Connecticut Defenders
Encyclopedia
The Connecticut Defenders were a minor league baseball
team based in Norwich, Connecticut
. The team, which played in the Eastern League
, was the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants
major-league club from 2003 until following the 2009 season, when the Defenders relocated to Richmond, Virginia
and are now known as the Richmond Flying Squirrels
.
The Defenders played in Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium, located in Norwich; opened in 1995, it seats 6,275 fans. The Defenders had been known as the Norwich Navigators from 1995 until October 2005. Prior to the 2003 season, the Navigators had been an affiliate of the New York Yankees
.
The Defenders were last managed by Steve Decker, who was announced as the team's new skipper on December 28, 2008.http://www.insidectsports.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1380
The Defenders were scheduled to host the Eastern League All-Star Game at Dodd Stadium on July 11, 2007, but the game was ultimately canceled due to fog
. The fan activities and home run derby went on as scheduled, with over 6500 fans attending events throughout the day.
, where it had been known as the Albany-Colonie Yankees since 1985, to Norwich, Connecticut
, and would be known as the Norwich Navigators. Ground was broken for a new stadium in Norwich on November 3 of that year, and the team began play on April 6, 1995, with a win over Bowie
. The home opener occurred 11 days later and was another Navigators victory (this time over Reading
).
Norwich reached the Eastern League playoffs four times in six years, with many current or former New York Yankees
leading the way. On September 14, 2002, the Navigators won their first and only Eastern League championship with a five-game series victory at home over Harrisburg
, under the direction of rookie manager Luis Sojo
.
Within weeks, the Yankees announced that they were ending their affiliation
with the Navigators and beginning one with the Trenton Thunder
. Later that fall, the Giants
signed on as the new parent club, effective for the 2003 season.
In 2005, the team was bought by a group led by boxing
promoter Lou DiBella
. With attendance figures declining, management announced an overhaul of the franchise's image and held a contest during the season allowing the public to select a new name submitted by Robert Schaub of East Hampton, Connecticut
. and logo for the franchise. These were unveiled on November 14, and a new mascot (a bald eagle
) debuted eight days later. Another contest was held to name the mascot, and on February 11, 2006, "Cutter" was christened.
The "Defenders" name, and the bald eagle mascot, are a reference to the United States Coast Guard Academy
located a short drive away in New London
, and also to the U.S. submarine base
also located nearby in Groton
. In 2005, the team sponsored several rallies in support of the sub base after it was placed on the Base Realignment and Closure
list. The base was eventually removed from the list.
In September of 2008 the San Francisco Giants renewed their PDC with the Defenders until 2010. The following season, the Defenders won the Southern Division title and qualified for the Eastern League playoffs, defeating the New Britain Rock Cats
three games to one in the ELDS to advance to the second Eastern League Championship Series in franchise history. However, the Defenders fell short in the end, losing three games to one to the Akron Aeros
.
reported that a Virginia businessman Bryan Bostic, was interested in purchasing the franchise and relocating the team to Richmond
, Virginia
in time for the 2010 season.
On Monday, 16 March, 2009 the Norwich Bulletin
reported that the Norwich City Council unanimously approved a request to transfer the lease on Dodd Stadium to Richmond Baseball Club LC, chaired by Bryan Bostic.
On Wednesday, 22 April 2009, the Richmond Times-Dispatch
reported that the Richmond Metropolitan Authority
(RMA) has signed a two-year agreement with the Richmond Baseball Club LC to allow a professional baseball team to play at The Diamond, Richmond's current baseball venue, which is owned by the RMA. The agreement also includes an option for 2012.
On September 23, 2009, the Eastern League officially announced that the Defenders were leaving Norwich and moving to Richmond, where they will play in The Diamond while continuing to seek proposals for a new ballpark in the Richmond vicinity. Also, the "Defenders" nickname will not be retained, rather the new team will be called the Richmond Flying Squirrels
after a name-the-team contest.
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 based in Norwich, Connecticut
Norwich, Connecticut
Regular steamship service between New York and Boston helped Norwich to prosper as a shipping center through the early part of the 20th century. During the Civil War, Norwich once again rallied and saw the growth of its textile, armaments, and specialty item manufacturing...
