realignment saw several teams shift divisions. The 2017 realignment will see even more change.

But before we look ahead, we take a long last look back on four important years in the growth of Brewers League Baseball.

Pawtucket continued its run, while Morgantown rode its storybook first postseason run to a Brewmaster's Cup.

Let's take a moment to look back on how teams rose and fell, were built and torn down, over the last four seasons.

[Z]

Notes:

* Props to BDub for the awesome images I borrowed for these charts.

* At my discretion, teams who couldn't win at least 50 games or chose not to spend at least $40 million on payroll deserve the embarrassment of falling below the frame.

* I'm learning some new data visualization techniques. This project turned out to be fun and helpful.

[Carlos]

I love charts. Charts make things so clear. I need to start using charts for clients. I will now use charts for clients.

Also, I can't wait for what this article is starting.

[funclown]

Can't wait to see this chart come next decade.

[BDub]

I like these. Gives a nice clear picture of the history. Well done.

[PaulC]

I love charts. Charts make things so clear. I need to start using charts for clients. I will now use charts for clients.

Also, I can't wait for what this article is starting.

There does seem to be quite a correlation between payroll size and winning.

[funclown]

There does seem to be quite a correlation between payroll size and winning.

Its a lag but yeah if you have a good baseball team they will wont some form of compensation.

Well you can't win with a young team solely. Sure you try to rotate in youth, but usually your gonna have a few vets and they will demand some $$$.

[PaulC]

Playing this for two seasons now has taught me why there are so many lousy GMs in MLB. This waiting for a rebuild takes a lot of patience!! I'm not sure I have that!

#Streinbrenner

[fsquid]

Playing this for two seasons now has taught me why there are so many lousy GMs in MLB. This waiting for a rebuild takes a lot of patience!! I'm not sure I have that!

#Streinbrenner

yea, I learned the hard way in other leagues.