The Texas Rangers have one of the more fascinating histories in Major League Baseball. The franchise began in Washington, D.C., as the expansion Washington Senators in 1961, moved to Washington Senators, for the 1972 season and became the Texas Rangers. For decades, the franchise struggled to reach the postseason. That changed in the 1990s, when Texas developed into an American League West contender. The Rangers eventually reached their first World Series in 2010, returned in 2011, and finally captured their first championship in 2023, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games. The Beginning: Washington Senators The modern Rangers franchise began in 1961 as an expansion version of the Washington Senators. The original Washington Senators had moved to Minnesota after the 1960 season and became the Minnesota Twins. MLB then awarded Washington another expansion club for 1961. The New Senators Played their first season at Griffith Stadium before moving into the newly constructed D.C. Stadium in 1962. The franchise remained in Washington through the 1971 season. Washington owner Bob Short eventually received permission to move the club to Arlington, Texas. The move was completed after the 1971 season, and the club became the Texas Rangers in 1972. The first Texas Rangers game was played on April 15, 1972, against the California Angels. Texas lost that game 1-0, but the move established Major League Baseball permanently in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. All Texas Rangers Principal Owners MLB’s official ownership history lists six principal ownership periods. Robert E. “Bob” Short 1968–1974 Bob Short purchased the Washington Senators in 1968. His most important decision came in 1971 when he received approval to move the franchise to Arlington. The team became the Texas Rangers beginning with the 1972 season. Short sold the franchise to Bradford G. Corbett in 1974. Bradford G. Corbett 1974–1980 Corbett purchased the Rangers in 1974. His ownership period included the emergence of some important Rangers players, including Jeff Burroughs and Toby Harrah, while future Hall of Fame pitchers Ferguson Jenkins, Gaylord Perry and Bert Blyleven also passed through the organization. The Rangers won 84 games in 1974, their first winning season in Texas, and Jeff Burroughs won the American League MVP Award. Corbett sold the team to H.E. “Eddie” Chiles in 1980. H.E. “Eddie” Chiles 1980–1989 Chiles was a Fort Worth businessman and became the Rangers’ principal owner in 1980. During his ownership the Rangers signed one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. In December 1988, Nolan Ryan signed with Texas as a free agent at age 41. Ryan’s arrival would eventually become one of the most important events in Rangers history. George W. Bush / Edward W. “Rusty” Rose Partnership 1989–1998 An ownership group led by George W. Bush and Edward W. “Rusty” Rose purchased controlling interest in the Rangers in March 1989. Bush eventually became the club’s managing general partner before becoming Governor of Texas and later President of the United States. The ownership group oversaw one of the most important periods in Rangers history, including the construction of a new ballpark and the emergence of Nolan Ryan, Juan González and Ivan Rodriguez. Thomas O. Hicks 1998–2010 Thomas O. Hicks purchased the Rangers in 1998 for approximately $250 million. His ownership included some of the greatest offensive players in franchise history, including: Ivan Rodriguez, Juan González, Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro, and Mark Teixeira The Rangers won three American League West titles during this period, in 1998, 1999 and 2010. The 2010 season ended with Texas reaching its first World Series. Rangers Baseball Express 2010–Present A group led initially by Rangers Baseball Express Bob Simpson and Nolan Ryan purchased the Rangers in 2010. The ownership group was later led by Ray Davis and Bob Simpson. Davis became the controlling owner in 2013 after Nolan Ryan stepped down from that role. Under the Davis-Simpson ownership, the Rangers eventually won the first World Series championship in franchise history in 2023. MLB officially continues to list Rangers Baseball Express as the ownership entity. Every Ballpark the Rangers Have Called Home The Rangers franchise has played regular-season home games in five primary stadiums. Griffith Stadium Washington, D.C. — 1961 The expansion Washington Senators played their first season at historic Griffith Stadium. The ballpark had been home to the original Washington Senators and was also associated with the Washington baseball history of the early 20th century. After the 1961 season, the new Senators moved to D.C. Stadium. D.C. Stadium / Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Washington, D.C. — 