. The team, which played in the Eastern League
Eastern League (U.S. baseball)
The Eastern League is a minor league baseball league which operates primarily in the northeastern United States, although it has had a team in Ohio since 1989. The Eastern League has played at the AA level since 1963. The league was founded in 1923 as the New York-Pennsylvania League...
, was the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
major-league club from 2003 until following the 2009 season, when the Defenders relocated to Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. It is an independent city and not part of any county. Richmond is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Greater Richmond area...
and are now known as the Richmond Flying Squirrels
Richmond Flying Squirrels
The Richmond Flying Squirrels are a minor league baseball team in Richmond, Virginia. The team, which is a part of the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club, and plays at The Diamond...
.
The Defenders played in Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium, located in Norwich; opened in 1995, it seats 6,275 fans. The Defenders had been known as the Norwich Navigators from 1995 until October 2005. Prior to the 2003 season, the Navigators had been an affiliate of the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
.
The Defenders were last managed by Steve Decker, who was announced as the team's new skipper on December 28, 2008.http://www.insidectsports.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1380
The Defenders were scheduled to host the Eastern League All-Star Game at Dodd Stadium on July 11, 2007, but the game was ultimately canceled due to fog
Fog
Fog is a collection of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the air at or near the Earth's surface. While fog is a type of stratus cloud, the term "fog" is typically distinguished from the more generic term "cloud" in that fog is low-lying, and the moisture in the fog is often generated...
. The fan activities and home run derby went on as scheduled, with over 6500 fans attending events throughout the day.
History
On June 3, 1994, the Yankees announced they would move their double-A franchise from Albany, New YorkAlbany, New York
Albany is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York, the seat of Albany County, and the central city of New York's Capital District. Roughly north of New York City, Albany sits on the west bank of the Hudson River, about south of its confluence with the Mohawk River...
, where it had been known as the Albany-Colonie Yankees since 1985, to Norwich, Connecticut
Norwich, Connecticut
Regular steamship service between New York and Boston helped Norwich to prosper as a shipping center through the early part of the 20th century. During the Civil War, Norwich once again rallied and saw the growth of its textile, armaments, and specialty item manufacturing...
, and would be known as the Norwich Navigators. Ground was broken for a new stadium in Norwich on November 3 of that year, and the team began play on April 6, 1995, with a win over Bowie
Bowie Baysox
The Bowie Baysox are a minor league baseball team located in Bowie, Maryland. They are the class-AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play in the Eastern League...
. The home opener occurred 11 days later and was another Navigators victory (this time over Reading
Reading Phillies
The Reading Phillies are a minor league baseball team based in Reading, Pennsylvania, playing in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League. Since the 1967 season, they have been the AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies....
).
Norwich reached the Eastern League playoffs four times in six years, with many current or former New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
leading the way. On September 14, 2002, the Navigators won their first and only Eastern League championship with a five-game series victory at home over Harrisburg
Harrisburg Senators
The Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals....
, under the direction of rookie manager Luis Sojo
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...
.
Within weeks, the Yankees announced that they were ending their affiliation
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...
with the Navigators and beginning one with the Trenton Thunder
Trenton Thunder
The Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
. Later that fall, the Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
signed on as the new parent club, effective for the 2003 season.
In 2005, the team was bought by a group led by boxing
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
promoter Lou DiBella
Lou DiBella
Louis John DiBella, Jr. is a boxing promoter and television/film producer. He is Founder and CEO of DiBella Entertainment based in New York City...
. With attendance figures declining, management announced an overhaul of the franchise's image and held a contest during the season allowing the public to select a new name submitted by Robert Schaub of East Hampton, Connecticut
East Hampton, Connecticut
East Hampton is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 13,352 at the 2000 census. The town center village is listed as a census-designated place...
. and logo for the franchise. These were unveiled on November 14, and a new mascot (a bald eagle
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America. It is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. This sea eagle has two known sub-species and forms a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle...
) debuted eight days later. Another contest was held to name the mascot, and on February 11, 2006, "Cutter" was christened.
