Bakersfield Blaze
Encyclopedia
The Bakersfield Blaze are a minor league baseball
team in Bakersfield, California
, USA
. They are a Class A – Advanced team in the California League
and are a farm team
of the Cincinnati Reds
. The Bakersfield Blaze play their home games at Historic Sam Lynn Ballpark
. Opened in 1941, the stadium is well known for facing the setting sun and its shallow 354-foot center field fence, and seats 3,500 fans. Their mascot
is "Heater" the Dragon (not to be confused with the former mascot of the Western Baseball League
's Chico Heat
).
Near the end of the 2008 season, it was rumored that the Blaze would move to the Carolina League
after the following season. However, Minor League Baseball
president Pat O'Conner announced in February 2009 that they would remain in the California League at the very least. In September 2009, a further announcement was made that the Blaze would remain in Bakersfield for at least through the 2010 season.
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
team in Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is a city near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, California. It is roughly equidistant between Fresno and Los Angeles, to the north and south respectively....
, USA
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. They are a Class A – Advanced team in the California League
California League
The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
and are a farm team
Farm team
In sports, a farm team, farm system, feeder team or nursery club, is generally a team or club whose role is to provide experience and training for young players, with an agreement that any successful players can move on to a higher level at a given point...
of the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
. The Bakersfield Blaze play their home games at Historic Sam Lynn Ballpark
Sam Lynn Ballpark
Sam Lynn Ballpark is a baseball venue located in Bakersfield, California and is the oldest ballpark of the Class-A Advanced California League. It was built in 1941 for the Bakersfield Badgers who began that season as a charter member of the California League...
. Opened in 1941, the stadium is well known for facing the setting sun and its shallow 354-foot center field fence, and seats 3,500 fans. Their mascot
Mascot
The term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional sports team, society, military unit, or brand name...
is "Heater" the Dragon (not to be confused with the former mascot of the Western Baseball League
Western Baseball League
The Western Baseball League was an independent baseball league based in the Western United States and Western Canada. It's member teams were not associated with any Major League Baseball teams. It operated from 1995 to 2002....
's Chico Heat
Chico Heat
The Chico Heat were a professional independent baseball team operating in Chico, California in the Western Baseball League. They had no operating agreement with any Major League Baseball team. They were created by Chico Heat Professional Baseball LLC, with former supermarket entrepreneur Steve...
).
Near the end of the 2008 season, it was rumored that the Blaze would move to the Carolina League
Carolina League
The Carolina League is a minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic Coast of the United States. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
after the following season. However, Minor League Baseball
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
president Pat O'Conner announced in February 2009 that they would remain in the California League at the very least. In September 2009, a further announcement was made that the Blaze would remain in Bakersfield for at least through the 2010 season.
Notable former Bakersfield players
- Rocco BaldelliRocco BaldelliRocco Dan Baldelli is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter. Because of his excellent size and speed, and in reference to his hometown, he was nicknamed, "The Woonsocket Rocket," early in his professional career...
- Johnny CallisonJohnny CallisonJohn Wesley Callison was an American right fielder in Major League Baseball, best known for his years with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1960 to 1969...
- John DanksJohn DanksJohn William Danks is a left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball currently playing with the Chicago White Sox....
- Chris DavisChris Davis (baseball)Christopher Lyn Davis is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles.-Professional career:...
- Don DrysdaleDon DrysdaleDonald Scott "Don" Drysdale was a Major League Baseball player and Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was one of the dominant starting pitchers of the 1960s, and became a radio and television broadcaster following his playing career...
- Scott FeldmanScott FeldmanScott Feldman was a news anchor for News 12 Long Island for 22 years.-Early life:Feldman was born in St. Louis, Missouri, graduated from the University of Denver in 1971. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard....
- Jonny GomesJonny GomesJonathan Johnson "Jonny" Gomes is an American professional baseball outfielder.-Early years:...
- Josh Hamilton
- Tommy HunterTommy Hunter (baseball)Raymond Thomas "Tommy" Hunter is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles....
- Eric Karros
- Mark LangstonMark LangstonMark Edward Langston is an American former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched for the Seattle Mariners , Montreal Expos , California and Anaheim Angels , San Diego Padres , and Cleveland Indians...
