West Virginia Power
Encyclopedia
This article is about the baseball team, for the electric utility serving southeast West Virginia from 1986-99, see Allegheny Energy
.
The West Virginia Power is a minor league baseball
team of the South Atlantic League
, and is the Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates
. They are located in Charleston, West Virginia
. The team plays their home games at Appalachian Power Park
; opened in , the park currently seats 4,500 fans.
dates back to , and a team known as the Charleston Statesmen of the long-forgotten Class D Virginia Valley League. In , the Statesmen moved to the Class D Mountain State League, and them folded after that year. A new team, the Charleston Senators was formed in 1914 and lasted three seasons in the Class D Ohio State League. In , a new Senators team joined the Class C Mid-Atlantic League as an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds
. This team lasted until . In , the Senators were reformed as a member of the Class A Central League. In , the city was granted a franchise in the Triple-A American Association
. This team was affiliated with first the Chicago White Sox
, then the Detroit Tigers
, and finally the Washington Senators
. In , the Senators won the American Association championship. The franchise ceased operations after the season.
In , the city had no team, but the Triple-A International League
San Juan Marlins, affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals
, moved to the city at mid-season due to a hurricane which destroyed their ballpark. The team returned to Puerto Rico
after the season. In , the Charleston Indians, affiliated with the Cleveland Indians
, moved to the city in the Class A Eastern League
, and in that league was elevated to Double-A. The team folded after the season.
Baseball returned to the city in with the Charleston Charlies
of the International League. The Charlies played in the International League from 1971-76 as the relocated Columbus Jets
franchise (the franchise returned to Columbus
in 1977 and were renamed the Columbus Clippers
), and from 1977-83 as the former Memphis Blues. They were affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates
for their first six seasons, then the Houston Astros
, Texas Rangers
, and finally the Cleveland Indians. The team won the league championship in and . The Charlies left for Maine
following the season, and, after several moves, is today located in Moosic, Pennsylvania
.
Today the Power sell nostalgic "throwback" merchandise from the Pittsburgh affiliated era of the Charlies, which is generally considered the pinnacle of the baseball in the city. However, neither the Senators, Charlies, nor the Wheelers championships are acknowledged in the park in any way.
franchises including the Los Angeles Dodgers
, Detroit Tigers
, Chicago White Sox
, Chicago Cubs
, Philadelphia Phillies
, and Atlanta Braves
.
In 1988, the franchise became the Chicago Cubs' third full-season Class A franchise (the other two being Peoria in the Midwest League and Winston-Salem in the Carolina League). The only two players on that 1988 squad to reach the Major Leagues were SS Alex Arias and C Matt Walbeck.
The Wheelers won the Class A South Atlantic League
championship in , the only league title for the franchise. By that point, they had changed affiliation to the Cincinnati Reds.
In late , the Wheelers were purchased from then-owner Dennis Bastien by a conglomerate of owners. The team changed its name to the Charleston Alley Cats in 1995 and switched colors from blue and white, with green trim, to grey and red, with black trim. The team was purchased in by Tom Dickson and Sherrie Myers. In , the team changed affiliation to the Kansas City Royals
, again in to the Toronto Blue Jays
, to the Milwaukee Brewers
after the season, before joining the Pirates in 2009. Prior to the season, they adopted their current West Virginia Power name. To quote the team's announcement following their decision to change the team name:
The Power won the 2007 SAL Northern Division title, but lost in the league championship series to the Columbus Catfish
in three-straight games.
in the Kanawha City neighborhood of Charleston. Seating approximately 4,500 fans, Watt Powell Park was bordered by MacCorkle Avenue on the front (north) side, 35th Street on the east, and South Park Road on the west. On the south side of the park, a ridge of hills formed a natural boundary. Fans who would otherwise have had to pay to see the games periodically watched the action from a CSX
railroad line hard up against the south wall of the stadium.
The Power now plays its home games in Appalachian Power Park
at the east edge of downtown Charleston, a little more than a mile and across the Kanawha River
from Watt Powell Park. Most of the financing for the $23 million stadium came from the state and the city, although the ownership team put up approximately $5 million. The city's share came mostly from the sale of Watt Powell Park to the nearby University of Charleston
, which immediately sold two-thirds of the land to Charleston Area Medical Center
, the region's largest hospital
. Originally, the new park was to be completed for the 2004 season, but politically induced delays in securing state funds forced construction to be put off for a year. The new park opened in April 2005.