The "Defenders" name, and the bald eagle mascot, are a reference to the United States Coast Guard Academy
United States Coast Guard Academy
Founded in 1876, the United States Coast Guard Academy is the military academy of the United States Coast Guard. Located in New London, Connecticut, it is the smallest of the five federal service academies...
located a short drive away in New London
New London, Connecticut
New London is a seaport city and a port of entry on the northeast coast of the United States.It is located at the mouth of the Thames River in New London County, southeastern Connecticut....
, and also to the U.S. submarine base
Naval Submarine Base New London
Naval Submarine Base New London is the United States Navy's primary submarine base, the "Home of the Submarine Force", and "the Submarine Capital of the World".-History:...
also located nearby in Groton
Groton, Connecticut
Groton is a town located on the Thames River in New London County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 39,907 at the 2000 census....
. In 2005, the team sponsored several rallies in support of the sub base after it was placed on the Base Realignment and Closure
Base Realignment and Closure
Base Realignment and Closure is a process of the United States federal government directed at the administration and operation of the Armed Forces, used by the United States Department of Defense and Congress to close excess military installations and realign the total asset inventory to reduce...
list. The base was eventually removed from the list.
In September of 2008 the San Francisco Giants renewed their PDC with the Defenders until 2010. The following season, the Defenders won the Southern Division title and qualified for the Eastern League playoffs, defeating the New Britain Rock Cats
New Britain Rock Cats
The New Britain Rock Cats are the Double-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club. They compete in the Eastern League and play their home games at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, Connecticut.-History:...
three games to one in the ELDS to advance to the second Eastern League Championship Series in franchise history. However, the Defenders fell short in the end, losing three games to one to the Akron Aeros
Akron Aeros
The Akron Aeros are a minor league baseball team based in Akron, Ohio, USA. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.The Aeros play in Canal Park, located in downtown Akron, which seats 9,097 fans...
.
Relocation to Richmond
On Friday, 13 February 2009 the Norwich BulletinNorwich Bulletin
The Norwich Bulletin is a newspaper printed daily in eastern Connecticut, based in the city of Norwich and owned by the Gatehouse Media. It covers eastern Connecticut, with a focus on the Norwich area and points north. The circulation is 26,583 for every day except Sunday, which has a circulation...
reported that a Virginia businessman Bryan Bostic, was interested in purchasing the franchise and relocating the team to Richmond
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. It is an independent city and not part of any county. Richmond is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Greater Richmond area...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
in time for the 2010 season.
On Monday, 16 March, 2009 the Norwich Bulletin
Norwich Bulletin
The Norwich Bulletin is a newspaper printed daily in eastern Connecticut, based in the city of Norwich and owned by the Gatehouse Media. It covers eastern Connecticut, with a focus on the Norwich area and points north. The circulation is 26,583 for every day except Sunday, which has a circulation...
reported that the Norwich City Council unanimously approved a request to transfer the lease on Dodd Stadium to Richmond Baseball Club LC, chaired by Bryan Bostic.
On Wednesday, 22 April 2009, the Richmond Times-Dispatch
Richmond Times-Dispatch
The Richmond Times-Dispatch is the primary daily newspaper in Richmond the capital of Virginia, United States, and is commonly considered the "newspaper of record" for events occurring in much of the state...
reported that the Richmond Metropolitan Authority
Richmond Metropolitan Authority
The Richmond Metropolitan Authority is an independent authority and political subdivision which serves the Richmond, Virginia metropolitan area. Created by an act of the Virginia General Assembly in 1966, the RMA was originally tasked with building and maintaining a toll expressway system for the...
(RMA) has signed a two-year agreement with the Richmond Baseball Club LC to allow a professional baseball team to play at The Diamond, Richmond's current baseball venue, which is owned by the RMA. The agreement also includes an option for 2012.
On September 23, 2009, the Eastern League officially announced that the Defenders were leaving Norwich and moving to Richmond, where they will play in The Diamond while continuing to seek proposals for a new ballpark in the Richmond vicinity. Also, the "Defenders" nickname will not be retained, rather the new team will be called the Richmond Flying Squirrels
Richmond Flying Squirrels
The Richmond Flying Squirrels are a minor league baseball team in Richmond, Virginia. The team, which is a part of the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club, and plays at The Diamond...
after a name-the-team contest.
