Jump to content

Tucson Toros: Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
 
(31 intermediate revisions by 26 users not shown)
Line 6: Line 6:
| city = Tucson, Arizona
| city = Tucson, Arizona
| logo = Tucson Toros.PNG
| logo = Tucson Toros.PNG

| caplogo = TucsonTorosCapLogo.PNG
| past class level = {{plainlist|
| past class level = {{plainlist|
*Independent (2009–2011)
*Independent (2009–2011)
*Triple-A (1969–2008)
*Triple-A (1970–2008)
* Class-C (1940–1941, 1947–1958)
* Class-C (1940–1941, 1947–1958)
* Class-D (1915, 1928–1932, 1937–1939)
* Class-D (1915, 1928–1932, 1937–1939)
Line 52: Line 52:
* [[Hi Corbett Field|Randolph Park]] (1937–1958)
* [[Hi Corbett Field|Randolph Park]] (1937–1958)
}}
}}
| mascot = Tuffy the Toro (2009-2011, 1978-1998)<br /> Sandy Sidewinder (1998-2008)<br /> Freddie the Toro (1974-1977)
| classchamps = 2006
| classchamps = 2006
| leaguechamps = 1941, 1953, 1991, 1993, 2006
| leaguechamps = 1941, 1953, 1991, 1993, 2006
Line 59: Line 60:
The '''Tucson Toros''' were a professional baseball team based in [[Tucson, Arizona]], in the United States.
The '''Tucson Toros''' were a professional baseball team based in [[Tucson, Arizona]], in the United States.


The original Toros were a Triple-A [[minor league baseball]] team in the [[Pacific Coast League]] from 1969 to 1997, where they won the PCL Championship in 1991 and 1993. They were affiliated with several [[Major League Baseball]] teams over the years, most notably with the [[Houston Astros]].
The original Toros were a Triple-A [[minor league baseball]] team in the [[Pacific Coast League]] from 1969 to 1997, where they won the PCL Championship in 1991 and 1993. They were affiliated with several [[Major League Baseball]] teams over the years, most notably with the [[Houston Astros]]. The team rebranded as the '''Tucson Sidewinders''' in 1998, a name under which they played until relocating to Reno following the 2008 season. During the Sidewinders era, the team won both the PCL and Triple-A championships for the 2006 season.


A new iteration of the Toros continued the original team's history in the independent [[Golden Baseball League]] for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. The team went on hiatus for the 2011 season but folded later that year.
The most-recent Toros were created as a new team in the independent [[Golden Baseball League]] on September 1, 2008. They were originally the [[Mesa Miners]] (2005) and [[Reno Silver Sox]] (2006–2008) before being purchased by Tucson Baseball LLC and relocating to Tucson.<ref>[http://www.goldenbaseball.com/subcontent.aspx?SecID=145 GBL Cities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424084829/http://goldenbaseball.com/subcontent.aspx?SecID=145 |date=2009-04-24 }}, Golden Baseball League website</ref> The new Toros play their home games at [[Hi Corbett Field]] in Tucson, home of the original Toros team, starting May 21, 2009, at the start of the league's fifth anniversary. They played in the South Division in the GBL along with the [[Long Beach Armada]], [[Orange County Flyers]], [[St. George RoadRunners]] and [[Yuma Scorpions]]. (The expansion [[Tijuana Potros]] were supposed to play in the same division, but their season was postponed until 2010 due to the swine flu outbreak in Mexico.)


==History==
==History==


===Early days===
===Early Tucson teams===
Tucson had a number of baseball teams between 1915 and 1958, including the Tucson Old Pueblos, the Tucson Waddies, the Tucson Cowboys (several teams), the Tucson Missions and the Tucson Lizards. None of these were part of the Pacific Coast League. When the last iteration of the Cowboys folded in 1958, Tucson was left with no professional baseball until the advent of the Toros.<ref name="program">''Sidewinders 2002 Commemorative Program''. Tucson: Tucson Sidewinders Baseball Club, 2002.</ref><ref name="history">{{cite web |title=Team History |publisher=Minor League Baseball |year=2006 |url=http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/ballpark/page.jsp?ymd=20060125&content_id=39224&vkey=ballpark_t549&fext=.jsp&sid=t549 |accessdate=2007-04-09 }}</ref>
Tucson had a number of baseball teams between 1915 and 1958, including the Tucson Old Pueblos, the Tucson Waddies, the Tucson Cowboys (several teams), the Tucson Missions and the Tucson Lizards. None of these were part of the Pacific Coast League. When the last iteration of the Cowboys folded in 1958, Tucson was left with no professional baseball until the advent of the Toros.<ref name="program">''Sidewinders 2002 Commemorative Program''. Tucson: Tucson Sidewinders Baseball Club, 2002.</ref><ref name="history">{{cite web |title=Team History |publisher=Minor League Baseball |year=2006 |url=http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/ballpark/page.jsp?ymd=20060125&content_id=39224&vkey=ballpark_t549&fext=.jsp&sid=t549 |access-date=2007-04-09 }}</ref>


===Pacific Coast League era begins===
=== Tucson Toros (1969–1997) ===
Hiram "Hi" Corbett, a former Arizona state senator, helped to bring the Pacific Coast League to Tucson, in recognition of which the 1937 ballpark in midtown Tucson's Reid Park was eventually renamed Hi Corbett Field. The Tucson Toros, a AAA team in the league's southern division, began play in 1969. The name Toros was suggested by name-the-team contest winner [[Clarence Dupnik]], who went on to become the Sheriff of [[Pima County]], Arizona.<ref name="media">''Tucson Toros 1997 Media Guide''. Tucson: Tucson Toros Baseball Club, 1997.</ref>
Hiram "Hi" Corbett, a former Arizona state senator, helped to bring the Pacific Coast League to Tucson, in recognition of which the 1937 ballpark in midtown Tucson's Reid Park was eventually renamed Hi Corbett Field. The Tucson Toros, a AAA team in the league's southern division, began play in 1969. The name Toros was suggested by name-the-team contest winner [[Clarence Dupnik]], who went on to become the Sheriff of [[Pima County]], Arizona.<ref name="media">''Tucson Toros 1997 Media Guide''. Tucson: Tucson Toros Baseball Club, 1997.</ref>


From 1969 through 1972, the Tucson Toros were the AAA affiliate of the [[Chicago White Sox]]. During this period, the team managed no better than a fourth-place finish for the season. The Toros did better as the AAA team of the [[Oakland Athletics]] (1973–1976), winning the PCL Eastern Division title in 1973 and finishing in second place in 1975. As the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] farm team (1977–1979) they finished in third and fourth place, but with outstanding individual performances by outfielder Billy Sample (AAA Minor League Player of the Year, 1978) and others.<ref name="program"/><ref name="history"/><ref name="media"/>
From 1969 through 1972, the Tucson Toros were the AAA affiliate of the [[Chicago White Sox]]. During this period, the team managed no better than a fourth-place finish for the season. The Toros did better as the AAA team of the [[Oakland Athletics]] (1973–1976), winning the PCL Eastern Division title in 1973 and finishing in second place in 1975. As the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] farm team (1977–1979) they finished in third and fourth place, but with outstanding individual performances by outfielder Billy Sample (AAA Minor League Player of the Year, 1978) and others.<ref name="program"/><ref name="history"/><ref name="media"/>


===The Astros era===
==== The Astros era (1980–1996) ====
In 1980 the Toros began a long association with the [[Houston Astros]]. Following the lead of the parent club (which was widely criticized for its 1980s uniforms), the Toros introduced what some consider the ugliest uniform in the history of organized baseball: orange pants with yellow and red stripes, and a jersey with a turquoise back, yellow raglan sleeves, and a front resplendent in yellow, avocado, red, orange, and lime green stripes of various widths. The look in 1981, an all-orange uniform with red and yellow trim, was similarly ill-received.
In 1980 the Toros began a long association with the [[Houston Astros]]. Following the lead of the parent club (which was widely criticized for its 1980s uniforms), the Toros introduced what some consider the ugliest uniform in the history of organized baseball: orange pants with yellow and red stripes, and a jersey with a turquoise back, yellow raglan sleeves, and a front resplendent in yellow, avocado, red, orange, and lime green stripes of various widths. The look in 1981, an all-orange uniform with red and yellow trim, was similarly ill-received.