Allegheny Energy
Allegheny Energy is an electric utility headquartered in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. It owns and operates electric generation facilities and delivers electric services to customers in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia...
.
The West Virginia Power is a 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...
team of the South Atlantic League
South Atlantic League
The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States...
, and is the Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. They are located in Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers in Kanawha County. As of the 2010 census, it has a population of 51,400, and its metropolitan area 304,214. It is the county seat of Kanawha County.Early...
. The team plays their home games at Appalachian Power Park
Appalachian Power Park
Appalachian Power Park is the current home field for the West Virginia Power, a minor league baseball team in the South Atlantic League which are a Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. It also serves as one of two home fields for the baseball programs of both Marshall University and the...
; opened in , the park currently seats 4,500 fans.
Before current era (1910–83)
The history of professional baseball in CharlestonCharleston, West Virginia
Charleston is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers in Kanawha County. As of the 2010 census, it has a population of 51,400, and its metropolitan area 304,214. It is the county seat of Kanawha County.Early...
dates back to , and a team known as the Charleston Statesmen of the long-forgotten Class D Virginia Valley League. In , the Statesmen moved to the Class D Mountain State League, and them folded after that year. A new team, the Charleston Senators was formed in 1914 and lasted three seasons in the Class D Ohio State League. In , a new Senators team joined the Class C Mid-Atlantic League as an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
. This team lasted until . In , the Senators were reformed as a member of the Class A Central League. In , the city was granted a franchise in the Triple-A American Association
American Association (20th century)
The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
. This team was affiliated with first the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
, then the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
, and finally the Washington Senators
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
. In , the Senators won the American Association championship. The franchise ceased operations after the season.
In , the city had no team, but the Triple-A International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
San Juan Marlins, affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, moved to the city at mid-season due to a hurricane which destroyed their ballpark. The team returned to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
after the season. In , the Charleston Indians, affiliated with the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
, moved to the city in the Class A Eastern League
Eastern League (U.S. baseball)
The Eastern League is a minor league baseball league which operates primarily in the northeastern United States, although it has had a team in Ohio since 1989. The Eastern League has played at the AA level since 1963. The league was founded in 1923 as the New York-Pennsylvania League...
, and in that league was elevated to Double-A. The team folded after the season.
Baseball returned to the city in with the Charleston Charlies
Charleston Charlies
The Charleston Charlies was the name of the third and most recent Class AAA minor league baseball franchise that was located in Charleston, West Virginia, United States. The Charlies played in the International League from 1971 to 1976 as the relocated Columbus Jets franchise. In 1977 the franchise...
of the International League. The Charlies played in the International League from 1971-76 as the relocated Columbus Jets
Columbus Jets
The Columbus Jets were a Minor League baseball team that played in Columbus, Ohio from 1955 to 1970. The team moved from Ottawa, Canada where they were known as the Ottawa Athletics. The Jets were a member of the International League. From 1955-56 they were the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City...
franchise (the franchise returned to Columbus
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
in 1977 and were renamed the Columbus Clippers
Columbus Clippers
The Columbus Clippers are a minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Ohio. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The team is owned by the government of Franklin County, Ohio....
), and from 1977-83 as the former Memphis Blues. They were affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
for their first six seasons, then the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
, Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
, and finally the Cleveland Indians. The team won the league championship in and . The Charlies left for Maine
Maine
Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
following the season, and, after several moves, is today located in Moosic, Pennsylvania
Moosic, Pennsylvania
Moosic is a borough in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania six miles south of Scranton and northeast of Wilkes-Barre on the Lackawanna River....
.
Today the Power sell nostalgic "throwback" merchandise from the Pittsburgh affiliated era of the Charlies, which is generally considered the pinnacle of the baseball in the city. However, neither the Senators, Charlies, nor the Wheelers championships are acknowledged in the park in any way.
Current era (1987–present)
In , the city resumed minor league baseball after a three year absence. The new team was first called the Charleston Wheelers, so named for the city's history of stern- and side-wheeled boats. The Wheelers began as a co-op team, with players from several Major League BaseballMajor 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...
franchises including the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
, Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
, Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
, Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, and Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
.
In 1988, the franchise became the Chicago Cubs' third full-season Class A franchise (the other two being Peoria in the Midwest League and Winston-Salem in the Carolina League). The only two players on that 1988 squad to reach the Major Leagues were SS Alex Arias and C Matt Walbeck.
The Wheelers won the Class A South Atlantic League
South Atlantic League
The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States...
championship in , the only league title for the franchise. By that point, they had changed affiliation to the Cincinnati Reds.