- Pedro MartínezPedro MartínezPedro Jaime Martínez is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He is an eight-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and 2004 World Series champion...
- Ramon Martinez
- Travis MetcalfTravis MetcalfTravis A. Metcalf is a professional baseball player, currently playing for the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League...
- Joe NathanJoe NathanJoseph Michael Nathan is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball . Nathan started out his baseball career as a shortstop in high school but converted to a pitcher after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants...
- Hideo NomoHideo Nomois a former right-handed pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball from Japan. He achieved early success in Japan, where he played with the Kintetsu Buffaloes from to...
- Jose OffermanJosé OffermanJosé Antonio Offerman Dono is a former professional baseball player who played professional baseball for nearly 20 years...
- Mike PiazzaMike PiazzaMichael Joseph "Mike" Piazza ; born September 4, 1968) is an American former Major League Baseball catcher. He played in his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and the Oakland Athletics....
- James Shields
- Edinson VolquezEdinson VolquezEdinson Volquez [VOL-kez] , is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds. He bats and throws right-handed....
- John WettelandJohn WettelandJohn Karl Wetteland is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who specialized as a closer. During a 12-year career , he pitched for four different teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers.-Playing career:Wetteland was signed by the Dodgers as their second...
- C.J. Wilson
- Steve YeagerSteve YeagerStephen Wayne "Steve" Yeager is an American right-handed former major league baseball catcher. Yeager spent 14 of the 15 seasons of his Major League Baseball career, from through , with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His last year, , he played for the Seattle Mariners...
Year-by-year record
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1941 | 73–67 | 3rd | Frank Morehouse / Les Powers Les Powers Leslie Edwin Powers was a Major League Baseball first baseman. He played parts of two seasons in the majors, for the New York Giants and for the Philadelphia Phillies. He played in the minors from until , including a brief stint as manager of the Bakersfield Badgers in .-Sources:... |
Lost in 1st Round 3 games to 1 vs Santa Barbara |
| 1942 | 22–45 | 4th | Jack Colbern / Rex Cecil Rex Cecil Rex Rolston Cecil was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox . Cecil batted left-handed and threw right-handed... / Lee Dempsey |
League suspended operations on June 28 |
| 1946 | 72–58 | 3rd | Martin Metrovich / Tony Governor | Lost in 1st Round 3 games to 2 vs Stockton |
| 1947 | 66–74 | 5th | Tony Governor | |
| 1948 | 70–70 | 5th (t) | Harry Griswold | |
| 1949 | 85–54 | 1st | Harry Griswold | Lost in 1st Round 3 games to 2 vs Ventura |
| 1950 | 61–79 | 6th | Harry Griswold | |
| 1951 | 58–89 | 8th | Wimpy Quinn Wimpy Quinn Wellington Hunt "Wimpy" Quinn was a Major League Baseball pitcher who pitched in three games for the Chicago Cubs in . He threw five innings, all in relief.... |
|
| 1952 | 70–70 | 5th | Gene Lillard Gene Lillard Robert Eugene Lillard was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals.-External links:... |
|
| 1953 | 75–65 | 2nd | Ray Perry Ray Perry (baseball) Raymond Lawrence Perry is a former player and manager in Minor League Baseball.Perry played in the minors from 1940-1954, missing 1943-1945 due to service in World War II. He put up good numbers in the minors but a broken leg and the service in the war hurt his chances to advance... |
Lost in 1st Round 3 games to 0 vs Stockton |
| 1954 | 80–60 | 2nd (t) | Ray Perry Ray Perry (baseball) Raymond Lawrence Perry is a former player and manager in Minor League Baseball.Perry played in the minors from 1940-1954, missing 1943-1945 due to service in World War II. He put up good numbers in the minors but a broken leg and the service in the war hurt his chances to advance... |
Lost in 1st Round 3 games to 1 vs San Jose |
| 1955 | 61–85 | 5th | Doc Alexson | |
| 1956 | 48–92 | 8th | Art Lilly / Dick Wilson Dick Wilson Dick Wilson, born Riccardo DiGuglielmo , was a British-born American character actor who played the role of finicky grocery store manager Mr... |
