Syracuse SkyChiefs
Encyclopedia
The Syracuse Chiefs are a minor league baseball
team based in Syracuse, New York
. The team plays in the International League
and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals
. Their home stadium is Alliance Bank Stadium
(formerly known as P&C Stadium) located north of downtown Syracuse at the corner of One Tex Simone Drive and Alliance Bank Parkway, off of either Park St or Hiawatha boulevard.
since 1877, when the Syracuse Stars competed in the League Alliance, an early minor league. Syracuse fielded two major league
versions of the Stars, in the National League
and the American Association
. Apart from those seasons, however, the Stars were members of high minor leagues such as the Eastern League (forerunner to the International) and the New York State League
through 1917. From 1918-27, they competed in the International League and were an early farm team of the St. Louis Cardinals
. But in 1928 the IL franchise moved to Montreal and became the Montreal Royals
. The Stars moved down one classification to the New York-Pennsylvania League
for 1½ seasons before moving to Utica, New York
.
The Chiefs date to 1934 when the International League
's Jersey City Skeeters
moved to Syracuse and were renamed the Chiefs. The franchise played for 22 consecutive seasons in the IL, through 1955, and won five championships, including in 1954. But it was sold and moved to Miami, Florida
, as the Marlins
for the 1956 campaign. A team known as the Chiefs competed briefly in the Class A Eastern League, then two levels below the IL, in 1956-57 but moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania
, on July 13, 1957. Syracuse was without baseball until the 1961 season, when the Montreal Royals franchise was abandoned by its owners, the Los Angeles Dodgers
, and moved to Syracuse.
The Chiefs have played in Syracuse uninterrupted since their rebirth in 1961. The team was rebranded as the SkyChiefs in 1997. The name reverted to the original "Chiefs" in December 2006.
From 1978 to 2008, the Chiefs were the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays
. On September 20, 2008, the Chiefs signed a two-year affiliation agreement with the Nationals, ending their 31-season relationship with the Blue Jays. The Toronto–Syracuse affiliation was the longest of the 11 major league
affiliations the Chiefs have had since 1936.
The Chiefs played at MacArthur Stadium
from 1934 to 1996. They moved to then-P&C Stadium in 1997.
In 2008, the Chiefs wore a decal on their uniform with the letters HB on it to commemorate Harold Berman, a former member of the Chiefs' Board of Directors, who died between the 2007 and 2008 baseball seasons.
In 2009, the Chiefs wore a decal on their uniform with the letters HM on it to commemorate Hy Miller, a former State Assemblyman for New York and a former director on the Chiefs' Board of Directors, who died between the 2008 and 2009 baseball seasons.
In 2010, the Chiefs celebrated their 50th season of community owned baseball (1961–2010). They wore jerseys from the 1961 during every Thursday home game. They also brought back some radio announcers from the past, such as Syracuse University
alumun Sean McDonough
, Dan Hoard, and others. The Chiefs went 76-67, one-half game better than the 2009 record of 76-68 because one game against Scranton/Wilkes Barre was canceled late in the season due to weather. 2010 also was the season that top pitching prospect Stephen Strasburg
played for the Chiefs and went 2-1 in five appearances.
In 2011, The Chiefs played in their 51st season of community ownership. The team wore throwback jerseys at every Thursday home game in celebration of the 35th anniversary of their last International League Governors Cup Championship team from 1976, which was managed by current Syracuse Wall of Fame member and Future MLB Hall Of Fame inductee, manager Bobby Cox. The Chiefs have added four other alternate jerseys to their rotation this season. One in conjunction with the celebration of Latin American day, one in conjunction with Jackie Robinson
day, paying tribute to Negro League uniforms, One that was worn on American celebratory holidays such as July 4 and Memorial day, and one which the Chiefs wore in support of breast cancer awareness night. The Chiefs played the Pawtucket Red Sox
on August 20 at 5:30pm in Boston, MA at Fenway Park
as part of a doubleheader of minor league baseball in conjunction with the 6th annual Futures at Fenway
event, featuring games involving Boston Red Sox
Minor League teams. The Chiefs behind starter Brad Meyers defeated the Paw Sox 3-1 in front of over 29,000 fans. At Alliance Bank Stadium
, the Chiefs have added a "Home Plate Club" to the stadium which consist of the first four rows behind home plate being used as premium seating and including a waitstaff for merchandise and concessions. These seats cost US$20 per game. On Saturday May 14 Chiefs DH Micheal Aubrey went 4 for 4 all hits being Homeruns, becoming only the second player in team history to hit Four homeruns in a game. The other player was Gene Locklear
who hit his four at McArthur Stadium in 1977. On August 27, Stephen Strasburg
pitched his only rehab game for the Chiefs vs the Rochester Redwings. He gave up 2 hits in the 6th inning, both his only hits of the game and to the final two batters he faced before departing with the Chiefs ahead 1-0. He received the No Decision in Syracuse's 4-3 win which sealed the Thurway Cup Championship for 2011. The Clubs final record for the season was 66-74 finishing 14.0 games out of first place and forth in the six team north division. A total of four games were canceled and never played in the 2011 season, 2 against Durham and 2 against Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
In 2012 The Chiefs will open up at home against the rival Rochester Red Wings on April 5, 2012, The same day Major League Baseball begains play. At a recent stockholders meeting held in the Hank Saur room on the 15th of November 2011 it was announced that the prospects of a new videoboard would be added to Alliance Bank Stadium, Also Centreplate would no longer be in charge of conessions and that a group of students affiliated with Syracuse University will be chosen to help in marketing and promotions. Randy Knorr will also not be returning for his second season as manager. In 2012 the Chiefs will play all 16 games against the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees at Alliance Bank Stadium
.
hit four home runs in one game and until 2011 was the only player to do so. On May 14, 2011 Micheal Aubrey hit four homeruns in four at bats in a 11-0 Chiefs win over the Durham Bulls
. The final 2 games of the series were canceled due to rain making that the only victory for the Chiefs over the Durham Bulls
losing the season series 5-1.
