Fullerton Flyers
Encyclopedia
The Fullerton Flyers are a professional baseball team based in Fullerton, California
, in the United States
. They are an independent franchise which is not affiliated with either Major League Baseball
or Minor League Baseball
. From the 2005 season to 2010, the Flyers have played their home games at "The Station" at Goodwin Field
, which is also the home field for the Cal State Fullerton Titans. They are owned by Fullerton Flyers LLC (majority) and Western Sports & Entertainment Group, LLC (minority).
The Flyers are an original charter team of the now-defunct Golden Baseball League
. They were scheduled to join the new independent North American League
, but will sit out the 2011 season as they negotiate plans for a new stadium with the city of Fullerton.
, Long Beach Armada
and San Diego Surf Dawgs
in California; Mesa Miners
, Surprise Fightin' Falcons
and Yuma Scorpions
in Arizona and the traveling Japan Samurai Bears
(who played in the Arizona Division). The team officially unveiled its name and logo on January 27, 2005 at Fullerton Train Station.
The Flyers clinched their first playoff spot ever by winning the second-half division title in 2006. However, they ultimately lost the GBL
championship to the Reno Silver Sox
, 3 games to 1. First baseman Peanut Williams was named the 2006 GBL
Most Valuable Player and hit a league record 20 home runs for the season. RHP Chris Jakubauskas was named the league's Pitcher of the Year for the 2006 season.
, part of the cast of Desperate Housewives
. The sale of the Flyers makes them the first Golden Baseball League
team to ever be sold to a private investment group. On March 28, 2007, their name became the Orange County Flyers, but they kept their team colors (blue and orange) and home games are still played at Goodwin Field.
as the new Field Manager for 2008. They won the first-ever GBL South Division Championship by defeating Long Beach 3 games to 2 and, for the second time in franchise history, advanced to the GBL Championship Series. The Flyers captured their first GBL Championship by beating the Calgary Vipers
3 games to 2 on September 14, 2008, capping off the best season in team history. On October 14, 2008, GBL Safeway Player of the Year Patrick Breen was picked up by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
of Major League Baseball
.
In December 2008, the Flyers announced former Major Leaguer and Cal State Fullerton alumnus Phil Nevin
would replace the departing Gary Carter as their new manager.
was named manager of the GBL franchise in Fullerton, Calif., on December 6, 2004.
As a player, Templeton was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1st round of the 1974 draft. He played sixteen seasons in the major leagues as a switch-hitting shortstop with the Cards, Padres, and Mets, reaching the World Series in 1984. He was a three time major league All Star during his career, garnered a pair of Silver Slugger Awards, led the NL in triples a record three straight years, and was the first player ever to have more than 100 hits from each side of the plate as he led the league with 211 in 1979.
Garry began his managing career in the Anaheim Angels farm system in 1998 as he led the Cedar Rapids Class A team. He stayed as a manager in the Angels systems for the next three years progressing to the Erie AA, Edmonton AAA, and Salt Lake City AAA clubs. Sixteen members of the 2002 Anaheim Angels World Championship team played for Garry in the minors. In 2003 and 2004 Garry led the Gary Railcats of the Northern League as their field manager.
Since leaving the Flyers after the club's first three seasons, Templeton has gone on to manage the Long Beach Armada
(2009), Chico Outlaws
(2010) and Na Koa Ikaika Maui (2011).
the second manager in team history on December 5, 2007, during baseball's winter meetings. Carter, who attended Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, is an 11-time Major League All-Star who won 5 Silver Slugger and 3 Gold Glove awards during his Hall of Fame career.
Carter played a majority of his years with the Montreal Expos and NY Mets. He had one year stints with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers. Carter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003 along with slugger Eddie Murray. They were teammates with the Dodgers in 1991.
Carter brought on board coaches Darrell Evans and Dan DiPace who had spent the previous three seasons in Long Beach. The Flyers captured the GBL Championship in 2008. Carter was named Manager of the Year.
the third manager in team history. Nevin, who played 11 seasons in the big leagues, won the Golden Spikes Award in 1992 as the best collegiate baseball player in the nation while with Cal State Fullerton. He played for the Minnesota Twins (2006), Chicago Cubs (2006), Texas Rangers (2005-2006) San Diego Padres (1999-2005), Anaheim Angels (1998), Detroit Tigers (1995-97), and the Houston Astros (1995).
Nevin left the Flyers after the 2009 season when he was offered a job to manage the Detroit Tigers Double-A affiliate.
became the fourth manager in team history in February 2010. Abbott played 11 seasons in the Major Leagues, beginning his career with the Minnesota Twins
in 1990, making his MLB debut on August 21. In addition to his time with the Twins (1990-92), he also played in the Majors with the Indians (1993), Mariners (1998-2002), Royals (2003), Devil Rays (2004), and Phillies (2004). In 162 big league games, Abbott made 112 starts, going 43-37 with a 4.92 ERA.
