Southern Oregon Timberjacks
Encyclopedia
The Southern Oregon Timberjacks were a minor league baseball
team based in Medford, Oregon
. The team played in the short-season single-A Northwest League
from 1979 to 1999 and were an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics
. They played their home games at Miles Field
in south Medford.
(1967–1968) and Rogue Valley/Medford Dodgers
(1969–1971). They were originally known as the Medford Athletics (or Medford A's) (1979–1987), then changed their name to the Southern Oregon Athletics (or Southern Oregon A's) (1988–1995), and then eventually to the Southern Oregon Timberjacks (1996–1999). They were 6-time Southern Division Champions (1981–1984, 1988–1989) and won the Northwest League Championship twice (1981 and 1983).
In 1982, former minor league pitcher Fred Herrmann was named the team's general manager and then became the team's majority owner in 1985. He has been credited for bringing several of today's top major league players to Southern Oregon to start their professional careers.
As a minor league baseball franchise, the Timberjacks had featured future major league players such as Greg Cadaret
, José Canseco
, Rod Beck
, Scott Brosius
, Jason Giambi
, Tim Hudson
, Jeremy Brown
, Jason Windsor
, Sean Triplett, Miguel Tejada
and Eric Byrnes
.
. However, the plans fell through on both occasions and the team remained in Medford.
Finally on October 26, 1999, Herrmann announced that the franchise would relocate to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and in 2000, they completed their move and were renamed the "new" Vancouver Canadians
. The "original" Canadians franchise from the triple-A Pacific Coast League
was renamed the Sacramento River Cats
following their move at the same time. Both teams continued to be affiliated with the Oakland A's until 2011, when the Canadians decided to re-affiliate with the Toronto Blue Jays
. The current Canadians do not show any history or records of the Timberjacks at their official website, though their relocation is mentioned one time on the media guide page.
Herrmann did attempt to bring a Western Baseball League
team to Medford to replace the Timberjacks. However, those plans fell through when the potential owners, including Herrmann, failed to come up with the money necessary to establish a team. After four years without a professional team and despite efforts to rebuild and restore historic Miles Field
, the city of Medford ordered the deteriorating stadium be torn down in 2004 to make way for a new Wal-Mart
SuperCenter.
In 2004, the city council of Medford orchestrated an agreement with the new Harry & David Field that a professional team will not be allowed to play at the new ballpark which currently hosts the collegiate wood bat Southern Oregon Riverdawgs
, the American Legion Medford Mustangs and youth baseball. Despite previous efforts to bring pro baseball back to Medford, the decision stands to this day.
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...
team based in Medford, Oregon
Medford, Oregon
Medford is a city in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2010 US Census, the city had a total population of 74,907 and a metropolitan area population of 207,010, making the Medford MSA the 4th largest metro area in Oregon...
. The team played in the short-season single-A Northwest League
Northwest League
The Northwest League of Professional Baseball is a Class A-Short Season minor baseball league. The league is the descendant of the Western International League which ran as a class B league from 1937-1951 and class A from 1952-1954...
from 1979 to 1999 and were an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
. They played their home games at Miles Field
Miles Field
Miles Field was a professional baseball stadium based in Medford, Oregon that played host to high school baseball, American Legion baseball and professional minor league baseball from 1948 to 2004...
in south Medford.
Team history
The Timberjacks came into the Northwest League to fill the void left by the departed Medford GiantsMedford Giants
The Medford Giants were a professional minor league baseball team based in Medford, Oregon, and played in the Northwest League from 1967 to 1968. They won the league championship in 1967. They were a short-season single-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants and played their home games at Miles...
(1967–1968) and Rogue Valley/Medford Dodgers
Medford Dodgers
The Medford Dodgers were a minor league baseball team based in Medford, Oregon, United States that played in the Northwest League as an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers for three seasons. They operated from 1969-1971 and were managed by Bill Berrier...
(1969–1971). They were originally known as the Medford Athletics (or Medford A's) (1979–1987), then changed their name to the Southern Oregon Athletics (or Southern Oregon A's) (1988–1995), and then eventually to the Southern Oregon Timberjacks (1996–1999). They were 6-time Southern Division Champions (1981–1984, 1988–1989) and won the Northwest League Championship twice (1981 and 1983).
In 1982, former minor league pitcher Fred Herrmann was named the team's general manager and then became the team's majority owner in 1985. He has been credited for bringing several of today's top major league players to Southern Oregon to start their professional careers.
