Ben's Biz: Title winners ranked for '23
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE. Subscribe HERE.
The World Series kicks off Friday, and either the Arizona Diamondbacks or the Texas Rangers will take home the crown. In the Minor Leagues, the playoff dust has long since settled with the winners now enjoying their status as league champions.
What follows is a look at each of Minor League Baseball’s 11 title winners, with a focus on historical context. Had the team won a championship before and, if so, how long had it been? As you’ll see, some significant droughts were finally vanquished.
Erie SeaWolves, Double-A Eastern League Champions
Major League affiliate: Detroit Tigers (since 2001)
Established: 1995
First Title: 2023
The Erie SeaWolves spent the first four years of their existence in the New York-Penn League before switching to the Eastern League in 1999. In 2022, they won their first-ever playoff series, over Richmond, but were vanquished in the E.L. Finals by Somerset. This year, they finally got over the hump, defeating Richmond yet again in the semifinals, then sweeping Binghamton to claim the crown.
Jupiter Hammerheads, Single-A Florida State League Champions
Major League affiliate: Miami Marlins (since 2002)
Established: 1998
First Title: 2023
The Hammerheads are unique in that they share their ballpark, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, with the Palm Beach Cardinals. While Palm Beach has won two FSL titles (in 2005 and 2017), the Hammerheads were perennially stymied in their attempts to win it all. That finally changed this season, as Jupiter vanquished its co-tenants in the semifinals before winning the Championship Series over Clearwater.
Tennessee Smokies, Double-A Southern League Champions
Major League affiliate: Chicago Cubs (since 2007)
Established: 1972
First title since: 1978
The Tennessee Smokies won a co-championship in 2004, splitting the Southern League title with the Mobile BayBears after the Finals were cancelled due to the threat of Hurricane Ivan. In 2023, they captured their first outright title since 1978, when the team was known as the Knoxville Sox. This ended what had been the second-longest outright title drought in Minor League Baseball, behind Syracuse (who last won it all in 1976).
Norfolk Tides, Triple-A International League Champions
Major League affiliate: Baltimore Orioles (since 2007)
Established: 1961
First title since: 1985
The Durham Bulls set their sights for an IL three-peat -- and their fifth title in the past six seasons – but this season they were felled in the Finals by the Norfolk Tides. The Tides hadn’t won it all since 1985, when they were a Mets affiliate filled with players who, the following season, would contribute to a World Series-winning campaign in Queens.
Cedar Rapids Kernels, High-A Midwest League Champions
Major League affiliate: Minnesota Twins (since 2013)
Established: 1949
First title since: 1994
Cedar Rapids’ long-running Minor League team changed its name to the Kernels in 1993, the same season in which it began an affiliation with the Los Angeles Angels. The Kernels won the Midwest League title the following season, and 29 years passed before they won another one. This year’s championship was their first as a Twins affiliate, and fifth in franchise history.
Oklahoma City Dodgers, Triple-A Pacific Coast League Champions
Major League affiliate: Los Angeles Dodgers (since 2015)
Established: 1962
First title since: 1996
Oklahoma City’s Triple-A team first played in the Pacific Coast League from 1963-68, and then rejoined the circuit in 1998 following a long stint in the American Association. Though the franchise had plenty of opportunity, it hadn't ever won a PCL championship until 2023. The last time OKC won it all in any league, in 1996, the team was still known by its original “89ers” moniker.
Modesto Nuts, Single-A California League Champions
Major League affiliate: Seattle Mariners (since 2017)
Established: 1946
First title since: 2017
The Nuts last won a championship in 2017, which marked the first of what are now two titles as a Seattle affiliate. Prior to that, they won it all while partnered with Pittsburgh (1950), the New York Yankees (1954, 1959), the Kansas City Athletics (1966), St. Louis (1972) and Oakland (1982, 1984, 2004).
Vancouver Canadians, High-A Northwest League Champions
Major League affiliate: Toronto Blue Jays (since 2011)
Established: 2000
First title since: 2017
The Canadians spent the first 11 seasons of their existence as an Oakland affiliate, and in that time they never won it all. It’s been a different story since they partnered with the Blue Jays in 2011, as that year they won the first of what has now been five Northwest League championships. This year's title was their first at the High-A level, as the NWL was a Class A Short-Season circuit through 2019.
Greenville Drive, High-A South Atlantic League Champions
Major League affiliate: Boston Red Sox (since 2005)
Established: 2005
First title since: 2017
Greenville’s first title came in 2017, which was its 13th season of existence. The Lexington Legends captured the next two SAL championships, then the Bowling Green Hot Rods won two in a row. The trophy returned to Greenville in 2023, and now the Drive will be gunning for a repeat.
