Reno Silver Sox (minor league team)
Encyclopedia
The Reno Silver Sox were a minor league baseball team that existed on and off from 1947 to 1992. The team name is derived from the nickname of Nevada, the "Silver State". There was another baseball team known as the Reno Silver Sox who played in the Golden Baseball League
. From part of the 1955 season to 1992, they played their home games at Moana Stadium
.
from 1947 to 1949. They were affiliated with the New York Giants
during their time in the Sunset League. From 1950 to 1951, they were unaffiliated and played in the Far West League
. Starting in 1955, they played in the California League
, when the Channel Cities Oilers
moved to Reno to become the second incarnation of the Reno Silver Sox. They became affiliated with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956 and stayed affiliated with them until the Dodgers' move in 1957. They were then affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers
until 1962. From 1963 to 1964, they were affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates
. They did not organize in 1965, and therefore did not play ball. They came back in 1966 and lasted until 1981. From 1966 to 1974, they were affiliated with the Cleveland Indians
. From 1975 to 1976 they were affiliated with both the Minnesota Twins
and San Diego Padres
. From 1977 to 1981, they were affiliated with just the Padres. After the 1981 season, the team was renamed the Reno Padres and baseball was not played under the "Reno Silver Sox" name again until 1988. Still in the California League, they were unaffiliated from 1988 to 1991. In 1992 - the last season in which a "Silver Sox" team played in an affiliated league - they were affiliated with the Oakland Athletics
. Following the 1992 season, the team left Reno and move to Riverside to become the Riverside Pilots
. In 1996, they moved to Lancaster and became the Lancaster JetHawks
.
Golden Baseball League
The Golden Baseball League, based in San Ramon, California, was an independent baseball league. It later merged with the Northern League and the United Baseball League to form the North American League in the western United States, western Canada and Mexico....
. From part of the 1955 season to 1992, they played their home games at Moana Stadium
Moana Stadium
Moana Stadium is a stadium in Reno, Nevada. It is primarily used for baseball. Past teams have included the Reno Silver Sox, the Reno Blackjacks, Reno Padres and Reno Chukars. The ballpark had a capacity of 4,000 people...
.
History
The team first played in the Sunset LeagueSunset League
The Sunset League was a minor league baseball league that operated from 1947 through 1950. For the 1951 season, the league merged with the Arizona-Texas League to form the Southwest International League.- Former :...
from 1947 to 1949. They were affiliated with the New York 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....
during their time in the Sunset League. From 1950 to 1951, they were unaffiliated and played in the Far West League
Far West League
The Far West League was a "Class C" league in Minor League Baseball that had eight teams and operated from 1948-1951.-Cities represented:*Eugene, OR – Eugene Larks *Klamath Falls, OR – Klamath Falls Gems...
. Starting in 1955, they played in the California League
California League
The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
, when the Channel Cities Oilers
Channel Cities Oilers
The Channel Cities Oilers were a California League baseball team that played from 1954 to 1955. They were based in Ventura, California, USA and Santa Barbara, California. They played their home games at Laguna Park and Babe Ruth Field....
moved to Reno to become the second incarnation of the Reno Silver Sox. They became affiliated with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956 and stayed affiliated with them until the Dodgers' move in 1957. They were then affiliated with 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...
until 1962. From 1963 to 1964, they were affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. They did not organize in 1965, and therefore did not play ball. They came back in 1966 and lasted until 1981. From 1966 to 1974, they were affiliated with the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
. From 1975 to 1976 they were affiliated with both the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
and 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...
. From 1977 to 1981, they were affiliated with just the Padres. After the 1981 season, the team was renamed the Reno Padres and baseball was not played under the "Reno Silver Sox" name again until 1988. Still in the California League, they were unaffiliated from 1988 to 1991. In 1992 - the last season in which a "Silver Sox" team played in an affiliated league - they were affiliated with the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
. Following the 1992 season, the team left Reno and move to Riverside to become the Riverside Pilots
Riverside Pilots
The Riverside Pilots were a minor league baseball team in Riverside, California. They were a high-A class team that played in the California League, and were a farm team of the Seattle Mariners for the franchise’s entire stay in Riverside...
. In 1996, they moved to Lancaster and became the Lancaster JetHawks
Lancaster JetHawks
The Lancaster JetHawks are a minor league baseball team of the California League located in Lancaster, California. The team is named for the city's association with the aerospace industry and plays its home games at Clear Channel Stadium...
.