His best season came in 2001 when Abbot won a career-high 17 games, going 17-4 in 27 starts as the Mariners tied the mark for most victories in a season with 116 wins. Abbot finished his playing career in 2005 as a member of the inaugural Fullerton Flyers team in the first year of the Golden League. The Fullerton native made 9 starts for the Flyers, going 3-5 with a 2.87 ERA.
Abbott’s coaching experience includes working as an assistant coach for the Fullerton Junior College Hornets in addition to working with the Flyers as Pitching Coach last season. This is his first opportunity to manage.
ballpark in downtown Fullerton, and were waiting for the city's decision. Rumors have circulated that if the Flyers are not accommodated by the city, they will relocate to another city. This is believed to be the first time a Golden Baseball League franchise has suggested such a move.
On January 14, 2011, it was announced that the city of Fullerton and the Flyers have indeed entered into an exclusive negotiating period to discuss plans for the Amerige Park location while they sit out the 2011 season.
for 2012 and will do so with their original identity, the Fullerton Flyers. Mintz cited that "This is Fullerton's team".
They are currently in negotiations with Cal State Fullerton to play their 2012 season at Goodwin Field as they continue to focus on the Amerige Park location for the future.
Fullerton, California
Fullerton is a city located in northern Orange County, California. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 135,161.It was founded in 1887 by George and Edward Amerige and named for George H. Fullerton, who secured the land on behalf of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway...
, in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. They are an independent franchise which is not affiliated with either Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
or Minor League Baseball
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
. From the 2005 season to 2010, the Flyers have played their home games at "The Station" at Goodwin Field
Goodwin Field
Goodwin Field is a stadium in Fullerton, California. It is primarily used for baseball and is the home field of both the four-time champion Cal State Fullerton Titans baseball team of the NCAA's Big West Conference and Orange County Flyers minor league baseball teams. It holds 3,500 people...
, which is also the home field for the Cal State Fullerton Titans. They are owned by Fullerton Flyers LLC (majority) and Western Sports & Entertainment Group, LLC (minority).
The Flyers are an original charter team of the now-defunct Golden Baseball League
Golden Baseball League
The Golden Baseball League, based in San Ramon, California, was an independent baseball league. It later merged with the Northern League and the United Baseball League to form the North American League in the western United States, western Canada and Mexico....
. They were scheduled to join the new independent North American League
North American League
The North American League is an independent baseball league that began play in the 2011 season...
, but will sit out the 2011 season as they negotiate plans for a new stadium with the city of Fullerton.
Team history
The Flyers are one of the original eight GBL charter teams that started in 2005 along with the Chico OutlawsChico Outlaws
The Chico Outlaws are a professional baseball team based in Chico, California, in the United States. The Outlaws are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League, which is not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball...
, Long Beach Armada
Long Beach Armada
The Long Beach Armada was an independent professional baseball team based in Long Beach, California, in the United States. The Armada was a member of the North Division of the now-defunct Golden Baseball League, which was not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball...
and San Diego Surf Dawgs
San Diego Surf Dawgs
The San Diego Surf Dawgs are an independent professional baseball team representing San Diego, California, that play in the short-season instructional Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League, based out of Yuma, Arizona. They played for two seasons in the now-defunct Golden Baseball League,...
in California; Mesa Miners
Mesa Miners
The Mesa Miners are an independent professional baseball team that is based in Mesa, Arizona. They began as a member of the Arizona Division of the now-defunct Golden Baseball League in 2005...
, Surprise Fightin' Falcons
Surprise Fightin' Falcons
The Surprise Fightin' Falcons are an inactive professional baseball team based in Surprise, Arizona. They played in the Arizona Division of the independent Golden Baseball League, which is not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball...
and Yuma Scorpions
Yuma Scorpions
The Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the...
in Arizona and the traveling Japan Samurai Bears
Japan Samurai Bears
The Japan Samurai Bears are a defunct traveling professional baseball team that played in the independent Golden Baseball League, which is not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball. They were based in the Arizona Division...
(who played in the Arizona Division). The team officially unveiled its name and logo on January 27, 2005 at Fullerton Train Station.
The Flyers clinched their first playoff spot ever by winning the second-half division title in 2006. However, they ultimately lost the GBL
Golden Baseball League
The Golden Baseball League, based in San Ramon, California, was an independent baseball league. It later merged with the Northern League and the United Baseball League to form the North American League in the western United States, western Canada and Mexico....
championship to the Reno Silver Sox
Reno Silver Sox
The Reno Silver Sox were a professional baseball team based in Reno, Nevada, in the United States. They were a member of the North Division of the independent Golden Baseball League, which is not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball...