In their first year of affiliation with the Astros, the Toros won the first half Southern Division title, but were quickly eliminated by the [[Albuquerque Dukes]] in the second half playoffs. The team spent most of the rest of the decade in third place for the season. In 1989, under new team owner Rick Holtzman, Mike Feder became the Toros' general manager, a post he would hold through the end of the Toros era of Tucson AAA baseball. His family-friendly promotions brought immediate results. The club was named Promotional Club of the Year in 1990, and had its highest season attendance to date.<ref name="program"/><ref name="media"/>
In their first year of affiliation with the Astros, the Toros won the first half Southern Division title, but were quickly eliminated by the [[Albuquerque Dukes]] in the second half playoffs. The team spent most of the rest of the decade in third place for the season. In 1989, under new team owner Rick Holtzman, Mike Feder became the Toros' general manager, a post he would hold through the end of the Toros era of Tucson AAA baseball. His family-friendly promotions brought immediate results. The club was named Promotional Club of the Year in 1990, and had its highest season attendance to date.<ref name="program"/><ref name="media"/>
⚫
[[File:Tucson Toros uniforms.jpg|thumb|250px|Tucson Toros jerseys from the early 1990s]]The following season, 1991, was the Toros' first championship season. The team overcame a series deficit of 0–2 to sweep the [[Calgary Cannons]] in the remaining games of the best of five series. Third year Toros manager [[Bob Skinner]] was named PCL Manager of the Year, while series MVP [[Kenny Lofton]] led all of professional baseball with 17 triples for the season.
[[File:TucsonTorosLogo.PNG|thumb|150px|left|'''Tucson Toros PCL Logo''' 1980–1991]]

⚫
The following season, 1991, was the Toros' first championship season. The team overcame a series deficit of 0–2 to sweep the [[Calgary Cannons]] in the remaining games of the best of five series. Third year Toros manager [[Bob Skinner]] was named PCL Manager of the Year, while series MVP [[Kenny Lofton]] led all of professional baseball with 17 triples for the season.


After a second-place finish in 1992, the Toros had their second and final championship season in 1993 under new manager Rick Sweet, winning both halves of the season. First baseman Jim Lindeman led the league with a .362 batting average. Second baseman [[James Mouton]], in his first season above the single-A level, was the PCL MVP with 92 RBI and 40 stolen bases.
After a second-place finish in 1992, the Toros had their second and final championship season in 1993 under new manager Rick Sweet, winning both halves of the season. First baseman Jim Lindeman led the league with a .362 batting average. Second baseman [[James Mouton]], in his first season above the single-A level, was the PCL MVP with 92 RBI and 40 stolen bases.


The Toros had the PCL's second-best overall record in 1994, and Rick Sweet was named PCL Manager of the Year. In 1995 the team had the best record in the PCL (87–56), but was defeated by the champion [[Colorado Springs Sky Sox]] in the first round of the playoffs. The 1996 campaign proved to be the Toros' last as a Houston affiliate. The team went 70–74, while "losing" a number of outstanding players, such as pitchers [[Donne Wall]] and [[Billy Wagner]], to major league call-ups.<ref name="program"/>
The Toros had the PCL's second-best overall record in 1994, and Rick Sweet was named PCL Manager of the Year. In 1995 the team had the best record in the PCL (87–56), but was defeated by the champion [[Colorado Springs Sky Sox]] in the first round of the playoffs. The 1996 campaign proved to be the Toros' last as a Houston affiliate. The team went 70–74, while "losing" a number of outstanding players, such as pitchers [[Donne Wall]] and [[Billy Wagner]], to major league call-ups.<ref name="program" />


In addition to Lofton, Wall and Wagner the Astros-era also yielded several future MLB players including Ray Montgomery, Mike Simms, Bobby Abreu, Dave Hajek, Melvin Mora, Phil Nevin, Craig Biggio, Brian Hunter and Mike Hampton.
In addition to Lofton, Wall and Wagner the Astros-era also yielded several future MLB players including Ray Montgomery, Mike Simms, Bobby Abreu, Dave Hajek, Melvin Mora, Phil Nevin, Craig Biggio, Brian Hunter and Mike Hampton.


===The Toros become the Sidewinders===
==== Affiliation swaps (1997) ====
1997 was the last year of the Tucson Toros, in more ways than one. In a complicated "swap", the team was sold to the owner of the [[Phoenix Firebirds]], so that the Phoenix AAA team technically moved to Tucson while retaining the Tucson club's staff and facilities.<ref name="azbiz">[http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2008/09/01/news/doc48b6e5de83776081205646.txt "Tucson Toros make their return home to Hi Corbett next year"] (''Inside Tucson Business'', AZBiz.com, September 1, 2008)</ref> The Toros' former owners moved to [[Fresno, California]] as the [[Fresno Grizzlies|Grizzlies]], and inherited the Firebirds' former affiliation with the [[San Francisco Giants]].
1997 was the last year of the Tucson Toros, in more ways than one. Martin Stone, a businessman, land speculator and former owner of the [[Phoenix Firebirds]],<ref name="Pay">{{cite web |last=Limberis |first=Chris |date=2002-10-03 |title=Currents: Pay Ball |url=http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tw/2002-10-03/curr.htmlhttp://www.tucsonweekly.com/gbase/Currents/Content?oid=oid%3A44715 |access-date=2007-04-09 |work=Tucson Weekly}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> purchased the Tucson Toros from Rick Holtzman. In a "swap", the Toros' former owners moved to [[Fresno, California]] as the [[Fresno Grizzlies|Grizzlies]], and inherited the Firebirds' former affiliation with the [[San Francisco Giants]], while the Phoenix AAA team moved to Tucson while retaining the Tucson club's staff and facilities.<ref name="azbiz">[http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2008/09/01/news/doc48b6e5de83776081205646.txt "Tucson Toros make their return home to Hi Corbett next year"] (''Inside Tucson Business'', AZBiz.com, September 1, 2008)</ref>


The Toros' long affiliation with the Houston Astros was suddenly over, as the "new" Toros signed a one-year agreement with the [[Milwaukee Brewers]]. The one major league prospect with the Toros who was not part of the Brewers' organization was [[Travis Lee]] of the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]]. The new franchise did not yet have a AAA team of its own, so Lee was assigned to the nearby Tucson team for part of the season. Although Lee personally had a good year, the transitional Toros only managed a 64–78 record. It was the Tucson team's last season at Hi Corbett Field, and their last season with the Toros name.<ref name="program"/><ref name="history"/>
The Toros' long affiliation with the Houston Astros was suddenly over, as the "new" Toros signed a one-year agreement with the [[Milwaukee Brewers]]. The one major league prospect with the Toros who was not part of the Brewers' organization was [[Travis Lee]] of the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]]. The new franchise did not yet have a AAA team of its own, so Lee was assigned to the nearby Tucson team for part of the season. Although Lee personally had a good year, the transitional Toros only managed a 64–78 record. It was the Tucson team's last season at Hi Corbett Field, and their last season with the Toros name.<ref name="program" /><ref name="history" />


