Calgary Cannons
Encyclopedia
The Calgary Cannons were a minor league baseball
team located in Calgary
, Alberta
, Canada
for 18 seasons, from 1985 until 2002. They were a member of the AAA Pacific Coast League
(PCL) and played at Foothills Stadium
. The Cannons replaced the Calgary Expos
who played in the rookie level Pioneer League from 1977 until 1984. The team was previously known as the Salt Lake City Gulls
before being relocated to Calgary and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico
following the 2002 season, where they are now known as the Isotopes
.
The Cannons played 2,538 regular season games in Calgary, compiling a record of 1,225–1,308. They qualified for the playoffs five times: 1985, 1987, 1989 and 1991 as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners
, and 1998 as an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox
. They reached the PCL Championship Series three times, in 1987, 1991 and 1998, though they never won a title.
More than 400 Major League
players wore a Cannons jersey, including Alex Rodriguez
, Edgar Martinez
, Danny Tartabull
and Jim Abbott
. Of those, 11 remain active in the majors as of 2011. Two players pitched no hitters with the Cannons: Frank Wills
in 1985, and Erik Hanson in 1988. In 1985, Tartabull led all professional baseball players with 43 home runs.
since 1977. In 1983, the opportunity to move up to AAA presented itself when the Salt Lake City Gulls
were put up for sale. In December 1983, Parker purchased an option to buy the Gulls with the intention of moving the team to Calgary for the 1985 season. The Pacific Coast League
approved the sale in May 1984, and reconstruction of Foothills Stadium
began. More than 500 names were submitted in a name the team contest. Five finalists were selected: Stallions, Outlaws, Stetsons, Chinooks and Cannons. The Cannons name was selected by a panel of local media representatives. The name was unique, as at the time, no professional or collegiate team in North America used the name.
The Cannons began play in 1985 as the AAA affiliate of the Seattle Mariners
. Their first game was played April 11, 1985 against the Phoenix Giants
. The Cannons won 6–2, led by Danny Tartabull
's home run, the first in Cannons history. Following a 6–2 opening road-trip, Calgary's home opener was scheduled for April 19. It was snowed out, however, as were attempts to play the following two days. On their fourth attempt, the Cannons finally played their first home game on April 22 against the Tucson Toros
. Parker threw the ceremonial first pitch out to Calgary's mayor, Ralph Klein. Led by Mickey Brantley
's four-hit game, the Cannons won 7–6 to send the crowd of 4,313 who braved the near-freezing temperatures home happy.
The Cannons were a success at the gate, drawing 272,322 fans in 63 openings. The season was also a success on the field. The Cannons won the first half pennant in the North Division with a 37–32 record, earning a trip to the playoffs. The Cannons entered their North Division playoff series against the Vancouver Canadians
without Tartabull, however, as he was recalled by the Mariners before the first game of the series. Tartabull's loss was significant, as he led all of professional baseball with 43 home run
s. Calgary lost their best of five series to Vancouver in three games.
The first no-hitter by a Cannons pitcher was hurled by Frank Wills
on May 31, 1985 against the Tacoma Tigers
in a seven-inning game. Three years later, Erik Hanson pitched the second no-hitter
in Cannons history on August 21, 1988, posting a 5–0 victory over the Las Vegas Stars
. Hanson walked only one batter in the seven-inning game.
Calgary again made the playoffs in 1987, finishing atop the North Division second half standings with a record of 46–25. The Cannons' overall record of 84–57 would ultimately stand as the best record the team compiled in Calgary. The Cannons lost the first two games of the Northern Division Championship Series against the Tacoma Tigers on the road before returning to Calgary to sweep the final three games of the series. Parker described the game five victory as "the biggest moment in Calgary baseball history." The Cannons faced the Albuquerque Dukes
in the Pacific Coast League Championship Series. After splitting the first two games in Calgary, the Cannons dropped the next two in Albuquerque as the Dukes won their fourth PCL championship in ten years.
The Cannons made their third playoff appearance in five years in 1989 by winning the second-half pennant with a record of 42–29. The record represented a worst-to-first result for Calgary, as the club finished last in the PCL North in the first half with a 28–43 record. The Guns faced the Vancouver Canadians in a rematch of the 1985 North Division Final. As in 1985, Vancouver swept Calgary in three games.
1991 marked the fourth playoff appearance for the Cannons, who posted a 45–24 record in the second half. The Cannons swept the Portland Beavers
in three games to claim the second Northern Division pennant in franchise history. They also won their first playoff road-games in team history in setting up a championship clash with the Tucson Toros
. Calgary won the first two games of the best-of-five series at home over Tucson, giving them three chances to win the title. The Cannons, however, dropped the final three games in Tucson, losing the title in the process. In the fifth game, the Cannons were forced to start Dennis Powell
on two days rest after the Mariners unexpectedly recalled intended starter Dave Flemming
prior to the game. The move left Russ Parker "upset" and "dumbfounded". The relationship between the Mariners and Cannons was never the same.
as one of several minor league facilities requiring renovations to meet new standards. The Cannons were given a deadline of April 1, 1995 to complete renovations, or the team would be forced to relocate. The Cannons and the City of Calgary engaged in a protracted battle over who would pay for the renovations. Renovations finally began in the fall of 1994 and were completed on time.