Championships
The Reno Silver Sox were league champions in 1948, 1960, 1961, 1975, 1976, and 2006. They are the only team in California League history to win back-to-back championships twice. http://www.renoballparkupdate.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=36Year-by-year record
(adapted from http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Reno_Silver_Sox)| Year | League | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Sunset League Sunset League The Sunset League was a minor league baseball league that operated from 1947 through 1950. For the 1951 season, the league merged with the Arizona-Texas League to form the Southwest International League.- Former :... |
69-69 | 4th | Thomas Lloyd | ||
| 1948 | Sunset League Sunset League The Sunset League was a minor league baseball league that operated from 1947 through 1950. For the 1951 season, the league merged with the Arizona-Texas League to form the Southwest International League.- Former :... |
77-63 | 3rd | Thomas Lloyd | League Champs | |
| 1949 | Sunset League Sunset League The Sunset League was a minor league baseball league that operated from 1947 through 1950. For the 1951 season, the league merged with the Arizona-Texas League to form the Southwest International League.- Former :... |
49-75 | 7th | Lilio Marcucci | none | |
| 1950 | Far West League Far West League The Far West League was a "Class C" league in Minor League Baseball that had eight teams and operated from 1948-1951.-Cities represented:*Eugene, OR – Eugene Larks *Klamath Falls, OR – Klamath Falls Gems... |
75-63 | 3rd | Joe Borich | Lost in 1st round | |
| 1951 | Far West League Far West League The Far West League was a "Class C" league in Minor League Baseball that had eight teams and operated from 1948-1951.-Cities represented:*Eugene, OR – Eugene Larks *Klamath Falls, OR – Klamath Falls Gems... |
52-65 | 3rd | Cotton Pippen Cotton Pippen Henry Harold "Cotton" Pippen was a 6'2" Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher for three years with St. Louis Cardinals , Philadelphia Athletics , and Detroit Tigers . Pippen was born in Cisco, Texas , where his father was a rancher... |
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| 1955 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
40-106 overall | 8th | Leonard Noren | Channel Cities Channel Cities Oilers The Channel Cities Oilers were a California League baseball team that played from 1954 to 1955. They were based in Ventura, California, USA and Santa Barbara, California. They played their home games at Laguna Park and Babe Ruth Field.... moved to Reno July 1 |
|
| 1956 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
73-67 | 4th | Ray Perry Ray Perry (baseball) Raymond Lawrence Perry is a former player and manager in Minor League Baseball.Perry played in the minors from 1940-1954, missing 1943-1945 due to service in World War II. He put up good numbers in the minors but a broken leg and the service in the war hurt his chances to advance... |
Lost in 1st round | |
| 1957 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
79-59 | 2nd | Ray Perry Ray Perry (baseball) Raymond Lawrence Perry is a former player and manager in Minor League Baseball.Perry played in the minors from 1940-1954, missing 1943-1945 due to service in World War II. He put up good numbers in the minors but a broken leg and the service in the war hurt his chances to advance... |
Lost League Finals | |
| 1958 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
68-69 | 6th | Ray Perry Ray Perry (baseball) Raymond Lawrence Perry is a former player and manager in Minor League Baseball.Perry played in the minors from 1940-1954, missing 1943-1945 due to service in World War II. He put up good numbers in the minors but a broken leg and the service in the war hurt his chances to advance... |
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| 1959 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
81-58 | 2nd | Ray Perry Ray Perry (baseball) Raymond Lawrence Perry is a former player and manager in Minor League Baseball.Perry played in the minors from 1940-1954, missing 1943-1945 due to service in World War II. He put up good numbers in the minors but a broken leg and the service in the war hurt his chances to advance... |
||
| 1960 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
89-51 | 1st | Tom Saffell Tom Saffell Thomas Judson Saffell is a former major league outfielder from Etowah, Tennessee-Early life:Saffell grew up playing sports, especially fast-pitch softball. His team won the state tournament and played in a national tournament in Detroit, Michigan. After completing high school in 1940, Saffell... |
League Champs | |
| 1961 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
97-43 | 1st | Roy Smalley | League Champs | |
| 1962 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
70-68 | 4th | Roy Smalley | Lost League Finals | |
| 1963 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
71-69 | 5th | Tom Saffell Tom Saffell Thomas Judson Saffell is a former major league outfielder from Etowah, Tennessee-Early life:Saffell grew up playing sports, especially fast-pitch softball. His team won the state tournament and played in a national tournament in Detroit, Michigan. After completing high school in 1940, Saffell... |
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| 1964 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
66-71 | 6th | Tom Saffell Tom Saffell Thomas Judson Saffell is a former major league outfielder from Etowah, Tennessee-Early life:Saffell grew up playing sports, especially fast-pitch softball. His team won the state tournament and played in a national tournament in Detroit, Michigan. After completing high school in 1940, Saffell... / Harvey Koepf |
none | |
| 1966 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
69-71 | 4th (t) | Phil Cavarretta Phil Cavarretta Philip Joseph Cavarretta was an American Major League Baseball first baseman, outfielder, and manager.Cavarretta spent almost his entire baseball career with the Chicago Cubs. He was voted the National League Most Valuable Player after leading the Cubs to the pennant while winning the batting... |
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| 1967 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
56-82 | 8th | Phil Cavarretta Phil Cavarretta Philip Joseph Cavarretta was an American Major League Baseball first baseman, outfielder, and manager.Cavarretta spent almost his entire baseball career with the Chicago Cubs. He was voted the National League Most Valuable Player after leading the Cubs to the pennant while winning the batting... |