⚫
=== Tucson Sidewinders (1998–2008) ===
After the 1997 season, the Tucson club became the top affiliate of the Diamondbacks and changed their name to the Sidewinders. Because the [[Colorado Rockies]] used Hi Corbett Field for spring training, Tucson Electric Park was built to accommodate the Diamondbacks and the [[Chicago White Sox]] in the spring "Cactus League," as well as the Sidewinders.<ref name="azbiz"/> This ended 60 years of minor-league baseball at Hi Corbett Field. The change was not well received by fans, who responded to the new stadium, affiliation and team name with significantly reduced attendance.
⚫
After the 1997 season, the Tucson club became the top affiliate of the Diamondbacks and changed their name to the Sidewinders. With the coming of the Diamondbacks, a new ballpark was needed for spring training in Tucson, since the [[Colorado Rockies]] used Hi Corbett Field. Tucson Electric Park was built, and became the spring training site for both the Diamondbacks and the [[Chicago White Sox]]. It also became home to the Tucson Sidewinders in 1998, ending 60 years of minor-league baseball at Hi Corbett Field.<ref name="azbiz" /> The changes were not well received by fans, who responded to the new stadium, affiliation and team name with significantly reduced attendance. Financial arrangements between team owners and [[Pima County, Arizona|Pima County]] were also the subject of criticism, as Martin Stone persuaded the Board of Supervisors to approve a lease on Tucson Electric Park that protected the owner from a portion of the team's financial losses at taxpayer expense.<ref name="Pay" /><ref name="pinched">{{cite web |last=Limberis |first=Chris |date=2001-11-15 |title=Currents: Pinched Hitters |url=http://www.tucsonweekly.com/gbase/Currents/Content?oid=oid%3A44715 |access-date=2007-04-09 |work=Tucson Weekly}}</ref>


⚫
In May 1999, longtime Toros general manager Mike Feder was fired from the Sidewinders by Stone, resulting in local uproar. Feder was replaced by Jack Donovan.<ref name="Foul">{{cite web |last=Danehy |first=Tom |date=1999-05-13 |title=Foul Ball |url=http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tw/05-13-99/danehy.htm |access-date=2007-04-09 |work=Tucson Weekly}}</ref> Following the season, broadcasting entrepreneur Jay Zucker purchased the Sidewinders, reportedly for about $7 to $8 million, after Stone was diagnosed with prostate cancer.<ref name="Sale">{{cite press release |title=Sidewinders' Sale Finalized |publisher=Tucson Sidewinders |date=2007-09-12 |url=http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070912&content_id=302541&vkey=pr_t549&fext=.jsp&sid=t549 |access-date=2009-01-24}}</ref>
⚫
===Sidewinders era===
⚫
With the coming of the Diamondbacks, a new ballpark was needed for spring training in Tucson, since the Colorado Rockies used Hi Corbett Field. Tucson Electric Park was built, and became the spring training site for both the Diamondbacks and the [[Chicago White Sox]]. It also became home to the Tucson Sidewinders in 1998. Many changes took place between 1997 and 1999 – a new name, new affiliation, newly expanded league, new owner, new general manager and new venue – resulting in disgruntled fans and lower than expected attendance. Financial arrangements between team owners and [[Pima County, Arizona|Pima County]] were also the subject of criticism.<ref name="Pay">{{cite web|last=Limberis|first=Chris|title=Currents: Pay Ball|work=Tucson Weekly|date=2002-10-03|url=http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tw/2002-10-03/curr.htmlhttp://www.tucsonweekly.com/gbase/Currents/Content?oid=oid%3A44715|accessdate=2007-04-09}}</ref> After purchasing the team in 2000, owner Jay Zucker attempted to improve the situation with a variety of promotions, including weekly fireworks. These efforts met with limited success.


Tucson Baseball, LLC, the new ownership group led by Jay and Melinda Zucker, attempted to improve the situation with a variety of promotions, including weekly fireworks. These efforts met with limited success, as Zucker would lose over $200,000 in 2000, his first season as owner. Mike Feder returned as general manager, but would leave again prior to the 2001 season to take a role as Regional Marketing Director for the NFL's New Orleans Saints. Todd Woodford, a previous assistant general manager, returned to Tucson as general manager after spending a year with the PCL's [[Salt Lake Bees|Salt Lake franchise]].
⚫
The team was very successful as a supplier of major league-quality players to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Many individual Sidewinders performed admirably in mid-season call-ups, sometimes returning to the major league club time and again as needed. This earned the Sidewinders the nickname "Baby 'Backs."


⚫
In 2002, Rick Parr became the team's general manager. Despite the parent club's World Series win the previous year, the Sidewinders reported 268,807 total attendance for the season, an average of just 3,895 per game (compared to Tucson Electric Park's capacity of 11,000).
In 2006, the Tucson Sidewinders won the Pacific Coast League championship, and afterwards defeated the [[Toledo Mud Hens]] 5–2 in the [[Bricktown Showdown]] for the Triple-A baseball championship at [[AT&T Bricktown Ballpark]] in [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|Oklahoma City]].


⚫
The team was very successful as a supplier of major league-quality players to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Many individual Sidewinders performed admirably in mid-season call-ups, sometimes returning to the major league club time and again as needed. This earned the Sidewinders the nickname "Baby 'Backs" in 2003.
===Sidewinders timeline===
[[File:Tucson Toros uniforms.jpg|thumb|250px|Tucson Toros jerseys from the early 1990s]]
'''1997''' – Martin Stone, a businessman, land speculator and former owner of the [[Phoenix Firebirds]],<ref name="Pay"/> purchases the Tucson Toros from Rick Holtzman. The Tucson Toros have a one-year player development contract with the [[Milwaukee Brewers]], filling the gap between the end of the Toros' contract with Houston and the beginning of the team's affiliation with the expansion Diamondbacks. Diamondbacks prospect [[Travis Lee]] plays in Tucson for part of the season. Toros owner Stone persuades the Pima County Board of Supervisors to approve a lease on Tucson Electric Park (then under construction) that protects the team owner from a portion of the team's financial losses at taxpayer expense.<ref name="pinched">{{cite web|last=Limberis|first=Chris|title=Currents: Pinched Hitters|work=Tucson Weekly|date=2001-11-15|url=http://www.tucsonweekly.com/gbase/Currents/Content?oid=oid%3A44715|accessdate=2007-04-09}}</ref>


⚫
The team finished the 2006 regular season 91–53, the best in AAA baseball for 2006 and a new franchise record. Team manager [[Chip Hale]] was named PCL Manager of the Year. After defeating the [[Salt Lake Bees]] 3–1 in a best-of-five PCL Pacific Conference Championships series, the Sidewinders won the Pacific Coast League Championship Series in three straight games versus the [[Round Rock Express]]. They then defeated the [[International League]] champion, the [[Toledo Mud Hens]], 5–2 in the [[Bricktown Showdown]] for the Triple-A baseball championship at [[AT&T Bricktown Ballpark]] in [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|Oklahoma City]]. Despite this feat, the Sidewinders still suffered from dwindling fan attendance and a general lack of interest from the Tucson market. After the 2006 season, the Sidewinders renewed their player development contract with the Diamondbacks for another two years. Chip Hale was promoted to the Diamondbacks coaching staff as their new third base coach.
'''1998''' – The renamed Tucson Sidewinders begin their affiliation with the Arizona Diamondbacks, playing at Tucson Electric Park. A new mascot is also introduced, Sandy Sidewinder, a snake with arms. The old mascot, Tuffy the Toro, is phased out.