Alumni
Notable players to pass through the franchise include...- From years as a Yankees affiliate:
- outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Bernie WilliamsBernie WilliamsBernabé Williams Figueroa Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and Puerto Rican musician.-Early life:...
(1989-90) - shortstopShortstopShortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
Derek JeterDerek JeterDerek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
(1994) - catcherCatcherCatcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Mike FiggaMike FiggaMichael Anthony Figga is a retired catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles. In a 3-year career, Figga hit .213 with 1 home run.- Early life and education :...
(1995) - pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Ramiro MendozaRamiro MendozaRamiro Mendoza , nicknamed "El Brujo" , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Mendoza played with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed. Although Mendoza made 62 starts in his major league career, he was primarily known as a middle relief pitcher...
(1995) - outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Ruben RiveraRuben RiveraRubén Rivera Moreno is a professional baseball player, who is currently an outfielder for the Piratas de Campeche of the Mexican League. He played Major League Baseball for five different teams, from to...
(1995) - outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Ricky LedeeRicky LedéeRicardo Alberto "Ricky" Ledée is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets in his decade long professional career. He won two World Series...
(1996) - outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Shane SpencerShane SpencerMichael Shane Spencer is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. In Major League Baseball, he played a total of 538 games for the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and New York Mets, compiling 438 hits, 59 home runs, and 242 RBI...
(1996) - outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Tim RainesTim RainesTimothy Raines , nicknamed "Rock", is a former American professional baseball player. He played as a left fielder in Major League Baseball for six teams from 1979 to 2002 and was best known for his 13 seasons with the Montreal Expos...
(1996, 1997) - pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
David ConeDavid ConeDavid Brian Cone is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 17-year baseball career, he pitched from 1986-2003 for six different teams. Cone pitched the sixteenth perfect game in baseball history. He also set the MLB record for most years between 20-win seasons. He was a member of five...
(1996) - pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Dwight GoodenDwight GoodenDwight Eugene Gooden , nicknamed "Doc Gooden" or "Dr. K", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was one of the most dominant and feared pitchers in the National League in the middle and late 1980s.-Career:...
(1996) - outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Darryl StrawberryDarryl StrawberryDarryl Eugene Strawberry is a former American Major League Baseball outfielder who is well-known both for his play on the field and for his controversial behavior off it...
(1996) - third basemanThird basemanA third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
Mike LowellMike LowellMichael 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...
(1997) - pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Randy FloresRandy FloresRandy Alan Flores is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. Flores is a career left-handed relief specialist.-Early life and career:...
(1999-2001) - first basemanFirst basemanFirst base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Nick JohnsonNick JohnsonNicholas Robert Johnson is an American Major League Baseball first baseman.He previously played for the New York Yankees , Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals , and the Florida Marlins...
(1999) - shortstopShortstopShortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
Alfonso SorianoAlfonso SorianoAlfonso Guilleard Soriano is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Chicago Cubs....
(1999) - outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Marcus ThamesMarcus ThamesMarcus Markley Thames is an American professional baseball outfielder. He has previously played for the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers....
(1999-2001) - infielderInfielderAn infielder is a baseball player stationed at one of four defensive "infield" positions on the baseball field.-Standard arrangement of positions:In a game of baseball, two teams of nine players take turns playing offensive and defensive roles...
Andy PhillipsAndy PhillipsGeorge Andrew "Andy" Phillips is the current assistant coach for The University of Alabama's baseball team. He has played for the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox. Phillips was raised in Demopolis, Alabama, where he played baseball for the Demopolis Academy...
(2000-02) - pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Roger ClemensRoger ClemensWilliam Roger Clemens , nicknamed "Rocket", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who broke into the league with the Boston Red Sox, whose pitching staff he would help anchor for 12 years. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards, more than any other pitcher. He played for four different teams over...