The 1994 season saw the brief appearance of Alex Rodriguez
in a Cannons uniform. The first-overall draft pick of the Mariners in 1993, Rodriguez vaulted through the Mariners organization in 1994, starting with the single-A Appleton Foxes, then the AA Jacksonville Suns
. Rodriguez was then promoted to the Mariners, playing 17 Major League games before being optioned to Calgary to complete the season.
Following the 1994 season, the Cannons and Mariners parted ways. The Cannons signed an affiliation agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates
, which lasted from 1995 until 1997. In 1998, the Cannons again switched affiliations, becoming the AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox
.
The 1998 Cannons qualified for the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons, doing so in dramatic fashion. Calgary clinched its third North Division pennant on September 3, 1998, defeating the Canadians 4–3 when Kevin Roberson
hit a pinch-hit
, two-run home run
in the bottom of the ninth inning. The victory was the Cannons' 11th straight, and occurred before a crowd of 8,976, both franchise records. In the playoffs, the Cannons defeated the Fresno Grizzlies
in five games to win the Pacific Conference championship, earning their third trip to the PCL Championship Series in team history. After dropping the first game of the final at home to the New Orleans Zephyrs
, Calgary rebounded with 12–8 and 5–2 wins, the latter in New Orleans, to move within one game of winning the title. However, as in 1991, the Cannons were unable to clinch the title, falling 8–1 and 4–3 in New Orleans as the Zephyrs won the title.
, in January 2001. It was not the first time Parker had considered such a sale. He backed out of a similar sale to a Portland, Oregon
– based group at the last minute in 1999. The sale, which would see the team play in Calgary in 2001, then relocate to Albuquerque for the 2002 season, was contingent on voters in New Mexico supporting a referendum to pay for a new ballpark.
Parker argued that the Cannons no longer made economic sense in Calgary. Foothills Stadium was badly outdated. The Canadian dollar
was at record lows against the American dollar, placing the team at a disadvantage in a league that was American-based. Poor weather was also blamed, especially early in the season, leading to lower attendance. The new ballpark in Albuquerque was approved; however, construction delays pushed the relocation of the team back a year. The Cannons 18th, and final, season took place in 2002.
The Cannons' final game was played on September 2, 2002, against the Edmonton Trappers
. It ended in a wild 14–13 victory over Calgary's provincial rival before a sellout crowd of 8,512. The Cannons scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game, with the winning run scored on a strikeout/wild pitch. The team left the field to the song Happy Trails
while the cannon
in right field that had been fired every time a Calgary player hit a home run fired off a 21-gun salute
.
The team began play as the Albuquerque Isotopes
in 2003, named after a Simpsons
episode where Homer Simpson
attempted to prevent the Springfield Isotopes from relocating to Albuquerque. In Calgary, two new teams began play at Foothills Stadium. The Calgary Outlaws
of the independent Canadian Baseball League
lasted only a half-season before the entire league folded. The Calgary Dawgs
of the Western Major Baseball League
operated as a college summer league team. The city is currently represented by the Calgary Vipers
of the independent North American League
.
Note: the PCL abandoned the split-season format beginning in the 1998 season as the league expanded to 16 teams following the dissolution of the American Association
.
Over 400 Cannons players also played in the Major Leagues
. Of them, the following players played at least parts of ten or more seasons at the Major League level or remain active as of the season. Eleven former Cannons remain active in the Majors.
, formerly known as Burns Stadium, was a consistent story throughout the Cannons history. The ballpark's owner, the City of Calgary, risked scuttling the move of the Gulls to Calgary by choosing to reassess the feasibility of AAA baseball in Calgary in 1984. Council ultimately voted to support Parker, agreeing to a seven-year lease and $1.5 million to renovate Foothills, one of the PCL's conditions on approving the relocation. In the Cannons early years, Foothills was regarded as a park with good atmosphere. Mel Kowalchuck of the Edmonton Trappers
described the park in 1988: "They provide a good atmosphere at the park. Seating's good, and so is the field. The lighting, concessions, parking ... everything's good."
Renovations to Foothills again became a major issue in 1993, when the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues
demanded that the Cannons upgrade Foothills to AAA standards. The Cannons and the city fought a protracted battle to see who would pay the majority of the $2 million renovation costs. The debate also included the Alberta government. Parker argued that if council did not choose to pay the majority of the renovation costs that he would sell or relocate the team. Groups representing Portland, Oregon
, Fresno
and Sacramento
, California
all expressed interest in the team. Unable to reach an agreement with the city, the Cannons then turned to the federal government in March 1994, making a pitch for a federal infrastructure grant to help pay for renovations. Renovations to Foothills Stadium finally began following the 1994 season.
As other teams built new ballparks throughout the 1990s, Foothills' lack of luxury boxes, small clubhouses and open concourse became a growing concern for Parker. By 1998, he was arguing the need for a new stadium, or a major renovation of Foothills at a cost of $20 million. Despite numerous efforts to convince city council to help renovate Foothills, Parker was unable to secure support for the project. When the Cannons were sold and relocated in 2002, Foothills Stadium was regarded as one of the major reasons why the team moved south to Albuquerque.
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 located in Calgary
Calgary
Calgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies...