, the championship of the IL Playoffs, eight times, and have played in the championship series 17 times.
The Chiefs have won the International League pennant—finishing the regular season with the best record in the league—eight times. The first Chiefs pennant was in 1885, and the most recent was in 1989.
, Rochester Red Wings
, and Syracuse Chiefs. The Series became official when the Buffalo Bisons
joined the International League
in 1998 after moving from the Triple A American Association
. All teams are located in cities along the New York State toll road and all within less than 90 minutes of each other with the exception of Syracuse
and Buffalo
which are both at the furthest ends and 150 minutes driving time from each stadium. Each year the team that has the best record amongst the games played between this three cities is crowned the Thruway Cup Champion. The Chiefs only have three Thruway Cups and they were in 1999, 2010, and 2011.
-First 75 years of professional baseball (1858–1933)
-Former Chiefs/SkyChiefs player (1934–present)
-Professional baseball player or person affiliated with professional baseball
Contributor to the game of baseball.
Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame Committee: Ron Gersbacher, John Simone, Tex Simone, Bob Snyder
1998
Grover Cleveland Alexander
Red Barrett,
Bill Dinneen,
Dave Giusti,
Mack Jones,
Hank Sauer
1999
Jim Bottomley,
Rob Gardner,
Bill Kelly,
Dutch Mele,
Jimmy Outlaw,
Lawrence Skiddy,
Frank Verdi
2000
Jack Corbett,
Jewel Ens,
Tom Henke,
Willie Horton,
Bob Shawkey,
Ed Shokes,
Hooks Wiltse
2001
Len Boehmer,
Johnny Gee,
Dave Lemanczyk,
Frank McCormick,
Jim Northrup,
Frank Schulte,
Tex Simone
2002
Rick Bladt,
Wally Cazen,
Frank DiPino,
Mike Dorgan,
Anthony Henninger,
Dixie Howell,
Jim Walsh
2003
Mike Barlow,
Dave Bergman,
Tony Fernandez,
Sandy Griffin,
Henry McCormick,
Red Parton,
Goody Rosen
2004
Mike Bragman,
Dutch Dotterer,
Howard Ehmke,
Jack Fifield,
Carden Gillenwater,
Mickey Klutts,
Willie Smith
2005
Dom Dallessandro,
John Harmon,
John Johnstone,
Pepper Martin,
Thurman Munson,
Jim Owens,
Vic Willis
2006
Alan Closter,
Steve Grilli,
Tom Higgins,
Bob Keegan,
Conny Murphy,
Doc Scanlan,
Frank Tepedino
2007
Dutch Dotterer, Jr.,
Ron Guidry,
Fred McGriff,
Dick Rockwell,
Specs Toporcer,
Otto Velez
2008
Bobby Cox,
Pat Gillick,
Ted Kleinhans,
Vic Power,
Tommy Thevenow,
Greg "Boomer" Wells,
Terry Whitfield
2009
Cupid Childs,
Babe Dahlgren,
William Hofmann, Sr.,
Rick Leach,
Gino Petralli,
Jon Ratliff,
Randy St. Claire
2010
Shawn Green,
Earl Harrist,
Chris Jones,
Dick Ryan,
Mickey Stanley,
Don Waful
2011
Jerry Brooks,
Lou Johnson,
Joseph Kren,
Gene Locklear,
Gus Mancuso,
Jim Prendergast
services throughout the Central and Northern New York area. The games on TWCS are called by Jason Benetti and Syracuse Wall of Fame member and former Major Leaguer Steve Grili. All games versus thurway rivals Rochester or Buffalo are broadcast on TWCS and feed between the cities, with the host city providing the presentation and announcers.
based the Springfield Isotopes minor league team in The Simpsons
episode Dancin' Homer
on experiences as an announcer for the Syracuse Chiefs. The episode includes references to former announcer Dan Hoard and owner Anthony "Tex" Simone (named Antoine "Tex" O'Hara in the episode).
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 Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. The team plays in the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
. Their home stadium is Alliance Bank Stadium
Alliance Bank Stadium
Alliance Bank Stadium is an 11,071-seat minor league baseball stadium in Syracuse, New York. The stadium opened on April 10, 1997, replacing the aging MacArthur Stadium which had been home to Syracuse's professional baseball team since 1934...
(formerly known as P&C Stadium) located north of downtown Syracuse at the corner of One Tex Simone Drive and Alliance Bank Parkway, off of either Park St or Hiawatha boulevard.
Franchise history
Syracuse has been represented in professional baseballProfessional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
since 1877, when the Syracuse Stars competed in the League Alliance, an early minor league. Syracuse fielded two 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...
versions of the Stars, in the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
and the American Association
American Association (19th century)
The American Association was a Major League Baseball league that existed for 10 seasons from to . During that time, it challenged the National League for dominance of professional baseball...
. Apart from those seasons, however, the Stars were members of high minor leagues such as the Eastern League (forerunner to the International) and the New York State League
New York State League (1885-1917)
The first New York State League in 1885, was actually the second of the many names the International League used before settling on its current moniker.The second New York State League was a six team league for one season in 1889...
through 1917. From 1918-27, they competed in the International League and were an early farm team of the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. But in 1928 the IL franchise moved to Montreal and became the Montreal Royals
Montreal Royals
The Montreal Royals were a minor league professional baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, that existed from 1897–1917 and from 1928–60 as a member of the International League and its progenitor, the original Eastern League...
. The Stars moved down one classification to the New York-Pennsylvania League
New York-Pennsylvania League (early 20th century)
The New York-Pennsylvania League of 1923 through 1937 was an American minor league baseball circuit.The forerunner to the modern Class AA Eastern League, it was a Class B circuit through 1932 and upgraded to Class A for the final five seasons of its existence. It is actually the second of three...
for 1½ seasons before moving to Utica, New York
Utica, New York
Utica is a city in and the county seat of Oneida County, New York, United States. The population was 62,235 at the 2010 census, an increase of 2.6% from the 2000 census....