In late , the Wheelers were purchased from then-owner Dennis Bastien by a conglomerate of owners. The team changed its name to the Charleston Alley Cats in 1995 and switched colors from blue and white, with green trim, to grey and red, with black trim. The team was purchased in by Tom Dickson and Sherrie Myers. In , the team changed affiliation to the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
, again in to 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 ....
, to the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
after the season, before joining the Pirates in 2009. Prior to the season, they adopted their current West Virginia Power name. To quote the team's announcement following their decision to change the team name:
"West Virginia is and will continue to be recognized as one of the leading energy providers for the country. The energy production from coal, natural gas, and hydro-electric sources, combined with the fact that Charleston serves as the center for the state's political and economic powers led us to the name of the team. We felt it was extremely important that the name reflect the entire region and are excited about the tremendous marketing opportunities that will go along with the name."
The Power won the 2007 SAL Northern Division title, but lost in the league championship series to the Columbus Catfish
Columbus Catfish
The Columbus Catfish were a minor league baseball team in Columbus, Georgia. They were a Class A team in the South Atlantic League, and were an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays since September 29, 2006. The Catfish relocated to Bowling Green, Kentucky for the 2009 season.The Catfish played home...
in three-straight games.
Season-by-season record
| Charleston Wheelers (South Atlantic League South Atlantic League The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States... ) |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | |Post-season | |||||||
| Record | Win % | Finish* | Record | Win % | Result | |||
| 66–73 | .475 | 7th | — | — | — | |||
| 51–86 | .372 | 11th | — | — | — | |||
| 58–76 | .433 | 10th | — | — | — | |||
| 77–66 | .538 | ?? | 5–0 | 1.000 | Won North Division Championship vs Fayetteville Generals Fayetteville Generals The Fayetteville Generals were a minor league baseball team located in Fayetteville, North Carolina.They were part of the South Atlantic League between 1987 and 1996. They were affiliated with the Detroit Tigers throughout their entire existence. Prior to the 1997 season, the Generals were renamed... , 2–0 Won SAL South Atlantic League The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States... Championship vs Savannah Cardinals, 3–0 |
|||
| 92–50 | .648 | 1st | 0–3 | .000 | Lost SAL South Atlantic League The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States... Championship vs Columbia Mets Columbia Mets Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the Columbia Mets were affiliated with the New York Mets from 1983 to 1992. A member of the South Atlantic League, they became the Capital City Bombers in 1993. They played in Capital City Stadium.-Year by Year Record:... , 0–3 |
|||
| 77–64 | .546 | 3nd | 2–3 | .400 | Won North Division Championship vs Spartanburg Phillies, 2–0 Lost SAL South Atlantic League The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States... Championship vs Myrtle Beach Hurricanes, 0–3 |
|||
| 76–64 | .543 | 4th | — | — | — | |||
| 65–75 | .464 | 8th | — | — | — | |||
| Sub-Totals | 562–554 | .504 | — | 7–6 | .636 | 1 SAL South Atlantic League The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States... Championships |
||
| Charleston AlleyCats (South Atlantic League South Atlantic League The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States... ) |
||||||||
| Year | |Post-season | |||||||
| Record | Win % | Finish* | Record | Win % | Result | |||
| 77–65 | .542 | 6th | — | — | — | |||
| 58–84 | .408 | 12th | — | — | — | |||
| 76–62 | .551 | 2nd | 3–2 | .600 | Won Quarterfinal vs Cape Fear Crocs Cape Fear Crocs The Cape Fear Crocs were a minor league baseball team in Fayetteville, North Carolina. They were a low-A class team that played in the South Atlantic League, and were a farm team of the Montreal Expos for the franchise’s entire tenure as the Cape Fear Crocs. They played all of their home games at... , 2–0 Lost Semifinal vs Delmarva Shorebirds Delmarva Shorebirds The Delmarva Shorebirds are a minor league baseball team based in Salisbury, Maryland. They are one of three Single-A affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles and a member of the South Atlantic League. The Shorebirds play at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.The "Shorebirds" name refers to the marine waterfowl... , 1–2 |
|||
| 44–96 | .314 | 14th | — | — | — | |||
| 61–80 | .433 | 13th | — | — | — | |||
| 53–80 | .398 | 14th | — | — | — | |||
| 51–87 | .370 | 16th | — | — | — | |||
| 61–79 | .436 | 15th | — | — | — | |||
| 57–76 | .429 | 12th | — | — | — | |||