, Alberta
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
for 18 seasons, from 1985 until 2002. They were a member of the AAA Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
(PCL) and played at Foothills Stadium
Foothills Stadium
Foothills Stadium, formerly Burns Stadium, is a stadium in Calgary, Alberta. It is primarily used for baseball, and was formerly home to the Calgary Cannons AAA baseball club until September 2002, when the team relocated to Albuquerque. It is now the home field of the Calgary Vipers baseball team...
. The Cannons replaced the Calgary Expos
Calgary Expos
The Calgary Expos were a minor league baseball team located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada from 1977-84. The team was a member of the Rookie level Pioneer League. The team was known as the Calgary Cardinals in 1977-78 after their affiliation with the St. Louis Cardinals...
who played in the rookie level Pioneer League from 1977 until 1984. The team was previously known as the Salt Lake City Gulls
Salt Lake City Gulls
leftThe Salt Lake City Gulls, a former member of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, were based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were a minor league affiliate of the California Angels from 1975 to 1981, and of the Seattle Mariners from 1982 to 1984...
before being relocated to Calgary and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is the largest city in the state of New Mexico, United States. It is the county seat of Bernalillo County and is situated in the central part of the state, straddling the Rio Grande. The city population was 545,852 as of the 2010 Census and ranks as the 32nd-largest city in the U.S. As...
following the 2002 season, where they are now known as the Isotopes
Albuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers...
.
The Cannons played 2,538 regular season games in Calgary, compiling a record of 1,225–1,308. They qualified for the playoffs five times: 1985, 1987, 1989 and 1991 as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
, and 1998 as an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
. They reached the PCL Championship Series three times, in 1987, 1991 and 1998, though they never won a title.
More than 400 Major League
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
players wore a Cannons jersey, including Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
, Edgar Martinez
Edgar Martinez
Edgar Martínez , nicknamed "Gar" and "Papi", is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and designated hitter. He spent his entire 18-year Major League career with the Seattle Mariners. He is the cousin of Carmelo Martínez.-Seattle Mariners:On December 19, 1982, the Seattle Mariners signed...
, Danny Tartabull
Danny Tartabull
Danilo Tartabull Mora , also known as Danny Tartabull, is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball. Born to Cuban parents in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he is the son of José Tartabull, who played in the major leagues from 1962 to 1970.-Playing career:Danny played for the Seattle Mariners ,...
and Jim Abbott
Jim Abbott
James Anthony Abbott is a former Major League Baseball pitcher, who played despite having been born without a right hand. He played for the California Angels, the New York Yankees, the Chicago White Sox, and the Milwaukee Brewers, from 1989 to 1999.He graduated from Flint Central High School and...
. Of those, 11 remain active in the majors as of 2011. Two players pitched no hitters with the Cannons: Frank Wills
Frank Wills (baseball)
Frank Lee Wills is an American former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Kansas City Royals , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , and Toronto Blue Jays...
in 1985, and Erik Hanson in 1988. In 1985, Tartabull led all professional baseball players with 43 home runs.
History
Russ Parker had operated a rookie-level Pioneer League team, the Calgary ExposCalgary Expos
The Calgary Expos were a minor league baseball team located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada from 1977-84. The team was a member of the Rookie level Pioneer League. The team was known as the Calgary Cardinals in 1977-78 after their affiliation with the St. Louis Cardinals...
since 1977. In 1983, the opportunity to move up to AAA presented itself when the Salt Lake City Gulls
Salt Lake City Gulls
leftThe Salt Lake City Gulls, a former member of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, were based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were a minor league affiliate of the California Angels from 1975 to 1981, and of the Seattle Mariners from 1982 to 1984...
were put up for sale. In December 1983, Parker purchased an option to buy the Gulls with the intention of moving the team to Calgary for the 1985 season. The Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
approved the sale in May 1984, and reconstruction of Foothills Stadium
Foothills Stadium
Foothills Stadium, formerly Burns Stadium, is a stadium in Calgary, Alberta. It is primarily used for baseball, and was formerly home to the Calgary Cannons AAA baseball club until September 2002, when the team relocated to Albuquerque. It is now the home field of the Calgary Vipers baseball team...
began. More than 500 names were submitted in a name the team contest. Five finalists were selected: Stallions, Outlaws, Stetsons, Chinooks and Cannons. The Cannons name was selected by a panel of local media representatives. The name was unique, as at the time, no professional or collegiate team in North America used the name.
AAA arrives in Calgary
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
. Their first game was played April 11, 1985 against the Phoenix Giants
Phoenix Firebirds
The Phoenix Firebirds, formerly the Phoenix Giants, were a Minor League Baseball team that played in Phoenix, Arizona, USA from 1958-1959, and 1966 until 1997....
. The Cannons won 6–2, led by Danny Tartabull
Danny Tartabull
Danilo Tartabull Mora , also known as Danny Tartabull, is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball. Born to Cuban parents in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he is the son of José Tartabull, who played in the major leagues from 1962 to 1970.-Playing career:Danny played for the Seattle Mariners ,...
's home run, the first in Cannons history. Following a 6–2 opening road-trip, Calgary's home opener was scheduled for April 19. It was snowed out, however, as were attempts to play the following two days. On their fourth attempt, the Cannons finally played their first home game on April 22 against the Tucson Toros
Tucson Toros
The Tucson Toros are a professional baseball team based in Tucson, Arizona, in the United States. They are owned by Tucson Baseball, LLC with Jay Zucker as chairman of the board. Sean Smock is the team's general manager....