|
| 1957 | 64–75 | 6th | Dick Wilson Dick Wilson Dick Wilson, born Riccardo DiGuglielmo , was a British-born American character actor who played the role of finicky grocery store manager Mr... / Babe Herman Babe Herman Floyd Caves "Babe" Herman was an American right fielder in Major League Baseball who was best known for his several seasons with the Brooklyn Robins .... |
|
| 1958 | 84–55 | 2nd | Paul Owens Paul Owens (baseball) Paul Francis Owens was an American front office executive and manager in Major League Baseball.-Philadelphia Phillies:Owens' entire Major League career was spent with the Philadelphia Phillies... |
Lost in 1st Round 2 games to 1 vs Visalia |
| 1959 | 70–71 | 4th | Paul Owens Paul Owens (baseball) Paul Francis Owens was an American front office executive and manager in Major League Baseball.-Philadelphia Phillies:Owens' entire Major League career was spent with the Philadelphia Phillies... |
Lost League Finals 4 games to 2 vs Modesto |
| 1960 | 74–66 | 3rd | Lou Kahn Lou Kahn Louis Kahn was an American professional baseball player, manager, scout and coach. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Kahn was a catcher during his playing days. He threw and batted right-handed, stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 200 pounds .Kahn's playing career extended for 17 seasons , all in... |
|
| 1961 | 82–58 | 2nd | Lou Kahn Lou Kahn Louis Kahn was an American professional baseball player, manager, scout and coach. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Kahn was a catcher during his playing days. He threw and batted right-handed, stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 200 pounds .Kahn's playing career extended for 17 seasons , all in... |
|
| 1962 | 67–72 | 6th (t) | Bob Wellman Bob Wellman Robert Joseph Wellman was an American professional baseball player, manager and scout. He managed for a quarter-century in minor league baseball, winning more than 1,600 games — with his 1966 Spartanburg Phillies setting a Western Carolinas League record by ripping off a 29-game winning streak... |
|
| 1963 | 78–62 | 2nd | Bob Wellman Bob Wellman Robert Joseph Wellman was an American professional baseball player, manager and scout. He managed for a quarter-century in minor league baseball, winning more than 1,600 games — with his 1966 Spartanburg Phillies setting a Western Carolinas League record by ripping off a 29-game winning streak... |
|
| 1964 | 56–83 | 8th | Moose Johnson Moose Johnson Thomas Ernest "Ernie, Moose" Johnson was a Canadian ice hockey player whose professional career spanned from 1905 to 1931.... |
|
| 1965 | 66–74 | 5th | Dick Teed Dick Teed Richard Leroy Teed is a former Major League Baseball player who had one at bat for the Brooklyn Dodgers as a pinch hitter in a game and struck out. Although he did not appear on defense in the major leagues, he was a catcher during his minor league career... |
|
| 1966 | 68–72 | 6th | Dick Teed Dick Teed Richard Leroy Teed is a former Major League Baseball player who had one at bat for the Brooklyn Dodgers as a pinch hitter in a game and struck out. Although he did not appear on defense in the major leagues, he was a catcher during his minor league career... |
|
| 1967 | 70–68 | 4th | Nolan Campbell | |
| 1968 | 61–79 | 7th | Don Williams | |
| 1969 | 67–73 | 6th | Don LeJohn Don LeJohn Donald Everett LeJohn was a Major League Baseball third baseman and Minor League Baseball manager during his long career in professional baseball.... |
|
| 1970 | 93–46 | 1st | Don LeJohn Don LeJohn Donald Everett LeJohn was a Major League Baseball third baseman and Minor League Baseball manager during his long career in professional baseball.... |
League Champs – Best Overall Regular Season Record – No Playoffs |
| 1971 | 56–82 | 8th | Don LeJohn Don LeJohn Donald Everett LeJohn was a Major League Baseball third baseman and Minor League Baseball manager during his long career in professional baseball.... |
|
| 1972 | 88–52 | 1st | Don LeJohn Don LeJohn Donald Everett LeJohn was a Major League Baseball third baseman and Minor League Baseball manager during his long career in professional baseball.... |
Lost League Finals 2 games to 0 vs Modesto |