.
The Chiefs date to 1934 when the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
's Jersey City Skeeters
Jersey City Skeeters
The Jersey City Skeeters were a minor league baseball team which operated in Jersey City, New Jersey. The club started in the 1860s and by 1870 joined the National Association of Base Ball Players....
moved to Syracuse and were renamed the Chiefs. The franchise played for 22 consecutive seasons in the IL, through 1955, and won five championships, including in 1954. But it was sold and moved to Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida
Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States with a population of 2,500,625...
, as the Marlins
Miami Marlins (IL)
The Miami Marlins was the name of a Class AAA American minor league baseball franchise based in Miami, Florida, that played in the International League from 1956 through 1960.The Marlins were a transplanted version of the original Syracuse Chiefs...
for the 1956 campaign. A team known as the Chiefs competed briefly in the Class A Eastern League, then two levels below the IL, in 1956-57 but moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown is a city located in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is Pennsylvania's third most populous city, after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and the 215th largest city in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 118,032 and is currently...
, on July 13, 1957. Syracuse was without baseball until the 1961 season, when the Montreal Royals franchise was abandoned by its owners, the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, and moved to Syracuse.
The Chiefs have played in Syracuse uninterrupted since their rebirth in 1961. The team was rebranded as the SkyChiefs in 1997. The name reverted to the original "Chiefs" in December 2006.
From 1978 to 2008, the Chiefs were the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
. On September 20, 2008, the Chiefs signed a two-year affiliation agreement with the Nationals, ending their 31-season relationship with the Blue Jays. The Toronto–Syracuse affiliation was the longest of the 11 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...
affiliations the Chiefs have had since 1936.
The Chiefs played at MacArthur Stadium
MacArthur Stadium
MacArthur Stadium was a stadium in Syracuse, New York. It was primarily used for baseball and was the home of Syracuse Chiefs before they moved to P&C Stadium, in 1997. The ballpark had a capacity of 8,416 people when it opened in 1934...
from 1934 to 1996. They moved to then-P&C Stadium in 1997.
In 2008, the Chiefs wore a decal on their uniform with the letters HB on it to commemorate Harold Berman, a former member of the Chiefs' Board of Directors, who died between the 2007 and 2008 baseball seasons.
In 2009, the Chiefs wore a decal on their uniform with the letters HM on it to commemorate Hy Miller, a former State Assemblyman for New York and a former director on the Chiefs' Board of Directors, who died between the 2008 and 2009 baseball seasons.
In 2010, the Chiefs celebrated their 50th season of community owned baseball (1961–2010). They wore jerseys from the 1961 during every Thursday home game. They also brought back some radio announcers from the past, such as Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
alumun Sean McDonough
Sean McDonough
Sean McDonough is an American sportscaster, currently employed by ESPN.-Early life and career:The son of Boston Globe sportswriter Will McDonough, Sean graduated from Syracuse University in 1984. It was in Syracuse where McDonough began his broadcasting career in 1982 as the play-by-play announcer...
, Dan Hoard, and others. The Chiefs went 76-67, one-half game better than the 2009 record of 76-68 because one game against Scranton/Wilkes Barre was canceled late in the season due to weather. 2010 also was the season that top pitching prospect Stephen Strasburg
Stephen Strasburg
Stephen James Strasburg is a right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals, who selected him with the first pick in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft...
played for the Chiefs and went 2-1 in five appearances.
In 2011, The Chiefs played in their 51st season of community ownership. The team wore throwback jerseys at every Thursday home game in celebration of the 35th anniversary of their last International League Governors Cup Championship team from 1976, which was managed by current Syracuse Wall of Fame member and Future MLB Hall Of Fame inductee, manager Bobby Cox. The Chiefs have added four other alternate jerseys to their rotation this season. One in conjunction with the celebration of Latin American day, one in conjunction with Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson
Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947...
day, paying tribute to Negro League uniforms, One that was worn on American celebratory holidays such as July 4 and Memorial day, and one which the Chiefs wore in support of breast cancer awareness night. The Chiefs played the Pawtucket Red Sox
Pawtucket Red Sox
The Pawtucket Red Sox are the minor league baseball Triple-A affiliates of the Boston Red Sox and belong to the International League...
on August 20 at 5:30pm in Boston, MA at Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
as part of a doubleheader of minor league baseball in conjunction with the 6th annual Futures at Fenway
Futures at Fenway
"Futures at Fenway" is a baseball event held at Fenway Park in Boston. It features two minor-league affiliates of the Boston Red Sox playing a pair of regular-season games against teams from their own leagues. The first such event was held on August 26, 2006, with subsequent installments on...
event, featuring games involving Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
Minor League teams. The Chiefs behind starter Brad Meyers defeated the Paw Sox 3-1 in front of over 29,000 fans. At Alliance Bank Stadium
Alliance Bank Stadium
Alliance Bank Stadium is an 11,071-seat minor league baseball stadium in Syracuse, New York. The stadium opened on April 10, 1997, replacing the aging MacArthur Stadium which had been home to Syracuse's professional baseball team since 1934...