. Parker threw the ceremonial first pitch out to Calgary's mayor, Ralph Klein. Led by Mickey Brantley
Mickey Brantley
Michael Charles "Mickey" Brantley is a former Major League Baseball player. He was the hitting coach for the Toronto Blue Jays from early to September ....
's four-hit game, the Cannons won 7–6 to send the crowd of 4,313 who braved the near-freezing temperatures home happy.
Vancouver Canadians
The Vancouver Canadians are a minor league baseball team located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Canadians are the Northwest League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The C's have previously affiliated with the Oakland Athletics between 2000-2010. They are the only Canadian team in the...
without Tartabull, however, as he was recalled by the Mariners before the first game of the series. Tartabull's loss was significant, as he led all of professional baseball with 43 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s. Calgary lost their best of five series to Vancouver in three games.
The first no-hitter by a Cannons pitcher was hurled by Frank Wills
Frank Wills (baseball)
Frank Lee Wills is an American former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Kansas City Royals , Seattle Mariners , Cleveland Indians , and Toronto Blue Jays...
on May 31, 1985 against the Tacoma Tigers
Tacoma Rainiers
The Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners...
in a seven-inning game. Three years later, Erik Hanson pitched the second no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
in Cannons history on August 21, 1988, posting a 5–0 victory over the Las Vegas Stars
Las Vegas 51s
The Las Vegas 51s, formerly known as the Las Vegas Stars, are a minor league baseball team. They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. They play at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Nevada. The team competes in the Pacific Coast League...
. Hanson walked only one batter in the seven-inning game.
Pennant chases
Albuquerque Dukes
The Albuquerque Dukes were a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.-History:The first Dukes team was formed in 1915 as part of the Class-D Rio Grande Association. The team finished in third place with a 32-25 record. Frank Huelman was the league leader in home runs,...
in the Pacific Coast League Championship Series. After splitting the first two games in Calgary, the Cannons dropped the next two in Albuquerque as the Dukes won their fourth PCL championship in ten years.
The Cannons made their third playoff appearance in five years in 1989 by winning the second-half pennant with a record of 42–29. The record represented a worst-to-first result for Calgary, as the club finished last in the PCL North in the first half with a 28–43 record. The Guns faced the Vancouver Canadians in a rematch of the 1985 North Division Final. As in 1985, Vancouver swept Calgary in three games.
1991 marked the fourth playoff appearance for the Cannons, who posted a 45–24 record in the second half. The Cannons swept the Portland Beavers
Portland Beavers
The Tucson Padres are a minor league baseball team, representing Tucson, Arizona, in the Pacific Coast League . They are the Triple-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. The team was formerly known as the Portland Beavers and played its last home game at PGE Park on September 6, 2010...
in three games to claim the second Northern Division pennant in franchise history. They also won their first playoff road-games in team history in setting up a championship clash with the Tucson Toros
Tucson Toros
The Tucson Toros are a professional baseball team based in Tucson, Arizona, in the United States. They are owned by Tucson Baseball, LLC with Jay Zucker as chairman of the board. Sean Smock is the team's general manager....
. Calgary won the first two games of the best-of-five series at home over Tucson, giving them three chances to win the title. The Cannons, however, dropped the final three games in Tucson, losing the title in the process. In the fifth game, the Cannons were forced to start Dennis Powell
Dennis Powell
Dennis Clay Powell is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched from 1985-1993 for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners. He also played one season in Japan in 1995 for the Kintetsu Buffaloes....
on two days rest after the Mariners unexpectedly recalled intended starter Dave Flemming
Dave Flemming
David Braxton "Dave" Flemming is an American sportscaster and television personality, currently working as a play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball as well as the Stanford Cardinal football and basketball teams.Flemming grew up in Alexandria, Virginia,...
prior to the game. The move left Russ Parker "upset" and "dumbfounded". The relationship between the Mariners and Cannons was never the same.
1990s
In 1993, Calgary's Foothills Stadium was identified by the National Association of Professional Baseball LeaguesMinor 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...
as one of several minor league facilities requiring renovations to meet new standards. The Cannons were given a deadline of April 1, 1995 to complete renovations, or the team would be forced to relocate. The Cannons and the City of Calgary engaged in a protracted battle over who would pay for the renovations. Renovations finally began in the fall of 1994 and were completed on time.
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
in a Cannons uniform. The first-overall draft pick of the Mariners in 1993, Rodriguez vaulted through the Mariners organization in 1994, starting with the single-A Appleton Foxes, then the AA Jacksonville Suns
Jacksonville Suns
The Jacksonville Suns are a minor league baseball team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The team is currently a member of the Southern League and is the class Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins Major League Baseball team...
. Rodriguez was then promoted to the Mariners, playing 17 Major League games before being optioned to Calgary to complete the season.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
, which lasted from 1995 until 1997. In 1998, the Cannons again switched affiliations, becoming the AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
.
The 1998 Cannons qualified for the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons, doing so in dramatic fashion. Calgary clinched its third North Division pennant on September 3, 1998, defeating the Canadians 4–3 when Kevin Roberson
Kevin Roberson
Kevin Lynn Roberson was a Major League Baseball player from to for the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets. He was an outfielder. Broadcaster Harry Caray made Roberson famous amongst Cubs' fans when he would declare, "They're dancing in the streets in Decatur, Illinois!" after Roberson would hit a...
hit a pinch-hit
Pinch hitter
In baseball, a pinch hitter is a substitute batter. Batters can be substituted at any time while the ball is dead ; the manager may use any player that has not yet entered the game as a substitute...