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| 1968 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
67-72 | 5th | Clay Bryant Clay Bryant Claiborne Henry Bryant was a Major League Baseball player from 1935 to 1940 for the Chicago Cubs. Bryant was mainly a pitcher, although in 1939 he played one game as an outfielder. In 1938 he compiled a 19-11 record with a 3.10 ERA... |
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| 1969 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
72-68 | 3rd (t) | Ken Aspromonte Ken Aspromonte Kenneth Joseph Aspromonte is a former second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball who had a seven-year career from 1957 to 1963. He played for the Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians, and Los Angeles Angels of the American League, and the Milwaukee Braves and Chicago... |
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| 1970 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
79-61 | 2nd | Pinky May Pinky May Merrill Glend "Pinky" May , is a former professional baseball player who played third base in the Major Leagues from 1939-1943. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies. After his playing days ended May served in the military during World War II from 1944 to 1945... |
none | |
| 1971 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
64-75 | 7th | Pinky May Pinky May Merrill Glend "Pinky" May , is a former professional baseball player who played third base in the Major Leagues from 1939-1943. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies. After his playing days ended May served in the military during World War II from 1944 to 1945... |
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| 1972 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
50-88 | 8th | Lou Klimchock Lou Klimchock Louis Stephen Klimchock was an infielder for the Kansas City Athletics , Milwaukee Braves , Washington Senators , New York Mets and Cleveland Indians .... |
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| 1973 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
70-70 | 4th (t) | Lou Klimchock Lou Klimchock Louis Stephen Klimchock was an infielder for the Kansas City Athletics , Milwaukee Braves , Washington Senators , New York Mets and Cleveland Indians .... |
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| 1974 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
61-79 | 6th (t) | Joe Azcue Joe Azcue José Joaquín Azcue López is a former Cuban professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers. Nicknamed "The Immortal Azcue", he was known for his... / interim (June 29-July 3) / Del Youngblood |
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| 1975 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
86-54 | 1st | Harry Warner Harry Warner (baseball) Harry Clinton Warner is a retired American coach in Major League Baseball and a former first baseman and manager at the minor league level... |
League Champs | |
| 1976 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
75-62 | 3rd | Johnny Goryl Johnny Goryl John Albert Goryl is a special adviser/player development for the Cleveland Indians and a former infielder, manager and coach in American Major League Baseball.... |
League Champs | |
| 1977 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
59-81 | 5th | Glenn Ezell Glenn Ezell Glenn Wayne Ezell is an American former front-office executive in Major League Baseball, as well as a former MLB coach and minor league catcher and manager.... |
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| 1978 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
62-78 | 5th | Eddie Watt Eddie Watt Eddie Dean Watt is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. The 5'10", 197 lb. right-hander was signed by the Baltimore Orioles as an amateur free agent on September 5, 1961... |
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| 1979 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
74-67 | 3rd | Eddie Watt Eddie Watt Eddie Dean Watt is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. The 5'10", 197 lb. right-hander was signed by the Baltimore Orioles as an amateur free agent on September 5, 1961... |
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| 1980 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
75-66 | 2nd (t) | Jack Maloof Jack Maloof Jack Garth Maloof is a former minor league baseball player who has held numerous roles in professional baseball, including executive and major league coach.... |
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| 1981 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
81-58 | 2nd | Jack Maloof Jack Maloof Jack Garth Maloof is a former minor league baseball player who has held numerous roles in professional baseball, including executive and major league coach.... |
Lost in 1st round | |
| 1988 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
39-103 | 10th | Nate Oliver Nate Oliver Nathaniel Oliver had a seven-year major league career in the 1960s, mostly with the Los Angeles Dodgers.Nate is the son of Jim Oliver, Sr., who had played in the Negro Leagues. James Oliver Field in St... |
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| 1989 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
68-74 | 6th | Eli Grba Eli Grba Eli Grba is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During his 5-year baseball career, he pitched for the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels . He was the first selection in the 1960 MLB expansion draft, and he became a charter member of the Angels... |
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| 1990 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
71-68 | 6th | Mike Brown Mike Brown (pitcher) For other uses, see: Michael Brown .Michael Gary Brown is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners . He was drafted in the second round of the 1980 draft, chosen in the second round, 48th pick overall out of Clemson... |
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| 1991 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
59-77 | 7th | Mal Fichman Mal Fichman Mal Fichman is a minor league manager notable for leading multiple championship teams in the Frontier League in the mid-to-late 1990s.He first became a minor league manager in 1979, heading the Newark Co-Pilots. In 1980, he led the Rocky Mount Pines to a 24-114 record. He next managed in 1987,... |
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| 1992 | California League California League The California League is a Class A Advanced minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth... |
65-71 | 8th | Gary Jones | ||