, the Chiefs have added a "Home Plate Club" to the stadium which consist of the first four rows behind home plate being used as premium seating and including a waitstaff for merchandise and concessions. These seats cost US$20 per game. On Saturday May 14 Chiefs DH Micheal Aubrey went 4 for 4 all hits being Homeruns, becoming only the second player in team history to hit Four homeruns in a game. The other player was Gene Locklear
Gene Locklear
Gene Locklear is a former Major League Baseball outfielder, born in Lumberton, North Carolina. He played all or part of five seasons, from until , in the major leagues. He also played one season in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Nippon Ham Fighters in ....
who hit his four at McArthur Stadium in 1977. On August 27, Stephen Strasburg
Stephen Strasburg
Stephen James Strasburg is a right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals, who selected him with the first pick in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft...
pitched his only rehab game for the Chiefs vs the Rochester Redwings. He gave up 2 hits in the 6th inning, both his only hits of the game and to the final two batters he faced before departing with the Chiefs ahead 1-0. He received the No Decision in Syracuse's 4-3 win which sealed the Thurway Cup Championship for 2011. The Clubs final record for the season was 66-74 finishing 14.0 games out of first place and forth in the six team north division. A total of four games were canceled and never played in the 2011 season, 2 against Durham and 2 against Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
In 2012 The Chiefs will open up at home against the rival Rochester Red Wings on April 5, 2012, The same day Major League Baseball begains play. At a recent stockholders meeting held in the Hank Saur room on the 15th of November 2011 it was announced that the prospects of a new videoboard would be added to Alliance Bank Stadium, Also Centreplate would no longer be in charge of conessions and that a group of students affiliated with Syracuse University will be chosen to help in marketing and promotions. Randy Knorr will also not be returning for his second season as manager. In 2012 the Chiefs will play all 16 games against the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees at Alliance Bank Stadium
Alliance Bank Stadium
Alliance Bank Stadium is an 11,071-seat minor league baseball stadium in Syracuse, New York. The stadium opened on April 10, 1997, replacing the aging MacArthur Stadium which had been home to Syracuse's professional baseball team since 1934...
.
Four homerun games
Two players in Chiefs history have hit four homeruns in one ball game. On July 14, 1977 Gene LocklearGene Locklear
Gene Locklear is a former Major League Baseball outfielder, born in Lumberton, North Carolina. He played all or part of five seasons, from until , in the major leagues. He also played one season in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Nippon Ham Fighters in ....
hit four home runs in one game and until 2011 was the only player to do so. On May 14, 2011 Micheal Aubrey hit four homeruns in four at bats in a 11-0 Chiefs win over the Durham Bulls
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League. The Bulls play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park located in the downtown area of Durham, North Carolina. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is often called the "DBAP" or "D-Bap". The Bulls are...
. The final 2 games of the series were canceled due to rain making that the only victory for the Chiefs over the Durham Bulls
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League. The Bulls play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park located in the downtown area of Durham, North Carolina. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is often called the "DBAP" or "D-Bap". The Bulls are...
losing the season series 5-1.
Overall attendence by season
1999 446,025#, 2001 423,405#, 1998 420,488#, 2010 416,382#, 2002 413,566#, 2000 402,450#, 1997 400,804#, 2009 392,518#, 2008 392,028#, 2005 382,896#, 2007 380,152#, 1994 368,971*, 2004 364,648#, 2003 356,303#, 2006 347,699#, 1991 307,922, 1995 300,589, 1996 300,405, 1992 276,786, 1993 265,486, 1970 257,650*, 1990 250,048, 1989 233,161*, 1985 232,073*, 1971 216,115*, 1987 211,315, 1964 208,956*, 1975 201,725*, 1977 200,302, 1981 198,101, 1979 196,228*, 1976 196,121*, 1980 189,250, 1986 187,758, 1988 184,967, 1973 184,461, 1982 184,297, 1974 182,082*, 1963 180,971*, 1972 179,048, 1983 163,859, 1978 160,427, 1967 152,781, 1969 152,201*, 1965 152,072*, 1968 150,295, 1984 142,571, 1961 126,016, 1966 106,669, 1962 103,191- INCLUDES PLAYOFFS #Alliance Bank Stadium
Top 40 crowds since 1961
1: 5/7/10 14,098, 2: 5/24/10 13,288, 3: 7/17/93 13,124, 4: 5/29/10 13,115, 5: 7/17/67 13,082, 6: 7/25/67 13,063, 7: 8/17/95 12,711, 8: 7/30/10 12,674, 9: 6/28/95 12,659, 10: 7/14/01 12,455, 11: 6/28/01 12,368, 12: 8/17/99 12,344, 13: 8/22/72 12,322, 14: 8/16/61 12,321, 15: 8/14/09 12,288, 16: 7/11/98 12,255, 17: 7/23/94 12,224, 18: 8/1/08 12,208, 19: 7/13/01 12,121, 20: 4/3/97 12,112, 21: 5/29/94 12,112, 22: 7/18/94 11,899, 23: 7/11/94 11,679, 24: 8/20/94 11,485, 25: 7/9/63 11,476, 26: 8/30/94 11,469, 27: 7/10/95 11,455, 28: 5/9/70 11,398, 29: 6/25/02 11,356, 30: 6/29/00 11,295, 31: 8/18/99 11,228, 32: 6/22/99 11,219, 33: 7/13/70 11,144, 34: 6/27/77 11,100, 35: 5/5/06 11,012, 36: 7/16/81 10,835, 37: 5/15/99 10,767, 38: 6/22/71 10,677, 39: 7/7/80 10,657, 40: 7/12/97 10,656Titles and pennants
The Chiefs have won the Governors' CupGovernors' Cup
The Governors' Cup is the trophy awarded each year to the champion of the International League, one of the two current Triple-A level minor leagues of Major League Baseball.-Governors' Cup history:...
, the championship of the IL Playoffs, eight times, and have played in the championship series 17 times.
- 1935 - Defeated MontrealMontreal RoyalsThe Montreal Royals were a minor league professional baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, that existed from 1897–1917 and from 1928–60 as a member of the International League and its progenitor, the original Eastern League...
4-2 - 1942 - Defeated Jersey CityJersey City GiantsThe Jersey City Giants was the name of a high-level American minor league baseball franchise that played in Jersey City, New Jersey, as the top farm system affiliate of the New York Giants from 1937 through 1950. The Jersey City club played in the International League...
4-2 - 1943 - Defeated Toronto 4-1
- 1946 - Lost to MontrealMontreal RoyalsThe Montreal Royals were a minor league professional baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, that existed from 1897–1917 and from 1928–60 as a member of the International League and its progenitor, the original Eastern League...