, two-run home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
in the bottom of the ninth inning. The victory was the Cannons' 11th straight, and occurred before a crowd of 8,976, both franchise records. In the playoffs, the Cannons defeated the Fresno Grizzlies
Fresno Grizzlies
The Fresno Grizzlies are a minor league baseball team based in Fresno, California. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League , is the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club. The Grizzlies play in Chukchansi Park , located in downtown Fresno and built in 2002...
in five games to win the Pacific Conference championship, earning their third trip to the PCL Championship Series in team history. After dropping the first game of the final at home to the New Orleans Zephyrs
New Orleans Zephyrs
The New Orleans Zephyrs are a minor league baseball team based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The Zephyrs play in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Zephyrs play their home games at Zephyr Field....
, Calgary rebounded with 12–8 and 5–2 wins, the latter in New Orleans, to move within one game of winning the title. However, as in 1991, the Cannons were unable to clinch the title, falling 8–1 and 4–3 in New Orleans as the Zephyrs won the title.
Relocation
Citing six years of financial losses, Parker signed a letter of intent to sell the Cannons to a group from Albuquerque, New MexicoAlbuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is the largest city in the state of New Mexico, United States. It is the county seat of Bernalillo County and is situated in the central part of the state, straddling the Rio Grande. The city population was 545,852 as of the 2010 Census and ranks as the 32nd-largest city in the U.S. As...
, in January 2001. It was not the first time Parker had considered such a sale. He backed out of a similar sale to a Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
– based group at the last minute in 1999. The sale, which would see the team play in Calgary in 2001, then relocate to Albuquerque for the 2002 season, was contingent on voters in New Mexico supporting a referendum to pay for a new ballpark.
Canadian dollar
The Canadian dollar is the currency of Canada. As of 2007, the Canadian dollar is the 7th most traded currency in the world. It is abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or C$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies...
was at record lows against the American dollar, placing the team at a disadvantage in a league that was American-based. Poor weather was also blamed, especially early in the season, leading to lower attendance. The new ballpark in Albuquerque was approved; however, construction delays pushed the relocation of the team back a year. The Cannons 18th, and final, season took place in 2002.
The Cannons' final game was played on September 2, 2002, against the Edmonton Trappers
Edmonton Trappers
The Edmonton Trappers were a minor league baseball team in the Pacific Coast League, ending with the 2004 season. Home games were played at Telus Field in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, Canada....
. It ended in a wild 14–13 victory over Calgary's provincial rival before a sellout crowd of 8,512. The Cannons scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game, with the winning run scored on a strikeout/wild pitch. The team left the field to the song Happy Trails
Happy Trails (song)
"Happy Trails," by Dale Evans Rogers, was the theme song for the 1940s and 1950s radio program and the 1950s television show starring Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Rogers, always sung over the end credits of the program. Happy Trails was released in 1952 as a 78 RPM and 45 RPM by Rogers and Evans with...
while the cannon
Cannon
A cannon is any piece of artillery that uses gunpowder or other usually explosive-based propellents to launch a projectile. Cannon vary in caliber, range, mobility, rate of fire, angle of fire, and firepower; different forms of cannon combine and balance these attributes in varying degrees,...
in right field that had been fired every time a Calgary player hit a home run fired off a 21-gun salute
21-gun salute
Gun salutes are the firing of cannons or firearms as a military or naval honor.The custom stems from naval tradition, where a warship would fire its cannons harmlessly out to sea, until all ammunition was spent, to show that it was disarmed, signifying the lack of hostile intent...
.
The team began play as the Albuquerque Isotopes
Albuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers...
in 2003, named after a Simpsons
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
episode where Homer Simpson
Homer Simpson
Homer Jay Simpson is a fictional character in the animated television series The Simpsons and the patriarch of the eponymous family. He is voiced by Dan Castellaneta and first appeared on television, along with the rest of his family, in The Tracey Ullman Show short "Good Night" on April 19, 1987...
attempted to prevent the Springfield Isotopes from relocating to Albuquerque. In Calgary, two new teams began play at Foothills Stadium. The Calgary Outlaws
Calgary Outlaws
The Calgary Outlaws were an independent minor league baseball team in the Canadian Baseball League. Based in Calgary, Alberta, they shared Foothills Stadium with the Calgary Dawgs. In 2003, the only Canadian Baseball League season, they had the best record when the league was suspended at the...
of the independent Canadian Baseball League
Canadian Baseball League
The Canadian Baseball League, was an independent minor league that operated in 2003. The league's only Commissioner was Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame member Ferguson Jenkins...
lasted only a half-season before the entire league folded. The Calgary Dawgs
Okotoks Dawgs
The Okotoks Dawgs are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Okotoks, Alberta, Canada. They play in the Western Major Baseball League . The Dawgs are the three-time defending WMBL champions.-History:...
of the Western Major Baseball League
Western Major Baseball League
The Western Major Baseball League or WMBL is a collegiate summer baseball league. The league can trace its roots back to 1948, as it has gone by many names over the years, including the Alberta-Saskatchewan Baseball league, Western Canadian Baseball League and Saskatchewan Baseball League before...
operated as a college summer league team. The city is currently represented by the Calgary Vipers
Calgary Vipers
The Calgary Vipers were a professional baseball team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They were part of the Western Division of the independent North American League. The Vipers have played all of their home games at Foothills Stadium. Previously, the Vipers played in the Northern League from...
of the independent North American League
North American League
The North American League is an independent baseball league that began play in the 2011 season...
