Riverside Pilots


The Riverside Pilots were a Minor League Baseball team in Riverside, California. They were a Class A-Advanced team that played in the California League, and were a farm team of the Seattle Mariners. In spite of making the playoffs each year of its existence, poor attendance plagued the franchise throughout its tenure. The Pilots finished last in the league in attendance for three consecutive seasons. The franchise was moved to Lancaster, for the 1996 season as the Lancaster JetHawks.

Team identity

The relocated franchise held a name the team contest. Upon receiving over 2,000 entries, the club selected the name Riverside Pilots. "It's got both that nautical and aeronautical feel to it," said General Manager Jack Patton. The team adopted a color scheme mirroring that of their parent club, the Seattle Mariners.

Ballpark

The Riverside Sports Center served as the Pilots' primary ballpark. Now known as the Riverside Sports Complex, the facility is the home of UC Riverside baseball. The Pilots also utilized Palm Springs Stadium as a home venue for 20 games during the 1995 season.

Year-by-year record

YearRecordFinishManagerPlayoffs
199376–612nd SouthDave MyersLost in Southern Division Finals
to the High Desert Mavericks, 3–1
199487–491st SouthDave MyersLost in Southern Division Finals
to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, 3–1
199572–673rd SouthDave BrundageLost in Southern Division Semi-Finals
to the Lake Elsinore Storm, 2–1

List of Riverside Pilots players in MLB

All players are listed in alphabetical order by their surname, with the year they played for Riverside in parentheses.