| 1973 | 70–70 | 4th | George Freese George Freese George Walter Freese was a third baseman in Major League Baseball. He played for the Detroit Tigers in 1953, Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955 and Chicago Cubs in 1961.... |
Lost League Finals 2 games to 0 vs Lodi |
| 1974 | 65–75 | 5th | George Freese George Freese George Walter Freese was a third baseman in Major League Baseball. He played for the Detroit Tigers in 1953, Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955 and Chicago Cubs in 1961.... |
|
| 1975 | 60–80 | 8th | Ron Brand Ron Brand Ronald George Brand is a former Major League Baseball catcher, and an original member of the Montreal Expos.-Pittsburgh Pirates:... |
|
| 1978 | 48–92 | 8th | George Culver George Culver George Culver is a former professional baseball player who played pitcher in the major leagues from 1966-1974. Culver would play for the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies... |
|
| 1979 | 63–77 | 9th | Ron Mihal | |
| 1982 | 64–76 | 8th | Ken Pape Ken Pape Kenneth Wayne "Ken" Pape was an American baseball player who played infielder in the Major Leagues in 1976. He played for the Texas Rangers.-References:... |
|
| 1983 | 68–72 | 6th | Greg Mahlberg Greg Mahlberg Gregory John Mahlberg is a retired American professional baseball catcher, manager and coach. He threw and batted right-handed, stood 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 185 pounds .... |
|
| 1984 | 68–72 | 4th | Don LeJohn Don LeJohn Donald Everett LeJohn was a Major League Baseball third baseman and Minor League Baseball manager during his long career in professional baseball.... |
Won 1st Round 2 games to 1 vs Fresno, Lost League Finals 3 games to 1 vs Modesto |
| 1985 | 65–80 | 6th | Mel Queen | |
| 1986 | 40–102 | 10th | Don LeJohn Don LeJohn Donald Everett LeJohn was a Major League Baseball third baseman and Minor League Baseball manager during his long career in professional baseball.... |
|
| 1987 | 78–65 | 4th | Kevin Kennedy Kevin Kennedy (baseball) Kevin Curtis Kennedy is a former manager in American Major League Baseball and a former television host for Fox Sports' baseball coverage. He was given the nickname "The Skipper" by Fox Sports due to his prior managerial career... |
|
| 1988 | 71–71 | 6th | Gary LaRocque Gary LaRocque Gary LaRocque is a former Minor League Baseball player and manager. A graduate of the University of Hartford, he was an All-American shortstop and was picked in the 14th round of the 1975 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers... |
|
| 1989 | 82–60 | 3rd | Tim Johnson Tim Johnson (baseball) Timothy Evald Johnson is a former professional baseball player and manager. A shortstop and utility infielder in Major League Baseball from 1973-79, he became better known as a manager when he was caught lying about his service in the Vietnam War.- Playing career :After signing with the Los... |
Won 1st Round 3 games to 1 vs San Bernardino League Champs Defeated Stockton 3 games to 0 |
| 1990 | 80–62 | 3rd | Tom Beyers | Won 1st Round 3 games to 2 vs Visalia, Lost League Finals 3 games to 2 vs Stockton |
| 1991 | 85–51 | 2nd | Tom Beyers | Lost in 1st Round 3 games to 0 vs High Desert |
| 1992 | 68–68 | 7th | Tom Beyers | |
| 1993 | 42–94 | 10th | Rick Dempsey Rick Dempsey John Rikard Dempsey is an American former professional baseball player. He played for 24 seasons as a catcher in Major League Baseball from to , most notably for the Baltimore Orioles... |
|
| 1994 | 69–67 | 5th | John Shelby John Shelby John T. Shelby is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1981–1991. His nickname was "T-Bone" for his slight frame... |
|
| 1995 | 58–82 | 8th (t) | Greg Mahlberg Greg Mahlberg Gregory John Mahlberg is a retired American professional baseball catcher, manager and coach. He threw and batted right-handed, stood 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 185 pounds .... |
|
| 1996 | 39–101 | 10th | Graig Nettles Graig Nettles Graig Nettles , nicknamed "Puff", is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. During a 22-year baseball career, he played for the Minnesota Twins , Cleveland Indians , New York Yankees , San Diego Padres , Atlanta Braves and Montreal Expos .Nettles was one of the best... |
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| 1997 | 62–78 | 8th | Glenn Tufts Glenn Tufts Glenn A. Tufts is currently a scout for the San Francisco Giants. Previously, he played professionally and managed in the minor leagues.-Playing career:... / Keith Bodie Keith Bodie Keith Bodie is a former minor league baseball player and manager, and current minor league coach.-Playing career:... |