3-4 - 1947 - Defeated BuffaloBuffalo BisonsThe Buffalo Bisons are a minor league baseball team based in Buffalo, New York. They currently play in the International League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets...
4-1 - 1948 - Lost to MontrealMontreal RoyalsThe Montreal Royals were a minor league professional baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, that existed from 1897–1917 and from 1928–60 as a member of the International League and its progenitor, the original Eastern League...
0-4 - 1951 - Lost to MontrealMontreal RoyalsThe Montreal Royals were a minor league professional baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, that existed from 1897–1917 and from 1928–60 as a member of the International League and its progenitor, the original Eastern League...
3-4 - 1954 - Defeated MontrealMontreal RoyalsThe Montreal Royals were a minor league professional baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, that existed from 1897–1917 and from 1928–60 as a member of the International League and its progenitor, the original Eastern League...
4-2 - 1964 - Lost to RochesterRochester Red WingsThe Rochester Red Wings are a minor league baseball team based in Rochester, New York. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins major-league club. The Red Wings play in Frontier Field, located in downtown Rochester.The Red Wings were an...
1-4 - 1969 - Defeated ColumbusColumbus ClippersThe Columbus Clippers are a minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Ohio. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The team is owned by the government of Franklin County, Ohio....
4-1 - 1970 - Defeated ColumbusColumbus ClippersThe Columbus Clippers are a minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Ohio. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The team is owned by the government of Franklin County, Ohio....
4-1 - 1974 - Lost to RochesterRochester Red WingsThe Rochester Red Wings are a minor league baseball team based in Rochester, New York. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins major-league club. The Red Wings play in Frontier Field, located in downtown Rochester.The Red Wings were an...
3-4 - 1975 - Lost to TidewaterNorfolk TidesThe Norfolk Tides are a minor league baseball team in the Triple-A International League. They play at Harbor Park in Norfolk, Virginia. Since 2007 they have been a farm team of the Baltimore Orioles; prior to that, they had a 38-year affiliation with the New York Mets.-Franchise history:The...
3-4 - 1976 - Defeated RichmondRichmond BravesThe Richmond Braves were the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and played in the International League. Colloquially referred to as the R-Braves, they were based in Richmond, Virginia, where they played from 1966, when the Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta where their AAA team, the Crackers,...
4-1 - 1979 - Lost to ColumbusColumbus ClippersThe Columbus Clippers are a minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Ohio. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The team is owned by the government of Franklin County, Ohio....
1-3 - 1994 - Lost to RichmondRichmond BravesThe Richmond Braves were the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and played in the International League. Colloquially referred to as the R-Braves, they were based in Richmond, Virginia, where they played from 1966, when the Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta where their AAA team, the Crackers,...
0-3 (All games aired on ESPN due to the MLB Strike)
The Chiefs have won the International League pennant—finishing the regular season with the best record in the league—eight times. The first Chiefs pennant was in 1885, and the most recent was in 1989.
Syracuse Chiefs Year by Year
YEAR, WIN-LOSS, WINNING PERCENTAGE, POSITION,MANAGER, GM or OWNER, ATTENDENCE. W/Playoffs (gms)- 2011 66-74 .471 10 Randy Knorr John Simone 374,680
- 2010 76-67 .531 5 Trent Jewett John Simone 416,382
- 2009 76-68 .528 5 Tim Foli John Simone 392,518
- 2008 69-73 .485 7 Doug Davis John Simone 392,028
- 2007 64-80 .444 11 Doug Davis John Simone 380,152
- 2006 64-79 .448 12 Mike Basso John Simone 347,699
- 2005 71-73 .493 8 Marty Pevey John Simone 382,896
- 2004 66-78 .458 11 Marty Pevey John Simone 364,648
- 2003 62-79 .440 14 Omar Malave John Simone 356,303
- 2002 64-80 .444 10 Omar Malave John Simone 413,566
- 2001 71-73 .493 6 Omar Malave John Simone 423,405
- 2000 74-66 .529 7 Kelly/Queen/Malave John Simone 402,450
- 1999 73-71 .507 8 Pat Kelly John Simone 446,025
- 1998 80-62 .577 2 Terry Bevington John Simone 420,488
- 1997 55-87 .387 9 Garth Iorg John Simone 400,804
- 1996 67-75 .472 7 Richie Hebner Tex Simone 300,405
- 1995 59-82 .418 10 Didier/Torres/Hebner Tex Simone 300,589
- 1994 71-71 .500 5 Bob Didier Tex Simone 341,820 368,573 (4)
- 1993 59-82 .418 10 Leyva/Didier Tex Simone 265,486
- 1992 60-83 .420 7 Nick Leyva Tex Simone 276,786
- 1991 73-71 .507 6 Bob Bailor Tex Simone 307,922
- 1990 62-83 .428 6 Bob Bailor Tex Simone 250,048