.
All-time record
| First Half | Second Half | Overall | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | W–L | Finish | W–L | Finish | W–L | Win% | Playoffs | ||||
| 1985 | 37–32 | 1st | 34–38 | 4th | 71–70 | .504 | Lost North Division final (0–3 to Vancouver Vancouver Canadians The Vancouver Canadians are a minor league baseball team located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Canadians are the Northwest League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The C's have previously affiliated with the Oakland Athletics between 2000-2010. They are the only Canadian team in the... ) |
||||
| 1986 | 36–35 | 2nd | 30–42 | 5th | 66–77 | .462 | |||||
| 1987 | 38–32 | 2nd | 46–25 | 1st | 84–57 | .596 | Won North Division final (3–2 over Tacoma Tacoma Rainiers The Tacoma Rainiers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Pacific Coast League , and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners... ) Lost Championship Series (1–3 to Albuquerque Albuquerque Dukes The Albuquerque Dukes were a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.-History:The first Dukes team was formed in 1915 as part of the Class-D Rio Grande Association. The team finished in third place with a 32-25 record. Frank Huelman was the league leader in home runs,... ) |
||||
| 1988 | 33–38 | 3rd | 35–36 | 3rd | 68–74 | .479 | |||||
| 1989 | 28–43 | 5th | 42–29 | 1st | 70–72 | .493 | Lost North Division final (0–3 to Vancouver Vancouver Canadians The Vancouver Canadians are a minor league baseball team located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Canadians are the Northwest League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The C's have previously affiliated with the Oakland Athletics between 2000-2010. They are the only Canadian team in the... ) |
||||
| 1990 | 37–33 | 3rd | 29–42 | 5th | 66–75 | .468 | |||||
| 1991 | 27–40 | 4th | 45–24 | 1st | 72–64 | .529 | Won North Division final (3–0 over Portland Portland Beavers The Tucson Padres are a minor league baseball team, representing Tucson, Arizona, in the Pacific Coast League . They are the Triple-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. The team was formerly known as the Portland Beavers and played its last home game at PGE Park on September 6, 2010... ) Lost Championship Series (2–3 to Tucson Tucson Toros The Tucson Toros are a professional baseball team based in Tucson, Arizona, in the United States. They are owned by Tucson Baseball, LLC with Jay Zucker as chairman of the board. Sean Smock is the team's general manager.... ) |
||||
| 1992 | 28–41 | 4th | 32–37 | 4th | 60–78 | .435 | |||||
| 1993 | 34–36 | 3rd | 34–36 | 4th | 68–72 | .486 | |||||
| 1994 | 34–37 | 5th | 37–35 | 2nd | 71–72 | .497 | |||||
| 1995 | 30–41 | 5th | 28–42 | 5th | 58–83 | .411 | |||||
| 1996 | 37–34 | 4th | 37–34 | 3rd | 74–68 | .521 | |||||
| 1997 | 29–38 | 5th | 31–40 | 5th | 60–78 | .435 | |||||
| Season | W–L | Finish | Win% | Playoffs | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 81–62 | 1st | .566 | Won Pacific Conference (3–2 over Fresno Fresno Grizzlies The Fresno Grizzlies are a minor league baseball team based in Fresno, California. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League , is the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club. The Grizzlies play in Chukchansi Park , located in downtown Fresno and built in 2002... ) Lost Championship Series (2–3 to New Orleans New Orleans Zephyrs The New Orleans Zephyrs are a minor league baseball team based in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The Zephyrs play in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Zephyrs play their home games at Zephyr Field.... ) |
||
| 1999 | 57–82 | — | .410 | |||
| 2000 | 60–82 | 4th | .423 | |||
| 2001 | 72–71 | — | .503 | |||
| 2002 | 67–71 | 3rd | .486 | |||
| Total | 1225–1308 | — | .484 | Five playoff appearances | ||
Note: the PCL abandoned the split-season format beginning in the 1998 season as the league expanded to 16 teams following the dissolution of the American Association
American Association (20th century)
The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
.
Cannons in the Major Leagues
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. Of them, the following players played at least parts of ten or more seasons at the Major League level or remain active as of the season. Eleven former Cannons remain active in the Majors.