As a minor league baseball franchise, the Timberjacks had featured future major league players such as Greg Cadaret
Greg Cadaret
Gregory James Cadaret is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues primarily in relief from - and -....
, José Canseco
José Canseco
José Canseco Capas, Jr. is a Cuban-American professional baseball manager, outfielder, and designated hitter for the Yuma Scorpions of the North American League and former Major League Baseball player. He is the identical twin brother of former major league player and current teammate Ozzie Canseco...
, Rod Beck
Rod Beck
Rodney Roy "Rod" Beck nicknamed "Shooter", was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the San Francisco Giants , Chicago Cubs , Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres...
, Scott Brosius
Scott Brosius
Scott David Brosius is a former Major League Baseball third baseman for the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees . Brosius is currently the head baseball coach at Linfield College, his alma mater....
, Jason Giambi
Jason Giambi
Jason Gilbert Giambi is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball.He was the American League MVP in 2000 while with the Oakland Athletics, and is a five-time All-Star who has led the American League in walks four times, in on base percentage...
, Tim Hudson
Tim Hudson
Timothy Adam Hudson is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who plays for the Atlanta Braves. Hudson began his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and played his last two years of college eligibility at Auburn University...
, Jeremy Brown
Jeremy Brown
Jeremy Van Brown is an American former professional baseball catcher with the Oakland Athletics. He is primarily known for his place in Michael Lewis' 2003 #1 bestseller Moneyball.-Career:...
, Jason Windsor
Jason Windsor
Jason David Windsor is a right-handed former major-league pitcher. He was called up July 16, 2006 to make his major-league debut against the Baltimore Orioles.-High school career:...
, Sean Triplett, Miguel Tejada
Miguel Tejada
Miguel Odalis Tejada was a Major League Baseball infielder who has played for the San Francisco Giants, the San Diego Padres, the Houston Astros, the Baltimore Orioles and the Oakland Athletics...
and Eric Byrnes
Eric Byrnes
Eric James Byrnes , is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He has played for the Oakland Athletics, the Colorado Rockies, the Baltimore Orioles, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Seattle Mariners...
.
Relocation controversy and stadium demise
In 1997 and 1998, Fred Herrmann had announced that the team would relocate to Vancouver, WashingtonVancouver, Washington
Vancouver is a city on the north bank of the Columbia River in the U.S. state of Washington. Incorporated in 1857, it is the fourth largest city in the state with a 2010 census population of 161,791 as of April 1, 2010...
. However, the plans fell through on both occasions and the team remained in Medford.
Finally on October 26, 1999, Herrmann announced that the franchise would relocate to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and in 2000, they completed their move and were renamed the "new" Vancouver Canadians
Vancouver Canadians
The Vancouver Canadians are a minor league baseball team located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Canadians are the Northwest League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The C's have previously affiliated with the Oakland Athletics between 2000-2010. They are the only Canadian team in the...
. The "original" Canadians franchise from the triple-A Pacific Coast League
Pacific 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...
was renamed the Sacramento River Cats
Sacramento River Cats
The Sacramento River Cats is a minor league baseball team based in Sacramento, California. The team plays in the Pacific Coast League and is the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics....
following their move at the same time. Both teams continued to be affiliated with the Oakland A's until 2011, when the Canadians decided to re-affiliate with the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
. The current Canadians do not show any history or records of the Timberjacks at their official website, though their relocation is mentioned one time on the media guide page.
Herrmann did attempt to bring a Western Baseball League
Western Baseball League
The Western Baseball League was an independent baseball league based in the Western United States and Western Canada. It's member teams were not associated with any Major League Baseball teams. It operated from 1995 to 2002....
team to Medford to replace the Timberjacks. However, those plans fell through when the potential owners, including Herrmann, failed to come up with the money necessary to establish a team. After four years without a professional team and despite efforts to rebuild and restore historic Miles Field
Miles Field
Miles Field was a professional baseball stadium based in Medford, Oregon that played host to high school baseball, American Legion baseball and professional minor league baseball from 1948 to 2004...
, the city of Medford ordered the deteriorating stadium be torn down in 2004 to make way for a new Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
SuperCenter.
