Get to know the teams in the High-A West
As the 2021 season approaches, MiLB.com introduces the 11 leagues created by the restructuring of Minor League Baseball across four levels of play. Below is a team-by-team introduction to the High-A West, including affiliation, previous circuit and most recent championship. (Note: "Established" refers to the first year of a team's
As the 2021 season approaches, MiLB.com introduces the 11 leagues created by the restructuring of Minor League Baseball across four levels of play. Below is a team-by-team introduction to the High-A West, including affiliation, previous circuit and most recent championship. (Note: "Established" refers to the first year of a team's continuous operation in that market regardless of league or level.) Learn about other leagues here: Triple-A East, Triple-A West, Double-A Northeast, Double-A Central, Double-A South, High-A East, High-A Central.
The smallest circuit in the restructured Minors, and the only one without divisions, the new six-team High-A West emerges from the former Class A Short Season Northwest League. Not only will these half-dozen clubs be playing substantially more games each season than in the past, half of them welcome new parent clubs this season.
Among the teams maintaining their affiliation is Vancouver, which has been linked with the Toronto Blue Jays since 2011. One major change involving Vancouver, at least in the short term, is the team's temporary relocation to Hillsboro resulting from current travel restrictions at the U.S.-Canadian border due to COVID-19.
Explore more about each of the clubs in the newly launched High-A West:
EUGENE EMERALDS
Affiliate: San Francisco Giants (since 2021)
Location: Eugene, Oregon (528 miles from Oracle Park)
Ballpark: PK Park (opened February 27, 2009)
Established: 1955 (previous Eugene clubs date back to 1904)
Previous league: Class A Short Season Northwest League
Last championship: 2018
Did you know? Mike Schmidt played 131 games for the 1972 Emeralds -- at the time a Triple-A franchise -- before ending the season in Philadelphia.
EVERETT AQUASOX
Affiliate: Seattle Mariners (since 1995)
Location: Everett, Washington (28 miles to T-Mobile Park)
Ballpark: Funko Field (opened in 1947)
Established: 1984 (as the Giants)
Previous league: Class A Short Season Northwest League
Last championship: 2010
Did you know? Ken Griffey Jr. hit his first professional home run in Everett on June 17, 1987.
HILLSBORO HOPS
Affiliate: Arizona Diamondbacks (since 2013)
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon (1,275 miles to Chase Field)
Ballpark: Ron Tonkin Field (opened June 17, 2013)
Established: 2013 (the franchise began in 1946 as the Yakima Stars)
Previous league: Class A Short Season Northwest League
Last championship: 2019
Did you know? The Hops have won three league championships over seven seasons in Hillsboro.
SPOKANE INDIANS
Affiliate: Colorado Rockies (since 2021)
Location: Spokane Valley, Washington (1,085 miles to Coors Field)
Ballpark: Avista Stadium (opened April 29, 1958)
Established: 1946 (previous Spokane clubs date back to 1890)
Previous league: Class A Short Season Northwest League
Last championship: 2008
Did you know? The 1970 Indians, managed by Tommy Lasorda, are considered one of the greatest Minor League teams of all time, going 94-52 and sweeping to the Pacific Coast League title. The roster included several well-known names, including Charlie Hough, Bill Buckner, Bobby Valentine and Steve Garvey.
TRI-CITY DUST DEVILS
Affiliate: Los Angeles Angels (since 2021)
Location: Pasco, Washington (1,100 miles to Angel Stadium)
Ballpark: Gesa Stadium (opened in 1994)
Established: 2001 (previous Tri-City clubs date back to 1950)
Previous league: Class A Short Season Northwest League
Last championship: None
Did you know? The principal owner of the Dust Devils is baseball legend George Brett. The first-ballot Hall of Famer is one of four players in MLB history – with Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Stan Musial – to have notched 3,000 hits, 300 homers and a career batting average of at least .300.
VANCOUVER CANADIANS
Affiliate: Toronto Blue Jays (since 2011)
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Ballpark: Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium (opened on July 15, 1951)
Established: 1946 (as the Vancouver Capilanos; previous Vancouver clubs date back to 1905)
Previous league: Class A Short Season Northwest League
Last championship: 2017
Did you know? Nat Bailey Stadium might look familiar to TV fans. It was used as the home for two fictional ballclubs – the Class A Santa Barbara Seabirds in “Psych” and the Seacouver Chiefs in “Highlander: The Series,” as well as for a scene between Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson and the title character in an episode of “MacGyver.”