⚫
[[Bill Plummer]], the former manager of the Diamondbacks' former Double-A affiliate, the [[Tennessee Smokies]], took over as skipper for the Sidewinders in 2007. [[Randy Johnson]] pitched the home opener as part of a brief rehab stint with the Sidewinders, and picked up a win for the team in his second outing on April 20. Hampered by low attendance and concerns over the location and playing field maintenance at [[Tucson Electric Park]], Tucson Baseball LLC would sell the Tucson Sidewinders to SK Baseball LLC for $15 million in June 2007. The sale was completed on September 12, 2007.<ref name="Sale" /> Tucson would finish the 2007 season with a 75–67 record, the second most wins in Sidewinders history.
⚫
'''1999''' – In May, longtime Toros general manager Mike Feder is fired from the Sidewinders by team owner Stone. A local uproar ensues in support of Feder. He is replaced by Jack Donovan.<ref name="Foul">{{cite web|last=Danehy|first=Tom|title=Foul Ball|work=Tucson Weekly|date=1999-05-13|url=http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tw/05-13-99/danehy.htm|accessdate=2007-04-09}}</ref> After the season, broadcasting entrepreneur Jay Zucker purchases the Sidewinders from Martin Stone, reportedly for about $7 to $8 million, after Stone is diagnosed with prostate cancer. The new ownership group, led by Jay and Melinda Zucker, is Tucson Baseball, LLC.<ref name="Sale">{{cite press release|title=Sidewinders' Sale Finalized|publisher=Tucson Sidewinders|date=2007-09-12|url=http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070912&content_id=302541&vkey=pr_t549&fext=.jsp&sid=t549|accessdate=2009-01-24}}</ref>


⚫
The Sidewinders had a win–loss record of 60–82 in 2008, their final season in Tucson, finishing in fourth (last) place in Pacific South division of the PCL. SK Baseball relocated the team to [[Reno, Nevada]] for the 2009 season, where they became the [[Reno Aces]].
'''2000''' – Zucker loses over $200,000 in his first season as owner. Feder returns as GM.


⚫
===Return of the Toros (2009–2011)===
'''2001''' – Feder leaves prior to the season to take a role as Regional Marketing Director for the NFL's New Orleans Saints. Todd Woodford returns to Tucson as general manager after spending a year with the PCL's Salt Lake franchise.
⚫
[[File:Toro00502.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Hi Corbett as of January, 2009 sporting the new Toros logo]]With the impending move of the Sidewinders (who would be renamed as the [[Reno Aces|Aces]]) to Reno, the [[Reno Silver Sox (Golden Baseball League)|Reno Silver Sox]] of the independent [[Golden Baseball League]] were reported to be forced to leave Reno once the Sidewinders move into town.<ref>Brodesky, Josh. [http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/211061 "Toros could return in new incarnation"] ''The Arizona Daily Star''. 11 November 2007. 26 December 2007.</ref> The Silver Sox franchise was sold by the league to former Sidewinders owner Tucson Baseball LLC, but the team's history (including Reno's 2006 GBL Championship) did not go with them. There were original reports of a possible relocation to [[Carson City, Nevada]], but the team instead moved to Tucson.<ref>[http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2008/09/01/news/doc48b6e5de83776081205646.txt Tucson Toros make their return home to Hi Corbett next year] (AZBiz.com, September 1, 2008)</ref><ref>[http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809160357 Silver Sox could be headed down the highway] (''Reno Gazette-Journal'', September 16, 2008)</ref>


⚫
On September 1, 2008, Jay Zucker of Tucson Baseball LLC and GBL chief executive officer David Kaval announced at a press conference at [[Hi Corbett Field]] in Tucson that the Tucson Toros were coming back and are now officially a part of the Golden League.<ref>[http://www.goldenbaseball.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=4712&SecID=303 Golden Baseball League Expands to Tucson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929040703/http://www.goldenbaseball.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=4712&SecID=303 |date=2008-09-29 }} (Golden Baseball League website, September 1, 2008)</ref><ref>[http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/255552 Zucker takes bull by horns with new team at Hi Corbett Field] (''The Arizona Daily Star'', September 1, 2008)</ref><ref>[http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/fromcomments/95462.php Tucson to get independent league baseball team] (''Tucson Citizen'', September 1, 2008)</ref><ref>[http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/sports/95495.php Gimino: Goodbye AAA; hello Golden] (''Tucson Citizen'', September 1, 2008)</ref> Zucker owned the rights to the name, logos, colors, uniforms and history of the Toros.<ref name="azbiz" /> Though they entered the league as an expansion team, the Toros adopted the original franchise's history and records up until 1997, essentially being "resurrected." In addition to celebrating their return to professional baseball, the Toros celebrated their 40th anniversary of their formation during the 2009 season. The reconstituted Tucson Toros returned to [[Hi Corbett Field]] to begin play in 2009.
⚫
'''2002''' – Rick Parr becomes the team's general manager. Despite the parent club's World Series win the previous year, the Sidewinders report 268,807 total attendance for the season, an average of 3,895 per game. Tucson Electric Park has a capacity of 11,000.


⚫
On, September 7, 2009, the Toros captured their very first GBL South Division Championship by defeating the [[St. George RoadRunners]] three games to two and advanced to the GBL Championship Series in their inaugural GBL season. They faced the North Division champion [[Calgary Vipers]], to whom they lost three games to one in a best of five championship series.
'''2003''' – Tucson Sidewinders prospects earn the nickname "Baby 'Backs" with their relative youth and frequent call-ups to the major league club.


On October 27, 2010, it was announced on the GBL website that the Toros would take 2011 off due to the Triple-A Tucson Padres playing their season at [[Kino Stadium]] (formerly Tucson Electric Park).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220408133906/http://www.goldenbaseball.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=5527&SecID=303 Toros on hiatus], GBL website, October 27, 2010</ref> In July 2011, the suspended franchise received an eviction notice from the city of Tucson due to reportedly defaulting on their lease at Hi Corbett Field.<ref>[http://www.fox11az.com/news/local/Tucson-Toros-evicted-125917218.html?skipthumb=Y Tucson Toros evicted] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928223134/http://www.fox11az.com/news/local/Tucson-Toros-evicted-125917218.html?skipthumb=Y|date=2011-09-28}}, FOX11AZ.com</ref> On July 21, the Toros announced on their website that members of the [[Yuma Scorpions]] would play as the Toros in a doubleheader and that it would be the team's final night in action.<ref name="TUCSON TOROS LAST STAND">[http://www.tucsontoros.com/tucson-toros-last-stand/ TUCSON TOROS LAST STAND], Tucson Toros website, July 21, 2011</ref> On November 29, 2011, the Toros announced that they were folding after agreeing to a settlement of $300,000 paid to the team by the city paving the way for the [[University of Arizona]] baseball team to play their home games at Hi Corbett.<ref>[http://www.kold.com/story/16140618/toros-closed-for-business-after-settlement-with-city Toros' settlement means UA will move to Hi Corbett], KOLD-TV website, November 29, 2011</ref>
⚫
'''2006''' – The team finishes the regular season 91–53, the best in AAA baseball for 2006 and a new franchise record. Team manager [[Chip Hale]] is named PCL Manager of the Year. After defeating the [[Salt Lake Bees]] 3–1 in a best-of-five PCL Pacific Conference Championships series, the Sidewinders win the Pacific Coast League Championship Series in three straight games versus the [[Round Rock Express]]. They then defeat the [[International League]] champion, the [[Toledo Mud Hens]], 5–2 in a one-game playoff in [[Oklahoma City]] for the unofficial AAA title. Despite this feat, the Sidewinders still suffer from dwindling fan attendance and a general lack of interest from the Tucson market. After the 2006 season, the Sidewinders renew their player development contract with the Diamondbacks for another two years. Manager Chip Hale is promoted to the Diamondbacks coaching staff as their new third base coach.


==== Uniforms ====
⚫
'''2007''' – [[Bill Plummer]], the former manager of the Diamondbacks' former Double-A affiliate, the [[Tennessee Smokies]], takes over as skipper for the Sidewinders in 2007. [[Randy Johnson]] pitches the home opener as part of a brief rehab stint with the Sidewinders, and picks up a win for the team in his second outing on April 20. Hampered by low attendance and concerns over the location and playing field maintenance at [[Tucson Electric Park]], Tucson Baseball LLC sells the Tucson Sidewinders to SK Baseball LLC for $15 M in June 2007. Tucson finishes the 2007 season with a 75–67 record, the second most wins in Sidewinders history. Tucson Baseball LLC completes sale of the team to SK Baseball LLC on September 12, 2007.<ref name="Sale"/> Also in September, outgoing Sidewinders owner Zucker announces the formation of a new Tucson baseball team with an old name: the Tucson Toros, to begin play in 2009 as part of the [[Golden Baseball League]].
⚫
Zucker and his wife Melinda wore classic throwback jerseys at the press conference when the initial announcement was made. However, the team would be donning new uniforms to coincide with the new updated team logo and colors of black, red and gold unveiled at the press conference. The players would sport throwback jerseys at times to pay homage to the original team.