- 1989 83-62 .572 1 Bob Bailor Tex Simone 226,327 233,161 (2)
- 1988 70-71 .496 3 Bob Bailor Tex Simone 184,967
- 1987 68-72 .486 6 Doug Ault Tex Simone 211,315
- 1986 72-67 .518 5 Doug Ault Tex Simone 187,758
- 1985 79-61 .564 1 Doug Ault Tex Simone 222,725 232,073 (2)
- 1984 58-81 .417 7 Jim Beauchamp Tex Simone 142,571
- 1983 61-78 .439 7 Jim Beauchamp Tex Simone 163,859
- 1982 64-76 .457 6 Jim Beauchamp Tex Simone 184,596
- 1981 60-80 .429 7 Bob Humphreys Tex Simone 198,101
- 1980 58-81 .417 8 Harry Warner Tex Simone 189,250
- 1979 77-63 .550 2 Vern Benson Tex Simone 176,548 196,228 (6)
- 1978 50-90 .357 8 Vern Benson Tex Simone 160,427
- 1977 70-70 .500 5 Pete Ward Tex Simone 200,302
- 1976 82-57 .590 2 Bobby Cox Tex Simone 187,195 196,121 (5)
- 1975 76-70 .521 4 Bobby Cox Tex Simone 194,111 201,725 (4)
- 1974 72-64 .529 3 Bobby Cox Tex Simone 174,669 182,082 (5)
- 1973 74-70 .514 4 Bobby Cox Tex Simone 184,461
- 1972 64-80 .444 8 Frank Verdi Tex Simone 179,048
- 1971 74-70 .514 3 Loren Babe Tex Simone 209,425 216,115 (2)
- 1970 84-56 .600 1 Frank Verdi Tex Simone 221,520 257,650 (9)
- 1969 75-65 .536 3 Frank Verdi Don Labbruzzo 124,663 152,201 (6)
- 1968 72-75 .490 5 Blaylock/Verdi Don Labbruzzo 150,295
- 1967 63-77 .450 8 Gary Blaylock Don Labbruzzo 152,781
- 1966 54-93 .367 8 Frank Carswell Don Labbruzzo 106,669
- 1965 74-73 .503 4 Frank Carswell Don Labbruzzo 143,875 152,072 (3)
- 1964 88-66 .571 2 Frank Carswell Don Labbruzzo 189,096 208,956 (7)
- 1963 80-70 .533 3 Swift/Carswell Don Labbruzzo 169,359 180,971 (2)
- 1962 53-99 .344 8 VDMeer/Verdi Don Labbruzzo 103,191
- 1961 56-98 .364 8 Verble/Verdi Don Labbruzzo 126,016
- 1957 56-84 .400 5 Frank Calo Joe Reardon 30,737
- 1956 62-74 .446 5 McQln/Torpey/Calo Joe Reardon 53,431
- 1955 74-79 .484 5 S. Newsome Marty Haske 85,191
- 1954 79-76 .510 4 S. Newsome Marty Haske 81,809 121,652 (9)
- 1953 58-95 .379 7 Bruno Betzel Bill Hoffman, Jr. 83,992
- 1952 88-66 .571 2 Bruno Betzel Bill Hoffman, Jr. 133,013 141,741 (2)
- 1951 82-71 .536 3 Bruno Betzel Bill Hoffman, Jr. 114,597 150,219 (6)
- 1950 74-79 .484 6 Bruno Betzel Bill Hoffman 106,939
- 1949 74-79 .484 6 Jewel Ens Bill Hoffman 190,255
- 1948 77-63 .550 3 Jewel Ens Bill Hoffman 143,865 202,259 (6)
- 1947 88-65 .575 3 Jewel Ens Bill Hoffman 196,592 288,141 (9)
- 1946 81-72 .549 2 Jewel Ens Bill Hoffman 175,861 237,235 (6)
- 1945 64-89 .418 7 Jewel Ens Bill Hoffman 87,858
- 1944 68-84 .447 8 Jewel Ens C. Schindler 90,619
- 1943 82-71 .536 3 Jewel Ens C. Schindler 66,831 129,494 (9)
- 1942 78-74 .513 3 Jewel Ens C. Schindler 117,231 164,466 (9)
- 1941 70-83 .458 6 Bennie Borgman C. Schindler 109,002
- 1940 71-90 .441 7 Dick Porter C. Schindler 118,244
- 1939 81-74 .523 5 Dick Porter John Corbett 178,671
- 1938 87-67 .565 2 Bottomley/Porter John Corbett 171,219 183,050 (2)
- 1937 76-75 .503 3 Mike Kelly John Corbett 207,745 215,745 (2)
- 1936 59-95 .383 7 Liebold/Kelly John Corbett 125,387
- 1935 87-67 .565 2 Nemo Liebold John Corbett 171,679 206,179 (5)
- 1934 60-94 .390 7 High/Sweeney John Corbett 91,390
- 1929 19-23 .452 DNFIrvin Wilhelm
- 1928 64-74 .464 6 Mike O’Neill
- 1927 102-66.607 2 Burt Shotten 174,059
- 1926 70-91 .435 7 Burt Shotten 123,214
- 1925 74-87 .460 6 Shaughnessy/Myers 110,892
- 1924 79-83 .488 6 Frank Shaughnessy 99,378
- 1923 73-92 .442 6 Frank Shaughnessy 95,236
- 1922 64-102.386 7 Frank Shaughnessy 97,587
- 1921 71-96 .425 6 Madden/Shaughnessy 115,985
- 1920 33-116.221 8 Cummings/McConnellEnzmann/Madden
- 1918 28-56 .378 7 Patsy Donovan
- 1917 64-51 .557 3 Mike O’Neill
- 1916 81-52 .609 1 Mike O’Neill
- 1915 60-60 .500 5 Mike O’Neill
- 1914 48-79 .378 7 Fred Payne
- 1913 61-78 .439 6 Burchell/Payne
- 1912 54-82 .397 7 McCafferty/Burchell
- 1911 65-74 .467 6 Ashenbach/Deal
- 1910 78-57 .577 2 Edward Ashenbach
- 1909 60-78 .435 7 Sandy Griffin
- 1908 76-64 .543 4 Sandy Griffin
- 1907 61-75 .449 6 Sandy Griffin
- 1906 70-65 .519 3 Sandy Griffin
- 1905 70-51 .579 2 Sandy Griffin
- 1904 91-44 .674 1 Sandy Griffin
- 1903 80-54 .597 2 Sandy Griffin
- 1902 61-55 .526 4 Sandy Griffin
- 1901 28-39 .418 7 Frank Leonard
- 1900 43-84 .339 8 Wells/Irwin/Taylor/Leonard
- 1899 39-68 .364 8 Whistler/Griffin
- 1898 52-63 .452 6 George Kuntzsch
- 1897 83-50 .624 1 Al Buckenberger
- 1886 59-62 .488 5 Reilly/Kuntzsch
- 1895 62-53 .539 4 Griffin/Reilly
- 1894 63-56 .529 3 Faatz/Kuntzsch/Griffin
- 1892 24-36 .400 DNFFaatz/Kuntzsch
- 1891 56-42 .571 DNFGeorge Frazier
- 1890 55-72 .433 6 Frazier/Fessenden
- 1889 63-44 .589 2 Jack Chapman
- 1888 81-30 .730 1 Hackett/Chapman
- 1887 61-40 .604 3 Gifford/Simmons
- 1886 46-47 .491 6 Ormsbee/Olin/Gifford
- 1885 52-37 .584 1 Ormsbee/Humphries
- 1879 22-48-1.3148 Dorgan/Holbert/Macullar
- 1878 29-11-1.7251 Rae/Dorgan
- 1877 68-45-3.602 Marsh/Ryder
- 1876 56-14 .800 Hackett/Dorgan
Thruway Series
The I-90 Thruway Series is the name given to all the games played between the Buffalo BisonsBuffalo Bisons
The Buffalo Bisons are a minor league baseball team based in Buffalo, New York. They currently play in the International League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets...