1962–1971 The Senators moved into D.C. Stadium in 1962. The facility was renamed Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in 1969. The franchise remained there until moving to Arlington following the 1971 season. Arlington Stadium Arlington, Texas — 1972–1993 Arlington Stadium originally operated as Turnpike Stadium, a minor-league facility. When Major League Baseball arrived, the stadium was expanded and renamed Arlington Stadium. The Rangers played there from 1972 through 1993. The final Rangers game at Arlington Stadium was played in October 1993. The Ballpark in Arlington / Ameriquest Field / Rangers Ballpark / Globe Life Park Arlington, Texas — 1994–2019 The Rangers opened their new ballpark in 1994. The facility went through several names: The Ballpark in Arlington — 1994–2004 Ameriquest Field in Arlington — 2004–2007 Rangers Ballpark in Arlington — 2007–2014 Globe Life Park in Arlington — 2014–2019 It became the backdrop for some of the greatest moments in Rangers history, including the club’s first two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011. Globe Life Field Arlington, Texas — 2020–present The Rangers moved into Globe Life Field in 2020. The stadium features a retractable roof and climate-controlled environment, a particularly important feature in the Texas summer. The Rangers’ current lease agreement with Arlington extends through the end of 2053. Globe Life Field became the site of the Rangers’ first World Series championship celebration in 2023. Cooperstown Hall of Famers Who Entered the Hall as Rangers One distinction is important when discussing Rangers Hall of Famers. Several Cooperstown Hall of Famers played for the franchise, including Nolan… Continue reading TEXAS RANGERS: COMPLETE HISTORY
Tag: Arizona Diamondbacks
Tampa Bay Rays: A Complete History
The Tampa Bay Rays have one of the most unusual histories in Major League Baseball. The franchise began play in 1998 as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, endured years of losing baseball, changed its name to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008, immediately reached the World Series, and eventually became one of baseball’s most innovative small-market organizations. The franchise has won two American League pennants — in 2008 and 2020 — but has never won a World Series. Through 2026, the Rays have established themselves as one of baseball’s most successful organizations at developing players, making trades and competing despite operating in a relatively small market. The Birth of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay Tampa Bay spent decades trying to obtain a Major League Baseball team. On March 9, 1995, MLB awarded an expansion franchise to an ownership group led by Vincent J. Naimoli. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks were approved as MLB’s two expansion franchises for the 1998 season. The Devil Rays played their first regular-season game in 1998. The early years were extremely difficult. Tampa Bay finished last in the American League East in six consecutive seasons from 1998 through 2003 and again from 2005 through 2007. Everything changed after the 2007 season. The organization changed its name from the Devil Rays to the Tampa Bay Rays, adopted a new identity and began the 2008 season with a dramatically improved roster. The Rays went from years of last-place finishes to winning the American League pennant in their first season under the new name. Rays Ownership History 1. Vincent J. Naimoli and the Original Ownership Group — 1998–2005 Vincent J. Naimoli was the driving force behind bringing Major League Baseball to Tampa Bay. Naimoli led the original ownership group when the Devil Rays were awarded the expansion franchise. The group included Naimoli and several Tampa Bay-area investors. Naimoli remained the principal figure in the franchise’s ownership during its difficult first years. He brought Major League Baseball to the Tampa Bay region, but the team’s early struggles eventually led to a change in control. MLB describes Naimoli as the original owner and the person who led the group that brought the franchise to Tampa Bay. 2. Stuart Sternberg — 2005–2025 Stuart Sternberg became the franchise’s principal owner in October 2005. His ownership represented the turning point in Rays history. Sternberg hired Andrew Friedman to lead baseball operations and eventually oversaw the transformation from the struggling Devil Rays into the innovative Tampa Bay Rays. The biggest change came after the 2007 season, when the organization dropped “Devil” from its name. Under Sternberg, the Rays: Won the 2008 American League pennant Reached the 2008 World Series Won the AL East in 2008, 2010 and 2020 Reached the postseason repeatedly Won another American League pennant in 2020 Developed one of baseball’s strongest player-development systems Sternberg ultimately sold the franchise in 2025 after two decades as principal owner. 