|
Elmer Dessens Elmer Dessens Jusaino [deh-SENZ] is a Mexican professional baseball player who is currently a free agent.-Personal life:... Mariano Duncan Mariano Duncan Nalasco is a retired second baseman and shortstop who played for several Major League Baseball teams during his 12 year career. He was the infield coach and 1st base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers under Managers Grady Little and Joe Torre... Mike Felder Michael Felder is a former Major League Baseball player who played in the major leagues from -. He played for the Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros-Career:... Cliff Floyd Cornelius Clifford Floyd, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder.-Early years:Floyd was born to parents Cornelius Clifford Floyd, Sr. and Olivia Floyd. After spending 13 years as an only child, Floyd was joined by brother Julius... Ken Forsch Kenneth Roth Forsch is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Forsch graduated from Hiram Johnson High School and played in college ball at Oregon State University through the 1967-1968 seasons. While at Oregon State University, he was an active member in Beta Theta Pi fraternity... Ryan Franklin Ryan Ray Franklin is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played for the Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals.-Early life:... Rene Gonzales Rene Adrian Gonzales is a former Major League Baseball infielder in the major leagues from -.-External links:*... Jason Grilli Jason Michael Grilli is an Italian-American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball... Ross Grimsley Ross Albert Grimsley II is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Cincinnati Reds , Baltimore Orioles , Montreal Expos and Cleveland Indians... Lee Guetterman Arthur Lee Guetterman is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from to for the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals... Eric Gunderson Eric Andrew Gunderson is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played in the major leagues from - and -. He attended college at Portland State University.-External links:... Andy Hawkins Melton Andrew "Andy" Hawkins is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.A right-handed starter, Hawkins spent most of his career with the San Diego Padres, and also played for the New York Yankees and briefly for the Oakland Athletics... Bob Howry Bobby Dean Howry is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher.-Early life:Howry attended Deer Valley High School in Arizona,then he attended McNeese State University and was drafted by the San Francisco Giants... Mike Kingery Michael Scott Kingery , is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues, primarily as an outfielder, from 1986–1992 and 1994-1996. Kingery's career high for home runs in a season was 9, set in 1987 while playing limited time with the Seattle Mariners... Derrek Lee Derrek Leon Lee , or "D-Lee", is a Major League Baseball first baseman. Lee has played with the San Diego Padres , the Florida Marlins , Chicago Cubs , Atlanta Braves , Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates . He bats and throws right-handed.Lee was a World Series Champion with Florida in 2003,... Jon Lieber Jonathan Ray Lieber is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , New York Yankees , Philadelphia Phillies . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed... Esteban Loaiza Esteban Antonio Loaiza Veyna [lo-EYE-sa] is a former Major League Baseball pitcher... |
Mike Lowell Michael Averett Lowell is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball third baseman. During a 13-year career, Lowell played for the New York Yankees , Florida Marlins , and the Boston Red Sox... Ron Mahay Ronald Matthew Mahay is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played for the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, and Minnesota Twins.... Tino Martinez Constantino "Tino" Martinez is a former Major League Baseball first baseman.Martinez was the first round draft pick for the Seattle Mariners in out of the University of Tampa where he starred during his time on campus. He began his Major League career in and has played for the Mariners, New... Edgar Martinez Edgar Martínez , nicknamed "Gar" and "Papi", is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and designated hitter. He spent his entire 18-year Major League career with the Seattle Mariners. He is the cousin of Carmelo Martínez.-Seattle Mariners:On December 19, 1982, the Seattle Mariners signed... Larry Milbourne Lawrence William "Larry" Milbourne is a retired professional baseball player whose career spanned 15 seasons, 11 of which were spent in Major League Baseball with the Houston Astros , the Seattle Mariners , the New York Yankees , the Minnesota Twins , the Cleveland Indians , and... Kevin Millar Kevin Charles Millar is an American former professional baseball first baseman and current analyst for MLB Network and New England Sports Network. Millar played college baseball at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where he continues to reside in the off-season. Millar is the nephew of former... Paul Mirabella Paul Thomas Mirabella is a former professional baseball pitcher. Mirabella, who threw left-handed, played all or part of thirteen seasons in Major League Baseball for the Texas Rangers , New York Yankees , Toronto Blue Jays , Baltimore Orioles , Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers .Mirabella... Rich Monteleone Richard Monteleone is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and coach. In 2008, he was the special pitching instructor for the New York Yankees, but was fired on October 14, 2008.... Mike Morgan Michael Thomas Morgan is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He competed for twelve different teams over 25 years, and is one of only 29 players in baseball history to date to have played Major League baseball over four decades... John Moses (baseball) John William Moses , is a retired professional baseball player who played outfield in the Major Leagues from 1982-1992. He later was a 1st Base/Outfield Coach for the Seattle Mariners from 1998–2003 and the Cincinnati Reds in 2006... Tom Niedenfuer Thomas Edward Niedenfuer , is a retired American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He attended high school in Redmond, Washington and was a standout pitcher in college for Washington State University under coach Bobo Brayton. He left school before completing his senior season. He is a... Edwin Núñez Edwin Núñez Martínez was a pitcher for the Seattle Mariners , New York Mets , Detroit Tigers , Milwaukee Brewers , Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics .... Keith Osik Keith Richard Osik , is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played in the major leagues from -. He played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, and Washington Nationals. He was drafted in the 24th round of the MLB Draft. His brother was also a professional... Scott Radinsky Scott David Radinsky is the pitching coach of the Cleveland Indians.He is also a left-handed former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, who had an 11-year career from – and –... Joe Randa Joseph Gregory Salvatore Randa is a former Major League Baseball player. He was primarily a third baseman during his career. His nickname is "The Joker" due to his resemblance to the comic book character in Batman and his ever-present smile, especially during his plate appearances... Mike Remlinger Michael John Remlinger is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Remlinger has played with the San Francisco Giants , New York Mets , Cincinnati Reds , Atlanta Braves , Chicago Cubs , and the Boston Red Sox... Harold Reynolds Harold Craig Reynolds is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. He played from 1983–1994, primarily for the Seattle Mariners.-High school:... Alex Rodriguez Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best... |
