Dodgers returning to Duke City
"We are excited to welcome the Dodgers back to Albuquerque," said Young. "The Dodgers franchise enjoyed so much success here over the years, and they have a very strong fan base throughout New Mexico. While we feel that Albuquerque has really become an Isotopes town, we also know that there are generations of fans who still love the Dodgers."
"We are thrilled to affiliate with the Isotopes," stated Dodgers chairman and owner Frank McCourt. "They are a first class organization, and run one of the finest facilities in Minor League Baseball. We look forward to an excellent relationship, and we feel those generations of Dodger fans will be very supportive."
The Dodgers were previously the Major League affiliate of the Triple-A Albuquerque Dukes (1972-2000) as well as the Double-A Albuquerque Dodgers (1963-71). The 29-year relationship between the Dukes and Dodgers produced such Major League talent as Mike Pizza, Pedro Martinez, Orel Hershiser, Pedro Guerrero, Ron Cey, Bill Russell, Davey Lopes, Mike Marshall and Tom Paciorek, among dozens of other standouts.
During their partnership with Los Angeles, Dukes teams won eight Pacific Coast League championships, under such well-known managers as Tommy Lasorda (1972), Del Crandall (1980-82), Terry Collins (1987), Kevin Kennedy (1990) and Rick Dempsey (1994). The Albuquerque Dodgers enjoyed similar success, winning Texas League championships under Roy Hartsfield (1965), Duke Snider (1967) and Del Crandall (1970). As an affiliate of the Dodgers, Albuquerque teams have posted nearly 3,000 wins, racking up an overall record of 2,898-2,618 (.525).
The Isotopes enjoyed incredible success on and off the field as the Triple-A affiliate of the Florida Marlins from 2003-08. The club was 429-430 (.499) over those six seasons, and won the division title in 2003. The club's attendance has consistently ranked near the top in all of Minor League Baseball, and the 593,606 fans who came through the Isotopes Park gates in 2008 established a single-season franchise record.
"Florida was a great partner for six seasons," said Young. "We are grateful to them for being so good to work with, and wish them nothing but success in the future."
The new affiliation with Los Angeles will bring a new coaching staff and players for the 2009 season. Details regarding those announcements will be forthcoming.
The Dodgers were the Major League affiliate of the PCL's Las Vegas 51s from 2001-08. The 51s amassed a record of 561-586 during those eight seasons, including a 74-69 (.489) mark in 2008.
The Isotopes and Dodgers will host a press conference at Isotopes Park on Monday, Sept. 22. Details regarding specific time and location will be forthcoming.