(2002) - outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Juan Rivera (1999)
- outfielder
- From years as a Giants affiliate:
- pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Matt CainMatt CainMatthew Thomas Cain is an American Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants...
(2004) - pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Brad HennesseyBrad HennesseyBrad Martin Hennessey is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He attended Whitmer High School.-Professional career:...
(2004) - outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Brian HorwitzBrian HorwitzBrian Jeffery Horwitz, nicknamed "The Rabbi," is an American baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent. He has won two minor league batting titles, and made his major league debut in 2008....
(2006) - catcherCatcherCatcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Justin KnoedlerJustin KnoedlerJustin Joseph Knoedler is a former Major League Baseball catcher.Knoedler was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 41st round in the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft out of Springfield High School but did not sign with them...
(2004-05) - outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Dan OrtmeierDan OrtmeierDaniel David Ortmeier is a Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman who is currently a Free Agent. He made his major league debut on September 5, , with the San Francisco Giants.-High school:...
(2004-06) - outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Fred LewisFred LewisFrederick Deshaun Lewis is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He made his debut on September 1, , with the San Francisco Giants. He is the cousin of former major league outfielder Matt Lawton. Lewis also hit the 46th Splash Hit at AT&T Park...
(2005) - third basemanThird basemanA third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
Ryan RohlingerRyan RohlingerRyan Lee Rohlinger , nicknamed Rollie, is an American professional baseball infielder who is a free agent.-Personal:Rohlinger comes from an athletic family. Rohlinger has two older brothers, Matt and Adam, and a younger sister Bria. Uncle Willie Mueller was a Major League Baseball pitcher with the...
(2008) - catcherCatcherCatcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Pablo SandovalPablo SandovalPablo E. Sandoval , nicknamed Kung Fu Panda, is a Venezuelan professional baseball infielder for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. Sandoval is a 5'11", 237 pound switch hitter. He was born left handed, but did not want to have to play outfield all of his career. He therefore...
(2008) - outfielderOutfielderOutfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Nate SchierholtzNate SchierholtzNathan John Schierholtz is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed. Schierholtz commonly bats without batting gloves, one of the few Major Leaguers to do so...
(2006) - pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Alfredo SimónAlfredo SimónAlfredo Simón Cabrera is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher with the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball. From 2001 through part of 2004 he pitched under the name Carlos Cabrera.-Minor leagues:...
(2005) - infielderInfielderAn infielder is a baseball player stationed at one of four defensive "infield" positions on the baseball field.-Standard arrangement of positions:In a game of baseball, two teams of nine players take turns playing offensive and defensive roles...
Eugenio VelezEugenio VélezEugenio Vélez Vancomper is a Dominican professional baseball infielder and outfielder who is a free agent.-Toronto Blue Jays :...
(2007) - first basemanFirst basemanFirst base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Travis IshikawaTravis IshikawaTravis Takashi Ishikawa |Washington]]) is an American Major League Baseball first baseman who is currently with the San Francisco Giants organization...
(2006-08) - pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Madison BumgarnerMadison BumgarnerMadison Bumgarner is an American baseball pitcher with the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. Bumgarner is listed 6'5" and 225 pounds and has a 90–95 MPH fastball...
(2009)
- pitcher
Season records
(Place indicates finish in Northern Division)- As Norwich Navigators
- 1995: 70-71 (3rd), manager Jimmy Johnson
- 1996: 71-70 (3rd), manager Jim EssianJim EssianJames Sarkis Essian, Jr. is an American former catcher and occasional infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and Cleveland Indians. He was signed by the Phillies at age 18, but he only amassed 24 at-bats over three seasons...
- 1997: 73-69 (2nd), manager Trey HillmanTrey HillmanThomas Brad "Trey" Hillman is the current bench coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has previously been the manager of both the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan's Pacific League and the Kansas City Royals in the American League.-Playing career:Hillman signed with the Cleveland Indians in...
- 1998: 66-76 (4th), manager Trey HillmanTrey HillmanThomas Brad "Trey" Hillman is the current bench coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has previously been the manager of both the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan's Pacific League and the Kansas City Royals in the American League.-Playing career:Hillman signed with the Cleveland Indians in...