Amarillo Sod Poodles, Double-A Texas League Champions
Major League affiliate: Arizona Diamondbacks (since 2021)
Established: 2019
First title since: 2019
The Sod Poodles won it all in their debut 2019 campaign, as an affiliate of the San Diego Padres. They became a D-backs affiliate in 2021 and won it all again this season. They now have as many Texas League titles as their predecessor, the Amarillo God Sox (who played their final season in 1982).
Charleston RiverDogs, Single-A Carolina League Champions
Major League affiliate: Tampa Bay Rays (since 2021)
Established: 1980
First title since: 2022
Talk about a dramatic turnaround: From its 1980 inception through 2020, Charleston failed to win a single South Atlantic League title. In 2021 the RiverDogs switched to the Carolina League and became a Rays affiliate, and since then all they’ve done is win. 2023 marked their third consecutive championship.
Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.
Cat Chat | Episode 7 (International Women's Day) | March 8, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - March is upon us! March is #WomensHistoryMonth and Saturday, March 8, we celebrate International Women's Day. On this week's edition of Cat Chat, Chris Jared catches up with three of the women in the Fisher Cats front office to discuss their roads to New Hampshire and the
Fisher Cats Foundation Announces Inaugural Fairway Classic, Presented by Delta Dental
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats proudly announce the inaugural Fisher Cats Foundation Fairway Classic, presented by Delta Dental. The event will take place at Stonebridge Country Club in Goffstown, New Hampshire on Monday, May 5, and features an opportunity to play alongside Fisher Cats players and coaches,
Fisher Cats Announce Space Potatoes Alternate Identity
MANCHESTER, NH – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, proud Double-A partners of the Toronto Blue Jays since 2004, launched their alternate identity, the New Hampshire Space Potatoes, on Wednesday, February 19. With rooted history beyond baseball in New Hampshire, the Space Potatoes take the field for three nights in 2025,
Cat Chat | Episode 6 (Adam Macko) | March 1, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - Spring Training is in full swing, and with MLB's Opening Day less than four weeks away, the 2025 season approaches quickly on the horizon. On the sixth installment of Cat Chat, 2024 Fisher Cats pitcher Adam Macko joined us to discuss his Triple-A promotion towards the end
Brent Lavallee to Lead Fisher Cats in 2025
MANCHESTER, NH – On Thursday, February 13, the Toronto Blue Jays released all their Minor League coaching staff assignments for the 2025 season. For the first time since 2021, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats feature a fresh face at the helm. Brent Lavallee becomes the 12th Fisher Cats manager since
Cat Chat | Episode 5 (Space Potatoes) February 21, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - The New Hampshire Space Potatoes invaded Minor League Baseball on Wednesday, February 19 as the Fisher Cats' newest alternate identity. The Space Potatoes will take the field for three dates in 2025 (April 19, July 18, August 30), and on Episode 5 of Cat Chat, Chris Jared
Cat Chat | Episode 4 (Manager Brent Lavallee) | February 14, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - Opening Day 2025 in Manchester felt a little bit closer when the Toronto Blue Jays released the full Fisher Cats coaching staff for the 2025 season on Thursday, February 13. Brent Lavallee is the newest of the now 12 Fisher Cats managers to roam the top step
Cat Chat | Episode 3 (RJ Schreck) | February 7, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - Continuing to ride the wave of Cat Chat, RJ Schreck (TOR No. 27, MLB.com) joins Chris Jared this week to talk about RJ's journey from Harvard-Westlake to Duke to Vanderbilt, draft day theatrics, trade deadline madness, golf swinging motions to a baseball swing and more! Seattle selected
Cat Chat | Episode 2 (Charles McAdoo) | January 31, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - Episode 2 of Cat Chat has arrived! This week, Charles McAdoo (TOR No. 7, MLB.com) joins Chris Jared on the second edition of Cat Chat to talk about the offseason, handling last year's trade deadline, movies, video games, TV shows and more! One of a multitude of
Cat Chat | Episode 1 (CJ Van Eyk) | January 24, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - Cat Chat Episode 1 is here! Our very first edition of Cat Chat has arrived! CJ Van Eyk joined us to discuss how the 2024 season ended for him, trading cards, golf, fishing, and what he's hopeful for in 2025. Volleying between a starter and bullpen role,
Cat Chat | Toronto Announces 2025 Non-Roster Invitees to Dunedin
MANCHESTER, NH - With just a few weeks to go before Major League camps open in Florida and Arizona, Minor League players are receiving invitations to report. Many of these players are not on the official 40-man rosters but will have an opportunity to play in Spring Training games. Top-level