, 3 games to 1. First baseman Peanut Williams was named the 2006 GBL
Golden Baseball League
The Golden Baseball League, based in San Ramon, California, was an independent baseball league. It later merged with the Northern League and the United Baseball League to form the North American League in the western United States, western Canada and Mexico....
Most Valuable Player and hit a league record 20 home runs for the season. RHP Chris Jakubauskas was named the league's Pitcher of the Year for the 2006 season.
Team sold and name changed
The Flyers were sold on March 21, 2007, to an investment group called the Orange County Group. One of the investors is James DentonJames Denton (actor)
James "Jamie" Thomas Denton, Jr. is an American film and television actor, best known for playing Mike Delfino in the television series Desperate Housewives.-Early life:...
, part of the cast of Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives is an American television comedy-drama series created by Marc Cherry and produced by ABC Studios and Cherry Productions. Executive producer Cherry serves as Showrunner. Other executive producers since the fourth season include Marc Cherry, Bob Daily, George W...
. The sale of the Flyers makes them the first Golden Baseball League
Golden Baseball League
The Golden Baseball League, based in San Ramon, California, was an independent baseball league. It later merged with the Northern League and the United Baseball League to form the North American League in the western United States, western Canada and Mexico....
team to ever be sold to a private investment group. On March 28, 2007, their name became the Orange County Flyers, but they kept their team colors (blue and orange) and home games are still played at Goodwin Field.
2008 GBL Championship Season
They announced MLB Hall of Famer Gary CarterGary Carter
Gary Edmund Carter , nicknamed "Kid" and "Kid Carter", is an American former Major League Baseball catcher. During a 19-year baseball career, mostly with the Montreal Expos and the New York Mets, Carter established himself as one of the premier catchers in the National League, winning three Gold...
as the new Field Manager for 2008. They won the first-ever GBL South Division Championship by defeating Long Beach 3 games to 2 and, for the second time in franchise history, advanced to the GBL Championship Series. The Flyers captured their first GBL Championship by beating the Calgary Vipers
Calgary Vipers
The Calgary Vipers were a professional baseball team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They were part of the Western Division of the independent North American League. The Vipers have played all of their home games at Foothills Stadium. Previously, the Vipers played in the Northern League from...
3 games to 2 on September 14, 2008, capping off the best season in team history. On October 14, 2008, GBL Safeway Player of the Year Patrick Breen was picked up by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
of Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
.
In December 2008, the Flyers announced former Major Leaguer and Cal State Fullerton alumnus Phil Nevin
Phil Nevin
Phillip Joseph Nevin is a retired American professional baseball player who spent twelve seasons in Major League Baseball with the Houston Astros , Detroit Tigers , Anaheim Angels , San Diego Padres , Texas Rangers , Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins...
would replace the departing Gary Carter as their new manager.
Managers
Since their inception, the Fullerton Flyers/Orange County Flyers have been managed by hometown heroes, All-Stars and Hall of Famers.Garry Templeton (2005-07)
Before the team had a logo or even a name, it had Jumpsteady. Three-time National League All-Star Garry TempletonGarry Templeton
Garry Lewis Templeton, nicknamed "Jumpsteady", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets from 1976 to 1991...
was named manager of the GBL franchise in Fullerton, Calif., on December 6, 2004.
As a player, Templeton was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1st round of the 1974 draft. He played sixteen seasons in the major leagues as a switch-hitting shortstop with the Cards, Padres, and Mets, reaching the World Series in 1984. He was a three time major league All Star during his career, garnered a pair of Silver Slugger Awards, led the NL in triples a record three straight years, and was the first player ever to have more than 100 hits from each side of the plate as he led the league with 211 in 1979.
Garry began his managing career in the Anaheim Angels farm system in 1998 as he led the Cedar Rapids Class A team. He stayed as a manager in the Angels systems for the next three years progressing to the Erie AA, Edmonton AAA, and Salt Lake City AAA clubs. Sixteen members of the 2002 Anaheim Angels World Championship team played for Garry in the minors. In 2003 and 2004 Garry led the Gary Railcats of the Northern League as their field manager.
Since leaving the Flyers after the club's first three seasons, Templeton has gone on to manage the Long Beach Armada
Long Beach Armada
The Long Beach Armada was an independent professional baseball team based in Long Beach, California, in the United States. The Armada was a member of the North Division of the now-defunct Golden Baseball League, which was not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball...
(2009), Chico Outlaws
Chico Outlaws
The Chico Outlaws are a professional baseball team based in Chico, California, in the United States. The Outlaws are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League, which is not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball...
(2010) and Na Koa Ikaika Maui (2011).