, Rochester Red Wings
Rochester Red Wings
The Rochester Red Wings are a minor league baseball team based in Rochester, New York. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins major-league club. The Red Wings play in Frontier Field, located in downtown Rochester.The Red Wings were an...
, and Syracuse Chiefs. The Series became official when the Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo Bisons
The Buffalo Bisons are a minor league baseball team based in Buffalo, New York. They currently play in the International League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets...
joined the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
in 1998 after moving from the Triple A American Association
American Association
American Association may refer to one of the following professional baseball leagues:* American Association , active from 1882 to 1891* American Association , active from 1902 to 1962 and 1969 to 1997...
. All teams are located in cities along the New York State toll road and all within less than 90 minutes of each other with the exception of Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
and Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
which are both at the furthest ends and 150 minutes driving time from each stadium. Each year the team that has the best record amongst the games played between this three cities is crowned the Thruway Cup Champion. The Chiefs only have three Thruway Cups and they were in 1999, 2010, and 2011.
Alumni
- AJ Burnett, One time Highest Paid Pitcher in Baseball
- Chris CarpenterChris CarpenterChristopher John Carpenter is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who has played for the St. Louis Cardinals since 2003, and is currently signed with the team until the 2011 season, with a club option for 2012.Carpenter was 22 years old and a highly-regarded prospect when he broke into the...
, 3-time All-Star pitcher, World Series Champion in 2011 - Bobby CoxBobby CoxRobert Joseph "Bobby" Cox is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. He first led the Atlanta Braves from 1978 to 1981, and then managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985. He later rejoined the Braves in 1985 as a general manager...
Hall of Fame MLB Manager with Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
and most notably Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997.... - Carlos DelgadoCarlos DelgadoCarlos Juan Delgado Hernández is a retired Puerto Rican professional baseball player. With 473 home runs and 1,512 RBI, he holds the all-time home run and RBI records among Puerto Rican players....
, 2-time All-Star first baseman. 4 HR game with TorontoTorontoToronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
vs Tampa Bay RaysTampa Bay RaysThe Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field... - Tony FernandezTony FernándezOctavio Antonio Fernández Castro , better known as Tony Fernández, is a former Major League Baseball player most noted for his defensive skills setting a record for shortstops with a .992 fielding percentage in 1989.-Career:...
, All time Blue Jays Hit leader, 5-Time All Star Infielder, 4-Time Gold Glove Winner - Shawn GreenShawn GreenShawn David Green is a former Major League Baseball player.Green was a 1st round draft pick and a two-time major league All-Star...
, 2-time All-Star outfielder - Ron GuidryRon GuidryRonald Ames Guidry , nicknamed "Louisiana Lightning" and "Gator", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 14-year baseball career for the New York Yankees...
, 4-time All-Star pitcher - Roy HalladayRoy HalladayHarry Leroy "Roy" Halladay III , nicknamed "Doc", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies...
, 7-time All-Star pitcher - Aaron HillAaron Hill (baseball player)Aaron Walter Hill is an American professional baseball second baseman in Major League Baseball. Hill was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the first round of the 2003 MLB First Year Draft....
- Casey JanssenCasey JanssenRobert Casey Janssen is a right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays.He was selected by the Blue Jays out of UCLA in the fourth round of the draft. When an injury to A.J...
- Zach JacksonZach JacksonZachary Thomas Jackson, is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers organization.-Toronto Blue Jays:Jackson was drafted first in the first-year player draft by the Toronto Blue Jays in after completing his Junior year at Texas A&M University. He pitched very well, jumping to Triple-A...
- Jimmy KeyJimmy KeyJames Edward "Jimmy" Key is a former left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Toronto Blue Jays , New York Yankees , and Baltimore Orioles...
World Series Champion - Adam LindAdam LindAdam Alan Lind is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball. He was drafted in the third round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft and was signed on June 30, 2004. He was first drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the eighth round of...
- Gene LocklearGene LocklearGene Locklear is a former Major League Baseball outfielder, born in Lumberton, North Carolina. He played all or part of five seasons, from until , in the major leagues. He also played one season in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Nippon Ham Fighters in ....
Hit 4 Hr in one game, Played for New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe 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... - Fred McGriffFred McGriffFrederick Stanley McGriff is a left-handed former Major League Baseball player who starred for several teams from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s. A power-hitting first baseman with a tall, lanky build, the five-time All-Star became, in , the first player since the dead-ball era to lead both...
- Denny McLainDenny McLainDennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century....
- Thurman MunsonThurman MunsonThurman Lee Munson was an American Major League Baseball catcher. He played his entire 11-year career for the New York Yankees...
, 7-time All-Star catcher - Goody Rosen, All-Star outfielder
- Deion SandersDeion SandersDeion Luwynn Sanders , nicknamed "Prime Time" and "Neon Deion", is a former National Football League cornerback and Major League Baseball outfielder who currently works as an NFL Network analyst...