⚫
'''2008''' – The Sidewinders had a win-loss record of 60–82 for their final season in Tucson, finishing in fourth (last) place in Pacific South division of the PCL. SK Baseball relocated the team to [[Reno, Nevada]] for the 2009 season, where they became the [[Reno Aces]]. The reconstituted Tucson Toros returned to [[Hi Corbett Field]] to begin play in 2009.

⚫
===The Independent baseball era (2009–2011)===
⚫
In June 2007, owner Jay Zucker of Tucson Baseball LLC announced the sale of the [[Tucson Sidewinders]], the Toro's successor, to SK Baseball LLC for $15 M. The team was moved to [[Reno, Nevada]] after the 2008 season. At the time, the [[Reno Silver Sox]] of the [[Golden Baseball League]] (which began as the [[Mesa Miners]] in 2005) were reported to be forced to leave Reno when the Sidewinders move into town.<ref>Brodesky, Josh. [http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/211061 "Toros could return in new incarnation"] ''The Arizona Daily Star''. 11 November 2007. 26 December 2007.</ref> The Silver Sox franchise was sold by the league to Tucson Baseball LLC, but the team's history (including Reno's 2006 GBL Championship) did not go with them. There were original reports of a possible relocation to [[Carson City, Nevada]], but the team instead moved to Tucson.<ref>[http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2008/09/01/news/doc48b6e5de83776081205646.txt Tucson Toros make their return home to Hi Corbett next year] (AZBiz.com, September 1, 2008)</ref><ref>[http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809160357 Silver Sox could be headed down the highway] (''Reno Gazette-Journal'', September 16, 2008)</ref> The Silver Sox team name is now associated with the [[Arizona Winter League]] team from [[Saskatchewan Silver Sox|Saskatchewan]]. The new PCL team has since become the [[Reno Aces]].

⚫
On September 1, 2008, Jay Zucker of Tucson Baseball LLC and GBL chief executive officer David Kaval announced at a press conference at [[Hi Corbett Field]] in Tucson that the Tucson Toros were coming back and are now officially a part of the Golden League.<ref>[http://www.goldenbaseball.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=4712&SecID=303 Golden Baseball League Expands to Tucson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929040703/http://www.goldenbaseball.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=4712&SecID=303 |date=2008-09-29 }} (Golden Baseball League website, September 1, 2008)</ref><ref>[http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/255552 Zucker takes bull by horns with new team at Hi Corbett Field] (''The Arizona Daily Star'', September 1, 2008)</ref><ref>[http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/fromcomments/95462.php Tucson to get independent league baseball team] (''Tucson Citizen'', September 1, 2008)</ref><ref>[http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/sports/95495.php Gimino: Goodbye AAA; hello Golden] (''Tucson Citizen'', September 1, 2008)</ref> Zucker owns the rights to the name, logos, colors, uniforms and history of the Toros.<ref name="azbiz"/> Ironically, it was Zucker who had sold the Tucson Sidewinders team just one year prior to purchasing the new Tucson Toros team.

⚫
He and his wife Melinda wore classic throwback jerseys when the announcement was made. However, the team will be donning new uniforms to coincide with the new updated team logo and colors of black, red and gold unveiled at the press conference. The players may sport throwback jerseys at times to pay homage to the original team. Though they entered the league as an expansion team, they have adopted the original franchise's history and records up until 1997, essentially being "resurrected".

In addition to celebrating their return to professional baseball, the Toros celebrated their 40th anniversary of their formation during the 2009 season.

⚫
On, September 7, 2009, the Toros captured their very first GBL South Division Championship by defeating the St. George RoadRunners 3 games to 2 and advanced to the GBL Championship Series in their inaugural GBL season. They faced the North Division champion Calgary Vipers, and lost to the Vipers 3 games to 1 in a best of 5 championship series.

On October 27, 2010, it was announced at the GBL website that the Toros would take 2011 off due to the Triple-A Tucson Padres playing their season at [[Kino Stadium]] (formerly Tucson Electric Park).<ref>[http://www.goldenbaseball.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=5527&SecID=303 Toros on hiatus]{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}, GBL website, October 27, 2010</ref>

On July 21, 2011, the Toros announced on their website that members of the [[Yuma Scorpions]] would play as the Toros in a doubleheader and that it would be the team's final night in action.<ref name="TUCSON TOROS LAST STAND">[http://www.tucsontoros.com/tucson-toros-last-stand/ TUCSON TOROS LAST STAND], Tucson Toros website, July 21, 2011</ref> The reason for their farewell was that the franchise received an eviction notice from the city of Tucson that their lease of Hi Corbett Field was terminated.<ref>[http://www.fox11az.com/news/local/Tucson-Toros-evicted-125917218.html?skipthumb=Y Tucson Toros evicted] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928223134/http://www.fox11az.com/news/local/Tucson-Toros-evicted-125917218.html?skipthumb=Y |date=2011-09-28 }}, FOX11AZ.com</ref>

On November 29, 2011, the Toros announced that they were folding after agreeing to a settlement of $300,000 paid to the team by the city paving the way for the [[University of Arizona]] baseball team to playing their home games at Hi Corbett.<ref>[http://www.kold.com/story/16140618/toros-closed-for-business-after-settlement-with-city Toros' settlement means UA will move to Hi Corbett], KOLD-TV website, November 29, 2011</ref>


==Major League Baseball players==
==Major League Baseball players==
Some notable players to don a Toros or Sidewinders uniform:<ref name="program"/><ref name="media"/>
Some notable players to don a Toros or Sidewinders uniform:<ref name="program"/><ref name="media"/>


[[File:Toros1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|a Tucson Toros pitcher smiles for the camera circa 1994]]
[[File:Toros1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A Tucson Toros pitcher smiles for the camera, circa 1994]]
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
* [[Bobby Abreu]]
* [[Bobby Abreu]]
Line 150: Line 130:
* [[Craig Biggio]]
* [[Craig Biggio]]
* [[Ken Caminiti]]
* [[Ken Caminiti]]
* [[Randy Choate]]
* [[Alex Cintrón]]
* [[Alex Cintrón]]
* [[Craig Counsell]]
* [[Craig Counsell]]
Line 155: Line 136:
* [[Stephen Drew]]
* [[Stephen Drew]]
* [[Erubiel Durazo]]
* [[Erubiel Durazo]]
* [[Adam Dunn]]
* [[Mike Fetters]]
* [[Mike Fetters]]
* [[Phil Garner]]
* [[Phil Garner]]
* [[Édgar González (baseball)|Édgar González]]
* [[Édgar González (baseball)|Édgar González]]
* [[Luis Gonzalez (outfielder)|Luis Gonzalez]]
* [[Luis Gonzalez (outfielder, born 1967)|Luis Gonzalez]]
* [[Jason Grimsley]]
* [[Jason Grimsley]]
* [[Conor Jackson]]
* [[Conor Jackson]]
Line 182: Line 164:
* [[Chad Tracy]]
* [[Chad Tracy]]
* [[Dave Veres]]
* [[Dave Veres]]
* [[Óscar Villarreal]]
* [[Óscar Villarreal (baseball)|Óscar Villarreal]]
* [[Fernando Viña]]
* [[Fernando Viña]]
* [[Billy Wagner]]
* [[Billy Wagner]]
Line 190: Line 172:
* [[Tony Womack]]
* [[Tony Womack]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}
It should be noted, however, that at least a few of these were "Tucson" players only by virtue of being sent down to AAA for rehab after an injury.
At least a few of these were "Tucson" players only by virtue of being sent down to AAA for rehab after an injury.