| 84–56 | .600 | 3rd | 0–2 | .000 | Lost North Division Championship vs Capital City Bombers, 0–2 | |||
| Sub-Totals | 622–765 | .448 | — | 3–4 | .429 | 0 SAL South Atlantic League The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States... Championships |
||
| West Virginia Power (South Atlantic League South Atlantic League The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States... ) |
||||||||
| Year | |Post-season | |||||||
| Record | Win % | Finish* | Record | Win % | Result | |||
| 60–78 | .435 | 6th | — | — | — | |||
| 74–62 | .544 | 3rd | — | — | — | |||
| 82–54 | .603 | 3rd | 2–4 | .333 | Won Northern Division Championship vs Hickory Crawdads Hickory Crawdads The Hickory Crawdads are a Minor League Baseball team in Hickory, North Carolina, USA. They are a Class A team in the South Atlantic League, and have been a farm team of the Texas Rangers since 2009. Previously, they were a Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Crawdads play home games... , 2–1 Lost SAL South Atlantic League The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States... Championship vs Columbus Catfish Columbus Catfish The Columbus Catfish were a minor league baseball team in Columbus, Georgia. They were a Class A team in the South Atlantic League, and were an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays since September 29, 2006. The Catfish relocated to Bowling Green, Kentucky for the 2009 season.The Catfish played home... , 0–3 |
|||
| 77–62 | .554 | 6th | 3–3 | .500 | Won Northern Division Championship vs Lake County Captains Lake County Captains The Lake County Captains are a minor league baseball team in Eastlake, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. The team, a Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, plays in the Midwest League.... , 3–0 Lost SAL South Atlantic League The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States... Championship vs Augusta GreenJackets Augusta GreenJackets The Augusta GreenJackets are a minor league baseball team that plays in Augusta, Georgia, as a Class A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Lake Olmstead Stadium has been the home of the GreenJackets since the 1995 season, although Augusta has fielded a team in the South Atlantic League since 1988... , 0–3 |
|||
| 67–70 | .489 | 4th | — | — | — | |||
| 65–74 | .468 | 10th | — | — | — | |||
| 69–69 | .500 | 8th | — | — | — | |||
| Sub-Totals | 491–469 | .511 | — | 5–7 | .417 | 0 SAL South Atlantic League The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States... Championships |
||
| Totals | 1,747–1,857 | .485 | — | 15–17 | .469 | 1 League Championship | ||
| Note: |
||||||||
Ballparks
The Alley Cats and their predecessors played in Watt Powell ParkWatt Powell Park
Watt Powell Park was a stadium, primarily used for baseball, in the Kanawha City neighborhood of Charleston, West Virginia. It was built in 1948, and was home to several Charleston minor-league franchises: the Charleston Senators of the Class A Central League and the AAA American Association , the...
in the Kanawha City neighborhood of Charleston. Seating approximately 4,500 fans, Watt Powell Park was bordered by MacCorkle Avenue on the front (north) side, 35th Street on the east, and South Park Road on the west. On the south side of the park, a ridge of hills formed a natural boundary. Fans who would otherwise have had to pay to see the games periodically watched the action from a CSX
CSX Transportation
CSX Transportation operates a Class I railroad in the United States known as the CSX Railroad. It is the main subsidiary of the CSX Corporation. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and owns approximately 21,000 route miles...
railroad line hard up against the south wall of the stadium.
The Power now plays its home games in Appalachian Power Park
Appalachian Power Park
Appalachian Power Park is the current home field for the West Virginia Power, a minor league baseball team in the South Atlantic League which are a Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. It also serves as one of two home fields for the baseball programs of both Marshall University and the...
at the east edge of downtown Charleston, a little more than a mile and across the Kanawha River
Kanawha River
The Kanawha River is a tributary of the Ohio River, approximately 97 mi long, in the U.S. state of West Virginia. The largest inland waterway in West Virginia, it has formed a significant industrial region of the state since the middle of the 19th century.It is formed at the town of Gauley...
from Watt Powell Park. Most of the financing for the $23 million stadium came from the state and the city, although the ownership team put up approximately $5 million. The city's share came mostly from the sale of Watt Powell Park to the nearby University of Charleston
University of Charleston
The University of Charleston is a private university in Charleston, West Virginia, United States of over 1,300 students.-History:The school was founded in 1888 as the Barboursville Seminary of the Southern Methodist Church...
