The selection committee struggled to choose this franchise’s top four players for two main reasons.  First, as a 15 year old franchise, numerous deserving players have been in and out of the roster.  Hall of famers such as Craig LaCombe and future hall of famers (?) such as Hector “$h0wT!m3” Melendez all had to be considered.  Second, with a history that goes so far back, we just aren’t as familiar with every player who has donned the yellow t-shirt.  We try to be as inclusive as possible with the early years of the league, but it is no secret that we have a bias towards the “Modern Era.”

Amy Baker

Amy’s stint in BTSH pre-dates nearly everyone in the league by now, so there’s a good chance our readers won’t recognize her name as readily as some of this franchise’s other entries.  However, back in 2001, she was among the  founders of the Unicorns.  More so, she was also one of the key founders of the entire league.  We’ll yield to Aaron “Coach” Pagdon, who wrote up Amy’s Hall of Fame induction:

In the beginning, it was SB, and Amy Baker was right there with her. Amy was the earliest biggest promoter of the “Don’t Be A Dick” ethos of the league, and she was instrumental in codifying the fundamental rules, as well…She was a key figure in founding the league, and without her, I don’t think it would ever have gotten off the ground beyond the rudimentary scrimmaging under bridges and in schoolyards that were the origins of BTSH.

Craig “Ug” LaCombe

A first ballot hall of famer, Craig has been one of BTSH’s most prominent presences on and off the court for over a decade.  He has been among the top goalies in the league throughout his career, giving the Unicorns an immediate advantage every time he played between the pipes for them.  He is perhaps even more (in)famous for his off the court antics.  In Craig’s early days, BTSH looked forward to seeing him emcee the year end party and competing in the Johnson’s Olympics, not to mention catching a glimpse of him in other (potentially more explicit) ways.  Of course, nowadays, he is a father, so he doesn’t do that anymore.

Chris Eng

Before a bunch of wrestling-loving idiots took over the media and specifically created an award for Top Face, Chris was the league member who would have won it every season (yes, even over Corey and Trevor).  For those of you who remember BTSH’s attempt at the Lady Byng Award, Chris was the perennial winner, and it was never really close.  He always came to and left the court with a big smile on his face and was always the first player to shake your hand at the end of the game.  That said, he was also among the Uni’s most important offensive players, as he led the team in scoring in multiple seasons.

John Walker

Like an RKO, JW’s popularity seemingly came outta nowhere.  Folks in the downtown scrimmage circuit have known him for some time as the group’s organizer, trying to get everyone together at Moffo to knock some balls around after work.  However, after years of relative obscurity, he is also now a full-fledged member of the BTSH Illuminati (it exists, trust me).  He belongs to the league’s most prestigious club, the Media, which should cement his position by itself.  However, he is also the creator of all of those great hashtags that you see in the BTSH Facebook group and a major player in the BTSH Brooklyn circuit.

Honorable Mentions

Jamie Batuwantudawe – Jamie is kind of the perfect combination of Craig and Chris, as he provides the Gremlins with stability and skill in net, while always mainlining his smile.  The selection committee felt he needs to play another season or two before earning the Franchise distinction. Hope that doesn’t make you too upset, Jamie.

“Guy With Beard” – This was Richie’s #hottake for HM, and as stupid as it is, it’s kind of perfect.  Is it former captain Christian? Maybe current captain Ryan?  That dude on the left in the top photo?  Who knows?!?!