- 1999: 78-64 (2nd), manager Lee MazzilliLee MazzilliLee Louis Mazzilli, , is a former Major League Baseball player, coach, and manager. On December 11, 2006, he was hired as the lead studio analyst for SportsNet New York, the New York Mets' cable television network...
- 2000: 76-66 (3rd), manager Dan RadisonDan RadisonDaniel John Radison is an American coach and instructor in professional baseball. On November 20, 2009, he was appointed first-base coach of the Washington Nationals by newly named permanent manager Jim Riggleman....
- 2001: 83-59 (2nd), manager Stump MerrillStump MerrillCarl "Stump" Merrill is a former manager in Major League Baseball who served as manager of the New York Yankees in and...
- 2002: 76-64 (1st), manager Stump MerrillStump MerrillCarl "Stump" Merrill is a former manager in Major League Baseball who served as manager of the New York Yankees in and...
- 2003: 62-79 (6th), manager Shane TurnerShane TurnerShane Lee Turner is a former professional baseball player. He played in parts of three seasons in the Major League Baseball for three different teams....
- 2004: 69-74 (5th), manager Shane TurnerShane TurnerShane Lee Turner is a former professional baseball player. He played in parts of three seasons in the Major League Baseball for three different teams....
- 2005: 71-72 (3rd), manager Dave MachemerDave MachemerDavid Ritchie Machemer is a former professional baseball player and current minor league manager. He played two seasons for the California Angels and Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He is currently the manager of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.-Biography:Machemer has recorded over 1,000...
- As Connecticut Defenders
- 2006: 64-77 (5th), manager Dave MachemerDave MachemerDavid Ritchie Machemer is a former professional baseball player and current minor league manager. He played two seasons for the California Angels and Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He is currently the manager of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.-Biography:Machemer has recorded over 1,000...
- 2007: 63-78 (5th), managers Dave MachemerDave MachemerDavid Ritchie Machemer is a former professional baseball player and current minor league manager. He played two seasons for the California Angels and Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He is currently the manager of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.-Biography:Machemer has recorded over 1,000...
(through July 21) and Shane TurnerShane TurnerShane Lee Turner is a former professional baseball player. He played in parts of three seasons in the Major League Baseball for three different teams.... - 2008: 68-73 (4th), manager Bien FigueroaBien FigueroaBienvenido Figueroa DeLeon is a former Major League Baseball player. Figueroa played for the St. Louis Cardinals in . He later managed in the minor leagues with the Bluefield Orioles, Delmarva Shorebirds, Frederick Keys, Bowie BaySox, and the Connecticut Defenders. -External links:...
- 2009: 83-59 (1st), manager Steve DeckerSteve DeckerStephen Michael Decker , is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played from -, -, and . He is the current manager of the Fresno Grizzlies, the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants....
- 2006: 64-77 (5th), manager Dave Machemer
Playoffs
- 1997 season: Lost to PortlandPortland Sea DogsThe Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Established in 1994 and based in Portland, Maine, the Sea Dogs play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League....
, 3-2, in first round - 1999 season: Defeated TrentonTrenton ThunderThe Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
3-2, in first round; lost to HarrisburgHarrisburg SenatorsThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals....
3-2, in championship round. - 2001 season: Lost to New BritainNew Britain Rock CatsThe New Britain Rock Cats are the Double-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club. They compete in the Eastern League and play their home games at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, Connecticut.-History:...
, 3-1, in first round - 2002 season: Defeated New Haven, 3-0, in first round; defeated HarrisburgHarrisburg SenatorsThe Harrisburg Senators are a minor league baseball team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals....
3-2 to win Eastern League title. - 2009 season: Defeated New BritainNew Britain Rock CatsThe New Britain Rock Cats are the Double-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club. They compete in the Eastern League and play their home games at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, Connecticut.-History:...
, 3-1, in first round; lost to AkronAkron AerosThe Akron Aeros are a minor league baseball team based in Akron, Ohio, USA. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.The Aeros play in Canal Park, located in downtown Akron, which seats 9,097 fans...
3-1, in championship round.