==Notable broadcasters==
==Notable broadcasters==
* [[Mario Impemba]] (1991–1994), [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] (1995–2001), [[Detroit Tigers]] (2002–present)
* [[Mario Impemba]] (1991–1994) — [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] (1995–2001), [[Detroit Tigers]] (2002–2018), [[Boston Red Sox]] (2019–Present)
* [[Vince Cotroneo]] (1989–1990), [[Houston Astros]] (1991–1997), [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] (1998–2003), [[Oakland Athletics]] (2006–present)
* [[Vince Cotroneo]] (1989–1990) — [[Houston Astros]] (1991–1997), [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] (1998–2003), [[Oakland Athletics]] (2006–present)
* [[Brett Dolan]] (2000–2005), [[Montreal Expos]] (2003–2004, fill-in), [[Houston Astros]] (2006–2012)
* [[Brett Dolan]] (2000–2005) — [[Montreal Expos]] (2003–2004, fill-in), [[Houston Astros]] (2006–2012)
* [[Matt Vasgersian]] (1996), [[Milwaukee Brewers]] (1997–2001), [[San Diego Padres]] (2002–2008), [[MLB on Fox]] (2007–present), [[Thursday Night Baseball]] on the [[MLB Network]] (2009–present)
* [[Matt Vasgersian]] (1996) — [[Milwaukee Brewers]] (1997–2001), [[San Diego Padres]] (2002–2008), [[MLB on Fox]] (2007–present), [[Thursday Night Baseball]] on the [[MLB Network]] (2009–present)

==Hi Corbett Field==
[[File:Toro00502.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Hi Corbett as of January, 2009 sports the new Toros logo]] [[Hi Corbett Field]] (originally Randolph Field) was the venue for the original Tucson Toros, and also serves as home of the "resurrected" team. It was built in 1937, remodeled in 1972 and renovated in 1992, 1997 and 1999.<ref name="program"/><ref name="media"/> It is part of a larger city park complex, Reid Park (which also includes the [[Reid Park Zoo]]) and Randolph Park, located between Broadway Boulevard and 22nd Street in midtown Tucson. The largest Toros crowd at Hi Corbett was 12,863 on May 17, 1981 against Salt Lake City. Hi Corbett dimensions are as follows: RF: 348 feet; CF: 392 feet; LF: 366 feet. The park has a "Green Monster" fence in Center Field.

The ballpark was home to the Tucson Cowboys in the 1930s to 1950s, and the spring training home of the Cleveland Indians from 1945 through 1992. Parts of the 1989 movie ''[[Major League (film)|Major League]]'' were filmed at Hi Corbett Field, using the [[University of Arizona]] baseball team as extras. In 1993 it became the Spring Training home of the expansion [[Colorado Rockies]], the first major league team in the Mountain time zone.

Despite the 1998 opening of Tucson Electric Park, the Colorado Rockies have continued to train at Hi Corbett. USA Baseball was headquartered at Hi Corbett from 1997–2003. From 2004–2006 Hi Corbett was home to the [[Arizona Heat]] women's pro softball team, with a season from June to August. As of 2009, the venue is shared by the Rockies and the Toros.

The Rockies played their final game in Tucson against the Arizona Diamondbacks in March 2010. Both teams moved their spring training camps to the more lucrative Phoenix suburbs.


==Off the field==
==Off the field==
Some popular Toros promotions included ''Turn Back the Clock Night'', "bull bells" and a cow-milking contest on ''Arizona Dairy Night'', and the annual ''Diamond Dig'' in the base paths. [[Huey Lewis]] once wrote and performed a theme song for the Tucson Toros (circa 1993). [[Ray Charles]] also appeared in concert after a Tucson Toros game in the early 1990s. Toros broadcasters [[Vince Cotroneo]], [[Mario Impemba]] and [[Matt Vasgersian]] all went on to major league broadcast jobs.
Some popular Toros promotions included ''Turn Back the Clock Night'', "bull bells" and a cow-milking contest on ''Arizona Dairy Night'', and the annual ''Diamond Dig'' in the base paths. [[Huey Lewis]] once wrote and performed a theme song for the Tucson Toros (circa 1993). [[Ray Charles]] also appeared in concert after a Tucson Toros game in the early 1990s. Toros broadcasters [[Vince Cotroneo]], [[Mario Impemba]] and [[Matt Vasgersian]] all went on to major league broadcast jobs.


⚫
The Tucson Toros were featured in an episode of ''[[Highway To Heaven]]'', titled "Popcorn, Peanuts and Cracker Jacks." Parts of the episode were filmed at Hi Corbett Field.
⚫
The team mascot, Tuffy the Toro, also appeared intermittently with the Tucson Sidewinders.

⚫
A hapless team called the Tucson Toros was featured in an episode of ''[[Highway To Heaven]]'', "Popcorn, Peanuts and Cracker Jacks." However, the episode was filmed in Los Angeles, not Tucson, and had little or no connection to the actual ballclub.


⚫
The team mascot, Tuffy the Toro, also appeared intermittently with the Tucson Sidewinders before being phased out. A new mascot was introduced in 1998; Sandy Sidewinder, a snake with arms.
''[[Major League (film)|Major League]]'', starring [[Tom Berenger]], [[Charlie Sheen]], [[Corbin Bernsen]] and [[Wesley Snipes]] was filmed at [[Hi Corbett Field]]. The [[Cleveland Indians]] held spring training in Tucson from 1947 to 1992; to add to the realistic feel of the movie it was shot at the same locations where the [[Cleveland Indians]] played.


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Mesa Miners]]
* [[Reno Aces]]
* [[Reno Silver Sox]]
* [[Reno Silver Sox (Golden Baseball League)|Reno Silver Sox]]


==References==
==References==
Line 227: Line 198:
* [https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?city=Tucson&state=AZ&country=US&empty=0 Baseball Reference]
* [https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?city=Tucson&state=AZ&country=US&empty=0 Baseball Reference]


[[Category:Baseball teams established in 1915]]
[[Category:Baseball teams established in 1969]]
[[Category:Sports clubs disestablished in 2010]]
[[Category:Baseball teams disestablished in 2010]]
[[Category:Golden Baseball League teams]]
[[Category:Golden Baseball League teams]]
[[Category:Sports in Tucson, Arizona]]
[[Category:Sports clubs and teams in Tucson, Arizona]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Arizona]]
[[Category:Professional baseball teams in Arizona]]
[[Category:Defunct Pacific Coast League teams]]
[[Category:Defunct Pacific Coast League teams]]
Line 238: Line 209:
[[Category:Defunct Arizona State League teams]]
[[Category:Defunct Arizona State League teams]]
[[Category:Defunct Rio Grande Association teams]]
[[Category:Defunct Rio Grande Association teams]]
[[Category:Defunct independent baseball league teams]]
[[Category:Arizona Diamondbacks minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Arizona Diamondbacks minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Milwaukee Brewers minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Milwaukee Brewers minor league affiliates]]
Line 244: Line 216:
[[Category:Oakland Athletics minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Chicago White Sox minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Chicago White Sox minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Cleveland Indians minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Cleveland Guardians minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Cincinnati Reds minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Cincinnati Reds minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:1915 establishments in Arizona]]
[[Category:1915 establishments in Arizona]]
[[Category:2010 disestablishments in Arizona]]
[[Category:2010 disestablishments in Arizona]]
[[Category:Defunct baseball teams in Arizona]]

Latest revision as of 17:13, 2 October 2024

Tucson Toros
Minor league affiliations
Previous classes
  • Independent (2009–2011)
  • Triple-A (1970–2008)
  • Class-C (1940–1941, 1947–1958)
  • Class-D (1915, 1928–1932, 1937–1939)
LeagueGolden Baseball League (2009–2011)
Previous leagues
Major league affiliations
Previous teams
Minor league titles
Class titles 2006
League titles 1941, 1953, 1991, 1993, 2006
Conference titles 2006
Division titles 1973, 1991, 1993, 2006
Team data
Previous names
  • Tucson Toros (2009–2010)
  • Tucson Sidewinders (1998–2008)
  • Tucson Toros (1969–1997)
  • Tucson Cowboys (1937–1941, 1947–1958)
  • Tucson Lizards (1932)
  • Tucson Missions (1931)
  • Tucson Cowboys (1929–1930)
  • Tucson Waddies (1928)
  • Tucson Old Pueblos (1915)
MascotTuffy the Toro (2009-2011, 1978-1998)
Sandy Sidewinder (1998-2008)
Freddie the Toro (1974-1977)
Previous parks

The Tucson Toros were a professional baseball team based in Tucson, Arizona, in the United States.