Dragons Veteran Salute Program to Honor Lance Corporal Joe Kleiner on Sunday
DAYTON, Ohio -- CareSource Military & Veterans and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Marine Corps veteran Lance Corporal Joe Kleiner during the Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans on Sunday, June 1 at 1:05 pm when the Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps
Dragons Battle into Extra Innings but Fall to West Michigan, 5-4
West Michigan 5, Dragons 4 (10 innings) Click here for the box score West Michigan (R-H-E): 5-8-0; Dayton (R-H-E): 4-7-1 Win: Carlos Lequerica (5-0); Loss: Easton Sikorski (2-2); Save: C.J. Weins (2) HR: Dayton: None HR: West Michigan: None Dayton, Ohio—West Michigan’s Izaac Pacheco drove in the tie-breaking run with
Dragons on Television Friday on Dayton's CW
DAYTON, OHIO—The Dayton Dragons game on Friday, May 30 will be televised live on Dayton’s CW from Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The Dragons will host the West Michigan Whitecaps (affiliates of the Detroit Tigers). The telecast will begin at 7:00 pm. Friday’s broadcast
Dayton Dragons Police Night Presented by LION Set for June 3
DAYTON, Ohio -- In partnership with LION and the Dayton Police Department, the Dayton Dragons are excited to host Dayton Dragons Police Night presented by LION on Tuesday, June 3, when the Dragons take on the Lansing Lugnuts at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.
Dragons Hit Three Home Runs but Fall to West Michigan, 12-7
West Michigan 12, Dragons 7 Click here for the box score West Michigan (R-H-E): 12-12-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 7-11-0 Win: Marco Jimenez (1-1); Loss: Graham Osman (2-1); Save: None HR: Dayton: Leo Balcazar (4th, 1 on base in first inning); Carlos Jorge (3rd, 2 on base in third inning); John Michael
Dragons to Recognize Academic All-Star Cortney Bonar on May 28
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dragons Academic All-Star program presented by Edison State Community College will recognize Cortney Bonar as an Academic All-Star during pre-game festivities on Wednesday, May 28, when the Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street
Myles Smith Sparks Dragons to 9-6 Win, Split of 12-Game Road Trip
Dragons 9, Peoria 6 Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 9-9-2; Peoria (R-H-E): 6-8-2 Win: Gabriel Aguilera (2-2); Loss: Tyler Bradt (1-3); Save: Joseph Menefee (1) HR: Dayton: None HR: Peoria: None Peoria, Ill.—Myles Smith and Leo Balcazar produced big nights at the plate as the Dayton Dragons
Dayton Dragons Homestand Preview presented by AES Ohio (Games May 27-June 1 at Day Air Ballpark)
The Dayton Dragons open a six-game series at Dayton Air Ballpark vs. the West Michigan Whitecaps on Tuesday, May 27. View the entire Homestand Preview, presented by AES Ohio, here:
Chiefs Top Dragons 6-1; Dayton Needs a Sunday Win to Earn a Road Trip Split
Peoria 6, Dragons 1 Click here for the box score Peoria (R-H-E): 6-8-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 1-8-0 Win: Cade Winquest (1-2); Loss: Adam Serwinowski (0-3); Save: None HR: Dayton: None HR: Peoria: None Peoria, Ill.—Peoria starting pitcher Cade Winquest fired five scoreless innings and the Chiefs built an early four-run lead
Faile's Double Breaks Tie in 10th, Dragons Win 6-5 at Peoria
Dragons 6, Peoria 5 (10 innings) Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 6-8-0; Peoria (R-H-E): 5-13-1 Win: Jonah Hurney (2-2); Loss: Dionys Rodriguez (1-4); Save: Trey Braithwaite (1) HR: Dayton: None HR: Peoria: Tre Richardson (2nd, 1 on base in fourth inning). Peoria, Ill.—John Michael Faile drilled a
Dragons Hometown Heroes Program to Honor Members of U.S. Air Force Band of Flight on Tuesday Night
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dragons will honor the United States Air Force Band of Flight as Hometown Heroes during the Dragons game on Tuesday, May 27 against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05
Three Dayton Pitchers Combine on 2-Hit Shutout in 1-0 Dragons Win
Dragons 1, Peoria 0 Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 1-3-0; Peoria (R-H-E): 0-2-1 Win: Irvin Machuca (1-1); Loss: D.J. Carpenter (1-2); Save: Easton Sikorski (5) HR: Dayton: None HR: Peoria: None Peoria, Ill.—Dayton pitchers Luke Hayden, Irvin Machuca, and Easton Sikorski combined on a two-hit shutout as
Chiefs Edge Dragons 3-2 on Wednesday in Peoria
Peoria 3, Dragons 2 Click here for the box score Peoria (R-H-E): 3-7-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 2-6-1 Win: Hunter Hayes (1-2); Loss: Jimmy Romano (1-2); Save: Michael Watson (3) HR: Dayton: Myles Smith (1st, 1 on base in third inning). HR: Peoria: None Peoria, Ill.—The Peoria Chiefs scored two runs in