, which immediately sold two-thirds of the land to Charleston Area Medical Center
Charleston Area Medical Center
Charleston Area Medical Center is the name of a complex of hospitals in Charleston, West Virginia, formed via a merger of previously independent facilities. It is the state's largest hospital....
, the region's largest hospital
Hospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
. Originally, the new park was to be completed for the 2004 season, but politically induced delays in securing state funds forced construction to be put off for a year. The new park opened in April 2005.
Notable former players
- Jeremy AffeldtJeremy AffeldtJeremy David Affeldt is an American baseball professional pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. He throws and bats left-handed. Previously, he has played for the Kansas City Royals, the Colorado Rockies, and the Cincinnati Reds....
(former Alley Cats player) - Ryan BraunRyan BraunRyan Joseph Braun is an American right-handed Major League Baseball left fielder for the Milwaukee Brewers. A perennial standout, he was ranked No...
- On May 24, 2007, Braun became the first former West Virginia Power player to get to the majors, and later in the year he won the National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Rookie of the Year Award after leading the league in slugging percentage. The following three years he was an NL All Star. - Carlos CorporanCarlos CorporanCarlos Fernando Corporan is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Houston Astros.-Professional career:...
Got his first major league hit strangely off Cincinnati Reds shortstop Paul JanishPaul JanishPaul Ryan Janish is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds.-High school and college:...
. - Robinzon DíazRobinzon DíazRobinzon Díaz Henriquez is a catcher for the Texas Rangers organization.-2008 season:...
(former Alley Cats player) - Alcides EscobarAlcides EscobarAlcides Escobar is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Kansas City Royals. He was considered the best-fielding infielder in the Brewers' organization and was previously one of the top prospects in the organization...
- He picked up his first hit in his first career at-bat in the same game, a single against Scott Schoeneweis of the New York Mets. - Yovani GallardoYovani GallardoYovani Gallardo is a Mexican-American right-handed starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. He was selected in the second round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft out of Trimble Technical High School in Fort Worth, Texas....
- The former Power pitcher made his Major League debut on June 18, 2007. - Mat GamelMat GamelMathew Lawrence Gamel is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers.-Early life:Gamel attended Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Florida...
- He recorded hist first career hit, a double, on September 7, 2008 off of Chris Young of the San Diego Padres. - Trevor HoffmanTrevor HoffmanTrevor William Hoffman is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During his 18-year career from 1993 to 2010, he pitched for the Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, and the Milwaukee Brewers, spending years of his career with the Padres. A long-time closer, he is the Major...
- Played for the Wheelers in 1990. - Hernán IribarrenHernán IribarrenHernán Alcides Iribarren is a Major League Baseball infielder who is a free agent.-Minor league career:Iribarren was first signed as an undrafted free agent by the Milwaukee Brewers on March 26, 2002...
- Infielder/outfielder who made his debut on April 12, 2008. - Matt LaPorta
- Jason LaRueJason LaRueMichael Jason "Rusty" LaRue is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals and St...
(former Alley Cats player) - Pokey ReesePokey ReeseCalvin "Pokey" Reese, Jr. , is an American retired professional baseball infielder. Reese is a two-time National League Gold Glove Award winner and played with the Cincinnati Reds , Pittsburgh Pirates , and Boston Red Sox...
(former Wheelers player) - Alex RíosAlex RíosAlexis Israel "Alex" Ríos is a Puerto Rican-American Major League Baseball outfielder who plays for the Chicago White Sox. He bats and throws right-handed.-Professional career:...
(former Alley Cats player) - Ángel SaloméAngel SalomeÁngel Isaac Salomé is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently in the Seattle Mariners organization.-Professional career:...
- He was called up to the majors for the first time on September 1, 2008, and made his debut two days later with a fly out as a pinch-hitter. - Joe ThatcherJoe ThatcherJoseph Andrew Thatcher is Major League Baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres. Nicknamed "The Prime Minister, and The Throw'in Kokomoan" he is 6'2" tall and weighs . In college, he pitched for Indiana State University...
- The left-handed pitcher made his Major League debut for the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
on July 26, 2007. - Dan Wilson (former Wheelers player)
SAL records
- Six Power home runs in one inning versus the Lexington LegendsLexington LegendsThe Lexington Legends are a minor league baseball team of the South Atlantic League , and the Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros. They are located in Lexington, Kentucky, and play their home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, located in an industrial area on the northeast side of the city just...
(South Atlantic League record) - Ten home runs in one game versus the Lexington Legends (Seven home runs by Power, also a SAL record)