Walla Walla Padres


The Walla Walla Padres were the primary name of a minor league baseball team in the northwest United States, located in Walla Walla, Washington. The Padres were members of the short-season Class A Northwest League for ten years, from 1973 through 1982. The franchise began play as a Phillies affiliate in 1969. Borleske Stadium served as the home stadium for Walla Walla teams of the modern era.
The Padres witnessed consistent success on the field with a record of 414-317 over ten seasons, which included two league titles. In their first season affiliated with the Padres, Walla Walla won the league title in 1973. The Padres would claim the Northwest League crown again in 1976 defeating the fabled Portland Mavericks two games to one the in championship series. Walla Walla would seek a third title in 1979, but fell to the Central Oregon Phillies. Following the 1982 season the franchise would be sold and relocated to Tri-Cities. The San Diego Padres shifted their affiliation to Spokane, which had just lost its Triple-A team to Las Vegas. Professional baseball would return to Walla Walla in the form of the Blue Mountain Bears, who would operate as an independent club for the 1983 season.

Franchise History

In 1969, with the expansion of Major League Baseball, Walla Walla sought the prospect of bringing professional baseball to the community. On January 12, 1969 it was announced that the Walla Walla Valley Baseball Club, led by Dale Hanan, had officially been awarded membership into the Northwest League The franchise secured a working agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies of the National League. Following name the team contest, General Manager Ronald Kaluzok announced the club would be named the Walla Walla Bears. In their inaugural season the Bears would post a record of 37-42.
Walla Walla's second season of professional baseball brought with it change. The original owner, California resident, Dale Hanan encountered challenges in operating the club from a distance. Furthermore, the Philadelphia Phillies preferred a local owner resulting in the sale of the team. VRB Broadcasers, headed by Vern Russell, purchased the franchise. Walla Walla would continue their relationship with the Phillies, but sought to enhance ties with the community by adopting a name associated with the parent club. The Bears would change their nickname to Phillies for the 1970 season. Led by manager Gary Power, the Phillies would compile record of 39-41 earning a second place finish in the North Division. Moreover, the Phillies would lead the league in attendance with 32,043 entering the gates. The Phillies would return to Walla Walla again in 1972. The team would have successful season amassing a record of 47-32, good enough for a second place finish. The Philadelphia Phillies would not renew their affiliation with Walla Walla, instead linking up with Auburn of the New York–Penn League.
In 1972, the Bend Rainbows relocated to Walla Walla and became the Walla Walla Islanders, an affiliate of the Triple-A Hawaii Islanders of the Pacific Coast League, whose parent club was the San Diego Padres. The Padres also had a team in the NWL, the Tri-City Padres in Kennewick, Washington. The teams merged operations prior to the 1973 season and became the Walla Walla Padres.
After years of declining attendance the franchise was sold following the 1982 season to New Jersey based Big Six Sports The new ownership group promptly moved the club to Richland, WA. The relocated team would become the Tri-Cities Triplets and sign a player development contract with the Texas Rangers.

Early Origins

The history of baseball in the Walla Walla Valley dates back to the late 19th century. Records are difficult to ascertain, but the Walla Walla Walla Wallas of the Pacific Inter-State League are indicated to have played in 1891. The Walla Wallas continued play in the Inland Empire League with the nickname Sharpshooters used as well. In 1912 the Western Tri-State League was formed with the Walla Walla Bears playing in the circuit for three season before disbanding.

The Ballpark

Walla Walla teams played at Borleske Stadium, located at 409 West Rees Avenue in Walla Walla, Washington. The stadium is still in use today.

Notable players

Two future hall of famers played for the team: shortstop Ozzie Smith and outfielder Tony Gwynn. Their NWL batting averages were.301 for Smith and.331 for Gwynn.
Other future major leaguers included Joe McIntosh, Eric Show, Ron Tingley, Bob Geren, Mark Parent, Greg Booker, John Kruk, Jimmy Jones, Gene Walter and Mitch Williams. Gene Walter, and Mitch Williams. Geren and Parent both became managers with different teams.

Notable alumni

[Baseball Hall of Fame] alumni

YearRecordFinishManagerPlayoffs
197351–291stCliff Dittoone division, no playoffs
197447–372nd EastCliff Ditto
197548–312nd SouthCliff Ditto
197646–261st SouthCliff Dittodefeated Portland Mavericks, 2-1
197741–272nd NorthCliff Ditto
197845–242nd NorthCliff Ditto
197940–301st NorthCurt Danielslost to Central Oregon Phillies, 1-2
198035–343rd NorthCurt Daniels
198129–413rd NorthBill Bryk
198232–383rd NorthJim Skalen