3. Patrick Zalupski-Led Ownership Group — 2025–Present The sale of the Rays was completed on September 30, 2025. The new ownership group is led by: Patrick Zalupski — Managing Partner and Co-Chair Bill Cosgrove — Co-Chair Ken Babby — Chief Executive Officer The ownership group also includes a broader collection of investors and an executive advisory board. Zalupski’s group became the third major ownership group in franchise history following Naimoli and Sternberg. One of the new ownership group’s primary goals is establishing a permanent future home for the Rays in the Tampa Bay area. In August 2026, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved the Rays’ proposed “Forever Home” ballpark agreement following approval by the Tampa City Council. The proposed new stadium is planned as part of a larger development at the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus. Every Ballpark the Rays Have Called Home The Rays’ history includes considerably more ballparks than most fans realize. Hillsborough College Dale Mabry— St. Petersburg, Florida 1998–2024; 2026–present Tropicana Field has been the Rays’ primary home since their inaugural season. The facility originally opened in 1990 as the Florida Suncoast Dome, later became known as the ThunderDome, and was renamed Tropicana Field in 1996. The Rays played their first season there in 1998 and returned there in 2026 after a one-season absence caused by hurricane damage. Tropicana Field hosted the Rays’ first World Series games in 2008. The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports / Champion Stadium 2007 and 2008 The Rays played regular-season games at Disney’s complex in Lake Buena Vista. They hosted the Texas Rangers there in May 2007 and the Toronto Blue Jays in April 2008, going a combined 6-0 in those games. Tokyo Dome — Tokyo, Japan 2004 The Devil Rays played two regular-season games against the New York Yankees at Tokyo Dome on March 30–31, 2004. Tampa Bay won the opener 8-3 but lost the second game 12-1, giving the club a 1-1 record in Tokyo. Citi Field — New York 2017 Citi Field forced the Rays to relocate their scheduled series against the Yankees from Tropicana Field to Citi Field. Tampa Bay served as the home team and went 1-2 in the three-game series. Petco Park — San Diego 2020 postseason Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 American League Division Series and Championship Series were played at neutral sites. The Rays played at Petco Park and went 5-2 there while defeating the Yankees in the AL Division Series and Houston Astros in the AL Championship Series. Globe Life Field — Arlington, Texas 2020 World Series The entire 2020 World Series was played at Globe Life Field. Tampa Bay was officially the home team for Games 3, 4 and 5. George M. Steinbrenner Field — Tampa, Florida 2025 Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field in October 2024. As a result, the Rays played their entire 2025 home schedule at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ spring-training facility and the home of the Tampa Tarpons. Tampa Bay went 41-40 at Steinbrenner Field in 2025. Cooperstown Hall of… Continue reading Tampa Bay Rays: A Complete History
Arizona Diamondbacks: Complete MLB History
From Expansion Franchise to World Series Champions The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of Major League Baseball’s youngest franchises, but they have already built an impressive history. Arizona was awarded an expansion franchise in 1995 and began National League play in 1998. In only their sixth season, the Diamondbacks won the 2001 World Series, defeating the New York Yankees in one of the most dramatic World Series ever played. The franchise has also produced or featured MVPs, Rookie of the Year winners, Cy Young Award winners, All-Stars and future Cooperstown Hall of Famers. The Birth of the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball announced the addition of Arizona and Tampa Bay as expansion franchises on March 9, 1995. Aizona’s ownership. The group was headed by Jerry Colangelo, the longtime Phoenix sports executive who had also been involved with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. The Diamondbacks began play in 1998 as members of the National League West. Their first regular-season game was played on March 31, 1998, against the Colorado Rockies at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix. Arizona won its first game, defeating Colorado 9-2. The expansion Diamondbacks immediately demonstrated that they intended to compete rather than simply develop slowly. Arizona Diamondbacks Ownership History The Diamondbacks have had two principal ownership eras. Years Principal Owner/Ownership 