The original Toros were a Triple-A minor league baseball team in the Pacific Coast League from 1969 to 1997, where they won the PCL Championship in 1991 and 1993. They were affiliated with several Major League Baseball teams over the years, most notably with the Houston Astros. The team rebranded as the Tucson Sidewinders in 1998, a name under which they played until relocating to Reno following the 2008 season. During the Sidewinders era, the team won both the PCL and Triple-A championships for the 2006 season.

A new iteration of the Toros continued the original team's history in the independent Golden Baseball League for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. The team went on hiatus for the 2011 season but folded later that year.

History

[edit]

Early Tucson teams

[edit]

Tucson had a number of baseball teams between 1915 and 1958, including the Tucson Old Pueblos, the Tucson Waddies, the Tucson Cowboys (several teams), the Tucson Missions and the Tucson Lizards. None of these were part of the Pacific Coast League. When the last iteration of the Cowboys folded in 1958, Tucson was left with no professional baseball until the advent of the Toros.[1][2]

Tucson Toros (1969–1997)

[edit]

Hiram "Hi" Corbett, a former Arizona state senator, helped to bring the Pacific Coast League to Tucson, in recognition of which the 1937 ballpark in midtown Tucson's Reid Park was eventually renamed Hi Corbett Field. The Tucson Toros, a AAA team in the league's southern division, began play in 1969. The name Toros was suggested by name-the-team contest winner Clarence Dupnik, who went on to become the Sheriff of Pima County, Arizona.[3]

From 1969 through 1972, the Tucson Toros were the AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. During this period, the team managed no better than a fourth-place finish for the season. The Toros did better as the AAA team of the Oakland Athletics (1973–1976), winning the PCL Eastern Division title in 1973 and finishing in second place in 1975. As the Texas Rangers farm team (1977–1979) they finished in third and fourth place, but with outstanding individual performances by outfielder Billy Sample (AAA Minor League Player of the Year, 1978) and others.[1][2][3]

The Astros era (1980–1996)

[edit]

In 1980 the Toros began a long association with the Houston Astros. Following the lead of the parent club (which was widely criticized for its 1980s uniforms), the Toros introduced what some consider the ugliest uniform in the history of organized baseball: orange pants with yellow and red stripes, and a jersey with a turquoise back, yellow raglan sleeves, and a front resplendent in yellow, avocado, red, orange, and lime green stripes of various widths. The look in 1981, an all-orange uniform with red and yellow trim, was similarly ill-received.

In their first year of affiliation with the Astros, the Toros won the first half Southern Division title, but were quickly eliminated by the Albuquerque Dukes in the second half playoffs. The team spent most of the rest of the decade in third place for the season. In 1989, under new team owner Rick Holtzman, Mike Feder became the Toros' general manager, a post he would hold through the end of the Toros era of Tucson AAA baseball. His family-friendly promotions brought immediate results. The club was named Promotional Club of the Year in 1990, and had its highest season attendance to date.[1][3]

Tucson Toros jerseys from the early 1990s

The following season, 1991, was the Toros' first championship season. The team overcame a series deficit of 0–2 to sweep the Calgary Cannons in the remaining games of the best of five series. Third year Toros manager Bob Skinner was named PCL Manager of the Year, while series MVP Kenny Lofton led all of professional baseball with 17 triples for the season.

After a second-place finish in 1992, the Toros had their second and final championship season in 1993 under new manager Rick Sweet, winning both halves of the season. First baseman Jim Lindeman led the league with a .362 batting average. Second baseman James Mouton, in his first season above the single-A level, was the PCL MVP with 92 RBI and 40 stolen bases.

The Toros had the PCL's second-best overall record in 1994, and Rick Sweet was named PCL Manager of the Year. In 1995 the team had the best record in the PCL (87–56), but was defeated by the champion Colorado Springs Sky Sox in the first round of the playoffs. The 1996 campaign proved to be the Toros' last as a Houston affiliate. The team went 70–74, while "losing" a number of outstanding players, such as pitchers Donne Wall and Billy Wagner, to major league call-ups.[1]

In addition to Lofton, Wall and Wagner the Astros-era also yielded several future MLB players including Ray Montgomery, Mike Simms, Bobby Abreu, Dave Hajek, Melvin Mora, Phil Nevin, Craig Biggio, Brian Hunter and Mike Hampton.

Affiliation swaps (1997)

[edit]

1997 was the last year of the Tucson Toros, in more ways than one. Martin Stone, a businessman, land speculator and former owner of the Phoenix Firebirds,[4] purchased the Tucson Toros from Rick Holtzman. In a "swap", the Toros' former owners moved to Fresno, California as the Grizzlies, and inherited the Firebirds' former affiliation with the San Francisco Giants, while the Phoenix AAA team moved to Tucson while retaining the Tucson club's staff and facilities.[5]

The Toros' long affiliation with the Houston Astros was suddenly over, as the "new" Toros signed a one-year agreement with the Milwaukee Brewers. The one major league prospect with the Toros who was not part of the Brewers' organization was Travis Lee of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The new franchise did not yet have a AAA team of its own, so Lee was assigned to the nearby Tucson team for part of the season. Although Lee personally had a good year, the transitional Toros only managed a 64–78 record. It was the Tucson team's last season at Hi Corbett Field, and their last season with the Toros name.[1][2]

Tucson Sidewinders (1998–2008)

[edit]

After the 1997 season, the Tucson club became the top affiliate of the Diamondbacks and changed their name to the Sidewinders. With the coming of the Diamondbacks, a new ballpark was needed for spring training in Tucson, since the Colorado Rockies used Hi Corbett Field. Tucson Electric Park was built, and became the spring training site for both the Diamondbacks and the Chicago White Sox. It also became home to the Tucson Sidewinders in 1998, ending 60 years of minor-league baseball at Hi Corbett Field.[5] The changes were not well received by fans, who responded to the new stadium, affiliation and team name with significantly reduced attendance. Financial arrangements between team owners and Pima County were also the subject of criticism, as Martin Stone persuaded the Board of Supervisors to approve a lease on Tucson Electric Park that protected the owner from a portion of the team's financial losses at taxpayer expense.[4][6]

In May 1999, longtime Toros general manager Mike Feder was fired from the Sidewinders by Stone, resulting in local uproar. Feder was replaced by Jack Donovan.[7] Following the season, broadcasting entrepreneur Jay Zucker purchased the Sidewinders, reportedly for about $7 to $8 million, after Stone was diagnosed with prostate cancer.[8]

Tucson Baseball, LLC, the new ownership group led by Jay and Melinda Zucker, attempted to improve the situation with a variety of promotions, including weekly fireworks. These efforts met with limited success, as Zucker would lose over $200,000 in 2000, his first season as owner. Mike Feder returned as general manager, but would leave again prior to the 2001 season to take a role as Regional Marketing Director for the NFL's New Orleans Saints. Todd Woodford, a previous assistant general manager, returned to Tucson as general manager after spending a year with the PCL's Salt Lake franchise.

In 2002, Rick Parr became the team's general manager. Despite the parent club's World Series win the previous year, the Sidewinders reported 268,807 total attendance for the season, an average of just 3,895 per game (compared to Tucson Electric Park's capacity of 11,000).