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| 1998 | 49–91 | 10th | Frank Reberger Frank Reberger Frank Beall Reberger is an American former professional baseball pitcher and coach in Major League Baseball.-Playing career:... |
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| 1999 | 64–76 | 7th | Keith Comstock Keith Comstock Keith Martin Comstock is a former left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He went to high school in San Carlos, California. He played for the Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners over his six-year career. He also played for the Yomiuri Giants in... |
|
| 2000 | 80–60 | 2nd | Lenn Sakata Lenn Sakata Lenn Haruki Sakata is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as a utility player from 1977–1987 and was a member of the Baltimore Orioles 1983 World Series Championship team. He was the second Asian American to play Major League Baseball. He is Yonsei... |
Lost in 1st round 2 games to 1 to Visalia |
| 2001 | 71–69 | 5th (t) | Charlie Montoyo Charlie Montoyo José Carlos Montoyo Díaz is a former Major League Baseball player. Montoyo played in four games for the Montreal Expos in the 1993 season.-Playing career:... |
Defeated Stockton 2 games to 1 in 1st Round, Trailed 2 games to 1 in Division Finals vs San Jose when post season cancelled due to 9/11* |
| 2002 | 69–72 | 6th (t) | Charlie Montoyo Charlie Montoyo José Carlos Montoyo Díaz is a former Major League Baseball player. Montoyo played in four games for the Montreal Expos in the 1993 season.-Playing career:... |
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| 2003 | 70–70 | 8th | Omer Munoz Omer Muñoz Omer Enrique Muñoz served as the interim first base coach for the Chicago White Sox in 2010 while Harold Baines recovered from right knee replacement surgery. He has also played, coached and managed in the minor leagues.-Playing career:Muñoz played from 1985 to 1996 consecutively, save for the... |
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| 2004 | 59–81 | 8th | Mako Oliveras Mako Oliveras Max "Mako" Oliveras was a Minor League Baseball player and also was a minor league manager with the Binghamton Mets. Oliveras played seven seasons in the minor leagues. He was also a coach in the Major Leagues for the Chicago Cubs.In May , he took over as skipper of the independent Miami Marlins... |
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| 2005 | 68–72 | 7th | Arnie Beyeler Arnie Beyeler Arnold H. Beyeler is an American minor league baseball manager. In , Beyeler will manage the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox of the International League, top-level affiliate of the Boston Red Sox... |
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| 2006 | 58–82 | 10th | Carlos Subero Carlos Subero Carlos Ingver Subero is a former player and current manager in Minor league baseball. He currently manages the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Los Angeles Dodgers Class "AA" affiliate in the Southern League.... |
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| 2007 | 57–83 | 9th | Carlos Subero Carlos Subero Carlos Ingver Subero is a former player and current manager in Minor league baseball. He currently manages the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Los Angeles Dodgers Class "AA" affiliate in the Southern League.... |
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| 2008 | 62–78 | 9th | Damon Berryhill Damon Berryhill Damon Scott Berryhill is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played ten seasons for the Chicago Cubs, the Atlanta Braves, the Boston Red Sox, the Cincinnati Reds, and the San Francisco Giants from to . He threw right and was a switch hitter... |
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| 2009 | 75–65 | 5th | Steve Buechele Steve Buechele Steven Bernard Buechele is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. Buechele played from to for the Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago Cubs. He joined the Rangers in after he was named the Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year... |
Defeated Modesto 2 games to 1 in 1st Round, Lost North Div Finals 3 games to 2 vs San Jose |