1995-2004 Jerry Colangelo-led ownership group 2004-present Ken Kendrick-led ownership group Jerry Colangelo — 1995-2004 Jerry Colangelo was the driving force behind bringing Major League Baseball to Arizona. He assembled the original ownership group and served as the Diamondbacks’ managing general partner during the club’s formative years. Colangelo’s aggressive approach helped Arizona become competitive almost immediately. The Diamondbacks won the National League West in only their second season, 1999. Ken Kendrick — 2004-present In 2004, Ken Kendrick became the Diamondbacks’ managing general partner and controlling owner. Kendrick had been an investor in the franchise before becoming its controlling owner. He remains the Diamondbacks’ managing general partner. The current ownership group also includes prominent Arizona business and sports investors. Diamondbacks Home Ballparks Arizona has had one permanent home stadium. Bank One Ballpark — 1998-2005 The Diamondbacks opened their franchise at Bank One Ballpark. It featured a retractable roof and was one of the first major-league stadiums designed specifically to deal with Arizona’s extreme summer heat. The stadium also featured a natural-grass playing surface. Bank One Ballpark became one of the most recognizable facilities in Major League Baseball. Chase Field — 2005-Present Bank One was acquired by JPMorgan Chase, and the stadium was renamed Chase Field in 2005. Chase Field remains the home of the Diamondbacks. The retractable roof allows the club to play through Phoenix’s hot summer weather. The stadium also contains one of baseball’s most unusual features: a retractable swimming pool beyond the right-center-field fence. Chase Field hosted the 2001 World Series, the 2001 All-Star Game and numerous memorable postseason games. The Amazing 1998 Expansion Season The Diamondbacks were expected to struggle in their first season. Instead, they quickly developed a competitive roster. Some of the early stars included: Randy Johnson, Luis Gonzalez, Matt Williams, Jay Bell, Steve Finley, and Andy Benes. The Diamondbacks finished their first season 65-97, but the foundation for something much bigger had already been established. Randy Johnson Arrives One of the most important transactions in franchise history came before the 1999 season. Arizona signed Randy Johnson, already an established star but entering the prime of his career. Johnson became the greatest pitcher in Diamondbacks history. From 1999 through 2002, he won the National League Cy Young Award four consecutive times. His 1999 season was extraordinary: 17 wins 9 losses 2.48 ERA 364 strikeouts He struck out 364 batters in 1999, one of the greatest strikeout totals of the modern era. The 1999 Diamondbacks Arizona went from expansion team to division champion almost overnight. The Diamondbacks won 100 games in 1999 and captured the National League West. They became the fastest expansion franchise to reach 100 victories. Although Arizona lost to the New York Mets in the Division Series, the 1999 season announced that the Diamondbacks had arrived. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling The Diamondbacks eventually formed one of the greatest pitching combinations in franchise history. Randy Johnson The intimidating left-hander was nearly unhittable during his prime. Curt Schilling Arizona acquired Schilling from the Philadelphia Phillies in 2000. Together, Johnson and Schilling became the foundation of the 2001 championship team. Their combination of power, experience and postseason pitching made Arizona one of baseball’s strongest clubs. The 2001 World Series The 2001 Diamondbacks won 92 games and captured the National League West. They defeated: St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees to reach the World Series. The Yankees had won the previous three World Series and were attempting to win a fourth consecutive championship. Arizona had other plans. Diamondbacks vs. Yankees — 2001 The World Series became one of the most memorable in baseball history. Arizona won Games 1 and 2 at home. The Yankees won Games 3, 4 and 5 in New York. The series returned to Phoenix for Games 6 and 7. Arizona won Game 6 behind Randy Johnson. Then came Game 7. The 2001 World Series Game 7 The Diamondbacks led 2-1 entering the bottom of the ninth inning. Mariano Rivera was pitching for New York. Arizona rallied. Tony Womack singled. Luis Gonzalez came to the plate with the bases loaded. Gonzalez hit a soft single over the head of Derek Jeter. Bob Brenly scored from third base. Arizona won 3-2. The Diamondbacks became World Series champions. It was the first professional major-league championship for an Arizona team. 2001 World Series MVP Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling shared honors. The two aces combined to dominate the Yankees throughout the Series. Arizona’s championship was particularly remarkable because the franchise was only four years old. Arizona Diamondbacks World Series History The Diamondbacks have reached the World Series twice. Year Opponent Result 2001 New York Yankees Won 4-3 2023 Texas Rangers Lost 4-1 World Series Championships 1 — 2001 The 2023 World Series Return More than… Continue reading Arizona Diamondbacks: Complete MLB History