The team was very successful as a supplier of major league-quality players to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Many individual Sidewinders performed admirably in mid-season call-ups, sometimes returning to the major league club time and again as needed. This earned the Sidewinders the nickname "Baby 'Backs" in 2003.

The team finished the 2006 regular season 91–53, the best in AAA baseball for 2006 and a new franchise record. Team manager Chip Hale was named PCL Manager of the Year. After defeating the Salt Lake Bees 3–1 in a best-of-five PCL Pacific Conference Championships series, the Sidewinders won the Pacific Coast League Championship Series in three straight games versus the Round Rock Express. They then defeated the International League champion, the Toledo Mud Hens, 5–2 in the Bricktown Showdown for the Triple-A baseball championship at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City. Despite this feat, the Sidewinders still suffered from dwindling fan attendance and a general lack of interest from the Tucson market. After the 2006 season, the Sidewinders renewed their player development contract with the Diamondbacks for another two years. Chip Hale was promoted to the Diamondbacks coaching staff as their new third base coach.

Bill Plummer, the former manager of the Diamondbacks' former Double-A affiliate, the Tennessee Smokies, took over as skipper for the Sidewinders in 2007. Randy Johnson pitched the home opener as part of a brief rehab stint with the Sidewinders, and picked up a win for the team in his second outing on April 20. Hampered by low attendance and concerns over the location and playing field maintenance at Tucson Electric Park, Tucson Baseball LLC would sell the Tucson Sidewinders to SK Baseball LLC for $15 million in June 2007. The sale was completed on September 12, 2007.[8] Tucson would finish the 2007 season with a 75–67 record, the second most wins in Sidewinders history.

The Sidewinders had a win–loss record of 60–82 in 2008, their final season in Tucson, finishing in fourth (last) place in Pacific South division of the PCL. SK Baseball relocated the team to Reno, Nevada for the 2009 season, where they became the Reno Aces.

Return of the Toros (2009–2011)

[edit]
Hi Corbett as of January, 2009 sporting the new Toros logo

With the impending move of the Sidewinders (who would be renamed as the Aces) to Reno, the Reno Silver Sox of the independent Golden Baseball League were reported to be forced to leave Reno once the Sidewinders move into town.[9] The Silver Sox franchise was sold by the league to former Sidewinders owner Tucson Baseball LLC, but the team's history (including Reno's 2006 GBL Championship) did not go with them. There were original reports of a possible relocation to Carson City, Nevada, but the team instead moved to Tucson.[10][11]

On September 1, 2008, Jay Zucker of Tucson Baseball LLC and GBL chief executive officer David Kaval announced at a press conference at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson that the Tucson Toros were coming back and are now officially a part of the Golden League.[12][13][14][15] Zucker owned the rights to the name, logos, colors, uniforms and history of the Toros.[5] Though they entered the league as an expansion team, the Toros adopted the original franchise's history and records up until 1997, essentially being "resurrected." In addition to celebrating their return to professional baseball, the Toros celebrated their 40th anniversary of their formation during the 2009 season. The reconstituted Tucson Toros returned to Hi Corbett Field to begin play in 2009.

On, September 7, 2009, the Toros captured their very first GBL South Division Championship by defeating the St. George RoadRunners three games to two and advanced to the GBL Championship Series in their inaugural GBL season. They faced the North Division champion Calgary Vipers, to whom they lost three games to one in a best of five championship series.

On October 27, 2010, it was announced on the GBL website that the Toros would take 2011 off due to the Triple-A Tucson Padres playing their season at Kino Stadium (formerly Tucson Electric Park).[16] In July 2011, the suspended franchise received an eviction notice from the city of Tucson due to reportedly defaulting on their lease at Hi Corbett Field.[17] On July 21, the Toros announced on their website that members of the Yuma Scorpions would play as the Toros in a doubleheader and that it would be the team's final night in action.[18] On November 29, 2011, the Toros announced that they were folding after agreeing to a settlement of $300,000 paid to the team by the city paving the way for the University of Arizona baseball team to play their home games at Hi Corbett.[19]

Uniforms

[edit]

Zucker and his wife Melinda wore classic throwback jerseys at the press conference when the initial announcement was made. However, the team would be donning new uniforms to coincide with the new updated team logo and colors of black, red and gold unveiled at the press conference. The players would sport throwback jerseys at times to pay homage to the original team.

Major League Baseball players

[edit]

Some notable players to don a Toros or Sidewinders uniform:[1][3]

A Tucson Toros pitcher smiles for the camera, circa 1994

At least a few of these were "Tucson" players only by virtue of being sent down to AAA for rehab after an injury.

Notable broadcasters

[edit]

Off the field

[edit]

Some popular Toros promotions included Turn Back the Clock Night, "bull bells" and a cow-milking contest on Arizona Dairy Night, and the annual Diamond Dig in the base paths. Huey Lewis once wrote and performed a theme song for the Tucson Toros (circa 1993). Ray Charles also appeared in concert after a Tucson Toros game in the early 1990s. Toros broadcasters Vince Cotroneo, Mario Impemba and Matt Vasgersian all went on to major league broadcast jobs.

The Tucson Toros were featured in an episode of Highway To Heaven, titled "Popcorn, Peanuts and Cracker Jacks." Parts of the episode were filmed at Hi Corbett Field.

The team mascot, Tuffy the Toro, also appeared intermittently with the Tucson Sidewinders before being phased out. A new mascot was introduced in 1998; Sandy Sidewinder, a snake with arms.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f Sidewinders 2002 Commemorative Program. Tucson: Tucson Sidewinders Baseball Club, 2002.
  2. ^ a b c "Team History". Minor League Baseball. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-09.
  3. ^ a b c d Tucson Toros 1997 Media Guide. Tucson: Tucson Toros Baseball Club, 1997.
  4. ^ a b Limberis, Chris (2002-10-03). "Currents: Pay Ball". Tucson Weekly. Retrieved 2007-04-09.[permanent dead link‍]
  5. ^ a b c "Tucson Toros make their return home to Hi Corbett next year" (Inside Tucson Business, AZBiz.com, September 1, 2008)
  6. ^ Limberis, Chris (2001-11-15). "Currents: Pinched Hitters". Tucson Weekly. Retrieved 2007-04-09.
  7. ^ Danehy, Tom (1999-05-13). "Foul Ball". Tucson Weekly. Retrieved 2007-04-09.
  8. ^ a b "Sidewinders' Sale Finalized" (Press release). Tucson Sidewinders. 2007-09-12. Retrieved 2009-01-24.
  9. ^ Brodesky, Josh. "Toros could return in new incarnation" The Arizona Daily Star. 11 November 2007. 26 December 2007.
  10. ^ Tucson Toros make their return home to Hi Corbett next year (AZBiz.com, September 1, 2008)
  11. ^ Silver Sox could be headed down the highway (Reno Gazette-Journal, September 16, 2008)
  12. ^ Golden Baseball League Expands to Tucson Archived 2008-09-29 at the Wayback Machine (Golden Baseball League website, September 1, 2008)
  13. ^ Zucker takes bull by horns with new team at Hi Corbett Field (The Arizona Daily Star, September 1, 2008)
  14. ^ Tucson to get independent league baseball team (Tucson Citizen, September 1, 2008)
  15. ^ Gimino: Goodbye AAA; hello Golden (Tucson Citizen, September 1, 2008)
  16. ^ Toros on hiatus, GBL website, October 27, 2010
  17. ^ Tucson Toros evicted Archived 2011-09-28 at the Wayback Machine, FOX11AZ.com
  18. ^ TUCSON TOROS LAST STAND, Tucson Toros website, July 21, 2011
  19. ^ Toros' settlement means UA will move to Hi Corbett, KOLD-TV website, November 29, 2011
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tucson Toros.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tucson_Toros&oldid=1249001573"