NFL Hall of famer,Super Bowl Champion - Hank SauerHank SauerHenry John "Hank" Sauer was a left fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1941 through 1959, Sauer played for the Cincinnati Reds , Chicago Cubs , St. Louis Cardinals , New York Giants and San Francisco Giants...
, All Time Chiefs Single Season Home Run Leader - Travis SniderTravis SniderTravis James Snider is a Major League Baseball player for the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He hits and throws left-handed. He played baseball at Henry M. Jackson High School, where he also played running back and linebacker in football...
- Luis SojoLuis SojoLuis 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...
- Ed Sprague Jr.
- Stephen StrasburgStephen StrasburgStephen James Strasburg is a right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals, who selected him with the first pick in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft...
, Highest Paid Contract For Drafted Player - Johnny RederJohnny RederJohn Anthony Reder is a former Polish American sportsman who during the 1930s played soccer with the Fall River Marksmen and the New Bedford Whalers and baseball for the Boston Red Sox. As a soccer goalkeeper he won three American Soccer League titles and two National Challenge Cup titles...
- Alex RiosAlex RíosAlexis Israel "Alex" Ríos is a Puerto Rican-American Major League Baseball outfielder who plays for the Chicago White Sox. He bats and throws right-handed.-Professional career:...
- David WellsDavid WellsDavid Lee Wells , nicknamed "Boomer", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Wells was considered to be one of the game's better left-handed pitchers, especially during his years with the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. He pitched the fifteenth perfect game in baseball history...
Owner of a perfect game with the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe 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... - Vernon Wells
Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame
The Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame was established in 1998 in conjunction with the 140th anniversary of the first organized baseball team in Syracuse. The categories for induction are:-First 75 years of professional baseball (1858–1933)
-Former Chiefs/SkyChiefs player (1934–present)
-Professional baseball player or person affiliated with professional baseball
Contributor to the game of baseball.
Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame Committee: Ron Gersbacher, John Simone, Tex Simone, Bob Snyder
1998
Grover Cleveland Alexander
Red Barrett,
Bill Dinneen,
Dave Giusti,
Mack Jones,
Hank Sauer
1999
Jim Bottomley,
Rob Gardner,
Bill Kelly,
Dutch Mele,
Jimmy Outlaw,
Lawrence Skiddy,
Frank Verdi
2000
Jack Corbett,
Jewel Ens,
Tom Henke,
Willie Horton,
Bob Shawkey,
Ed Shokes,
Hooks Wiltse
2001
Len Boehmer,
Johnny Gee,
Dave Lemanczyk,
Frank McCormick,
Jim Northrup,
Frank Schulte,
Tex Simone
2002
Rick Bladt,
Wally Cazen,
Frank DiPino,
Mike Dorgan,
Anthony Henninger,
Dixie Howell,
Jim Walsh
2003
Mike Barlow,
Dave Bergman,
Tony Fernandez,
Sandy Griffin,
Henry McCormick,
Red Parton,
Goody Rosen
2004
Mike Bragman,
Dutch Dotterer,
Howard Ehmke,
Jack Fifield,
Carden Gillenwater,
Mickey Klutts,
Willie Smith
2005
Dom Dallessandro,
John Harmon,
John Johnstone,
Pepper Martin,
Thurman Munson,
Jim Owens,
Vic Willis
2006
Alan Closter,
Steve Grilli,
Tom Higgins,
Bob Keegan,
Conny Murphy,
Doc Scanlan,
Frank Tepedino
2007
Dutch Dotterer, Jr.,
Ron Guidry,
Fred McGriff,
Dick Rockwell,
Specs Toporcer,
Otto Velez
2008
Bobby Cox,
Pat Gillick,
Ted Kleinhans,
Vic Power,
Tommy Thevenow,
Greg "Boomer" Wells,
Terry Whitfield
2009
Cupid Childs,
Babe Dahlgren,
William Hofmann, Sr.,
Rick Leach,
Gino Petralli,
Jon Ratliff,
Randy St. Claire
2010
Shawn Green,
Earl Harrist,
Chris Jones,
Dick Ryan,
Mickey Stanley,
Don Waful
2011
Jerry Brooks,
Lou Johnson,
Joseph Kren,
Gene Locklear,
Gus Mancuso,
Jim Prendergast
Retired numbers
| Number | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| #9 | Hank Sauer Hank Sauer Henry John "Hank" Sauer was a left fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1941 through 1959, Sauer played for the Cincinnati Reds , Chicago Cubs , St. Louis Cardinals , New York Giants and San Francisco Giants... |
|
| #42 | Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947... |
Retired throughout Baseball |
Television and radio
All Chiefs games are heard locally in central New York on 1260 AM The Score and www.thescore1260.com, broadcast by Jason Benetti. In Addition all Chiefs home games and road games are seen on MILB.TV, an internet video subscription service. Select games are broadcast live on Time Warner Cable SportsNet a central New York regional sports channel provided on Time Warner CableTime Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable is an American cable television company that operates in 28 states and has 31 operating divisions...
services throughout the Central and Northern New York area. The games on TWCS are called by Jason Benetti and Syracuse Wall of Fame member and former Major Leaguer Steve Grili. All games versus thurway rivals Rochester or Buffalo are broadcast on TWCS and feed between the cities, with the host city providing the presentation and announcers.
In popular culture
Writer Ken LevineKen Levine
Ken Levine is the creative director and co-founder of Irrational Games. He led the creation of the multi-million selling, multiple "game-of-the-year" award-winning video game BioShock, and is known for his work on Thief: The Dark Project and System Shock 2...
based the Springfield Isotopes minor league team in The 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 Dancin' Homer
Dancin' Homer
"Dancin' Homer" is the fifth episode of The Simpsons second season. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on November 8, 1990. In the episode, Homer fires up the crowd at a Springfield Isotopes baseball game and is chosen to be the team's new mascot. He immediately becomes a...
on experiences as an announcer for the Syracuse Chiefs. The episode includes references to former announcer Dan Hoard and owner Anthony "Tex" Simone (named Antoine "Tex" O'Hara in the episode).