Seattle Mariners Complete History: From 1977 to Today
The Seattle Mariners entered Major League Baseball in 1977 as an American League expansion franchise. From their early struggles in the Kingdome to the glory years of Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson and Ichiro Suzuki, the Mariners have produced some of baseball’s most memorable players and moments. Seattle has never won a World Series, and it has never appeared in the World Series. Yet the Mariners have won division championships, produced MVPs, Rookie of the Year winners, Cy Young Award winners and numerous Hall of Famers. The franchise has also become famous for another reason: some of the great players it traded away before they reached their full potential. The Beginning of the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball awarded Seattle an expansion franchise on February 6, 1976, with the team scheduled to begin play in 1977. The ownership group included entertainer Danny Kaye and Seattle-area businessmen Stanley Golub, Walter Schoenfeld, Lester Smith, James Stillwell Jr. and James A. Walsh. The team held a contest to select its name. More than 15,000 entries were submitted, and the name Mariners was selected because of Seattle’s connection to the sea and Puget Sound. The Mariners played their first regular-season game on April 6, 1977, against the California Angels at the Kingdome. Seattle lost 7-0. The first Mariners victory came two games later, when Seattle defeated the Angels 7-6. The inaugural Mariners team finished 64-98. Mariners Ownership History The Mariners have had five major ownership eras. 1. Original Ownership Group — 1976-1981 The original ownership group consisted of: Stanley Golub, Danny Kaye, Walter Schoenfeld, Lester Smith, James Stillwell Jr, James A. Walsh Danny Kaye, the famous actor and entertainer, became the best-known member of the original ownership group. 2. George Argyros — 1981-1989 Real-estate developer George Argyros became the principal owner in January 1981 after purchasing a majority interest in the franchise. His ownership came during one of the more difficult periods in Mariners history. 3. Jeff Smulyan and Partners — 1989-1992 In 1989, the Mariners were purchased by a partnership involving: Jeff Smulyan, Emmis Broadcasting, Michael Browning, Morgan Stanley Group Smulyan became chairman. 4. Nintendo of America / Baseball Club of Seattle — 1992-2016 The Baseball Club of Seattle took control of the Mariners in 1992. The ownership group was closely associated with Nintendo and Hiroshi Yamauchi. Howard Lincoln became one of the most recognizable executives of the Nintendo era. This period included the greatest stretch of Mariners baseball to that point, featuring Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, Ichiro Suzuki and Félix Hernández. 5. First Avenue Entertainment / Baseball Club of Seattle — 2016-Present In 2016, Nintendo sold the majority of its interest to the current ownership group, First Avenue Entertainment LLLP, while retaining a 10-percent interest. John Stanton became chairman, CEO and MLB control person. John Stanton remains the principal public face of Mariners ownership. MARINERS HOME PARKS Kingdome — 1977-1999 The Kingdome was the Mariners’ original home. Seattle played its first game there on April 6, 1977, and remained in the stadium until June 27, 1999. The Kingdome was an enormous concrete domed stadium and also hosted the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle SuperSonics and other sporting events. The final Mariners game at the Kingdome was played June 27, 1999, when Seattle defeated Texas 5-2. The Kingdome was demolished in 2000. The Kingdome’s Greatest Mariners Moment The 1995 season transformed the franchise. The Mariners won their first American League West championship and then defeated the New York Yankees in one of the most famous playoff series in baseball history. Edgar Martinez’s double in Game 5 of the Division Series scored Joey Cora and Ken Griffey Jr., giving Seattle a dramatic 11-inning victory and sending the Mariners to their first American League Championship Series. That season helped convince Seattle that Major League Baseball belonged in the city and played a major role in building support for a new ballpark. T-Mobile Park — 1999-Present The Mariners moved into their new ballpark in July 1999. The stadium opened as Safeco Field and