Key West Padres
Encyclopedia
The Key West Padres were a Class A-Advanced minor league baseball
affiliate of the San Diego Padres
for one season. The team played its home games at Wickers Stadium in Key West, Florida
.
affiliate of the San Diego Padres in the year 1969. The 1969 season was the first in the Major League history of the San Diego franchise. Prior to the 1969 Padres, Key West had not played host to a professional team since 1952 when the Key West Conchs played a partial season at Wickers Stadiuum. The team would enjoy a successful first season with a 66-64 record, which was good enough for a third place finish in the Southern Division of the FSL.
The 1969 Key West Padres were managed by legendary future Major League manager, Don Zimmer
.
At the end of the season Padres management would fold the team and move much of their minor league operations to the west coast. The City of Key West would not have a team in the 1970 season, however, in 1971 a new team, the Key West Sun Caps
would emerge.
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...
affiliate of the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
for one season. The team played its home games at Wickers Stadium in Key West, Florida
Key West, Florida
Key West is a city in Monroe County, Florida, United States. The city encompasses the island of Key West, the part of Stock Island north of U.S. 1 , Sigsbee Park , Fleming Key , and Sunset Key...
.
History
The Key West Padres were the Single A Florida State LeagueFlorida State League
The Florida State League is a Class A-Advanced minor league baseball league operating in the state of Florida. They are one of three leagues currently operating in Class A-Advanced, the third highest of six classifications of minor leagues...
affiliate of the San Diego Padres in the year 1969. The 1969 season was the first in the Major League history of the San Diego franchise. Prior to the 1969 Padres, Key West had not played host to a professional team since 1952 when the Key West Conchs played a partial season at Wickers Stadiuum. The team would enjoy a successful first season with a 66-64 record, which was good enough for a third place finish in the Southern Division of the FSL.
The 1969 Key West Padres were managed by legendary future Major League manager, Don Zimmer
Don Zimmer
Donald William "Popeye" Zimmer is a former infielder, manager, and coach in Major League Baseball, currently serving as a senior advisor to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball organization...
.
At the end of the season Padres management would fold the team and move much of their minor league operations to the west coast. The City of Key West would not have a team in the 1970 season, however, in 1971 a new team, the Key West Sun Caps
Key West Sun Caps
The Key West Sun Caps were a Class A-Advanced minor league baseball team that existed for one season before being re-named. The team played its home games at Wickers Stadium in Key West, Florida.-History:...
would emerge.