Dave Schmidt David Joseph Schmidt , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched twelve seasons in the majors from until . He is currently the pitching coordinator for the Orioles.-External links:... Brian Shouse Brian Douglas Shouse is a former left-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Starting in 2001, Shouse pitched with a distinctive sidearm delivery, which replaced his earlier, more traditional, overhand delivery.-Career:... Matt Sinatro Matthew Stephen Sinatro is a former major league catcher and currently handling administrative duties for the Chicago Cubs after being replaced as 1st base coach in January 2010. He attended Conard High School in West Hartford, Connecticut... Luis Sojo Luis Beltrán Sojo Sojo is a former Major League Baseball infielder and right-handed batter who played with the Toronto Blue Jays , California Angels , Seattle Mariners , New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates... Bill Swift William Charles Swift is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher.After graduating South Portland High School, Swift attended the University of Maine. Swift pitched for the 1984 U.S. Olympic team and was a first-round draft pick by the Seattle Mariners following his senior year at Maine... Danny Tartabull Danilo Tartabull Mora , also known as Danny Tartabull, is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball. Born to Cuban parents in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he is the son of José Tartabull, who played in the major leagues from 1962 to 1970.-Playing career:Danny played for the Seattle Mariners ,... Matt Treanor Matthew Aaron Treanor is an American professional baseball catcher who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball... Steve Trout Steven Russell Trout is a former major league baseball pitcher who played during the 1980s.He is the son of former major league pitcher Dizzy Trout. Teammates and friends often referred to him simply as "Sorenson" along with the fairly obvious nickname Rainbow Trout... Dave Valle David Valle is an American former professional baseball player and current television and radio sports commentator. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers from to .... Omar Vizquel Omar Enrique Vizquel González , nicknamed "Little O", is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. Vizquel has played for the Seattle Mariners , the Cleveland Indians , the San Francisco Giants , the Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox... Jerome Walton Jerome O'Terrell Walton is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Cubs , California Angels , Cincinnati Reds , Atlanta Braves , Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Devil Rays... Turner Ward Turner Max Ward , is a former professional baseball player who played outfielder in the Major Leagues from 1990-2001.-Career:... John Wehner John Paul Wehner is a former Utility player in Major League Baseball and a current broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Pirates... Preston Wilson Preston James Richard Wilson is a retired professional baseball outfielder. He played in the major leagues from 1998-2007. He is both the nephew and stepson of former New York Mets star Mookie Wilson... Tony Womack Anthony Darrell Womack is a former second baseman and shortstop in Major League Baseball who played most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Arizona Diamondbacks, then with several other teams during his last four years... Kevin Young (baseball) Kevin Stacey Young is a former first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals . He batted and threw right-handed. Young helped end the most recent baseball players strike in the MLB representing the Pittsburgh Pirates... |
- Players listed in bold have been active on a Major League roster in 2011.
Foothills Stadium
The status of Foothills StadiumFoothills Stadium
Foothills Stadium, formerly Burns Stadium, is a stadium in Calgary, Alberta. It is primarily used for baseball, and was formerly home to the Calgary Cannons AAA baseball club until September 2002, when the team relocated to Albuquerque. It is now the home field of the Calgary Vipers baseball team...
, formerly known as Burns Stadium, was a consistent story throughout the Cannons history. The ballpark's owner, the City of Calgary, risked scuttling the move of the Gulls to Calgary by choosing to reassess the feasibility of AAA baseball in Calgary in 1984. Council ultimately voted to support Parker, agreeing to a seven-year lease and $1.5 million to renovate Foothills, one of the PCL's conditions on approving the relocation. In the Cannons early years, Foothills was regarded as a park with good atmosphere. Mel Kowalchuck of the Edmonton Trappers
Edmonton Trappers
The Edmonton Trappers were a minor league baseball team in the Pacific Coast League, ending with the 2004 season. Home games were played at Telus Field in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, Canada....
described the park in 1988: "They provide a good atmosphere at the park. Seating's good, and so is the field. The lighting, concessions, parking ... everything's good."
Renovations to Foothills again became a major issue in 1993, when the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues
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...
demanded that the Cannons upgrade Foothills to AAA standards. The Cannons and the city fought a protracted battle to see who would pay the majority of the $2 million renovation costs. The debate also included the Alberta government. Parker argued that if council did not choose to pay the majority of the renovation costs that he would sell or relocate the team. Groups representing Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
, Fresno
Fresno, California
Fresno is a city in central California, United States, the county seat of Fresno County. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 510,365, making it the fifth largest city in California, the largest inland city in California, and the 34th largest in the nation...
and Sacramento
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
all expressed interest in the team. Unable to reach an agreement with the city, the Cannons then turned to the federal government in March 1994, making a pitch for a federal infrastructure grant to help pay for renovations. Renovations to Foothills Stadium finally began following the 1994 season.
As other teams built new ballparks throughout the 1990s, Foothills' lack of luxury boxes, small clubhouses and open concourse became a growing concern for Parker. By 1998, he was arguing the need for a new stadium, or a major renovation of Foothills at a cost of $20 million. Despite numerous efforts to convince city council to help renovate Foothills, Parker was unable to secure support for the project. When the Cannons were sold and relocated in 2002, Foothills Stadium was regarded as one of the major reasons why the team moved south to Albuquerque.