retained that name until 2018. Beginning in 2019, it became T-Mobile Park. The first game was played July 15, 1999, against the San Diego Padres. T-Mobile Park features a retractable roof that protects fans and players from Seattle’s weather while still allowing the stadium to function as an open-air ballpark. The stadium has hosted: Mariners games The 2001 MLB All-Star Game Numerous playoff games Félix Hernández’s perfect game Multiple no-hitters Some of the greatest moments of the Ichiro era Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame and Baseball Hall of Fame Players Several players who wore a Mariners uniform have eventually been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Gaylord Perry — Hall of Fame Class of 1991 Hometown: Williamston, North Carolina Position: Pitcher Mariners: 1982-1983 Perry joined Seattle late in his career while chasing 300 victories. He achieved the milestone with the Mariners in 1982. Perry finished his career with 314 victories and two Cy Young Awards. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1991. Interestingly, Perry also pitched for the New York Yankees during his career. Rickey Henderson — Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Position: Outfielder Mariners: 2000 Rickey Henderson was already one of baseball’s greatest players when he briefly played for Seattle. He finished his career with: 3,055 hits 2,295 runs 1,406 stolen bases 297 home runs He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2009. Henderson also played for the New York Yankees and won a World Series with Oakland and Toronto. Randy Johnson — Hall of Fame Class of 2015 Hometown: Walnut Creek, California Position: Pitcher Mariners: 1989-1998 Randy Johnson arrived… Continue reading Seattle Mariners Complete History: From 1977 to Today
Colorado Rockies Complete History
From Expansion Team to the 2007 World Series The Colorado Rockies are one of Major League Baseball’s youngest franchises. The National League awarded Denver an expansion franchise in 1991, and the Rockies played their first game in 1993. Although Colorado has never won a World Series, the franchise has produced some extraordinary players, including Hall of Famers Larry Walker and Todd Helton, National League MVP Larry Walker, Rookie of the Year Jason Jennings, batting champions, Gold Glove winners and one of baseball’s most explosive offenses. The Rockies have also become closely associated with one of baseball’s most unique environments: Coors Field, where Denver’s altitude has dramatically influenced the way baseball is played. The Birth of the Colorado Rockies Denver as one of its two expansion franchises on July 5, 1991. The original ownership group experienced major problems before the Rockies ever played a game. John Antonucci and Michael I. Monus were initially major figures in the ownership effort, but Monus became embroiled in the Phar-Mor accounting scandal. The ownership group was reorganized before the franchise took the field. Jerry McMorris became the principal public face of the organization, and Charlie Monfort and Oren Benton joined the ownership group. The reorganized group completed the acquisition of the franchise by paying the $95 million expansion fee. That group ultimately gave Denver a Major League Baseball team. Colorado Rockies Ownership History Because the Rockies began with a large partnership rather than a single individual owner, their ownership history is somewhat complicated. Original ownership group — 1991-1992 Important figures in the original effort included: John Antonucci, Michael I. Monus, Peter Coors, Linda Alvarado, Other Colorado investors and business interests The original ownership arrangement changed dramatically following the Monus scandal. Jerry McMorris era — 1992-2005 Jerry McMorris became the principal owner and leading executive of the reorganized Rockies ownership group. Charlie Monfort became part of the controlling group in 1992, along with McMorris and Oren Benton. Dick Monfort later joined his brother in the ownership group. McMorris eventually sold his remaining interest to the Monfort brothers. Monfort family — 2005-present In 2005, Dick and Charlie Monfort completed the purchase of McMorris’ remaining interest and became the controlling owners of the Rockies. Dick Monfort eventually became chairman and CEO, while Charlie Monfort remained an owner and general partner. The Rockies’ official front office currently lists: Dick Monfort — Owner, Chairman & CEO Charlie Monfort — Owner/General Partner Walker Monfort — President Penner Sports Group — 2026 Penner Sports Group, representing Denver Broncos owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner, purchased approximately a 40% minority stake in the Rockies. MLB approved the transaction. The Monfort family remains the controlling ownership