Chiefs Top Dragons 12-5 on Rainy Tuesday in Peoria
Peoria 12, Dragons 5 Click here for the box score Peoria (R-H-E): 12-12-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 5-6-2 Win: Tyler Bradt (1-2); Loss: Joseph Menefee (0-1); Save: Jawilme Ramirez (1) HR: Dayton: Ariel Almonte (2nd, 1 on base in fifth inning). HR: Peoria: Joshua Baez, 2 (3rd, 1 on base in second
Bandits Score 2 in 8th, Edge Dragons 5-4 to Split Series
Quad Cities 5, Dragons 4 Click here for the box score Quad Cities (R-H-E): 5-7-2; Dayton (R-H-E): 4-9-1 Win: A.J. Causey (4-2); Loss: Trey Braithwaite (0-1); Save: Juan Martinez (2) HR: Dayton: Connor Burns (5th, 0 on base in second inning). HR: Quad Cities: None Davenport, Iowa—The Quad Cities River
Dragons Collect Season-High 13 Hits, Win at Quad Cities 8-6 on Saturday Night
Dragons 8, Quad Cities 6 Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 8-13-1; Quad Cities (R-H-E): 6-11-2 Win: Dylan Simmons (1-2); Loss: Drew Beam (3-3); Save: Easton Sikorski (4) HR: Dayton: None HR: Quad Cities: Callan Moss (3rd, 1 on base in first inning). Davenport, Iowa—Dayton’s Connor Burns continued
Connor Burns Blasts 2 Home Runs, Dragons Hold on to Win 6-4 at Quad Cities
Dragons 6, Quad Cities 4 Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 6-11-3; Quad Cities (R-H-E): 4-8-1 Win: Brian Edgington (2-1); Loss: Felix Arronde (1-3); Save: Jonah Hurney (1) HR: Dayton: Connor Burns, 2 (3rd, 0 on base in third inning; 4th, 0 on base in sixth inning). HR:
Dragons Fall in 10 Innings at Quad Cites, 5-4 Despite Big Night from John Michael Faile
Quad Cities 5, Dragons 4 (10 innings) Click here for the box score Quad Cities (R-H-E): 5-7-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 4-6-0 Win: Jesus Rios (3-0); Loss: Irvin Machuca (0-1); Save: None HR: Dayton: John Michael Faile (6th, 0 on base in first inning). HR: Quad Cities: Bryan Gonzalez (2nd, 1 on
River Bandits Score 5 Runs in 9th Inning to Top Dragons, 7-6
Quad Cities 7, Dragons 6 Click here for the box score Quad Cities (R-H-E): 7-12-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 6-10-2 Win: A.J. Causey (3-2); Loss: Dylan Simmons (0-2); Save: None HR: Dayton: None HR: Quad Cities: Erick Torres (2nd, 0 on base in fourth inning). Davenport, Iowa—The Quad Cities River Bandits erased
Dragons Post Big Comeback, Win in 12 Innings 11-9 on Jorge Home Run
Dragons 11, Quad Cities 9 (12 innings) Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 11-8-1; Quad Cities (R-H-E): 9-11-1 Win: Easton Sikorski (2-1); Loss: Mauricio Veliz (2-1); Save: Jimmy Romano (1) HR: Dayton: Connor Burns (2nd, 0 on base in third inning); Carlos Jorge (2nd, 1 on base in
Dragons Fall on Sunday to Loons, 7-2
Great Lakes 7, Dragons 2 Click here for the box score Great Lakes (R-H-E): 7-10-0; Dayton (R-H-E): 2-6-4 Win: Roque Gutierrez (2-0); Loss: Rhett Lowder (0-1); Save: None HR: Dayton: None HR: Great Lakes: None Dayton, Ohio—Joe Vetrano collected three hits including two doubles to lead the Great Lakes Loons
Reds Rhett Lowder to Start for Dragons Today (Sunday) on Injury Rehab Assignment
Dayton, Ohio—The Dayton Dragons have announced that Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder will serve as the Dragons starting pitcher today (Sunday, May 11) at Day Air Ballpark on a Minor League injury rehabilitation assignment as the Dragons battle the Great Lakes Loons. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm. For
Loons Pull Away Late, Top Dragons 13-5 on Saturday before 8,420 at Day Air Ballpark
Great Lakes 13, Dragons 5 Click here for the box score Great Lakes (R-H-E): 13-16-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 5-1-1 Win: Luke Fox (1-2); Loss: Wade Miley (0-2); Save: None HR: Dayton: None HR: Great Lakes: Josue De Paula, 2 (5th, 1 on base in first inning; 6th, 0 on base in
Edgington Strikes out 13 in Dragons 9-4 Win over Loons on Friday
Dragons 9, Great Lakes 4 Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 9-11-1; Great Lakes (R-H-E): 4-7-2 Win: Brian Edgington (1-1); Loss: Brooks Auger (2-3); Save: None HR: Dayton: Carlos Jorge (1st, 1 on base in second inning). HR: Great Lakes: Logan Wagner (5th, 1 on base in first
Veteran MLB Pitcher Wade Miley to Start for Dragons Saturday on Rehab Assignment
Dayton, Ohio—The Dayton Dragons have announced that veteran pitcher Wade Miley will serve as the Dragons starting pitcher on Saturday, May 10 at Day Air Ballpark on a Minor League injury rehabilitation assignment as the Dragons battle the Great Lakes Loons. Miley, who has completed 14 seasons in the Major