In 2004, the city council of Medford orchestrated an agreement with the new Harry & David Field that a professional team will not be allowed to play at the new ballpark which currently hosts the collegiate wood bat Southern Oregon Riverdawgs
Southern Oregon RiverDawgs
The Southern Oregon RiverDawgs as a collegiate summer baseball team based in Medford, Oregon. They were founded in 2001 by Medford residents Jim McAbee and John White and were members of the West Coast League's Tri-State Division and the Sierra Baseball League...
, the American Legion Medford Mustangs and youth baseball. Despite previous efforts to bring pro baseball back to Medford, the decision stands to this day.
Year-by-year record
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 38-33 | 5th | Rich Morales Rich Morales Richard Angelo Morales was an infielder who played from 1967-1974. He played for the Chicago White Sox until early in the 1973 season; most of '73 and all of 1974 were spent with the San Diego Padres. Morales played 480 games, starting 294... |
|
| 1980 | 22-48 | 8th | Brad Fischer Brad Fischer Bradley James Fischer is a major league baseball coach who was most recently the third base coach for the Milwaukee Brewers... |
|
| 1981 | 42-28 | 1st | Brad Fischer Brad Fischer Bradley James Fischer is a major league baseball coach who was most recently the third base coach for the Milwaukee Brewers... |
League Champs |
| 1982 | 53-17 | 1st | Dennis Rogers | Lost playoffs |
| 1983 | 50-18 | 1st | Dennis Rogers | League Champs |
| 1984 | 45-29 | 2nd | Dennis Rogers | Lost playoffs |
| 1985 | 33-41 | 6th (t) | Grady Fuson | |
| 1986 | 43-31 | 3rd | Dave Hudgens Dave Hudgens David Mark Hudgens is an American former Major League Baseball first baseman and currently the hitting coach for the New York Mets. He played for the Oakland Athletics during the season... |
|
| 1987 | 31-45 | 6th | Dave Hudgens Dave Hudgens David Mark Hudgens is an American former Major League Baseball first baseman and currently the hitting coach for the New York Mets. He played for the Oakland Athletics during the season... |
|
| 1988 | 46-30 | 1st | Lenn Sakata Lenn Sakata Lenn Haruki Sakata is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as a utility player from 1977–1987 and was a member of the Baltimore Orioles 1983 World Series Championship team. He was the second Asian American to play Major League Baseball. He is Yonsei... |
Lost in finals |
| 1989 | 45-30 | 1st | Grady Fuson | Lost in finals |
| 1990 | 40-36 | 2nd | Grady Fuson | |
| 1991 | 40-36 | 3rd | Grady Fuson | |
| 1992 | 39-37 | 3rd | Chris Pittaro Chris Pittaro Christopher Francis Pittaro is a retired Major League Baseball infielder. He played during three seasons at the major league level for the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins. He was drafted by the Tigers in the 6th round of the amateur draft... |
|
| 1993 | 37-39 | 3rd | Dick Scott Dick Scott (shortstop) Richard Edward Scott is a retired Major League Baseball shortstop. He played during one season at the major league level for the Oakland Athletics. He was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 17th round of the amateur draft... |
|
| 1994 | 38-38 | 2nd | Tom Dunton | |
| 1995 | 33-43 | 4th | Tony DeFrancesco Tony DeFrancesco Anthony John DeFrancesco is an American minor league baseball manager. In , he will pilot the Oklahoma RedHawks, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. Previously, he spent six seasons as manager of the Sacramento River Cats, and served one season as third-base coach for the Oakland Athletics... |
|
| 1996 | 29-47 | 4th | Tony DeFrancesco Tony DeFrancesco Anthony John DeFrancesco is an American minor league baseball manager. In , he will pilot the Oklahoma RedHawks, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. Previously, he spent six seasons as manager of the Sacramento River Cats, and served one season as third-base coach for the Oakland Athletics... |
|
| 1997 | 41-35 | 2nd | John Kuehl | |
| 1998 | 43-33 | 2nd | Greg Sparks | |
| 1999 | 38-38 | 2nd | Greg Sparks | |
External links
- Southern Oregon Timberjacks at Baseball-Reference
- Southern Oregon Timberjacks' original website (archive.org)
- Southern Oregon Timberjacks' profile at Minor League baseball website (1998) (archive.org)
- Southern Oregon Timberjacks year-by-year records, statistics and rosters at The Baseball Cube
- Northwest League Team History (1990-1997)
- Northwest League Team History (1998-2005)