group, while Penner Sports Group became the largest minority partner. The investment was also used to retire the franchise’s outstanding debt and provide additional capital. As of September 2026, the Rockies therefore remain controlled by the Monfort family, with the Penner group holding a substantial minority interest. The First Rockies Season — 1993 The Rockies played their first regular-season game on April 5, 1993, against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. Colorado lost that game 3-0, with David Nied serving as the first starting pitcher in franchise history. The first home game came April 9, 1993, at Mile High Stadium. The Rockies defeated the Montreal Expos 11-4 in front of a massive crowd. Colorado immediately became one of baseball’s biggest attendance attractions. The inaugural season drew 4,483,350 fans, an MLB attendance record at the time. Rockies Home Ballparks 1. Mile High Stadium — 1993-1994 The Rockies played their first two seasons at Mile High Stadium. The stadium had originally been built primarily for football, but baseball fans quickly made it one of the loudest venues in the National League. During their two seasons there, the Rockies drew more than 7.7 million fans. In 1993 alone, 4,483,350 fans attended Rockies games. The baseball configuration could accommodate enormous crowds, helping establish the Rockies’ reputation as one of baseball’s best-supported expansion teams. The Early Rockies The early Rockies became known as the Blake Street Bombers, a nickname inspired by the team’s powerful lineup and the location of Coors Field. Among the early stars were: Andrés Galarraga, Dante Bichette, Larry Walker, Vinny Castilla, Ellis Burks, Eric Young, Walt Weiss The Rockies became one of the National League’s most entertaining offensive clubs. In 1995, Colorado reached the postseason for the first time. The Rockies won the National League Wild Card and faced the Atlanta Braves in the Division Series. Atlanta defeated Colorado three games to one. Larry Walker Arrives One of the most important moments in Rockies history came when Colorado signed Larry Walker before the 1995 season. Walker had already established himself as an excellent player with the Montreal Expos, but Denver transformed his career into something historic. Walker spent 1995 through 2004 with Colorado. During his Rockies career he hit: .334 258 home runs 848 RBI 1,361 hits 297 doubles 44 triples 126 stolen bases Walker remains the only player in Rockies history to win the National League MVP Award. Larry Walker Wins the 1997 MVP The greatest individual season in early Rockies history came in 1997. Walker hit: .366 — 49 HR — 143 RBI He led the majors in slugging percentage, OPS and total bases and became the first—and still only—Rockies player to win the National League MVP Award. Walker was also a five-tool player, combining power, hitting, speed and outstanding defense. His 1997 season remains one of the greatest seasons in franchise history. Todd Helton Becomes the Face of the Franchise Todd Helton arrived in the late 1990s and eventually became the defining player of the franchise. Colorado selected Helton with the eighth overall pick in the 1995 MLB Draft. He made his Major League debut in 1997. Helton spent his entire 17-year MLB career with the Rockies from 1997 through 2013.… Continue reading Colorado Rockies Complete History
Milwaukee Brewers Complete History
The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the most unusual histories in Major League Baseball. The franchise began not in Milwaukee, but in Seattle as the Seattle Pilots in 1969. After only one season, the financially troubled Pilots were purchased by a Milwaukee-based group led by Allan H. “Bud” Selig and moved to Milwaukee for the 1970 season. Since then, the Brewers have played in both the American League and National League, won an American League pennant, captured multiple division championships and produced some of baseball’s greatest players. There is, however, one major championship still missing from the franchise history: the Brewers have never won a World Series. The Beginning: The Seattle Pilots Major League Baseball expanded in 1969, creating four new franchises. One of those teams was the Seattle Pilots, who played in the American League West. The Pilots played their home games at Sick’s Stadium, which was not considered adequate for a modern Major League team. The franchise struggled financially and finished its only season with a 64–98 record. After the 1969 season, the franchise went bankrupt. Milwaukee businessman Bud Selig led a group that purchased the Pilots out of bankruptcy on March 31, 1970. Seven days later, the newly relocated Milwaukee Brewers began the 1970 season. The Brewers therefore have a unique distinction: their franchise history includes both the 1969 