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Good or bad, every season has a defining moment or two.
Allenson had no problem fingering the first of them, which came April 30, with the team still scuffling with a 10-14 record.
"We were struggling early in the season," he said, "and we went to Syracuse, and Mendez caught on fire. It seemed like it rubbed off on everybody."
First baseman Carlos Mendez indeed had himself a banner day. After breakfasting on some fast food, he went 4-for-6 with two homers, a triple, and six runs knocked in.
That sent the team on a 25-16 spree over the next six weeks, and allowed the Lynx to start dreaming about playoffs in earnest.
The other benchmark moment occurred on Friday night, in Game 3, when just three outs away from being swept out of the semis, the Lynx put on a stirring four run rally that kept them alive a little longer.
"We gave ourselves a chance," said Mendez.
Ultimately the chances ran out, even though the esprit de corps never did.
"This group of guys was unbelievable," Mendez said. "We just had fun and enjoyed the game. On and off the field we were together. We're a family. It was one of the most special teams I've ever played on. That's what hurts the most, not knowing who will be here next year."
One key, and perhaps the most important, contributor who might not be back in 2004, is skipper Gary Allenson.
When asked about his short-term plans he responded with a typical wisecrack.
"Me, and Cat (pitching coach Steve McCatty) and Cash (hitting coach Dave Cash) are going to get with that 'super agent', Scott Boras, and see what kind of deal we can come up with," he said, tongue in cheek.
Actually, whether or not he comes back for a second season depends on what options, say, a chance to coach or manage in the big leagues, spring open for him.
"I don't know," he said. "I'm a free agent, because I had a one-year deal. So, we'll see."
Allenson has been to the bigs before, putting in seven seasons as a player (most of it with Boston), and a stint from 2000-02 as a coach with the Milwaukee Brewers.
With Baltimore Orioles manager Mike Hargrove said to be on the hot seat, such an opportunity could come knocking on the old catcher's door.
"I've got to shoot for the moon, man," he said. "I think we all want to get to the big leagues. I was there for the last three years, and that's where you want to be."
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