Fisher Cats Name Taylor Fisher as General Manager
MANCHESTER, NH – On Friday, December 6, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, announced Taylor Fisher as the organization’s fifth General Manager since the club’s inception in 2004. Born and raised in Merrimac, MA, Fisher earned his Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance &
Outfielder Dasan Brown Snags Rawlings Gold Glove
MANCHESTER, NH — On Monday, November 4, Minor League Baseball announced New Hampshire outfielder Dasan Brown (TOR No. 23, MLB Pipeline) as one of Rawlings' 2024 MiLB Gold Glove winners. The 23-year-old Brown recorded 226 putouts and six outfield assists in 100 games between Vancouver and New Hampshire in 2024
First Pitch is Set - Fisher Cats Announce 2025 Home Game Times
MANCHESTER, NH – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced all home game times for the upcoming 2025 season on Thursday, October 31. The 2025 Fisher Cats home schedule at Delta Dental Stadium features 69 home games, including Opening Night on April 4 against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. Download the full
Pardinho Named to Eastern League All-Star Roster
MANCHESTER, NH — On Tuesday, September 24, the Eastern League announced its' All-Star roster and award winners for the 2024 season. In his first season in Double-A, New Hampshire's Eric Pardinho received one of two available Eastern League reliever spots, along with Akron's Andrew Walters (CLE). A 23-year-old from São
Fisher Cats’ 2024 Season Concludes
BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Somerset Patriots (43-25, 74-62) secured the Eastern League Northeast Division second half title with a 5-1 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (23-45, 52-84) Sunday at TD Bank Ballpark. The Fisher Cats wrapped up the 2024 season in sixth place in the Northeast Division. Somerset
Cats Score First But Fall to Pats
BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (22-45, 52-83) dropped 2024’s penultimate contest to the Somerset Patriots (42-24, 74-61) at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, 3-1. New Hampshire struck first, but couldn’t keep the momentum rolling afterwards, as the Cats were blanked through the last eight innings. New Hampshire
Strong Bullpen Effort Falls Short
BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (22-44, 52-82) were blanked by the Somerset Patriots (41-24, 73-61) at TD Bank Ballpark on Friday night in a 3-0 final. The Fisher Cats bullpen tossed 8 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball. New Hampshire brought the tying run to the plate in
Gatos Feroces Victorious Thursday
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-43, 52-81) beat the Somerset Patriots (40-24,72-61) at TD Bank Ballpark on Thursday night, 5-3. The Cats rode the right arm of Devereaux Harrison and the bats of Rainer Nuñez and Gabriel Martinez to the victory. The Fisher Cats played their last
Cats Lose Macko’s Return to Double-A
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-43, 52-81) fell to the Somerset Patriots (40-24,72-61) at TD Bank Ballpark on Wednesday night, 8-2. Fisher Cats lefty Adam Macko returned for his first Double-A start since July 2. The Patriots and Fisher Cats began Wednesday’s game with a moment of
Somerset Series Begins with Cats Loss
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-42, 51-80) couldn’t match the bats of the Somerset Patriots (39-24, 70-61) in the opener of the final series of 2024, losing 8-2. After plating two runs in the third, New Hampshire was blanked for the final seven innings. Somerset right fielder
New Hampshire Falls in Home Season Finale
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats dropped their final home game of 2024 on Sunday afternoon to the Portland Sea Dogs, 8-5. Yohendrick Pinango knocked his first Fisher Cats (21-41, 52-78) homer to tie Sunday’s series rubber match in the bottom of the second inning, a three-run home
Swirling Rain Caps Cats Loss in Seven
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-40, 51-78) dropped their Saturday contest to the Portland Sea Dogs (39-23, 75-56) in six and a half innings, 7-1. A sudden gust of winds and rain delayed Friday’s game amidst the top of the seventh inning, which was later declared a
Spain’s Homer Not Enough in Friday Loss
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-39, 51-77) dropped their second consecutive contest to the Portland Sea Dogs (38-23, 74-56) at Delta Dental Stadium on Friday night, 3-1. Garrett Spain posted New Hampshire’s lone run in the bottom of the ninth with his 11th home run of the
Late Cats Rally Falls Short
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-38, 51-76) fell to the Portland Sea Dogs (37-23, 73-54) at Delta Dental Stadium on Thursday, 4-1. Portland jumped ahead on three runs in a messy top of the seventh. The loss snapped the Fisher Cats’ three-game win streak. Sea Dogs starter