Seattle Pilots and the Milwaukee Brewers beginning in 1970. Milwaukee Brewers Owners The Brewers have had four principal ownership eras. William R. Daley and Dewey & Max Soriano 1969. The original ownership group controlled the Seattle Pilots during their one season. The Pilots were owned by a group headed by William R. Daley, with Dewey and Max Soriano among the principal owners. The franchise was in severe financial trouble by the end of the 1969 season. Bud Selig 1970–1997 Allan H. “Bud” Selig led the group that purchased the bankrupt Seattle Pilots and moved them to Milwaukee. Selig became the defining owner of the early Brewers. Under his ownership, Milwaukee eventually became one of the American League’s strongest teams. The 1982 Brewers won the American League pennant and reached the World Series. The team featured future Hall of Famers including: Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, Don Sutton. Selig later became Commissioner of Major League Baseball. The Baseball Hall of Fame elected Selig in 2017. Wendy Selig-Prieb 1998–2004 When Bud Selig became commissioner, his ownership interest was transferred to a blind trust and ultimately to his daughter Wendy Selig-Prieb. She became the Brewers’ principal owner and president/CEO. The team struggled during much of this period, including a long stretch of losing seasons. The Selig family eventually agreed to sell the franchise. Mark Attanasio 2005–Present Mark Attanasio became principal owner after MLB approved the sale in January 2005. Attanasio purchased the club for approximately $223 million. His ownership group has included investors such as John Canning Jr., David Uihlein, Harris Turer and Stephen Marcus, among others. Under Attanasio, Milwaukee ended its long run of losing seasons and returned to postseason baseball. The Brewers reached the postseason in 2008, the NLCS in 2011, the NLCS again in 2018, and established themselves as one of the National League’s most consistently competitive clubs. Brewers Home Ballparks Sick’s Stadium Seattle Pilots — 1969 The franchise’s original home was Sick’s Stadium in Seattle. The Pilots played there for only one season. Milwaukee County Stadium 1970–2000 When the franchise moved to Milwaukee, the Brewers played at Milwaukee County Stadium. The stadium had originally been built for the Milwaukee Braves and became the home of the Brewers beginning in 1970. It hosted some of the greatest moments of the early Brewers era, including the 1982 American League pennant-winning season. County Stadium also hosted the 1975 All-Star Game. The Brewers remained there through the 2000 season. Miller Park 2001–2020 The Brewers moved into the new Miller Park in 2001. The stadium featured a retractable roof, allowing games to be played despite Milwaukee’s unpredictable weather. Miller Park became famous for its retractable roof, Bernie Brewer, the sausage races and the distinctive fan atmosphere. American Family Field 2021–Present Miller Park was renamed American Family Field beginning in 2021. It remains the home of the Milwaukee Brewers. The ballpark has continued the tradition of the famous retractable roof and has become one of the most recognizable stadiums in Major League Baseball. The Brewers Change Leagues The Brewers spent most of their history in the American League. They moved from the AL West to the AL East in 1972. In 1994, MLB realigned the divisions, placing Milwaukee in the new American League Central. Then came one of the biggest changes in franchise history. In 1998, the Brewers moved from the American League to the National League Central. Milwaukee therefore became only the second modern MLB franchise, along with Houston, to play in both leagues. The 1982 Milwaukee Brewers The greatest team of the early Brewers era was the 1982 club. Known for their powerful offense, the Brewers became known as “Harvey’s Wallbangers”, named after manager Harvey Kuenn. The lineup included: Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, Cecil Cooper, Ben Oglivie, Gorman, Thomas, Ted Simmons, Jim Gantner, Charlie Moore, The pitching staff included: Don Sutton, Pete Vuckovich, Rollie Fingers, Moose Haas The Brewers finished the regular season 95–67 and won the American League East. They defeated the California Angels in the AL Championship Series. Milwaukee then faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. 1982 World Series The Brewers lost the World Series to St. Louis. St. Louis Cardinals 4 Milwaukee Brewers 3 The Series became famous for its dramatic back-and-forth nature. Milwaukee won three games, but St. Louis captured the championship in seven games. The 1982 World Series remains the only World Series appearance in Brewers franchise history. Have the Brewers Ever Won the World Series? No. … Continue reading Milwaukee Brewers Complete History