Gary Carter (2008)
The Flyers made Hall of Fame catcher Gary CarterGary Carter
Gary Edmund Carter , nicknamed "Kid" and "Kid Carter", is an American former Major League Baseball catcher. During a 19-year baseball career, mostly with the Montreal Expos and the New York Mets, Carter established himself as one of the premier catchers in the National League, winning three Gold...
the second manager in team history on December 5, 2007, during baseball's winter meetings. Carter, who attended Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, is an 11-time Major League All-Star who won 5 Silver Slugger and 3 Gold Glove awards during his Hall of Fame career.
Carter played a majority of his years with the Montreal Expos and NY Mets. He had one year stints with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers. Carter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003 along with slugger Eddie Murray. They were teammates with the Dodgers in 1991.
Carter brought on board coaches Darrell Evans and Dan DiPace who had spent the previous three seasons in Long Beach. The Flyers captured the GBL Championship in 2008. Carter was named Manager of the Year.
Phil Nevin (2009)
In December 2008, the Flyers named Phil NevinPhil Nevin
Phillip Joseph Nevin is a retired American professional baseball player who spent twelve seasons in Major League Baseball with the Houston Astros , Detroit Tigers , Anaheim Angels , San Diego Padres , Texas Rangers , Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins...
the third manager in team history. Nevin, who played 11 seasons in the big leagues, won the Golden Spikes Award in 1992 as the best collegiate baseball player in the nation while with Cal State Fullerton. He played for the Minnesota Twins (2006), Chicago Cubs (2006), Texas Rangers (2005-2006) San Diego Padres (1999-2005), Anaheim Angels (1998), Detroit Tigers (1995-97), and the Houston Astros (1995).
Nevin left the Flyers after the 2009 season when he was offered a job to manage the Detroit Tigers Double-A affiliate.
Paul Abbott (2010)
Former Sunny Hills high school stand out Paul AbbottPaul Abbott (baseball)
Paul David Abbott , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from -. Over 162 games, Abbott had a 43-37 record, with 496 strikeouts and a 4.92 ERA.-Minnesota Twins:...
became the fourth manager in team history in February 2010. Abbott played 11 seasons in the Major Leagues, beginning his career with the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
in 1990, making his MLB debut on August 21. In addition to his time with the Twins (1990-92), he also played in the Majors with the Indians (1993), Mariners (1998-2002), Royals (2003), Devil Rays (2004), and Phillies (2004). In 162 big league games, Abbott made 112 starts, going 43-37 with a 4.92 ERA.
His best season came in 2001 when Abbot won a career-high 17 games, going 17-4 in 27 starts as the Mariners tied the mark for most victories in a season with 116 wins. Abbot finished his playing career in 2005 as a member of the inaugural Fullerton Flyers team in the first year of the Golden League. The Fullerton native made 9 starts for the Flyers, going 3-5 with a 2.87 ERA.
Abbott’s coaching experience includes working as an assistant coach for the Fullerton Junior College Hornets in addition to working with the Flyers as Pitching Coach last season. This is his first opportunity to manage.
Plans for new stadium
The Flyers announced on their website that they are working on plans to move from Goodwin Field (after six years) to Amerige Park, a former Pacific Coast LeaguePacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
ballpark in downtown Fullerton, and were waiting for the city's decision. Rumors have circulated that if the Flyers are not accommodated by the city, they will relocate to another city. This is believed to be the first time a Golden Baseball League franchise has suggested such a move.
On January 14, 2011, it was announced that the city of Fullerton and the Flyers have indeed entered into an exclusive negotiating period to discuss plans for the Amerige Park location while they sit out the 2011 season.
Back to Fullerton Flyers
On November 23, 2011, team founder/president and chairman Alan Mintz announced that the team would return to action in the North American LeagueNorth American League
The North American League is an independent baseball league that began play in the 2011 season...
for 2012 and will do so with their original identity, the Fullerton Flyers. Mintz cited that "This is Fullerton's team".
They are currently in negotiations with Cal State Fullerton to play their 2012 season at Goodwin Field as they continue to focus on the Amerige Park location for the future.
Team Record
| Season | W | L | Win % | Place | Manager | Playoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 34 | 56 | .378 | 4th | Garry Templeton | Did Not Qualify |
| 2006 | 43 | 37 | .538 | 2nd | Garry Templeton | Lost to Reno in the Championship Series, 1-3 |
| 2007 | 37 | 39 | .487 | 4th | Garry Templeton | Did Not Qualify |
| 2008 | 50 | 36 | .581 | 2nd/1st | Gary Carter | South Division Champions (def. LB, 3-2). Defeated Calgary to win the GBL Championship Series, 3-2. |
| 2009 | 37 | 39 | .490 | 4th | Phil Nevin | Did Not Qualify |
| 2010 | 51 | 35 | .593 | 2nd | Paul Abbott | Lost to Maui in first playoff round, 3-1 |